Philippine MICE Academy members, with Pascual and Balleteros at the far right
The Philippine MICE Academy has rolled out the second edition of the book, Professional Event Management, A Guide to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions, and Events.
It is an update of the first edition published several years ago, amid clamour from both industry practitioners and tourism students to answer the needs of the changing business event industry and address event challenges, said Orly Ballesteros, Philippine MICE Academy board secretary and one of the authors of the tome.
Philippine MICE Academy members, with Pascual and Balleteros at the far right
Ballesteros said the event book is published by C&E Publishing, and will be launched at MICECON 2024 to be held in Clark Freeport Zone from July 10-12, 2024.
Another author and PEP Tarsus Group’s president, Joel Pascual, said in a Facebook post that to be able to have a second edition, part of the thrust of the Academy to continue educating, “is a privilege and a true sign of how our book is being accepted and received”.
Aloft Singapore Novena has named Tan Kim Seng as its general manager.
With an experience spanning four decades in some of the most internationally-acclaimed properties in the industry, Tan will lead and steer the property in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through a multi-faceted approach that enhances its music-inspired design concept and culture of hospitality excellence across various guest touch points of Aloft Singapore Novena.
Prior to this appointment, he was the chief operating officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts and the Asia-Pacific managing director for IFH Worldwide.
Ansell: events are being reimagined in terms of structure, content, and venue to create memorable experiences
The business events sector has shown a remarkable recovery for Accor’s properties in Asia due to the resurgence of global corporate travel, an increase in flight capacities from key source markets, and a strong desire from organisers to have in-person interactions.
Ollie Ansell, vice president, commercial market strategy – Accor Asia shared that properties in major cities in Asia such as Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo have experienced robust bookings, thanks to the destination’s infrastructure, connectivity, event execution capabilities, and reputation as premier business events destinations.
Ansell: events are being reimagined in terms of structure, content, and venue to create memorable experiences
Seoul, with its advanced technology and innovation hubs, is also becoming increasingly popular for tech-focused events and corporate gatherings, while secondary cities such as Bali and Hanoi are also gaining traction for their unique venues and experiences, shared Ansell.
“There has been an increased interest in secondary cities where businesses are looking for unique and less-congested locations for their events,” he said.
Emerging trends reshaping the business events landscape this year include a growing preference for hybrid events combining physical and virtual participation, a strong focus on sustainability in venue selection, and the integration of wellness elements into event planning.
Ansell also mentioned that flexibility in booking and customisation options is highly valued, and advanced technology solutions are employed to enhance attendee experiences and streamline logistics.
He acknowledged that the traditional “work hard, play hard” mentality has shifted towards emphasising well-being, flexibility, nutrition, and time management, with experiences curated around participants’ wellness. This “balanced agenda” is rather popular in Accor properties located in resort destinations like Phuket, Bali, and Phu Quoc.
“Face-to-face connections remain crucial for business, and planners are increasingly focused on fostering deeper connections among attendees to achieve both ROI and positive ROX (return on experience),” Ansell added.
When asked about the current challenges faced by the business events industry, Ansell highlighted the issue of navigating economic uncertainties, including fluctuating exchange rates and inflationary pressures.
“These factors can influence budget allocations and decision-making processes for event planners, requiring careful cost management strategies,” he elaborated.
To help, Accor offers flexible booking policies and customisable event packages, allowing clients to manage budgetary constraints effectively while ensuring tailored solutions. By providing transparent pricing and adaptable options, he stressed that Accor will help planners in optimising their event expenditures and achieving cost efficiencies without compromising on quality.
Develop a corporate travel policy that will last in the long-term
The travel industry has changed significantly from the need to navigate the post-pandemic landscape. One of the most significant shifts has been the focus on sustainability. Integrating sustainability into business travel policy is now critical to reduce companies’ environmental footprints and align with carbon reduction goals – and also because of the crucial role they play in saving money, maintaining operational efficiency, and improving employee well-being.
Here are some of the most effective strategies to develop a sustainable travel policy that benefits companies and the environment long-term.
Develop a corporate travel policy that will last in the long-term
Emphasise virtual collaboration
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual meetings, proving that many business interactions can occur effectively without travel. Organisations should encourage and provide clear guidance on accessing and using virtual collaboration tools. This includes offering training on creating engaging virtual meetings and reimbursing relevant communication expenses. Encouraging virtual alternatives for one or two-day trips can significantly reduce the organization’s carbon footprint while enhancing productivity and safety.
Implement a “stay or go” decision tree
A decision tree helps employees determine when travel is necessary and when virtual alternatives suffice. This framework should include guidelines for selecting meeting venues based on sustainability criteria and optimising travel routes. Regular communication of the potential savings in cost and carbon emissions can motivate employees to make sustainable choices. For example, combining several trips into one or opting for longer, essential travel can help in reducing emissions, costs and fulfilling duty of care requirements.
Prioritise sustainable travel options
Encourage employees to choose lower-carbon travel options. This includes prioritising trains over planes for short distances, selecting direct flights on fuel-efficient aircraft for necessary air travel, and opting for public transport or electric vehicles over traditional car rentals. Additionally, promoting green-certified accommodations can further reduce the environmental impact of business travel. Integrating these options into the travel policy and booking systems can facilitate more sustainable choices.
Focus on employee well-being
Policies should promote a balance between business needs and personal well-being, highlighting the benefits of reduced travel on work-life balance. Providing education on the negative effects of frequent travel and offering alternatives can improve overall employee satisfaction and retention.
Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I)
A travel policy that also encompasses DE&I principles ensures that travel is not only environmentally but also socially and economically sustainable. This can include provisions for travellers with special needs, using accessible formats for travel policies, and promoting minority representation among vendors. Providing cultural acceptance guidelines for various destinations can invite a more inclusive and respectful travel experience.
Leverage data and technology
Using advanced data analytics and technology can help in tracking and optimising travel-related emissions. Tools like Advito’s ISO-certified GATE4 can provide detailed emissions reporting, helping organisations and travellers make informed decisions. Regularly reviewing and updating the travel policy based on data insights is important for continuous improvement and alignment with sustainability goals.
Communicate and engage
Effective communication is key to the success of any sustainable travel policy. Engage employees through regular updates, training sessions, and forums to discuss sustainability initiatives and gather feedback. Highlighting success stories and the collective impact of reduced travel can support a culture of sustainability within the organisation.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, a smart, flexible, and efficient travel policy will be essential for future-proofing business operations and achieving long-term success. A comprehensive approach focusing on these areas can substantially lower organisations’ carbon emissions, enhance employee satisfaction, and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
As a managing consultant at Advito (BCD Travel’s consulting practice), Paljor Lama drives engagement strategies to achieve programme compliance, cost savings and employee satisfaction.
TCEB representatives from various markets gather for a photo at TIME 2024
Strategies for keeping repeat clients from Singapore and Japan engaged, and how to cater to their unique needs to foster deeper connections and personalised experiences, were recently shared by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The insights were part of the session Wow factors running out? Dealing with frequent corporate clients at the Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange 2024 in mid-June.
TCEB representatives from various markets gather for a photo at TIME 2024
Elly Hong, TCEB representative for Singapore, emphasised the importance of flexibility and deep client understanding. She highlighted the need to ask questions and show genuine care, fostering deeper emotional connections with clients.
“In Singapore – particularly for corporate clients – money isn’t the issue. It’s the flexibility. You can cross the island in 45 minutes, so they want everything moving,” she stated. Hong also noted that Singaporeans’ directness should not be misinterpreted.
“When Singaporeans express their feelings, it’s not a complaint but constructive feedback. The more questions you ask, the more they feel cared for,” Hong said. She also mentioned that Singaporeans prefer activities away from direct sunlight and appreciate personalised services.
Boontawee “Max” Jantasuwan, session moderator and founder of Events Travel Asia, supported Hong’s views. He shared how his company enhanced a Grand Palace tour by infusing storytelling and theatrical elements, such as dressing the guides in Thai costumes, and making familiar experiences more appealing to frequent visitors.
Kumi Ikeda, TCEB’s representative for Japan, discussed the increasing curiosity among Japanese travellers about the world beyond Japan, driven by a weak yen and an influx of inbound tourists.
For Japanese clients, Ikeda stressed the importance of etiquette, cultural sensitivity, punctuality, and attention to detail. She noted that Japanese clients appreciate small, thoughtful touches in service delivery.
Max agreed, highlighting that detailed, story-rich experiences, also resonated well with Japanese customers.
Ikeda wrapped up her talk by stressing the importance of going back to fundamentals and truly grasping what’s most important to clients.
“Ask yourself: what are you trying to achieve, and what truly matters to them?” she said. “By focusing on these essentials and what clients value most, you can significantly boost their satisfaction and loyalty, even without fancy ideas.”
China Eastern Airlines Lounge at Beijing Daxing International Airport
Collinson has expanded its partnership with China Eastern Airlines, where 24 of the airline’s airport lounges in Mainland China have been added to the Priority Pass network.
Of the 24 newly added airport lounges to the Priority Pass network, 20 are live as of today.
China Eastern Airlines Lounge at Beijing Daxing International Airport
These lounges offer a variety of unique experiences that reflects the local culture and tradition of the city in which the airport lounge is present. For example, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences such as local folk culture exhibits, traditional festival treats and tea art performances. They can also experience a taste of local delights such as the highly-acclaimed “MU Noodles”, as well as traditional Yunnan and Sichuan cuisine. For travellers visiting the China Eastern Airlines No 101 lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, they can also enjoy a view from the outdoor platform facing the tarmac.
These new additions complement the current China Eastern Airlines-operated lounge at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, which was made available to the Priority Pass network last year.
The expanded partnership comes just as the travel market in Mainland China continues to recover at pace. China’s domestic travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, as evidenced by the recent May Day holiday, where 295 million domestic trips were made – an uptick of 28.2 per cent versus the same period in 2019. Inbound travel volumes are expected to recover to 50 per cent of 2019 levels in 2025, while Chinese outbound travel volumes are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels next year.
A recent Collinson consumer insights report revealed that airport lounge access is the number one most desirable travel benefit at the airport – 65 per cent of travellers in Mainland China feel valued as a customer when they are given access to an airport lounge.
To date, Priority Pass has a network of more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia Pacific, and over 1,500 globally across the world’s major travel zones.
Macau’s new Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute commenced operations on July 1, 2024.
The Institute is the result of a merger between the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, established in 1994, and the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), established in 2004.
The new IPIM logo
The official Portuguese and English names of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute are “Instituto de Promoção do Comércio e do Investimento” and “Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute” respectively. The official abbreviation for the institute will continue to be “IPIM”.
The Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute is led by the Board of Directors and consists of three departments and eight divisions. Members of the Board of Directors who assumed office on July 1 include president Vincent U, executive directors Sam Lei, Wong Yee Lam and Leong Wa Fong.
Its main responsibilities will be attracting businesses and investors to Macau, supporting companies exploring new markets, helping develop the destination’s business events industry, and facilitating economic and commercial exchange and cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
IPIM’s existing public service counters, official websites, e-mail addresses, and contact numbers shall remain unchanged.
As to new media accounts of the original IPIM, such as WeChat official accounts, WeChat Channels, YouTube Channel and LinkedIn account, will be updated with the new name, without affecting existing subscribers’ access.
The Kyra Lounge – a new-to-market brand developed by Airport Dimensions, SSP, and Travel Food Services (TFS) – has opened at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Strategically located off HKIA Terminal 1’s central concourse by Gate 23, Kyra Lounge spans 744m2 and accommodates over 150 guests.
Kyra Lounge
Kyra Lounge will be included as part of the Priority Pass network, as well as the LoungeKey network. The lounge is also available to all Hong Kong International Airport traveller through the purchase of entry online or at the lounge.
Developed in collaboration with leading design firm Studio 5 International, the interiors draw inspiration from the daily cycles of the sun and the natural world. Each area of the lounge is designed to offer a variety of energy levels to suit all guests, while the colour scheme, from warm beiges through to dark greens, captures the beauty of sunrise to sunset.
There are dedicated relaxation areas and productivity zones, including a sound-proof booth, and the space showcases artworks from Hong Kong-based collective The Chinese Dictionary.
Meanwhile, the F&B menu by SSP includes classic Chinese congee, Cantonese dim sum like barbecue meat bunds and curry fishballs, as well as Western-inspired dishes such as a hearty baked macaroni cheese, or a light couscous salad
The well-stocked bar offers a full range of premium beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, alongside a cocktail and mocktail menu designed for Kyra. Guests can sample alcohol-based creations such as the “Fragrant Harbour”, inspired by Hong Kong’s landscape and rich history as a trading port, or the “Kowloon Sunrise” mocktail made with ginger syrup as its base.
In a nod to sustainability, solar fins have been installed on the windows to help regulate temperature within the lounge, reducing the need for air conditioning and energy consumption. Additionally, the lounge features a daylight harvesting system, where this “open-loop” lighting control adjusts artificial light intensity based on the availability of natural light, leading to significant energy savings.
Kyra Lounge also incorporates regionally manufactured furniture – reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance transportation – while the statement central bar is made from reclaimed typhoon-damaged wood.
Wing Yeung, general manager, terminal operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong said in a statement: “Passenger traffic at HKIA during the recent peaks has recovered to about 80 per cent of the pre-pandemic level, and is expected to fully recover by the end of this year. As our traffic continues to grow, the opening of Kyra Lounge, with its brand new furnishes and delicate gourmet offerings, would further elevate the travel experience at HKIA and provide more options for our passengers to leisurely unwind, recharge, and prepare for their journeys.”
Troy Williams has joined Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre as director of building services.
Williams was previously responsible for asset management, sustainability and safety at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin Town Hall. During his tenure, these venues played host to some of New Zealand’s biggest events, including All Black rugby tests, FIFA World Cup games and major international concerts, as well as a wide range of conventions and meetings.
Williams also has a background in managing major infrastructure and large buildings for significant manufacturing businesses.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has appointed key leadership talent to spearhead the return of its flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is set to officially reopen its doors on September 27.
Somruedee Getwansopon joins as executive assistant manager of rooms and will oversee several departments at the property. Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee is the director of sales and distribution and will oversee all aspects of sales, revenue management, and distribution for Dusit Thani Bangkok.
From left: Jonathan Forestier, Somruedee Getwansopon, Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee, Peeradej Charoendireksup
Peeradej Charoendireksup, will drive Dusit Thani Bangkok’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives as director of marketing, while new director of food & beverage Jonathan Forestier brings over 10 years of experience working in Thailand for luxury brands such as Sofitel and Anantara, most recently leading the food and beverage team at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
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.
Prior to this appointment, he was the chief operating officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts and the Asia-Pacific managing director for IFH Worldwide.
As a managing consultant at Advito (BCD Travel’s consulting practice), Paljor Lama drives engagement strategies to achieve programme compliance, cost savings and employee satisfaction.
Williams was previously responsible for asset management, sustainability and safety at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin Town Hall. During his tenure, these venues played host to some of New Zealand’s biggest events, including All Black rugby tests, FIFA World Cup games and major international concerts, as well as a wide range of conventions and meetings.
Williams also has a background in managing major infrastructure and large buildings for significant manufacturing businesses.