Tropical North Queensland promotes MICE capability to eastern seaboard cities
Fresh business event leads from across Australia have been secured for Tropical North Queensland following the annual Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Showcase.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s general manager of partnerships and events, Tara Bennett, said the team was accompanied by 18 local business events suppliers to host lunch in Brisbane, breakfast in Sydney and cocktails in Melbourne.
“The three events gave us the opportunity to meet 100 association and corporate buyers, professional conference organisers and destination management companies,” she said.
Around 45kg of local produce was transported to each city to create a display showcasing the region’s diverse tropical food and beverage offerings. These products were then made available as delegate gifts.
Delegates were able to select their preferred gifts from a range of options including chocolate, coffee, tea, dried fruit, macadamia nuts, chilli sauces, lollies, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and dukkah.
Two new videos, targeting the association and incentive markets respectively, were also launched at each event to showcase Tropical North Queensland and its business event capabilities.
Produced as part of the Create Great content shoot, the videos are now being utilised by a PCO and are hosted on the Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland websites.
The showcase complemented ongoing in-region educationals, site inspections, and brand marketing efforts to enhance the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef’s reputation as a premier business events destination.
A hotel’s guide to leveraging AI to attract events and boost profitability
Imagine improving your sales efficiency, identifying the most profitable business event effortlessly, and gaining valuable business intelligence to answer your strategic questions. This transformative power is available with artificial intelligence (AI) and Cvent is making accessing this power possible for the event and hospitality industries.
By leveraging smarter prospecting, natural language search, faster ‘Requests for Proposals’ (RFPs) response, and enhanced agenda creation, hotels can optimise their operations, make informed decisions, and so much more. Embracing the limitless potential of AI will enable the hotel industry to pioneer a new era of success, where intelligent technologies revolutionise operations and propel you ahead of the competition.
It will enable hotels to streamline cumbersome processes, enhance customer experiences and improve collaboration between event professionals from the proposal stage right through to post-event wrap ups.
Here are the top four ways hotels can use AI to increase their event capabilities, as discussed at the leading technology event Cvent Accelerate, recently hosted in Singapore and Sydney.
Evidence-backed insights for business decisions
Historical data from a hotel can be analysed by AI systems to produce insights into booking trends, competitor pricing and current market demand. These insights can assist in identifying key areas of opportunity, pricing strategies and marketing campaigns.
This detailed level of analysis will allow hotels to understand their place in the market, identify unique offerings and set themselves apart from competitors.
Operational efficiency enhancement
Hotels are dynamic and multifaceted businesses operating in a highly competitive market. AI can be highly beneficial in reducing some of the administrative burdens, for example when putting RFPs together, the data-entry process can be automated and standardised responses can be automatically generated.
AI-driven predictive insights can provide sales teams with real-time data that can be used to enhance client conversations. The insights can be highly beneficial in positioning your hotel as a leading venue to assist in retaining and attracting new business.
Targeted marketing
Hotels can gain deep insights into customer preferences and behaviour by using AI-powered data analytics tools. For example, AI can be used to analyse the preferences of event organisers, identifying the types of events they typically host and the amenities they value most.
This will inform the building of customised packages that appeal directly to these organisers, increasing the likelihood of securing bookings. Targeted marketing enhances the guest experience and boosts conversion rates, leading to higher occupancy and revenue.
Sustainability and cost savings
The events industry is focused on reducing the environmental impact of events and need to demonstrate their commitment and results. Technology can support in tracking emissions and a hotel’s carbon footprint so businesses can make informed decisions on strategies, for example, with waste management, optimising electricity usage and tracking usage patterns.
By adopting sustainable practices, hotels can attract environmentally conscious event organisers and guests, enhancing their reputation and competitive edge. Moreover, the cost savings achieved through AI-driven efficiency measures can be reinvested into further enhancing the guest experience and expanding event offerings.
Adopting these technological advancements, will see hotels not only stay ahead in a competitive market but also create memorable and impactful environments for events that drive long-term success.
The future of the hotel industry lies in its ability to harness the power of AI, transforming challenges into opportunities and delivering unparalleled value to both guests and event organisers.
Graham Pope is the vice president of international sales, Cvent. With over 15 years of experience in the events and software-as-a-service (SaaS) space, he specialises in helping hoteliers grow their business events and transient business with technology. Before joining Cvent, Pope worked for five years as the EMEA group commercial director at GES.
Asia’s retail revolution
Event brief
The US National Retail Federation (NRF) and global event organiser Comexposium launched NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore to extend their reach.
American in origin but designed for a largely Asian audience, NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific presented an exhibition, conference and retail store visits.
Themed “Fast Track Your Success”, the event focused on the dynamic and evolving nature of the retail industry and its future.
“We aimed to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and innovation that drives the industry forward,” said Ryf Quail, managing director, NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, Comexposium. “The warm and favourable reception from the retail communities strongly indicates a significant demand for a pan-regional retail event.”
Event highlights
The tradeshow, with 238 exhibitors, spanned three halls. There was a heavy emphasis on automation, technology and innovative applications – unlike visual merchandising displays of two decades ago, when the Retail Industry Trade Event held sway.
Exhibitor pitches ranged from procurement, logistics, storage, point-of-sale and payment to customer service, relationship management and data analysis for sales and employee management. E-commerce solutions also figured prominently, as did RFID and AI.
The Modern Store, for instance, presented a new shopping experience with interconnected action prompts, in-store phone conversations, and check-out and Generative AI-enabled actions.
Lenovo, Nvidia, and AMD jointly showed their AI-ready platforms for retailers – from shop floor to data centre, to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
In the NRF Innovation Lab area, 20 exhibitors and start-ups from around the world showed retail technology and applications drawing on AI, AR, data analytics and Web3.
Visenze’s e-tail multiple search and discovery, Corsight AI’s real-world facial intelligence, Zappar’s easily-accessed QR codes, including for the visually impaired, and Trollee’s AI-driven smart-cart were among the crowd-pullers.
Conference sessions and panel discussions took place in two meeting rooms on Level 3 as well as in the exhibition halls. Speakers from leading brands shared insights on the latest trends, omnichannel retailing, AI integration, sustainable practices and the customer experience.
Unlike most tradeshows, NRF offered silent conferencing within the expo hall. Attendees could hear the talks through headsets, with showfloor discussions unaffected by the talks and videos.
Simultaneous translation was available in Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese through headsets for talks in meeting rooms. Japan, China and the Americas were among the countries with the biggest presence at NRF 2024.
Retail store visits were another attraction. Groups visited the Luzerne flagship store (ceramics) on two afternoons. Hosting on different days were BHG department store, Escentials, Design Orchard and the flagship stores of Nike and Singtel.
However, while many foreign participants were glad to see a bit of Singapore outside the event venue, some found the tours long and tiring.
Summing up, Elaine Chia, CEO for Asia Pacific at Comexposium, said: “Bringing Retail’s Big Show from the US to Asia Pacific has been an exciting journey. Data shows that we have successfully delivered a world-class event and established Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific as a must-attend occasion in the region.”
Challenges
The NRF Innovation Lab was often congested as exhibitors shared an open-plan area instead of standard booths, and some drew more visitors than others.
“Space was a challenge as we ran out of room on the expo floor quite early and several eager exhibitors could not secure a booth. Also, several activities were oversubscribed,” said Chia.
For example, exhibitor Big Idea sessions were oversubscribed by about 30 per cent, and some people had to be turned away.
Another challenge was the high volume of eleventh-hour registrations which strained the registration platform, especially on the first day.
“For 2025, we’re working closely with Marina Bay Sands to reconfigure the floor to accommodate more exhibitors. As we expect 10,000 attendees, we have started the planning process and are working closely with our partners and vendors to ensure we have the infrastructure and capacities to accommodate everyone,” added Chia.
Event NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific
Organiser Comexposium and National Retail Federation, USA
Venue Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Date June 11-13, 2024
Attendance 8,600 participants from 52 countries
Lampung welcomes first Marriott resort
Marriott Hotel has opened the 154-key Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa, marking the brand’s debut in the Indonesian province along the southern coast of Sumatra.
Event facilities on-site include the 1,200m2 Sthana Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. For the Javanese, the ballroom’s ceiling design is inspired by the intricate-layered Javanese Tumpang Sari, which symbolises the sacred mountains. The ballroom is complemented by a spacious outdoor garden area.
In addition, five meeting rooms provide flexible setups that can accommodate up to 200 attendees each, from banquets to theatre arrangements. Delegates can also enjoy direct access to the garden – which overlooks the ocean – directly from the meeting rooms.
Aside from its 154 rooms and suites, the property has eight one- and two-bedroom villas.
Corporate guests can maintain their workout routines at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness centre, or choose from the extensive relaxation menu available at the Quan Spa. There is also a Kids Club for those travelling with their little ones.
Lastly, F&B options include all-day dining restaurant Hara at The Hurun serving local and international cuisines; Way Manrom, a lunch and dinner spot offering a modern twist to Indonesian classics; and the Anonna cafe for grab-and-go items or pastries.
Jason Nuell to lead as area VP (ANZP) at Marriott International
Marriott International has appointed Jason Nuell as area vice president – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP), where he will lead the growth and performance of the brand’s footprint in the region.
Nuell joined Marriott in 2003 as the director of Food and Beverage at the Surfer’s Paradise Marriott Resort (now JW Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast). His career with Marriott International has included a range of senior leadership roles across South-east Asia, China, India, the US, and Europe.
Hong Kong’s MICE sector makes a strong comeback
Hong Kong is experiencing a resurgence in its business events industry, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reporting a significant rebound in 1H2024.
The city welcomed approximately 21 million visitors during this period, with half opting for overnight stays. Business events travellers accounted for 700,000 of these overnight visitors, marking a recovery of around 80 per cent compared to the same period in 2018, making this the fastest-growing visitor segment in Hong Kong.
Each business events visitor spends an average of HK$8,000 (US$1,028), which is 20 to 30 per cent higher than the overall average spending per visitor. Additionally, they tend to stay longer, with an average of 3.7 nights compared to 3.2 nights for other visitors.
To sustain this momentum, the HKTB has been actively securing major international business events. Over 60 large-scale events, including world congresses, tradeshows, and mega meetings, have been confirmed for Hong Kong between 2024 and 2026. These events – many of which are inaugural – are expected to attract more than 180,000 visitors.
The city is diversifying its business events offerings beyond its traditional strengths in innovation and technology, medical sciences, and finance, as new sectors like aviation, architecture, and education, emerge. Notable events include the return of ACM SIGGRAPH Asia in 2025, the inaugural SmartCon 2024 and Consensus Hong Kong 2025, and the aviation-focused Super Terminal Expo 2024, Routes World 2025, and Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 and 2027.
The HKTB has outlined a five-point strategy to further boost business events tourism. This includes bidding for more international events; offering various funding schemes; tailoring specific programmes for the business events industry such as the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, and Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors; enhancing tourist experiences ranging from sightseeing tours to complimentary museum tickets; and leveraging Hong Kong’s position as a “super-connector” between international businesses and mainland China.
Clark International Airport, a new runway for events
Event organisers on the lookout for fresh and novel venues can consider Clark International Airport (CRK), located within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Philippines.
The award-winning CRK recently transformed its domestic pre-boarding area into a venue for the MICECON 2024 welcome gala dinner, where over 1,000 guests enjoyed a mix of standing cocktails and a sit-down dinner.
According to Teri Flores, head of corporate communications for Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp., CRK is open to partnering with business event organisers on events that align with the airport’s goals. For instance, the airport has hosted airline launches, and other high-profile tourism events.
Depending on the event’s effect on regular passenger flow, Flores said the departure hall, international pre-boarding area and commercial area may also be used as event venues. With an expansive outdoor space, CRK can also host outdoor events such as concerts, fairs, and motoring events.
CRK is also exploring potential spaces that the facility can convert for smaller meetings and seminars, where boarding or airport announcements will not disrupt ongoing meetings.
Although CRK is a unique venue, Flores admitted that it was “a bit of a challenge” in organising events, as the airport is “first and foremost an airport”, and its number one priority is to ensure that passengers are not affected by any ongoing events.
Security is also a paramount concern. As a security-controlled area, the airport maintains strict protocols for events. All parties involved, including suppliers, caterers, event organisers, and guests, must adhere to these security procedures, Flores added.
Sibu Business Events Committee selects new leader
Renco Yong, executive director of Gimhwak Group of Companies, has been appointed the new chairman of the Sibu Business Events Committee (SBEC), succeeding Clarence Ting.
His term with SBEC will run from 2024 to 2026.
Yong is a prominent industry advocate with high-ranking positions in seven regional, national, and local maritime and related associations. These include the Association of Maritime Industries of Malaysia, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Sarawak Association of Maritime Industries, and the Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association. Additionally, he serves as a council member of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport National Shipping and Port Council, and is a board member of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport Domestic Shipping License.
By capitalising on the city’s unique cultural offerings, strategic location within Sarawak, and capacity to host diverse events, Yong envisions transforming Sibu into a leading business events destination in the region
To achieve this,SBEC will collaborate closely with local stakeholders to develop tailored strategies. Another key focus will be investing in the local workforce through training and development programmes in partnership with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Additionally, SBEC plans to forge strategic alliances with local businesses, government agencies, and industry associations to attract both domestic and international events to Sibu.
The Sibu Business Events Committee, formed in 2019 as the Business Events Consortium of Sibu and rebranded in 2022, is part of Business BESarawak.
To date, Sibu has hosted 46 business events, generating approximately RM150.4 million (US$32.4 million) in total economic impact, making it the second most active host city in Sarawak after Kuching.
This year, eight business events are scheduled to be held Sibu, bringing about an expected total economic impact of RM33.7 million, primarily from homegrown conferences attracting national and international delegates.
Accor forms council to shape future of business travel
Accor has unveiled the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an initiative aimed at reshaping the future of corporate travel and meetings.
The council brings together top-tier executives from 17 leading international corporations – which have a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travellers – to collaborate with Accor leadership on innovative solutions for the evolving business travel landscape.
Comprising representatives from diverse industries including finance, engineering, manufacturing, and technology, the GLC delves into critical issues such as traveller well-being, cost optimisation, and sustainability. The council’s insights will shape Accor’s strategies and product offerings to better serve the needs of corporate clients.
The GLC has since discussed shifting corporate and traveller expectations; the importance of recognition, personalisation and B2B-focused loyalty; the evolving importance of sustainability; emerging traveller trends; the role and impact of distribution and pricing; and a deep-dive on areas of Accor’s business and brands.
Council members have also unanimously agreed the top three priorities for business travel are traveller experience and well-being – including corporate employee engagement, wellness, traveller security and digital efficiencies; cost management and optimisation – including programme compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance; and sustainability including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).
The dynamics of corporate travel are rapidly changing, demanding new approaches and solutions, said Antony Meguerdijian, senior vice president sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific at Accor.
He added: “The new GLC, and the programme of client and commercial partner events we host across the region, are critical forums for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of travellers and delegates. Travel and tourism is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an increased focus on flexibility, sustainability, cost and personalisation…”
Accor’s commitment to industry leadership is evident through its active participation in key industry events and initiatives. The hospitality company recently hosted a private dinner at the new Banyan Tree in Dubai during the Arabian Travel Market, bringing together 50 industry leaders from top travel firms around the world.
Additionally, Accor also hosted the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) conference at Swissôtel Singapore from May 13-15, 2024, which attracted over 800 top travel buyers from leading companies worldwide. The GBTA board was also hosted for dinner at the Raffles Singapore, where a customer advisory meeting was held to capture key business travel insights.
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Cathay recently concluded a six-day visit to three South-east Asia countries – Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam – with plans to enhance connectivity with South-east Asian partners to grow the Hong Kong international aviation hub.
Joining a delegation led by chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government John Lee Ka-chiu, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam toured a variety of local enterprises and major infrastructure projects in these three countries, gaining valuable insights into their latest developments while seeking out new avenues to foster synergy and strengthen ties in trade, commerce, technology and tourism between Hong Kong and the South-east Asian region.
On the Cambodia leg of the visit, Lam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia Airports CEO Cyril Girot to reinforce partnership between the two parties. As part of the MoU, Cathay Pacific will boost its flight frequency to Phnom Penh from five per week to daily starting from October 27, reflecting its confidence in the Cambodia market and growing customer demand.
The Cathay Group, which includes passenger airlines Cathay Pacific and HK Express, currently flies to a total of 17 South-east Asian destinations, with over 360 flights per week.
Cathay Pacific and HK Express currently operate flights to three destinations in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang; there are plans for HK Express to launch a new route to Phu Quoc in 4Q2024.
Lam commented: “As Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay is committed to furthering the growth of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to the rest of the world. Our visit to the three South-east Asian countries attests to the immense potential we see in these dynamic regional markets.
“The completion of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System will unlock great opportunities for us to grow for the future. We will continue to strengthen our existing routes, and deepen our network and collaboration across South-east Asia to seize these growth opportunities.”