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 team
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.
A coffee break display at Hilton Singapore Orchard
Hilton Singapore Orchard, the flagship and largest Hilton hotel in Asia Pacific, has launched Meetings, Elevated, a new programme designed to redefine business events offerings with a focus on sustainability and impactful experiences.
Building on Hilton’s global Meet with Purpose programme, Meetings, Elevated incorporates three key pillars: Gather, Nourish, and Impact.
A coffee break display at Hilton Singapore Orchard
As part of the Gather pillar, event planners can utilise a Meet with Purpose checklist, outlining a pre-event roadmap for sustainable meetings. This includes options such as reducing single-use plastics, providing plant-based meals, and offering pre-travel guidance to attendees.
Hilton’s LightStay Meeting Impact Calculator allows companies to quantify their environmental impact by detailing the total carbon footprint and environmental impact of each meeting. The platform generates a comprehensive report outlining energy, water, and waste generated, enabling event planners to align their events with company sustainability goals. Through a partnership with ClimeCo, Hilton offers Carbon Neutral Meetings, allowing the hotel to purchase carbon credits on behalf of customers to offset the event’s carbon footprint.
Under the Nourish pillar, Hilton Singapore Orchard partners with local farmers and sustainability-driven organisations to create climate-conscious menus featuring sustainably-sourced ingredients and superfoods. Partners include Farm, Fogo Fungi, Blackmore Wagyu, and Lumina New Zealand.
The hotel has also refreshed its Coffee Break Menus. Attendees can enjoy a variety of quality refreshments, including an always-on pantry with energy-intensive superfoods and snacks, or opt for an elevated menu with customisable live stations. Highlights include Acai berry and granola jars, chawanmushi, free-range chicken rice, Impossible meat sliders, and 68 per cent dark chocolate brownies.
For full-day meetings, attendees can experience Art of Mindful Dining, a refreshed lunch buffet concept at Estate restaurant. The buffet features a Home-Grown Salad Bar in partnership with Farm, along with a range of local and international dishes.
The Impact pillar focuses on community engagement. Hilton Singapore Orchard collaborates with local partners to offer hands-on experiences that allow event delegates to contribute to social and environmental causes. Partnerships include KLOTH Circularity, Gifel Tea, and Jojomama, offering workshops and experiences focused on sustainable practices, local culture, and supporting people with disabilities.
Hilton Singapore Orchard offers full-day delegate packages from S$150++ (US$111) per person and half-day packages from $125++ per person.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is marking its 100th anniversary in 2025 with a year-long celebration under the theme Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Shaping the Future.
To commemorate this historic milestone, UFI has unveiled a UFI 100-Year logo, a visual symbol that bridges the association’s century-long legacy with its forward-looking vision. The logo will be prominently featured across all centennial activities, including digital platforms, events, and communications to members and partners.
The UFI 100-Year logo
A key focus of UFI’s centennial celebration will be honouring its rich heritage and legacy. The celebrations will encompass a range of global activities, including a travelling exhibition showcasing the industry’s evolution, social media retrospectives highlighting key milestones, and regional activations at UFI events around the world.
UFI is also investing in the future of the industry through its Next Generation Leadership Grant Programme. The Class of 2025 will be tasked with exploring cutting-edge event formats and strategies, ensuring the exhibition industry remains innovative and adaptable in the years to come.
UFI will also launch a new website, and provide enhanced resources designed to amplify member value and engagement. Moreover, a social media campaign will run throughout the year, engaging members and the public with historical milestones, member testimonials, and visions for the future. The hashtag #UFI100 will serve as a central hub for these conversations and celebrations.
The year-long activations will culminate in a grand celebration at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong. Attendees can look forward to special 100-Year Anniversary surprises and celebrations, marking the culmination of a century of leadership and innovation in the exhibition industry.
Gina Shaw has joined Australia-based Kaigi Conferencing and Events as conference and event manager.
She brings more than 15 years of industry experience to the role and is one of only 58 professionals in Australia and New Zealand to hold Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) Certified Events Manager status.
Shaw also holds a Certificate III in Events Management, and completed the Executive Ready Course through Women in Leadership Australia.
Before joining Kaigi Conferences and Events, Shaw was the events manager for a PR agency, where she collaborated with organisations like Beyond DV, GESA, P&C’s Queensland, QUDIT, and Star Community Service.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison at AIME 2025; photo by Adelaine Ng
Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing over A$1 billion (US627.9 million) in economic impact across 64 successful bid wins since its 2018 launch, with contracted events extending through to 2029.
Speaking at the AIME 2025 press conference in Melbourne, Tourism Australia’s managing director Phillipa Harrison highlighted the programme’s success in attracting high-value international business events aligned with Australia’s priority sectors, including health, technology, manufacturing, resources, energy, and infrastructure.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison at AIME 2025; photo by Adelaine Ng
“International events deliver about A$4.3 billion to the Australian economy every single year,” said Harrison, noting that business events delegates spend 63 per cent more than leisure visitors.
“We’re particularly excited about the China Amway Leadership Seminar coming this April, and the Women Deliver Conference arriving in Melbourne in 2026, both supported by the bid fund,” she said.
Other notable wins include the International Astronautical Congress heading to Sydney in September 2025, which is expected to draw 2,500 international delegates with an economic impact of A$20 million.
Darwin will host the Ecosystem Services Partnership World Conference in June 2025, while Perth secured Routes Asia, bringing 940 airline industry delegates to Western Australia next month.
The tourism body’s Australia Next event, scheduled for Melbourne in December 2025, is also expected to produce strong ROI. The previous edition attracted 80 international business events agents from 13 countries, generating 165 leads worth about A$150 million.
Australia’s business events sector is further bolstered by significant infrastructure developments, including Melbourne’s soon-to-open 1 Hotel, Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf development, and Sydney’s upcoming Waldorf Astoria.
Looking ahead, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is positioned as a catalyst for sustainable infrastructure development and increased business events opportunities, with Tourism Australia actively working to maximise the legacy benefits for the sector.
The Bid Fund continues to accept new applications, supporting Australia’s competitive position in the global business events marketplace.
Cape & Kantary Hotels is offering meeting and seminar packages at its 18 properties across Thailand, catering to a range of events from small gatherings to large conferences.
Tamarind Bay Suite at Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket
Starting at 1,800 baht (US$53) nett per person for a half-day meeting, the packages are available now until December 24, 2025. The price includes a one-night stay in a twin-share room (for two people), buffet breakfast, welcome drinks, a coffee break or lunch, room upgrades for up to two VIP rooms, and complimentary standard meeting equipment.
The offer is subject to terms and conditions, including a minimum booking of 30 persons. Prices may vary depending on the meeting period and chosen hotel package.
Georgie Walsh, general manager of Elevate DMC Thailand, (centre) with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau representatives
Elevate, an independent destination management company (DMC) specialising in luxury travel experiences, has announced the opening of its first office in Bangkok, Thailand.
Elevate Thailand will function as a full-service DMC, offering a wide range of travel products and services throughout the country. This move marks the company’s entry into the Thai market and signals the start of a broader expansion strategy across South-east Asia.
Georgie Walsh, general manager of Elevate DMC Thailand, (centre) with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau representatives
To support its growth, Elevate Thailand is actively recruiting new team members. Elevate DMC currently works with over 1,000 directly contracted hotels, including major chains like Accor, IHG, Marriott, and Hilton.
In addition to its core services, Elevate offers specialised sub-brands catering to specific travel interests, including Elevate Wellbeing, Elevate Cruises, and CONNECT Business Events.
Samir Hamadeh, founder & CEO of Elevate DMC, commented: “The opening of our office in Bangkok marks an exciting milestone in Elevate’s journey of expansion. We are thrilled to establish a presence in Thailand, a market rich in diversity and opportunity. Our aim is to provide exceptional, tailored destination management services that cater to the unique needs of travellers, while growing a team that is passionate about delivering remarkable experiences across the entire country. This is just the beginning of a new phase, and we look forward to the road ahead.”
In the evolving business events landscape, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) are no longer just ideals – they are becoming the foundation for sustainable and impactful meetings.
Today, inclusive practices are reshaping the business events landscape, and those embracing universal accessibility are positioning themselves to lead the way forward.
Advancing DEIBA in the MICE industry panel at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024; photo by Yingyong Unanongrak
From theory to action
For venues and businesses just beginning their DEIBA journey, Sarah Mathews, managing director of eTourism Frontiers, emphasises starting small and focusing on education.
“What is clear, like with sustainability, is you simply need to start. It doesn’t have to be a major immediate change, but a strategic shift with clear areas for development. Ensure your teams have time and support for adoption and implementation, and ultimately measurement,” she explained.
Pitiphatr Buri, CEO of Bhiraj Buri Group, shared several approaches have worked for his company’s function spaces such as the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
“Get involved, get on the ground, gain firsthand experience, and correct things along the way,” he suggests, adding that “accessibility must go beyond compliance to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees”.
Mathews advised venues to avoid paying lip service to DEIBA and instead integrate it into their core mission. “The key is building knowledge and understanding first—even if it’s simply bringing in an expert to talk about it.”
For example, at BITEC, staff modified wheelchair ramps after realising that users needed to take a 200-meter detour to ascend just four meters.
“It’s these small adjustments that make a big difference,” Pitiphatr noted. His team also introduced larger signage for senior attendees.
Diverse measures for diverse participants
Inclusivity is not just a checklist but a long-term strategy that enhances both the attendee experience and an organisation’s reputation.
True inclusivity goes beyond infrastructure – it requires ongoing engagement with attendees.
“Continuously ask if the accommodations provided meet their needs,” Pitiphatr advised. This can be achieved through well-designed application and feedback forms that contain inclusive options.
Mathews noted that inclusivity should also be extended to families, seniors, and individuals with unique requirements, such as children with ADHD.
“Down the line, there is a need – just like with sustainability – to build universally-accessible venues that cater to the different needs of people.
“It’s critical that venues begin building their knowledge and understanding of DEIBA. This could mean starting with small steps like educating teams, but it must eventually evolve into structural changes that accommodate diverse needs,” she added.
While the goal of inclusivity is admirable, Mathews cautioned against overpromising and under delivering: “What I think is a challenge is when (providers) say, ‘We’re a venue for all abilities,’ but actually they are not. What happens then is that it doesn’t tell the clear story, and that, in fact, is worse.”
She also warns against rushing into superficial changes without proper education and team buy-in. “Even if you do something, if the team doesn’t understand why they’re doing it, then adoption normally falls away.”
Overcoming challenges
Max Simpson, CEO and co-founder of the Steps Community – which has worked with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and other public sector players on inclusive business events projects – indicated there is “private sector reluctance” to invest in DEIBA.
“It would be beneficial if (the business events sector is actively) engaged, but from our experience, companies rarely want to spend on this,” he noted, attributing the cause to a lack of localised solutions and frameworks that demonstrate return on investment.
Simpson further explained that most research on inclusivity comes from the West, which does not quite fully resonate in Asia.
“Our research centre is developing regional tools to address this gap because, without them, companies won’t allocate resources to implement DEIBA effectively. There’s also risk aversion, stemming from stigma, and negative experiences, due to being unprepared,” he elaborated.
Patrick Both, general manager of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and regional general manager of IHG luxury & lifestyle, underscores the importance of education around every facet of DEIBA implementation.
“We partner with Steps to foster workplace inclusion, support local communities, and build a diverse workforce. By hiring and celebrating diverse talent, including neurodivergent team members who contribute to meetings, we demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity for both staff and guests,” he shared.
In response as to how to integrate DEIBA successfully and authentically, Both said: “The education piece needs to be there. Sometimes people just aren’t sure (how to practice inclusivity).”
To reflect the company’s efforts at facilitating inclusive events and its commitment to creating a welcoming environment, he said: “We ensure there are accessible facilities, including reserved parking, accessible restrooms and guestrooms, same-floor meeting rooms for easy access, and diverse food options like vegetarian, vegan, Asian, Arabic, and Western cuisines.”
DEIBA in action
A powerful example of inclusive event planning was showcased at the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s 11th Asia Pacific Conference in Bangkok earlier this year, which implemented a comprehensive DEIBA strategy.
The conference offered wheelchair-friendly meeting spaces, gender-neutral restrooms, and a wellness room designed for neurodivergent attendees and those who sought calming environments. The wellness space featured art therapy, soothing music, dim lighting, and refreshments, catering to highly sensitive individuals.
“Dietary accommodations included halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, addressing attendees’ diverse food preferences and restrictions.
“Additionally, the event highlighted underrepresented voices from various cultures, religions, and indigenous communities across Asia Pacific, ensuring fair representation and inclusivity at every level,” shared Patranuch Sudasna, director of CDM-Conference & Destination Management which organised the event.
The way forward
While the business events industry faces challenges, such as managing budget constraints, investing in DEIBA is essential for future growth.
“Businesses that embrace inclusivity are more likely to win opportunities,” Mathews said, noting the increasing demand for accessible and equitable experiences.
“Accessibility is so important because we don’t know who is out there. We want people of all abilities to be able to engage with us, whether it’s our event, our venue, our organisation, or even our website,” concluded Jane Vong Holmes, senior manager at GainingEdge.
Indonesia’s business event sector, especially hotels, is bracing for impact as the government implements a US$18.9 billion spending cut this fiscal year.
The reduction in government-funded business travel and meetings is expected to significantly dampen demand, placing further pressure on an industry already struggling to recover.
Indonesia’s hotel sector faces headwinds from spending cuts; Jakarta pictured
Since the start of his term in October 2024, president Prabowo Subianto has signalled his intention to streamline budgets. He has formalised this commitment, issuing a presidential instruction mandating ministries and regional leaders to reduce expenditures and prioritise efficiency. Key measures include a 50 per cent reduction in travel expenses, cuts to spending on ceremonies, meetings, seminars, and focus group discussions, and restrictions on non-essential items like decorations and banners.
In response, Maulana Yusran, secretary-general of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, warned that these cuts could reduce hotel revenues due to lower demand for meeting packages and room bookings. “The decline in occupancy is expected to directly affect the revenue of hotels and restaurants,” he said.
According to data from Colliers Indonesia, the policy has accelerated the slowdown in hotel performance across Greater Jakarta, with January showing a 10 to 12 per cent year-on-year decline in occupancy. In Surabaya, the decline began when the budget cut plan was announced.
In November 2024, Surabaya’s AOR (average occupancy rate) fell by 6.2 per cent and ADR (average daily rate) decreased by 4.3 per cent, marking a shift from the usual month-on-month increases of around four per cent for AOR and two per cent for ADR.
Satria Wei, director of hospitality services at Colliers Indonesia, noted that if the policy remains in place, hotels in first- and second-tier regions will face even steeper declines. “Unlike Jakarta, which is a business hub, these areas are highly dependent on government bookings,” he explained.
Agreeing with Satria, Yusran highlighted that the government sector contributes as much as 40 to 60 per cent to hotel and restaurant revenues in some regions outside Jakarta. In Eastern Indonesia, the government segment can account for up to 70 per cent of the business.
“If this policy continues, some regions may experience conditions worse than during the pandemic,” said Yusran.
While some three- and four-star hotels have explored new markets and revenue streams, according to Satria, these efforts are unable to fully compensate for the losses as the government sector remains a crucial source of business.
Major PCOs in Indonesia – such as Pacto Convex and Royalindo Expodata – do not foresee any immediate impact on their businesses.
Reza Abdullah, president director of Royalindo Expoduta said that the absence of regional or international government events this year does not mean that Indonesia would not host big events like ASEAN-related meetings or other programmes that involve heads of states.
“I think it’s simply a matter of reduced extravagance in decorations and performances. The core facilities and services, such as venues, accommodations, and transportation, will maintain their high standards,” he said.
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) opening has been set for February 2026.
Located in Auckland’s CBD, the NZICC is estimated to bring 33,000 new international delegates to the city per year, contributing NZ$90 million (US$50.9 million) of new economic spend per year. Over 8,000 hotel rooms, dining precincts, shopping, and entertainment are all within 10 minutes’ walking distance.
NZICC is preparing to welcome the world
“The NZICC is a transformational project, and we are thrilled to name the month we will open our doors,” said Prue Daly, NZICC’s general manager. “New Zealanders and visitors worldwide will be blown away by the innovation and thought that’s gone into every detail of the building – it’s configured for anything from a meeting for 20 people all the way up to an international conference for 3,000 delegates.”
Daly noted that following the contractor’s delivery of the completed building, commissioning and operational readiness activities will begin in 2H025. This process will involve scaling up staff and training to ensure a high-quality customer experience.
The NZICC project, over a decade in the making, faced setbacks including a major fire in 2019.
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