Panellists focusing on the advancements and innovations that are shaping the industry's quest to fly sustainably
Despite sustainability challenges facing airlines, corporate customers are taking bigger steps to measure their carbon footprint, setting aside budgets and addressing their “return on carbon”.
For example, SkyTeam created a sustainability challenge in 2022 with 16 partners, which increased to 22 airlines operating 72 sustainable flights in 2023, and Gea van Beek, manager, global meetings, said the initiative was open to every airline to learn and share.
Panellists discuss the advancements and innovations that are shaping the industry’s quest to fly sustainably
This information was shared at the Fly sustainably? Exploring the latest sustainability developments in Aviation session last week at 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok.
While travel was the biggest carbon emitter, moderator, Mariela Bazan, chief sustainability officer and senior vice president, industry advancement, Events Industry Council, said the industry needed to “change the narrative” by “having influence on the conversation with its US$1.6 trillion contribution to global GDP”.
Bradley Sutherland, senior manager, business development, Air Canada (AC), shared examples of sustainability initiatives, such as removing inflight magazines, water management, and uplifting supply from resource-challenged destinations. In addition, AC has on order 30 electric aircraft to operate short commuter flights, but noted the size and weight of batteries, the power needed to power them up, infrastructure to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more available and accessible had to be a collective effort.
Carlos Mauricio Garcia Arauz, corporate affairs policy and standards manager, Qatar Airways Group, pointed out that noise, air quality and pollution prevention were other important areas to be addressed – adding that there were both “responsibly produced and bad SAF” as well as limited, inconsistent supply.
There should also be studies to find out if resources for SAF production were competing with the food needed to feed populations.
Conference win underlines Wellington's (pictured) open learning opportunities
Te Pūkenga and Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa have won their joint bid to host the International Council for Open and Distance Education’s (ICDE) 30th World Conference in Wellington in 2025.
The biennial event will take place at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre in November 2025 and attract more than 800 international leaders in the field of open and distance learning to New Zealand’s capital. The win was announced at this year’s ICDE World Conference in Costa Rica.
Conference win underlines Wellington’s (pictured) open learning opportunities
Mark Nichols, event co-chair representing Te Pūkenga and ICDE Board member, said hosting this international ICDE event will put Te Pūkenga and Massey University’s innovative work in broadening access to tertiary education on the world stage.
ICDE is the leading global membership association working towards bringing accessible, quality education to all through Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL). It is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, with more than 320 members and partners worldwide.
ICDE celebrates its 85th anniversary this year and has organised international conferences on OFDL since its inception in 1938.
Business Events Wellington manager Irette Ferreira said the win aligns with the city’s strength in the education sector. Wellington is home to several internationally recognised universities and tertiary institutions, as well as being close to the Open Polytechnic business division of Te Pūkenga and Massey University, where Aotearoa New Zealand’s leaders in open and distance learning are based.
She added: “Hosting a conference focused on removing barriers to education also directly supports the city’s Economic Wellbeing Strategy which identifies lifelong learning and online learning as important components in the development of Wellington’s future labour market.”
The conference bid was submitted with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand and will be organised by PCO Conference Innovators.
Indonesia and Malaysia strongly believe in the strength of their regional collaboration
Malaysia has set the stage for the next instalment of Enlit Asia, slated to be held from October 8-10, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur.
The handover ceremony was officially held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, Jakarta, on November 14, 2023.
Indonesia and Malaysia strongly believe in the strength of their regional collaboration
Supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Enlit Asia 2024 is expected to draw 12,000 visitors from more than 50 countries, generating an estimated economic impact of RM134.6 million and RM 8.2 million in visitor expenditure.
Enlit Asia is an annual conference that unifies two events in the power and energy sector, POWERGEN Asia and Asian Utility Week, which has been a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the industry.
The transition also symbolises the successful ongoing collaboration and synergy between Malaysia and Indonesia in the field of business events. Apart from the handover ceremony, MyCEB’s visit to Jakarta is a follow-up from last year’s trip to further strengthen the bilateral relation between the two countries in becoming the preferred destinations for business events.
TMSS objective of building a sharing platform to facilitate technological progress, showcase domestic and international resources, and foster collaboration among industry partners was realised
The second edition of the Travel MICE Smart Show (TMSS), co-hosted by the MICE Committee of the China Association of Travel Services and Purchasing China Association, and managed by XIN MICE (Beijing), was held successfully from November 9-10, 2023.
The event aimed to advance the integration and elevation of China’s business events industry, while fostering technological advancements within the sector.
TMSS objective of building a sharing platform to facilitate technological progress, showcase domestic and international resources, and foster collaboration among industry partners was realised
There were keynote speeches, round-table forums, signing ceremonies, and resource exhibitions covering a range of topics, from industrial technology integration and achieving a new balance between parties to talent cultivation and the internationalisation of destination resources.
Strategic cooperation agreements were signed between JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council) and XIN MICE (Beijing); MICE Committee of China Association of Travel Services and Sanda University; TMSS organising committee and Tongxiang Puyuan Tourism; and The CCEU City Conference and Event Executive Alliance and the Shanghai Haishanghuadao Eco-Resort.
These agreements aim to leverage each party’s strengths and resources for collaboration in various areas, including awards, exhibitions, integrated education systems between the business events industry and university education, distinctive ancient town cultural tourism, intangible cultural heritage tourism, and cultural and creative industries.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 15: Welcome during the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport at Aotea Centre on November 15, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for WISPA)
The 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport integrated Māori values, content and culture into its programming
Aotearoa New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture has always held appeal for international delegates, with cultural experiences an enriching part of an event’s agenda.
These days, the Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) approach is being increasingly embedded in New Zealand’s conference delivery, from speakers to content, to enable more authentic and diverse events.
New Zealand’s Māori cultural experiences can constitute an enriching part of an event’s agenda
Increasing diversity of voices The inclusion of Māori culture was evident at the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland last November, attracting 1,850 delegates from 90 countries.
Local host WISPA (Women in Sport Aotearoa) arranged an advisory rōpū (group) He Wāhine Toa Kei Te Kokiri, which alongside Ngati Whātua Ōrākei as host iwi (tribe), guided organisers through the best way to integrate Māori values, content and culture into proceedings: from the opening traditional pōwhiri welcome, to the speakers, poi and waiata (song) in the programme activities.
Outcomes for Māori were also embedded in the conference, including a First Nations Workshop, the first indigenous-focused initiative in IWG’s 29-year history; and WISPA gave 76 scholarships to young leaders and Māori Kōhine (girls) to attend the conference, empowering the next generation.
Martin Sirk, founder of strategic consultancy Sirk Serendipity and recent visitor to New Zealand reasoned: “If a country’s appeal for events could be compared to a gift box, with solutions for the organisation’s and delegates’ business, educational and scientific objectives as the contents of the box, and the destination’s tourism and culture as the emotional wrapping paper, then New Zealand is uniquely positioned to include its cultural appeal inside the box, as well as on the wrapping paper.”
An opportunity for unique content Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) is becoming an increasing point of difference for New Zealand at bidding time.
Auckland has been chosen to host WIPCE, the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education, in November 2025. It is expected to attract some 3,000 representatives to the New Zealand International Convention Centre to share strategies on culturally grounded education.
The bid was led by Auckland University of Technology’s Office of Māori Advancement and its Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development with support from Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand.
Christchurch has also recently won two international conferences, both bid for by University of Canterbury (UC) academics in partnership with mana whenua (the local tribe) Ngāi Tūāhuriri, with the support of ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand.
It will host the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) in 2024, under the conference theme, Whiria te tangata | Weave the people together: Communicative projects of decolonising, engaging, and listening, and set to bring more than 1,000 delegates to Te Pae Christchurch.
The 8th Adaptation Futures Conference in 2025 (AF2025), which is part of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP), is expected to gather some 1,500 top scientists, indigenous scholars and policymakers, at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
The bid acknowledged the vital role of inclusive approaches to climate-resilient development, which AF2025 will recognise by drawing on indigenous and local knowledge and special relationships with mana whenua, to advance a fairer, more liveable, and sustainable future for all.
Tourism New Zealand’s general manager, New Zealand & Business Events, Bjoern Spreitzer, said: “The authentic and transformative cultural knowledge and experiences that Aotearoa New Zealand can offer business event attendees really sets us apart as a destination. These events create excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and positive legacies.”
Are you interested in holding a conference in New Zealand? For more details, visit businessevents.nz.com
As Thailand rounds up its role as hospitable host for the 62nd ICCA Congress on November 15, 2023, Abu Dhabi steps in to begin its welcome for the next edition, set for October 20 to 23, 2024.
The destination in the United Arab Emirates was first announced host of the 63rd ICCA Congress this August, beating several other “extraordinary bids of the very highest standard”, according to a statement by the ICCA Board.
(From left) ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath and Marta Gomes, and Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Mubarak Al Shamsi
The next congress will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Addressing the ICCA community during the closing presentations last Wednesday, Mubarak Al Shamsi, director at the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition, said: “Abu Dhabi has long been driven by the vision of being a hub for governance. As we make progress in our MICE sector, we provide world-class venues and facilities. More and more we understand the value of business events and their potential as a catalyst for economic growth.”
Mubarak said the business environment in Abu Dhabi is conducive for ideation and knowledge exchange. The destination’s appeal is reflected in its record of hosting more than 1,200 business events in 2022.
While programme details of the next congress have yet to come, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath told TTGmice that the transformed content approach taken by this year’s edition, which reflects engagement, diversity and inclusion, will carry into the coming years.
Gopinath, along with Marta Gomes, president of ICCA Board, said “ICCA is truly becoming stronger than ever”.
According to Gopinath, discussions about content are already underway.
He said: “Just as how the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau had contributed very well to our content this year, by way of connecting top quality speakers with us, Abu Dhabi will also be a big part of our content design process.”
In the August statement on Abu Dhabi’s host city status, ICCA said the 63rd ICCA Congress will contribute significantly to Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, which sets out a clear strategy around sustainability, education, and career growth – the same areas of focus that young meetings professionals are passionate about.
The Arinex Group has appointed event technology expert Joe Ciliberto as its new chief revenue officer, a newly-created role.
Ciliberto will lead the continued growth of the full range of products and services that The Arinex Group will offer clients. This includes leading the rollout of the new Arinex event management platform, which has a new, revamped model that will be ready in early 2024.
Ciliberto joins The Arinex Group from EventsAir where he was global director for sales and marketing for five years, before taking on the chief revenue officer role in 2022.
Radisson Hotel Group and Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts have signed on the development of a 558-key hotel that will come with convention facilities and more.
Set to open in 2025, the new-build Crown Regency Grand Paradise Resort Bohol will span 2.9 hectares and command a serene lakeside setting, close to several stunning sandy beaches.
Crown Regency Grand Paradise Resort Bohol will open in 2025
With a large inventory of accommodation and extensive facilities, including a convention centre for 1,500 people, a ballroom and three smaller meeting rooms, the resort is expected to support the destination’s future growth in corporate events and international group segments.
Ramzy Fenianos, chief development officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are excited to sign this exceptional resort, which marks another important milestone in our expansion strategy in the Philippines. Panglao is a market with rich potential and holds an abundance of beach island destinations.
“Partnering with a renowned local developer like Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts is certainly a strong vote of confidence in our brands and this landmark project will contribute to the development of the island’s tourism sector as we continue to introduce market-relevant brands to support owners and developers.”
Susan Bernado, COO, Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts, added: “Radisson Hotel Group’s white-label opportunity allows us to retain the resort’s distinct local personality while also tapping into its strong global network and distribution to elevate our international presence.”
Coex's AV-DROP modular event backdrop system being used
Seoul’s Coex exhibition centre has launched the Good Plan, a sustainable event service brand that debuted at its open house event in August.
Solutions include fully reusable structures like the Coex AV-DROP modular system with aluminium frames and upcycled fabrics; the VOMO Smart modular lightweight exhibition wall system with a honeycomb core made of 100 per cent recycled waste paper; and the OSRAM LED lightbox system featuring efficient LED solutions to illuminate booth displays and walls.
Coex’s AV-DROP modular event backdrop system being used
The AV-DROP modular event backdrop system has already gained traction with 160 events served since its introduction two years ago, including the AWS Summit Seoul in May 2023 under Coex’s partnership with Amazon Web Services Korea to put on a sustainable event.
“With initiatives like the Net Zero Carbon Events by 2050 commitment driving major players in the industry, being green and sustainable has been never more essential for our business as a venue operator. Our vision is to lead the way in sustainable event production by investing directly in eco-friendly event systems,” shared Steven Kim, executive director of Coex.
Coex is undergoing significant developments, including the December 2023 launch of The Platz, a 2,224m2 venue. In October 2024, Coex Magok Lewest, Seoul’s largest MICE complex, boasting a 7,452m2 exhibition hall and hotel, will open.
Coex, which is also a professional venue management and exhibition company, will manage and operate Coex Magok Lewest for 10 years.
Royal Caribbean has appointed Diane Chiang as its new sales director for Asia-Pacific.
Having joined the organisation in 2007, she has played a pivotal role in collaborating with local government authorities as well as Royal Caribbean’s global operations team to plan and execute the safe resumption of cruise operations in Singapore.
In her new position, Chiang will lead the sales team to drive growth of Royal Caribbean’s business not only in Singapore but across the entire region.
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.
In her new position, Chiang will lead the sales team to drive growth of Royal Caribbean’s business not only in Singapore but across the entire region.
