New Zealand Business Events Awards 2024 celebrated 40 industry leaders and academics
On September 26, 2024, Tourism New Zealand honoured 40 top conference champions – who have successfully bid for and secured high-profile events in the past year – at a ceremony held at Mantells Tāmaki Drive in Auckland.
The 31 international conferences won through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme are expected to attract more than 19,500 delegates and deliver an estimated NZ$48.7 million (US$30.6 million) to New Zealand’s economy.
New Zealand Business Events Awards 2024 celebrated 40 industry leaders and academics
Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, René de Monchy, said: “The knowledge, influence and passion of these people play an integral part in attracting events to our shores. These conferences not only enrich our visitor economy, but our universities, our innovation hubs, our key sectors, and our communities…
“Through these events, we’ll hold important conversations at a global level about the treatment of cancer in indigenous communities, the protection of native plant species, and the application of remote sensing technologies to benefit society. New Zealand will play a leading role in shaping the future of these industries, thanks to these conferences and their champions.
He added: “We hope more conference champions are inspired to step up and help build this pipeline of valuable events.”
Business events and international conference delegates play an important role in supporting Tourism New Zealand’s four-year strategy of growing international tourism by NZ$5 billion, with 70 per cent (NZ$3.5 billion) of that coming from visitors in the off-peak.
Business events are heavily weighted towards the off-peak, with 83 per cent of international delegates arriving between March and November last year, compared to 62 per cent of holidaymakers, de Monchy said.
Guests can interact with the sumo wrestlers. Photo credit: Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka
The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is offering business event participants the opportunity to watch and interact with professional sumo wrestlers.
Custom-designed as a sumo entertainment hall, the facility presents Japan’s historic national sport through a contemporary show combining elements of video, light and sound. Performances are presented entirely in English twice daily (18.00 and 21.00), with seating for 180 pax.
Guests can interact with the sumo wrestlers. Photo credit: Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka
The show duration is approximately 60 minutes and includes an opening act, an introduction to sumo, the main bout, an interactive sumo experience and a commemorative photo. Ticket prices range from ¥9,500 (US$67) to ¥16,000, and include a bento box and drink. Vegan or halal bento boxes are available for a ¥2,000 surcharge.
Alternatively, event organisers can opt for sumo wrestlers from the Sumo Hall to perform at their events, such as gala dinners and welcome receptions. Each experience would comprise displays of sumo culture, demonstrations, bouts, interactive experiences and commemorative photos from ¥500,000.
Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is located at Namba Parks in central Osaka, about a 45-minute drive from Kansai International Airport.
Discova Thailand has appointed Peter Weibel as its new country manager.
In his new role, Weibel will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Discova Thailand’s operations, including product development, sales, operations, accounting, and client services.
With over 30 years of experience in the Thai tourism sector, his diverse background and expertise across all segments and departments of the destination management business make him a valuable asset to the company.
Lufthansa Group has named Felipe Bonifatti as vice president Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East.
Bringing over three decades of experience to his new role, Bonifatti will be based in the Lufthansa Group regional headquarters of Singapore, and will lead all commercial activities, including Joint Venture sales, in Asia-Pacific region from November 1.
He is fluent in German, English, Portuguese and Spanish.
The Cairns Convention Centre has been selected to host the 2025 Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) from May 2-6, 2025.
The event, supported by the Queensland government, is expected to attract leading experts in anaesthesia, perioperative medicine, and pain medicine from around the world. Delegates will engage in a comprehensive programme featuring local, national, and international speakers, along with workshops to support members’ skills and Continuing Professional Development requirements.
Aerial view of Cairns Convention Centre
The Conference will also highlight the work of regional fellows operating in remote areas. By showcasing their experiences and innovative solutions, the Conference aims to shed light on their critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare in under-resourced regions, and promote discussions on improving support for medical practitioners in these locations.
In addition to the scientific sessions, the 2025 ANZCA ASM will offer social events at some of Cairns’ iconic venues, providing delegates with opportunities for networking and relaxation.
Sustainability will be one of the key themes for the Conference and is inherently at the forefront of ANZCA’s initiatives. Anaesthetists are adopting sustainable practices by minimising gas wastage, using less harmful gases, and promoting the recycling and reuse of equipment. Moreover, since 2016, the College has eliminated items like satchels, bottled water, and paper-based tickets, and has collaborated with venues to ensure sustainable catering practices.
The Cairns Convention Centre was chosen partly for its sustainability initiatives and use of local producers, helping to reduce food mileage. The venue also features a sunscreen façade, rainwater storage, EV charging stations, and energy-efficient lights and fans.
To stand out in the war on talent, tourism and business events companies must make an all-out effort to change the perception of the industry, and to acknowledge and address the importance of purpose.
It is also necessary to take steps to counsel graduates in tourism courses, but are not interested in pursuing a career due to long hours, low pay, and limited opportunities for advancement. These observations were based on feedback from a recent youth symposium organised by PATA.
Neeta Lachmandas, founder of ConsciousService, said it is important to “expose students to the industry to ignite and deepen their understanding and passion”, to have a fighting chance against other service sectors that pay more.
Lachmandas, formerly with the Singapore Tourism Board, and the Singapore Management University’s Institute of Service Excellence, suggested employers reach out by conducting “focus groups among undergraduates”, apart from being present at job fairs.
She continued: “Employers need to rethink their internship programmes, get to know the interns better and develop a relationship with them. Mentors can share their exciting experiences, career pathways, and how they are now earning more money.”
The opportunity to leave home and intern overseas with regional and international industry players, she pointed out, is an opportunity the diverse industry ecosystem can offer that others cannot.
Innovative Internship Coaching provides solutions for industry, academics and students, and founder David Jones said gaining parental support for students to take on opportunities abroad is the first step, and it is crucial to alleviate their concerns and fears about working overseas.
Jones, a former hotelier and academic in the US and Asia, opined: “Except for senior management positions, many hospitality companies are hesitant to hire young talent from overseas. They often do not see the value in investing in training if the trainee or employee might eventually return to their home country.”
Another obstacle to cross-border talent mobility is the lengthy and complex process of obtaining work visas., where streamlining this process would greatly facilitate movement across borders.
Additionally, the availability of affordable housing, particularly in high-cost cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, is another critical factor in attracting and retaining interns and entry-level employees, noted Jones.
Lachmandas opined the industry can also do a better job in “vision building” and engaging millennials and Gen Z by sharing the many opportunities that offer “purpose”.
“If more people talk about the huge impact the industry makes (in addressing issues such acting to develop sustainably, culture and heritage preservation, embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, knowledge exchange, GDP contribution, use of technology and AI, wealth distribution to communities, etc.) It could gain the same level of allure as the finance and biotechnology industries,” she said.
Retired tourism professor and former research and strategic information head at PATA, John Koldowski, quipped: “I wonder if sometimes we get it wrong when attracting talent who are data analysts, strategists, etc., but who happen to work in the tourism sector.”
Whatever the specialisation, he said that tourism is just one application for the skills, and entrants who possess transferable skills can jump from accommodation to aviation to destination management.
Employers can also help employees avoid being stuck in a “vertical tunnel”, and offer opportunities to move laterally to broaden their horizons, Koldowski added.
A senior executive with a regional hospitality owner and operator, commented: “Perhaps we can start with the question of how do we find more qualified and willing mentors.
“Mentoring infers a uniquely close relationship between the mentor and mentee. To pair this relationship is no easy task. In fact, it is so difficult that it has to be the main task in the mentoring process.”
Challenges arise when attempting to scale mentoring programmes to a corporate level, involving multiple institutions and complex agendas, he added.
Located within the picturesque Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the Darwin Convention Centre offers a 1,200-seat tiered auditorium, 4,000 square metres of exhibition halls, and seven concurrent meeting spaces
Darwin is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for international events
Darwin, the tropical capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for international MICE events. With a unique blend of world-class facilities, a relaxed tropical atmosphere and stunning natural environments, Darwin offers a refreshing alternative to other major capital cities.
This laid-back harbour city is the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, including the World-Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, making it an attractive option for conference organisers looking to combine business with pleasure.
World-class facilities
Located within the picturesque Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the Darwin Convention Centre offers a 1,200-seat tiered auditorium, 4,000 square metres of exhibition halls, and seven concurrent meeting spaces
Contributing to Darwin’s appeal as a global MICE destination is the state-of-the-art Darwin Convention Centre. Situated in the resort-like setting of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, this multi-award-winning venue is renowned for its exceptional facilities and customer service.
In 2021 and 2023, it was named Australia’s Best Business Events Venue at the national Australian Tourism Awards, while it also received a global sixthplace ranking in the latest International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Apex Awards, which recognises the best convention centres in the world based entirely upon client ratings.
Managed by ASM Global, the Darwin Convention Centre offers 23,000m² of multi-purpose space, including a 1,200-seat tiered auditorium, 4,000m² of exhibition halls, and seven concurrent meeting spaces. Its close proximity to high-quality accommodation, upscale dining, and leisure facilities, such as a wave lagoon pool and lush parklands, ensures that delegates can enjoy a convenient and relaxing conference experience. The Darwin CBD is also just a short walk away via an undercover skybridge.
Rich culture and unforgettable experiences
Experience Darwin’s rich cultural heritage and create meaningful connections
What truly sets Darwin apart from other destinations, however, is its rich cultural heritage. The Darwin Convention Centre enjoys a close relationship with the Larrakia People, the Traditional Custodians of the Darwin region, and can easily connect conference organisers to a range of cultural experiences for their delegates. These experiences can include traditional ceremonies such as a ‘Welcome to Country’, a Smoking Ceremony, and a Larrakia Saltwater Ceremony, as well as cultural performances and workshops.
In addition to these cultural activities, the Darwin Convention Centre offers its signature Seven Seasons dining experience inspired by the Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) seasonal calendar. This innovative culinary journey not only showcases the diverse flavours of the local region but also immerses delegates in Larrakia culture. Each course can be paired with audio and visuals that explain the significance of the corresponding season, enhancing the dining experience and deepening cultural understanding.
In addition to on-site cultural experiences, Darwin’s natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for offsite excursions, offering delegates the chance to explore some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes. Organisers can arrange trips to nearby attractions such as waterfalls, swimming holes and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. These excursions not only add value to an event’s programme but also leave a lasting impression on participants, making a conference in Darwin an unforgettable experience.
Industry strengths
Darwin’s various industry strengths, from mining and renewable energy to agribusiness and international education, make it an attractive destination for industry events
Beyond its scenic beauty and cultural richness, Darwin is a city built on innovation and enterprise and has developed considerable strategic strengths across the fields of agribusiness, tropical health, mining, international education, renewable energy, oil and gas, tourism and defence — making it an attractive destination for industry-specific events.
Darwin’s growing reputation as a global MICE destination is reflected in the high-profile events it hosts. In 2023, the Darwin Convention Centre welcomed major international conferences including World Aquaculture, WaterMicro23, the World Community Development Conference, and the 9th Congress of the International Society for the Study of Iron in Biology and Medicine. The hosting of these global events contributed to Darwin’s debut on the recent ICCA Global City Rankings List — an impressive milestone for the regional city.
This month, the Centre will host the 10th World Melioidosis Congress, which is expected to attract around 350 delegates worldwide; while further out, the world-class venue looks forward to welcoming the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress in 2025.
The Darwin advantage
Darwin’s strategic advantages include end-to-end support for event organisers, easy connection to local professionals, and great connectivity to South-east Asia
Darwin’s tourism and events community has developed a strong reputation for its ability to work closely and provide end-to-end support for event organisers. Associations hosting conferences in Darwin can easily connect with local expertise, government leaders and high-profile speakers, while field visits to educational research centres, industry sites or remote communities can also be arranged.
While conference organisers can enjoy the benefits of Darwin’s on-the-ground support, the city’s strategic location offers delegates seamless connectivity to Southeast Asia, with regular flights to Singapore. With just a four-and-a-half-hour flight time between Singapore and four hours between most Australian capital cities, Darwin serves as a convenient and central meeting point for associations looking to attract national and international delegates.
The Northern Territory Government Business Events Support Fund (NTBESF) is available to provide financial assistance to qualified corporate meetings, conferences, conventions, incentives and exhibitions, with priority given to events that align with the Northern Territory’s economic and social strengths. This financial support, combined with Darwin’s unique appeal, makes this stunning destination an even more attractive choice for hosting global MICE events.
“Darwin is not just a destination for business—it’s an experience that blends culture, nature and innovation,” said Peter Savoff, general manager, Darwin Convention Centre. “With its world-class facilities, rich cultural heritage and stunning natural environments, Darwin offers delegates the chance to engage and connect in meaningful ways while enjoying the region’s tropical charm.”
From left: TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue; Tourism Promotions Board Philippines’ Arnold T Gonzales; GainingEdge Asia’s Jane Vong-Holmes; and FCM Meetings & Events’ Jingwen Wong at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024
The rise of Return on Time (RoT), experience-driven programming, and the growing role of technology are three trends that will shape the meetings industry moving forward, according to panellists on the Future of Events fireside chat at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024.
Jingwen Wong, meetings & events leader for South-east Asia and China at FCM Meetings & Events, explained how businesses now prioritise time efficiency, which has resulted in a shift from Return on Investment (ROI) to RoT.
From left: TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue; Tourism Promotions Board Philippines’ Arnold T Gonzales; GainingEdge Asia’s Jane Vong-Holmes; and FCM Meetings & Events’ Jingwen Wong at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024
“Corporates are selecting events that truly deliver impactful outcomes. It’s no longer about the number of events but about their ability to deliver value in a short span,” Wong elaborated.
Jane Vong Holmes, senior manager for Asia at GainingEdge, further emphasised that RoT is particularly important for association meetings.
“Content is king – make it so compelling that people cannot afford to miss it,” Holmes said, urging organisers to ensure that the time delegates spend at business events is worthwhile.
Another major trend is the rising demand for experiential, immersive events.
Arnold T Gonzales, acting head of the MICE department at the Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board, said storytelling and personalisation are employed to create outstanding marketing messages and impressions.
“Integrating storytelling and local culture into our events not only serves to forge a deeper connection with the destination for attendees, it also makes the experience more memorable,” he added.
Wong joined in: “It’s no longer enough to gather in a hotel ballroom for a series of PowerPoint presentations. Attendees want to be part of the action, and are looking for active participation.”
The role of technology in events was discussed. Wong pointed out that AI, virtual reality, and digital tools have become essential in delivering seamless, personalised experiences.
“Today’s attendees expect everything at their fingertips – from the agenda to networking opportunities,” she said.
Holmes also recalled how generative AI was deployed at ICCA Congress 2024 to collect feedback from hundreds of delegates about key business considerations and generate discussion topics and actions for future editions of the event.
However, while technology enhances event efficiency, Gonzales stressed that it cannot replace the human touch and there needs to be a balance. “No matter how advanced technology becomes, the service and connection that people offer remain irreplaceable,” he added.
The panel also addressed the need to upskill the workforce in the events sector, especially as the talent crunch continues to bug the industry.
Gonzales highlighted the Philippines’ efforts to train local communities: “We’re investing heavily in training programmes for the next generation of professionals, ensuring they can deliver the personalised, tech-enabled experiences that clients now expect.”
From left: Stream Events Asia Krisanee Srisatin; Bhiraj Buri Group’s Pitiphar Buri; C9 Hotelworks’ Viona Zhang; and GainingEdge’s Jane Vong Holmes at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024
The business events industry must prioritise diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) to create truly inclusive and impactful events, said panellists on the Advancing DEIBA in the MICE Industry session at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024 last Wednesday.
Pitiphatr Buri, CEO of Bhiraj Buri Group, emphasised the importance of getting out there, and experiencing inclusive practices rather than only theorising about what is needed.
From left: Stream Events Asia Krisanee Srisatin; Bhiraj Buri Group’s Pitiphar Buri; C9 Hotelworks’ Viona Zhang; and GainingEdge’s Jane Vong Holmes at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2024
Some of the Group’s most inclusive practices have come about as staff experience what persons with disabilities go through. For example, staff modified its wheelchair ramps when they realised users had to take a 200-metre detour just to go up four metres.
“It is these small adjustments that make the journey more seamless for attendees, especially those with disabilities. (But) accessibility also goes beyond physical access. It’s about larger signs for the silver generation, or even spaces that accommodate pets,” he remarked.
Krisanee Srisatin, founder and managing director, Stream Events Asia, addressed the cultural and dietary aspects of inclusivity.
“By promoting local festivals and community activities, we can attract tourists from around the world to celebrate cultural diversity. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages feedback. Cultural sensitivity from multiple perspectives is what will enhance the success of the MICE sector.”
Krisanee stressed that to ensure inclusivity, event planners must work with accommodating partners and have a deep understanding of their clients’ needs. This includes being aware of dietary restrictions and choosing suitable venues.
Meanwhile, Viona Zhang, deputy managing director of C9 Hotelworks, noted that women are underrepresented in leadership roles in the hospitality industry, citing a study showing only 32 per cent of leadership positions are held by women. She argued that this lack of diversity limits perspectives and hinders effective decision-making.
Senior manager at GainingEdge, and panel moderator, Jane Vong Holmes, noted: “DEI has been in the headlines recently due to social injustices – however, we haven’t seen a real push for accessibility and people with disabilities. The MICE industry is at a pivotal moment where inclusivity isn’t just a checkbox, but a strategy that impacts the very core of our events and the communities they serve.”
“We have to design with inclusion from the ground up, not as an afterthought. This is not just about meeting legal requirements but about truly welcoming all,” Pitiphatr concluded.
Singapore Expo’s Eileen Quek presenting to students
In a first for IT&CM Asia, the NextGen Leadership Exchange workshop last Wednesday brought hospitality and events students together with industry practitioners to discuss real issues impacting the industry and work together on the task of preparing for a simulated site inspection.
Student participants worked as a team to understand the bid document put up by the International Council for Traditional Music, which is planning for a 2025 world conference.
Singapore Expo’s Eileen Quek presenting to students
Each team was assigned different roles, such as the CVB, PCO, the local host committee/city government, and international host. With their assigned role in mind, the team had to develop ideas for a creative destination showcase and prepare a presentation to convince the association to meet in their city.
The event was led by ICCA, with four industry professionals stepping up as mentors for the case activity.
They were Eileen Quek, assistant director, sales (international), Singapore Expo; Kate Sarasin, MICE coach and adjunct lecturer at Kasetsart University; Patranuch Sudasna, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association committee member and director of CDM – Conference & Destination Management; and Supanich Thiansing, director of meetings and incentives department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. The workshop was moderated by Waikin Wong, regional director Asia Pacific, ICCA.
Mentors shared real-life considerations when building a site inspection and shared past failures that provided valuable lessons.
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.
With over 30 years of experience in the Thai tourism sector, his diverse background and expertise across all segments and departments of the destination management business make him a valuable asset to the company.
He is fluent in German, English, Portuguese and Spanish.
