Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has secured ISO certifications for both quality management and food safety, on the heels of achieving Toitū Envirocare’s internationally-recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing lifecycle emissions from its operations.
ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre’s commitment to performance improvement, measured under seven quality management principles, including customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvements, evidence-based decision making and relationship management. Meanwhile, ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for food safety, demonstrating the ability of Te Pae Christchurch to operate a high-quality food safety management system.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre general manager Ross Steele stated that these two new international certifications demonstrate Te Pae Christchurch’s dedication to exceeding customer expectations across all aspects of event hosting.
Regular audits will be conducted to ensure Te Pae Christchurch maintains these high standards.
With its strong economy, strategic central location in Southeast Asia, and increasing reputation as a business hub, Vietnam has emerged as a key destination for events and conferences.
From world-class event venues to international hotel openings, coupled with the government’s push to promote tourism, including its MICE sector, which is set to be a key revenue generator, Vietnam has much to offer planners who want to hold events in the country.
Catering to this growing demand is Marriott International, with its strategically located hotels across the country, each with their own unique offerings. Its mission of “Your Vision, Our Commitment” aims to bring customers’ events to reality.
Hanoi: Luxurious offerings
Poised to tap on this growth is the 450-key JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, which has been welcoming guests since 2013. Located adjacent to the National Convention Center, the modern style architecture of the hotel, designed by renowned American architect Carlos Zapata, is inspired by the dragon and Vietnam’s stunning coastline.
For meetings and events, it offers extensive facilities, including 17 versatile rooms, two newly refurbished ballrooms with the latest technology, and expansive foyer areas — all located on a single floor. The hotel boasts 2,400m²of meeting space and 2,600m² of pre-function areas that ensure flexibility for any event.
Additionally, guests can unwind at the spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, or the serene JW Lakeside Gardens, the city’s only hotel with a lakeside setting, offering peaceful areas to relax and reflect amidst lush greenery and tranquil water features.
Da Nang: Business by the beach
Sheraton Grand Danang Resort’s Pool Lawn provides a sophisticated setting
Nestled on Vietnam’s central coast, the 258-room Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center can host events of all scales, from corporate conferences, gala dinners to team-building retreats.
The resort boasts 3,300m² of contemporary event space in its own conference centre building, supported by state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, caters to all event types, including intimate beachfront sessions and grand corporate showcases.
With one of the largest ballrooms in Danang, the resort’s pillar-free Grand Ballroom with 10m-high ceilings can host up to 1,000 guests, while its 13 versatile meeting spaces are equipped with the necessary technology, ensure productive and seamless events. Additionally, it offers Danang’s only dedicated group check-in area, enhancing convenience for arriving guests.
Elegant outdoor venues like the Pool Lawn, Beach Lawn and Upper Deck, along with the scenic Non Nuoc Beach, offer sophisticated settings for cocktail receptions and alfresco gatherings overlooking the sea.
Ho Chi Minh: Shining bright
Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel is strategically located near to Ho Chi Minh’s popular attractions
Named as Asia’s Best MICE Destination 2023 for the fourth consecutive year at the 4th annual World MICE Awards held in March 2024, Ho Chi Minh’s appeal continues to stand strong.
A testament to the city’s appeal is the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, an iconic landmark at the intersection of the bustling Dong Khoi and Dong Du streets. Its 485 rooms and suites provide views of the vibrant city or Saigon River.
For events and meetings, the hotel boasts 14 event rooms, a pillarless ballroom, 17 breakout rooms, and a total of 2,200m² of event space, equipped with modern amenities for meetings.
Its prime location offers guests easy access to renowned attractions such as the Saigon Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, as well as a variety of shopping and entertainment options.
Ready to host your next meeting in Vietnam? Make a booking now and let Marriott Bonvoy bring your vision to life.
Minor Hotels has made two key promotions in Thailand at its Koh Samui and Koh Phangan resorts.
Ahmed Asim has been appointed as the new general manager of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, while Frederic Kolde takes on the role of general manager at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
From left: Ahmed Asim and Frederic Kolde
Having started his career in hospitality in 2005, Asim was most recently the resort manager at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
For Kolde, he joins Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel where was the hotel manager since 2023.
Gavin Maloney has been named as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
With a career spanning over 25 years, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with top luxury brands across four continents. He will lead the sales and marketing team at Hyatt Regency Sydney in his new role.
Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Amari Kuala Lumpur's Veria Ballroom can host up to 200 people
The Jadeite function room at Amari Spice Penang can be customised for different layouts
With their unique, vibrant cultures, modern infrastructure and strategic locations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Thailand are noteworthy MICE destinations in their own right.
For those considering organising events in these countries, there are a wealth of meeting venues and facilities available in Amari hotels, part of the Onyx Hospitality Group, across both countries.
Well-connected venues in Malaysia
The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, boasts world-class convention centres and hotels.
Setting a new standard for business events is Amari Kuala Lumpur. Situated within the KL Eco City mixed-use development in the upscale Mid Valley district, the hotel offers easy access to major corporate offices, a retail mall, and rail hub with inter-city and inter-state rail connections.
For business meetings, stay at any of the Club Deluxe or Club One Bedroom Suites and get complimentary evening cocktails and use of the meeting rooms. Its flexible meeting rooms can accommodate small groups of 20 people, while its Veria Ballroom can host up to 200.
In the northern state of Penang, the Amari SPICE Penang is the largest business hotel in the area. Directly connected to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre and SPICE Arena, it offers seamless access to the world’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre.
The hotel’s extensive facilities include a 240m² pillarless ballroom and six function rooms equipped with audio-visual equipment. These rooms can be transformed into various layouts depending on your event needs. The largest space, the Jadeite function room, can accommodate up to 250 people.
From city hub to beachside in Thailand
1 of 3
Amari Bangkok's ballroom can host up to 1,200 guests
Amari Phuket is located in a quiet area of Patong Beach
Amari Pattaya's Beach Lawn sets the scene for a sublime outdoor event amidst the greenery
Neighbouring Thailand is another dynamic hub for business events, offering excellent transport connections, modern amenities and cultural experiences.
Amari Bangkok provides an elegant, luxurious setting venue for various occasions, be they banquets or corporate retreats. Located in the bustling Ratchaprasong district, the hotel blends contemporary design with Thai elements. Its versatile event spaces, including the Bangkok Ballroom, which accommodates up to 1,200 guests, and can be divided for smaller gatherings.
Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s beachside towns provide scenic backdrops for memorable events, complete with luxurious resorts and state-of-the-art venues.
Amari Phuket, located on a secluded part of Patong Beach, offers a private paradise with stunning ocean views and easy access to water sports and local shopping. The hotel’s modern Thai decor and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the breathtaking seascape. Exclusive lounge benefits are available for Coral Lounge and Club Suite guests, including daily breakfast and all-day refreshments.
Amari Phuket is ideal for various events, from small meetings to full-day conferences, offering both indoor and outdoor venues like the Voyager Lounge, Coral Roof Terrace, and the resort’s landmark, The Jetty, perfect for sunset gatherings and stargazing dinners.
On Thailand’s eastern coast lies Amari Pattaya, a lush resort that offers a tranquil environment amidst busy business meetings.
There is the pillarless Grand Ballroom at a spacious 584m² that can hold up to 700, while various event spaces such as meeting and function rooms can be customised to different layouts. Take the event outdoors to the Beach Lawn, which can hold 500 guests for a reception, or up to 1,000 for an evening of cocktails.
Each hotel also has a team of dedicated event planners on hand to carefully plan and execute events according to different needs.
Looking for a space for your next event? Contact onyx.sales@onyx-hospitality.com for a special offer now.
TFE Hotels has announced several key hotel general manager appointments across its Adina, Vibe and Travelodge network in Australia and New Zealand.
Having been with TFE Hotels for 15 years, Shaarn Letele is the new hotel general manager of the soon-to-be-refurbished Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour.
From left: Annabell Javinez, Shaarn Letele, and Frances Ryall
Frances Ryall joins TFE Hotels fresh from a stint with IHG, where she was operations manager of Crowne Plaza Coogee. She will head as hotel general manager at Vibe North Sydney.
Meanwhile, Arthur Rojas, who started his career with TFE in 2011, has been named cluster general manager of Travelodge Melbourne Docklands and Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank.
In Auckland, New Zealand, Annabell Javinez takes on the role as general manager of Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter, while Suzanne Pentecost has been appointed general manager of the 164-key Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart.
The outlook for MICE events in Hong Kong (pictured) is cautiously optimistic
Business events hotels in Hong Kong report that recovery has so far been limited to shorthaul markets due to restricted longhaul air capacity and high airfares discouraging business events in the city.
Anna Wong, director of marketing at Four Seasons Hong Kong, shared that there were factors hindering full recovery and growth, such as the “strong Hong Kong dollar, slow longhaul flight recovery, and high interest rates”.
The outlook for MICE events in Hong Kong (pictured) is cautiously optimistic
However, she believes that Hong Kong is still in a good position to host business events, playing to its strength as a global financial hub. In fact, the Four Seasons Hong Kong hosted a large-scale buyout from a global banking institution for four consecutive days.
Wong shared that the hotel stays ahead of the competition by creating a slew of experiences to enrich on- and off-site experiences, such as sunset cruises, Michelin-star dining, and cultural tours. The Four Seasons Hong Kong also recently completed its renovations to its guestrooms, lobby area, and F&B offerings.
General manager of JW Marriott Hong Kong, GP Yeow, told TTGmice that his property currently relies on shorthaul markets. However, even if events are held in the hotel, some delegates opt to “stay in Shenzhen as it is only a 40-minute ride by MTR and room rates are lower”.
Yeow too, is confident that business events will eventually pick up, and is trying to entice business events with two brand new event venues onsite. These include the PRESIDEN dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, and HarborDen, a semi-outdoor space with harbour views. Located on Level 7, both venues can be combined to accommodate 80-100 persons in cocktail style.
Meanwhile, the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, is undergoing renovations, and will soon welcome a new ballroom opening in Autumn 2024. It recently completed renovations of The Library & Atrium, and added modern technology to meet the needs of today’s business events.
A spokesperson shared that business has been relatively brisk, having hosted a number of business events organised by international organisations.
Collaboration between all parties is crucial for Auckland's (pictured) success as a tourism destination
The Destination Partnership Programme (DPP), launched in 2023 by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has expanded into its second year to include a wider range of tourism businesses.
Initially developed as an interim funding solution, the DPP aims to attract more business events and leisure travellers to Auckland.
Collaboration between all parties is crucial for Auckland’s (pictured) success as a tourism destination
Starting July 1, 2024, the second DPP will offer seven partnership levels. This includes “Love AKL” for small and emerging tourism businesses, as well as businesses indirectly benefiting from tourism, such as restaurants and retail stores. Another new level is “Destination Services Partner” for companies providing tourism marketing and support services.
According to Annie Dundas, director destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the DPP generated NZ$1.9 million (US$1.2 million) in industry support in its first year (ending June 30, 2024). This funding allowed them to promote Auckland in key markets like Australia and North America, attract business events, and collaborate with other tourism organisations. She credited the DPP with improving Auckland’s global conference ranking from 173 to 84.
Funds from the DPP were used for various marketing initiatives, including consumer campaigns in domestic and Australian markets, public relations support, trade familiarisation events, and participation at key trade events such as AIME, TRENZ, and MEETING.
In its first year, the DPP saw participation from over 140 hotels, local tourism operators, and business event venues, which helped to secure 72 business events expected to bring 161,000 visitor nights to Auckland between 2024 and 2026.
“All DPP funds generated go towards an activity that directly benefits the region and are not used for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited overhead costs, nor to attract or invest in major events,” added Dundas.
Despite the programme’s success, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill supported mayor Wayne Brown’s call for a long-term funding solution involving central government, local government, and tourism industry partners.
Businesses interested in participating in the second year of the DPP can register now for more information.
Dublin will provide an inspiring setting for Global Forum delegates; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum pictured
BestCities Global Alliance’s annual industry event, the 2025 Global Forum, will be held in Dublin, Ireland, from January 24-26, 2025.
Through the theme Creative Collaborations: Innovating for Greater Communities, BestCities’ flagship event will explore the ways creative connections can ignite innovation, foster inclusivity, and transform global issues into community-driven solutions.
Dublin will provide an inspiring setting for Global Forum delegates; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum pictured
In addition to workshops and sessions designed to challenge and inspire attendees, the forum offers plenty of opportunities for peers from diverse industries to network and get to know the 13 BestCities Global Alliance destination partners.
“We are thrilled to host the 2025 Global Forum in Dublin – a thriving technology hub that has so much to teach the world in terms of innovation and transformation,” said Loren Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance.
“We’re fine-tuning an education-rich programme with thought-provoking workshops, valuable networking opportunities, and collaborations with local community-building organisations like the Gaelic Athletics Association and Gaelic Players Association. Everything ties back to our community-focused theme, with a goal of cultivating connections that lead to positive, meaningful and lasting change within the meetings industry.”
Named the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2024, Dublin is home to experts in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and digital transformation – many of whom will share their insights at the Global Forum. Attendees can also explore the city, with networking events hosted at local icons like the Guinness Storehouse, The Convention Centre Dublin, and the TradFest programme.
BestCities encourages Global Forum attendees to Engage for Good each year by raising funds for a local initiative. This year’s recipient is the Solas Project, a non-profit that supports Irish youth in building self-worth, character and motivation. Attendees earn points by engaging prior, during and after the Forum, with more points earned by the group translating to more money donated to the initiative.
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.
Ponant has appointed Deb Corbett as CEO Asia Pacific.
Corbett has been with the company for seven years, and has amassed 30 years of experience in the industry.