Nick Jeffrey has been appointed general manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC).
The appointment follows the recognition of Jeffrey’s outstanding contributions in his role as acting general manager. Over the past five months, he has been instrumental in ensuring the continued smooth operations of the business, exceptional service delivery, and ongoing client satisfaction.
Jeffrey has been with GCCEC for seven years, most recently as executive manager of corporate services.
With over 30 years of experience in the travel, hospitality, and property development sectors, Jeffrey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He has worked in both listed public companies and large privately-owned businesses, including as chief financial officer, and managed the sale of an international OTA to the Flight Centre Group.
As 2024 draws to a close, businesses across Asia Pacific are taking stock of the year and considering in-person meetings in 2025.
In the MICE sector, one trend remains clear – the rising demand for sustainability and wellness-focused experiences. This evolution is driven not only by corporate guests’ changing expectations but also by governmental initiatives across the region, including initiatives like the Singapore Tourism Board’s Legacy Toolkit and Meet Taiwan’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, both of which are setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Hilton’s Meeting Impact Calculator
At Hilton, we see this shift as an opportunity to redefine the MICE experience. Across the Asia Pacific, we’re responding to the call for innovation with tailored offerings that balance sustainability, wellness, and flexibility – creating events that deliver value while fostering positive environmental and social impact.
Redefining F&B: Sustainable and nutrition-focused menus
F&B remain at the heart of MICE events, presenting an excellent opportunity to integrate sustainability into the guest experience. Today, sustainably sourced, nutrition-focused menus are at the forefront of reducing environmental impact while enhancing attendee engagement.
At Hilton, we’re proud to lead the way. In 2022, our hotels in Japan, Korea, and the Micronesia region increased their focus on sustainable sourcing. As a result, 25 per cent of the seafood served was sustainable, up from just one per cent in 2018.
Today, that number exceeds 32 per cent, thanks to certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Hotels like Hilton Hiroshima and Hilton Tokyo have secured Chain of Custody certifications for MSC- and ASC-certified seafood across 20 dining outlets. These initiatives reduce our environmental impact and resonate with corporate guests’ increasing focus on transparency, sustainability, and eco-conscious dining.
Embracing wellness in MICE
Wellness has become a non-negotiable element of MICE experiences, reflecting broader societal shifts toward holistic health, mindfulness and wellbeing. Businesses recognize the link between employee wellness and business performance, leading to the integration of wellness elements in corporate events.
Creating a balanced meeting programme with opportunities to refresh and energise attendees helps drive productivity. To facilitate this, Hilton Kuala Lumpur offers wellness breaks featuring stretching sessions, outdoor walk-and-talks, and health-conscious snacks. At the same time, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park enhances corporate events with premium therapies at its in-house Tattva Spa. These efforts underscore how wellness initiatives enrich the guest experience and support employee well-being and productivity.
Prioritising tracking, measurement, and reporting
As sustainability takes centrestage, tracking and reporting are critical in helping reduce environmental impact. Carbon calculators, sustainability audits, and post-event reviews are increasingly essential for validating the impact of MICE events.
Hilton’s ESG management system, LightStay, underpins this approach. Since its launch in 2023, LightStay has helped offset nearly 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide, supporting our ambitious Travel with Purpose 2030 goals.
In Australasia, Hilton hotels go a step further by offsetting the carbon footprint of every meeting, complemented by our Meet with Purpose checklist, which educates and engages guests on sustainability practices. For instance, Hilton Bali Resort hosted a five-day corporate retreat for 350 guests incorporating sustainability throughout – from sourcing ingredients on-site to hosting a community outreach programme – delivering a fully carbon-offset event.
Looking ahead
The future of MICE is bright, but it requires collective action. As we look ahead, collaboration among hoteliers, event planners, vendors, and clients will be critical in reshaping the industry. Together, we have the power to redefine what’s possible in the MICE sector – setting new standards where mindfulness, eco-consciousness, and social impact take centrestage. That’s not just our vision for the future of MICE, it’s our commitment.
Ben George is the senior vice president & commercial director, Asia Pacific at Hilton.
The event will take place next year at Galaxy International Convention Centre (pictured)
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced that its 2025 Extraordinary General Assemblies and Conference will be held in Macau from June 10-13, 2025.
This marks the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in the region.
The event will take place next year at Galaxy International Convention Centre (pictured)
Over 500 senior FIA delegates from 147 countries will gather at the Galaxy International Convention Center to discuss the future of global motorsport and mobility. The conference will be hosted in partnership with the Automobile General Association Macao-China and Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Macau, renowned for its Macau Grand Prix, provides a fitting backdrop for this landmark event. The city has a long-standing history in motorsport, having served as a crucial stage for top drivers, including many future Formula 1 stars.
The 2025 FIA Conference holds significant strategic importance as the Greater China region emerges as a leader in electric vehicle adoption and remains the world’s largest automotive market.
Bintan Resorts will focus its marketing on Asia-Pacific next year, targeting family travel, sports tourism, business events as well as religious tourism, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore markets.
Bintan Resorts’ COO Abdul Wahab said the Indonesian destination’s infrastructure and experiences are suited for such a diverse range of traveller segments.
View of Mount Bintan from Madung village, by Rahmad photograpy16021996/shutterstock
There are hotels with land/water sports facilities and kids’ clubs, Gunung Bintan for hiking, and various outdoor activities that cater to student groups.
Bintan’s regular sports events are also a powerful booster for the destination’s tourism industry. The Bintan Marathon takes place in December, and is followed by the Tour de Bintan in March or April, and the Bintan Triathlon in June.
There are currently discussions with LIV Golf, which wants to organise one of its tournament series in Bintan in September or October next year. This would put Bintan on the world golfing map, according to Abdul Wahab.
To win over more business events, Bintan Resorts has signed an agreement with Outward Bound Singapore to host groups for retreats and teambuilding activities over the next five years. A four-hectare site near the old reservoir, with capacity for up to 500 people, has been marked out for this.
Bintan Resorts has plans to develop a standalone convention centre in the next two to three years, capable of accommodating up to 5,000 people.
A consortium of major tourism players in Bintan has been established to plan for this future venue.
Before this arrives, corporate events to Bintan are hosted at hotels with function spaces as well as outdoor tents. Abdul Wahab said hotel venues can take in 200 and 1,000 delegates, while “luxury tents” are suitable for larger groups.
The destination has a good track record of business events.
The Bintan Triathlon is a popular sports event at Bintan Resorts
“We have hosted three to four events for Pertamina Indonesia in the past year, and MICE bookings from China have started coming in. We already have at least 10 incentive group bookings, each with 200 to 1,000 delegates, lined up from China for 2025,” he revealed.
In preparation for these group arrivals, Bintan Resorts is planning to enhance Internet connectivity in the area, and is “in discussions with the telecommunications provider to improve the system by using cable instead of satellite communications”.
Despite these big plans, Bintan Resorts has a modest goal for 2025 – it aims to welcome 700,000 arrivals. This is significantly lower than the excess of one million arrivals Bintan received in 2019 on the back of friendly visa-on-arrival policies.
Abdul Wahab noted that before the pandemic, when the government granted visa-free access to most countries, cruise arrivals boosted tourism number. Through more than 52 port calls a year, cruise lines brought more than 300,000 passengers into Bintan.
Now, with the introduction of visa-on-arrival fees of 500,000 rupiah (US$33), many travellers prefer to skip day trips to Bintan and head to Malaysia or Thailand instead.
To achieve its target, Bintan Resorts has recently opened representative offices in China’s Shanghai, South Korea’s Seoul, and India, and is in the process of setting up a destination representative in Malaysia’s Johor Bahru.
Pullman Danang Beach Resort has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its business events facilities.
The upgraded indoor venue now spans nearly 800m2, where the Lotus Ballroom is divisible into three versatile function rooms and an additional meeting room. All spaces are equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology, including 16 million-colour customisable hidden lighting that can create a sophisticated ambience.
The outdoor garden area
The foyer, filled with natural light and seamlessly connected to an outdoor garden, provides the perfect setting for pre-event cocktail receptions.
Additionally, Orchid, Hibiscus, Jasmine, and Magnolia, the fragrant flowers of Vietnam lend their names to the meeting rooms. The smallest measures 48m2 (516 and can accommodate up to 48 people.
The Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) remains embroiled in a legal dispute over its future management, leaving the events industry anxiously awaiting the court’s decision.
For organisers like Royalindo Expoduta, the protracted legal battle over the future management of JCC is creating significant planning challenges.
Jakarta Convention Center
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the venue’s management is disrupting event planning efforts, leaving organisers grappling with concerns about venue availability and the consistency of service quality. This situation poses a serious threat to the stability and sustainability of their businesses.
The company’s president director, Reza Abdullah, revealed that one of their clients has relocated their event to another venue to minimise risks.
“They fear that this case could end up like the Sultan Hotel situation – a prolonged legal dispute where the worst outcome would be event cancellations due to unresolved issues. Such a scenario would be disastrous, especially if promotional campaigns are already underway,” Reza explained.
Royalindo Expoduta now faces the daunting task of securing alternative venues or adjusting event schedules, a situation fraught with the risk of wasted resources and heightened uncertainty for their clients.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to map out and schedule events, knowing that the future of JCC is still in flux,” he added.
Echoing Reza’s concerns, Mohammad Ichwan Sofwan, general manager of Songolas Exhibition Services, stressed that event schedules, particularly for annual international exhibitions, cannot be easily adjusted at the last minute.
“This isn’t just about changing the venue name on brochures; it’s about the credibility of the exhibition and the organisers,” he said, emphasising that switching venues close to event dates could be catastrophic.
Jeffrey Eugene, secretary-general of the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association, warned that the JCC conflict could impede the current momentum in the exhibition industry.
“The industry is thriving, with organisers full of enthusiasm and ideas. But this dispute risks killing that energy. We already lack sufficient creative spaces, and if this continues, organisers will struggle even more to secure venues,” Jeffrey said.
He also highlighted the high standards JCC has maintained over the years. “JCC has always been prioritised because of its proven management and service quality, which local and international organisers trust. Changing management without guaranteeing the same standards could alienate vendors and disrupt the entire industry,” Jeffrey stated.
The 90-hectare Ayana Resort Bali has opened several new facilities this year that are suitable for corporate gatherings – the Saka Museum, After Rock, and Tevanna Garden.
Currently at its soft opening stage, Saka Museum offers two indoor function areas – the East Gallery, and a small meeting room for 10 pax – as well as an outdoor space on the rooftop, Saka Garden, good for 400 pax cocktail-style.
Saka Garden with Saka Museum in the background
An event at the museum will also enable guests to access current exhibitions, such as a heritage gallery devoted to Balinese material art and an immersive Nyepi experience. There is also an upcoming exhibition exploring the UNESCO-recognised Subak agriculture system.
Hong Kong-based Napp Studio & Architects designed Saka Museum – their biggest project to date – to reflect Bali’s distinct spiritual and cultural landscape. Co-founders Aron Tsang and Wesley Ho drew on Nyepi, the island’s annual Day of Silence, to guide visitors through an introspective experience.
The museum’s lobby features a dark, subtly-lit ceiling resembling the constellations of Bali’s night sky. The space transitions to a soft glow at sunset, when 3,000 LED lights begin to twinkle, an effect achieved through a carefully arranged grid of lights that conceals structural elements and fixtures.
A bridge connects the museum to After Rock, a night lounge that debuted in June 2024 and is ideal for after parties. Adjacent to Saka Museum lies Tevanna Garden, a Japanese-inspired garden inaugurated in October 2024, which can be used for teambuilding activities.
The sprawling Ayana Bali resort is currently home to four hotels, 15 meeting and event venues, 30 dining venues, and a business centre. Recreational amenities on-site include 14 freshwater swimming pools, an 18-hole golf putting course, two tennis courts, a jogging track, two fitness centres, and two kids’ clubs.
Sydney's future shines bright with strong business events pipeline
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is ending 2024 on a high note, having secured over 30 significant business events in the latter half of the year.
These events are estimated to generate a direct expenditure of nearly A$100 million (US$63.5 million) for Sydney’s economy, and strengthens BESydney’s pipeline all the way to 2030.
Sydney’s future shines bright with strong business events pipeline
A total of 76 events have been confirmed, which will attract an estimated 111,000 delegates and generate a projected A$451 million in direct expenditure. Of the 76, 31 of these events are slated for 2025.
Bid wins include the three-day Asia-Pacific 2025 Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition (900 delegates), five-day Business Network International (BNI) Global Convention 2025 (2,500 delegates), four-day Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology 2027 (2,200 delegates), and five-day IEEE Conference on Decision and Control 2028 (1,500 delegates).
Further bolstering BESydney’s efforts, the Chris Minns, premier of NSW, has become patron of the organisation’s Global Ambassador programme. This programme leverages the expertise of over 80 leading academics, business professionals, and industry representatives to enhance BESydney’s bid proposals.
BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, further highlighted major infrastructure projects that will soon come online. The Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City will also be catalysts for innovation, attracting investment in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and education.
Following the release of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy Review summary and recommendations last month, the NSW Government announced its ambitious goal to grow the Visitor Economy into a A$91 billion industry by 2035. Its response to the Review, the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, will be released in the coming months and will outline their roadmap to achieve this goal.
Building on this momentum, BESydney remains dedicated to collaborating with the NSW Government, private sector partners, and industry members to further expand Sydney’s business events sector. This commitment is further bolstered by a A$1.5 million funding increase from the government, coming into effect during the second half of FY25.
The Macau government and stakeholders have made significant efforts to attract international leisure travellers and business events, and this push is paying off with rising visitor arrivals. Fuelling this travel and tourism recovery is also Macau’s improved air connectivity to the region.
The Macao Government Tourism Office’s (MGTO) flagship initiative, the Experience Macao Limited Edition campaign, ran from August 26 to October 17, targeting international travellers. Launched in partnership with six integrated resort (IR) enterprises, the online interactive game offered attractive prizes and exclusive Macau experiences – all to engage a broader audience and draw international visitors to the destination.
Grand Lisboa Palace
On the other hand, the Macao-Hengqin Travel Stimulation Program, which kicked off in January 2024, targets business events. It encourages incentive travel groups to make Macau and Hengqin a reward for top achievers.
The Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is actively positioning Macau as a premium destination for both business events and tourism through campaigns deployed overseas.
Backing this effort is a MICE Bidding and Support Team that IPIM established with local events associations and Macau’s six major IRs.
An IPIM spokesperson shared that this cooperation mechanism aims to “jointly attract and bid for internationally and regionally influential MICE activities”.
“We believe that leveraging the expertise and social influence of these prominent individuals will help attract more high-quality professional and specialised conferences to Macau,” he added.
Stakeholders like The St. Regis Macao are continuously enhancing guest experiences, providing bespoke services and exclusive packages tailored to the needs of international travellers. These offerings include personalised butler services, curated local experiences, and unique dining options that highlight Macau’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, the sales team is actively participating in international tradeshows and sales calls to boost business while expanding sales channels in the South Korean and Taiwanese markets, supported by the recent increase in direct flights to Macau.
Older districts like Rua da Felicidade are being revitalised
In 2024, SJM-owned Grand Lisboa Palace expanded its outreach to international travellers through promotions, yielding promising results. Key target markets include Tokyo, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
An SJM spokesperson said Grand Lisboa Palace offers attractive introductory rates to draw new market segments.
Trade-facing engagements include participation in activities organised by IPIM as well as reputable trade events like IT&CMA in Bangkok and IBTM in Barcelona.
Grand Lisboa Palace has also been active in branding exercises, such as by sponsoring the 5th FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving, SJM 10th Asian Wushu Championships 2024, and PATA Annual Summit 2024.
Recent infrastructure developments have been instrumental in giving Macau a stronger edge to compete for holidaymakers’ attention. There has been a revitalisation of older districts; Lai Chi Vun Shipyard, Rua da Felicidade, the A-Ma area, Inner Harbour Piers 23 and 25, Iec Long Firecracker Factory, and more are beneficiaries.
Entertainment options are boosted with the new MGM 2049 resident show at the MGM Theater, crafted by world-renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The House of Dancing Water will also return to The City of Dreams in 2025.
Gone are the days of generic, enclosed conference halls. Today’s MICE venues are designed as multifunctional spaces, with planned flexibility of spaces and use. The meeting and event spaces of the future are immersive, flexible, and intimately tied to the growing experience economy where guests prioritise memorability.
We initially explored this trend by integrating F&B offerings into breakout areas and ballrooms. This included live cooking stations in pre-function spaces and interactive buffet displays in ballrooms, particularly for our high-end brands.
Concept art of a function venue at Four Seasons Goa
The next generation of meeting spaces will be dynamic and fluid, often enhanced by cutting-edge technology. To create truly immersive experiences, event planners and venue operators are incorporating elements like digital interactive art, projection mapping, and AR/VR components.
Planners must also consider the potential of secondary spaces, such as outdoor landscapes, rooftops, and sculptural installations. These areas can be transformed into captivating event venues, generating additional revenue. They can host a variety of events, from morning yoga and wellness workshops to destination dining and co-working hubs. This approach aligns with the growing trend of “working from resort”, which seamlessly blends work and leisure.
Social media, too, plays a pivotal role. Highly Instagrammable venues are now a design imperative, ensuring that spaces not only serve their purpose, but also amplify the property’s reach and desirability. Recognising the power of social media, savvy owners and operators are prioritising shareability.
For example, pre-function and function spaces must now evolve to accommodate theatrical entrances and choreographed setups, catering to the growing demand for impressive photo opportunities.
As designers, we strive to create innovative and visually stunning spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, operationally efficient, and environmentally responsible, ensuring long-term commercial success.
The future of event spaces is a testament to the industry’s boundless innovation. As pioneers in hospitality design, we envision vibrant, dynamic spaces that foster connection, elevate celebrations, and unlock endless possibilities. Our goal is to create extraordinary event environments that are as remarkable as the experiences they host.
Chiara Calufetti-Lim is the principal and studio director of WATG, an architectural firm with offices in several major cities throughout the globe.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Ben George is the senior vice president & commercial director, Asia Pacific at Hilton.
Chiara Calufetti-Lim is the principal and studio director of WATG, an architectural firm with offices in several major cities throughout the globe.
