Meetings 2024, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual tradeshow for New Zealand’s business events industry, is moving back to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for 2025 and 2026.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said: “It’s been four years since Meetings was held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and much has changed in the city.”
She pointed out that the city was undergoing “an exciting transformation”, with major infrastructure projects such as the NZICC, City Rail Link – due to open end of 2025 – and several new hotels such as the Horizon Hotel and Intercontinental Auckland, coming online. The Cordis Pinnacle Tower is also undergoing expansion.
“Hosted buyers, by invitation, will have the opportunity to tour the NZICC in 2025, as a prelude to 2026. We are already looking ahead for Meetings’ 30th anniversary in 2026 and NZICC will be an exciting venue to celebrate this milestone,” she added.
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) statistics rank Auckland in the top 100 worldwide for hosting international conferences. The city has also posted its best ranking in the Asia Pacific region in 10 years, at 15th position.
Meetings was last held in Auckland in 2021, followed by Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua. MEETINGS 2024 in Rotorua generated a projected NZ$110 million (US$66.8 million) worth of business over the next three years.
The Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) is experiencing a surge in conference bookings, with a series of high-profile events held in recent months, and a robust pipeline extending through June 2025.
Recently, the Viruses of Microbes (VoM) 2024 Conference was held for the first time outside Europe, attracting over 500 global experts in microbial virology. This week’s XVIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum (QCHSC) 2024 Conference (August 19-24) will attract over 500 international and national delegates, and will be supported by Business Events Australia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Viruses of Microbes 2024 Conference
Jeremy J. Barr, associate professor from Monash University and co-chair of VoM, said: “Hosting the meeting in Cairns was an easy choice. Cairns’ unique wildlife, scenery, and setting offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s rare to have a conference on a tropical coral reef with a rainforest above.
“Cairns’ relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and Australian culture enhanced the experience for international delegates. It’s been an optimal location for a conference; we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
For QCHSC, CCC was selected for its ties with the scientific community and superior facilities. Ayse Kizilersu from the University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, who is leading the organisation of the event, shared: “Both the venue and destination offer incredible appeal to our delegates, ensuring a high level of attendance from around the world. This year’s event promises to be our best yet, and I look forward to welcoming our community when they arrive in Cairns.”
Other upcoming conferences include the TravelManagers Australia Conference featuring Olympic Champion Cathy Freeman in September, the Australasian Genomic Technologies Association Annual Conference in October, and the Australian Archaeological Association Annual Conference in December.
Moving into 2025, CCC will be hosting the Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association in April, and the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting in May.
Between now and June 2025, CCC estimates it will attract over 21,000 delegates from Australia and overseas.
CCC’s general manager Janet Hamilton stated: “We’re thrilled to welcome delegates from all corners of the globe. The centre serves as an ecosystem for knowledge sharing, education, and community engagement. These conferences not only stimulate the Cairns economy but also provide a platform for collaboration and learning.”
Malaysia’s hosting of ACAAF 2024 is expected to boost the nation’s position as a premier business events destination in Asia
Malaysia hosted a successful second Asia Convention Alliance Association Forum (ACAAF) 2024, bringing together 100 industry leaders from across Asia to discuss sustainable innovations in the business events sector.
Held under the theme Business Events and Technology with Sustainability, the forum, a highlight of Malaysia Business Events Week, aimed to drive transformative ideas and collaborative breakthroughs.
Malaysia’s hosting of ACAAF 2024 is expected to boost the nation’s position as a premier business events destination in Asia
Key speakers from Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, and Seoul Tourism Organization shared insights on how technology can enhance meeting experiences while preserving the environment. The event also emphasised innovative sustainability practices to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
ACAAF is an annual event rotating among founding members Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge innovations.
La Vie Dor Hotel and Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham marks the brand’s first hotel in South Korea
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts officially introduced its Trademark Collection brand to South Korea with the opening of La Vie Dor Hotel and Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
The 190-key hotel in Hwaseong-si features 1,945m2 of event space across 12 venues that can accommodate up to 2,000 conference guests. Experienced meeting and event planners will also be on-site to help with arrangements.
La Vie Dor Hotel and Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham marks the brand’s first hotel in South Korea
Aside from conferencing, the property also caters to business travellers, as it is located near major corporations like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai-Kia Motors.
Meanwhile, leisure amenities include a nine-hole golf course, three F&B options, indoor pool, spa, and gym.
The new hotel elevates the Company’s presence in South Korea to over 30 hotels and joins nearly 20 Trademark hotels across Asia Pacific.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has appointed Torsten Richter as the property’s general manager and the area general manager of Indonesia and Malaysia.
He will oversee other Minor properties such as Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.
With a career spanning three decades in the hospitality industry, Richter is renowned for his proficiency in managing both resorts and city hotels, having held leadership positions in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK. He most recently served as the multi-property general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.
Switzerland may be most known and loved for its majestic mountains, timepieces, cheese and chocolates, but the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) wants to broaden event planners’ view of the aspirational destination, so that even more diverse experiences can be crafted to provide a truly memorable travel reward for top achievers.
A key catalyst in its push for deeper exploration of the country is the well-oiled public transport network, covering buses, trams, trains and ferries, that not only allows for convenient group movement, it also enables organisations to minimise their travel carbon impact.
Lausanne offers a blend of the old and new, from serene vineyards to lively waterfront resorts
Barbra Albrecht, head of meetings & incentives worldwide and member of the Management Board with SCIB, told TTGmice that it did not matter where groups stayed, as “Switzerland is quite small” and “you can be on a mountaintop in an hour, and explore a top attraction in another city in the next”.
Albrecht hopes to encourage Asian corporate incentive groups to discover unknown sides of Swiss destinations like Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Lavaux.
Zurich, for example, has plenty of play up its sleeve, but international travellers typically see only its serious side as a financial and business hub.
Anita Berardi, market manager for South-east Asia, Korea and global accounts at Zurich Tourism, said: “Zurich has a lot of things to do, but visitors don’t really know about them.”
Travellers can explore the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where they can learn about chocolate evolution and production while sampling chocolate products; Mühlerama, an ancient industrial mill and a museum of food culture, where they can bake bread; and Kunsthaus Zürich, renowned as the largest museum of fine arts in the country. The city’s scenic side can be appreciated on lake cruises or over a leisurely lunch by Lake Zurich.
“As the largest city in Switzerland, it has the highest number of hotels and is a very good centre to start off day excursions around the country,” remarked Berardi.
Properties like The Dolder Grand, a resort specialising in wellness, are ready to welcome corporate groups.
According to Fabian Gruetter, director of revenue, reservations groups, The Dolder Grand is a hit with corporate clients, as it offers a plethora of activities, such as free-to-use e-bikes, ice rinks (in winter), and spa facilities as well as paid ones like the nine-hole golf course. All five restaurants can customise dining arrangements, while groups have 15 function rooms to choose from.
Jet d’Eau on Lake Geneva
Geneva is another city “trapped in a cliché”, opined Kristelle Charrê, public relations and market manager for South-east Asia and North America with Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation. Often regarded as a business city, Geneva has, in fact, “a lot of unique attractions for MICE groups”.
“Top achievers will get to craft fine watches and learn to make delicious chocolates here in Geneva, but there are also things that are incredibly special waiting to be discovered,” added Charrê.
One example is the CERN Science Gateway, an education and outreach centre. Opened in October 2023, the centre is part of the world-renowned laboratory for particle physics. Here, visitors get to marvel at multimedia exhibits, join hands-on workshops, attend science shows and events that blend science and culture, and tour CERN facilities. The insightful tour can be paired with private gatherings hosted at the Science Gateway Auditorium, and Globe of Science and Innovation.
Charrê recommends that corporate groups take a day to meet and do business in Geneva, then reserve at least a full day to “take in the sun on a cruise down Lake Geneva, see the Jet d’Eau (an iconic fountain in Lake Geneva that shoots a powerful jet 140m into the sky), and go for wine-tasting in the nearby vineyards”.
From Geneva, groups can hop on a short train ride to Lausanne, and see how the landscape changes to multiple layers of modern and ancient architecture cut into hills. Journey through the old town, stopping to pick up local produce like cheese and fruits or fashion accessories crafted by local designers. Soon, the spire of the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne will loom into view. Conquer the steps and be rewarded by a serene garden fronting the church, and from here inhale the beautiful vistas of Lausanne.
This laid-back, traditional side of Lausanne is charming, but the city is also renowned as the Olympic Capital and is home to more than 55 international sports federations and organisations. This makes it an ideal learning ground for groups with a sports specialisation. The Olympic Museum is not to be missed, and exclusive social events with private tours of the permanent exhibits can be hosted within.
With Lausanne celebrating its 30th anniversary as the Olympic Capital this year, free public events, such as Euro 2024 fan activities and group fitness classes, have been arranged to mark the occasion.
As further proof of Albrecht’s claim that one could easily see various landscapes in a single day across Switzerland, a short train ride from Lausanne whisks groups off into the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world moves slowly here, which is perfect because the blend of lush terraces, clear blue skies, sparkling waters of Lake Geneva, and ragged alps in the distance is a sight that demands unhurried admiration.
Clos de la République, a vineyard that dates back to the 16th century and the oldest family business in Switzerland, welcomes private groups into its 35-hectare estate. Its many outdoor spaces and indoor venues have hosted conferences, teambuilding activities, and dinner parties.
From this picture postcard destination, shift into high gear and head up to the year-round winter wonderland that is Glacier 3000, where teambuilding games can be conducted in the snow.
Beyond the many shades of fun that Switzerland dishes out, the country also presents opportunities for corporate groups to achieve their sustainability goals.
Charrê said it would be easy for well-meaning groups to incorporate CSR elements into their programme since living sustainably “is part of the Swiss DNA”.
Groups could visit Swiss national parks and participate in conservation work with specialists who will explain why they do what they do. In Geneva, for instance, groups could enjoy farm-to-table dining in the countryside, and work with organisations that provide livelihood to people with disabilities.
SCIB’s MICE manager, South-east Asia, Dominique Oi, recalled having arranged industry visits to a power station and a hydropower plant for corporate groups from energy industries. “There is a lot of curiosity around Switzerland’s sustainable practices that go beyond recycling, and especially how the country has been harnessing energy in sustainable ways before this concept became trendy,” she said.
So, while the efficient Swiss Travel System and the convenient Swiss Travel Pass make it possible for corporate groups to touch several destinations in a single day, the array of experiences in each destination calls for a slower pace that allows top achievers to truly relish every moment.
The Westin Kuala Lumpur has named Daniel Burstein as its new general manager, where he will oversee all aspects of operations and management of the hotel.
Prior to joining The Westin Kuala Lumpur, he was general manager at the Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, earning numerous awards and accolades during his tenure.
Marking sustainable events in Thailand with carbon offset that generates benefits for local communities will soon become a possibility
A consortium of five Thai organisations has come together to unveil a carbon trading platform designed to promote sustainable events in the country.
The platform, a first of its kind in Thailand, aims to facilitate carbon offsetting for small and medium enterprises, with a particular focus on the business events industry and tourism sector. Named Carbon Neutrality 4 All, the platform is currently undergoing a pilot phase with individual travellers and is set to be introduced to business events entrepreneurs later this year.
Marking sustainable events in Thailand with carbon offset that generates benefits for local communities will soon become a possibility
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, Ministry of Interior, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and The Central Group. The five signed a Memorandum of Understanding last week during the soft launch of the platform in Bangkok.
A key feature of the platform is its ability to connect event organisers with carbon credits generated from local community-based waste management projects. By offsetting carbon emissions through the platform, businesses can contribute to environmental sustainability while also supporting local economies. In return, event organisers will earn points redeemable for discounts at participating retail stores.
The platform incorporates advanced technology, including the CERO application for carbon footprint calculation and AI integration. This enables event organisers to easily track and reduce their carbon emissions, while attendees can monitor their own environmental impact through the Green Activities feature.
This is a significant step towards Thailand’s net zero carbon goal.
SKÅL International Thailand has announced its ‘new format’ Annual Forum, set to take place over three days from November 29 to December 2, 2024, at the Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel in Chiang Mai.
This year’s event – themed Embracing the Future of Tourism Together – will feature a programme of panel discussions designed to offer an element of professional development for attendees. Topics will include AI’s Impact on Travel and Tourism, and the Future, as well as trending issues such as Focus on Food in Travel, and Wellness Now a Major Force in Global Tourism.
The forum will also highlight cultural attractions in Chiang Mai (pictured)
Beyond professional development, the event will feature a strong social component, showcasing Chiang Mai’s cultural attractions while fostering connections among SKÅL members. In line with its commitment to the community, the forum will also dedicate a portion of its programme to World AIDS Day, with a visit to AGAPE, a local organisation supporting children with the disease.
Various registration packages, including forum-only and accommodation options, are available.
As the national chapter of SKÅL International, the world’s largest travel and tourism network, SKÅL Thailand boasts over 200 members across five clubs in the country.
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 a career spanning three decades in the hospitality industry, Richter is renowned for his proficiency in managing both resorts and city hotels, having held leadership positions in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK. He most recently served as the multi-property general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.
With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Lowe previously held senior roles at Flight Centre Travel Group.
Prior to joining The Westin Kuala Lumpur, he was general manager at the Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, earning numerous awards and accolades during his tenure.
