Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has appointed Amit Kumar Prasad as the new director of F&B.
In his new role, Prasad will oversee the comprehensive repositioning of the resort’s food and beverage outlets, ensuring they align with the resort’s overall strategic vision. His responsibilities will include managing dining operations, developing innovative dining concepts, and enhancing the overall guest dining experience through attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Prasad’s career includes leadership roles at resorts such as Villa Park Sun Island Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Resort & Spa Maldives, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives.
He was most recently director of F&B at Villa Park Sun Island Resort & Spa.
A conference in session at last year’s IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2024
Slated to be held from September 24-26 at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, the annual IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2024 is currently in its final preparations.
The exhibition hall will host a wide range of pavilions and booths from different countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region, such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Meet Taiwan, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Singapore Expo, and Hong Kong Tourism Board. Exhibitors will be ready to showcase the latest technologies, products, and services that can enhance business events, as well as corporate travel experiences.
A conference in session at last year’s IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2024
There will also be a series of conferences, seminars, and workshops will offer valuable insights and knowledge on industry trends and best practices.
Aside from highlighting the recent launch of the Thailand MICE Visa Prepaid Card, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of TCEB, shared that there will be 39 Thai exhibitors – representing six destinations from Khao Lak to Chiang Mai – present.
Special features include a dedicated Singapore Pavilion highlighting the country’s advancements in technology and business; a Sea & Air Zone focusing on the airline and cruise industries; a Tech and Engagement Zone featuring the latest technological innovations; and a Corporate Zone showcasing products and services tailored for corporate events with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.
Networking opportunities will abound, with the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) Philippines hosting a by-invitation-only luncheon on September 26, and the PATA Power of Networking Session providing insights on the impact of visa-free waivers on visitor arrivals.
The event reflects Macao’s growing reputation as a medical conference hub and its goal to promote the Big Health industry
The 19th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Macau Urological Association (MUA) – organised by Macau’s first professional organisation dedicated to urology – recently concluded on September 14, 2024,
Held at The Parisian Macao, the event brought together over 250 experts from the Greater Bay Area and beyond to discuss urological topics.
The event reflects Macaou’s growing reputation as a medical conference hub and its goal to promote the Big Health industry
The meeting showcased Macau’s growing reputation as a hub for medical conferences and professional gatherings, while Sands China’s support for the event aligns with the Macau SAR Government’s “1+4” strategy for moderate economic diversification, which places a strong emphasis on the Big Health industry.
Kris Kaminsky, senior vice president of hotel operations at Sands China, stated: “… By supporting events like the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Macau Urological Association, we are not only providing world-class facilities but also contributing to the city’s broader goals of becoming a global hub for the Big Health industry. Our commitment to the MICE sector is deeply intertwined with supporting initiatives that drive long-term growth for Macao’s economy and its healthcare ecosystem.”
Founded in 2006, MUA is a professional academic organisation for urology, comprising all urologists in Macau.
Registrations are now open for the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) 2024 conference, which will be held in Taranaki for the first time from November 25-27, 2024.
This year’s conference and annual general meeting will take place at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth, andl include a day and a half of education sessions, panel discussions and workshops, plus a relaxed social programme.
This is the first time the conference is going to Taranaki. Mount Taranaki pictured. Photo credit: Marvin Rozendal
On November 25, industry first-timers will be welcomed, and Regional Convention Bureaux will meet before the conference Welcome Function at Fitzroy Beach that evening.
Education sessions on November 26 and 27 will draw on the best of the business events industry, as well as experts in their field including Brad Olsen, principal economist at Infometrics; Maretha Smit, CEO of Diversity Works; and professor Carmel Foley, from University of Technology Sydney, an internationally-recognised business events’ researcher.
Their topics will include diversity, equity and inclusion, cultural integration, legacy and impact, and improving collaboration within the industry.
The BEIA Mentorship Programme 2024 will wind up during the conference, with a chance for mentors and mentees to gather and celebrate their achievements.
The conference wraps up at lunchtime on November 27, after a gala evening at Bowl of Brooklands where BEIA’s annual Outstanding Contributor Award will be announced.
The facade of Alma House. Photo credit: Finbarr Fallon
A new serviced apartment in Singapore’s New Bahru, Alma House, has set its sights on being a non-cookie-cutter serviced apartment that can tap into the potential of adaptive reuse projects.
Alma House is under the stewardship of Project X, itself a new, Singapore-based hospitality operator.
The facade of Alma House. Photo credit: Finbarr Fallon
“Alma House is the first in a series of Houses curated and managed by Project X. We strive to set the benchmark for authentic hospitality experiences – beyond revitalising spaces, we want to reshape the urban fabric,” Giselle Makarachvili, general manager of Alma House and co-founder of Project X, told TTGmice. Makarachvili was previously the CEO of Hmlet (rebranded to Habyt in 2023), another Singapore-based co-living solutions provider.
This is Project X’s foray into the hospitality industry, together with their investment partners Sunray Woodcraft Construction and Agility Funds Management. Their mission is to ensure Alma House is seen as a “refreshing option” as opposed to the more predictable “traditional brand offerings”, Makarachvili shared.
“A new generation of travellers are seeking authentic localised experiences and Alma House, alongside the offerings across various verticals at New Bahru – from gastronomy to retail and wellness – caters to that,” she quipped. “We were drawn by The Lo & Behold Group’s mission for New Bahru to create a new creative cluster in Singapore which supports local enterprises.”
There is no maximum length of stay at Alma House, but the longer the length of stay, the lower the daily rate. Currently, the lowest rate is for six months and more, but Makarachvili does not anticipate having many guests staying beyond 90 days.
“Our main audience focuses on foreigners or locals requiring temporary accommodation either while finding their permanent residence in Singapore, or while renovating their homes or awaiting keys to their new home. Separately, we work with different corporates to offer short- to mid-term solutions for incoming expats or overall business travellers coming for conferences, workshops or assignments,” she explained.
When asked about Project X’s future plans, Makarachvili declined to share further, but TTGmice understands that Alma House will not be the only property in its portfolio, where each “House” will have a unique, standalone identity.
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) has appointed Kendra Naidoo as its new general manager.
Naidoo, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in venue operations, leadership, and management, steps into the role as Nigel Keen, who has served as general manager for the past 12 years, steps down.
She has been with the PCEC team for the past six years, with two years as general manager of venue operations.
Over the next three months, Naidoo will be working remotely while completing her maternity leave after the birth of her second child in July. Joshua Key will serve as acting general manager of operations throughout October, November and December, with Kendra returning to her full-time role in January 2025.
The Singapore Edition has opened Wonder Room, a new event venue that can be booked for corporate celebrations, product launches, and more.
Located within the hotel’s lower ground level, Wonder Room features a sophisticated ambience with a focus on premium cocktails, gourmet bites, and exclusive events. It can hold up to 120 pax standing, or 60 pax seated.
The pool table in the Wonder Room
Upon entering Wonder Room, guests are greeted by a striking bronze mirror tunnel that leads to a luxurious interior. The space boasts a combination of dark, moody tones and opulent furnishings, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
The centerpiece of Wonder Room is the Gold Bar, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of spirits. A pool table adds a touch of classic charm, while plush seating and a gold velvet ottoman provide a comfortable and stylish setting.
Meanwhile, Wonder Room’s menu offers a variety of delectable bites and cocktails to complement the luxurious ambience. Highlights include premium caviars, gourmet sliders, and innovative cocktail creations.
When asked if there is a standard minimum spend, Giovanni Graziadei, director of beverage at The Singapore Edition, said: “Events at the Wonder Room are highly curated, so prices may vary. We’ve hosted several private events, primarily birthday parties, which are tailored to individual preferences and have been exceptionally well received.”
Additionally, Wonder Room will host a series of exclusive events, including live performances, DJ sets, and cultural experiences. For those seeking even more privacy, the venue also features Pink Room, an intimate 20-seat speakeasy-style space available for private bookings.
V. Sivakumar, the former minister of human resources, is now the chairman of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
As the new chairman of MyCEB, he is committed to exploring new opportunities to drive MyCEB’s progress. His focus includes strengthening Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for international business events, encouraging innovation by integrating the latest technology into event organisation, promoting Malaysia as a sustainable and eco-friendly destination for global business events, and developing local talent.
Sivakumar will also lead MyCEB’s board discussions, encourage active participation, and allow dissenting views to be freely expressed. At the same time, he will lead the board in establishing and monitoring good corporate governance practices in MyCEB and develop a good relationship between the board and management.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, which debuts in November, has appointed a team of six seasoned hospitality experts.
Having been with Marriott for 24 years, new general manager Tina Liu boasts an impressive business acumen and an extensive background in luxury hospitality. She has led teams at high-profile hotels, primarily in Thailand, and is fluent in Thai.
From left: Lewis Quinn, Leon Chan, Tina Liu, Evelyne Hahang, Clément Larre, Glen Cooper
Next is hotel manager, Lewis Quinn, who brings with him over 15 years of working in hospitality to his new role, while Evelyne Hahang takes on the role of director of rooms, having honed her hospitality skills for over 15 years in the UK, France, Australia, and Thailand.
Leon Chan, who hails from Singapore, is the director of sales & marketing. He has amassed 15 years of hospitality sales and business development experience working at high-profile hotels in Singapore and Hong Kong.
For F&B, Clément Larre leads as director, with Glen Cooper as executive chef.
The Singapore Edition has appointed Cedric Patrick Vinckier as director of F&B.
In his role, Vinckier will oversee F&B across all aspects of the luxury hotel and its four outlets, as well as in-room dining and banqueting.
Vinckier’s journey in F&B management began with a two-year chef apprenticeship at Radisson Blu Hotel in Dusseldorf, Germany. He then moved to France, serving as head waiter at the three-Michelin-star Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu for two years. Following his time in France, Vinckier joined the Vira Vira hotel in Pucon, Chile, as F&B manager, leading the team and elevating the hotel’s culinary offerings for two years.
Vinckier’s career trajectory continued as general manager of Michelin-star Le Normandie at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok from 2019 to 2021. He was also instrumental in the successful launch of Pelagos at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel in Athens, which achieved a Michelin star and Wine Spectator award within six months.
Most recently, Vinckier served as assistant director of F&B at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, a position he held since 2023.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, which debuts in November, has appointed a team of six seasoned hospitality experts.
Having been with Marriott for 24 years, new general manager Tina Liu boasts an impressive business acumen and an extensive background in luxury hospitality. She has led teams at high-profile hotels, primarily in Thailand, and is fluent in Thai.
Next is hotel manager, Lewis Quinn, who brings with him over 15 years of working in hospitality to his new role, while Evelyne Hahang takes on the role of director of rooms, having honed her hospitality skills for over 15 years in the UK, France, Australia, and Thailand.
Leon Chan, who hails from Singapore, is the director of sales & marketing. He has amassed 15 years of hospitality sales and business development experience working at high-profile hotels in Singapore and Hong Kong.
For F&B, Clément Larre leads as director, with Glen Cooper as executive chef.