Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has appointed Saffron Benner, former sustainable development goals manager for Griffith University, to the role of sustainability & community engagement advisor.
In this newly-created role, Saffron will focus on the environmental and social impact areas of sustainability within the organisation, working to promote all the initiatives that BCEC has implemented to reduce its environmental footprint.
A major priority for Saffron is the development of a sustainability strategy for the Centre that sets both long and short-term social and environmental goals.
The appointment forms part of BCEC’s environmental future strategy and aligns with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ goal to be the most sustainable Games in Olympic history.
Alternative accommodation provider Urban Rest has opened Urban Rest North Sydney, offering a range of apartment options.
Situated on the corner of Doohat Avenue and Pacific Highway, Urban Rest North Sydney offers self-contained studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and several three bedroom split-level penthouses featuring panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
Urban Rest North Sydney
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In promoting health and wellness, all apartments are equipped with the brand standard in-apartment work-out kits by Peloton, providing guests with the opportunity to stay active and energised during their stay. Additionally, guests receive a complimentary 30-day subscription to Peloton’s on-demand workouts.
One of the standout features of Urban Rest North Sydney is its shared terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour, where guests can relax and enjoy barbecue facilities while soaking in the views.
Urban Rest North Sydney stands as the company’s third property north of the bridge and its 23rd property in Sydney.
Latest island attraction Sentosa Sensoryscape is not only an immersive multi-sensory experience incorporating augmented reality, design, nature and music, but embodies sustainability as a key development tenet.
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) worked closely with the project team of architects, engineers, and contractors to build Sentosa Sensoryscape, an experiential connector for travellers who wish to explore the island on foot in all weather conditions, with strategic ventilation and shade.
The ImagiNite interactive digital experience at Sentosa Sensoryscape’s Scented Sphere, pictured
Lee Cheh Hsien, SDC assistant chief executive, corporate and sustainability, said Sentosa Sensoryscape, which opened in mid-March, is also designed to capture rainwater runoff to a water harvesting tank that provides for non-potable water use such as in irrigation systems.
He added: “During the construction, ecological-valuable tree clusters were further enhanced with proposed tree planting for canopy connectivity required for birds and butterflies’ movements along the east-west axis.
“Approximately 220 species of trees and plants, including over 100 different native fauna-attracting tree and shrub species were also introduced to ensure biodiversity and contribute positively to the environment, such as enhancing air quality, reducing glare and combatting heat.”
Lee stressed it was “imperative for new island partners and attractions to be onboard with our Sustainable Sentosa ambition and sustainability goals to become a globally recognised sustainable destination by 2030”.
“When attractions are being conceptualised, we encourage the operators to develop their plans with the natural environment in mind so as to lessen the disturbance to the biodiversity within the vicinity.”
“A few good examples include setting a wellness resort next to a serene, forested area, or experiencing a zipline above the treetop canopies onto the beach.”
He commented: “Beachfront areas are zoned as active and vibrant areas suitable for crowd events like music concerts, while protecting other quieter beaches and intertidal areas with rich biodiversity by limiting activity and visitorship through guided tours.”
The design of energy consumption, Lee told TTGmice, is also kept in mind to ensure that the carbon footprint is kept low and, where possible, powered by renewable energy.
“One such example of a newly-launched attraction which has already achieved carbon neutrality is the SkyHelix, a carbon neutral attraction which boasts a panoramic experience at the peak of Mount Imbiah,” he shared.
Congratulations on your appointment as executive director. You have had a long career promoting Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). How do you feel about landing this new role? My past experiences and network in both the MICE and leisure travel industries are invaluable in keeping up with the latest trends in the MICE sector. At the same time, I am excited about the new experiences and opportunities to meet new people.
How are you planning to advance Japan’s MICE sector? Is there a strategic plan to shape the role of JCB for the next few years? To attract more international association events to Japan, building “Team Japan” is of utmost importance.
First, we need to motivate and engage more Japanese organisers in hosting events. We have been developing the MICE Ambassador Program for over a decade to strengthen our approach to organisers. Now, we will enhance our network with Japanese universities to collaborate not only with individual ambassadors but also with their organisations. Additionally, we aim to invite local convention bureaus and MICE-related businesses to join this network, creating a Team Japan structure that includes industry, government, and academia.
Japan has a proven track record of hosting international business events. According to the recently released International Convention and Congress Association Country and City Rankings for 2023, Japan is ranked seventh in the world and topped the list in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan’s strength lies in its diverse range of local cities that host international conferences. We hope to maintain our position in the future by implementing the initiatives mentioned above.
What does JCB observe as most critical for event organisers considering Japan for their upcoming events? According to our survey conducted after the pandemic, many event planners had difficulty finding updated information to restart their business with Japan.
We are addressing this by creating opportunities for event planners to meet Japanese suppliers through trade marts and explore local convention cities with fam trips. In Asia, we are hosting roadshows in seven cities this year: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei.
Competition continues to intensify in the business events sector. How will Japan stand out? Japan has a team of MICE professionals that offers reliable and stress-free services to handle any unexpected issues, allowing event organisers to hold successful business events with peace of mind.
Our beautiful nature, rich culture, and wonderful cuisine, are strong selling points, motivating people to participate in events in Japan. I am pleased to share that Japan welcomed over 10 million guests from overseas between January and April 2024, which is 105.7 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019.
While inflation rates have been rising in many countries, prices in Japan have remained relatively stable. The depreciation of the Japanese yen also enhances our global price competitiveness.
What are several business events trends you see in the market, and how is Japan tapping on them? Sustainability is now an essential part of Japan’s MICE industry. For example, Japan actively promotes local production for local consumption. We encourage event participants to experience local products or cuisine and learn about the unique culture of the host city.
Another example is our green transport network, including the bullet train (shinkansen), which stretches from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. This network makes holding events in local cities easier and more sustainable. For more information on our sustainable event initiatives, you can download our e-book from our website.
Building a legacy is an important theme for MICE events. The Adventure Travel World Summit, held in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital city, last year, is a prime example. Nearly 800 delegates from 64 countries in the adventure travel industry attended the summit. The organiser collaborated with Hokkaido, their partners, and JNTO to arrange pre-summit tours and excursions, allowing delegates to explore adventure travel-related activities around Sapporo and other areas in Japan.
What are some challenges you foresee over the next few months in achieving JCB’s goals? It is essential to strengthen global awareness of Japan as an ideal MICE destination. Japan has more than 50 international convention cities capable of providing superior services. However, many event organisers are unaware of these cities. We will focus on promoting lesser-known convention cities and highlighting their hidden gems.
With business events expected to make a full return to pre-pandemic levels this year at the Singapore Expo, the convention and exhibition centre is gearing up for the opportunity to finally showcase the power of its futuristic Kinetic Kitchen – a micro-central kitchen that relies on technology and a lean human team to cater meals for up to 800 guests.
Established just before the onset of the pandemic, the Kinetic Kitchen is Singapore Expo’s first in-house kitchen.
Kinetic Kitchen helps to achieve high productivity amid talent concerns
According to Khoo Yew Jin, vice president, brand & customer experience at Constellar, the organisation that manages Singapore Expo, Kinetic Kitchen was created to allow the centre to “achieve higher levels of customer delight and to elevate the level of event catering”.
The facility is armed with six high-tech machines that can stir, steam, bake, roast and more. It is operated by four experienced chefs, including Richmond Lim, chief culinary officer at Constellar. They are supported by an administrator, an operations staff, and a food safety officer.
Taking TTGmice through a tour of the Kinetic Kitchen, Lim said relying on technology for the cooking process has numerous benefits.
“One, it makes it easier for us to scale up and down for different event sizes while functioning on a lean core team. And when we hire casual labour, our criteria is not limited to those with cooking experience. Staff only need to know how to operate the machines. It takes just 15 minutes for me and my chefs to go through the machine panels with them. The complex part of cooking – the research work and machine programming – is already completed by the chefs at that point,” explained Lim.
Other advantages include consistent cooking standards, and the ability to capture data during the cooking process, allowing the team of chefs to apply science to recipe research.
The technology deployed in the Kinetic Kitchen serves more than just the cooking process. An ioniser air-purifying system removes bacteria in the air, while a 24-hour cold chain system ensures food safety and quality are not compromised in the event of any equipment breakdown.
Richmond Lim, chief culinary officer at Constellar
Lim, who created the Kinetic Kitchen, also made sure to design a conducive workspace that would attract, impress and retain young culinary professionals “who value their work environment”.
Lim pushed for Constellar’s approval to outfit the kitchen with a Marrone cooking-block – something more commonly found in Michelin-star restaurants with show kitchens.
“Such high-quality equipment makes work a greater pleasure,” emphasised Lim.
Warm and white lights are utilised in different parts of the kitchen for eye comfort, while fresh air ventilation helps to maintain room temperature at a soothing 20°C to 26°C in the food preparation area.
The facility will bring in catering partners when events of more than 800 attendees descend on Singapore Expo this year. Lim will maintain control over menu, quality, presentation, food safety, and other important aspects to ensure “a high level of culinary experience at events hosted at the Singapore Expo”, said Khoo.
Khoo noted that “2024 will be a critical year for us, and will be the year that we can fully showcase the Kinetic Kitchen’s capability”.
Beyond serving Constellar’s business objectives, Lim believes that the Kinetic Kitchen can contribute positively to the business events industry and culinary profession by shaping the future of banqueting and culinary science. It functions as a learning ground for interns to learn how technology is applied to catering and to show Singapore Expo’s catering partners the wonders of technology in culinary operations.
Khoo said the Kinetic Kitchen “demonstrates that science and technology is a critical part of the culinary profession, which helps the MICE industry to attract more millennials who aspire for more sophisticated roles”.
“Some have adopted similar technology to improve their productivity (after seeing what we have achieved with the Kinetic Kitchen), while others may need more time. I believe that most will eventually adopt such technology to benefit their business and raise the standards of the wider (catering) industry,” Lim remarked.
The Vancouver Convention Centre is the world’s first double LEED Platinum certified convention centre
Destination Vancouver’s meetings and convention sales teams have increased their activities in the Asia-Pacific region, bolstered by the launch of Air Canada’s four-times-weekly flight between Singapore and Vancouver in April 2024.
“Our team attended the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) in Melbourne this February for the first time since the pandemic. We are now considering other shows in the region as interest from event planners rises,” said Michael Drake, director of sales, meetings & conventions, Canada & International at Destination Vancouver, in an interview with TTGmice.
The Vancouver Convention Centre is the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention centre
Drake highlighted that strong economic links and shared business interests in sectors such as life sciences and green technology between the two destinations will likely increase corporate travel and business events.
Additionally, both Singapore and Vancouver are members of the BestCities Global Alliance, a network of 13 cities that collaborate to share ideas, leads, and best practices in business tourism.
Besides hosting the MDRT Annual General Meeting this month, Vancouver has secured major global events like the Invictus Games 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026, which will pave the way for related business events in the coming years.
The new Air Canada flight connects Singapore and Vancouver and opens up opportunities to target corporates from other South-east Asian countries. This also marks Air Canada’s return to Singapore since 1991, with Singapore being the only year-round destination in South-east Asia for the airline; as flights between Bangkok and Vancouver are seasonal.
“Traditionally, we’ve seen strong interest from China, South Korea, and Japan. Our increased connectivity through Singapore could create more opportunities in markets like Malaysia and Thailand,” Drake added.
Destination Vancouver plans to host several fam trips for the travel trade from Singapore and the broader South-east Asia region to showcase Vancouver’s business events capabilities.
“Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Our city features world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping, with easy access to mountains, parks, forests, and the ocean. This provides meeting planners and incentive organisers with unrivalled experiences such as whale-watching, night skiing, and mountain-top dining,” Drake explained.
Sustainability is also a key selling point, as many hotels and meeting spaces in Vancouver emphasise eco-friendly practices. The Vancouver Convention Centre, for example, is the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention centre, thanks to its green technologies and operating practices.
“For 2024, our forecasts suggest that both business and leisure visits from Singapore will outpace average visitor growth from all markets. We look forward to welcoming more business events from South-east Asia,” Drake concluded.
Rooms Oakwood Makati Avenue offers 150 serviced suites in four categories: the 44m2 Studio Premier, the 57m2 Executive Suite, the 76m2 Deluxe Suite, and the 100m2 Executive Suite. Being a dual property, the I’M Hotel offers another 284 rooms.
As I walked through the wide hallway of the 26th floor, I passed an open lounge area before entering my One Bedroom Executive Suite. With its muted colour palette, engineered wood flooring, tasteful minimalist decor, and well-equipped kitchenette, the suite promised a cosy and relaxing overnight stay.
Case in point: I drifted into dreamland as soon as my head hit the soft pillows on the large bed with its 1,000-threadcount linens.
The kitchenette is another reason why I really like the Oakwood Makati Avenue. After enjoying a tasting menu at Osteria M, I stored the generous leftovers in the fridge and reheated them for breakfast the next day.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows in both the living area and bedroom filled the suite with natural light and provided a sweeping view of the city. The marble bathroom, complete with a large bathtub, exuded luxury. The dedicated workstation with high-speed Wi-Fi was ideal for remote work.
MICE facilities
A dual property, I’M Hotel and Oakwood Makati Avenue share facilities, including those for business events. The 504m2 Narra Ballroom accommodates up to 335 guests, alongside four meeting rooms can host up to 265 guests, and a meeting room on Basement 1 that can accommodate up to 25 guests.
Other facilities The I’M Onsen Spa is the largest spa in Manila. Spanning 3,800m2 across six storeys, it offers modern and comfortable venues for small gatherings, including VIP spa suites for up to 25 guests. Executive suites are also available for groups of six.
The onsen features authentic Japanese thermal baths using proprietary technology that mimics the mineral composition of hot springs in Japan. There are also spa pods with ensuite jacuzzis or steam rooms, all of which are gender-specific.
All spa treatments include access to the onsen, a relaxation lounge with free-flowing wellness teas, Finnish sauna, and steam room.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to experience I’M Onsen Spa. But a friend who owns a large service company sends her staff to I’M Hotel Spa as an incentive reward, and they rave about the experience.
The acrylic-bottom swimming pool on the fourth floor is another interesting amenity, as it allows swimmers to be visible from the street level.
The Antidote Gastropub on the roof is whimsically playful and can host up to 350 guests. It offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, with the wind, stars, neon lights, and drinks combining to create a dreamy nighttime atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the newly-opened Osteria M offers a contemporary take on Filipino-Italian cuisine. Ingredients in the menu are sourced mostly from local farmers and producers, and feature handmade pastas and artisanal breads.
Another new addition is Barangay Bar, an indoor space and a weather-proof dome for fun entertainment.
Service The service is friendly. I also appreciate the no-tipping policy, as the policy explains that the excellent service guests receive is included in their payment. However, I’M Onsen Spa is an exception and accepts tips.
Verdict
Staying at Oakwood Makati Avenue felt akin to staying home, and is an ideal space in which I can both relax and be productive should the need arise.
Destination specialist Thailand Group has crafted a musical experience that is delivered within the majestic 80 million-year-old limestone caves in Phang Nga, Thailand.
Not only do the twinkling crystal walls create an enchanting atmosphere, they are a natural amphitheater that delivers sublime acoustics.
Opera Cave Concert
The Opera Cave Concert, which features a Thai opera singer, is ideal for 30 to 40 guests, making the experience an intimate and exclusive one for top achievers and VIPs. This programme is not available to the general public.
Thailand Group welcomes bookings for the Opera Cave Concert throughout the year, subject to weather conditions.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth will unveil its highly anticipated A$60 million (US$40 million) refurbishment this coming Spring, and to celebrate, they are offering a special grand opening promotion to event planners.
Event planners who book their events by December 31, 2024, will receive exclusive benefits, including a Café Gourmand Coffee Cart experience, a chef-curated menu upgrade, and loyalty points. Additional perks include an A$1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, invitations to Sydney’s top performances, and gift certificates. As part of the Accor Group, planners can also enjoy rewards through the ALL Meeting Planner Programme.
Wentworth Ballroom
The renovation includes updates to 436 guestrooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, a health and wellness center, and public spaces like the grand entrance lobby and event spaces. The hotel’s new dining precinct, in partnership with House Made Hospitality, will feature two restaurants, two bars, and one of Sydney’s largest rooftop terraces.
In total, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers 15 event and conference spaces, including the Wentworth Ballroom, one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms at 629m², accommodating up to 750 guests.
The property has also partnered with Encore Event Technologies for technological upgrades. This includes the installation of one of Australia’s largest LED screens in the Wentworth Ballroom, along with digital screens and LED upgrades throughout all meeting spaces. New features in all event spaces will include state-of-the-art lighting, presentation, and staging technology, as well as bright widescreen projection systems, crystal-clear sound systems, and customisable lighting solutions.
Additionally, event dining will be guided by newly-appointed Michelin-trained executive chef Bektaş Özcan, who promises culinary excellence with menus showcasing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
STB remains dedicated to catering to the changing needs of the business events industry, while achieving meaningful and lasting impact
Despite rising costs, Singapore’s business events sector has demonstrated remarkable recovery, exceeding pre-pandemic attendance figures at numerous high-profile events, aligning with the government’s vision of becoming a global hub for business events and indicating further growth potential.
When asked about how STB is helping to temper rising event costs, Yap Chin Siang, deputy chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), told TTGmice: “Singapore recognises that we cannot compete for MICE events based on costs.
STB remains dedicated to catering to the changing needs of the business events industry, while achieving meaningful and lasting impact
“But amid a competitive landscape, the fundamentals that make us a key MICE hub and attractive location for business and leisure events – such as our vibrant business environment, excellent infrastructure, strong governance, and stellar track record in delivering high-quality events – still hold strong.”
He further stressed STB’s dedication to supporting the business industry through various schemes, including the Business Events in Singapore grant and the Singapore MICE Advantage Programme.
Two locally-held events that have outperformed pre-pandemic numbers include The Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 which set a new benchmark with over 66,000 attendees, and the Milipol Asia Pacific x TechX Summit 2024 saw a record turnout of 11,613 visitors.
Building onto this momentum, Singapore has secured several inaugural business events for 2024, such as the recent CeMAT Southeast Asia (May 15-17); and upcoming NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific (June 11-13); and Process Innovation Asia-Pacific – Powered by ACHEMA (November 19-21). Beyond this year, the city will host ITMA Asia + CITME 2025; World Sleep 2025; and the 10th Lions Clubs International Convention in 2028, among others.
“This is a great achievement, as typically, the top five spots are held by European cities,” said Yap. Singapore hosted 152 meetings in 2023.
Yap stated: “There are other promising signs of recovery, such as Singapore’s mutual 30-day visa exemption with China; positive air passenger numbers reported by International Air Transport Association; and the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signing with Nineteen Group on April 30 on a new series of safety and security shows, coinciding with the opening of their Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.”
A new global business events campaign, and a recently-launched legacy toolkit support this resurgence. Unveiled on May 14, 2024, at IMEX Frankfurt, the legacy toolkit provides a comprehensive framework titled ‘FIRM’ to help planners create events that extend their impact beyond immediate objectives.
Examples of legacy projects include the MoU signed between World Aquaculture Singapore, Singapore Food Agency, National University of Singapore, and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, to develop the AquaPolis Programme, where potential outcomes could lead to innovative aquaculture solutions through R&D breakthroughs with long-term impact on Singapore’s food security.
Previously, when Singapore hosted the 14th World Stroke Congress in 2022, STB supported the Singapore National Stroke Association in organising the fundraising. STB gave guidance on the route, and permits from URA where eventually, over 800 participants raised about S$94,000 (US$69,600) for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Additionally, STB worked with 17 attractions and places of interest, such as the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands, to be illuminated in blue as a show of support for World Stroke Day, and to shine the spotlight on stroke advocacy.
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.
