NAC’s Lynette Pang and MBS' Ong Wee Min officially launch the programme
Visitors to Sands Expo & Convention Centre, part of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), can now listen to the tunes of homegrown artists and learn about the local music scene, with the launch of the I Play SG Music initiative.
The introduction of local music to Sands Expo is part of a three-year partnership between MBS and National Arts Council (NAC), inked last September, to bring the arts closer to local and international visitors.
NAC’s Lynette Pang and MBS’ Ong Wee Min officially launch the programme
I Play SG Music is part of Hear65, a national movement to celebrate and promote all forms of Singapore music. A curated playlist of local artists, including Jasmine Sokko, Linying, Nathan Hartono, Sezairi and The Great Spy Experiment, will be the go-to soundtrack for all events. It will also be piped along the venue’s corridors and Origin + Bloom café at Level 3. For a start, there will be 40 artists and songs, with more to be added over time.
Since the launch of the partnership, Marina Bay Sands has established the Sands Innovative Arts Fund under NAC’s Sustain the Arts Fund, with a S$500,000 (US$372,570) donation. The contribution reaffirms the resort’s commitment to the development of Singapore’s arts scene, and will go towards supporting the future of emerging art forms and innovative creators. This is one of the biggest donations that the resort has made in support of the arts to date. Applications closed in February this year, and details on the successful applicants will be shared later.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has made key executive hires as it expands the team in the lead-up to AIME 2025.
From left: John Wilson; and Kayla Elliott
John Wilson joins AIME as marketing director, bringing more than 25 years of industry expertise to the role. He has led teams at international events and trade fair organisers Informa, Deutsche Messe, and Foundry (IDG).
Joining Wilson in the role of marketing executive is Kayla Elliott, who has been tasked with creating content that resonates and connects with AIME’s global audience.
From left: Claire Graham; and Nissa Ni
Meanwhile, Claire Graham has been appointed director of operations and content. With more than 20 years of event management experience, Graham has managed events across Australia including Taste Festival, Smooth FM Chocolate Festival and the ATSA Independent Living Festival. She joins the AIME team from Interpoint Events.
Also joining the operations team is Nissa Ni as event and systems coordinator, who comes to the role after almost 15 years at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the home of AIME.
AIME 2025 will be the fourth event delivered by Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events, which manages the show on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
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.”
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.
Tavares has over 20 years of hospitality management experience, and brings extensive revenue, sales and marketing experience to her new role.
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.
