Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s largest hotel and convention centre, recently opened its doors to the public.
This monumental project, a joint venture between John Keells Holdings (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, aims to attract both leisure and business travellers from around the globe, particularly business events groups and high rollers from Asia-Pacific.
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams
As the largest and most ambitious private investment in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life boasts a sprawling complex featuring 687 luxurious rooms, multiple entertainment venues, and state-of-the-art convention facilities.
The venue’s centrepiece is the Lumina Ballroom, capable of accommodating over 1,860 guests theatre-style. Meanwhile, the Forum offers a capacity of 1,280 in theatre setup, while multiple locations like the Studio, Boardrooms, Cumulus Ballroom, Celestine Ballroom and Podium can accommodate between 200 and 1200 guests at any time.
India, with its growing corporate sector and increasing outbound business travel, is a key target market for Cinnamon Life, according to a spokesperson from JKH. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, is also emerging as a significant source of business and leisure travellers. Additionally, the venue is attracting interest from major Asian hubs like Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Australia, the UK, and key European countries such as France and Germany.
Nishad Wijetunga, former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, said this development will enhance the product mix in Colombo, as the city has been lacking in entertainment and activity-related events.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment will also manage the exclusive 113-key luxury hotel, Nuwa, and the gaming facilities, which are slated to open by July 2025.
Elegast Monbaliu, EACD Bruges 2024 meeting president, EACD Board member (second from left) receiving the award from ICCA and BestCities leadership
The European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) has been awarded the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Grant by BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The IIP Grant recognises an international association demonstrating exceptional advocacy for positive global change. This year’s US$20,000 award will support EACD’s “EACD+” programme, which aims to improve the quality of life for people with childhood-onset disabilities by expanding access to sports, culture, and technology.
From left: ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath; EACD’s Elegast Monbaliu; ICCA’s Marta Gomes; VisitFlanders Convention Bureau’s Milo Vergucht; Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Julia Swanson; and BestCities Global Alliance’s Loren Christie
EACD developed the programme in conjunction with their successful 2024 conference, EACD2024, held in Bruges, Belgium. The grant will enable them to expand “EACD+” to future host destinations and establish an Impact Creation Task Force. This task force will focus on raising awareness of the needs and rights of people with childhood-onset disabilities and advocating for greater inclusion across Europe and beyond.
EACD was one of three finalists shortlisted for the Incredible Impacts Grant, along with the International Hip Preservation Societyand World Association of News Publishers. All three associations presented their submissions at the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, where conference delegates, along with a panel of judges, decided on the final winner.
Incredible Impacts offers two cash awards each year – a main grant of US$20,000 and a seed fund grant of US$5,000. The seed grant was awarded to the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society in August 2024.
Augmented and mixed reality (AR and MR) are set to revolutionise the business events sector as the technology matures, becoming more widespread and affordable.
These tools are expected to significantly enhance the delegate experience by enabling event organisers to create immersive environments that transcend physical limitations, projected events professionals.
Mauch: Augmented and mixed reality is becoming part of modern business events
Speaking at a session during ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi last week, Thomas Mauch, business development manager, RAI Amsterdam, showed a video of how Porsche is deploying MR technology through a three-dimensional environment where it is possible for participants to move around and interact with virtual objects and other users by joining remotely from all over the world.
Mauch emphasised that the timeline for AR and MR becoming integral to event experiences is not too far away.
Venue providers will have to make smart investments now to ensure their spaces are equipped to handle these technologies in the near future.
AR and MR technologies will empower event organisers to craft personalised experiences for individual attendees, allowing them to tailor content dynamically in real time. Exhibitors, for example, can adjust their digital displays or product offerings based on a buyer’s preferences or interactions, creating a highly responsive and adaptive environment.
This flexibility makes exhibitions more engaging for exhibitors and event planners, enhancing the overall experience while allowing for seamless, on-the-fly modifications. Furthermore, AR and MR can offer enhanced data collection, giving event organisers and exhibitors deeper insights into attendee behaviour, preferences, and engagement patterns.
Mauch pointed out that the potential benefits of AR and MR are extensive. They can strengthen training and skill development in the medical field, for example, by allowing participants to engage in hands-on learning experiences. In addition, these technologies can revolutionise storytelling, enabling businesses to communicate their narratives in more interactive and memorable ways.
However, during his presentation, Mauch also urged caution. While these technologies hold great promise, it is crucial to ensure they are implemented in ways that are inclusive and accessible.
Not everyone may be comfortable wearing AR or VR headsets, particularly those who experience colour blindness and have sensory sensitivities.
There are also important ethical considerations. With the enhanced data collection capabilities of AR and MR, it becomes critical to protect sensitive attendee information.
ASM Global has made two leadership appointments for the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
The venue’s current General Manager, Adam Mather-Brown has been appointed to the role of CEO, following the retirement of former CEO Geoff Donaghy.
From left: Adam Mather-Brown; and Beverley Parker
Mather-Brown has held leadership positions at five major convention centres over 26 years, 20 of which with ASM Global.
As part of the leadership changes, ICC Sydney’s Beverley Parker takes on the position of deputy CEO in addition to her current role as the venue’s director of business development. Beverley also maintains her role within ASM Global (APAC) as director of marketing.
Marriott aims to help meetings and events customers better understand the impacts of their meetings with the Connect Responsibly programme
Marriott International has launched Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events, a programme designed to help meeting planners embed sustainability into their events at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
Connect Responsibly offers two key resources – Meeting Impact Reports and Carbon Offset Options.
Marriott aims to help meetings and events customers better understand the impacts of their meetings with the Connect Responsibly programme; photo by Marriott
Meeting Impact Reports – available post-event – detail the gathering’s environmental footprint, including carbon and water usage. Calculations are based on established hospitality industry methodologies and the reports will be available in 11 languages.
For Carbon Offset Options, Marriott has partnered with South Pole for access to a selection of verified carbon offset projects. Event planners can choose projects through the Meeting Impact Report to offset their event’s environmental impact.
This launch reflects the growing demand for sustainable event solutions, where the programme is expected to be available at nearly 500 hotels across Asia Pacific (excluding China) by the end of October, with a global rollout planned.
SITA has named Nathalie Altwegg as senior vice president of SITA’s Airports business unit.
She will spearhead SITA’s further growth in the airports market, building on the company’s presence in more than 1,000 airports globally, as well as its drive to reinvent and digitalise operations and journeys across the world through technology and innovation.
With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
Melbourne’s (pictured) role in global advancements in gastroenterology and hepatology will on display
Melbourne is set to welcome the world’s leading experts in gastroenterology and hepatology as it hosts the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2025.
Scheduled to take place from September 20 to 22, 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the event will bring together 3,000 delegates from around the globe and is expected to inject A$17.7 million (US$11.8 million) to Victoria’s local economy.
Melbourne’s (pictured) role in global advancements in gastroenterology and hepatology will on display
GESA will integrate its annual event, Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), into the Congress. Regularly attracting around 1,700 attendees, AGW will offer a prime opportunity for both national and international delegates to engage and collaborate.
MCB CEO Julia Swanson said Melbourne’s renowned global standing in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s dedication to advancing the city’s medical precincts, has positioned Melbourne as a top choice for hosting healthcare conferences.
“This event will serve as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering significant progress in gastroenterology and hepatology. Healthcare conferences play a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, often leading to breakthroughs that drive substantial improvements in health outcomes,” she added.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison commented on the broader economic impact of the event: “International business events contributed A$4.4 billion in the 12 months to June this year, which is why it is important we continue to secure a strong pipeline of future events through Tourism Australia’s Bid Fund Program.”
The successful bid to host WCOG 2025 was spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), in partnership with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and STIC Travel Group (STIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen Sentosa’s positioning as a sustainable destination for leisure, business and education in the Indian market.
This one-year partnership will seek to create innovative educational experiences targeted at students in India, highlighting Sentosa’s sustainable practices and diverse ecosystems.
The collaboration aims to boost tourism arrivals from India by offering immersive sustainability-focused educational experiences
The MoU signifies a joint effort to design immersive learning experiences that utilise Sentosa’s unique environment as a living classroom to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability. These programmes will emphasise key concepts such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, carbon footprint reduction and biodiversity conservation.
This partnership builds upon STIC’s broader efforts to boost educational tourism in Singapore by offering Indian students an opportunity to explore Singapore’s heritage, sustainable development initiatives and interactive learning experiences.
Central to this partnership is the launch of the Unchartered Sentosa tour designed to inspire students to become advocates for positive environmental change in their own communities.
Slated to roll out in November, Unchartered Sentosa offers Indian students a hands-on exploration of sustainability principles through a diverse range of activities.
These include intertidal exploration of the Southern Shores to learn about marine conservation and coastal ecology, guided nature walks along Serapong and Imbiah Trail to discover native flora and fauna in Sentosa, an Amazing Race adventure on Sentosa and St John’s Island to educate participants on the importance and relevance of responsible consumption, interactive workshops that equip participants with ocean survival skills at Lazarus Island, visits to Sentosa’s sustainable attractions such as the Cable Car and Skyline Luge, and an Eco Tour of Siloso Beach Resort demonstrating real-world applications of sustainable design and green technology
SDC CEO Thien Kwee Eng said: “By leveraging Sentosa’s ecological diversity, we’re creating a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. We look forward to creating unique Sentosa-based itineraries and experiences with STIC that showcase Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability and provide invaluable educational opportunities for students.”
“This initiative not only enhances (the) global perspective (of Indian students) but also equips them with practical knowledge about sustainability that they can bring back to their communities,” added Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group.
Adelaide (pictured) held off strong competition to secure this business event, which rotates between Asian, European and North American destinations
Business Events Adelaide has announced a major win for the city, securing the hosting rights for the MicroTAS 2025 Conference.
This marks the first time the international conference will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Adelaide (pictured) held off strong competition to secure this business event, which rotates between Asian, European and North American destinations
MicroTAS 2025 will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) between November 2-6, 2025, and is expected to attract 1,100 delegates, 950 of which will be international visitors.
MicroTAS, or Miniaturised Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences – Micro-Total Analysis Systems, is an annual event focused on microfluidics. This multidisciplinary field combines chemistry, life sciences, and biology, with applications across various sectors including the environment, agriculture, energy, food, and health.
The conference attracts a global audience of engineers and scientists from academia, government, and corporate research institutions. Adelaide’s selection as the host city highlights the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international scientific conferences and events.
The announcement was made on October 16 during the 2024 event held in Montreal, by the conference chairs, professors Michael Breadmore, Rosanne Guijt, and Craig Priest.
Commenting on the selection of Adelaide, Breadmore said “One of the strengths of Adelaide is its commitment to sustainability, and the initiatives and investment that has been made in the City and the Adelaide Convention Centre. Combined with the perfect venue layout and location for our conference and the wonderful food and produce, we felt that Adelaide could truly deliver the Australian experience we wanted to offer to our delegates”.
Guijt added: “Another defining factor was the relationships and links with the indigenous communities of Adelaide, and the vision of the state to establish a First Nations ‘Voice to Parliament’. We want MicroTAS 2025 to respect and include all Australian cultures, including that of our first peoples, who are the world’s first scientists and engineers. Adelaide – and South Australia felt like the right place to be able to do that.”
An excavation site at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani
Udon Thani, the third city in Thailand’s north-eastern region to be designated as a MICE City by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), after Korat and Khon Kaen, is quickly emerging as a key player in Thailand’s business events sector.
Designated as a MICE City in 2020, Udon Thani is currently undergoing extensive preparation for the five-month Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026.
An excavation site at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani
Based on TCEB statistics, the destination attracted around 4.6 million business events visitors, mostly for exhibitions, and brought in 15.7 million baht (US$461,344) as of 2Q2024.
“Udon Thani is evolving as a MICE destination, beyond just a location for government agency meetings. Locally, it has changed too – people are beginning to understand the concept of MICE,” said Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, vice president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.
She shared that while previously Udon Thani attracted domestic groups and local government agency meetings, the destination is now garnering interest from corporate meetings and medical groups.
“While the international MICE sector is still very niche – most of them are ‘special interest groups’ following art or culture trails – we need to give the province some time. Khon Kaen started the same way, but look at what it is now as a destination,” Prachoom added.
Udon Thani’s status as a MICE City helps disperse business events activities within the Isan region, reducing overcrowding in other Isan cities, and also attracts markets from Laos and the broader CLMV region, shared Areerat Montreepreechachai, director of TCEB’s northeastern regional department.
“Udon Thani has the advantage of bordering Laos, so today incentives or corporate meetings and international meetings from Laos are increasingly organising their events in Udon Than,” she shared.
Both stakeholders highlighted Udon Thani’s numerous soft power elements.
For example, the province is famous for its focus on Thai herbs and traditional medicine, dharma retreats, and organic agriculture. It also promotes sustainable development through the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model and emphasises local conservation, such as the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 – and the Non Kok community’s unique red lotus weaving practices.
According to Prachoom, Udon Thani has a unique appeal when it comes to its local culture and food. She was impressed by the local cuisine and admired the way restaurants have creatively combined traditional Udon Thani dishes with modern elements.
“Udon Thani has surprised me (even as a Thai person). There are so many new dishes; many are made with organic vegetables, each with its own story. It is amazing how they’ve integrated storytelling into their culinary offerings. I’ve also become a huge fan of the local products. The craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in textiles, is incredible,” she enthused.
In 2023, Michelin Guide Thailand expanded its coverage to Thailand’s north-eastern region, where the four provincial cities – Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen – were selected to represent the region’s flavorful cuisine, as well as its natural and cultural heritage.
This is why Udon Thani has the potential to draw in both business events and leisure travellers seeking authentic Isan experiences, Areerat said.
“The focus on Thai medicine can also be leveraged to develop programmes for self-healing and mental wellness,” she added.
Earlier this year in July, Udon Thani showcased its potential as a cultural and business events hub by hosting the MICE City Summit 2024.
Next year, the Udon Thani Creative Festival 2025 will gather over 150 entrepreneurs, creators, and urban art groups to foster creative Isan lifestyles. The event also seeks to create a Udon Thani Festival Committee to develop new events that will boost the local economy in preparation for the International Horticultural Expo 2026 (November 1, 2026 to March 14, 2027).
As Udon Thani readies itself for the large-scale Expo that will span 100 days, the city will be getting a brand new exhibition hall which can be used for meetings and sports events post-Expo. At least nine seminars have been scheduled to take place concurrently as sub-events.
MICE Summit 2024 opened with an Isan Carnival performance showcasing the Phi Takhon (happy ghost parade), a dance native to the region
“We believe that community engagement is essential, and have taken every opportunity to involve the local people in our Expo, incorporating a sense of ownership,” Wanchai Kongsaem, Udon Thani governor stated during a progress report at the AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers) Expo Conference in Doha in March 2024.
Thai bureaus have also joined hands to host different seminars to upskill local operators and suppliers ahead of the Expo. For example, a seminar and workshop were held in August 2023 by TCEB, the Department of Tourism, SITE Thailand Chapter, and the Municipality of Udon Thani. The event provided local businesses with insights and guidance on how to leverage the upcoming Expo for economic growth.
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With over two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg previously served as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people, and portfolio.
