From left: IAPCO’s Martin Boyle, Sissi Lignou, and Sarah Markey-Hamm, standing alongside Zadro’s Felicity Zadro at the IAPCO 54th General Assembly in Slovenia. Photo credit: Marko Delbello Ocepek
Zadro Agency, an integrated branding and communications agency based in Sydney, has been selected by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to lead its advocacy campaign.
IAPCO provides the only international accreditation for PCOs and has members in 45 countries.
From left: IAPCO’s Martin Boyle, Sissi Lignou, and Sarah Markey-Hamm, standing alongside Zadro’s Felicity Zadro at the IAPCO 54th General Assembly in Slovenia. Photo credit: Marko Delbello Ocepek
Felicity Zadro, founder and managing director, Zadro Agency, attended the 54th IAPCO Annual Meeting and General Assembly in Ljubljana, Slovenia at the beginning of March, marking the first step in this new partnership for Zadro Agency.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen as the communications partner for IAPCO’s advocacy strategy. To kick off the partnership at IAPCO’s Annual Meeting was a great way to be immersed in the community and hear first-hand from members and partners about the difference IAPCO accredited PCOs make to clients.”
A passenger being served Champagne in Premium Economy
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has revamped its Premium Economy Class inflight experience, which comprises an improved and expanded selection of F&B options, as well as a new amenity kit.
These will be available on flights from 31 March 2024.
A passenger being served Champagne in Premium Economy
SIA has developed over 200 new appetisers, main courses, and desserts for the Premium Economy Class inflight meals. Meals will now consist of a seasonal appetiser, main course, bread, dessert, and cheese and crackers.
Upgraded bread options include croissants for breakfast or garlic bread rolls for lunch, dinner, and supper. New appetisers include garlic roasted prawns with smoked aioli and Patatas Bravas (Spanish fried potatoes), broccoli salad with hot smoked salmon, and seasonal variations of Japanese cold noodles with soba sauce.
Customers may choose from two premium main course options, either international or Asian cuisine, on every flight. New dishes such as Beef Bourguignon served with bacon, mushrooms, vegetables, and potato gratin, Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles), and Thai-style Crab Curry served with a combination of jasmine rice and brown rice, and seasonal vegetables with egg.
Customers may also choose from an expanded Book the Cook menu, which features up to 20 dishes available on rotation, for pre-order at least 24 hours before departure. This includes choices such as Singapore Style Seafood Hor Fun and Chicken Biryani, as well as new additions like Slow Braised Lamb Ragout, Sake Teriyaki (salmon in teriyaki sauce), and plant-based wellness dishes such as Mushroom Eggplant Meatballs.
Meanwhile, desserts include Chocolate Feuilletine Cake, Mascarpone Cream Cake, and Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Meals are accompanied by a small bar of chocolate, and cheese and crackers.
The meals will be served in contemporary stoneware glazed porcelain serviceware. These will be presented on a linen-lined tray, along with neatly tucked silverware.
Complementing the meals are a selection of wines and Champagne, curated by SIA’s panel of wine experts exclusively for the Premium Economy Class cabin. In addition to the Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne (offered shortly after take-off), customers can choose between the 2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc and the 2022 St Hallett Faith Shiraz. An extensive selection of spirits including whisky, gin, vodka, signature cocktails like the Singapore Sling, and a variety of beers, will also be available.
Peppermint and Chamomile teas, and hot chocolate from Cadbury, have also been added to the non-alcoholic beverage selection. These complement the existing range of options including soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, and teas.
Between meals, customers can request new snack options such as almonds and cashews. These are on top of the existing variety of snacks such as potato chips, assorted buns, sandwiches, muffins, or flavoured popcorn.
SIA has also partnered with Out of the Woods, a US-based eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle product manufacturer, to introduce a new amenity kit for Premium Economy Class customers.
Available on flights at least seven hours long, the amenity pouch is made from eco-friendly Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified kraft paper fabric, and includes eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material. The kit also incorporates a lip balm packaged in biodegradable material. Toiletries, such as dental kits and moisturisers, will be available in the lavatory.
These mark the first comprehensive revamp of SIA’s Premium Economy Class inflight experience since this cabin class was introduced in 2015.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius presented by Webuild, the newest multisensory experience at THE LUME Melbourne, has opened.
Featuring original pages from da Vinci’s notebook, machine inventions brought to life from the master’s sketches, a digital experience spanning his life story and the only exact 360-degree replica of Mona Lisa in the world, visitors can see and experience Leonardo’s genius and wonder at the parallels between his brilliant ideas and modern technology.
Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius
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Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) culinary experts have created a bespoke menu to complement the experience. Caffè Medici will take visitors on a journey to northern Italy, with casual all-day dining – think arancini, pasta dishes, antipasto, panettone and gelato – inspired by the tastes and traditions of Florence, Milan and Venice.
Visitors can dine in the brilliance of The Last Supper and experience animation that breathes life into the masterpiece, highlighting the subtleties of expressions, the play of light and shadow and the emotion of this iconic work.
MCEC offers opportunities for exclusive events, as well as events on the mezzanine level overlooking the main gallery. Event guests will also get the opportunity to experience this menu, during a corporate breakfast meeting, gala event, or cocktail reception.
Held for the first time in Christchurch, New Zealand from November 20 to 24, 2023, the 28th Asian Seed Congress welcomed more than 1,100 people from 45 countries to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
As the premier flagship event of the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA), the Asian Seed Congress sees stakeholders come together to trade seeds and discuss the industry’s future.
It is co-hosted with the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) and with the support of the Ministry of Primary Industries, ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
APSA president Manish Patel said: “Hosting this event in New Zealand was long overdue. New Zealand is a regional and global leader in the production and export of various vegetable and horticultural crop seeds, as well as a model country in terms of its balance of science-based and business-friendly policy.
“New Zealand was also a popular choice for the event, exceeding attendance expectations.”
Impactful meetings and new collaborations
The 28th Asian Seed Congress held for the first time in New Zealand welcomed more than 1,100 people from 45 countries
Visitors to the Congress were introduced to New Zealand’s unique Māori culture with a traditional Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and kapa haka (song and dance) performance, followed by four days of business and knowledge sessions.
A lively exhibition area hosted 37 seed-related businesses from around the world. Trading tables at the congress were quickly snapped up and organisers believe close to 10,000 meetings were held during the event. Patel added: “We estimate that as much as US$150 million to US$200 million of new business was generated from the Congress directly, and upwards of US$1 billion indirectly as a result of deals, leads and partnerships formed during Congress week.
“Important collaborations were formed, including the signing of memorandums of understanding related to agricultural R&D and innovation. These will contribute not only to the bottom line and sustainability of seed companies domestically and regionally, but also to the food security and thus prosperity of all people and countries globally.”
Experiences around the conference
Additionally, four sold-out post-Congress tours brought an experiential element to delegates’ learning and showcased the Canterbury region’s agricultural expertise.
This included tours to Plant & Food Research, a visit to New Zealand’s Arable Farmer of the Year’s farm, and the region’s new seed coating technology plant.
Delegates also had the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s scenery, where they sampled world-class wine in the Waipara Valley wine region, visited a Canterbury High Country Station, and took in panoramic views of the Mount Hutt range.
An Accompanying Person Tour incorporated an unforgettable full-day adventure of Christchurch’s must-do activities, including riding the City Tram, punting along the Avon River, taking in the view from the Gondola, and boutique shopping at The Tannery.
Some 50 delegates also took part in a three-kilometre charity fun run at Christchurch’s Latimer Square, with a total donation of NZ$4,050 (US$2,501) given to Ronald McDonald House Canterbury Charities.
The Asian Seed Congress also hosted its first-ever Ladies Luncheon, which attracted 120 women leaders with the aim of increasing and cultivating equity and diversity in the seed industry.
NZGSTA presidentCharlotteConnoley said the Asian Seed Congress was an excellent showcase of both Christchurch’s event capability and the New Zealand seed industry.
“By hosting such an event, New Zealand becomes a viable option for future seed industry events on a global scale creating opportunities for further tourism and trade,” she said.
Keen to host your next Asia-Pacific congress in New Zealand? Tourism New Zealand provides funding and support to bring international conferences to New Zealand.
To find out more, contact: Edward Kwek
Tourism New Zealand Business Events Manager – Singapore, Southeast Asia Contact: +65 9152 9122
Email: Edward.Kwek@tnz.govt.nz
Japan’s Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed rail service, known for its sleek white and blue trains, will extend its line from Tokyo to Fukui Prefecture starting March 16.
Currently, the service ends at Kanazawa City, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, traditional tea houses, and landscaped gardens.
The extended Hokuriku Shinkansen line takes travellers deeper into Japan
Hokuriku Shinkansen will operate 14 round trips from Tokyo per day.
With this extension, travellers can get from Tokyo to Fukui City, the prefectural capital, in just two hours and 51 minutes.
Fukui City is a small castle town most known for the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which is recognised as one of the greatest dinosaur museums in the world. The destination is also loved by cherry blossom hunters in springtime.
Other attractions in Fukui Prefecture include Maruoka Castle, one of twelve castles in Japan with a surviving historical keep from the feudal era; Tojinbo Cliffs, a Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty; and Eiheiji Temple, founded in 1244.
The extension of the high-speed rail line allows Japan to increase connectivity to the outskirts, taking travellers deeper into the country.
Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has marked its return to Indonesia, following six years of absence, with a new opening and two more up its sleeves.
The hotel company opened the 180-unit Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta last January.
Two more will follow – the 158-key Pan Pacific Jakarta in mid-2024 and the 178-key Parkroyal Jakarta in 4Q2024.
The 180-unit Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta opened in January
All three properties will be housed in the 95-storey Luminary Tower in the Thamrin Nine mixed-use complex. The serviced suites, now in operation, occupy levels 73 to 82. Pan Pacific Jakarta will be on levels 83 to 89 while Parkroyal Jakarta will be on the lower levels.
PPHG’s reentry comes at a competitive time when Jakarta is seeing a boom in new upscale hotels and residences.
Ed Brea, complex general manager of the three properties, told TTG Asia that PPHG’s owner, UOL Group, is confident and committed to Indonesia.
“Unlike most international brands here, PPHG not only manages but also owns both Parkroyal Serviced Suites and Pan Pacific Jakarta. On top of that, we manage the hotel (Parkroyal Jakarta) belonging to the contractor,” he said.
Such confidence stems from the fact that Indonesia is one of the fastest growing economies in South-east Asia, which will entice international business, according to Brea, who added that the country’s sizeable young population and huge domestic market altogether make Jakarta an underrated business city.
Brea said: “(Being a new kid on the block), I guess it is our advantage to have three products that target three different market segments, in an area where no new hotels were built for years. All the major hotels here (along the Sudirman-Thamrin Streets) are matured properties.”
He said the opening of Parkroyal Serviced Suites was well positioned to capture a market that is not tapped into.
“We chose to open the serviced suites first because we felt there was a great need for such a property right now. We are running at 30 per cent occupancy within two months of opening,” he added.
Pan Pacific Jakarta will target high-end travellers while Parkroyal Jakarta will cater to those looking for mid-scale accommodation.
Brea expects the three properties to charm various market segments, beyond corporate business, thanks to the availability of meeting facilities and the support of a lifestyle mall and concert hall in the Thamrin Nine complex. An underground access way connecting the complex with the MRT train station will be built for guests’ convenience.
Commenting on the rate strategy in the competitive city, Brea said the three properties have clear distinctions. Parkroyal Serviced Suites presently runs with daily rates, but these will “go away” once the other two properties are open for business.
All three properties will function with one sales and marketing team, ensuring a complementary relationship instead of a competitive one.
UFI We hope that this resource – a first of its kind – will inspire many companies to launch and report projects under the United Nations framework scheme
India’s hospitality industry has taken what it calls a major step forward in its journey towards achieving net positive hospitality, as the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) joins forces with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
The alliance, which represents over 50,000 hotels and seven million rooms globally, will collaborate with the FHRAI, acting as a champion for innovation and climate action in the industry. Both organisations plan to work on joint projects and share knowledge, leveraging each other’s tools and programmes to promote best practices within India’s hospitality sector.
Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations of India and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance will promote best practices within India’s hospitality sector
FHRAI provides a crucial link between the hospitality industry, political leadership, academics and international associations, creating a platform for dialogue and thought leadership within the industry.
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is enthusiastic about the possibilities this partnership brings. “This is a milestone for the alliance, and will undoubtedly support India’s climate action and bring its vast hotel and restaurant sector towards net positive,” he remarked.
Pradeep Shetty, FHRAI president, said: “We are starting an exciting journey together to reshape the hospitality industry in India. This collaboration demonstrates our strong commitment to reducing our environmental impact while optimising our beneficial influence on the communities we serve”.
Western Australia is keen to attract more Indian business events groups
Tourism Western Australia recently wrapped up a roadshow to India, the first in-market roadshow since international borders reopened.
The roadshow, hosted by Tourism Western Australia and Business Events Perth (BE Perth) saw 16 Western Australia hotels, attractions and regional tourism organisations present their products to more than 300 Indian agents in New Delhi and Mumbai. The face-to-face event also provided a platform for local operators to better understand and formulate the required strategies and capabilities to better prepare and welcome guests from the Indian market.
Western Australia is keen to attract more Indian business events groups
“Our focus sharpens on India as a key market, with the country’s proximity to Western Australia playing a pivotal part and providing us with a unique platform to showcase Western Australia’s business event offering, said BE Perth’s CEO Gareth Martin.
In 2018/19, Western Australia appointed an in-market representative in India, and more recently, appointed an in-marketing marketing agency, to make itself known to India’s vast market of over 1.4 billion people with a fast-growing middle-class segment looking to explore the world.
When asked what was the biggest challenge in attracting more Indian outbound travellers, a spokesperson from BE Perth shared that there is currently no direct flight from Western Australia to India. Currently, travellers heading to Western Australia from India connect via Singapore through Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Vistara, or via India and Kuala Lumpur through Malaysia Airlines.
As such, Western Australia’s deputy premier Rita Saffioti’s pointed out: “High on the agenda for this mission is securing a non-stop service between India and Western Australia – this is a huge aviation priority for our Government.”
Fortunately, Routes Asia 2025 jetting into Perth will provide a platform for Western Australia to showcase the state’s aviation opportunities to international carrier partners. Events such as Routes Asia 2025 also play an important role in opening the doors to India for overall tourism.
“MICE delegates who are satisfied with their experience will likely bring their own families back for leisure vacations and share their positive stories with their associates and friends, thereby further reinforcing the overall destination marketing messages being promoted about Western Australia,” stated the spokesperson.
In coming years, BE Perth aims to continuously court the Indian market through online and in-person interactions, such as fam trips for corporates, and participation in major tradeshows.
India was Western Australia’s seventh largest international market by visitor numbers in the year ending September 2023, with 27,000 visitors spending an estimated A$91 million (US$59.2 million) in the State.
Wilfred Wong is executive vice chairman of Sands China
The annual UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Macau, held earlier this month from March 7-8, saw a turnout of around 300 delegates from 20 countries.
The conference took place at The Parisian Macao and was hosted by the Macau Fair & Trade Association. It was also co-located with the first-ever Event Directors Summit held in Asia. Launched in Europe in 2023, this invitation-only summit connects show and portfolio directors across borders to discuss common challenges.
Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, delivered the keynote speech. Photo credit: UFI LinkedIn
“This was our first time bringing this event to Macau since 2008. Both Macau and its MICE industry have grown remarkably since then. This year’s conference was particularly successful in bringing together UFI members and industry leaders from around the region, including approximately 150 from Greater China. A key theme explored in Macau was the emerging importance of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and growth opportunities for our industry in this region,” commented Mark Cochrane, UFI Asia-Pacific regional director.
Over two days, speakers covered key issues such as the rise of artificial intelligence and its expected impact on exhibitions, the importance of implementing sustainable best practices, the evolution of event formats and the opportunities emerging in China’s GBA which includes cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
All sessions are available to UFI members and conference participants as on-demand videos.
Alongside the conference, UFI held numerous association meetings, including the Asia-Pacific chapter meeting and a session of the Associations Committee. UFI management also hosted a student delegation from Macau’s City University.
In 2025, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Melbourne from February 13-14, hosted by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mr. Azman Haji Tambi Chik, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB alongside the MyCEB Board of Directors, Dato' Vincent Lim and Mr. Francis Teo gathers with a line-up of key representatives of the Malaysia Business Events Industry
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) hosted its first networking session of the year earlier this week.
Held at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, the event was attended by over 250 business events industry players comprising both MyCEB’s Industry Partner Programme (IPP) members and non-IPP members, including venue operators, PCOs, and PEOs.
MyCEB’s Azman Haji Tambi Chik (fourth from right) alongside MyCEB’s Board of Directors, Vincent Lim (fourth from left), and Francis Teo (third from left) posing with key MICE representatives
Key takeaways from the networking session underscored the importance of annual convergence to set the tone and establish common ground within the industry. It provided an opportunity for members to articulate their needs and perspectives, and gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities prevalent in the business events landscape.
The event also marked MyCEB’s newly-appointed CEO Azman Haji Tambi Chik’s first official gathering with local industry players.
As MyCEB gears up for the launch of the MICE/Business Events (BE) Community next year, the focus remains on strengthening regional ties, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall profile of the business events industry across South-east Asia.
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
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A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Keen to host your next 
India’s hospitality industry has taken what it calls a major step forward in its journey towards achieving net positive hospitality, as the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) joins forces with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
The alliance, which represents over 50,000 hotels and seven million rooms globally, will collaborate with the FHRAI, acting as a champion for innovation and climate action in the industry. Both organisations plan to work on joint projects and share knowledge, leveraging each other’s tools and programmes to promote best practices within India’s hospitality sector.
FHRAI provides a crucial link between the hospitality industry, political leadership, academics and international associations, creating a platform for dialogue and thought leadership within the industry.
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is enthusiastic about the possibilities this partnership brings. “This is a milestone for the alliance, and will undoubtedly support India’s climate action and bring its vast hotel and restaurant sector towards net positive,” he remarked.
Pradeep Shetty, FHRAI president, said: “We are starting an exciting journey together to reshape the hospitality industry in India. This collaboration demonstrates our strong commitment to reducing our environmental impact while optimising our beneficial influence on the communities we serve”.