Sarawak becomes Seed Grant Contributor, advocates legacy impact at ICCA Congress

November 15, 2023

Sarawak-delegation-and-ICCA-decision-makers — Sarawak delegation standing alongside ICCA decision makers

At the recently-concluded ICCA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) revealed that Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has become the exclusive Seed Grant Contributor for the first legacy impact certification programme – Association Impact Masterclass.

The Association Impact Masterclass is co-created by ICCA, GainingEdge and Meet4Impact. ICCA’s goal is to elevate the business events standards and make it inclusive for everyone, from juniors to leaders, to become world-class professionals. The Association Impact Masterclass will also empower the industry to maximise all opportunities in business events by having professional training aligned with ICCASkills Certification.

Sarawak delegation standing alongside the ICCA team at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, said: “Being the exclusive contributor will help us to position Sarawak better. However, what is important is growing the human capital with highly qualified legacy impact association members. ICCA has been supporting our efforts to change the narrative of business events for the past six years. Our long-term collaboration is with associations who are vital stakeholders with a pivotal role in developing our key economic sectors in Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.”

More details on the Association Impact Masterclass will be revealed at IBTM World in Barcelona this November.

During the ICCA Congress, Sarawak also stepped out of the delegate role and joined as key speakers for the first time.

The delegation was led by Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, minister for tourism, creative industry and performing arts Sarawak, who spoke at a session entitled Igniting Destination Growth in Unleashing the Power of Association Meetings. During the session, leaders and stakeholders dove into the business events industry’s pivotal role in driving change, and shared strategies for the industry to successfully interact with senior officials.

“What you will see from business events is one of the highest levels of advocacy and awareness of critical topics. And when there is advocacy, there is awareness. You will build support from those who believe in what you are trying to do,” said Abdul. “Sarawak and ICCA are advocating for the same thing – legacy impact.”

Deputy state secretary in the Department of the Premier of Sarawak and BESarawak’s deputy chairman, Hii Chang Kee, was also the lead speaker for the exclusive CEO of the Future workshop. The workshop was designed for C-suite and senior leaders to do a deep dive into critical topics facing the industry and elevate their leadership to meet future challenges.

“Unprecedented challenges have taught the industry that leaders need to have a long-term vision or risk falling behind,” expressed Hii. “While we focus on immediate progress and results, we need a balanced approach by thinking further into the future that can sustain success and resilience in today’s highly competitive business space. It will inspire innovation, accelerate growth and enable the industry to stand out in their respective regions. It may seem farfetched to strategise the next 10 or 200 years but it is necessary for sustainable growth.”

Other partners who joined the Sarawak delegation include the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching led by CEO, Eric Van Piggelen, and Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office Singapore led by CEO, Chew Chang Guan.

On November 12, 2023, at the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Meeting, Sarawak was also awarded the Certificate of Achievement in recognition of Sarawak’s contribution to the global business events industry.

APAC shines brightly for association meetings

By Marissa Carruthers

November 15, 2023

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Conference organisers across the globe are increasingly eyeing Asia-Pacific as a key destination for events, as the region continues to develop at a rapid pace.

Speaking at The Asia Pacific Meetings Industry Journey in the Global Arena session on November 13, 2023, Dee Dee Quah, director of Medical Conference Partners, said in the last decade, the region has grown economically, with huge investment pumped into infrastructure. Currently, 300 convention centres are under construction regionwide.

The panel discussed how strong economic performance and infrastructure boom in Asia-Pacific are raising the region’s appeal

Gareth Martin, CEO, Business Events Perth, added: “It’s the fastest growth opportunity for civic chapters and membership in international associations. This provides a wonderful opportunity for business events in the region.”

Robin Mack, executive general manager of commercial and business events Australia at Tourism Australia, said it is essential that destinations have the tools associations seek, such as accommodation, top-class business facilities, and service delivery.

However, more is needed to stand out. In 2018, Tourism Australia launched the Bid Fund Program to deliver conversion of business for Australia in situations where the destination bids against international competitors. Since then, Australia has won 118 bids, adding AS$873 million (US$556.8 million) to the visitor economy.

Quah recommended that international associations looking to hold a conference in Asia-Pacific engage with local associations or their local chapter, as well as local organisers to help make the process “a lot less painful”, especially as timeframes shorten.

“The times are getting shorter and shorter, so we need to start planning earlier. Then, when you start throwing in things like sustainability, we really need to get ahead of the ball,” she said.

Shibo Jiang, conference secretary of the International Joint Conferences on AI Organisation, said another key element when searching for a destination is the political landscape.

“We plan years in advance and we don’t know what a country will be like in five years, so we always prefer to choose a stable country,” he explained.

Adelaide makes great impression as Dreamtime city

By Adelaine Ng

November 15, 2023

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Adelaide_Convention_Bureau_CEO_Damien_Kitto_takes_the_ball_as_Dreamtime_delegates_walk_onto_the_Adelaide_Oval_for_breakfast — Adelaide_Convention_Bureau's Damien Kitto taking the ball as Dreamtime delegates walk onto the Adelaide Oval for breakfast

Adelaide has made the most of its opportunity to showcase its finest to international incentive planners as the host city for Dreamtime, Tourism Australia’s premier incentives event.

About 80 international buyers experienced some of the boutique city’s show-stopping events, including breakfast on the Adelaide Oval with a tunnel walk through to the field, fireworks and a choir singing from the roof.

Adelaide Convention Bureau’s Damien Kitto taking the ball as Dreamtime delegates walk onto the Adelaide Oval for breakfast

This comes as it works to rebuild relationships with planners in an ultra-competitive incentives industry post-lockdown.

“The incentives market is starting to build up and we’re seeing more interest in Adelaide, so hopefully we’re showing rather than just telling people what we can do here at Dreamtime,” Adelaide Convention Bureau’s general manager for strategy and public affairs, Tony Saulters, told TTGmice.

Of the international hosted buyers, 23 hailed from China, 10 from India, 11 from New Zealand, while the remainder came from other parts of Asia, as well as North America and UK.

Hosted buyers had a day to experience some of the city’s incentive offerings, including wine tastings in the Barossa Valley, and a tour of the iconic d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale.

Media members also experienced what was gastronomically possible in Adelaide with an innovative degustation of local ingredients and flavours at Restaurant Botanic in Adelaide Botanic Garden, awarded Australia’s Restaurant of the Year 2022.

Tourism Australia’s executive general manager of commercial & Business Events Australia, Robin Mack, said it was timely for Adelaide to shine.

“The last time Dreamtime was hosted in Adelaide was in 2015,” said Mack. “So much has happened since that time around the country, but none more so than in Adelaide.”

Fresh infrastructure additions include the Sofitel Adelaide, Adelaide Oval Hotel and Eos by SkyCity, and soon-to-launch Adelaide’s first Marriott Hotel.

Visiting Australia for the first time from China, Bravolinks Integrated Marketing’s executive general manager, marketing and strategic cooperation department, Jessica Zhang, said Dreamtime in Adelaide exceeded her expectations.

“I know that events organised by Australia are of a very high standard but Dreamtime was really good. The highlight for me was the choir singing from the Adelaide Oval roof, which I thought was very imaginative and would be an emotional experience for my incentive clients,” she said.

International hosted buyers also spent three days on extended familiarisations to other destinations around Australia to get a fuller taste of the country’s incentive destination offerings.

Bahrain experiences a big glow-up

By Karen Yue

November 15, 2023

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Nasser_Qaedi_640 — Nasser: Bahrain is developing at an aggressive pace

Bahrain has been transforming itself as a destination for meetings and events, with the opening of what is said to be the Middle East’s largest exhibition centre, and the ongoing development of a tourism and events infrastructure cluster.

Nasser Qaedi, CEO of Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, told TTGmice that the destination in the Gulf is building its business events dreams from a position of strength.

Nasser: Bahrain is developing at an aggressive pace

“Bahrain has historically been a very important epicentre of business and trade activities in the Middle East, and we have a long-standing civilisation of over 5,000 years old. We have positioned ourselves as a melting pot of different cultures, activities and trade, while translating our heritage, history and affluence into a modern setting of development,” said Nasser.

These advantages are bolstered by various hardware investments. Exhibition World Bahrain, managed by ASM Global and a subsidiary of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, boasts 95,000m² of exhibition space, 94 meeting rooms, a Grand Hall with 4,000-seat capacity, and more, is expected to attract “any type of events globally”.

Exhibition World Bahrain is next to a Formula One circuit and a purpose-built amphitheatre.

“Hopefully next year we will break ground on the new sports city, which will be part of that huge cluster. Bahrain will be one of the few places in the world where you have world-class facilities clustered together, and is ready and willing to host global events,” he added.

The destination has also launched seven new hotels over the past year, and 15 more are expected to open in the next eight to 12 months. All are four- or five-star brands like Conrad and Marriott.

Air accessibility is improving as well. National carrier Gulf Air will commence flights to China’s Shanghai and Guangzhou, and more direct flights will come as Bahrain partners with more airlines.

Nasser said Bahrain is attracting an increasing number of meetings as destination brand awareness grows. Associations will appreciate Bahrain’s compact size, which “means that things can be done quickly”, the newness of its events and hospitality infrastructure, affordability relative to other modern cities, and the tourism authority’s commitment to supporting inbound meetings.

Partnerships key for associations and meetings industry suppliers

By Marissa Carruthers

November 15, 2023

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partnership_makes_a_difference_(44)_640 — Working together as partners will benefit all, say panellists

Solid partnerships are key to organising a successful business event and ensuring that operations run smoothly while participants leave with a memorable experience, say panellists at ICCA Congress 2023’s Partnership makes a difference session on November 14, 2023.

Iain Bitran, executive director of the International Society for Professional Innovation Management, said it is important that all parties take a “two-way” approach.

Working together as partners will benefit all, say panellists

“We also want to try and give something back to the city, it’s not a one-way thing,” he remarked.

Partnerships with destinations are key in connecting organisers with stakeholders there, such as convention bureaus, associations, chambers of commerce, relevant ministries, universities, and companies.

“(The partnership) does not stop when we leave because we effectively become (a destination’s) ambassadors. I don’t understand why you don’t use us more in that way because I now work for (the destination) for free,” Bitran added.

Marina Knittel, manager associations at Vienna Convention Bureau, said part of the bureau’s success lies in establishing long-term partnerships with association clients.

“The secret of this success can be applied to any relationship. It’s trust and transparent communication,” she said.

Weemin Ong, vice president of sales and MICE at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, said a key element to successfully attracting business meant “true collaboration” with other destination stakeholders to “craft experiences” for attendees.

“That’s where true collaboration comes in. Looking at what each partner has to offer and stringing them together in a series of experiences,” said Ong.

Sarah Markey-Hamm, CEO of ICMS, said PCOs act as advisors to associations. However, there can be challenges in getting associations to take the advice of PCOs, such as when it pertains to the risk of choosing a certain venue.

“We know it’s the wrong selection, but (associations may) stick with their decision and then complain that (the venue) can’t deliver what they need. We’ve told you, but you just didn’t want to listen,” she said.

Often, Vienna Convention Bureau is seen as a partner and strategic advisor, Knittel added. “We also learn a lot from associations, and we try to share this knowledge with other associations.”

Tamara Bernstein, regional director Europe and head of partnerships at ICCA, said partnerships are a “living, breathing thing” that must be nurtured.

“It’s not just one static, dynamic, ever-changing process. We have to adapt and re-examine partnerships every year,” she explained.

Making sense of China for events

By Rachel AJ Lee

November 15, 2023

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The Chinese event industry can be complex and difficult to understand, but it holds opportunities for international partnerships as the landscape evolves post-lockdown.

During the Uncovering the Secrets to Building Successful Business Relationships with China session, Liu Ping, founder of China Star, said: “China MICE is still a baby, with only two decades of experience. We find it challenging to adapt to international practices, and need your patience and persistence.”

Liu Ping sharing more about the nuances of doing MICE business with China

For example, for government meetings, only larger PCOs will be able to handle as “payment only comes after the service” and there is little to no prepayment. The programme also frequently changes, and there will be uncertainties until the event date, Liu shared.

For international PCOs and DMCs to find opportunities in China, they need to “find the right local partner” by consulting major professional bodies like ICCA for recommendations.

“ICCA is very active in China, and there will be a future ICCA China office in Beijing,” Liu added.

This move comes as China’s business events industry evolves after the pandemic.

“Some Chinese MICE companies have closed and reshuffled, while (the ones that remain) are looking for more globalised partners. You also have customers belonging to the younger generation who are more internationalised, and have grown up with more demands,” she explained.

She advocated for mutual understanding and open communication, urging the international audience to “focus on the people, and not geopolitics”, and “communicate with us before making a judgement”.

“It’s a two-way street. We have learnt to adapt to international practices, and the international market also needs to learn about (how we do business).”

AIME sheds more light on 2024’s Knowledge Program

By TTGmice

November 15, 2023

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AIME-2023-Knowledge-Program — AIME 2023 Knowledge Program in session

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) revealed that the theme for its 2024 Knowledge Program will be The 4Ps of Glocalisation.

Launching at AIME on February 19, 2024, the two keynote speakers – Lisa Ronson and Sebastian Terry – will explore the dynamics of glocalisation’s transformative impact.

With a career spanning more than 25 years at some of Australia’s best-known consumer brands such as Coles, Tourism Australia, and Telstra, Ronson is a marketing executive with an extensive track record of building strong consumer brands, leading high-performing teams, and growing retail sales and market share.

Meanwhile, bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement Terry, integrates individual evolution with professional development, where his story has become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and organisational transformation.

Breakout sessions across the day will highlight how to align a “Glocalisation” mindset with the pivotal 4Ps – People, Planet, Purpose, and Profit – to achieve deeper brand engagement and sustainable business success.

Hosted and curated by BEAM founder and chief engager and 2024 AIMEbassador El Kwang, joining the keynote speakers from AIME’s speaker bureau are partners Saxton Speakers Bureau (Saxton) and ICMI Speakers & Entertainers (ICMI), a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals who will address more than 600 global event professionals attending the Knowledge Program.

As part of the Knowledge Program, Geelong’s future convention centre, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, will sponsor an exclusive F&B showcase across the day’s programming.

Additionally, the Ideas Academy will be an intimate space providing visitors access to short, thought-provoking panel discussions and sessions. Ideas Academy sessions will run continuously on February 20 and 21, and are free for all attendees. Bookings are not required.

AIME 2024 will run from February 19-21, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dreamtime concludes with changes for future editions

By Adelaine Ng

November 14, 2023

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Tourism Australia’s signature incentive travel tradeshow and extended fam trips wrapped up this week with big announcements – it will be rebranded to Australia Next, aligning with the name of its incentive travel magazine.

“I want to assure you that this event is going to remain the incredible showcase that it is. It’s not going to change in any way, other than (the rename)” said Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison.

Harrison: changes will ensure brand alignment and an ability to supercharge Australia’s incentive travel sector. Photo: Adelaine Ng

“We think that the alignment just works better in a competitive international market. Australia is right up there (among the most competitive) and I think it’s a very action-oriented title,” she said at Penfolds Magill Estate, the venue for Dreamtime’s gala dinner with 80 international buyers in attendance.

Also announced was the return of the event for the next two consecutive years rather than a wait till 2025, with Cairns in Tropical North Queensland declared the next destination host city. This is aimed at building on the momentum for the return of the incentive travel market.

“We haven’t had the opportunity to run (this showcase) for the last four years. So, we’re doing this because we want to supercharge this industry and we want business events to come back in force, and they are,” added Harrison.

Dreamtime in Adelaide – which kicked off on November 7 – was Tourism Australia’s opportunity to reconnect with international Incentive planners for the first time since the pandemic.

Tourism Australia’s executive general manager of commercial and Business Events Australia, Robin Mack, said Dreamtime is crucial to get the Australian business events industry back to pre-pandemic levels.

“The return of Dreamtime in Adelaide this year and Australia Next in the future will help the business events industry to once again attract more than a million visitors a year to our country, contributing A$4.5 billion (US$2.9 billion),” he said.

Thanking Business Events Adelaide for an outstanding Dreamtime, Mack said Tourism Australia will be working with Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef to deliver Australia Next in 2024, with the challenge to make it “just as memorable”.

TTGmice has learnt that Australia Next in Cairns is expected to be held in 3Q2024.

MEETINGS 2023 achieves carbon-zero certification

By TTGmice

November 14, 2023

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Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) MEETINGS 2023 – New Zealand’s largest tradeshow for the business events sector – has been awarded Toitū net carbon-zero certification.

BEIA’s chief executive Lisa Hopkins said: “Our 220 exhibitors, 500 buyers and our venue, Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, our partners and suppliers, and host city Wellington all played vital roles, not only through their sustainable practices, but also in supporting the local community.”

As the official association for the industry, BEIA is committed to the long-term measurement, management and reduction of greenhouse gases for this flagship event.

“Our role is to lead the way in sustainability practices and put them at the core of everything we do.

“Toitū event certification now gives us the platform to work towards continual reduction of carbon emissions for MEETINGS and future improvements year-on-year,” Hopkins noted.

Collaborating with Toitū, BEIA developed a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan for MEETINGS 2023 held in Wellington for three days in June. It included offsetting all hosted buyers and event staff air travel using Air New Zealand’s FlyNeutral programme; encouraging exhibitors and day buyers to offset travel and freight emissions; encouraging attendees to bring their own reusable bags and water bottles; reducing printed material and use of digital assets by exhibitors and media partners; reducing F&B waste; encouraging walking to venue; and replacing Hosted Buyer gifts with donations to local charities such as Kaibosh Food Rescue, Gillies McIndoe Research, and Wellington Zoo.

Exhibitors supported the plan by using sustainable packaging; reducing waste from one-time items; creating reusable generic and digital signage options; giving away eco-friendly and biodegradable gifts, and arranging for plants used on stands to be donated or re-planted.

The Toitū carbon programme is internationally recognised and certified under the ISO 14064 standard (organisation) and ISO 14067 standard (product) by the JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System for Australia and New Zealand).

Conference organisers can choose to partner with Toitū Envirocare using their event certification programme that allows business events to reduce carbon emissions while demonstrating a commitment to the future.

Hosted buyer applications open in January for the 28th MEETINGS in Rotorua on June 19 and 20, 2024.

DoubleTree by Hilton debuts in Korea

By TTGmice

November 14, 2023

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Doubletree-by-Hilton-Pangyo Seoul — King Bedroom Forest View

Hilton has launched DoubleTree by Hilton in Korea with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo in south Gyeonggi.

Spanning 25 floors, DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is the largest full-service hotel and residences complex in southern Gyeonggi. The dual building complex comprises 432 hotel rooms and 170 residences.

The residences comprise studio rooms, as well as premium suites of up to two bedrooms that have separate bedroom and living room spaces.

Total event space on-site is 1,644m², where the largest function area is the 543m2 Grand Ballroom that can hold up to 540 pax for a reception.

F&B options on-site include rooftop restaurant Nyx, a lobby lounge, and all-day dining restaurant Demeter. Other recreational facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a driving range, a tennis court and a sauna.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo also operates an urban rooftop bee farm aiming for sustainable beekeeping that helps protect and maintain viable populations of thriving colonies. With its own harvest, the hotel offers a wide spectrum of honey-infused culinary creations, ranging from cocktails with a natural honeycomb to honey cakes and “Bee My Honey” afternoon tea sets.

The property is also amongst the first in South Korea to obtain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Chain of Custody certifications, offering guests sustainably-sourced seafood across its restaurants.

Sarawak becomes Seed Grant Contributor, advocates legacy impact at ICCA Congress

APAC shines brightly for association meetings

Adelaide makes great impression as Dreamtime city

Bahrain experiences a big glow-up

Partnerships key for associations and meetings industry suppliers

Making sense of China for events

AIME sheds more light on 2024’s Knowledge Program

Dreamtime concludes with changes for future editions

MEETINGS 2023 achieves carbon-zero certification

DoubleTree by Hilton debuts in Korea

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