Meet with More with Paradox Singapore Merchant Court

December 12, 2023

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court stands as a beacon of sophistication, offering an unrivalled venue for a spectrum of business events, from private board meetings to grand conferences. Nestled along the riverside, our conference and event facilities, strategically located on the lobby level, redefine the art of hosting.

The crown jewel is the Merchant Court Ballroom, a 680-square-meter column-free expanse with a soaring ceiling height of 6 meters. This elegant space, adorned with floor-to-wall glass windows on one end, is a canvas ready to be painted with the unique hues of conferences and product presentations. This creates an inviting and chic venue capable of accommodating up to 580 delegates with comfort and style. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and complemented by an adjoining foyer ideal for private receptions, Paradox Singapore Merchant Court ensures that every business event, whether an international conference or an intimate meeting, is an affair to remember.

The Merchant Court Ballroom is a testament to architectural finesse, offering versatility that extends beyond the boundaries of conventional event spaces. The column-less design provides unobstructed views and a sense of grandeur, creating an ideal backdrop for conferences where every participant feels engaged. The expansive floor-to-wall glass windows allow an abundance of natural light, creating an atmosphere of openness and sophistication. This unique setting caters not only to corporate events but also serves as an exquisite venue for product presentations, blending practicality with aesthetics seamlessly.

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond the physical space. The seven meeting rooms, thoughtfully designed and equipped with the latest technology, provide a conducive environment for focused discussions and collaborative sessions. Whether orchestrating a private board meeting or planning a grand conference, our facilities are tailored to meet diverse business needs, ensuring flexibility in hosting events of varying scales.

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court understands that hosting a business event is more than providing a space; it’s about crafting a professional and impactful experience. Our dedicated team takes pride in offering not just a venue but a partnership in creating seamless and productive business gatherings. From the meticulous planning of international conferences to curating focused meetings, our service is marked by attention to detail and a commitment to exceeding expectations. From crafting customised menus to coordinating logistical details, our Catering Sales Team is committed to enhancing every facet of your event. The presence of a dedicated Catering Sales Manager on the day ensures proactive assistance, allowing you to focus on your guests while we take care of the details, guaranteeing a smooth and memorable occasion.

In conclusion, Paradox Singapore Merchant Court is not just a venue; it’s an embodiment of refined elegance and impeccable service for business events. Whether it’s a conference, a meeting, or a product presentation, our facilities and team are dedicated to elevating every business event, making it a truly remarkable and productive experience for all involved. You are not just picking a location. Instead, you are embracing a tangible result—a place where events evolve into unforgettable experiences, and routine meetings undergo a change into purposeful gatherings.

To delve deeper into exclusive perks and benefits, and to explore the diverse venues offered at Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, discover the myriad possibilities for your upcoming meeting, click here.

Reach out to us at sales@paradoxsingapore.com, and let us tailor an experience that transcends expectations, setting a new standard for corporate events and gatherings.

Content grants to showcase Cairn’s business event offerings

By TTGmice

December 8, 2023

Cairns-content-grants — Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Fourteen business event suppliers of Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef have received grants of up to A$5,000 each (US$3,280) to produce new content or update their website performance as part of the Create Great Program.

Outgoing Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)’s general manager of partnerships and events, Rosie Douglas, said the 14 available grants have been taken up by businesses who are Partners or Leaders of Business Events or Champion of Tourism members of TTNQ.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

“The Create Great Program is about creating a unified brand story specifically for business events across the region highlighting the unique and diverse offerings that our suppliers have,” she said.

This will provide successful applicants will be able to use the new content in their marketing, improve their website user experience, search visibility, and build on the Connect Great, Leave Greater branding.

“We (also) want to highlight the sustainable practices that members have in place to better promote the region’s offering as a sustainable business events destination,” Douglas added.

Sunny Sodhi joins FCM as MD India

By TTGmice

December 8, 2023

FCM, the flagship large corporate division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, has appointed Sunny Sodhi as the managing director of FCM Travel India.

Sodhi has more than 26 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry.

Previously at OYO, Sodhi was the chief operating officer for luxury and upscale business, and the head of sales for India and South-east Asia. Before OYO, he was the chief operating officer for Yatra for Business (Corporate Travel), a vertical he established from the ground up. He was also the head of industry relations for Yatra.com.

He has also had successful stints at HRG and CWT India in business, sales, and client management roles.

One Bangkok partners Frasers Hospitality to develop Fraser Suites Bangkok

By TTGmice

December 7, 2023

One Bangkok, an integrated district in the heart of Bangkok, has signed a management agreement with Frasers Hospitality, a strategic business unit of Frasers Property Group, to manage Fraser Suites Bangkok, scheduled to open in late 2026.

This new property will deepen Frasers Hospitality’s presence in Thailand by increasing its portfolio to five properties across Bangkok.

Fraser Suites Bangkok will offer 261 keys from the 36th to 45th floors of a 45-storey office tower, with the lobby on Level 36. Guest accommodation range from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and will be suitable for long or short stays.

Guests will have access to a sky bar and an all-day dining restaurant, as well as a resident’s lounge, outdoor space, fitness centre, and an infinity pool.

Located within One Bangkok, the entire district will comprise five office towers, three luxury residential towers, five luxury and lifestyle hotels, four distinct retail precincts, and a live entertainment arena.

Macau’s remarkable renaissance

By Industry Expert

December 6, 2023

Macau’s business diversity ambitions for non-gaming/gaming stand at 60/40

Recovery or reinvention, Macau is certainly hitting its stride as visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and revenues start to climb in 2023. Macau, the world’s gaming capital, again exceeds all growth predictions.

With forecasts suggesting a riveting surge in visitor levels by 2024, the city has set very ambitious targets for the business events and live event sectors by 2028. The business events sector is set to grow by 60 per cent year-on-year.

What does this mean for event suppliers in the destination?

Controversial as this might sound, event suppliers are arguably pivotal to the success of the events, more than most think. Suppliers are just one of many stakeholders and these unsung heroes meticulously curate experiences that leave lasting impressions. Yet, their role often goes unnoticed and without them together with a sustainable infrastructure events would be almost impossible to host. Even with the proximity to the Mainland, importing services and labour come with costs and risks, not to mention the protocol and hurdles that surround the process.

Creating the best sound and lighting experience at a concert, flawless decor at a gala event, or seamless logistic management at a conference would not be possible without our event suppliers.

Their impact goes beyond events, every success serves as a promotion of the the destination, directly boosting its reputation and appeal. To all event suppliers, it’s time to take centrestage and own your role in the destination’s success. To the industry leaders and stakeholders, it’s time to acknowledge these behind-the-scenes wizards. The recent Taylor Swift tour was a testament to how valuable she believed her service providers were by gifting them huge bonuses.

The past few months have seen the Cotai strip bustling with activities, where business events and live shows are aplenty, with between six to 10 events taking place over one weekend. This excludes all social events that so many of us tend to forget. These, in many instances, are not recorded in our destination data. Post-pandemic travellers are being greeted with some of the region’s best live acts, cultural events and business events.

As someone who has been involved in the events industry in Macau, there are obstacles that might hinder the recovery pace and growth – hotel room viability, transport shortages and controls, infrastructure deficits, lack of connectivity, airlift and a shortage of skilled personnel to cater to international groups.

Macau is on a resurgence trajectory but with a twist – a diversified revival. Fuelling this push is the support from local and Mainland China governments, accelerating the recovery speed. Business diversity is key and how we execute will be the billion-dollar question.

Still, let’s not forget that the process is complex, layered, and challenging. Reinventing a destination that is known for its gaming around the world was never going to be easy, requiring push and commitment from all involved. It’s about investing in the community, not just physical infrastructure. Create a hospitality culture for those who drive the buses, serve the tourists, and are involved in every aspect of the concerts.

Macau has great potential to create an exceptional local workforce to elevate the city’s offerings. Yet, this is only possible if we realise – Macau’s strength lies not just in its grand casino resorts and gaming tables but also in its people.

There are some great examples in the world of destinations that have reinvented themselves by building sustainable business models that will create ongoing legacies.

It’s time we brought diversification to the forefront. By diversifying the business, we can develop a plan with incremental goals, all working towards an end goal.

Witnessing the transformation of Macau’s gaming and hospitality industry is one of the most amazing development trajectories I have experienced in my career.

Joey Pather is the senior vice president at Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Australia launches first airport resort

By TTGmice

December 5, 2023

Darwin-Airport-Resort-pool-640 — Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort features a new pool, aquatic playground, and poolside dining

Australia’s first airport resort launches following the complete re-imagination and integration of two existing airport hotels at Darwin Airport.

The unveiling of the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort follows a A$30 million (US$19.75 million) investment by the Airport Development Group, which also owns the adjacent Darwin Airport.

Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort features a new pool, aquatic playground, and poolside dining

Located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, the two hotels had separate receptions previously but will now have a combined reception area, along with a new 60m swimming pool, poolside cabanas, children’s aquatic playground, and poolside dining.

Featuring 423 rooms, the resort offers other accommodation choices such as family suites, bungalows (with kitchenette facilities), and new five-star tropical villas with their own plunge pools, which are named after a leading Territorian to show their connection to Larrakia country.

The resort now offers two poolside dining options – the new Splash Café joins the laid-back Cossie’s Poolside Bar & Bistro, which showcases the Territory’s famous barramundi as well as grills, salads, pizzas and burgers, as well as tropical cocktails and mocktails.

Situated a short walk from the resort is Gurambai, which is the Larrakia name for the area known as the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve featuring Darwin’s only natural freshwater creek. The hotels plan to introduce the Gurambai Cultural Experience to give guests an appreciation of Larrakia culture. Curated by Larrakia guides, it will comprise a one-hour guided walking tour with information about the area’s cultural and historical significance, their connection to the land and freshwater, and information about some of the Reserve’s seasonal bush tucker.

Tourism attractions such as Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks are just 80 minutes and two and a half hours drive, respectively, from the resort.

Darwin Airport Resort general manager, Chris Chaffe, said: “Integrating and recognising Larrakia Indigenous culture and heritage has been an integral component of the project.

“The new resort is enriched with Aboriginal art and themes, inside and out, providing an appropriate reminder that this pioneering world-class resort is on the lands of the world’s longest-surviving culture.”

In addition, Darwin Airport is a feeder airport to a number of international destinations and local Territory destinations such as the Tiwi Islands, Katherine and Arnhem Land, thus the new resort will provide an ideal base for visitors travelling elsewhere in the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Room for plenty

By Karen Yue

December 4, 2023

Hong Kong Tourism Board and the government have been extra generous with subvention support this year. How do you see that impacting AsiaWorld-Expo’s (AWE) ability to sign on new events?
We’re very grateful that the Hong Kong government is giving full support by launching in July this year another HK$1.4 billion (US$179.6 million) worth of incentive to support recurring exhibitions. This scheme is already in effect, and will run until June 30, 2026. It is expected to support about 200 exhibitions, and grants qualified ones 100 per cent rental subsidy. It really helps a lot, particularly for the rebound of our exhibition industry.

The scheme truly helps when we market overseas to attract new organisers to try out new event themes in Hong Kong. Right now, most event themes in Hong Kong are around electronics, fashion and jewellery. With such support, organisers are more willing to explore new exhibitions here since staging their events will come with reduced financial requirements.

Furthermore, the scheme is designed to encourage recurring exhibitions. The first event edition will gain 75 per cent of rental coverage funding, and the remaining 25 per cent will be given during the second event edition.

This has already brought good results. Super Terminal Expo, which will take place in November 2024, is one outcome. It is exciting because it is an inaugural show for the transportation and logistics industries in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia. Our business development team has been working on this event topic for quite a few years, even before the pandemic.

There is a Passenger Terminal Expo in Europe that is focused on aviation and airport terminals. Super Terminal Expo in Hong Kong will be organised by Informa Markets, a big player, and will cover airport terminal, cargo terminal, logistics railway terminal, and more. It will be groundbreaking.

Does AWE establish and organise its own events?
Our business development team of 20-something staff is tasked with finding new events. That’s their KPI. They conduct a lot of research to see what topics are really interesting for Hong Kong and Asia, and to determine if events specialising in such topics would be successful for a long time. Then, they will go out and find if such events already exist. They will talk to the organiser about bringing the event to Hong Kong.

We are doing this extensively, and more of such developed events will be announced soon.

What is AWE doing to also sweeten the deal for event organisers?
We do a lot of facilitation for our event organisers. We do not just rent halls. We walk the extra mile for them and act as their partners. We want to make sure that all our event organisers and their visitors are completely satisfied with their visit.

One of the things we have done is to offer on-site baggage check-in services for event attendees. We started doing this three years ago. With this service, event attendees will not need to rush from the venue to the airport on the last day of their event. They can check their luggage in for their flight home at counters set up on site. AWE is part of Airport Authority Hong Kong, so we are able to get such support from the airport team.

AWE bears the cost of this service, which would be in the zone of five figures. That’s ok though, because we know this will enhance the experience of event attendees. However, we do this only for mega events, like Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong.

What does AWE observe as being the most critical for event organisers who are considering Hong Kong for their upcoming events? Are these conditions any different from pre-pandemic times?
Event organisers consider global connectivity, tax rates, customs, legal and judiciary systems when selecting destinations for their events. Hong Kong checks all these boxes and is still an attractive destination for most events.

These factors are still important post-lockdown, but Hong Kong’s close proximity to the Greater Bay Area is now also an attractive factor for event organisers considering Asia. Because of the well-established infrastructure network connecting Hong Kong with the Greater Bay Area, many regard Hong Kong as the base from which they can connect with the China market.

It is also a fact that travel is more expensive these days, so people prefer to cover many cities for business at one go. Starting from Hong Kong, they can easily extend into other Chinese cities.

This connection advantage, along with the incentive scheme mentioned earlier, allows AWE to be more empowered to bring new events to Hong Kong.

Does your team also help with delegate boosting efforts?
We do. We very recently signed an Agreement On Strategic Partnership And Cooperation with KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Centre), which will see us both working together to promote the development of the MICE industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

If we can join forces to attract more events and delegates over to Asia-Pacific, we will do it. The event could rotate in the region or lead to spin-offs in several cities.

What would you say is the most important newly acquired event for AWE in 2024 and 2025?
Well, Super Terminal Expo in 2024 is one. In 2025, we will have UFI Global Congress. Held annually in renowned tradeshow destinations, the last global edition hosted in Asia-Pacific region was in 2019.

UFI represents an industry that involves all the significant and influential event organisers, stakeholders, partners, production houses, etc, so it will give us a great chance to showcase Hong Kong’s ability to connect events with the Greater Bay Area.

Event delegates are increasingly mixing business with leisure. Is AWE able to bring leisure elements into the event programme?
Oh, of course! We have what we call the EXPOtainment CUBE where we customise an array of visitor engagement programmes based on the nature of the show. One example is to offer local foodstuff like craft beers, siew mai, and gai zai cookies for international event delegates to pick up and enjoy. These are very local snacks that are loved by Hong Kong people. Event attendees need only to show the free-to-download AsiaWorld-Expo app to get these snacks and they can hang around and enjoy them.

Last September, we organised a jazz performance for event attendees. It took place around the end of the event show day, just in time for relaxed networking. We also offered some street food along with the jazz performance.

We make all these complimentary for event organisers, in the hope of providing a more unique experience for clients and their attendees.

Once our Phase 2 expansion is completed in 2027/2028 and we get our 20,000-pax arena, we will try to co-locate some of the live entertainment events hosted there with exhibitions. This will allow exhibition attendees to adjourn for some entertainment.

You know, we are world famous for hosting international concerts – K-pop, Western pop, J-pop, and even Thai-pop! After travelling all the way to Hong Kong for business, why not stay for some performances too?

We have also spoken to 11 SKIES, which is just adjacent to our complex, about sponsoring one free trial of one of its many fun activities for event attendees.

We aim for total experience at all events.‌

AWE does both business events and concerts. Is there an ideal proportion of event types for the venue, or does it not matter at all?
I do not think it matters at all. The trend now is integrated shows. We have conferences that combine exhibitions and entertainment – like the three-day ComplexCon (March 22-24, 2024), which will be a pop culture festival featuring street style, trainers, art, food, music and forums. How am I going to split that up?

It is far more important to look at the number of show days we can do, and the number of visitors we can bring to Hong Kong. Events bring economic contribution to Hong Kong because attendees spend on so many things for so many days.

TTGmice e-news goes on festive break

By TTGmice

December 4, 2023

TTGmice e-news bulletin will be taking a break from December 4.

We will be back on January 2, 2024, when we will continue to deliver the latest headlines straight to your inbox. The site will continued to be updated with articles during the month, so do check back regularly.

In the meantime, TTG Asia Media wishes all readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

IBTM Asia Pacific switches from Singapore to Hong Kong

By TTGmice

December 2, 2023

HKTB_wins_640 — IBTM’s Vasyl Zhygalo and Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kenneth Wong

The inaugural Asia-Pacific edition of IBTM will now take place in Hong Kong in spring 2025, following a failed 2020 take-off in Singapore due to the pandemic.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and business events professionals from Asia-Pacific and beyond, and provide a global business platform for industry players in Hong Kong and China.

IBTM’s Vasyl Zhygalo and Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kenneth Wong

Pang Yiu-kai, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) chairman, said in a press statement: “IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia-Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry.

“The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience. This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating multiplier effect contributing to the city’s economy.”

Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM portfolio director, recognises Hong Kong’s “competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities, and the provision of comprehensive professional support”.

He added: “Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific. I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region.”

To bring the Asia-Pacific flagship to Hong Kong, the HKTB teamed up with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and AsiaWorld-Expo to highlight Hong Kong’s latest tourism updates and growth momentum, showcasing the city’s unique edges with the strong support of China, while being closely connected to the world, as well as the city’s potential in developing multi-destination tourism in GBA.

Singapore Airlines, Tourism Australia sign agreement to promote tourism in Australia

By TTG Asia

December 1, 2023

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Tourism Australia have signed a new multi-year strategic marketing deal to jointly promote leisure tourism to Australia.

This renewed agreement follows a separate agreement between Tourism Australia and SIA, signed earlier this year, aimed at promoting business events travel to Australia.

The partnership will see Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia promoting travel to Australia

The three-year agreement will see the two parties provide joint funding to promote travel from a number of key inbound markets including the UK, Germany, Singapore, India and Indonesia. It is an extension of an existing partnership that sees collaboration to promote Australia as a premier tourism destination.

The Singapore Airlines group, including low cost carrier Scoot, currently operates more than 140 services per week from seven Australian cities direct to Singapore.

SIA’s chief commercial officer, Lee Lik Hsin, commented: “This partnership with Tourism Australia will allow us to jointly promote leisure travel through our Singapore hub, further driving traffic from key markets so that our customers can explore the beauty and diversity of Australia in 2024 and beyond.”

Tourism Australia’s managing director, Phillipa Harrison, added: “At this critical time when international travel is continuing to rebuild and return to growth, we are excited about formalising our partnership with Singapore Airlines to urge more travellers to choose Australia for their next holiday.”