The 29th edition of the PATA Gold Awards brings yet another triumphant moment to the editorial team at TTG Asia Media. TTGmice’sGoing green story, authored by Caroline Boey and Karen Yue, was named the Business Article winner.
TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue and Darren Ng (second and third from left) receive the award from PATA’s Noor Ahmad Hamid (far left), MGTO’s Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (second from right), and PATA’s Peter Semone
The winning feature looked into what convention centres in the region are doing to make a significant impact on net zero carbon goals set by the business events industry and their national government.
TTG Asia Media’s managing director Darren Ng and group editor Karen Yue received the award on behalf of their team.
This is TTG Asia Media’s 11th PATA Gold Award recognition. TTG Asia and TTG Asia Luxury were also recipients of past Business Article awards.
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has appointed Tan Mei Phing as the acting CEO, effective August 20, 2024.
In her role, she will oversee the strategic direction, financial planning, and operational execution of MyCEB’s initiatives, ensuring the bureau’s continued growth and reinforcing Malaysia’s standing as a premier destination for business events.
Prior to this appointment, she successfully managed several key divisions, including Event Facilitation, Sales, Marketing & Branding, Industry Development, PR & Communications, and Market Intelligence. Her strategic oversight in these areas has been instrumental in elevating Malaysia’s profile as a leading hub for international business events and conferences.
Tan’s career in the business events sector is distinguished by her involvement in numerous major international conferences held in Malaysia. She began her career with an international Destination Management Company, where she gained valuable experience in event management. Her journey then led her to the role of a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), where she honed her expertise in bidding and managing a large-scale event.
Leveraging work from Google Xi’s The Neu Project, Marriott strives to create a more inclusive experience for meeting attendees
Marriott International has announced its commitment to incorporate neuroinclusive practices at Marriott-hosted events of 250 people or more globally.
This commitment is a result of joining forces with The Neu Project, an initiative from Google’s Experience Institute (Xi) that aims to share resources designed to better accommodate and create a more inclusive experience during meetings and events for neurodivergent attendees.
Leveraging work from Google Xi’s The Neu Project, Marriott strives to create a more inclusive experience for meeting attendees
Ramesh Daryanani, vice president global sales, loyalty operations & partnerships at Marriott International, told TTGmice: “We are committed to providing a more inclusive experience for all meeting attendees. In November 2023, we became the first hospitality company to introduce neuroinclusive practices at events of 250 people or more, globally.”
Neuroinclusive practices include providing real-time subtitles and captions during main stage events and conference presentations.
Delegates will also have access to a Quiet Room, a dedicated space at Marriott customer events for recovery from sensory overwhelm, restoration and regulation. It will serve as a calming retreat where guests can break from the event to manage fatigue, overload and/or sensory needs.
At registration, event attendees will also have the opportunity to request various tools to better accommodate their needs, including sensory & fidget toys, noise-cancelling ear plugs, sleep masks, etc.
Marriott will further its neuroinclusion efforts by conducting active listening sessions with the community through conversations with The Neu Project and people who are neurodivergent, which will help shape future content.
“The Neu Project was born out of a desire to rethink event experiences post-pandemic, and has since grown into a major initiative that is driving change at events across industries,“ said Megan Henshall, global events strategy at Google.
“Marriott understands that creating environments where differing perspectives and experiences can come together boosts creativity, and we have witnessed their passion for increasing inclusivity at meetings and events. We’re excited to continue working with them as we strive to create more inclusive experiences with and for the neurodivergent community.”
Approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the world’s population has neuro differences, including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, and Tourette Syndrome. In 2022, the Google Experience Institute launched The Neu Project in order to demystify and educate event professionals on the design of more neuroinclusive experiences through a helpful guide and checklist.
An appointment session at a previous IT&CM Asia tradeshow
IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2024 is set to redefine the MICE and corporate travel industry with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and educational opportunities.
The three-day event, taking place from September 24-26, will feature a diverse lineup of conferences, networking sessions, and pre-show activities designed to cater to the evolving needs of delegates.
An appointment session at a previous IT&CM Asia tradeshow
Before the main tradeshow, attendees can immerse themselves in the culture of Bangkok through a Pre-Show City Tour hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Topgolf Megacity will also be hosting a fam trip that combines golfing fun with networking opportunities, and demonstrate how its venue can be used for corporate meetings and teambuilding events.
The conference sessions will delve into a range of topics, ranging from the evolution of cruise tourism in Hong Kong and impact of AI on the events industry; to developing young leaders in the business events and corporate travel industries, and exploring how incentive travel can incorporate wellness and cultural immersion to enhance employee performance and well-being.
There will also be tracks dedicated to the importance of DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility) in the business events industry, and a session by SAP Concur as to how to create more inclusive travel policies for individuals with medical needs.
IT&CM Asia will also host a casual evening get-together, providing a perfect opportunity for attendees to network, collaborate, and celebrate.
Following a multi-year transformation, the Grand Hyatt Singapore has reopened, featuring upgraded event software with a strong emphasis on wellness.
“Structurally, the meeting spaces did not change. These days, it’s all about how we deliver the service and software. For example, we now offer Care Stations for all our meetings, and how we thoughtfully plan out the menu for tea breaks,” Wendy Teo, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, told TTGmice.
Grand Hyatt Singapore’s Grand Ballroom
Designed to ensure a delegate’s well-being, Care Stations at events provide essential items such as cleansing wipes, mints, bandages, blankets, vitamins, stress balls, and more.
The refurbishment has also resulted in “more green space than before”, and Teo suggested that event planners can offer delegates a tea break at the outdoor lawn next to the 25-meter lap pool, where they can enjoy some refreshing coconut juice. Alternatively, invigorating bootcamps can be done in that space, while sound healing or mindful meditation can be included in the programme.
Another example of wellness, Teo has noticed, is the increasing requests for “white space” for attendees to network and make connections, take a call or check some emails, as opposed to a packed meeting schedule.
Moreover, the property’s event menus are guided by Hyatt’s philosophy, “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served”, and feature a selection of dishes that emphasise fresh vegetables and fruits, with reduced meat options. For overnight business visitors, Grand Hyatt Singapore also offers access the Headspace app in guestrooms, providing a curated selection of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.
When asked how busy the events team has been since the reopening, Teo shared that throughout the hotel’s closure enquiries have continued to stream in, “but now, requests for site inspections have really intensified”. She pointed out that the hotel is “perfect for mid-sized events”, as its maximum capacity is 500 people in theatre-style.
However, lead times these days are very short, with planners expecting fast turnarounds.
“The greatest challenge these days are that everyone needs to be very prompt. Gone are the days when you’re given three to five days. If we’re not fast enough, we might lose the business to other hotels or other destinations. To be successful, we need to listen what the customer is looking for in their proposal,” Teo elaborated.
The first opening phase of Grand Hyatt Singapore includes 292 rooms in the nature-inspired Terrace Wing, alongside all amenities. Its Grand Wing is slated to open in early 2025, adding another 407 keys.
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has revealed that Kai Hattendorf will leave UFI at the end of 2024, having been the CEO since 2015.
“I joined UFI in 2015, and these past 10 years as the association’s CEO have been an amazing journey, serving the global exhibitions and business events industry”, said Kai Hattendorf. “A role like this is a stewardship for every person in office, and part of that stewardship is to find the right time to pass on the baton to a new leader. I could think of no better time to do this than the coming months, and as part of UFI’s centennial where we recognise the achievement of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Founded in 1925 in Milan, UFI will embark on a year of special programmes and activities to mark the organisation’s centennial at the 2024 Global Congress that will take place from November 20-23 in Cologne, Germany.
“UFI has an extremely strong team in place in Paris and the offices around the world, thanks to the amazing work Kai is doing, together with our chief operating officer Adeline Vancauwelaert in recent years”, says Geoff Dickinson, UFI president. “On behalf of the UFI leadership, I cannot highlight enough how Kai’s tireless work over the past 10 years has driven UFI’s growth and development through good times as well as the pandemic – the worst crisis we all had to face in our lifetime. Kai’s commitment to our industry is unparalleled, and we will make sure to see him off in style towards the end of the year.”
The UFI leadership team, led by Dickinson and supported by Vancauwelaert and Hattendorf, is managing the process of recruiting UFI’s next CEO.
34 new exhibitions and conferences were secured by HKCEC (pictured) in FY2023/24
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has continued its impressive performance, hosting a total of 823 events during the fiscal year 2023-2024 (July 2023 to June 2024).
The 823 comprises 122 exhibitions, 81 international and local conferences, and hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events, bringing in over 7.3 million visitors.
34 new exhibitions and conferences were secured by HKCEC (pictured) in FY2023/24
Among the highlights of the fiscal year were 14 new exhibitions and 20 new conferences successfully held at the HKCEC for the first time. These events included the Hong Kong Cat Expo 2023, the Asian Sporting and Outdoor Products Show, Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo 2024, Greentech Summit 2024, the Asia Pacific Spine Society Congress 2024, and the International Council for Commercial Arbitration Congress 2024.
Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the number of events returning to the HKCEC had reached over 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels. She attributed this success to the venue’s efficient operations, professional workforce, and dedicated business development efforts.
Looking ahead, HKCEC has already secured several new exhibitions and international conferences for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Notable events include Consensus 2025, a major gathering of the digital assets, blockchain, and Web3 communities; and the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 Annual Meeting.
Delegates walking out of Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch
Christchurch is gearing up for a busy off-season with seven major conferences – in the fields of healthcare, engineering, and aerospace – bringing over 2,600 delegates and an estimated NZ$3 million (US$1.9 million) economic boost from late August to late September.
Among the upcoming events are three healthcare conferences attracting 1,200 health professionals. There is also the Aeromed Conference 2024 (September 24-26), focusing on air retrieval services, which will draw 250 specialists from around the world. In the same week, the New Zealand Aerospace Summit is expected to attract 700 delegates.
Delegates walking out of Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch
These conferences not only contribute to the local economy but also help to smooth out seasonal tourism patterns. According to ChristchurchNZ, 83 per cent of international delegate arrivals in 2023 came during the off-peak months, compared to 62 per cent of holidaymakers.
In addition, business events attendees are New Zealand’s fourth largest market by visitor spend, with an average spend of NZ$426 per day compared to NZ$304 for holidaymakers. The business events sector was also worth NZ$403 million to the country in 2023.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, conferences also provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and showcasing local products and services, where “the wider impacts of successful conferences are incalculable”, said Kath Low, head of visitor economy at ChristchurchNZ.
The ICCA Skills 2024 training will also be hosted in Christchurch next month.
Christchurch Airport is anticipating a further 10,000 passengers next year due to increased delegate numbers. Justin Watson, the airport’s CEO, highlighted the positive impact of conferences on off-peak tourism and the boost it provides to regional airlines.
From April to September, the ChristchurchNZ Business Events team helped secure 20 large business events with 9,000 delegates, bringing in an estimated economic impact of NZ$16 million.
Nteractive, the global brand experience agency, has appointed Ian Cummings as global CEO. He will join the company on September 2, 2024.
Ian brings with him a wealth of experience, having successfully served as the CEO of a major travel management company. He is a well-respected industry leader with a host of complementary skills and expertise in driving metric-based client performance.
Founded in 2010 by Neil Evans and Matt Brownfield, Nteractive is an agency that architects experiences; consistently setting the standard for delivering exceptional client experiences, particularly within the tech and lifestyle sectors. The agency has established offices in the UK and the US, and a diverse team spanning Europe and Asia, Nteractive is strategically positioned for continued global expansion.
M+, a leading museum for contemporary visual culture, showcasing art, design, architecture, and moving images
Located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, M+ is Asia’s first global contemporary art museum of visual culture. It is one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmarks, iconic for its unique architectural form and waterfront position in the urban landscape.
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron in partnership with TFP Farrells and Arup, the building is composed of a podium and a slender tower that fuse into the shape of an upside-down ‘T’. The expansive podium cantilevers above ground and includes 17,000m² of exhibition space across 33 galleries, 3 cinema houses, the Mediatheque, Learning Hub, and Roof Garden that faces Victoria Harbour.
Meetings, conferences, and more
With more than 10 event spaces available, M+ can host anything from meetings, conferences, and ceremonies to elegant banquets and intimate receptions. Each space is distinct and some offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, perfect for cultural, corporate, or celebratory occasions.
Professional event service
M+ also provides a one-stop support service including, but not limited to, event management, production, personalisation, sound, lighting, and more. A dedicated and passionate team of specialists will ensure every need is met and create your event with the highest standard.
Highlighted event spaces include:
1 of 5
Grand Stair
The Forum
Main Hall
Atrium
Lightwell Hall
Grand Stair: An amphitheatre with capacity to accommodate large groups, offers stunning city skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light. When the curtains are closed, it transforms into an ideal event setting with a high-definition screen, stage, and backdrop, perfect for forums, conferences, and ceremonies.
The Forum:Flooded with natural lights, this space radiates comfort, elegance and modernity — great for those looking for private event venues. Seating arrangement here is positioned to take in the view of the harbour beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space can be used for meetings, team events, and intimate banquets.
Main Hall: The museum’s iconic centerpiece, near the main entrance, offers natural light and access to the Horizon Terrace with 300-degree harbour views. Ideal for both large crowds and intimate gatherings, its architecture, ambience, and acoustics ensure a unique event experience.
Atrium: With natural light and warm wooden floors, the Atrium offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests to mingle, while the iconic spiral staircase in the centre provides opportunities for speeches and toasts. Surrounded by galleries, Atrium is suitable for evening cocktails together with private exhibition tours.
Lightwell Hall: This versatile, triple-height hall offers multi-layered views of the interior, while the geometric layout and artwork on display, enhanced by natural light, making it ideal for mid-size daytime and evening events.
Want to host your next event at Hong Kong’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture? Contact the M+ Event Team at (852) 2200 0800 or eventsales@mplus.org.hk. Find out more about M+.
Just 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport on the serene northern coast, this 178-key, Bill Bensley-designed resort offers delegates a quiet, tropical paradise steeped in Phuket’s tin-mining heritage
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
