PATA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming dedicated partners in establishing meaningful connections between the two organisations.
The MoU was signed in conjunction with the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). This is the second time Thailand played host to the ICCA Congress, with the first time in 2007 in Pattaya.
The MoU will see the expansion of business opportunities between both PATA and ICCA
Both parties plan to create joint programme content designed to nurture the ‘Business Travel’ sector in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasise sustainability in future activities and events, and begin cross-participation in flagship events between the Associations, among other priorities.
“This partnership holds great promise for the expansion of business opportunities in the region as there is important synergy between the travel and tourism industry and business events, as both relate to travel and economic impact for destination and industry players. We eagerly look forward to sharing valuable insights and best practices with them,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
“We both share values around sustainability, education, legacy, and advocating for the global significance of international collaboration and partnership. Asia-Pacific is an amazing place, culturally diverse and endlessly fascinating. It offers so much to the world in terms of travel and business. Yet it is the people here that are key to developing new opportunities, and ICCA salutes the collective energy, efficiency, and boundless desire to create unique event experiences for all,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.
From left: Base's Jack Thomas; moderator Thami Nkadimeng; WWF International's Bonnie Chia; and Panama Representative City of Knowledge's Gladys Bernett
The themes of forging connections, community building, and the interplay between individual and collective efforts driving positive change on a global scale came through during the 62nd ICCA Congress keynote on November 12, 2023.
Titled Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation, three thought leaders from science and education, business, and sustainability sectors carried the message that change begins with small, meaningful actions, before scaling up to create broader impacts.
From left: Base’s Jack Thomas; moderator Thami Nkadimeng; WWF International’s Bonnie Chia; and Panama Representative City of Knowledge’s Gladys Bernett
Bonnie Chia, head of brand at WWF International, reminded the audience that change does not require a massive shift in their lives.
Chia elaborated: “It is about that seed of inspiration you have. I read a story about how a five-year-old Greek boy gave up a week of chocolate to get his neighbours to do something for the environment. That’s how important (the environment) is to him. We need to think of what we can do as individuals, and come together to inspire people around us.”
She also related how Earth Hour, a grassroots-led initiative that started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 is today a global movement across 192 countries and territories.
Jack Thomas, CEO of Base, shared his perspective on how community building and shared experiences played a pivotal role in his wellness business.
“Last time, it was a chore for me to go to the gym, but I did like to see the impact that (exercise) had on people’s lives. That drove me for the first few years. Now that I manage a team of 25 to 30 coaches, I see the greater impact they have on more individuals.
“We have a responsibility to help them with their struggles, be it their health or if they are not in a great headspace. What keeps me up at night is making sure that myself and my team do the best they can to help people hit their goals to be stronger and healthier. We want to impact positively as many people as we can,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Gladys Bernett, senior education USA, Panama Representative City of Knowledge, spoke about enabling more equitable access to information and better learning opportunities for the younger generation in smaller communities. Bernett herself is a recipient of an international education.
“Providing opportunities to a child from a small town outside of Panama City, and having them go (abroad to study on a scholarship) is an important representation (to show other children that) it is also possible for them to do it,” emphasised Bernett.
Speakers agree that each small step can set off a ripple effect that extends far beyond its origin, possessing the potential to bring about larger and more sustainable change throughout the world.
This observation reflects the theme of this year’s ICCA Congress – It Starts With Us – and the association’s encouragement for all attendees to initiate discussions and actions that matter to them and their organisations, to bring about positive change to the wider meetings industry over time.
The Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE), organised by Ace Conferences and supported by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), returned from November 7-9, 2023.
The sixth edition of the event gathered over 80 international buyers who hailed from nearby countries such as Singapore and Vietnam, to further away UK and Latvia. Alongside them were 42 exhibitors from Malaysia who showcased their latest offerings, and what the region could offer business events travellers.
Day 1 of PITE
Aside from the B2B sessions, the event also comprised site inspections, educational workshops, and networking events. Attendees also embarked on fam trips to Penang’s latest attractions, and gained a comprehensive and immersive experience of what the destination could offer corporate groups.
ICCA’s commitment to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plays out at the 62nd Congress in Bangkok this week with a network of speakers hailing from all regions.
Europe leads in speaker representation, with 33 industry opinion leaders. This is followed by Asia-Pacific, with 32 speakers. There are 19 speakers from North America, four each from Latin America and the Middle East, and two from Africa. Thirteen others are from other parts of the world. Gender representation is also balanced, with 49 female speakers out of 107 speakers altogether.
Thami Nkadimeng kicking off the Congress on Day 1
Ksenija Polla, ICCA’s head of education and legacy programmes, said it was an “intentional” move to have all voices represented at the congress.
“Our objective is to make sure that everybody, who is part of ICCA Congress 2023, can relate to those people on stage, see themselves reflected in their messages, and connect with them.”
She added that this year’s event promises a “brand new experience”, and empowers every delegate “to be part of that change for our industry, globally”.
ICCA has made Thami Nkadimeng its poster child for DEI as well as the congress emcee. A global citizen known as The Message Architect with a passion for bettering the world by untangling complex topics through conversations with presidents, leaders, executives and organisations around the world, Nkadimeng is also 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in support of The United Nations.
Her experience reaches beyond the space of meetings and events, as she has also built her extensive career in several industries, such as finance, science and technology, and tourism. She believes this gives her an advantage in the meetings and events industry, which is interconnected with many other sectors.
“You can’t think of associations and events without including things like home affairs, security industry, transport industry, health industry – I could continue. Everything needs to come together. We’ve stuck with buzzwords like collaboration, but we haven’t actually actioned them.”
Nkadimeng urged industry stakeholders to aim for integration and to work together to identify the “golden thread” towards a common purpose.
She sees sustainability as that golden thread.
“We only have one planet and one chance. If we’re all not working towards that in our various aspects, then we have a problem.”
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has achieved Master Certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.
The recognition comes as a result of 15 years of commitment to sustainability under the direction of EarthCheck. Since opening in 2004, GCCEC has implemented many effective projects and initiatives including an overarching sustainability policy, green event checklist, Green Team, waste and water reduction processes, power-saving equipment, and compostable products.
GCCEC attains EarthCheck Master Certification
Adrienne Readings, general manager of GCCEC, said: “Our industry plays a pivotal role in driving awareness and change in environmental practices and I am thrilled to announce that we achieved Master status with EarthCheck. This achievement reflects our dedication to taking a leadership position in driving a greener, more responsible future for the events industry.”
Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, stated: “EarthCheck Master Certification requires a dedication to the highest standards of environmental and social care and is the highest accolade that can be awarded under the EarthCheck program. Importantly it is not an easy task, it takes the commitment of the whole team to deliver improved operational results across the business.”
Moore highlighted the consistent sustainability measures that GCCEC has undertaken towards optimising its energy performance, improving water usage, integrating responsible waste management systems, supporting the local community, and reducing its carbon footprint with science-based targets.
Traci DePuy has joined PCMA as chief marketing officer, where in her new role, she will lead the enterprise-wide brand and marketing strategies, including PCMA’s brand as the platform for the global business events industry.
DePuy is active in the Corporate Event Marketing Association community, and spoke during CEMA Summit 2024 during a townhall panel on industry trends.
She joins PCMA with more than 15 years in SaaS b2b brand strategy, event operations and marketing management, having held leadership positions at corporate technology companies such as Ellucian and Salesforce.
Manpreet Bindra has been promoted to leader of Asia for FCM Meetings & Events, a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG).
Bindra has spent the last 23 years working for FCTG and was previously the president of FCM Meetings & Events in India. Through his leadership, FCM India’s Meetings & Events revenue doubled pre-pandemic numbers.
“The Asia Pacific market dominated the MICE industry in 2022, accounting for the maximum revenue share of more than 44.3 per cent. I see a huge opportunity given that we have a good customer base of corporate business in the region,” said Bindra.
“I am looking forward to extending our Meetings & Events offerings to more businesses across Asia as we continuously grow to expand our capabilities.”
Jonathan Kao, the current managing director for Greater China, will take on an expanded role as managing director for North Asia, effective January 1, 2024.
In this capacity, Kao will oversee BCD Travel’s operations in China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
A BCD veteran since 2016, Kao brings to his new role a deep understanding of the Asia-Pacific region’s intricate technical, operational, and cultural nuances. His track record in driving growth in Greater China is a testament to his leadership skills. Under Kao’s guidance, the team has consistently improved client service, expanded service offerings, and achieved greater agility through targeted initiatives and tailored solutions. Importantly, his experience in addressing complexities such as rail travel, domestic/international divisions, and regulatory matters, will be invaluable in this new role.
As part of this leadership transition, Kazuhiko Otani, the current managing director for BCD Travel Japan, will move to a consulting role.
Following its establishment of a destination representative for South-east Asia in July this year, New Caledonia Tourism is now looking to introduce its myriad wonders to corporate incentive groups from the region.
Speaking to TTGmice, Zhi Heng Yew, who leads New Caledonia Tourism marketing efforts in South-east Asia, said Singapore would be the first target in this exercise, as Aircalin now flies five times a week between the city-state and New Caledonia’s capital city Nouméa.
From left: Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa’s Valentin Schmitt; New Caledonia Tourism’s Benoit Badufle; New Cal Events’ Arnaud Pasco; and New Caledonia Tourism’s Zhi Heng Yew at the New Caledonia Tourism booth at ITB Asia 2023
Once efforts are established in Singapore, the team will then move to “explore other South-east Asian markets, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, which are traditionally also very big outbound MICE markets”, shared Yew.
“MICE agencies are always on the lookout for new destinations for their clients. New Caledonia is perfect for them,” he added.
New Caledonia Tourism describes the destination as a “vast French Archipelago in the heart of the South Pacific, with an unspoilt and unique natural environment offering an astonishing diversity of cultures, landscapes and activities”.
Yew said: “We don’t want to typecast New Caledonia as an island destination because people tend to think of beach resorts where they would just laze around and do nothing. New Caledonia is much more than a beach resort destination; we have very nice cycling paths and offer opportunities for various water activities.”
According to Yew and Arnaud Pasco, owner and general manager of New Cal Events, corporate incentive groups experiencing New Caledonia for the first time could do well with a five-day itinerary.
Groups could start in Nouméa, where delegates would go on a cultural tour, spend some time on Ouen Toro hill where they could see the whole capital city and spot some whales, and later have their gala dinner. After a day or two in Nouméa, the group could move to the Great South, which is a natural and untouched destination for short, easy hikes, waterfall sightings, and picnics. Next stop, West Coast, where they could experience “a little bit of the cowboy culture”.
Getting around is easy, via drives and short domestic flights.
A must-do, according to Pasco, is a private island day out. Groups can access several pristine, private islands using boats or helicopters, and spend the day snorkelling, scuba diving and enjoying a barbecue.
Benoit Badufle, who also represents New Caledonia Tourism, said: “Snorkelling in New Caledonia is very different from the same activity elsewhere. Here, the corals come in all colours, and you will think you are inside a giant tropical aquarium.”
New Caledonia is no stranger to business events, and has welcomed many from Australia, the destination’s top tourism source market. It has successfully organised events with some 1,000 attendees.
“However, we will start with small groups from Singapore to give New Caledonia a chance to learn about what Singaporean groups like,” said Yew.
Badufle noted that small groups of 50 to 200 will find it easy to get accommodated in the destination and to secure seats on Aircalin, which operates a double-aisle aircraft with almost 200 seats from Singapore.
Yew believes that New Caledonia is “good for incentive groups that are into nature and prioritise sustainable and responsible destinations”.
“Although New Caledonia does not openly market itself as a sustainable destination, the local community has always been respectful of the environment,” he commented.
New Caledonia is part of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, whose Pacific Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) has rolled out MICE Technology Guidelines, which introduce potential corporate planners to business events-related technology available for their events.
These 15 technologies will be able to provide support planners in all stages of business events, from planning to execution. For example, organisers can conduct a remote inspection with a 360-degree view, while secretariats can benefit from a data management system that integrates all functions. On-site, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used with security cameras to detect abnormal behaviour and foreign objects to ensure venue security.
A telepresence avatar robot in use. Photo: TCVB
Should planners wish to boost engagement, there are AI-based image analysis and sensors to help bring about interactive elements such as project mapping, while simultaneous multilingual interpretation and transcription can improve inclusivity. A metaverse space with presenters and participants can also be used in conjunction with real events. Also available are robo-waiters to transport food and beverages, and mobility as a service (MaaS) for improved access around the city.
These guidelines were designed to increase efficiency and productivity at business events, as well as enhance accessibility through remote participation, manage personnel shortages, advance sustainability, and improve participant satisfaction.
Kazuko Toda, senior director of the business events team at TCVB, told TTGmice that Tokyo’s “high-level technological and engineering expertise” gives the city “an edge in high-tech, state-of-the-art meetings”.
The TVCB has been promoting these guidelines on its website, through an e-newsletter. as well as at a recent symposium. So far, several organisations have already deployed these technologies.
In August 2023, the 10th International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics, for example, opted to use telepresence avatar robots so that their remote participants could interact in live video chats with the in-person participants.
“Until recently, the use of high technology has not been well established in the local business events industry. However, through the formation of these guidelines, we connected with technology providers and conducted public demonstrations of how technology can streamline business event planning. As a result, we succeeded in rapidly forging connections between business events and technological industries,” opined Toda.
The TCVB says it will continue working with service providers and startup companies to accelerate the digitalisation of business events in Tokyo.
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