Wellington will host the World Congress of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) in 2028, the first time the event will been held in New Zealand.
The congress will take place at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, and is expected to attract more than 700 world experts across academia, community services, agricultural extension, businesses, government, and health services, to the city.
An aerial view of Wellington city
The winning bid was led by Sarah Wirth, HOD technology at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, vice president of IFHE Pacific, and executive member of the Home Economics and Technology Teachers’ Association of New Zealand. Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events supported the bid.
The IFHE has had consultative status at the United Nations for more than 70 years, with its work supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Wirth indicated that hosting the federation’s world congress will be a “great showcase” of the New Zealanders who educate individuals and communities on critical issues including sustainable living, health, nutrition, family well-being, and economic empowerment.
Hosting the congress in New Zealand also provides an opportunity to bring together delegates from Pacific nations, providing diverse perspectives and shared expertise.
The event was last held in the Oceania region in 2012, when it took place in Melbourne.
Amari Bangkok prioritises sustainable meetings and practices
Coffee breaks at Amari Bangkok feature locally sourced, organic coffee and healthy snacks
Amari Bangkok is ISO 20121 certified for sustainable event management
Meetings and events often generate a significant impact on the environment. However, Amari Hotels and Resorts, part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, is setting a new standard by minimising its impact through a comprehensive sustainability strategy
As the first hospitality management firm in the Asia Pacific region to commit to a long-term partnership with UNESCO for Cultural Sustainability, ONYX Hospitality Group integrates sustainable practices across its operations. These include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and ambitious goals like achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero operations.
At the forefront of the Group’s sustainability efforts is Amari Bangkok. The five-star, 564-room hotel is the flagship of the Amari brand, and provides upscale accommodation in the central Ratchaprasong area of downtown Bangkok.
Minimalist meetings
Amari Bangkok’s meeting facilities comprise 18 function rooms and the Bangkok Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests.
The hotel is ISO 20121 certified for sustainable event management, ensuring that all event practices are ethical and environmentally friendly.
To combat food waste, the hotel’s Second Life Food initiative repurposes surplus food from events into new dishes, providing guests with unique culinary experiences while minimising waste. Coffee breaks feature locally sourced, organic coffee and healthy snacks, and leftover food is donated to local schools and centres in collaboration with SOS Thailand.
Event attendees can also look forward to wellbeing activities such as revitalising yoga sessions or participate in Green Pulse, the hotel’s mindfulness and environmental awareness programme.
In December 2023, ONYX Hospitality Group hosted an event for World Wildlife Fund to showcase its sustainability practices through comprehensive waste reduction strategies. These practices will first be adopted by Amari Bangkok before being rolled out to other properties.
Shortly after, Amari Bangkok welcomed UNESCO in February 2024 for a seminar called Sustainable Gastronomical Experience in UNESCO Locales, that focused on the pathways toward a sustainable culinary business environment in the region.
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Meetings at Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok are organised with sustainability at the forefront. For instance, surplus food is repurposed into creative new dishes or donated
Water is served in glass bottles while stationery is available on request, to reduce wastage when having meetings
These practices also extend to the brand’s other Bangkok hotel, Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok. Connected to the airport itself, the 429-room hotel features an 800-capacity ballroom and eight function rooms.
As part of its sustainable practices, meeting rooms have linen-free set ups, use LED lights, and offer glass bottled water. Stationery is available on request and eco-friendly packaging is used for items.
Promoting local
ONYX Hospitality Group’s sustainability efforts extend beyond the environment. It integrates cultural experiences into guest stays, promoting heritage preservation and community engagement as part of its guest experience. Its Opportunity, Nature, Youth, and Collaboration framework supports local communities and fosters environmental awareness. It partners with local businesses and communities to foster cultural understanding and support local economies.
Merusaka Nusa Dua boasts magnificent seafront views along Bali's Nusa Dua beach
The Mengiat Ballroom can host over 1,000 guests, making it perfect for large-scale conferences, corporate events, and weddings.
The Lobby Garden makes for a stunning backdrop for outdoor events
The main garden can host 1,500 guests, and provides a lush setting for gala dinners, receptions, and grand celebrations
Located on the serene shores of Bali’s southeastern end, Merusaka Nusa Dua stands out as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Combining world-class amenities with stunning natural beauty, the resort is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering a blend of relaxation and productivity.
Unmatched venues for every occasion
Merusaka Nusa Dua boasts a range of versatile venues inspired by the beautiful beaches of south Bali. The Mengiat Ballroom, named after the picturesque Mengiat Beach, is a grand space capable of accommodating over 1,000 guests, making it perfect for large-scale conferences, corporate events, and weddings.
For more intimate gatherings, the resort offers several other fully-equipped meeting rooms — Balangan, Pandawa, Suluban, Sawangan, and Padang-Padang. These rooms can be arranged in various styles including classroom, u-shape, or theatre, ensuring flexibility for any event needs. Additionally, the Melasti VIP Room provides an exclusive space for distinguished guests to relax and prepare.
Cutting-edge facilities
Each meeting room is equipped with the latest technology to support seamless presentations and communications. High-speed Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and professional support services ensure that every event runs smoothly. Whether hosting a high-stakes business meeting or an elaborate themed function, Merusaka Nusa Dua provides the tools and expertise to make every event a success.
Breathtaking outdoor venues
For those looking to host events with a touch of nature, Merusaka Nusa Dua offers stunning outdoor venues. The Main Garden can host more than 1,500 guests, providing a lush, expansive setting for gala dinners, receptions, and grand celebrations.
Ja’Jan by The Sea Garden, with its panoramic sea views, offers a picturesque backdrop for weddings and cocktail parties, whereas the Lobby Garden is ideal for private or personal events, offering an intimate setting surrounded by tropical beauty.
Tailored experiences
At Merusaka Nusa Dua, every event is tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of the host. The experienced event planning team works closely with clients to create bespoke experiences that leave lasting impressions. From large-scale conferences to intimate weddings, each event is executed with meticulous attention to detail.
A sanctuary for leisure and business
Beyond its exceptional event facilities, Merusaka Nusa Dua provides a tranquil retreat for guests. The beachfront location allows visitors to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali. Luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of recreational activities ensure that both business and leisure travellers have an unforgettable stay.
Merusaka Nusa Dua is more than just a venue; it is a sanctuary where business meets paradise. Its unique combination of advanced facilities and stunning natural settings makes it the ideal choice for MICE events in Bali. Whether planning a corporate retreat, a conference, or a special celebration, Merusaka Nusa Dua promises an extraordinary experience.
Meet the team at IT&CMA 2024
Merusaka Nusa Dua will be joining IT&CMA from September 24 to 26, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore our offerings in person. Meet the team at the event to discuss opportunities on how to make your next event truly exceptional.
Welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds, MCET is committed to providing safe spaces to connect and engage
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), operators of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre have launched a new Accessibility Action Plan.
The Plan focuses on four key goals; improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities; improving access to goods, services and facilities at MCEC and Nyaal Banyul; collaborating with event organisers to ensure everyone can meaningfully participate and engage in events; and changing discriminatory attitudes, behaviours and practices.
Welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds, MCET is committed to providing safe spaces to connect and engage
According to the World Health Organisation, 16 per cent of people worldwide have a severe disability, while almost 20 per cent of Australians have a disability according to the Australian Human Rights Commission. This is a significant number of people who experience barriers to accessing public spaces and events.
As such, the Accessibility Action Plan addresses physical and non-visible barriers.
For example, MCEC has a range of accessible features available to support visitors with mobility needs, vision impairment and assisted hearing.
MCEC’s new website launched last year was designed with inclusivity in mind, complying to WCAG 2.0 Level AA Accessibility Guidelines, and providing information about accessible features as well as virtual tours of the venue, allowing visitors to explore, navigate and plan their visit. Over the next three years, MCET has committed to further enhancing accessibility at the venue.
Construction of Nyaal Banyul, which is set to open on the Geelong waterfront in 2026 is currently underway. MCET is working closely with the Victorian Government and the consortium led by Plenary Conventions to ensure Universal Design principles are embedded throughout the venue, ensuring accessible gathering spaces for all who visit.
In addition, the Positive Impact Guide was launched last year to provide event organisers with tangible resources to embed corporate social responsibility into their events. The guide includes information on accommodations that can be made to support attendees, as well as partnerships with leading disability service providers, Travellers Aid and Alkira.
MCET’s Accessibility Action Plan was developed with input from people with lived experience along with expertise from accessibility consultants in the tourism industry. This included support from the City of Melbourne Business Capacity Program.
The Accessibility Action Plan has also been designed specifically with accessibility and reasonable reading levels in mind, and is available in Plain Language and Easy English formats on the website.
Andrew Jansson has been named cluster general manager of the soon-to-be opened Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, while Neil Li joins is the new general manager of Centara Reserve Samui.
In his new role, Jansson will oversee the pre-opening and strategic development of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. With nearly 30 years as a seasoned hospitality professional, Jansson has held leadership roles in 14 countries with renowned hotel chains such as Hyatt and Shangri-La.
From left: Andrew Jansson and Neil Li
Li brings over a decade of hotel management experience from top international five-star hotels in Shanghai, China. He was previously serving as assistant vice president at Shangri-La Circle.
A new 456,000m2 multipurpose complex catering to business events and leisure travellers is set to open a three-minute drive from Narita International Airport in 2027.
The landmark facility of Gateway Narita will be the DigiDome, a high-specification arena designed for entertainment and business use. In addition to a 6,000m2 screen, top-class audio-visual capabilities and seating for 5,000 pax, the dome will have showrooms and other spaces designed to host international meetings.
An aerial rendering of the new development
Another core aspect of the development will be a food technology R&D centre that aims to develop and promote Japanese food culture. Modelled on Food Valley, a region in the Netherlands where food companies and research institutes drive innovation in F&B, the centre aims to attract leading domestic and international food tech companies that can help grow the popularity of Japanese cuisine overseas by building a cold chain and expanding Japanese F&B exports.
The centre will house an international exhibition centre, an international conference centre and a kitchen studio – facilities that developers hope will be particularly attractive to business events and meetings related to F&B.
There will also be a test marketing restaurant where business and leisure visitors can try new dishes created by the food tech companies based at the centre before they are sold globally.
To support domestic and international visitors, Gateway Narita will also feature a hotel, whose rooms will be equipped with large screens displaying content from the DigiDome, and a large bus terminal designed to strengthen transport connections to stations nearby and to central Tokyo.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has launched a new website for members and clients which includes a comprehensive digital planning tool.
Lisa Hopkins, BEIA chief executive said organisers will be able find everything they need to know about planning a business event in New Zealand.
A screenshot of the new website
For instance, event planners can find and select regions and suppliers based on their individual requirements.
Membership information, regional insights, news updates, events and programmes, industry stats and other useful resources can also be easily accessed via the new site.
This online planning tool replaces the printed Event Planners’ Guide, which has been produced for 30 years.
BEIA is inviting feedback on the new planning tool. Anyone interested in more information can contact BEIA’s member relationship manager, Nicky Tilsley.
Izham: commited to driving growth both domestically and globally
Malaysia Airlines recently hosted the largest airline trade event ever held in Malaysia, the first Malaysia Airlines Trade Elevation Summit 2024, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
This inaugural event, from June 24-26, 2024, brought together 300 delegates to Kuala Lumpur, including over 200 international attendees from 48 cities and 21 countries.
Izham: commited to driving growth both domestically and globally
The summit marked a significant milestone for Malaysia Airlines as it advances the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, and positions Kuala Lumpur as a gateway for Asia and beyond, establishing Malaysia as a true South-east Asian tourism and aviation hub.
This event also underscored Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to leveraging its role as the national carrier to support national tourism objectives.
Group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group (the parent company of Malaysia Airlines), captain Izham Ismail, commented that the group will continue to advance tourism objectives through strategic alliances, collaborate with travel agents worldwide, and local stakeholders like Tourism Malaysia and MyCEB.
The summit also featured the prestigious Golden Wau Awards, the first of its kind hand-made with the Golden Wau for top performing sales agents who demonstrated exceptional achievements in driving revenue.
By introducing this award, Malaysia Airlines aims to set new industry standards and inspire excellence among all trade partners, thereby significantly contributing to Malaysia Airlines’ growth and enhancing Malaysia’s presence on the global tourism stage.
Encore Event Technologies Incentive Program for Asian Paints India
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Event brief
Encore Event Technologies recently redefined personalised event experiences with a cutting-edge incentive programme for Asian Paints India, spanning across Australia and New Zealand.
The programme, which was the largest back-to-back activity event Encore has ever managed, served 700 top sellers from Asian Paints India with 16 hours of activities each day over a period of 10 days.
Event highlights
The mammoth event spanned from April 18 to May 2, 2024, taking place across multiple venues in Queenstown and Auckland, New Zealand, and included a special extension to Sydney in Australia for a select VIP group.
Over these two weeks, participants enjoyed a curated lineup of more than 32 events across 17 different venues, designed to immerse and ignite all the senses in unforgettable experiences tied to the theme of Unstoppable.
Participants were flown in two waves and treated to nine-day programmes that included team-building exercises, high teas, and themed gala dinners. These events were strategically aligned with the company’s objectives of celebration, brand engagement, and motivation for future sales achievements.
Technologically, the events showcased groundbreaking applications including advanced hologram animations, expansive LED screens over 30 meters, kabuki drops, and dynamic pyrotechnics, emphasising Encore’s expertise in global creative and event production.
Scott Nodsle, managing director international at Encore Event Technologies, commented on the event’s success: “This event truly exemplified how innovative technology and strategic event design can transform a standard corporate retreat into an unforgettable experience and beautifully showcases the host city’s culture and capabilities.”
Challenges
Coordinating such an extensive programme across multiple locations and two countries posed significant logistical challenges. To address this, Encore leveraged strong collaboration with local suppliers and resources, tapping into New Zealand’s rich culture and effectively rooting the event in the local environment.
The success of the event was by strategic partnerships with local culinary talents, bringing in 24 chefs from India and Dubai to ensure that food offerings were both comforting and delicious, as well as maintaining a taste of home with traditional flavours.
Event Encore Event Technologies Incentive Program for Asian Paints India Organiser Encore Event Technologies Venue Multiple venues in Queenstown, Auckland, and Sydney Dates April 18 to May 2, 2024 Attendees 700
Amara Singapore has unveiled its refreshed meeting and event spaces on Level 3, comprising a Grand Ballroom, four function rooms, and an elegant foyer that anchors the meeting spaces together.
This transformation was crafted in collaboration with renowned hospitality design firm Studio HBA, a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Amara Singapore’s new foyer
The crown jewel of the property is the Grand Ballroom, a column-free space featuring a 38-metre-long aisle, accommodating up to 500 guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while a 7.6-metre-long LED video wall ensures attendees can view the screen from every corner.
Adjacent to the Grand Ballroom, are four Breakout rooms named Connection, ranging from 74m2 to 108m2. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual amenities, flexible seating arrangements and customisable layouts.
Central to the Grand Ballroom and Breakout rooms is a contemporary Foyer, which has built-in amenity counters and a modular seating element with a configuration that can be tailored for any event. The foyer is also adaptable for exhibitions, equipped with versatile ambient lights. At the heart of the conference area stands ‘The Locale’ bar which can provide everything from coffee to after-event cocktails.
On Level 17 of the property, The Parlor provides a more intimate setting for business events seeking a more versatile space, whether it be for product launches or business meetings. With a floor area of 63m2, The Parlor can seat up to 20 guests within a space irradiated by ample natural daylight.
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.
