Lanson Place Mall of Asia offers exclusive meeting perks

February 14, 2025

Lanson_Place_Mall_of_Asia_640 — Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Lanson Place Mall of Asia in the Philippines is offering special perks for meetings booked by March 31, 2025, with events held between now and December 30, 2025.

Whether it is a small executive meeting or a large conference, organisers can take advantage of complimentary car passes for eight to 12 participants and up to 30 per cent off their next meeting.

Beyond the discounts and transportation perks, packages include a dedicated events specialist, state-of-the-art venue, complimentary use of a 65” smart TV or cinema-grade projector, meeting amenities (pads, pens, whiteboard, and markers), a complimentary PA system, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Attendees can also enjoy a curated lunch or dinner menu with iced tea and themed breaks.

Medium and large meetings will also be automatically enrolled in the PRiMO Loyalty Program.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveils A$70 million transformation

By TTGmice

February 13, 2025

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TravMedia_Asia_1672671_SSW_Ballroom_with_LED_screen_(002)_640 — Wentworth Ballroom

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has emerged from a A$70 million (US$44 million) refurbishment, which blends the hotel’s rich heritage with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, creating a new benchmark for gatherings.

The centrepiece of the renovation is a multimillion-dollar investment in state-of-the-art technology by Encore, the hotel’s in-venue event production partner. The Wentworth Ballroom now boasts one of Sydney’s largest LED screens, a 5m x 3m display that can be divided into three smaller screens for versatile room configurations.

Advanced digital screens and LED upgrades have been implemented throughout all 15 event spaces, complemented by crystal-clear sound systems, customised lighting solutions, and the latest staging technology. AI-powered cameras with wireless connectivity and mobile 135” all-in-one LED presentation screens further enhance the technological capabilities.

Beyond technology, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is committed to sustainable hospitality. Michelin-trained executive chef Bektaş Özcan curates event dining experiences featuring local, organic, and sustainable produce. The hotel has also eliminated single-use plastics, implemented recycling programmes and water-saving initiatives, and utilises energy-efficient lighting and motion-controlled electricity. The hotel also boasts NABERS Water & Energy certification and offers a Meeting Planner’s Net-Zero Carbon Calculator.

With 2,590m² of event space, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers a diverse range of options. The pillarless Wentworth Ballroom, capable of accommodating up to 800 guests, has a storied past, having hosted events ranging from Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ dance to the first-ever ARIA Awards.

The 436-key hotel also offers 15 versatile event spaces, the option for exclusive floor hire, and a car hoist, ideal for automotive launches and large-scale exhibitions.

The refurbishment also includes four new dining establishments in partnership with House Made Hospitality: Tilda, Bar Tilda, Delta Rue, and the Wentworth Bar. A holistic urban retreat wellness centre will also be launched soon.

Minor Hotels names GMs for new Sri Lanka properties

By TTGmice

February 13, 2025

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Minor Hotels has made two key appointments following its Sri Lankan expansion, which sees the debut of the NH Collection and NH Hotels brands in the country.

Yann Decaix will lead the NH Collection Colombo Hotel, while Wim Fagel will head the NH Bentota Ceysands Resort.

A hospitality leader with more than 15 years of experience, Decaix has worked for Minor Hotels, Accor and The Dorchester Collection. In his new role, he is responsible for converting the 219-key property in the heart of Colombo into the NH Collection hotel, as well as ensuring a smooth brand launch in the country.

Prior to Sri Lanka, Decaix, who has a background in revenue, was based in Dubai, first as general manager at Accor and later at Avani Ibn Battuta, also a Minor Hotels property.

Meanwhile, Wim Fagel, the general manager of the 166-key NH Bentota, has been with the resort since July 2022. With nearly four decades of international expertise in opening, restructuring, expanding and renovating luxury properties in Asia and Europe, Fagel is well placed to launch Sri Lanka’s first NH hotel.

Earlier, his work for Centara Hotels & Resorts saw him at the helm of teams in Asia, including Myanmar, where he was area general manager, as well as in Thailand and Indonesia.

Jason Leung takes the helm at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore

By TTGmice

February 13, 2025

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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore has appointed Jason Leung as general manager.

Leung brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, and he has held key leadership positions at Marriott International properties such as The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa, and Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.

During the pandemic, Leung relocated to Brisbane, where he served as general manager, sales & hospitality at Brisbane Racing Club, leading the hospitality division through a period of operational transformation.

New ANZ Academy to develop future convention industry leaders

By Adelaine Ng

February 13, 2025

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The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) have partnered to create an academy that will train the next generation of convention industry professionals.

The ANZ Academy, set to debut on June 16 in Melbourne, will offer intensive training in crisis management, financial strategy, leadership, and motivation.

From left: AIPC’s Sven Bossu; and ABEA’s Peter King making the announcement at AIME; photo by Adelaine Ng

The flagship leadership programme will host upcoming convention and exhibition centre professionals for a five-day bootcamp, bringing together talent from Australia and New Zealand. It will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The joint announcement was made by Peter King, chair of ABEA, and Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, during a press conference at AIME on Wednesday.

“There’s been a generational change happening within the Australian industry over the last year or two,” said King. “We need to identify who the next leaders of this industry are. Everyone is looking to invest in the future, but we need to develop leadership skills, which is why this initiative is so important.”

“Many of our team members have attended AIPC’s Academy in Brussels, and the return on investment in emerging talent has been invaluable,” added Natalie O’Brien, CEO of MCEC.

From Brussels, AIPC’s leadership academy programme has been successfully expanding across multiple continents. The programme had its North American launch in Toronto three years ago, where it continues to attract around 35 participants each time. Last year marked its expansion into Africa with an inaugural academy in Cape Town, South Africa, with its next iteration this year in Kigali, Rwanda.

Plans to establish the academy in Asia – a fifth continent to its footprint – is also under consideration.

“There is specific demand from the Chinese market, with a growing community of convention centres. I think there is an opportunity for knowledge exchange there,” said Bossu.

Applications are now open, with participation targeting mid-level professionals poised for senior leadership roles.

Leadership projections

By TTGmice

February 13, 2025

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Singapore Tourism Board
Poh Chi Chuan, executive director, exhibitions and conferences

The business events industry in Singapore has seen a strong rebound, and 2025 is set to build on the positive momentum seen in post-pandemic years.

We look forward to a robust events pipeline including SuperAI 2024 (AI conference), SEMICON SEA 2025 (semiconductor exhibition), ITMA Asia + CITME (textile machinery exhibition), and World Sleep in 2025. We also expect to see show attendances continue to push the envelope, with more shows that outperform pre-pandemic numbers as we have seen with Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 and Milipol Asia Pacific x TechX Summit 2024 which both achieved record turnout.

South-east Asia’s growth potential – through its expanding middle class and increasing urbanisation – also presents opportunities for the industry. The region’s diverse economies offer a fertile ground for industry leaders in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing to connect.

STB will continue to pursue events that are aligned with Singapore’s priority industries that support our economic growth.

For example, given the country’s vibrant ecosystem for manufacturing medical devices as well as advancing drug discovery and development, Singapore is well-placed to host healthcare events.

Some examples of healthcare events in Singapore include Medical Fair Asia and Asia Bio Partnering Forum. We will also welcome new international events in 2025 such as HealthTechX Asia and LSI Asia, and Smart Health Asia in 2026.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya,
president

Thailand’s business events industry is poised for significant growth in 2025.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) aims to attract 1.4 million business events travellers and generate 92 billion baht (US$2,648 million) in revenue for FY2025, driven by initiatives like MICE Visas and dedicated lanes for large groups.

Building on the impressive 40 per cent growth in overseas corporate traveller numbers in 2024, we are optimistic about sustaining this momentum.

For 2025, we will focus on attracting high-end and future industries like electric vehicles, health and wellness, food, digital technology, robotics, automation, logistics, and transportation, as these sectors will drive professional advancement through conferences and foster business opportunities through trade fairs.

Several upcoming high-profile events include the inaugural South-east Asia edition of the IDF World Diabetes Congress, expected to draw 10,000 delegates to Bangkok’s BITEC Buri in 2Q2025. Additionally, the World Cultural Heritage City and Night Festival Conference will be hosted by Phitsanulok in the north.

Looking ahead to 2026, major events such as the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group; World Congress on Pain; Global Sustainable Tourism Conference; and International Horticultural Exposition are already fuelling preparations in key cities across Thailand.

Thailand’s distinctive cultural identity, or “Thainess”, will also add to the appeal for festival-style mega-events. For example, Devcon 7, a tech festival that featured many Thai elements such as traditional fabrics, drew over 12,500 attendees to Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in November 2024.

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, chief operating officer

The Philippine business events industry is projected to achieve remarkable growth by 2025, fuelled by its strong recovery post-pandemic and alignment with global trends like sustainability, and industry-specific conferences.

This growth has been bolstered by our latest initiative, We Take Your Business to Heart, which serves as a rallying cry for the local business events industry. The campaign highlights the Philippines’ reputation for world-class hospitality, personalised service, and cultural vibrancy, setting it apart as a premier business events destination.

Stakeholders from event organisers to hospitality providers are united to ensure that every gathering hosted in the Philippines exceeds expectations and delivers transformative outcomes. As such, there has been an increase in the number of regional and international events.

Continued investments in infrastructure, including state-of-the-art convention centres, enhanced transportation networks, and technology-driven event solutions, are strengthening the country’s capacity to host global events. Public and private sector collaborations further enable innovative approaches to meet the evolving needs of event organisers and participants.

Business Events Australia
Robin Mack, executive general manager commercial & Business Events Australia

Australia’s business events industry continues to look strong. Out of Asia, Australia is experiencing continued interest – particularly in the incentive space – from key markets like China and India which value Australia’s unique experiences, new infrastructure and safety of the destination.

For example in March 2024, Brisbane welcomed a 1,500-strong incentive trip from Nu Skin China, where delegates experienced the city’s urban and coastal offerings. In October 2024, Sydney hosted CREDAI Natcon 2024 where more than 1,000 real estate leaders from India came together over three days to discuss the future of the industry.

We are confident that growth will remain strong into 2025 and beyond.

Our Bid Fund Program shows a pipeline of business events to 2029, including Perth hosting Asia Pacific’s leading aviation event, Routes Asia in March 2025, and Melbourne welcoming more than 10,000 delegates from Amway China next year to celebrate the direct selling company’s 30th anniversary.

We have been investing heavily in our key markets in Asia – through our major marketing campaign, There’s Nothing Like Australia for Business Events; famils; trade events; and destination seminars – to ensure we remain competitive and top-of-mind for international event planners.

As such, we have seen growth across the South-east Asia region in recent years for Australia’s business events industry. For example, Singapore is fifth in visitation (behind major markets New Zealand, China, US and UK) with 47,000 business events visitors in the year to June 2024, and we are also seeing increasing business events arrivals and spend out of Indonesia.

One emerging market in particular is India – with increased aviation and a simplified online visa process, we have seen demand increase. Our strategy to attract more business from India is to focus on targeted engagement with agents across markets to showcase new products, experiences, and destinations that cater specifically to the business events sector.

Japan Convention Bureau
Mariko Tatsumi, executive director

As the Expo 2025 in Osaka is happening next year, we expect this major international event to attract many visitors from Asia-Pacific.

We are also receiving increasing inquiries on incentive travels to Japan from corporate planners and travel agencies based in South-east Asia.

The number of visitors to Japan has already exceeded the numbers in pre-Covid period, but the destinations visited remain in the major cities. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is devising ways to attract organisers to the regional cities.

In the ICCA Rankings Report for 2023, 15 Japanese cities are among the top 100. That proves many of the regional cities have the capability to host international meetings and events, and we will continue to promote them on the global stage.

Sustainability is also one of the key areas that we will focus on. To this end, JNTO has produced an electronic publication, Sustainable Japan: Pioneering Destinations with Global Appeal, to highlight the sustainability efforts in the business events sector and Japan’s major cities. This publication can be found on JCB’s official website and LinkedIn page, and we share the information with overseas planners and travel agencies.

In 2024, several successful B2B meetings were organised in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. We plan to organise more of such events in region in the future.

Hong Kong Tourism Board
Dane Cheng, CEO

We were optimistic about 2024 and continue to feel so about 2025.

At the same time, interest rates are coming down, which will have a positive impact on the economy and confidence to spend.

The purpose of travel has changed and there is a stronger quest for experiences among people. This leads to changes in how conferences and exhibitions are delivered. People no longer want to sit and listen to speakers. They want interaction, opportunities to learn and expand their network during their event attendance, but also enjoy some entertainment and shop for limited edition merchandise.

To engage these travellers who prioritise experiences, our destination videos show off more than the usual side of Hong Kong. Such content appeals to the younger generation, who are also an important target for business events, because they are now in the workforce or will soon enter the workforce.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong has to keep innovating – just as we have been in 2024 through our festivals and events. In 1Q2025, we will launch a new and major thematic brand campaign to tell the Hong Kong story.

We are also working towards building up air capacity to Hong Kong. Trans-Pacific flights are still tight in supply, so airfares are quite high. We hope to see more seat capacity, as well as new services this year.

Exhibitions industry sees strong recovery, adapts to new demands

By Adelaine Ng

February 12, 2025

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Matt_Pearce_AIME25_640 — Matt Pearce on the showfloor at AIME; photo by Adelaine Ng

The exhibitions industry is experiencing a strong recovery, with major international tradeshows continuing to grow despite earlier predictions of a shift towards regional events.

Post-Covid exhibitor surveys are now showing positive net promoter scores, marking a significant turnaround from pre-pandemic negative sentiment. This is according to Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events which manages AIME, and a board member of UFI, the international association for exhibitions.

Matt Pearce on the showfloor at AIME; photo by Adelaine Ng

The shift indicates renewed confidence in the value of face-to-face exhibitions. However, the industry is evolving beyond traditional space-selling models.

“What used to be a ‘build and they will come’ approach has become much more bespoke,” Pearce told TTGmice ahead of the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, which is co-located with AIME at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The exhibition in itself isn’t enough. You’ve got to have the right content, networking, and use data analytics to get the right people there,” he said.

A key trend that has been emerging is the “festivalisation” of events, with newer players successfully incorporating multiple stages, entertainment zones, and enhanced atmosphere to drive engagement. Pearce cited the example of the Sydney Build Expo, which enjoyed success by adding eight different stages and four bars, creating an environment where “tradies wanted to be there”.

The industry is also seeing increased focus on curated experiences and measurable returns. “People want to have more certainty of an outcome. Travelling a long way is an investment in time and cost, and they want to know they’re going to get something out of it,” Pearce explained.

While the exhibition sector remains healthy, Pearce estimates 10 to 20 per cent of shows may need revitalisation. A notable challenge is the rising cost of entry for entrepreneurs looking to launch new shows, potentially creating barriers to innovation in the sector.

Looking ahead, Pearce predicts continued business events growth in the Asia-Pacific region, although competition from the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investment in the meetings industry, will be “one to watch”.

Melbourne is hosting AIME and UFI events in the same week, in an effort to consolidate international attendance and provide a multifaceted experience for attendees in the business events sector.

Sri Lanka establishes Conference Ambassador Program

By Feizal Samath

February 12, 2025

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cinnamon_640 — From left: SriLankan Airlines' Richard Nuttall; SLCB's Dheera Hettiarachchi; and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts' Hishan Singhawansa at the press conference

Sri Lanka has rolled out a Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP), a new initiative designed to attract more international conferences to the country to drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and facilitate knowledge exchange.

Twenty-five ambassadors, representing various business sectors that host international conferences, are already onboard. SLCAP will continue to identify and support other local association leaders and business events professionals well-known in their fields, providing them with the resources and tools needed to attract international conferences to Sri Lanka.

From left: SriLankan Airlines’ Richard Nuttall; SLCB’s Dheera Hettiarachchi; and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ Hishan Singhawansa at the press conference

SLCAP is spearheaded by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), and SriLankan Airlines, in collaboration with several other entities.

“Sri Lanka has a huge potential to host international conferences,” said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association, at the media launch.

SriLankan Airlines, CEO, Richard Nuttall noted that SriLankan Airlines will support SLCAP by offering logistical backing and connectivity to potential conferences and delegates, adding that the programme not only strengthens Sri Lanka’s global reach, but also aligns the airline’s vision to connect the world to the best of Sri Lanka.

Mikael Svensson, CEO of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, added: “Our deep-rooted local knowledge and personalised approach allow us to showcase Sri Lanka’s unique offerings to the world, elevating it as a premier destination for international conferences.”

ChristchurchNZ releases results of its Conference Legacy Project

By TTGmice

February 12, 2025

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20233001_Waka_on_Avon_Final_DSC08756-2_640 — The report highlights the conferences' success in facilitating knowledge sharing, driving scientific advancement, and fostering industry innovation; Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre pictured

The first phase of ChristchurchNZ’s three-year Conference Legacy Project has revealed significant positive impacts from four international conferences held in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2024.

The findings were presented earlier this week at AIME 2025 in Melbourne by Kath Low, head of visitor economy, ChristchurchNZ.

The report highlights the conferences’ success in facilitating knowledge sharing, driving scientific advancement, and fostering industry innovation; Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre pictured

“We have seen some excellent results so far from the Christchurch conference surveys,” said Low. “These four conferences proved to be particularly strong facilitators of knowledge sharing and collaboration, driving scientific advancement and industry innovation.”

Delegates gave high ratings for scientific advancement, early career capabilities, and personal attendee impacts. A remarkable 89 per cent of respondents agreed the conferences facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaborations, while 85 per cent reported they were valuable platforms for advancing their fields.

One of the most striking findings was the conferences’ ability to attract global talent. A staggering 20 per cent of respondents reported actively seeking to relocate to Christchurch to live, work, and/or study. “Attracting global talent enriches the local workforce, drives economic growth, and fosters a culture of innovation that can propel industries forward,” the report stated.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch has a thriving business events ecosystem and we recognize that evidence-based information has the potential to catalyse innovation in priority sectors and contribute to solutions for environmental and social issues. The research is going to provide insights to generate funding, inform strategies and global marketing,” she said.

Respondents also gave high ratings for the inclusivity of the conferences, the strategies used to minimise environmental impacts, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing. The conferences equipped delegates with new knowledge, ideas, and techniques, driving workplace innovation and benefiting communities.

“There is a changing dynamic in what it means to deliver a conference well. The next generation of industry leaders expect more and care more about the broader impact of the business events they attend,” Low noted.

Attendees also recognised Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre’s net carbon zero certification and industry-leading environmental initiatives. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents noted that waste generation was minimised, 62 per cent agreed the venue choice reflected a commitment to environmental sustainability, and 64 per cent agreed the conferences were designed to minimise negative environmental impacts.

“We are early in the programme and the indicative trends are showing very positive results,” said Foley. “The next report will include a broader range of data from Wellington and Auckland. We are excited to see how this evolves as the dataset grows and we can dive deeper into the analysis from a whole of New Zealand perspective.”

This research was conducted by business events researcher Carmel Foley, professor of Business Events at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), and her colleague Anja Hergesell, the research, was supported by ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand.

MICE Matters celebrates 20 years with S$120,000 donation

By Rachel AJ Lee

February 12, 2025

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20250207_MICE_MATTERS_CNY_255_640 — The MICE Matters team

In a demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), MICE Matters, a Singapore-based corporate incentive organiser, recently donated S$120,000 (US$88,653) to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) via its MICE Matters Outreach Foundation.

“We had such a positive collaboration and seamless partnership with CFS in achieving our philanthropic goals that we have decided to team up with them once again for our 20th Anniversary CSR initiative,” Melvyn C Nonis, MICE Matters’ co-founder and director, told TTGmice.

The MICE Matters Outreach Foundation, a donor-advised fund with CFS, was created in 2020 by MICE Matters to support students in tourism and hospitality. The foundation’s initial funding of S$250,000, donated by MICE Matters to celebrate its 15th anniversary, has been primarily allocated to bursaries and scholarships at Singapore Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic.

Nonis shared that this donation is “dedicated to the company’s 24-strong team”, and serves as a “reminder that at the heart of every successful organisation are its people”.

When asked how the donation would be implemented, Michelle Seet, MICE Matters’ co-founder and director, explained: “Each staff will have the opportunity to select a charity of their choice to receive a donation. CFS has partnerships with over 400 charities and non-profit organisations in Singapore, and I am confident that CFS can assist with matching our staff members with a charity that truly matters to them.”

Charities include The Food Bank Singapore, Animal Lovers League, Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society.

“The Community Foundation of Singapore is grateful for the MICE Matters Outreach Foundation’s dedication to making lives better through their philanthropic activities. Since 2020, their support has truly touched the lives of those at Singapore Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Yong-en Care Centre, and St. John’s Home for Elderly Persons. It’s a privilege to partner with them on this journey of giving, and we’re excited to see the even greater impact we can create together,” said CFS’ CEO, Catherine Loh.

Established in 2008, CFS is Singapore’s oldest community foundation, dedicated to effecting tangible change and advancing philanthropy across Singapore.

Lanson Place Mall of Asia offers exclusive meeting perks

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveils A$70 million transformation

Minor Hotels names GMs for new Sri Lanka properties

Jason Leung takes the helm at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore

New ANZ Academy to develop future convention industry leaders

Leadership projections

Exhibitions industry sees strong recovery, adapts to new demands

Sri Lanka establishes Conference Ambassador Program

ChristchurchNZ releases results of its Conference Legacy Project

MICE Matters celebrates 20 years with S$120,000 donation

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