BCD’s latest study delves into the key themes that will drive the industry forward in the coming year
BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has released its eighth annual What’s Trending 2025 report, which delves into how geopolitical influences, the need for personalisation, sustainability goals and evolving technologies impact an organisation’s approach to their M&E programmes.
Master The Market is a deep dive into key trends that are shaping the industry with expert analysis and advice on what will matter most in 2025, while the Global Intelligence section will provide a global and regional perspective on emerging trends, examining how they will shape the meetings and events landscape.
BCD’s latest study delves into the key themes that will drive the industry forward in the coming year
In addition to industry-wide trends, the report also highlights five standout destinations that are particularly well-suited for incentive travel. These destinations offer unique experiences and opportunities for companies looking to reward and motivate their top performers.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the meetings and events industry is set for strong growth, but we can’t ignore the geopolitical and economic landscape shaping strategies,” said Bruce Morgan, global president. “There is a continued need for cost control while delivering creative and impactful solutions.”
Patrick Lim and John K Purna attending IT&CM Asia 2024; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
Singapore-based meetings and events organiser The Agency Team set up its first overseas outpost, a local events agency in Bali called WonderMICE, in September 2024.
Patrick Lim, director at The Agency Team, told TTGmice on the sidelines of IT&CM Asia 2024: “After 15 years of executing so many corporate events all over Asia Pacific, we found that Bali offers a lot of unique cultural experiences that can be built into meetings. The destination also continues to be in demand internationally.”
Patrick Lim and John K Purna attending IT&CM Asia 2024; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
For instance, the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces north of Ubud, Lim pointed out. “WonderMICE is currently in the planning stages of creating several meaningful CSR programmes based in the area. CSR is a very big part of corporate meetings and the terraces are a fantastic place to base such programmes; there is so much open space.”
When asked if clients – usually based out of the four- and five-star international branded properties and convention venues in Sanur or Nusa Dua – would be willing to travel 1.5 hours for such an activity, Lim indicated that a full-day programme is “definitely doable”, as corporates these days do not “want to be stuck in a meeting room the whole day anyway”.
The setup of WonderMICE however, was not done alone, and Lim teamed up with Indonesian co-founder John K Purna, who has been in the tourism and events business since 1990.
“John has the local knowledge and know how, and we have the international experience and creative mindset. We are both looking forward to this new venture,” Lim enthused.
When asked how the maximum group size suitable for events in Bali, a maximum of a 1,000 people is possible for WonderMICE, said Lim. In fact, the agency is in the process of executing an event for 800 pax next year.
Lim saw a lack of creative PEOs with experience handling international clients in Bali, which led WonderMICE to choose the destination. Moreover, this was also a way to temper rising event costs.
“Clients these days are still willing to spend, but they want to spend more wisely. By holding an event in Bali, it could be 20 to 30 per cent cheaper. But sometimes it’s not about the costs. Crafting an event experience such as a gala dinner in a beach environment, buying out a beach club, or lunch on a cliff in Uluwatu, would make an event extremely memorable for delegates,” Lim said.
Bandung recently added several new, modern event venues to its business events offerings, which are expected to enhance the Indonesian city’s appeal as a top choice for corporate events in South-east Asia.
Commenting on Bandung’s appeal, Firnandi Gufron, director of MICE at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, said: “The facilities in Bandung are among the country’s best, and there is always something new and fresh. With Whoosh, Indonesia’s first high-speed train, we are confident in promoting Bandung as a MICE destination for the corporate segment in South-east Asia.”
Kinandari Intimate Ballroom at Plataran Bandung
One of the most anticipated additions is the newly-built Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, the second Hotel Indigo property in Indonesia. This property features a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 800 people for cocktails or 650 in theatre-style. Additionally, the hotel offers nine meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 30 to 84 pax, all providing views of the surrounding landscape.
“All meeting rooms and the ballroom are equipped with state-of-the-art technology – ideal for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large corporate events. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of Indonesian and local Bandung cuisines, adding a flavourful touch to their meetings,” said Pascal Caubo, cluster general manager, Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar and InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar.
Elsewhere in the city, Plataran Bandung has also transformed itself into an event space. Its Kinandari Intimate Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests and can be divided into five smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings. For even smaller events, the restaurant offers the Rumah Gedung Sate, a charming venue good for up to 120 pax.
The Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung has also upgraded its event offerings by implementing new LED technology in its Grand Ballroom.
While the physical structure of the ballroom remains the same, the hotel has focused on enhancing the overall experience through advanced technology and innovative meeting packages that include city tours, Anggia Elgana, director of marketing & communication at Trans Luxury Hotel, said.
From left: UN Tourism’s Anita Mendiratta and Zurab Pololikashvili; and ICCA’s Marta Gomes and Senthil Gopinath at the Opening Keynote
Stronger collaboration between ICCA, UN Tourism and other governmental stakeholders is key to strengthening the value of business events in driving the travel industry and economies worldwide.
The 63rd ICCA Congress marks a historic milestone as it welcomes the first-ever appearance of a UN Tourism secretary general. Zurab Pololikashvili’s participation in the Opening Keynote session on October 20 underscores the growing importance of business events in driving the global travel industry and economies.
From left: UN Tourism’s Anita Mendiratta and Zurab Pololikashvili; and ICCA’s Marta Gomes and Senthil Gopinath at the Opening Keynote
“It’s about collaboration, and using this partnership for ICCA is super important because it elevates what we do (in the field of business events),” said Marta Gomes, ICCA president.
“Governments don’t always understand what it is that we do and what we stand for. This connection will help to create that understanding, that dialogue with policymakers, so that business events are better understood and more valued, and where we will see more investment in the future,” she continued.
Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO, said having the UN Tourism secretary general present is an “opportunity we have dreamed of, and is now a reality here”.
He added that moving forward, it is crucial to include leading organisations, such as UN Tourism, in strategies to ensure the business events industry can further grow and have greater impact.
By doing so, such partnerships will elevate the voice of business events, ensuring that their value and contribution to destinations are acknowledged and addressed at the most senior levels, Gopinath emphasised.
Pololikashvili noted that the world is evolving rapidly, and in the wake of global crises such as the pandemic, working together is “important”. He also called for the “friendship to continue”.
“The world is changing a lot, and very fast. To make the industry more competitive in the long term, there are many things we have to adapt to. That’s why having such interesting, diverse people next to us, and to be united, is very important,” he said.
Gomes encouraged all attendees to embrace the power of collaboration, and urged them to take concrete steps by forming partnerships with governments and other prominent organisations upon their return home.
Debuting alongside the International Café and Beverages Show (ICBS) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is the My Food 2025 tradeshow, which will offer a platform for local suppliers to connect directly with café operators and stakeholders.
My Food 2025 aligns with Malaysia’s shift towards self-reliance in food production, focusing on resilience and sustainability rather than traditional self-sufficiency ratios. This complements national policies that emphasise diversifying food sources and improving nutritional outcomes for communities across the country.
My Food 2025 will take place at KLCC (pictured)
In addition, shorter supply chains help reduce carbon footprints, which aligns with the café sector’s evolving sustainability goals.
Exhibitors at My Food 2025 will have the chance to connect with key café operators, local producers, and industry leaders who are committed to strengthening local food sourcing.
Meanwhile, attendees will be able to explore sustainable food sourcing in targeted discussions, network with industry leaders, and discover how home-grown products can enhance the café experience in Malaysia and beyond.
“My Food 2025 offers a similar opportunity for local suppliers to engage directly with café operators and boost food security by reducing the complexity of supply chains,” shared Alun Jones, project director, Montgomery Asia.
“By encouraging more local sourcing, we also naturally shorten the distance from farm to table, contributing to more efficient, resilient food systems.”
New Zealand's thriving space sector, geographical conditions and innovative culture have put the country on the radar for attracting conferences to the country
New Zealand’s space sector, geographical conditions and innovative culture have put the country on the radar for attracting conferences to the country
New Zealand is in the top four space-faring nations globally thanks to its clear starry skies, ideal launch conditions, and culture of innovation. It sits in third equal place with Russia, behind the US and China, for launches to orbit in 2024.
Space cities
New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch, has just been announced as one of four founding members of the global Space Cities Network. This collection of convention bureaux is encouraging business events as a catalyst to increase collaboration across the space sector.
Christchurch is home to a thriving network of space adjacent businesses, including advanced aviation and electronic manufacturing. Low air traffic and favourable atmospheric conditions allow for the development and testing of new aerospace technology, centred around Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Local innovators include green propulsion system developer Dawn Aerospace, and solar-powered unmanned aircraft developer Kea Aerospace.
Beyond Christchurch, New Zealand’s space network stretches the length of the country. In the South that includes Xerra Earth Observation Institute and the University of Otago’s Aero+Space cluster, with a focus on health in space. Further north, Māhia Peninsula is the launch site for Rocket Lab, a global leader in dedicated launch to orbit for small satellites. The University of Auckland’s Te Pūnaha Ātea – Space Institute is a multi-faculty space science & engineering initiative.
Conference connections
Space technology has been a hot topic in conferences in other sectors
New Zealand’s connectedness is also seeing space technology — and conference content — cross boundaries with its other leading areas of expertise.
Remote sensing applications are being used in geoscience and agriculture, for issues from post-disaster recovery to the detection of erosion.
Following a successful Machine Intelligence for GeoAnalytics and Remote Sensing (MIGARS) conference inApril in Wellington, IEEE’s flagship International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) will now come to Auckland in 2028. NASA experts were among the delegates attending ForestSAT 2024, the international conference on the application of remote sensing technologies for forest monitoring and modelling, in Rotorua this September.
Christchurch hosted Extreme Solar Systems V in March 2024, welcoming international astronomers studying exoplanets outside of our solar system, attracted by the chance to see systems that can only be viewed from the Southern Hemisphere.
Meanwhile, the annual New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch has more than doubled in size in three years. Its 2025 edition will be an official adjacent event to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) taking place in Sydney.
Look to the stars
Look how they shine for you — Home to eight Dark Sky sanctuaries, delegates can enjoy the magnificently lit night skies as they learn about Māori culture or indulge in some local flavours
New Zealand’s clear night skies also make for beautiful stargazing conditions that add unique appeal to any conference agenda. New Zealand is aiming to become the world’s first ‘Dark Sky Nation’ and is currently home to eight internationally recognised ‘Dark Sky’ sanctuaries and parks across the country.
Some of New Zealand’s favourite pre and post conference activities can be enjoyed with a sprinkling of stardust. Engage with the indigenous Māori culture via Tekapō’s Māori-owned Dark Sky Project’s Dark Sky Experience, combining tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and science.
Combine the restorative healing powers of Rotorua’s thermal spas with a spot of ‘spa gazing’ at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, which offers a stargazing pool.
Or try some ‘stargrazing’, dining on exceptional local cuisine under a star-studded sky. At Billion Star Dining at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Aoraki Mount Cook, enjoy a 6-course fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, followed by stargazing at the Pukaki Observatory.
If you seek a destination offering out of this world thinking and experiences, it’s here to find. Visit businessevents.newzealand.com
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has named Meng Wen Young as associate director of marketing, and Shengwen Chua as hotel manager.
Young was previously director of sales and catering, with over two decades of experience in the field. She will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that showcase the experiences offered at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
From left: Meng Wen Young and Shengwen Chua
Chua takes on his new role after over two years as director of marketing at the hotel. With a wealth of experience and a strong background in revenue management with him, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations.
Brendan Shashoua has been appointed as Lufthansa Group’s senior director sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific. He will be based in Singapore.
Having begun his Lufthansa Group career in revenue management at SWISS in 2011, he will now lead the group’s sales force across South-east Asia and the Pacific region in his new role.
Entrance to the Japan MICE Expo; photo by Kathryn Wort
The inaugural Japan MICE Expo opened amid excitement in Osaka yesterday, as the city this week marks less than six months until it begins hosting World Expo 2025.
Organised by the Osaka Convention & Visitors Bureau, Osaka International Convention Center Corporation and Osaka International Business Promotion Center, the trade event will support Osaka and Kansai as the area prepares to welcome visitors to the World Expo from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
Entrance to the Japan MICE Expo at Intex Osaka; photo by Kathryn Wortley
“Inquiries from MICE buyers who are interested in having events in Kansai next year, to coordinate with attending the Osaka Expo, are increasing, so we wanted to host this event now,” Hideki Tsutsui, secretary general of the organising committee, told TTGmice. “And of course, a MICE expo is good for business not only in the region, but also in Japan, so we made it a Japan-wide event.”
Japan MICE Expo is hosting 128 companies and organisations from across the country at 133 booths in Intex Osaka, which 4,000 visitors will attend over two days. Delegates will also have access to destination sessions, seminars featuring leading domestic and international speakers, and a networking evening.
Around 30 hosted buyers from Asia and Oceania will also be visiting Osaka, Shizuoka, Kurume (Fukuoka Prefecture), or Utsunomiya (Tochigi Prefecture) on a fam trip.
While the Expo will initially prioritise buyers from the region, Tsutsui explained that organisers plan to broaden its scope to include buyers from other regions, such as Europe, in the future. He added that the organising committee plans to hold the Japan MICE Expo as an annual event.
Time for paradise Operating from Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast, Sailing in Paradise boasts a fleet of three sailing catamarans that welcome private charters.
Its newest addition is Island Time, a spacious vessel which boasts a large indoor space with central island table and wrap-around bench seating that can accommodate 42 guests. Guests can enjoy the sun on trampolines on the front deck, and bring a barbecue party onboard. The crew will gladly take groups out to scenic islands nearby for water sports in the day, and chase picturesque sunsets.
Follow this yellow brick road Corporate groups yearning for a trip through their favourite childhood tales will find a memorable experience at Warner Bros Movie World theme park’s soon-to-come Wizard of Oz attraction.
Set to open later this year, Follow The Yellow Brick Road features two roller coaster rides, as well as two unique venues for private functions. The Wizard’s Chamber is an elegant indoor venue that takes up to 140 pax in a banquet, while the outdoor Emerald City Plaza can accommodate 350 guests. The photogenic Lilypad Platform is also ideal for welcome speeches or event entertainment.
Home of warm gatherings Nestled among tall trees within the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, The Homestead is a new venue that whisks guests into a world that moves a little slower and is filled with the beauty of nature.
Stop and smell seasonal flowers, have a cup of freshly brewed tea, and say hello to fluffy bunnies and lazy llamas in the Farmyard. Later, head into the beautiful timber-and-brick house for a cosy meal with colleagues.
The Homestead boasts high-pitched ceilings, a feature fireplace, integrated
lighting designed by Ralph Lauren, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.
A professional kitchen and open bar facilitate high-quality event catering.
Elevated parties The best views of the Gold Coast may well be found up in the sky at Queensland’s one and only revolving restaurant – Horizon Sky Dining. Sitting on top of Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, it was relaunched in 2023 along with a new look and feel.
Horizon Sky Dining is ideal for corporate luncheons and dinner parties, and can take in 128 guests in a seated layout. Larger groups in a standing cocktail setting are possible too. Private venue hire is welcome Mondays to Wednesdays.
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.
Having begun his Lufthansa Group career in revenue management at SWISS in 2011, he will now lead the group’s sales force across South-east Asia and the Pacific region in his new role.
