Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Australia adopts integrated tech platform to streamline resort operations

April 15, 2026

Peninsula Hot Springs.Victoria Australia — At a resort where spa and hot springs services are essential to the brand, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs requires a seamless integrated solutions for better operations and workflow

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs has gone live with a fully integrated hospitality technology suite from Agilysys, a global provider of hospitality software and services.

The Australia-based property, known for its hot springs and spa-led experiences, required an integrated hospitality technology solution to manage operations across the property.

At a resort where spa and hot springs services are essential to the brand, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs requires a seamless integrated solutions for better operations and workflow

By adopting Agilysys, the resort is able to manage accommodations, dining, wellness services and guest activities in a more streamlined manner enabling a more personalised guest journey and improving workflows.

At the core of the system is a cloud-based property management platform that consolidates reservations, arrivals and guest profiles. This is complemented by unified food and beverage operations, spa scheduling, activity bookings and digital marketing.

The resort has also introduced systems to manage hot springs capacity and curated experiences, allowing for better pacing of guest flows while maintaining a relaxed environment. Additional tools support inventory management, gift card integration and targeted guest communications.

“Thanks to the seamless integration of various Agilysys technology solutions, including the powerful Agilysys Spa module, we have made great strides forward towards unifying our guest experience – from activities and bookings through Reserve to group-wide gift card redemption – allowing our team to focus entirely on nurturing the customer journey. Our guest wellbeing care now flows as naturally as our geothermal waters,” said Gene Seabrook, owner of Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs.

“Hotels today are looking for ways to unify operations, optimise internal workflows and deliver distinctive experiences that keep guests coming back,” said Tony Marshall, vice president & managing director, Agilysys, Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs showcases how a fully integrated solution can elevate both staff productivity and the guest journey.”

Sydney secures 2030 Asia Pacific ophthalmology congress

By TTGmice

April 15, 2026

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Sydney has won the bid to host the 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, reinforcing its standing as a leading destination for large-scale medical meetings in the region.

The congress will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney and hosted by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, bringing together 5,500 medical professionals, researchers and clinicians. The event will focus on clinical advancements aimed at preventing blindness and restoring sight.

The 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress will be held in Sydney and is expected to generate A$21 million for the economy

The bid was secured by Business Events Sydney in partnership with RANZCO during the APAO Congress in Hong Kong. The win follows a multi-year effort involving collaboration with leading ophthalmologists and stakeholders across Australia.

The event is projected to generate A$21 million (US$15 million) in direct expenditure for the visitor economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

Amanda Lampe, CEO of BESydney, highlighted Sydney’s strengths in the healthcare field: “Sydney is a hub for health and research innovation, strengthened by expanding medical and health precincts and emerging industries across the life sciences.

“Our city brings together globally respected universities and healthcare institutions, advanced research facilities, world-class conference facilities and a welcoming, well‑supported environment for delegates,” she added.

RANZCO president Peter McCluskey said the congress will provide a platform for education, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Asia-Pacific region: “The Congress brings extraordinary talent from across the Asia Pacific to our region and creates a powerful platform to expand education, collaboration, and shared leadership. We look forward to working with the APAO over the coming years to deliver a world-class Congress.”

According to BESydney, the successful bid was supported by key figures in the medical community, including global ambassador Frank Martin, Nitin Verma, Colin Chan and Joevy Lim, alongside RANZCO’s leadership and management team.

ACOH drives community outreach in rural Sarawak

By S Puvaneswary

April 15, 2026

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The 24^th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 is extending its impact beyond the conference floor with a community outreach initiative in Sarawak, reaffirming its commitment to extending occupational health and safety awareness to rural communities in the state.

Supported by Business Events Sarawak, the Legacy Impact project was held on April 8 at Rumah Ngindang in Lubok Antu, bringing together around 200 participants from the longhouse and neighbouring communities. The initiative aimed to improve access to healthcare and empower residents with knowledge and resources for safer and healthier living.

ACOH looks to support rural communities in Sarawak by improving access to healthcare

Residents received health screenings, dental check-ups and eye examinations, alongside educational sessions on household safety. A practical fire extinguisher demonstration was also conducted, equipping participants with essential safety knowledge.

To support longer-term community development, a mini library was established within the longhouse to encourage reading and knowledge-sharing among residents.

Abu Hasan Samad, congress chair of ACOH 2026, said: “We hope to bring meaningful and lasting benefits not only to the community. Beyond the immediate benefits of screenings, we hope the programme will contribute towards improving the community’s quality of life while also strengthening awareness of safety practices within the longhouse environment.”

He added that the initiative reflects the event’s broader mission to promote occupational health and safety beyond traditional workplace settings and into communities.

The project was delivered in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Fire and Rescue Department Betong, Sri Aman Division Health Department, Sri Aman Hospital’s physiotherapy and dental units, Nanga Stamang Health Clinic, Sarawak State Health Department, Rotary Club of Kuching, and Jee Kwong Optical Group.

Organised by the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia, ACOH 2026 will take place from August 5 to 8 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The congress is expected to gather regional and international experts to address emerging issues and innovations in occupational health and safety.

Gold Coast launches FAM programme – This is Gold Coast 2026

By TTGmice

April 15, 2026

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Gold Coast_Surfers Paradise_Australia — Gold Coast's beautiful beaches make it a surfer's paradise

Brought to you by Experience Gold Coast

Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches make it a surfer’s paradise

For event planners seeking a destination that seamlessly blends business, lifestyle and unforgettable experiences, Gold Coast Australia continues to raise the bar. At the centre of this offering is This Is Gold Coast 2026 (TIGC26), an annual signature business events showcase designed to immerse planners in everything the destination has to offer.

Led by Experience Gold Coast (EGC), TIGC26 is more than a familiarisation programme, it’s a curated, multi-day experience that brings the city’s full capabilities to life. Designed specifically for decision-makers in the business events and incentive travel space, the programme connects planners directly with the venues, suppliers and experiences that make the Gold Coast such a compelling choice.

video from Destination Gold Coast showing the tourism experiences — Check out what the Gold Coast has to offer

With limited spots available and applications assessed by the EGC team, conference and event organisers are urged to apply early to not miss out. Accommodation and travel are arranged for you, so all you need to do is simply choose from a three- or four-day programme to discover everything the Gold Coast has to offer.

TIGC26 offers multiple opportunities for connecting with suppliers and venues

Three-day programme: August 3 to 5, 2026

The three-day programme will include two nights of hosted accommodation, a variety of showcase events and the Business Exchange. The showcase events are designed to highlight the breadth of the Gold Coast’s event offerings. Attendees will immerse themselves in a variety of diverse social events, while enjoying the opportunity to network, cultivate relationships, and delve deeper into discussions with local suppliers.

The Business Exchange will provide attendees with a day of face-to-face pre-scheduled appointments with the opportunity to engage and connect with Gold Coast’s business event venues and suppliers.

Four-day programme: August 3 to 6, 2026

Join us for three nights of hosted accommodation and an in-depth exploration of the Gold Coast’s business events offerings. Extend your experience with the four-day programme, which includes all the benefits of the three-day one, plus exclusive site inspections of accommodation venues, unique offsite event locations, and local experiences.

For international and domestic planners alike, the value of attending TIGC lies in its immediacy. Rather than imagining what an event could look like, participants leave with a clear vision, and the confidence to bring it to life. From concept to execution, the programme provides both inspiration and practical insight, making it easier to translate ideas into successful events.

Weather on the Gold Coast

An August trip to the Gold Coast is the ultimate travel hack for those visiting Australia. Sitting at the tail end of winter, the comfortable weather during the day makes it ideal for outdoor networking and alfresco dining, with all the sunshine but none of the humidity.

The sunrises and sunsets during this time of year also make for the perfect backdrop for any event.

Explore more on the Gold Coast

Whilst the curated TIGC26 programme will take you around the city, showcasing plenty of incredible venues and incentive experiences, there’s always more to discover.

From August 14 to 16, the skies over Surfers Paradise come alive with the thunderous rumbling of jets as Australia’s biggest and most spectacular air show comes to town. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day festival of incredible choreographed aerial displays, breathtaking aviation stunts and a dazzling party atmosphere on the sands of Surfers Paradise.

If you have a current, emerging or future business event opportunity, don’t miss this chance to discover why the Gold Coast is the perfect host. Visit This is Gold Coas 2026 to apply today.

Conrad Bengaluru names new hotel manager

By TTGmice

April 14, 2026

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Conrad Bengaluru has appointed Aagman Baury as hotel manager.

He was most recently general manager at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, where he focused on operational performance and market positioning.

In his new role, he will oversee hotel operations, with a focus on guest experience, efficiency and growth.

Conrad Bali champions meaningful meetings

By TTGmice

April 13, 2026

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Conrad_Bali_1744375_Conrad_Bali_Coffee_Break_02 — Delegates can look forward to sustainable menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options

Conrad Bali reinforces its commitment to responsible and impactful gatherings through its Meet With Purpose initiative, enhanced by the brand’s signature Conrad 1/3/5 programme.

Both these programmes aim to create a destination-conscious platform where sustainability, cultural immersion, and wellbeing experiences are woven into the meeting experience.

Delegates can look forward to sustainable menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options

“Conrad Bali is committed to driving a positive change through meaningful hospitality experiences,” shared Marco Neukom, cluster general manager of Conrad Bali and Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua. “By combining sustainable event design with immersive cultural encounters, we aim to inspire our guests to create gatherings that leave lasting impact while discovering the beauty of Bali.”

By integrating eco-conscious practices, local community engagement, and curated micro-experiences, the hotel lets planners deliver programmes that can positively impact the destination.

Through Meet With Purpose, organisers can host carbon-neutral meetings by offsetting event emissions through a reputable carbon offset programme.

To reduce its environmental impact, Conrad Bali has transitioned to a plastic-free meeting environment, replacing single-use bottled water with glass carafes and reusable stations, alongside sustainable amenities such as recycled lanyards and locally crafted materials.

The hotel has also adapted its culinary approach to be more sustainable. Its producer-to-plate programme offers menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options.

Beyond operations, Conrad Bali emphasises community engagement. Delegates can participate in programmes such as mangrove restoration, coral planting, and food donation initiatives, allowing meetings to contribute directly to the local environment and community.

Complementing this is the Conrad 1/3/5 programme – thoughtfully crafted one, three, and five-hour itineraries where groups can discover Bali and experience wellness, cultural encounters, nature and its culinary heritage.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur elevates events with AI innovations

By S Puvaneswary

April 13, 2026

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AI_Conference_assistant_640 — AI innovations such as a virtual conference assistant is part of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur's drive to make events more seamless and convenient for delegates

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has unveiled a suite of AI-driven technologies designed to enhance meetings, events and weddings, positioning itself as a future-ready luxury venue in Malaysia’s capital.

Introduced as optional enhancements, the technologies aim to complement rather than replace human interaction, combining operational efficiency with personalised guest experiences.

AI innovations such as a virtual conference assistant is part of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s drive to make events more seamless and convenient for delegates

Nelson Hilton, regional commercial director, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, said: “While technology continues to advance at an extraordinary pace, one thing remains constant: our guests and our clients are always at the centre of everything we do. These intelligent solutions are introduced to simplify, remove friction, enhance engagement, and ensure that every moment, from arrival to conclusion, feels effortless and intentional.”

Among the new offerings is an AI-powered conference assistant that facilitates self check-in, seat allocation and access to event information, alongside post-event AI-generated summaries for organisers.

Real-time AI interpretation supports more than 40 languages via personal devices, LED displays and AI-enabled glasses, addressing the needs of multilingual gatherings.

The property has also introduced what it describes as Kuala Lumpur’s first AI hologram emcee, capable of delivering multilingual presentations and guiding event proceedings. Additional features include AI live feed technology with instant highlight reels, immersive 360-degree virtual showcases with AI avatars, and same-day VideoFX playback designed for social sharing.

By integrating these technologies, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur aims to reduce logistical complexity, particularly for large-scale and international events, while allowing planners to focus on creativity and guest engagement. The hotel shared that its events team remains central to delivering personalised service, from menu curation to décor and entertainment.

Asia MICE outlook cautious but not weakened

By Rosa Ocampo

April 13, 2026

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With the ongoing oil crisis, Asia’s business events outlook “remains cautious but not significantly weakened”, with incentive travel as the most affected segment, said Stephan Roemer, CEO of DTH Travel.

Incentive trips are “more discretionary in nature and therefore more sensitive to cost pressures, making them more likely to be postponed or reduced in scale”, explained Roemer.

Stephan Roemer observes that business events are still going ahead but companies are shifting towards short-haul or regional destinations and tightening budgets

The DMC’s incentive trip cancellations, however, remain limited, with most groups choosing to postpone or adjust their plans instead, he said, citing that incentive requests for 2027 to the Philippines remain with no cancellations.

“The flight disruption in the Middle East affected two incentive groups due to arrive last March (in the Philippines), but both have rebooked their trips for later this year,” Roemer told TTGmice.

As for business events, corporations are still proceeding with events, though with more attention to cost and efficiency. Some companies have shifted toward short-haul or regional destinations, with shorter programme durations and tighter budget controls.

“Rather than completely canceling their plans, many companies are opting to postpone or scale down their events, indicating that MICE remains important for business continuity and engagement,” said Roemer.

As for what corporate clients look for in these uncertain times, he cited that “safety and sustainability are becoming more prominent in decision-making”.

DTH Travel will actively work with its partners to offer full flexibility and customisation through scalable programmes, hybrid-ready solutions, and more favourable booking terms. It also ensures that its contingency plans are up-to-date to anticipate and address possible uncertainties.

Roemer added that: “what increasingly differentiates MICE products is the ability to combine unique, memorable experiences – especially for incentive groups – with strong infrastructure such as quality venues, hotels and digital capabilities.”

Shanghai Fair Healthcare makes debut in Malaysia

By TTGmice

April 13, 2026

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For the first time, the internationally recognised Shanghai Fair Healthcare Malaysia will be held in the country from May 22 to 23.

Organised by the Shanghai Fair Committee and Shanghai Sail International Convention & Exhibition, it will be held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), The exhibition will mark a significant milestone in strengthening the healthcare and medical trade collaboration between China and South-east Asia.

The exhibition will help strengthen collaboration in healthcare and medical trade between both countries; MITEC pictured

Bringing together about 80 leading healthcare enterprises representing 160 exhibitors, the event will provide opportunities for business matching, policy dialogue and cross-border healthcare collaboration between China and Malaysia.

“South-east Asia has always been a dynamic and fast-growing hub for healthcare development. In recent years, we have observed Malaysia’s growing prominence in the medical tourism industry and its expanding healthcare ecosystem. At the same time, several member companies from the associations cooperating with us have expressed strong interest in entering the Malaysian market.

This exhibition allows us to lead a delegation of Shanghai-based enterprises to conduct on-site engagement, gain deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape and explore meaningful partnership and investment opportunities. We see this as an important step in strengthening bilateral medical cooperation between China and Malaysia,” said a representative from The Shanghai Fair Committee.

The Malaysia edition forms part of Shanghai’s broader Health Silk Road initiative, and aims to create a high-impact platform that connects advanced Chinese medical technologies and solutions with South-east Asia’s growing healthcare market.

The exhibition will showcase exhibitors from medical equipment, medical consumables, health consumption, and medical services segments.

A proposed signing ceremony between the Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Medical Device Industry Development Promotion Association, and Malaysia Medical Device Association, is expected to further deepen industry cooperation.

Strong showing from companies from the Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Medical Device Industry Development Promotion Association is expected.

Bali to host UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2027

By Tiara Maharani

April 13, 2026

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UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has selected Bali, Indonesia, as the host of the UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2027, following a successful bid led by the IECA (Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association).

The announcement followed the conclusion of this year’s conference in Bangkok, which brought more than 260 industry leaders to the Thai capital.

Giving a boost to Indonesia’s business events industry is UFI Asia Pacific Congress 2027

This is the second time Indonesia will be hosting the event, after Jakarta first hosted it in 2013.

Set to take place at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center at the end of March, the event is expected to draw up to 300 delegates. It will feature expert panels and keynote sessions by exhibition industry leaders, focusing on key trends and opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

With Bali long established as Indonesia’s premier destination for conferences and incentive travel, IECA is expected to leverage Indonesia’s global profile among players in the exhibition industry.

Hosea Andreas Runkat, chairperson of IECA, said it has been a “long and winding road” to getting UFI to hold the APAC Conference in Bali, but they have finally succeeded.

He also pointed out the broader impact of the conference: “Hosting this conference goes beyond the immediate economic benefits. It’s significant not just for Bali, but for the Indonesia business events industry as a whole.”

The 2027 conference is also set to adopt a net zero approach. “We’re putting this into practice. It’s a small step, but it’s our way to showing that Bali can host big events in a sustainable way,” said Andreas

Looking ahead, Andreas hopes that Indonesia could host the UFI World Congress in 2030 or 2032. With an even larger international audience, the World Congress will bring a bigger economic boost and cement the country’s standing on the global business events stage.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Australia adopts integrated tech platform to streamline resort operations

Sydney secures 2030 Asia Pacific ophthalmology congress

ACOH drives community outreach in rural Sarawak

Gold Coast launches FAM programme – This is Gold Coast 2026

Conrad Bengaluru names new hotel manager

Conrad Bali champions meaningful meetings

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur elevates events with AI innovations

Asia MICE outlook cautious but not weakened

Shanghai Fair Healthcare makes debut in Malaysia

Bali to host UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2027

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