Programme designers of business events need to be aware that at least one in five people are neurodivergent – according to the Neu Project, this includes ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome, etc.
Gayle McGuinn, head of associations sales, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), who led the session Transforming Events: Empowering Inclusion through Neurodiversity, extrapolated that with more than 1,500 delegates at this year’s congress, up to 600 could be neurodivergent.
McGuinn: event organisers and speakers need to support neurodivergent attendees
Indeed, a number of participants at the session shared they are neurodivergent.
As the movement is evolving, events must also transform by empowering inclusion, she McGuinn.
The ICCA Congress could start by including more “quiet spaces” and be aware of the impact of “sensory overload”, she opined.
To host It Takes All Kinds of Minds and create an inclusive experience, McGuinn said EICC launched an education programme comprising staff training and an accessibility audit. It trialled the new processes and fine tuned the details.
Other initiatives included the creation of a delegate manual to relieve delegate anxiety, introducing silent flappause (clapping by waving both hands), improving light and sound by using soothing blue and green lights, and deactivating hand dryers.
Delegate support also included quiet times and rooms, and colour-coded badges for sessions.
On the F&B front, sensory sensitivities, separate food, plain food stations, and quiet dining areas were offered.
Event practitioners, she advised, should design a diverse programme with short sessions, live stream to quiet rooms, and share content in advance.
Speaker support should include detailed guidelines; they should be encouraged to use visuals and conduct familiarisation sessions.
McGuinn continued: “A hybrid event would widen the reach; participants could engage via the event app and address interaction preferences.”
IME Consulting Co’s Alicia Yao; and Venture Marketing’s Nitin Sachdeva speaking at Japan MICE Expo
Japan is in a prime position capture more of India’s expanding business events market, provided the country is strategic and accommodating in its approach.
Panellists at the inaugural Japan MICE Expo, held in Osaka in October, said India’s population of 1.5 billion is increasingly interested in holding MICE events overseas, including in Japan.
IME Consulting Co’s Alicia Yao; and Venture Marketing’s Nitin Sachdeva speaking at Japan MICE Expo
“Corporates are using incentive travel as a big tool for doing business, and 70 per cent of India’s business events market is incentive travel, said Nitin Sachdeva, CEO of New Delhi, India-based Venture Marketing, which specialises in travel, tourism, hospitality and events.
Of particular interest to companies is using incentives to attract and retain talent or to facilitate staff interactions among teams working remotely, Sachdeva added, noting that many corporates are holding overseas incentives as frequently as once per quarter.
Alongside these changes in market needs. “India’s outbound market is looking for new destinations,” he explained. “We are seeing a change in mindset (where) people want to travel and to experience.”
Sachdeva and his peers in the industry are seeing growing interest in Japan thanks to its unique value, which includes a rich culture, modern infrastructure, clean environment and peaceful society. The weak yen and huge popularity of Japan on Instagram are additional attractive factors, he added.
Japan’s success in attracting Indian incentives, though, will depend on whether the stakeholders can adopt a strategy, be consistent in promotion and meet buyers’ needs.
“We expect ease of doing business, favourable flight timings, more flight loads from India and Indian food,” he said. Furthermore, if Japan-based representatives can speak India’s local languages, incentive participants can enjoy a “seamless experience”.
Minor Hotels has named industry veteran Omar Romero as its chief development and luxury officer, a newly-created position based in Bangkok, Thailand.
In his new role, Romero will drive the global development strategy of Minor Hotels, identifying new business opportunities, overseeing the planning and execution of projects, and managing relationships with key stakeholders. He will also play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting the curation of Minor Hotels’ luxury brands.
He brings over two decades of experience to Minor Hotels, and most recently served as chief development officer at Six Senses.
Qantas will roll out a multi-million dollar investment in cabin upgrades for its Economy class across 10 A330-200 aircraft – these include installation of new seats with larger OLED entertainment screens, as well as USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity which allow users to use their own headphones.
The upgrades are part of the airline’s major refurbishment programme to enhance international flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo.
Passengers can look forward to brand new Economy seats on Qantas’ A330-200 aircraft
Other key elements of the A330 cabin upgrade programme include new mood lighting and the replacement of all curtains and carpets.
The existing Business Suites with fully-flat beds will remain on the aircraft.
The A330 aircraft being upgraded are scheduled to leave the Qantas fleet towards the end of the replacement programme. Work on the first A330 is expected to start in mid-2025 in Qantas’ Brisbane maintenance facility, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “We’ve used our fleet renewal programme to completely rethink the in-flight experience and these cabin upgrades mean we can bring next-generation features and designs to our existing aircraft.
“Customers can look forward to brand new Economy seats that have been specially created to maximise comfort and provide features that our customers want for international travel. They are the same seats that will feature on our ultra-longhaul A350-1000ULR aircraft, so it will be a preview of the Project Sunrise flying experience.”
In addition, Qantas has also started its international Wi-Fi roll out across the A330 fleet, providing connectivity for passengers on the Wi-Fi enabled A330 aircraft from December this year.
Corporate meeting and incentive demand for Japan from Asia-Pacific countries remain at an all-time high, say industry players who attended the JNTO Singapore MICE Business Meetings 2024 on October 28.
Corporate demand from Asia-Pacific is still “very strong”, Shigyo Satoru, JTB’s sales manager, corporate sales department, told TTGmice. This is reflected in the company’s handling of around 30 outbound groups this year, mainly from Singapore, as well as several from Indonesia and Thailand.
JNTO Singapore MICE Business Meetings 2024 saw 31 Singapore-based buyers meeting with 28 Japanese suppliers; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
Although Satoru predicted that next year’s demand will be “even better” than 2024, he cautioned that rising costs, particularly in transportation, could significantly impact budgets, and advised planners to plan as early as possible.
Jeremiah Wong, assistant director, marketing communications, Chan Brothers Travel, also indicated that “demand is holding steady this year compared to 2023”.
He detailed: “Japan’s cultural richness and excellent infrastructure consistently attract corporate groups. The favourable exchange rate between the Singapore dollar and the Japanese yen has further fuelled demand, making Japan an even more enticing option. Its varied seasonal charms across the four seasons encourage repeat visits as well.”
The company has noticed a “growing interest” among corporate clients “in regions such as Hokkaido, Kyushu and Gifu, specifically Takayama City”, as these “are unique destinations beyond the usual urban destinations”.
Meanwhile, Alice Chia, director of Joyoj, a Singapore-based company with a partner in Thailand handling mainly Japan-bound corporate meetings and luxury business events, added: “Thai outbound to Japan is growing strongly. I am also seeing high demand from India, especially to cities with direct connections. ”
Chia indicated an increase in clients asking to move away from crowded main cities to quieter destinations, such as Wakayama, Toyooka and Kyotango.
AIME's director of operations and content Claire Graham; and director of marketing John Wilson picking up the award
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has once again been recognised as the Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2024 Australian Event Awards.
This marks the third consecutive year that AIME has received this accolade, solidifying its position as the premier business event for the Asia Pacific meetings and events industry.
AIME’s director of operations and content Claire Graham; and director of marketing John Wilson picking up the award
AIME, a biennial event that connects international and local buyers with world-class exhibitors, will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from February 10-12, 2025.
AIME 2025 will be the fourth event delivered by event director Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events, which manages the show on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau. It is expected to attract over 600 exhibitors, 650 hosted buyers, and 20,000 meetings.
The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is the national awards programme and conference for the Australian events industry and establishes Australia’s best events and event-related goods, services and innovations over the past 12 months.
A sustainable café and a fully recyclable cardboard tradeshow stand were among the initiatives in conscious waste reduction and energy management showcased at the recent Waste Expo and All-Energy Australia conference, hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The fully recyclable cardboard stand helps to eliminate waste at tear-down
These initiatives align with the venue’s own industry-leading sustainability practices.
The Zero Waste Café, operated by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, featured 33 per cent plant-based items, no plastic packaging and all reusable cutlery, crockery and glassware. Leftover items were donated to food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.
To coincide with the expo and Sustainability Day, Goldfields Cafe served locally roasted speciality coffee, hot chocolate and certified organic and fair-trade tea, in edible cups, made from locally sourced oats and grains.
Furthermore, a fully recyclable cardboard stand, designed by Enphase and Opal, a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer, was unveiled. It featured a cardboard life-size house that is fully recyclable, eliminating over 80 per cent of waste that traditional expo stands generate.
Sinulog dancers welcoming overseas delegates at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Recognising that first and last impressions matter, Mactan-Cebu International Airport has developed a suite of services to support arriving and departing corporate groups, which will in turn earn the destination a higher satisfaction score and repeat visits.
Aines Librodo, head of external affairs, stakeholder management at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, told TTGmice that that the aviation facility has a role to play in shaping Cebu’s destination reputation among business event clients and attendees.
She was recently at IT&CM Asia 2024 to convey Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s readiness for business events.
Sinulog dancers welcoming overseas delegates at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
She said: “Every travel and tourism player in Cebu, along with the national and local government, are working together to make Cebu a top-of-mind MICE destination in both the Philippines and Asia.”
The airport team works with DMCs, immigration, customs, security and quarantine officials to coordinate arrival procedures for an “efficient and expedient” welcome for corporate groups.
Necessary immigration information is shared with the DMC ahead of arrival, so that groups can be prepared even before their departure from their origin airport.
“On arrival, the airport provides welcome leis and a token. The Department of Tourism more often gets a rondalla (a traditional Philippine string ensemble) to play local and festive songs at the boarding bridge or the arrival lobby. For really large groups, the DMC hires Sinulog dancers to welcome their guests. Sinulog is a grand festival held every third Sunday of January, with beautiful dancers in their lavish gowns honouring the Holy Child Santo Nino,” detailed Librodo.
Librodo added that groups arriving and transiting at Mactan-Cebu International Airport can also enjoy Allways’ meet-and-assist services as well as Cebu Connect, launched in June to provide seamless transfer for passengers with onward flights to other destinations.
When asked which of these support services are most in favour among corporate groups, she pointed to the cultural welcome.
“Corporate groups love our welcome reception where we play local festive music while passengers are deplaning; they are met by beautiful ladies in our traditional costume, are adorned with leis, and are handed tokens of sweet mangoes, which Cebu is famous for. At the end of the day, nothing beats the human touch, the personal approach, and the friendly and welcoming smiles.”
Librodo also expressed pride in the airport’s resort-themed architecture and interior design, which represents the leisure vibes of Cebu.
“Upon arrival, passengers can feel that they are in a resort. The boarding bridges have a special welcoming scent that was exclusively created for the airport. We are also a silent airport – announcements are only allowed if it is a necessity, hence, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing,” she said.
Librodo believes that offering an outstanding welcome to Cebu – as well as a hospitable farewell – will encourage corporate travellers to return with friends and family.
“They have some degree of influence among their friends, communities, and peers. A good word from them will spread and have multiplier effects,” she stated.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport offers two terminals that are five minutes apart on foot, and is the second biggest airport in the Philippines. It operates round the clock, with retail and F&B outlets serving passengers all hours. It is used currently by six domestic and 18 foreign carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and more.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa transports guests to an ethereal, underwater experience
Known for its blend of cultural traditions and modern innovation, the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo offers a dynamic environment for event organisers seeking memorable and impactful venues for business events.
Whether it is for large-scale conferences or intimate gatherings, there are plenty of landmarks and institutions such as convention centers, hotels and banquet facilities in Tokyo for all types of events.
But what about a place that lets attendees experience something different?
For event planners who want to create memorable events that transport participants to another world, consider these unique venues that offer a different dimension of interactivity and immersion.
The National Art Center, Tokyo houses one of Japan’s largest art exhibition spaces
The National Art Center, Tokyo, located in Roppongi, embodies the concept of an art centre surrounded by green spaces. Its southern facade showcases a beautiful, wave-like curved glass curtain wall that seamlessly merges with the conical main entrance, creating a fluid and harmonious design.
It features twelve exhibition galleries, an art library, an auditorium, and three lecture rooms, providing a flexible environment for a wide range of events. Additional facilities include a restaurant, cafe, and museum shop.
As the centre has no permanent collections, it provides one of Japan’s largest art exhibition spaces at 14,000m² where guests can explore a variety of artistic expressions and discover new perspectives.
Event organisers can leverage several spaces here. The entrance hall, a spacious area, is available for private events such as product launches and receptions, exclusively on Tuesdays when the centre is closed. For seminars and meetings, the auditorium offers 260 seats, creating a professional atmosphere for larger gatherings, while lecture rooms accommodate 16 to 52 attendees.
The rooftop SKY LAB is designed with spatial characteristics to give visitors a sense of being in an aerial courtyard-like space. (*Chairs were brought in for the purposes of the picture)
Nestled atop the Otemachi Building, the 4,000m² SKY LAB combines a refreshing oasis with modern amenities. Surrounded by Tokyo’s concrete skyscrapers, SKY LAB, which sits in a valley-like space, is designed with spatial characteristics to give visitors a sense of being in an aerial courtyard-like space.
Just minutes from Tokyo Station, SKY LAB is easily accessible, making it ideal for business gatherings and networking sessions.
The versatile space offers different types of seating options, from counter stools overlooking the bustling Marunouchi Naka-dori main street, to comfortable sofas with views of the Imperial Palace. Formal sit-down dinners, casual buffets or sleek cocktail receptions can all be arranged. The space holds up to 250 people standing.
In the evenings, the surrounding area is lit up by Tokyo’s city lights, making SKY LAB a versatile choice for day or night events.
Located within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and just a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa offers a one-of-a-kind venue that combines marine life with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visual effects.
This urban aquarium spans two floors and has a combined floor space of 5,510m², providing a unique setting for events that transport guests into an enchanting underwater world. The entire space can be rented out, allowing organisers to create an immersive atmosphere for parties, corporate gatherings, or themed events.
Host a formal dinner at the Jellyfish Rumble where guests dine amid mesmerising displays of floating jellyfish illuminated by synchronised lights and music. For a more dynamic setting, consider a standing buffet in the Wonder Tube — an underwater tunnel where natural light filters through, surrounded by stingrays. Alternatively, the Coral Cafe Bar, featuring tanks of glowing coral, is perfect for cocktail receptions that give a luminous under-the-sea-like otherworldly experience.
The nostalgia of school days abounds in the creatively used IMAGINUS, now an edutainment venue
IMAGINUS, a creative venue located in Suginami City, is a six-minute walk from Koenji station. It breathes new life into an abandoned school by transforming it into a brand new experience facility to learn science in an enjoyable format. The entire repurposed building provides visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the school facilities in a different country and appreciate how an old building is reused. It can be utilised to host distinctive events, allowing guests to experience the charm of a bygone era while engaging with science in innovative ways.
IMAGINUS provides various adaptable spaces for different event styles. The spacious 762m² Arena is perfect for a formal dining experience, offering an open layout that can accommodate large groups, as well as for recreational activities and sports. For more interactive gatherings, the Experimental Lab, which retains the authentic look of a traditional science room, and the Science in Me lab, filled with intriguing gadgets, offer engaging environments where guests can explore the wonders of science.
Create new experiences in Tokyo
For event organisers looking for the next venue to excite and captivate their attendees, Tokyo provides a variety of interesting unique venues to choose from. They can also expect outstanding service from the Tokyo Unique Venues one-stop-shop support desk when choosing a venue and planning their events.
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.
She will continue in her current role as chief people & culture officer.
He brings over two decades of experience to Minor Hotels, and most recently served as chief development officer at Six Senses.
