The ICP World Convention is an excellent example of the positive economic, cultural and social benefits that business events deliver to New Zealand
Come September 2026, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will play host to the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention.
The convention will be hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and is expected to attract up to 3,000 school principals from around the world. New Zealand last hosted the event in 2007.
The ICP World Convention is an example of the positive economic, cultural and social benefits that business events deliver to New Zealand; Auckland pictured
Securing this significant event was a team effort between the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF), the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme. Letters of support and endorsement for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as host city were also received from principals around the country, the Mayor of Auckland, and the central government.
The convention is expected to deliver an estimated NZ$4.6 million (US$2.8 million) boost to Auckland’s economy and offers international guests the chance to explore the region and the rest of the country.
NZPF’s president, Leanne Otene, is expecting a good turnout. She stated: “New Zealand offers a unique perspective. We’re at that leading edge in terms of being culturally responsive to First Nations people, and educators around the world want to see how that’s done.”
As such, delegates will also have the opportunity to visit schools around the city to see how the country embraces different cultures, and building a generation that is more tolerant of difference.
This comes as principals around the world are facing similar issues on a few fronts, including a decline in learners/pupils attending school and the emergence of artificial intelligence, added Otene.
Head of ACB, Ken Pereira, noted: “Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is home to more than 220 ethnic groups and the largest Māori and Pacific populations of any city outside of the Pacific Islands. For a conference like the International Confederation of Principals, this point of difference is a crucial draw card.
“Auckland’s DNA is defined by the fact that more than a third of Aucklanders were born overseas. It’s what makes Auckland such a must-visit destination and award-winning host region for events – the knowledge and the culture we share with delegates are invaluable.”
The report is part of IMEX Group's wider strategy to achieve a more positive impact
The IMEX Frankfurt team has published a Sustainable Event Report revealing the successes, experiments and learnings from last year’s show.
The report lifts the lid on sustainability planning in the run-up to and execution of IMEX Frankfurt 2023, sharing achievements in waste diversion and energy use, as well as highlighting opportunities for improvement.
The report is part of IMEX Group’s wider strategy to achieve a more positive impact
As part of the brand refresh launched at the show, the team invested in date-free signage that can be used year after year. They also reduced printed signage where possible and used digital projection in some areas. The result was 85 per cent less print production overall compared to 2022.
Significant strides were made in the areas of F&B, with a particular focus on reducing carbon-heavy dishes such as beef (beef generates 60 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of meat produced). At the show’s food court, beef options were reduced to less than five per cent of the menus and over half (58 per cent) of food sales were vegetarian or vegan.
Exhibitors also played their part: Frankfurt Convention Bureau, for example, delivered all booth materials and supplies by bike to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Across the showfloor, there was a substantial drop in single-use, “build & burn” booths – a reduction of 38 per cent compared to 2019 levels. The IMEX team is now working to improve this as part of the Better Stands initiative which sets classification criteria according to how much of a stand/booth is reused or recycled.
Four electric buses were also utilised to transport attendees from Frankfurt’s main railway station to Messe Frankfurt, saving an estimated 103 kg CO2e.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “This is the second report we’ve produced, working with our sustainability consultants MeetGreen, meaning we can now benchmark our progress against 2022. It’s an opportunity to share our successes and our challenges with the wider industry so that they can take what we’ve learned and weave these into their events.”
The IMEX Group has also launched its net zero roadmap, part of its commitment to the industry-wide Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative. The company intends to reach net zero by 2030, ahead of the 2050 target set out by NZCE in line with the Paris Agreement.
All participants at this year’s IMEX Frankfurt can play their part by signing up to the People and Planet Pledge. Exhibitors can also use the IMEX Sustainable Exhibiting Guide.
IMEX Frankfurt 2024 will take place at Messe Frankfurt May 14-16, 2024.
The IMEX Frankfurt 2023 sustainability report can be downloaded here.
Silversea has expanded the role of cruise industry veteran Massimo Brancaleoni who becomes senior vice president, global sales & revenue.
With almost 30 years of experience in the global cruise industry, Brancaleoni has held executive positions for international organisations in Europe and Asia. He joined Silversea in January 2023 as senior vice president, global sales.
Prior to joining Silversea, he held the role of senior vice president, worldwide sales, at Costa Cruises.
Launched in 2022, Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap is now a year old. What progress has been made?
Since the launch of the roadmap in 2022, STB has worked with Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Singapore Standards Council (SSC), which is overseen by Enterprise Singapore, and public and private stakeholders to launch the Workshop Agreement (WA) 3 Sustainable MICE – Guidelines for waste management (March 2023), and the Workshop Agreement (WA) 4 Sustainable MICE – Guidelines for carbon emissions management (July 2023).
Currently, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is working on the development of the GSTC MICE Criteria, with support from STB. Development officially started in April 2023, and this will serve to meet the need for an international standard in sustainability for the business events industry.
SACEOS is also refreshing the MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) to ensure the industry has a current, robust set of standards to adhere to, and get certified against. This is on track to be launched in early 2024.
In July 2023, the inaugural Sustainability Innovation Marketplace was launched at the Singapore MICE Forum. The Marketplace explored various solutions, which included a zero-waste prototype booth by Miniwiz, an idea born by STB, Informa Markets, and members of the Global MICE Sustainability Alliance. The booth, which can be dismantled, packed, and reused, will be showcased in the coming years.
These efforts add to our attractiveness as a sustainable and responsible travel destination, and contribute to our target of developing sustainability standards, as well as reducing waste and achieving net-zero emissions.
What support is STB providing?
STB developed the Tourism Sustainability Programme (TSP) to support tourism businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey. Grant schemes are open to more than 1,800 eligible companies in the tourism sector.
Grants such as the Business Improvement Fund (BIF) and Training Industry Professionals in Tourism (TIP-iT) also support sustainability initiatives that improve productivity and competitiveness. Companies can tap on the TIP-iT grant to train staff to take on new sustainability roles and grow their talent pipeline.
We also support event organisers in their event planning process and publicise their events as part of positioning Singapore as a leading sustainable business events destination. Visitors can visit the Visit Singapore website to find out more about sustainable accommodation, sustainable itineraries, green brands, and green venues.
What does STB need from business events stakeholders to ensure that the 2050 net-zero goal can be met?
According to ICCA, 44 per cent of international associations have changed their RFPs in the last three years, with sustainability requirements being the second most common change.
Hence, companies need to continue thinking about how sustainability makes business sense for them and how it fits into their processes. For example, investments in sustainability solutions, such as food waste management and sustainable building management systems can benefit bottom lines in the long run.
Associations and event organisers can work with STB to shape the legacy they want to achieve and leave a lasting impact on the wider community. This appeals to those who are keen to create a positive impact, be it through incorporating eco-friendly experiences into their delegate journey, or co-investing in resources to guide our local industry in adopting more sustainable practices.
What is next on Singapore’s sustainability agenda?
Singapore will continue to attract and nurture sustainability-themed events that enable the sharing of best practices. This includes the Asia Climate Forum, Ecosperity Week, Singapore Carbon Market & Investor Forum, and World Cities Summit.
Upcoming sustainability-themed events in Singapore include Investments into Forestry & Biodiversity Summit (January 16-17, 2024), Plastics Recycling Asia (November 13-14, 2024), and Global Sustainable Tourism Council Global Conference 2024 (November 13-16, 2024).
TTGmice’s e-news will be taking a break from Friday, February 9, 2024, for the Lunar New Year holidays. News will resume on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
From all of us at TTG Asia Media, we wish all of our readers a happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!
Is the cost of corporate travel expected to fluctuate a little or a lot in 2024?
While travel demand is growing and positive, the increases have moderated for a third quarter due to additional air seat capacity. As such, airline tickets, hotels, and car hire rates have also levelled.
We anticipate increased business travel for 2024 pending economic conditions and longer-term outcomes of the current conflicts and visa issues.
China has started easing visa entries for several nationalities, but the big unknown is between India and China – the two largest economies in the region. This has a huge impact on corporate travel.
What is the outlook for airfares?
Fuel, cost recovery, sustainability and fleet upgrades, which require investments from airlines, will continue to impact the sector and FCM Consulting has forecasted an average fare rise of between three and seven per cent in 2024.
After the pandemic, due to the lack of air seat capacity and the need to travel for face-to-face meetings, airfares skyrocketed. But this has started to level as airlines add capacity.
Popular routes in Asia, however, have seen an increase in economy class fares by 21 per cent and 17 per cent in business class fares year-to-date 2023 versus 2019.
For example, Mumbai to London has seen the highest increase of 24 per cent in economy class fares, followed by Mumbai to Delhi. Business class fares from Mumbai to London saw a 14 per cent increase in 2023 versus 2019.
Both airports from Shanghai to Singapore have also seen an increase in business class fares, where Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport saw a 24 per cent increase in fares and Shanghai Pudong International Airport saw a 20 per cent increase.
How will cost impact corporate travel policy and what changes do you foresee in programmes?
Cost is the number one priority when it comes to travel, and we do not expect that to change.
As an average indicator of the increases for goods and services, inflation forecasts can be a good way for companies to budget for the year ahead.
Economists estimate that inflation in 2024 will be five per cent (IMF July 2023 report), compared to the global average of 8.7 per cent in 2022 and an estimated 6.8 per cent in 2023.
Asia has seen key cities’ occupancy growth of between 108 and 153 per cent year-to-date in 2023 compared to 2022. Growing demand is now fuelling the rate increase this year.
Average room rates in Asia have gone up by US$33 to US$173 from 2022 versus 2023, which is why 3Q2023 saw a nominal increase of just one per cent due to the steep jump earlier in 1Q2023.
Tokyo leads with the highest average room rates of US$281 a night, followed by Seoul at US$277, Singapore at US$265 and Hong Kong at US$246. In India, Bangalore is US$143, Mumbai US$148, Delhi US$135 and Chennai US$96.Meanwhile, Hong Kong leads at US$246 a night, Beijing averages US$166 and Shanghai US$141.
Nonetheless, corporate travel programmes should budget for moderate increases.
Is corporate commitment to sustainable travel still going strong and what factors are likely to influence them to step it up?
We have been helping companies gain full visibility of their carbon emissions through our partnership with the Centre for Aviation-CAPA and Envest Global.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, we see the trend becoming a priority for businesses and we have a suite of solutions for corporate travellers to travel better.
In Europe, there are incentives that promote shorter travel via train instead of air, and airports have been forced to reduce their domestic flight capacity when rail is an alternative. There is also pressure on corporates to reduce carbon emissions and we are working with travel managers to find solutions such as choosing energy-efficient carriers.
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, an IHG hotel in Vietnam, is offering a special promotion for event planners until March 31, 2024, for bookings of 10 rooms or more.
Half-day meeting packages start from US$24++ per person, and full-day meeting packages begin at US$38++ per person.
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay’s Orchid Ballroom
These packages, subject to specific T&Cs, include complimentary rooms, upgrades to suites, AV system and LCD projector/screen usage in the ballroom, free-flow soft drinks, lunch, access to the beach venue for team-building activities, and for gala dinners, a complimentary firework display featuring company letters, and more.
The 308-key resort offers a range of versatile event venues, such as the 416m2 pillarless Orchid Ballroom which can seat up to 260 diners at 10 guests per table, three separate meeting rooms, and a pre-function area. There is also a beachfront area that can be utilised.
Facilities on-site include a spa, 24-hour gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, games room, the Amber Sands Beach Club, and Horizons Restaurant & Bar. Complimentary shuttle service to the resort from the Phu Quoc International Airport is also available.
Additionally, visits to the theme park, animal safari, night market, or golfing can be arranged.
Last month, New York City Tourism + Conventions – the destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau representing the five boroughs of New York City – undertook a joint sales mission to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
The joint sales mission was led in person by Makiko Healy, senior vice president for tourism market development of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
In a separate interview, Watson Li, New York City Tourism + Conventions’ regional director international MICE, told TTGmice that they were the only US DMO to embark on such an effort, underscoring the importance of the South-east Asia region.
View of Central Park in New York City. Photo credit: Jermaine Ee
Four representatives from Hudson Yards, New York Hilton Midtown, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and Tour America, also participated in the sales mission which included events, appointments, and meetings to reengage with the travel trade in South-east Asia.
This joint sales mission is only the beginning. Li shared that the DMO is planning to organise more fam trips for event planners and agents; conduct in-market sales activities through attendance at regional conventions and tradeshows; as well as hold a series of MICE Education Seminars across key regional cities.
“Singapore is the first entry point into the South-east Asian region, but we are seeing tremendous potential in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam,” said Li.
Since reinstating New York City Tourism + Conventions’ in-market business events representation in the region in May 2022, the state has successfully hosted six incentive groups from South-east Asia. Groups – from the banking, insurance, direct-selling and manufacturing industries – ranged from between 30 and 1,200 people, and programmes lasted an average of three to five nights in New York City. Business delegates also tended to extend their stays after the incentive trip.
When asked what was New York City’s largest draw for business events groups, Li pointed to the city’s myriad skyscrapers and observation decks.
“Beyond spectacular views, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Edge at 30 Hudson Yard, One World Observatory at One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty Crown all offer various immersive experiences and are capable of handling events and groups of up to 2,000,” he elaborated.
With all its marketing plans in place, Li shared that New York City expects to welcome approximately 140,000 leisure and business travellers from South-east Asia in 2024, nearly recovering from its pre-pandemic visitation levels.
The UFI Global Barometer indicates that the exhibition industry will grow to record levels in 2024
Revenues for the exhibitions industry for 2024 are expected to reach 115% of pre-pandemic level on average globally, and more than 52% of companies plan to increase staff numbers in the coming six months, according to UFI’s 32nd edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research.
The results highlight that in most markets around the world the exhibition industry fully recovered from the pandemic slump in 2023, with revenues reaching a comparable level to 2019, on average. The outlook for 2024 is very positive, with revenues expected to grow by an average of 15%, setting the industry up to record the highest-ever revenue levels in 2024.
The UFI Global Barometer indicates that the exhibition industry will grow to record levels in 2024
Globally, 52% of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming six months, and 45% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.
There is also an overwhelming consensus that AI will affect the industry, with 91% of companies stating this, up from 87% in the previous edition.
Key findings include:
Operations
The level of operations has picked up in 2H2023, with a large majority of companies from all regions (77% in the Middle East and Africa to 57% in North America) declaring an increase.
This trend will continue in 2024 with, on average, a percentage of companies reporting an increased activity ranging from 66% in North America to 64% in the Middle East and Africa, 55% in Asia-Pacific, and 54% in Central and South America and Europe respectively.
Turnover and operating profits
The year 2023 witnessed the full recovery of exhibitions, with revenues reaching a comparable level to 2019, on average. The outlook is very positive, with 2024 revenues expected to grow by an average of 15%.
These general trends vary from one country to another:
Revenues from 2023 compared to 2019 vary from 127% in India, 120% in Spain, and 110% in Italy, to 88% in Colombia and 85% in South Africa, or to 82% in Germany and 80% in Thailand.
Revenues from 2024 compared to 2019 vary from 154% in India 151% in Greece to 99% in China and 94% in South Africa.
In terms of operating profits compared to 2019 levels, around half of the companies are declaring an increase of more than 10% for 2023, and one in four a stable one. Compared to 2022, six companies out of ten are declaring an increase of more than 10%.
The highest proportion of companies expecting a profit increase of more than 10% when compared to 2019 are in the UAE (91%), Saudi Arabia (80%), India (71%), Brazil (67%), and Mexico (64%).
Workforce development
Globally, 52% of companies declare that they plan to increase their staff numbers in the coming six months, and 45% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.
The highest proportion of companies planning to add staff are identified in Saudi Arabia (100%), the UAE (82%), India (80%), Greece (73%) and Malaysia (67%).
Most important business issues
This edition highlights significant shifts when compared to the previous edition of the Barometer released six months ago:
The most pressing business issue declared in this edition is “State of the economy in home market” (22% of answers globally – compared with 14% six months ago – and the main issue in all regions, and most markets).
Overall, “Global economic developments” come in as the second most important issue globally (17% of answers, compared to 12% six months ago), followed by “Geopolitical challenges” (12%).
“Internal management challenges” (10%) and “Impact of digitalisation” (6%), which were the top two issues six months ago (with 21% and 17% of answers respectively), are now also preceded by “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (11%) and “Sustainability / Climate” (10%).
An analysis by industry segment (organiser, venue only and service provider) shows no differences regarding the three most pressing issues for organisers and service providers, which remain “State of the economy in home market”, “Global economic developments” and “Geopolitical challenges”. For venues, “Geopolitical challenges” are preceded by “Internal management challenges” and “Competition from within the exhibition industry”.
The analysis of the trend around top business issues over the 2016-2024 period identifies several important shifts:
“Global economic developments” & “State of the economy in the home market” are back as the main issue, with 40% of answers.
“Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the business” and “Geopolitical challenges”, that both were not in the initial list of issues in 2016 appear, combined, in second position, with 15% of answers.
“Sustainability / Climate” combined with “Other stakeholders’ issues” is the fastest growing issue, having tripled from 4% of answers in 2016 to 13% in 2024.
“Competition from within the exhibition industry” (11% in 2024) has gone up slightly again since 2021 but remains less than half of what it represented in 2016 (24%).
“Internal management challenges” now stands next, with 10% of answers, half of what it represented in the last two years.
“Impact of digitalisation” & “Competition with other media” combined has dropped from 30% or more in the last two years to 10% in 2024.
Generative AI applications
For a second time, the 32nd Barometer survey asked a specific question on the impact of generative AI on the exhibition industry, to shed light on this emerging digital transformation. The survey aimed to assess the current utilisation of AI across various business functions and gauge future expectations.
As mentioned above, 91% of respondents consider that AI will affect the industry, up from 87% in the previous edition.
The areas expected to be most affected by the development of AI are: “Sales, Marketing and Customer relations” and “Research & Development” (both 80%) and “Event production” (65%). These are precisely the areas where generative AI applications are mostly used already (37%, 35%, and 20% respectively).
Size and scope
This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry survey was concluded in January 2024, and includes data from 419 companies in 61 countries and regions.
The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 19 focus countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the US – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.
The full results can be downloaded here. The next UFI Global Exhibition Barometer survey will be conducted in June 2024.
The inaugural brand celebrates First Nations culture and storytelling
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), operators of the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, has unveiled the venue’s new brand.
The brand draws upon the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’. MCET has engaged with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation throughout the brand development process, creating a shared vision for the future venue.
The inaugural brand celebrates First Nations culture and storytelling
Nyaal Banyul invites all who visit to seek a new perspective, through the shared knowledge and ideas events held at the venue foster, and experience the venue design influenced by Wadawurrung stories of Country. Nyaal Banyul invites people from around the world to connect and exchange transformative ideas, inspired by the waterfront landscape of Geelong/Djilang.
The brand mark, created by brand agency The Contenders, is influenced by the hills and layers of Country that come together to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective. It encourages a deeper appreciation and renewed viewpoint, through iconic, playful and bold symbology.
The colour palette reflects the ever-changing natural light of Sky Country that floods the region from sunrise/Pilk Purriyn, sunset/Tali-talik and into night/Murrkal.
Nyaal Banyul’s brand pays homage to the site’s history as a gathering place. For thousands of years, the Wadawurrung People have come together, to yarn, celebrate, share songs and dance, trade, make decisions, solve problems and pass on knowledge, aligning with the purpose of the future convention and event centre.
Pre- and post-event, attendees will have access to Australia’s best craft breweries, local wineries, farm gates and provedores, and a vibrant creative scene all on Nyaal Banyul’s doorstep.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is part of the Geelong City Deal, a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian Governments with the City of Greater Geelong.
Construction of the new centre is underway with completion and opening in 2026.
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.
Prior to joining Silversea, he held the role of senior vice president, worldwide sales, at Costa Cruises.
