1. Mercedes-Benz Museum, Germany
More than a museum, the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart breathes a spirit of mobility. It offers a total of eight indoor and outdoor venues, ranging from the open-air stage that can hold slightly over 1,000 people, to the Fascination of Design exhibit where guests can dine in the racing curve and have an unrivalled view of the car manufacturer’s famous Silver Arrows. Planners should note that half of the indoor venues are only available for bookings after normal operating hours.
2. One World Observatory, US
Reach new heights – quite literally from the highest point in New York City – from the One World Trade Center, as its private event space is located on the 102nd floor of the building. The 836m2 Aspire features expansive floor-to-ceiling views in all directions, and can accommodate 250 seated guests, or 450 in cocktail-style.
One floor below is ONE Dine, a restaurant serving casual, brasserie-style fare. This space provides similar sprawling city views, and can be bought out for smaller groups.
3. Culture Club Revelin, Croatia
Located within 500-year-old medieval fortress just outside Ploce Gate in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Culture Club Revelin operates as a nightclub and event space. The piece de resistance is its stone-paved terrace on the roof – the largest in the city – which can hold up to 1,000 people in cocktail format, or 500 people seated. There are also three large, vaulted rooms on the inside, which can accommodate up to 450 guests, providing an ambience steeped in history.
4. Grouse Mountain, Canada
Grouse Mountain in Vancouver offers nine event spaces that can accommodate between 50 to 800 attendees. Its outdoor venues, the Plaza, Paradise Park, or Rusty Rail, boast breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, and can handle groups of around 500. Larger groups of no more than 800 can also book the whole Chalet – which comprises the Timber Room, The Observatory, and Altitudes Bistro.
A delicious buffet breakfast on The Grizzly Lookout, teambuilding programmes, gondola rides, and wildlife experiences, can also be added easily to the programme.
5. Mühlerama Bread Museum, Switzerland
Love the scent of freshly baked bread? At Mühlerama Bread Museum in Zurich, you can bake your bread and eat it too, in addition to learning about the history and evolution of milling and bread-making. This venue is more than a century old, and houses traditional milling equipment that is still in use, as well as authentic milling stones that date back 5,000 years.
Groups of up to 25 can book a sourdough baking class that comes with an educational facility tour. The baking class is easy and fun, as the dough is prepared ahead of time and participants only need to shape them into anything they fancy. The teacher will then help to place these masterpieces into the oven, where freshly-baked souvenirs will be ready for collection after the tour.
6. Green Patio, Spain
One of the last history printing presses in Madrid has been renovated into a 3,000m2 versatile event space, although vestiges of its past remain in the exposed brick walls and handcrafted tiles. The largest space here is the nine-metre-high, 650m2 hall complete with folding sunroofs and soundproofed walls. It can hold a maximum of 450 people in both theatre-style and banquet-style. There is also an outdoor terrace on the top floor, along with several other smaller rooms that can hold between 90 to 160 people.
Globus family of brands (GFOB) has named Hallie Chua as its regional marketing manager for South-east Asia, a newly-created role.
Based out of Singapore, Chua will be responsible for all GFOB’s marketing activities across key areas throughout the region.
She brings with her more than a decade of experience in the travel sector, and has previously worked across brands including Genting Hong Kong and Nam Ho Travel.
SACEOS’ Richard Ireland (moderator); Nineteen Group’s Alison Jackson; STB’s Edward Koh; and Messe Muenchen International Asia’s Micheal Wilton. Photo: Rachel AJ Lee
Asia-Pacific’s dominant role in business events, the region’s post-pandemic resurgence, and Singapore’s strategic positioning, were key topics at the Visionary and Outlook Panel – The Time is Now for Asia! – held this morning on the first day of the Singapore MICE Forum 2024.
The global business events industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming decade, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge. It is this post-pandemic optimism and momentum that drove UK-based major-scale tradeshow organiser, Nineteen Group, to open an office in Singapore recently in April 2024.
SACEOS’ Richard Ireland (moderator); Nineteen Group’s Alison Jackson; STB’s Edward Koh; and Messe Muenchen International Asia’s Michael Wilton. Photo: Rachel AJ Lee
Alison Jackson, group managing director of Nineteen Group, shared: “We did a lot of research and found that many people liked Singapore for many reasons. We have high hopes for Singapore, and are taking it slowly to build our business in a quality way.”
She added that Nineteen’s strategy is to buy into a reputable business, and gradually launch new tradeshows. That is how the inaugural Safety & Security Asia (SSA) 2025 was created. SSA will comprise The Security Event, The Fire Safety Event, The Health & Safety Event, and The Emergency Services Show, which will take place from November 11-13, 2025, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
SSA is a divestment of the Architecture & Building Services event belonging to Singapore-based Conference & Exhibition Management Services.
Michael Wilton, CEO & managing director at Messe Muenchen International Asia, also highlighted the importance of the Asia-Pacific market.
“We have had a legal entity in Singapore for numerous years, but it was in 2019 when we started investing in Asia-Pacific. Establishing business events during the pandemic (was not easy), but this also opened up opportunities in the market, especially with the changing dynamics of China and India, particularly in the manufacturing industry,” he said.
Instead of being “put off by the pandemic”, Messe Muenchen – which has strong branding in Europe – looked at the “long-term prospects” instead. The emergence of new industries is creating fresh opportunities for tradeshows. To capitalise on these, Messe Muenchen’s approach to launch new events are a mixture of mergers and acquisitions, as well as partnerships.
“In Singapore, we’ve launched tradeshows in the logistics, transport, and air cargo (sectors). As we’re doing it for the benefit of the industry, we’re able to tailor the event to ensure it meets the needs of the industry,” he stated.
These new launches are contributing to Singapore’s goal of becoming the “World’s Best MICE City”, a title underscored by the country’s latest business events.
Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore is in a good space. We’ve built up a very robust pipeline, with events secure until 2032.”
However, he acknowledged that some organisers are concerned about Singapore’s increasing costs, especially when compared to her regional neighbours.
Koh elaborated: “All events are priceless knowledge, which (to us) is the true value. (For delegates), what is most valuable is their time. In Singapore, there is a lot of saving time. You can attend several events in the same week. You can even attend an F1 race, another meeting, then another show. We try to create such clusters that can add more value to our (high-cost) challenge.”
“In our research done on Singapore, pricing came up a fair bit. Yes, it can be expensive, but expensive works if you deliver value. Pricing isn’t just square metres, it’s everything. As long as your tradeshow still holds value, quality pricing is fine,” opined Jackson.
Wilton emphasised Singapore’s strong position due to its stability and security, asserting that tradeshows held in the city “must have a regional focus to maintain competitiveness and appeal” within their respective industries.
1. Garden Terrace Lawn, Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
The biophilic Pan Pacific Orchard hotel in Singapore is visually stunning for its lush vertical gardens and many naturally ventilated common spaces that artfully bring Singapore’s tropical environment indoors.
The hotel’s clever nature-urban blend extends to its function venues, with the Garden Terrace Lawn being a beautiful option for stylish events. This venue on the 11th floor, with soft grass underfoot, can host up to 270 guests. It is loved by organisers of sophisticated events, with one such event being the Cartier Young Leaders Award 2023.
2. Beach Club, Saii Lagoon Maldives
Summer fiesta is dished out in spades at Saii Lagoon Maldives’ Beach Club, an idyllic venue good for 600 guests. The Beach Club offers a choice of both indoor and outdoor spaces, with tentage allowed over the latter. The resort team will gladly support organisers in sourcing entertainment and making activity arrangements to suit event objectives. Want a party under the stars? The Beach Club will not disappoint. Saii Lagoon Maldives is part of the larger Crossroads Maldives integrated resort.
3. Toranomon Hills Oval Plaza, Tokyo, Japan
Enjoy the crisp air of Japanese spring or autumn with an outdoor function at the Toranomon Hills Oval Plaza, a space that adjoins the Toranomon Hills Forum conference venue in Tokyo. A 10m-tall sculpture of a man, titled Roots, produced by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, adds an artistic touch to this space. This venue with the adjacent Oval Café can accommodate 99 seated or 150 standing guests.
4. Outdoor Atriums, Singapore Expo
Stretching from the front of halls four to six, the Outdoor Atriums at the Singapore Expo are versatile spaces that will complement the main events taking place within the halls. There are three to choose from, which can be combined for larger activations.
The Outdoor Atriums have seen some creative uses. For FHA – Food and Beverage 2023, a trade event for F&B manufacturers and emerging brands, these spaces were transformed into Beer Yard, a networking zone. With support from Singapore Expo’s events team, FHA organisers brought in performers, pop-up food trucks, nostalgic game sets, and craft beers from local taprooms.
5. Rooftop, Setia SPICE, Penang, Malaysia
Spanning two levels on the uppermost levels of Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang, the rooftop garden is ideal for outdoor events, especially in the evenings. The roof, adorned with 654 programmable, energy-efficient lightbulbs, can display various colours and patterns to suit any occasion. Additionally, there is an outdoor stage for live entertainment and award presentations. This space can host up to 10,000 people for a standing event.
6. Sunset Garden, InterContinental Bali Resort, Indonesia
The sprawling Sunset Garden at InterContinental Bali Resort presents its prettiest face forward at sunset. Here, guests can take in panoramic views of the ocean and the golden glow across the sky as the sun descends. However, this wide open space, good for 1,000 people in a standing reception or 500 in a seated banquet, is also ideal for afternoon cocktail parties.
Boosted by economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum, spending is projected to surpass US$2 trillion by 2028 according to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Report
The global business travel industry is showing signs of a robust recovery, with spending projections for 2024 surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to industry estimates, global business travel spending is expected to reach a record high of US$1.48 trillion by the end of the year, eclipsing the previous peak of US$1.43 trillion recorded in 2019.
Additionally, by 2028, it is projected to exceed US$2 trillion, highlighting a robust path ahead for the business travel sector in terms of spending.
Boosted by economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum, spending is projected to surpass US$2 trillion by 2028 according to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Report
Relative stability in the global economy has continued to drive growth which, along with lingering pent-up demand, has provided reassurance for CEOs and chief financial officers to get their people back on the road for business meetings. Many top business travel markets around the world have returned to or are nearing pre-pandemic levels, reinforcing the momentum of the recovery and boosting spending. However, the outlook for economic and business travel growth presents a balance of both potential upside factors and downside risks.
These are the top-level findings from the latest 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and made possible by Visa.
“We are witnessing the expected rebound in the sector, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of businesses and the value of business travel worldwide,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “With projected spending expected to continue to increase through 2028, the future of business travel looks promising. However, we must remain vigilant and adaptive to potential headwinds in this period of stabilisation, as factors such as changing economic conditions, technological advancements and sustainability developments will also shape the sector ahead.”
Global business travel spending is anticipated to increase 11.1% in 2024, after significant years in 2022 and 2023 of 30%-47% growth year over year. Growth is expected to gradually moderate, resulting in an annual compound growth rate of 6.95% from 2025 to 2028.
In 2023, the business travel industry had recovered approximately US$675 billion of the US$770 billion lost in 2020, according to GBTA BTI analysis, achieving 93% of the pre-pandemic peak of US$1.43 trillion by the end of 2023. The sector experienced a significant resurgence in 2023, with spending growing by 30% compared to 2022, reaching US$1.3 trillion.
Highlights from the 2024 GBTA BTI™ Outlook:
Global business travel spending is expected to recover to its pre-pandemic total of US$1.48 trillion in 2024, fuelled by more favourable economic conditions than expected in 2022 and 2023. (While recovery has been impressive, it is important to note that when adjusted for inflation, spending levels are anticipated to lag pre-pandemic highs over the coming years, implying that business travel volumes will remain below pre-pandemic levels as well.)
The estimated breakdown of the US$1.34 trillion in 2023 business travel expenditures includes US$501 billion for lodging, US$282 billion for air travel, US$245 billion for food and beverage, US$165 billion for ground transportation, and US$142 billion for other travel expenses.
Recovery in business travel continues to vary by region. Asia Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region in 2023 (36%), followed by Western Europe (33%) and North America (25%). The recovery bounce back was led in 2023 by the US, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, all achieving 100% or more of 2019 spending numbers. For 2024, China and the US are forecast to continue to lead as the top two markets, respectively, for overall business travel spending.
Business travel spending also continues to differ across industries. The financial and insurance activities sector is projected to experience the most significant expansion (72%) in business travel spending through 2028. Conversely, the retail trade (41%) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (32%) sectors are anticipated to see the least growth during this period.
With an optimistic outlook overall, there are factors that could impact business travel’s longer-term forecast. Persistent inflation, China’s slower recovery, geopolitical tensions, industry workforce challenges and incidence of natural disasters could result in shifts to the outlook. Increased focus on corporate sustainability also has the potential to impact the sector, demonstrating the vital importance of coordinated action across the industry for business travel’s future.
Potential upside impacts for the business travel sector include ongoing economic stability, technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), and stronger-than-expected economic growth in key markets like the US and India.
GBTA’s survey of 4,100 business travellers across 28 countries and four regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America), revealed an increase in overall business travel, with international travel remaining below average. Sixty-four per cent of business travellers globally report increased spending on business travel compared to 2023. However, over one-third (37%) say they have experienced more restrictive travel policies since pre-Covid.
Business travellers globally estimate their spending, on average, amounts to US$834 per person based on their last business trip. Lodging accounts for US$312, on average, and F&B is US$153. Air travel averages US$176 while ground transportation (US$103) and miscellaneous expenses (US$89) round out the total.
A majority of survey respondents (81%) reported that their most recent business trip was very (46%) or moderately (35%) worthwhile in achieving their business objectives. When asked about their most recent business trip, the most common purpose of travel among all global business travellers is attending seminars/training followed by conventions/conferences.
Compared to 2019, 76% of business travellers travelled the same or more for business travel. Those travelling more (28%) outpaced those who travel less (20%) over the same period. Although overall business travel has increased, both international and group travel remain, on average, lower than 2019 levels. Two-fifths (40%) of the trips taken are three-to-five-night stays, while two-night stays account for one-third (32%). Additionally, 58% said they extended work trips for leisure or vacation about the same (41%) or more frequently (17%) than previous.
When asked about their greatest priorities while travelling for work, maximising comfort (43%) and minimising cost (41%) are on the same level globally, with 16% saying reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, European travellers (22%) are more likely to prioritise reducing their carbon footprint compared to other regions.
When it comes to payment methods for business travel, nearly two-thirds (61%) of global business travellers across all regions are given a corporate credit card. Credit card utilisation is significantly higher among North American business travellers, as nearly a third put 100% of their trip expenses on their corporate card.
Three in five (59%) business travellers surveyed have uploaded their corporate credit card to a mobile wallet and approximately 87% report they use their mobile wallet for at least 10% of their business travel transactions.
Unveiled on stage at the GBTA Convention 2024 in Atlanta in front of more than 5,300 attendees, the 16th edition of the GBTA BTI is an annual exhaustive forecast of business travel spending and growth covering 72 countries and 44 industries. The GBTA BTI also includes survey data and analysis this year from 4,100 business travellers across five global regions, representing insights from employee travellers regarding their business travel preferences, behaviours and spending.
Gardens by the Bay (pictured) will be offered to delegates as an optional tour
Approximately 10,000 top Amway business owners from China – all of whom are from Founders Platinum to Founders Council, the highest pin level – will be in Singapore for the PF22/23 Amway China Leadership Seminar from August 28 to September 13, 2024.
This incentive win is a shot in the arm for Singapore, which has been seen as too costly by some business event organisers and participants, with a few choosing other regional destinations.
Gardens by the Bay (pictured) will be offered to delegates as an optional tour
On why Singapore was chosen, Asha Gupta, regional president, Asia & chief strategy & corporate development officer of Amway, said: “Singapore is a destination that is renowned for serving up a world-class experience. From food to attractions, heritage sites, accommodation and cultural experiences, Singapore caters to all wants and needs and consistently delivers a memorable experience every single time.”
There will be four waves, each comprising about 2,400 participants each, on a 5D4N programme. Attendees are based all over China, but will fly out from nine cities on nine airlines, with Singapore Airlines as the main carrier.
The programme also includes two optional day tours, and a “free & easy” day. The 16 optional tours include attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve; cultural, heritage and gourmet tours; and novel activities like a short course at the National University of Singapore, as well as a dragon boat race.
Participants will be staying at five-star hotels including Fairmont Singapore, Swissotel the Stamford, Hilton Singapore Orchard, Pan Pacific Singapore, and Conrad Centennial Singapore. Amway has also bought out the grand ballroom at Sands Expo & Convention Centre for the business sessions and gala dinners.
Edward Koh, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel, said: “Singapore is proud to host the Amway China Leadership Seminar 2024, the largest post-pandemic incentive group thus far.
“We are confident everyone will enjoy Singapore’s destination offerings – whether as part of the official programme or on their own after conference hours. The success of this event will not only take Amway to greater heights but also leave a positive and lasting impact for years to come. We look forward to our continued partnership with Amway to create a meaningful legacy together.”
In another big win, Singapore has secured the PF24 Amway Japan LAS Family Program 2025 which will see about 1,500 participants gather in Singapore from March 23-27 next year.
Requests for responsible food sources, sustainable event vendors and meaningful destination experiences are on the rise, according to event and hospitality specialists in the Gold Coast.
Destination experiences specialist, Kiff & Culture, is seeing responsible event requests becoming commonplace. Its business development manager Sophie Ham sees this trend as being advantageous, as the company has built a portfolio of programmes that show off the Gold Coast’s natural landscape, wildlife, indigenous community and culture, and farm-to-table opportunities.
Kiff & Culture’s Fire to Fork dining programme
The experience agency’s Fire to Fork dining programme, for example, offers event guests a chance to learn about the art of cooking naturally over fire, as well as the range of “zero-kilometre” local produce available to them.
“We also get corporates enquiring about opportunities to support local charities when they meet in the Gold Coast,” shared Ham, adding that Kiff & Culture’s extensive network allows it to connect clients with charities that are best aligned to a client’s corporate social responsibility goals.
Kiff & Culture is currently working towards a sustainable tourism certification, which Ham expects to materialise by the end of 2024.
“We are very focused on sustainability practices and are partnering with the right people who allow us to achieve our responsible goals,” said Ham.
Unicorn Group’s co-founder and creative experience officer, Ron Anderson, said that with the increased focus on meaningful events, there is now an opportunity to craft local experiences tied to the destination and its people.
Citing an example, he pointed to a corporate event in April that built a whole range of fun and uniquely Gold Coast activities around its trade component at Burleigh Pavilion. The experiences included surfing lessons on Burleigh Beach conducted by famed Gold Coast surfers like Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson, and walking tours of the Jellurgal Dreaming Mountains by the traditional custodians of Burleigh Head.
“These are not experiences that you can replicate in other parts of Australia, as these surfers call the Gold Coast home as do the indigenous tribes. Even the chef who crafted the event menu has lived here all his life,” added Anderson.
Meanwhile, adhering to sustainable food sourcing practices comes easily to hospitality players in the Gold Coast due to access to local agricultural producers.
Hannah Hoy, events manager with Kost Bar and Grill, which opened in 2023 on Broadbeach, said customers increasingly appreciate locally sourced fresh food.
“Our seafood comes from the Miami fish market here on the Gold Coast, while our meat and everything else is from New South Wales farmers,” remarked Hoy, adding that the restaurant offers various courses to suit different event catering requirements.
Besides offering low-carbon impact catering, Ellen Buencamino, director of sales with Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, said the hotel also meets corporate clients’ sustainability expectations through strict guidelines enforced by the wider IHG Hotels & Resorts, which the Crowne Plaza brand is part of.
“Corporate clients staying with us know they will not encounter single-use plastics in their rooms, for instance. We also have our recycling initiatives,” said Buencamino.
Taking sustainable event efforts further, Queensland-based event planner Architects of Vibes maximises the longevity of all materials used for event activations.
Director Dylan Bond told TTGmice that “all materials are reused in different ways” – either to create a different feature in future events or as protective coverings in back-end operations.
Bond explained: “If clients were to say they intend to print massive banners, we would first and foremost recommend digital alternatives. Failing that, we will take (the banners) back after the event, cut them up and turn them into covers to be used when transporting our equipment. We do what we can to minimise waste from our clients.”
SECB and MICE Impact hosted a Singapore Impact Night at IMEX Frankfurt 2024, where industry partners gathered to celebrate 50 years with a cake-cutting ceremony
The Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB), established as a group under the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1974.
Initially tasked with promoting Singapore as a venue for business events for both local and international markets, SECB’s role has evolved into a key driver of the industry, playing a pivotal role in developing the industry ecosystem, fostering partnerships, and shaping the future of Singapore’s business events landscape.
SECB and MICE Impact hosted a Singapore Impact Night at IMEX Frankfurt 2024, where industry partners gathered to celebrate 50 years with a cake-cutting ceremony
Back in those days
The first appointed head of SECB was Jennie Chua, who set up the SECB and served as its leader from 1974 to 1984. There were no purpose-built convention or exhibition facilities.
“The earliest exhibitions were held in the carpark of Grand Hyatt Singapore (which was also known at one point as the Hyatt Regency Singapore) – but that space had low ceilings and pillars, and was not suitable for exhibitions that had heavy equipment. We then converted warehouses at the then-PSA Building in Pasir Panjang into exhibition spaces,” Chua, now retired, recalled during an interview with TTGmice.
That was how the World Trade Centre Singapore was born. Operating from 1978 to 2003, the converted space hosted some of the earliest exhibitions. In 1986, the Raffles City Convention Centre opened with 3,000m2 of venue space; it is still operating today. Also in operation today are the 12,000m2 Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, and 123,000m2 Singapore Expo, which opened in 1995 and 1999 respectively.
Aside from large-scale venues, another challenge that SECB faced early on was that many business events were anchored or rotated in the US and Europe.
The SECB team, comprising 10 people, “did a lot of legwork” to visit professional associations ranging from medical to F&B in those longhaul countries to introduce Singapore and its business events capabilities.
“We also needed to work with our regional partners such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong to bring attention to Asia (as a bloc) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as Asia was still seen as a leisure destination. To draw attention quickly to Asia, we had to work together to gather and share information (on business events),” Chua elaborated.
That is how the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau (AACVB) was formed in 1983 with Singapore as one of the founding members, where its objective was to promote Asia as one of the world’s leading regions for business events.
In today’s climate
These days, SECB has evolved from a promotional entity to a strategic enabler and industry catalyst, where efforts include driving sustainability initiatives and developing the necessary talent pool to support the sector’s growth.
Recent accolades that Singapore has achieved include securing second position on the ICCA Worldwide City Rankings 2023, an advance of more than 10 places from 2022; Cvent’s Top Meeting Destination in Asia (2023) for the sixth time since 2016; and second in Asia-Pacific, and 17th globally in the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index).
In 2005, Singapore also joined the BestCities Global Alliance, the world’s first convention bureau alliance, where 13 partner cities achieve benefits by working together.
Other milestones SECB has achieved include hosting IMF-World Bank Meetings 2006; anchoring key exhibitions such as Singapore Airshow and Food Hotel Asia; hosting large-scale conventions such as Rotary International 2024 which saw more than 14,500 delegates (the largest post-lockdown convention); and a host of large meetings such as Asia Pacific Herbalife Extravaganza 2023 which saw more than 20,000 attendees (the largest post-lockdown meeting).
Yap Chin Siang, deputy chief executive of STB and SECB, said: “Besides having the right infrastructure and ensuring continuous enhancement of this infrastructure, a successful MICE industry needs the right people with the right skills to meet the evolving needs of event organisers and delegates.”
As such, SECB continues to work closely with the local trade association Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), which serves as the voice and advocate of the MICE community in Singapore, supporting the industry through networking opportunities, professional development, thought leadership and driving key industry initiatives.
It was this collaboration that led to the development of the SG SafeEvent framework in 2021 as the world emerged from the shadow of Covid-19. These safety guidelines ensured a smooth restart for the industry, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees as in-person events gradually resumed.
Richard Ireland, SACEOS president, shared: “Other initiatives include the development of the Singapore MICE Sustainability Roadmap in December 2022, which paved the way for MICE Guidelines on Carbon and Waste Management, Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification, and the Certified Event Sustainability Accreditation Programme.
“On a global level, we have also worked with SECB in developing the GSTC MICE Criteria, which will serve as the global sustainability standards for the industry.”
To address talent needs, SACEOS collaborated with SECB to hold dialogue sessions at Institutes of Higher Learning, as well as launch the MICE Internship Best Practices Guidelines in 2023, providing a roadmap for organisations to attract and develop promising individuals.
Yap continued: “SECB also administers the Conference Ambassador Programme which engages notable professionals and key opinion leaders as advocates for Singapore’s MICE industry, where their influence and network help to bolster our bid for MICE events.”
As part of this year’s Singapore MICE Forum, SECB will mark its 50th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony, with past SECB and SACEOS heads in attendance. Coincidentally, as STB will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, special activities and events commemorating both milestones will be organised.
Step into the future
As the global business events landscape evolves, marked by shifting event formats and increasing delegate expectations, Singapore must remain agile in adapting its infrastructure, services, and technology to stay competitive. Navigating geopolitical and economic uncertainties while maintaining a stable and conducive environment will be crucial as competition intensifies from emerging destinations.
When asked what she was most proud of, Chua said: “I’m very proud of where Singapore stands today. My colleagues and I were the early pioneers, but the generations that came after continued developing Singapore’s business events reputation to what it is today.”
She recalled: “Before the internet, people had to make the trip to share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and debate – but the methodology of winning (business events) today is different. Although information can be gleaned through different methods, the interaction and storytelling must still be through human contact.”
Yap also acknowledges that cost cannot be Singapore’s primary competitive advantage, the nation must focus on delivering exceptional infrastructure, services, experiences, and global connectivity to solidify its position as a top business events destination.
Envisioning Singapore’s business events future, Yap said: “By integrating cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences and complementing business events with a rich tapestry of lifestyle and cultural offerings, the city-state aims to redefine the attendee experience.”
This strategy is evident in initiatives like the Singapore FinTech Festival’s takeover of Club Street, which extends beyond conferences to encompass social events and networking opportunities.
Moreover, Singapore’s commitment to fostering long-term impact is demonstrated by events such as The World Aquaculture Singapore 2022, which led to the creation of AquaPolis, a research and innovation cluster. Sustainability will also be deeply embedded in the industry, with responsible event management at its core, Yap added.
He concluded: “We would like to thank all our partners and clients for their support in the past 50 years. Our success would not have been possible without each and every one of them and we look forward to continued collaborations with our industry stakeholders, global partners and clients to build a stronger MICE industry in the next 50 years and beyond!”
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) and Japanese tourism specialist JWIDE debuted a hospitality service – the City Terminal by Plaza Premium Lounge – in Osaka to serve all travellers, regardless of whether they are taking a plane, train or bus.
Located at 1-1-3, Kita-ku Shibata, Osaka-shi, the lounge is situated within all the major tourist areas within Osaka and the transportation routes that lead to nearby cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Nagoya.
The City Lounge is conveniently accessible by various modes of transportation, including buses and trains
Lounge staff offer multilingual travel concierge services in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Visitors can also access detailed tourist information, local tips, transportation bookings, limousine arrangements, temporary luggage storage and delivery services, currency exchange, and umbrella loans.
The City Terminal is equipped with Wi-Fi and provides a selection of meals and drinks, which include Costa Signature Blend complimentary coffee, complimentary tea, soft drinks, and a selection of instant soups and light snacks.
“With the increase in foreign visitors to Japan, it is essential for the country to provide better services and hospitality. We aim to make Japan a more convenient, reliable, safe, and comfortable destination for both foreign visitors and Japanese residents,” said Teppei Nishino, founder and CEO of JWIDE.
“To this end, we have partnered with Plaza Premium Group to establish our first City Terminal in Osaka Umeda. Moving forward, we plan to expand City Terminals and Lounges to major terminal stations, city centres and airports nationwide. Our goal is to support tourism, business trips and local sightseeing in Japan.”
The partners’ future plans include jointly expanding the lounge service network in Japan to Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Fukuoka and Sapporo, in airports and city centre transportation hubs. Additionally, the two companies jointly welcome collaboration with different industries and clients to create a better journey for all travellers.
The decision to rebrand reflects CTM’s commitment to evolving its services to meet the changing needs of customers and the travel landscape; screenshot of CTM’s website
Hong Kong-headquartered Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has rebranded its specialist meetings and events division ETM to CTM Meetings & Events, effective July 22, 2024.
This move will enable businesses to better manage their demand for meetings and corporate events as an extension of their corporate travel programme to drive greater value from their travel budget.
The decision to rebrand reflects CTM’s commitment to evolving its services to meet the changing needs of customers and the travel landscape; screenshot of CTM’s website
Business meetings and corporate events have emerged as a significant and growing segment of business travel, as evidenced in CTM’s 2024 Global Customer Survey which found that 90 per cent of respondents expect to travel the same amount or more for customer meetings in the coming year. Additionally, 85 per cent expect to travel the same or more for internal meetings, and 84 per cent for conferences and tradeshows.
“People enjoy collaborating with their colleagues and partners in person because it strengthens business relationships and opens new opportunities. Being in the business of connecting people is incredibly rewarding, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do as CTM Meetings & Events,” said Doreen Low, MICE manager of CTM Meetings & Events, Asia.
“Our survey demonstrated that our customers value innovative technology and cherish immersive destination experiences within their corporate events. Unique and interesting event destinations are also highly valued, along with distinctive meeting or event spaces. This reflects the diverse needs and preferences of our customers, and it’s where our services truly add value. We understand that all these elements are crucial to a successful business event, and we’re here to make that happen.”
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She brings with her more than a decade of experience in the travel sector, and has previously worked across brands including Genting Hong Kong and Nam Ho Travel.
