Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Page 234

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park introduces The Siam Tea Room

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The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has opened The Siam Tea Room, a restaurant, bakery and café, next to Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River at Asiatique The Riverfront.

The Siam Tea Room is set in a two-storey wooden building with indoor and alfresco seating areas, a banqueting facility, a private dining room and views of the river.

Available for event buyouts, the entire restaurant can hold 400 pax in a cocktail setting, or 277 pax seated. Prices start from 300,000++ baht (US$8,532) based on a three-hour event from Mondays to Thursdays, and live cooking stations can also be arranged for events with a minimum than 50 pax.

The restaurant also offers suitable spaces for smaller gatherings, such as the private dining room for eight, which can be booked for 10,000++ baht based on three-hour event.

The menu is traditionally Thai, and based on recipes passed down by head chef Anukool “Aony” Poolpipat’s grandmother. Signature dishes include a spicy and sour pomelo salad with mango, fluffy fried fish, sweet pork and orange zest; BBQ free-range pork ribs with tamarind glaze and ground roasted rice; and crab curry with betel leaves and vermicelli noodles.

The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique The Riverfront is the world’s second Siam Tea Room, following the original venue at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, which opened in 2016 and has won multiple awards,

This dining destination also forms part of a trio of culinary and social venues at Asiatique The Riverfront, along with Sirimahannop, the reimagined tall ship that sailed between Thailand and the world in the early 1900s; and The Crystal Grill House, a steak and seafood restaurant that recaptures the spirit of an enchanting era.

The Siam Tea Room is easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station.

MCEC launches new resources to help event organisers make a positive impact

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Launched as part of MCEC’s new website, the Positive Impact Guide will help event organisers make a difference for both their delegates and the community

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has released an online toolkit to help customers implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of their event.

While showcasing sustainability, inclusion and accessibility offerings at the venue, MCEC’s Positive Impact Guide can also help customers recognise Traditional Owners, reduce event waste, support children’s charities and conserve the iconic Yarra River.

Launched as part of MCEC’s new website, the Positive Impact Guide will help event organisers make a difference for both their delegates and the community

In addition, MCEC’s leading community partnership programme can provide meaningful add-on experiences for delegates attending events at the venue.

This includes the OzHarvest’s flagship Cooking for a Cause programme, a teambuilding experience in MCEC’s kitchens that reduces food waste and helps feed those in need. MCEC is the only convention and exhibition centre nationally to have formal ‘Awesome’ partnership with food rescue organisation OzHarvest.

Through MCEC’s Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, and partnership with The Startup Network, customers can also be connected to inspiring potential speakers for their event.

MCEC’s head of advocacy, impact & reputation, Rohan Astley, said the venue hopes to grow its Positive Impact Guide for organisers over time.

“At MCEC, we have an ambitious five-year sustainability strategy, and a long-standing community partnership programme that sees us give more than A$2 million (US$1.3 million) of in-kind event services to charities per year.

“However, we know many organisers share our commitment to leave positive legacies, be they big or small.

“We’re hoping this resource is just the beginning, and that in the future we can continue to offer new ways for our customers to make an impact in the community,” said Astley.

UFI selects Bangkok for 2026 conference

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TCEB and UFI signed the MoU during the press conference at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has chosen Bangkok, Thailand to host UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026.

This is the second time Thailand will be hosting the event, after Chiang Mai first hosted it in 2016.

TCEB and UFI signed the MoU during the press conference at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

“UFI and TCEB have a long-standing partnership, and UFI is delighted to return to Bangkok in 2026 – this time with our Asia-Pacific Conference. Together, UFI and TCEB will make sure that event industry leaders from the region and beyond will find their time well spent – and leave with new insights, make and renew contacts, explore business opportunities, and experience Thailand’s friendship, hospitality and professionalism,” said Kai Hattendorf, CEO, UFI.

Panittha Buri, president of the Trade Exhibition Association, remarked it was a “great pleasure” to welcome UFI back to Thailand again.

“TEA will be working closely with Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to make this event a fulfilling, lively and memorable experience in Bangkok. We hope that the Thai MICE industry players together with our industry colleagues from around the world will be able to reconnect and benefit from sharing best practices within the UFI community.”

According to data collected by TCEB, the fiscal year 2022 registered 67,668 overseas exhibition travellers in Thailand, generating 4,423 million baht (US$125.5 million) of revenue, an economic impact of 9,468 million baht, 5,301 jobs and 189 million baht of tax income.

In the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2023 (October 2022 – June 2023), Thailand welcomed a total number of 440,946 overseas business events travellers, generating 26,274 million baht of revenue. Of that figure, 204,397 are exhibition visitors, accounting for 46 per cent of the total overseas business events travellers and generating 13,017 million baht of revenue.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre gears up for a busy 2024

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Delegates all over the world will connect at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is poised to host 20 conventions throughout 2024, projecting an estimate of RM75 million (US$16.1 million) in economic contribution to the city and country.

Among the international gatherings on the Centre’s 2024 roster are the International Surgical Week 2024; 21st International Association of Applied Linguistics World Congress 2024; European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology meets Asia 2024; 12th World Federation of Chiropractic Global Education Conference 2024; International Union of Architects International Forum 2024; and the 26th Regional Conference of Dermatology 2024.

Delegates all over the world will connect at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

These upcoming events are set to draw more than 32,000 delegates from around the world.

John Burke, the Centre’s general manager, expressed elation at the burgeoning growth in association meetings and conventions.

“Having already delivered 18 conventions successfully so far during 2023 with 12 more confirmed to take place before the end of the year, the Centre’s record of accomplishment underscores its commitment to excellence. The ongoing interest in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur as a favoured destination for event planners reflects the enduring allure of the city, solidifying its position as the sixth top city in the Asia Pacific region according to ICCA City and Country Ranking.

“We are also thrilled to have secured bids to host four international conferences at the Centre between 2024 to 2030, anticipating over 5,000 delegates from around the world. These meetings will generate a remarkable RM18 million economic impact,” he said.

Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific convenes in HK next month

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A cruise ship in Hong Kong's harbour

Following a four-year hiatus, Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific will return next month from October 24-26, 2023, and will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.

Theme Rebuilding Asia Cruising Together, the event will feature panels, workshops and presentations addressing relevant regional trends, threats and opportunities, with each session led by a panel of cruising’s most influential leaders and experts. The conference programme will be headlined by the State of the Asian Cruise Industry session, diving into major industry updates, current trends and outlook for the region’s future.

A cruise ship in Hong Kong’s harbour

The dedicated Supplier Showcase Zone will feature exhibitors including ports, destinations and service providers from across the region showcasing their latest facilities and products. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with colleagues through a variety of networking receptions hosted throughout the three days.

“Seatrade has been engaged with cruising in the Asia Pacific region for 40 years, bringing cruise communities together to support the development of this emerging market,” said Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director for Seatrade Cruise.

“Cruise operations are gradually restarting in this region with some markets returning strongly to near pre-pandemic levels. With several cruise lines already operating in the region and new players on the horizon, Seatrade is excited to be back in Hong Kong to continue supporting the recovery of the Asian cruise market.”

Navigating technology’s role in business events

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From left: Cvent’s Nathan Sharma; USANA Health Services’ Sabrina Khoo; PCMA’s Florence Chua; and Bespoke’s Cynthia Martin

Technology is a potent tool, capable of enriching business events, fostering connections, and streamlining operations for increased efficiency, hence navigating its challenges was addressed during Meeting Client Wants and Needs panel session at the Malaysia Business Events Week in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month.

Nathan Sharma, the director of sales & head of International CVBs Asia Pacific at Cvent, highlighted how online and hybrid technology played a unifying role during the pandemic, allowing business events to continue.

From left: Cvent’s Nathan Sharma; USANA Health Services’ Sabrina Khoo; PCMA’s Florence Chua; and Bespoke’s Cynthia Martin

However, the allure of virtual events has waned significantly since international borders reopened, ushering in a revival of in-person meetings and gatherings.

Drawing from customer feedback, Nathan asserted that hybrid events have gravitated towards prioritising in-person interactions, as no existing technology can rival the profound impact of human connections forged during in-person events.

Sabrina Khoo, general manager, USANA Health Services, articulated that post-lockdown, participants at company events are demanding captivating experiences, which is achieved through harnessing the appropriate technology to heighten an attendee’s experience.

Florence Chua, managing director APAC – Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) then advised organisers considering hybrid event formats not to overlook the engagement of online participants. Emphasising the importance of distinct programme designs for each experience, she underscored the necessity to view the online and offline as two separate entities.

Some challenges event organisers grappled with, Chua shared, included the struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. Another hurdle is how seamless the integration of technology applications and tools can be, in order to create cohesive participant experiences.

Cynthia Martin, director, Malaysia-based Bespoke Marketing, also debunked the misconception that physical events are invariably more expensive than their online counterparts. In truth, the technological aspect of an online event can command up to 50 per cent of the total event budget. Martin pointed out: “Hybrid events essentially entail the simultaneous management of two events.”

Sarawak builds legacy journal editions, partners Goyang CVB on content and promotion

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Business Events Sarawak’s Amelia Roziman (left, front row) and Goyang CVB’s Peter Lee (right, front row) stamp on a partnership, with ICCA’s Waikin Wong (from left, back row), Senthil Gopinath and Jane Vong Holmes celebrating the milestone

Following on from the November 2022 publication of what is said to be the world’s first international academic journal specific to business events and their legacies, Business Events Sarawak and ICCA are gearing up for the release of Issue 1 Volume 2 of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) in a month’s time.

When IJBEL was first released last year, ICCA’s CEO Senthil Gopinath said it would furnish business events researchers and industry practitioners with a multidisciplinary perspective on the value of meetings and real-world case studies, as well as serve as an additional platform for destination showcase.

Business Events Sarawak’s Amelia Roziman (left, front row) and Goyang CVB’s Peter Lee (right, front row) stamp on a partnership, with ICCA’s Waikin Wong (from left, back row), Senthil Gopinath and Jane Vong Holmes celebrating the milestone

The inaugural issue featured six academic papers, four industry papers, and one special note on current hot topics, such as the effectiveness of hybrid events; managing sustainable events in an urban destination; hosting business events in times of crisis; optimising e-tourism and e-marketplaces for business events, and legacy approaches.

The second volume will carry on in the same direction with eight papers.

While work is being finalised on the new volume, Business Events Sarawak’s CEO, Amelia Roziman told TTGmice that the third publication – IJBEL Issue 2 Volume 1 – is scheduled for launch at ICCA Congress 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand this November.

This edition, according to Amelia, will focus solely on legacy impacts of meetings.

To round up content on IJBEL Issue 2 Volume 1 and plan for upcoming editions, Business Events Sarawak inked an MoU with Goyang CVB on August 24 that will see the latter supporting the project with content and promotion as a strategic partner.

“Goyang CVB will help us secure more papers from Goyang’s industry partners and academia for upcoming issues,” stated Amelia.

Commenting on the partnership, Peter Lee, managing director of Goyang CVB, said he had “no reason to refuse” Business Events Sarawak’s invite to collaborate.

Said Lee: “Legacy creation is a goal of every city that seeks more positive impacts from business events. Business Events Sarawak did a great job with the journal’s first issue, and has many practical action plans on building event legacies.”

When asked which business event in Goyang could make a good legacy case study for the journal, Lee elected the annual Goyang Destination Week. The event, now in its seventh edition, kicked off on August 22 with the public-facing Goyang MICE Day, designed to get citizens acquainted with the world of business events. Other events that made up Goyang Destination Week included the Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge on August 23, which drew participation from 50 teams from around the region; the International Destination Competitiveness Forum, which saw about 400 industry professionals attending in person and online; and the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Development Forum on August 24, which had 200 in-person attendees.

Lee explained that Goyang Destination Week was first created in 2017 to bring attention to Goyang City.

“Today, as a result of the event, more citizens got to know about the business events industry and want to be involved in it,” he said.

Minor Hotels appoints new GM for Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

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Minor Hotels has named Ramsey Saarany as general manager at Anantara Mina al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort ahead of its opening later this year.

Ramsey brings two decades of experience in the premium hospitality industry and will lead and oversee all strategies and operations of the resort.

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong announces new appointments

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Ahead of its opening on September 8, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong has announced several key appointments.

Stacey Cameron is the new director of sales & marketing, and brings extensive hospitality and leadership experience to the new hotel. She is also overseeing the conference & events team during the initial launch of the hotel.

From left: Stacey Cameron, Migo Razon, and Dave Wilson

Her career includes managing operations at Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove and orchestrating events in Tropical North Queensland.

The new executive chef Migo Razon hails from the Philippines and brings a breadth of experience to the hotel’s restaurant, Maestro. He has enjoyed roles at Double Tree by Hilton Melbourne, and most recently at Sheraton Melbourne Hotel.

Joining the team as food & beverage manager, seasoned hospitality professional Dave Wilson had an impressive 12-year tenure at the Vue Group in Melbourne where he transitioned to Little Creatures Geelong Brewery as operations manager for three years.

TTG Asia Media appointed digital show daily producer at ICCA Congress 2023

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From left: ICCA's Senthil Gopinath; Goyang CVB's Peter Lee (who acted as a witness to the signing); and TTG Asia Media's Darren Tan

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has selected TTG Asia Media to be the digital show daily producer at its upcoming ICCA Congress 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.

With the prestigious event for meetings professionals and association leadership rotating to Asia-Pacific for its 2023 edition, TTG Asia Media is well positioned to convey event proceedings and ICCA developments to its established industry audience across the wide region. The TTG Show Daily at ICCA Congress 2023 will also feature select cities in the region that are primed for international meetings, with opportunities available to CVBs keen to showcase their destination.

From left: ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath; Goyang CVB’s Peter Lee (who acted as a witness to the signing); and TTG Asia Media’s Darren Tan. Photo: Karen Yue

The digital show daily editorial team will be led by TTG Asia Media’s group editor, Karen Yue. It will be based on-site at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for the event, from November 12-15, 2023.

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “This year we are doing the Congress differently by giving participants a unique role in creating content to shape our industry as we move into 2024 and beyond. With so much to capture, it is essential that we have eyes and ears everywhere in the QSNCC. It is why we have chosen to work with TTG Asia Media. They will add real value to the participant experience – and to those watching from afar – by bringing their event expertise and professionalism to reflect and record everything that is going on around us.”

Commenting on the partnership, Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, said: “TTG Asia Media’s Travel Trade Publishing group has been connecting Asia-Pacific’s travel industry with its leading trade publications since 1974, and our quality editorial content has led us to produce live show dailies at many high-profile industry events. We are also no strangers to the world of business events and association meetings as well as the value such gatherings bring to local and regional economies and communities.

“Therefore, we are very proud to be able to support ICCA, host city Bangkok, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in their ICCA Congress 2023 objectives, by being the vehicle that will convey event proceedings and ICCA developments to all attendees and industry stakeholders.”

A signing ceremony between ICCA and TTG Asia Media was conducted this morning (August 25, 2023) on the sidelines of ICCA’s Goyang Destination Week 2023 in Goyang, South Korea.

Besides the TTG Show Daily at ICCA Congress 2023, TTG Asia Media’s editorial team will also be reporting on developments on the ground for various titles – TTGmice, TTGassociations and TTG BT-MICE China.

Additionally, as part of the partnership between TTG Asia Media and ICCA for the ICCA Congress 2023, ICCA-led content will be prioritised at TTG Asia Media’s very own meetings and business travel tradeshow – IT&CM Asia Pacific and CTW Asia Pacific.

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