Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism will introduce new incentive tour packages in Jakarta to change planners perception of the capital city and position the destination as a leading option in South-east Asia.
The packages will include teambuilding experiences in the Kota Tua (Old Town) district, such as heritage-focused Amazing Race-type games and walking tours from Chinatown to the Sunda Kelapa old harbour. Planners can also design treasure hunts and races using public transportation or host cultural events in the newly transformed Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Mini Indonesia).
Kota Tua offers opportunities for heritage-focused games
Firnandi Gufron, director of MICE at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, pointed out possibilities of using museums in Kota Tua as unique event venues – Fatahillah Museum, Mandiri Museum, and Maritime Museum can be used for gala dinners or other social functions.
“There is also Ancol (a theme park) and the Pantai Indah Kapuk area (a new hot spot) for events with a beach atmosphere, or Hutan Kota (city forest) in Senayan for nature-themed activities,” he said.
He said event attendees in Jakarta can enjoy island life and visit historical and cultural sites on their leisure time or as a post-event tour.
“Furthermore, Jakarta’s nightlife and entertainment spots are among the best in the region,” he added.
Industry players told TTGmice that the government’s introduction of Jakarta’s charms must be paired with collaboration with incentive houses and event planners to be successful.
Harry Dwi Nugraha, founder of EGO Global Asia, said: “The fundamental problem with Jakarta is promotion, and the easiest and cheapest way to promote the city is to collaborate with industry players. The government, for example, can provide product knowledge or create a directory of contacts for events at museums or other tourist attractions.”
Heben Ezer, head of inbound and domestic tour division, Association of Indonesian Travel Agents, urged the government to promote the Thousand Islands, a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast, which has escaped the attention of most corporate event planners.
Corporate retreats, teambuilding, and incentive travel programmes looking to include CSR and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in their events may find a partner in the Safe Water Gardens (SWG) social enterprise.
The venture began in 2015 as an altruistic safe-water and sanitation effort by the owners of LooLa Adventure Resort in Bintan, Indonesia. Early support came from educational institutions, government grant and corporate sponsors such as Golden Agri-Resources (Sinar Mas).
Rabobank Singapore team installs safe-water and sanitation systems in Bintan
“The Safe Water Gardens project was initiated by a coalition of scientists, concerned people and business partners. Our vision is to provide safe sanitation for under US$200 per family for village families in (sub)tropical countries by 2030,” said founder and CEO Marc van Loo.
Referencing business events, he added: “Previously, CSR and team-building were regarded as separate items; now they can be combined into one. Participants engage in one impactful, heart-warming, teambuilding event while bringing lifelong, life-saving water and sanitation to local communities.”
In the process, participants are also addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation for all – and can earn water credits.
The SWG project has provided 1,100 sanitation systems since 2020; some 350 were installed from January 2023 to September 2024, mostly in Indonesia.
Rural sanitation in much of South-east Asia is sub-standard, said van Loo. Safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene are crucial to health and well-being, so the system can be upscaled from single households to Model Village Program (MVP).
“Companies can sponsor MVPs and gain verifiable water credits, the water equivalent of carbon credits,” he said.
SWG is a registered social enterprise in Singapore but most projects are in Bintan, where local staff prepare the ground before volunteer groups arrive to install the system. Although it can be set up in half a day, groups usually stay overnight or longer for other team activities.
DMCs help with travel arrangements and accommodation, such as at LooLa’s five-star neighbour, The Residence Bintan, which has meeting facilities.
Yvonne Low, executive director, The Traveller DMC, said: “We’ve witnessed an increased desire among company owners and staff to engage in truly meaningful teambuilding and give substance to the sustainability letters ESG, SDG, and CSR.
“This programme allows companies operating in or visiting Singapore for MICE events to bring safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene to our neighbours. It has inspired our own staff to sign up too!”
From left: GDS-Movement’s Milda Salciute; and IUCN’s Caroline Cardona
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) discussed the challenges and opportunities in integrating sustainability into large-scale events during a session at the recent ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
Caroline Cardona, convenings manager at IUCN, related how the organisation is working towards net-zero across its annual and quadrennial events. Its annual three-day forum sees about 400 to 500 attendees each time, while the quadrennial World Conservation Congress welcomes around 6,000 to 10,000 pax per event.
From left: GDS-Movement’s Milda Salciute and IUCN’s Caroline Cardona; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
At this year’s forum in Geneva, IUCN managed to serve 100 per cent vegetarian food in reusable serving ware, source 75 per cent of its food within a 160km radius, bring carbon offsetting credits; as well as provide water stations at the venue.
“Vegetarian meals can be as expensive as red meat, but it actually creates an impact, which our delegates really appreciated (according to feedback we received),” said Cardona. She explained that these achievements were the result of a gradual process, built upon lessons learnt, and improvements made upon last year’s annual forum which was also held in Geneva.
Another way for large-scale events to reach net-zero is to go hybrid, since a bulk of carbon emissions comes from travelling to the event, suggested Cardona.
Milda Salciute, director of events and academy at GDS-Movement, which consults for organisations and events wanting to improve their sustainability practices, highlighted the importance of a systematic approach.
“It’s not just about implementing a few green initiatives. We need to define what success means for the organisation and help to create a clear roadmap,” said Salciute.
For sustainability to work, Salciute pointed out that it is important to find the “right balance”, and ensure that such efforts do not compromise the overall experience for attendees.
The NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific showfloor; photo by Comexposium
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Comexposium are gearing up for a bigger NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, returning to Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre from June 3-5, 2025.
The three-day event, following its successful debut in 2024, is doubling its capacity to accommodate over 10,000 delegates.
The showfloor at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific; photo by Comexposium
Themed “Retail Unlimited”, NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific will spotlight the limitless possibilities in retail, from enhanced customer experiences to digital transformation strategies. This year brings several new features, including the exclusive CEO Club, a gathering space for top retail executives to connect and collaborate on the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. The Exhibitor Big Ideas stages have also been extended, offering more in-depth sessions on emerging retail technologies, sustainability and leadership trends.
Another highlight is the NRF Innovators Showcase, which will feature the latest in retail technology and breakthrough solutions from progressive companies set to transform the industry.
Conference speakers will represent the most creative and influential minds in retail, with breakout sessions and panel discussions highlighting the unlimited retail opportunities available in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The first edition of Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific surpassed all expectations and business targets, reinforcing that the region is a critical hub for the future of global retail. With representatives from more than 25 retail associations worldwide, NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific is an opportunity to engage with leaders from across the global retail ecosystem. The 2025 event promises to be bigger and bolder,” NRF president and CEO, Matthew Shay, said.
“APAC is the largest and the most diverse retail market in the world with limitless possibilities,” added Ryf Quail, managing director for APAC at Comexposium. “The enthusiasm we’ve seen from delegates and industry stakeholders is a testament to the strength of this market. The rebook rate speaks for itself, with 65 per cent of our exhibitors already confirmed. We’re excited to return in 2025, bigger and better, as we continue to expand the show’s reach and influence worldwide.”
Grand Hyatt Jakarta has named Fauzia Bonita Agustina as its new director of sales.
She has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and had started her career with Hyatt back in 2018.
Her experience in negotiating high-value contracts and strong relationships with stakeholders will be instrumental in further elevating Grand Hyatt Jakarta.
As part of its business events offerings, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has partnered with local businesses to offer two new immersive workshops – ClayCirclelation and Sensory Marketing.
These workshops are designed to provide business events planners and travellers with immersive and enriching experiences, combining creativity, learning, and cultural immersion.
Participants at the ClayCirclelation workshop
The ClayCirclelation workshop, held at Clay Circle in the Sam Yan area, allows participants to unleash their artistic side through pottery design. Guided by professional instructors, groups of up to 60 people can work together to create unique pieces while learning about marketing concepts.
The Sensory Marketing workshop, hosted by Never 2 Nose in the Charoen Krung neighbourhood, caters to groups of 30 to 40 people. Participants delve into the world of fragrance and learn how to create custom scents that reflect their brand identity. The workshop emphasises the importance of sensory experiences in marketing and branding.
These workshops are just the beginning of TCEB’s efforts to continually enhance Bangkok’s business events offerings with the help of local partners, said Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB president, in a press release.
TCEB first organised the workshops as pre-tour activities for hosted buyers of IT&CM Asia 2024 in September 2024, where some attendees have decided to include these activities for their clients’ trips.
The 18th Greenhouse Gas Control Technology Conference (GHGT-18), the premier international conference on greenhouse gas reduction technologies, will meet in Perth in 2026.
The event will bring together leading researchers, industry decision-makers, government officials and business professionals from around the world to advance the global dialogue on greenhouse gas control technologies, in particular carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
Greenhouse Gas Control Technology Conference picks Perth for its 2026 edition
GHGT-18 will be co-hosted by Australian Energy Producers, CSIRO, CO2CRC, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
Samantha McCulloch, chief executive of Australian Energy Producers, highlighted that Australia’s selection to host GHGT-18 reinforced its standing as a global leader in CCUS research, development, and deployment.
“We are pleased to co-host GHGT-18 and showcase the Australian oil and gas sector’s CCUS leadership on the world stage,” she said.
“The conference provides an important opportunity to highlight growing momentum for CCUS in Australia and around the world, as well as the future opportunities for this key emissions reduction technology.
“It is fitting the event will be held in Western Australia, a state where industry and government are leading the way on CCUS in Australia,” McCulloch added.
Western Australia’s deputy premier and minister for tourism, Rita Saffioti, emphasised the significance of securing lucrative business events for the economic development of the state.
“Securing high-profile business events to Western Australia is an important part of our overarching tourism strategy, as it not only enhances our state’s reputation but creates significant economic benefits through increased tourism spend.
“Hosting GHGT-18 gives delegates a time-specific reason to visit our beautiful state and provides a unique platform to highlight the innovation and diversity that define Western Australia – we are not just attracting visitors; we are building lasting connections that contribute to our state’s economic vitality and global presence,” said Saffioti.
Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth, shared in a press statement that “securing GHGT-18 is a testament to Western Australia’s growing reputation as a premier destination for high-impact international business events”.
Hong Kong’s iconic venues, variety of exciting activities and vibrant experiences are perfect for celebrating momentous occasions with the team
As one of Asia’s financial hubs and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong may seem like all work and no play. But those who are familiar with the city know that it punches above its weight when it comes to fun.
Hong Kong – the city that never settles for less when it comes to fun – offers a vibrant mix of iconic venues, award-winning bars, and cultural experiences, making it the ideal destination for unforgettable incentive trips.
With a dynamic blend of day and night activities, there is no shortage of ways for corporate planners to create unique, team-bonding experiences. From thrilling daytime adventures to an energetic nightlife scene, Hong Kong has all the elements needed to elevate any incentive event into an extraordinary celebration.
Here are some suggested itineraries that will have your team partying from day to night:
Day itinerary: Unique Hong Kong venues
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Get ready for a wild day with the team at Ocean Park Hong Kong where you can participate in various team challenges
Feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer some gravity-defying rides at Ocean Park Hong Kong
Morning kickoff: Be transported to theme parks
Begin the day with exhilarating team building fun or adrenaline rides at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Here, teams can shed their formal personas and bond over fun games and memorable, furry-friendly challenges. What’s more, pay a visit to two adorable giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, who will soon welcome two new neighbours gifted by the Central Government come year-end. Get ready to go gaga over the city’s cute newborn twins, when they are ready to greet visitors in early 2025! These cute new arrivals are ready to make visitors swoon.
Alternatively, transport the team into a world of wonder with a Disney-themed celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland. Incorporate themed elements, such as appearances by Marvel superheroes, to add a touch of magic to the event. Enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst Disney’s enchanting surroundings, with customised experiences that allow team members to mingle and connect.
Celebrate Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland with your team
Afternoon adventure: Revel in city sights
Take a scenic ride through Hong Kong’s bustling streets on a vintage tram while you party on the open top deck
As the day progresses, invite the group to hop aboard a vintage tram for a scenic ride through Hong Kong’s neon-lit streets. The open deck is the perfect spot for a party with panoramic views of bustling neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks, and sharing photo-worthy moments along the way.
Inject some excitement in the afternoon with competitive e-sports or immersive virtual reality experiences. At AME Stadium in Victoria Harbour, teams can engage in e-Cycling or e-Kayaking, where the challenge of virtual sport fuels camaraderie and friendly rivalry. Or take the group to Sandbox VR, where members can step into a futuristic Hong Kong and become action heroes in a shared virtual world.
Night itinerary: Paint the town red at these nightlife spots
Kick off the evening in style with a sunset cruise along Victoria Harbour. Chartered yachts and traditional junk boats offer a glamorous venue for hosting cocktail parties, complete with drinks, music, and stunning views of the city’s illuminated skyline.
For something to make your evening more exhilarating, head for the races at Shatin and Happy Valley. Horse racing has a historical connection to Hong Kong that dates back to 1841. Wednesday nights are when races take place at Happy Valley Racecourse. Cheer on your favourite horse while feeling the spirited roar of the crowd beside you as they do the same.
When dusk falls, indulge in some libations at Tsim Sha Tsui’s best bars
No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without experiencing its legendary nightlife. Incentive groups can embark on a bar-hopping tour through the city’s most famous districts. From the lively streets of Lan Kwai Fong and stylish vibes of Soho to the alfresco charm of Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront bars and legendary ‘red-light district’ of Wan Chai, teams can make their way through some highly acclaimed bars that have clinched top spots on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.
They include Bar Leone, crowned the Best Bar in Asia 2024, as well as Coa (4th), Argo (9th), and The Aubrey (10th).
For an evening activity that combines learning and leisure, consider a tasting workshop at Tell Camellia, where cocktails are infused with various teas. The bar’s innovative ‘teatails’ have twice secured it a spot among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, making it an ideal venue for a masterclass in cocktail mixing.
Year-round celebrations and festivities
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There is never a dull time in Hong Kong with various festivals celebrated year-round
Dress your best and celebrate with the rest of the city as it comes alive during annual events such as Halloween
Do not forget to keep an eye out on Hong Kong’s calendar of mega events and colourful festivals. Popular events include the five-day Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, long-running music festival Clockenflap, and many more food, arts and cultural events all year round.
The city’s dynamic environment ensures that every moment is filled with excitement, making Hong Kong the ideal destination for those aiming to throw the best parties for incentive groups.
Hong Kong’s vibrant mix of iconic venues, entertainment options, and cultural experiences presents endless possibilities for planners looking to create the ultimate incentive trip. For more ideas to craft the perfect, unforgettable itinerary for teams, check out the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook.
CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith will not renew her contract when her term ends in 2025
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will commence a global search for its new CEO following Lyn Lewis-Smith’s decision to not renew her contract when it ends July 2025. She will continue to serve as CEO until end of June 2025 to ensure an orderly progression.
Chair professor Mary O’Kane said in a press statement that Lewis-Smith “has led BESydney with vision and integrity over the past 12 years and the business events industry globally is better for it”.
CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith will not renew her contract when her term ends in 2025
Lewis-Smith’s decision comes as BESydney announced strong results for the fiscal period and an even stronger forward events pipeline through to 2030.
BESydney reported that 69 global and national meetings held in financial year 2023/2024 attracted 51,000 delegates and generated an estimated A$216 million (US$142.3 million) in direct expenditure for the state. At the same time, 69 new business events secured are expected to attract 61,000 delegates and generate an estimated A$217 million in direct expenditure.
The Lux Collective has appointed Paul Mulcahy as its chief commercial officer, based in Mauritius.
He has over two decades of extensive leadership experience in commercial strategy and business transformation, with an acute business acumen and keen ability to develop and lead innovative commercial and operational strategies that deliver results.
Mulcahy joins The Lux Collective from RCI – part of Travel + Leisure Co. – where he served as managing director North America.
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.
Her experience in negotiating high-value contracts and strong relationships with stakeholders will be instrumental in further elevating Grand Hyatt Jakarta.
Mulcahy joins The Lux Collective from RCI – part of Travel + Leisure Co. – where he served as managing director North America.
