Hospitality giant Accor has introduced its latest campaign for meetings and event organisers, ‘We must start meeting like this’, at the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Event.
Accor’s ALL Meeting Planner loyalty members who organise an event, meeting, or group gathering at any of the group’s 400+ hotels across the Pacific region with a minimum spend of $5,000 (in the local currency of the participating hotel where the event is held) during the campaign period will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits.
This includes double Reward points, the chance to win an ALL Gift Card valued at A$1,000 (US$745) each month; and go in the draw for one of two grand prizes, a trip to Paris at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, or the Maldives at the Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru. Both prizes include a five-night stay for up to four people and include return flights.
To participate, event organisers simply need to become a member of ALL Meeting Planner (free of charge); register for the campaign as an ALL Meeting Planner member before their event by July 31, 2024; and hold the event by September 30, 2024. This campaign is available at all Accor hotels in the Pacific region that are part of the ALL Meeting Planner programme.
All year-round, ALL Meeting Planner event organisers can earn points, utilise points to cover up to 15 per cent of their event bill, and access redemption rewards, including experiences at Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AsiaWorld-Expo, a major convention and exhibition facility in Hong Kong, have signed a multi-year Diamond Sponsorship Agreement during the 2024 Global CEO Summit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The Diamond Sponsorship is the highest tier of UFI sponsorship available, and all Diamond Sponsors directly contribute to expanding the depth and scope of UFI activities. AsiaWorld-Expo will gain year-round promotion and visibility across all UFI events and activities as part of the Diamond Sponsorship Agreement.
Asia-World Expo’s Irene Chan and UFI’s Geoff Dickinson at the official signing at the 2024 Global CEO Summit
Irene Chan, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo, indicated that the partnership “represents a pivotal move to reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an essential hub for international exhibitions”, as well as enables exhibitors and organisers from around the globe to “capitalise on the vast potential and promising growth of the China Greater Bay Area”.
UFI’s president, Geoff Dickinson, added that the partnership will allow the association to invest more in some projects and activities that will benefit the industry around the world in the lead-up to UFI’s 100-year anniversary in 2025.
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has launched its First Peoples Engagement Guide, a resource aimed at assisting event planners in creating culturally enriching business events and fostering positive social impact.
Tailored specifically to the business events industry, the introductory guide includes practical information about when and how to organise a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country, a curated Indigenous Business Events Supplier Guide, and tips on how to put the guide into practice.
The First Peoples Engagement Guide highlights local talent and Indigenous-owned and led businesses poised to elevate business events with cultural richness and diversity.
The National Indigenous Culinary Institute was present at AIME 2023
From credit professionals able to conduct Acknowledgements of Country to caterers offering native fusion cuisine and merchandising suppliers contributing to Social Impact Funds, the guide equips planners with the tools to create captivating events. The guide also features sample incentive itineraries that include Victoria’s Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary experience.
For example, international associations hosting their conference in Melbourne can learn how to respect local traditions, increase their social impact outcomes, and support their company’s sustainability policy. For Australian organisations, this will help with Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives.
Meanwhile, corporate meeting and incentive planners will be able to find inspiring speakers or entertainment well-suited for gala dinners or welcome events, as well as culture-rich experiences to add to the itinerary.
Speaking at the opening press conference at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event 2024, MCB’s chief executive Julia Swanson highlighted: “Event planners are increasingly seeking to integrate First Peoples-led suppliers into their programmes, recognising the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the social outcomes of Victoria’s First Peoples and their future generations.
“Melbourne and Victoria boast thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, providing a profound backdrop to enrich delegate experiences. By incorporating Indigenous-owned and operated suppliers into a business event programme, it not only celebrates this cultural heritage but also positively impacts the social fabric of Victoria’s First Peoples and contributes to the well-being of future generations.”
MCB aims for the guide to be a regular reference tool for business event planners, as well as to help deliver lasting legacies. It supports the bureau’s sustainability strategy and aligns with Experience Victoria 2033, Victoria’s strategic plan to shape the future of the visitor economy over the next 10 years, empowering the First Peoples community in the tourism and events sectors, and positioning Victoria as a leading destination for diverse, First Peoples-led experiences.
While MCB encourages working with Indigenous event suppliers, it also partners with over 120 suppliers including hotels, venues, PCOs, transport providers, tour operators and more to deliver successful business events. MCB will continue to update the supplier directory and provide ongoing sources of inspiration for business event planners in the future.
The First People’s Engagement Guide can be found here.
Minor Hotels has appointed Rohit Pandey as the new general manager of Anantara Jaipur Hotel.
In his new role, he will lead the launch and positioning of Minor Hotels’ first Anantara in India.
The seasoned pre-opening hotelier has amassed more than two decades of experience, and joins Minor Hotels from The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru in India, where he most recently served as the property’s hotel manager.
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts has named Alex Lam as the head of operations, Southeast Asia. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations and driving business performance.
With his extensive experience and proven track record in the industry, Lam was previously vice president of hotel operations at Conduit House before joining TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts. He also oversaw a portfolio of over 100 properties across the region during his tenure as Hyatt Regional’s vice president, hotel finance, Asia Pacific.
Penang’s business events sector is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, buoyed by improvements in air connectivity, a new reciprocal visa-free policy, as well as proactive marketing promotions by the state government.
Last year, Penang saw numerous direct air connections between the city and China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Indonesia, and Qatar. For instance, on October 29, 2023, Qatar Airways commenced flights to Penang via Phuket, while Flydubai’s daily Dubai to Penang will commence on February 10, 2024.
Funicular train on Penang Hill
Francis Teo, head, convention centres for S P Setia, stated that these new connections will not only attract business event organisers from the Middle East, but also from Europe.
He remains hopeful that this year will bring with it improved connectivity from northern Asia to Penang as well.
Penang also aims to ride on Malaysia’s new reciprocal visa-free policy. The policy, which commenced on December 1, 2023, came about due to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As such, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is planning to organise a roadshow to India, specifically to Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kochi.
Notable conferences in the coming months include the 45th International Advertising Association World Congress in March; the International Tin Conference in May; both the 3rd ASEAN Conference of Healthy Ageing 2024 and 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade Conference in July; and the 35th Annual Scientific Congress of Malaysian Oncological Society in October.
In anticipation of an increasing number of regional and international events at Setia SPICE, the Setia SPICE events team has also established channels for event organisers and associations looking to leverage their gatherings to bring about a positive impact on the local community.
Teo shared: “We have compiled a list of local organisations in Penang and their specific needs. We aim to act as intermediaries, connecting international and regional event organisers with the local community, fostering meaningful collaborations.”
Teo also plans to work with other secondary destinations in Asia, in his capacity as chairman of the newly-formed Asia Venue Alliance.
The Asia Venue Alliance was founded by five convention centres – Ariyana Convention Centre Danang, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, International Convention Centre Tainan, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and Setia SPICE Convention Centre – where a Memorandum of Cooperation was officially signed on December 7, 2023, in conjunction with the 8th edition of BE @ Penang 2023.
The official signing of the Asia Venue Alliance at BE @ Penang 2023
Regarding the benefits of the alliance, Teo stated: “We aim to leverage the collective strengths of our members and tap into the growing international business events market to generate robust business leads for rotating conferences and association meetings.
“Traditionally, one might consider securing 10 to 12 leads per event at trade shows as fortunate. Through this alliance, our goal is to significantly surpass this benchmark,” he added.
Noorazzudin Omar, general manager of the 453-key Amari SPICE Penang, highlighted the hotel’s direct connection to the convention centre at Setia SPICE, underscoring its advantages for business events.
Noorazzudin revealed that he is anticipating a busy 1H2024, as the hotel has confirmed numerous bookings for small- and medium-sized meetings from both local and regional associations, as well as corporate companies.
Moreover, the hotel is experiencing a surge in enquiries for accommodation requests from both local and international event organisers who are planning events at Setia SPICE for both this and next year.
Similarly, Christina Tan, director of communications at G Hotel Kelawai and sister property G Hotel Gurney, also reported strong corporate bookings from the domestic market, as well as from Singapore and Indonesia for 1H2024.
“We are quite optimistic about finishing the year with significantly stronger booking figures in contrast to 2023. We have observed a marked increase in bookings for meetings and conferences from the medical and engineering sectors,” she shared.
Tan pointed out that the recent reopening of G Hotel Gurney allows the team to capitalise on both properties, and attract larger meetings that require many breakout spaces.
“Event organisers now have the option to maximise the potential of both properties due to their proximity. For example, during major exhibitions at G Hotel Gurney, G Hotel Kelawai’s smaller breakout rooms can cater to smaller group discussions, run parallel workshops, and host specialised sessions.
In 2022, Penang hosted 3,762 events, achieving an estimated economic impact of RM1.5 billion (US$323.1 million). Although this was short of 2019 levels, it was considered a relatively successful year.
While the final figures for 2023 were not available as of press time, it is estimated that the state hosted approximately 2,500 events, drawing in 260,000 delegates, and yielding an estimated economic impact of RM1 billion.
Once a United States Military Air Base in the Philippines, Clark is rapidly transforming into a business hub due to massive ongoing infrastructure, business, and tourism developments.
Agnes Devanadera, CEO of Clark Development Corp. (CDC), shared with TTGmice that aside from actively promoting the Philippine MICE Conference – scheduled to be hosted by Clark on July 10-12, 2024 – CDC has also been participating in Asian roadshows with Clark International Airport (CRK), engaging with airlines to mount more flights.
Clark International Airport
This effort has paid off, as the number of airport passengers last year reached nearly two million. This represents a 158 per cent increase over 2022’s numbers and surpassed the forecast of 42 per cent by CRK’s key partner and technical consultant, Changi Airports International. Currently, CRK serves 11 international and 10 domestic flights.
Noel Manankil, CEO and president of LIPAD, the consortium operating and managing CRK, stated that the growth in passenger numbers indicates “a robust recovery for Clark and the Central and Northern Luzon regions”.
However, there is a need to attract more hotel investments, especially in the mid- and lower-market segments, said Devanadera, to beef up Clark’s hotel portfolio of 4,007 keys.
In the high-end market, Hann Development Corp., responsible for bringing the Marriott and Swissotel brands to its integrated resort in Clark, plans to introduce more international hotel brands to Hann Reserve. Hann Reserve is a 450-hectare luxury golfing and leisure paradise taking shape in New Clark City.
Earlier this year, Banyan Tree Clark broke ground at Hann Reserve, and is expected to open in 2026.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has more than doubled its exhibitor numbers at its largest show in a decade, thanks to a partnership with Grip, an event platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
More than 600 international buyers and 3,500 visitors are attending the event in Melbourne, along with 570 exhibitors from across the business events sector. Exhibitor numbers are up 63 per cent on the previous year.
Silke Calder at AIME 2024. Photo: Adelaine Ng
Organisers attributed the increase to three years of working closely with the AI firm to refine the matching process through ongoing feedback.
“The secret source of AIME is undoubtedly the sheer amount of work that goes into matching our exhibitors with visitors, or sellers with their buyers, said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2Media and Events.
“Our AI-aided system is optimising these connections, driving the right matches and this has culminated in about 16,000 scheduled meetings. At least 57 per cent of the buyers are also first-time buyers,” Pearce said.
Momentum was struck when last year’s show generated about A$200 million (US$131 million) in secured business deals.
“Last year, we had extremely happy exhibitors and buyers that (helped to) spread the word about the business that people had walked off with on the showfloor,” Silke Calder, event director for AIME told TTGmice.
“The software continues to evolve with us. We are working through the AI matching system, and tweaking it constantly so that we have perfect matches. We refined the questions we asked buyers and exhibitors and the outcome (speaks for itself),” she added.
Calder added that the stakes are higher for a mid-sized show like AIME, and high-quality participants are paramount. In addition to 32 pre-arranged meetings, the show has also introduced open sections within the event app for vetted participants to request meetings.
AIME will run over the next three days, from February 19-21, 2024. The Knowledge Program kicked off today where more than 1,000 delegates attended personal and professional keynotes, and breakout sessions.
This year, 33 countries are represented at AIME, with many destinations including South Korea, Macau, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, and the Maldives, returning for the first time since the pandemic.
The Malaysian travel trade is eagerly anticipating next year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Johor, as it presents a prime opportunity to showcase the state’s tourism offerings to delegates.
Murray L Aitken, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and area vice president of hotel operations – Asia for Hard Rock International, stated: “There are several Visit Johor 2024 initiatives ongoing this year, and this will set the stage for success in the upcoming ATF 2025. We anticipate a significant increase in business events such as regional meetings, conferences, teambuilding activities, and corporate events.”
An aerial view of Johor, Malaysia
Similarly, Christian Gerart, general manager at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, expressed enthusiasm about Johor hosting ATF 2025. He hopes that at least one of the events will be held at Desaru Coast, a destination equipped with the region’s largest waterpark and nearly 800 rooms.
As of press time, details regarding the venues remain undisclosed.
Arokia Das, executive director of The Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, also highlighted the importance of making the most of this rare opportunity. He shared that he had plans to organise site visits to hotels suitable for business events and offsite event venues in Johor, for selected foreign tour operators attending the event.
To maximise the business and tourism potential of the event, Uzaidi Udanis, chairman of the Consortium of Inbound Tourism Alliance, indicated that it was important for stakeholders and industry players to collaborate. He further stressed the need for Tourism Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia to start planning and marketing early, and suggested disseminating email teasers, and developing pre- and post-tour programmes to generate interest.
Compared to last year, hotels in Johor are also seeing stronger demand for business events.
Pauline Chua, general manager of the Amari Johor Bahru, shared with TTGmice: “Year-on-year, our bookings for 2024 have increased impressively by 25 per cent, and this is accompanied by a surge in enquiries from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Singapore, and Thailand.”
Meanwhile, Andreas Justkowiak, general manager at Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru, noted that there was growing interest from Singapore and China, attributing it to Johor’s proximity and favourable exchange rates.
He expects business events from Singapore to continue growing, especially with the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, aimed at enhancing business ties and connectivity between the two countries.
To meet the rising demand for business events, efforts have been made to upgrade facilities, such as the recent refurbishment of the hotel’s grand ballroom and meeting spaces. Additionally, wellness components have been integrated into the Hilton’s Meet with Purpose programme, reflecting a commitment to providing innovative meeting experiences.
The THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 tradeshow will be taking place from March 6-8, 2024, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.
To raise the bar for South-east Asia’s hospitality industry professionals, the lineup of educational, competitive, and special events at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 include THAIFEX – HOREC Academy; Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge; and the ASEAN Barista Team Championship.
Delegates listening to a speaker at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2023
Attendees will have the opportunity to better their hospitality knowledge and learn from 65 hotel, restaurant, and catering experts such as Asset World Corporation’s chief hospitality group officer Matthew John Knights; and Dusit International’s chief people officer, Niramol Lindanuwat. In total, attendees can expect 36 live conferences at the Main Stage.
The eight topics covered include industry leadership, future-proofing your business, optimising hotel performance, embracing technology and sustainability, redefining hospitality leadership, wellness trends, and the future of gastronomy.
Over at the Demo Stage, experts will be providing 13 interactive sessions such as boulangerie, patisserie, ice cream, and barista workshops.
Next, helmed by the Executive Housekeeper Association, Chiangmai Housekeeping Club, The Housekeepings Club of Eastern Region of Thailand and Housekeeping Management Club Phuket and Andaman, the Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge aims to foster collaboration among members and drive discussion about housekeeping standards, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions.
The inaugural competition will see over 100 skilled Thai hotel housekeepers vie for the coveted Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Champion title. To earn it, they will demonstrate their prowess and excellence at keeping cleanliness by competing in a bed-making Competition, a flower arrangement competition, a towel folding competition, and a speed housekeeping cleaning challenge.
THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 will also host the ASEAN Barista Team Championship, which will bring together baristas from across the South-east Asian region to vie for the coveted team title.
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.
The seasoned pre-opening hotelier has amassed more than two decades of experience, and joins Minor Hotels from The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru in India, where he most recently served as the property’s hotel manager.
With his extensive experience and proven track record in the industry, Lam was previously vice president of hotel operations at Conduit House before joining TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts. He also oversaw a portfolio of over 100 properties across the region during his tenure as Hyatt Regional’s vice president, hotel finance, Asia Pacific.
