Fusion Hotel Group welcomes three new general managers to its hotels in Vietnam.
Marcus Wirsching takes the helm as general manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon. He has over 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, with experiences in destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
From left:Marcus Wirsching, Eugene Hendricks, and Ronald Espiridion
As general manager of Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, Eugene Hendricks is a seasoned professional with several years’ experience at leading hotels in Vietnam, as well as in the Maldives, Australia, Thailand, and his home base of Malaysia.
Ronald Espiridion returns to Fusion as general manager at Fusion Suites Sai Gon. Originally from the Philippines, his experience in hospitality stretches as far as Cairo and Qatar to Brunei, Zanzibar, and the Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts has appointed Lachlan Harris to the role of group director of commercial.
Boasting three decades of hospitality experience across all sectors of the industry, Harris will be based at La Vie’s Sydney head office and will be responsible for delivering top line revenue for all of La Vie’s properties, including managing everything from revenue and distribution to client and customer engagement, multi-segment contracting and negotiation, product analysis, partnerships and marketing.
His previous roles have included local and international brands such as Naumi Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, The Langham Sydney and Shangri-La Sydney.
Busan Cinema Center
Suitable for 6,000 pax (outdoor theatre) Event organisers keen on an expansive outdoor venue with cultural significance can look to the Busan Cinema Center for their next event.
Well-known as the city’s premier film cultural complex where visitors enjoy exhibitions, movies, performances, and other cultural programmes, the venue is also home to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia’s premier film festival.
Previously a host location for many international events, the centre comprises three buildings (BIFF Hill, Double Cone, Cine Mountain) and boasts the longest cantilever roof (Big Roof) in the world that stretches across from Cine Mountain to BIFF Hill.
The outdoor theatre, a key event venue, is located under the roof. At night, the LED lights installed on the Big Roof showcases a rainbow of colours to create a dazzling night scene for dramatic effect.
The outdoor venue can accommodate 6,000 guests and features a large screen and 5.1 channel surround sound stereo speakers, making it suitable for large events.
The Korean Cultural Theme Park’s Sandae Theatre can accommodate outdoor banquets of 500 guests
Korean Cultural Theme Park Suitable for 500 pax (Sandae Theatre) The Korean Culture Theme Park allows visitors to experience the unique landscape and traditions of South Korea against the picturesque Andong Lake.
The park showcases traditional Korean culture, including the nation’s patriotic spirit, history as well as Andong’s heritage.
Event planners can opt to hold corporate meetings, exhibitions, and seminars at the Traditional Theatre, Seolhwa Theatre, and Righteous Army Command Centre which are hanoks, traditional Korean houses first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty.
Additionally, different outdoor events can be held at the Sandae Theatre, Bell Tower Square and Yeonmu Yard within the compound too. Sandae Theatre in particular, can host outdoor banquets of 500 guests.
Event organisers and planners can even capitalise on nearby tourist attractions to enhance their programmes too. They include the Dosan Seowon (Confucian Academy), Yekki Village, Gunja Village, Lee Yuksa Literature Museum, and Nongam Head House.
Nami Island is ideal for MICE organisers set on exploring a unique venue that can add a wow factor to any event
Nami Island
Suitable for 1,500 pax (outdoor stage) Nami Island is a dream come true for MICE organisers set on exploring an unusual venue that can add a wow factor to any event.
A scenic island located in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, it was once only a desolate sandy isle. Through environmentally-friendly developments and beautification efforts, Nami Island transformed into a unique and beloved tourist stop complete with lush greenery, magnificent blooms, and artworks made of recycled materials.
The picturesque seasonal views can largely be attributed to the many different tree species on the island, such as metasequoias, ginkgos, cherry blossoms, and pine. Because of this, Nami Island is popular as a filming location for various TV dramas, movies and commercials.
Besides, there are indoor spaces, equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems island-wide, as well as an outdoor stage that can host 1,500 guests for receptions and has a theatre capacity of 1,000 seats.
The UNICEF eco-stage, with a theatre capability of 300, can accommodate about 500 people for events too.
Each year, various events sponsored or hosted by foreign embassies in South Korea, as well as international organisations are held on Nami Island.
Fe01 Upcycled Complex Cultural Space houses an outdoor stage where organisers can utilise to host 300 guests
Fe01 Upcycled Complex Cultural Space
Suitable for 300 pax (outdoor stage)
For organisers and planners looking to host events that are eco-friendly, Fe01 Upcycled Complex Cultural Space, with its green structures made from recycled building materials, will make an ideal choice.
The unique venue is also accessible in Ulsan, just an hour’s drive from Busan. Event attendees can even enjoy the sea view 10 minutes away by car.
Venue spaces include a conference room that can host 100 guests for a banquet and a rooftop space ideal for a turnout of 150 people.
There is also an outdoor stage where organisers can utilise to host 300 guests.
The interesting unique venue also boasts a donut cafe that has daily-baked pastries and visitors can also enjoy healthy homemade burgers made from fresh ingredients there.
Keen to organise your next event in South Korea?
Find out more about the unique venues available here.
Anam Group has appointed Norbert Meyer as resort manager and Geoffrey Crabbe as culinary director at The Anam Cam Ranh.
German national Meyer has amassed more than 20 years of hospitality experience and returns to the resort where he was previously resident manager and acting general manager during his two years there starting January 2018.
From left: Norbert Meyer and Geoffrey Crabbe
Crabbe hails from New Zealand, bringing with him three decades of experience as executive chef at hotels and restaurants in New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Fiji and South Africa including Anantara’s resorts in Siem Reap and Mui Ne. He was most recently operational manager and executive chef at The Grand Cathedral Square, in New Zealand’s Christchurch before joining The Anam Cam Ranh.
82% of meeting planners are optimistic about the health of the industry (up from 77% last year)
Internal meetings are expected to continue to significantly drive growth within the meetings and events (M&E) industry in 2024, primarily driven by organisations seeking to build relationships and connect their distributed workforces, finds the 13thAnnual Global Meetings and Events Forecast, produced by American Express GBT Meetings & Events.
The 2024 Forecast surveyed more than 500 M&E professionals from around the world, with additional commentary from more than a dozen industry leaders. Meetings professionals expect internal meetings to see the strongest growth of all meeting types, with 48% of respondents predicting more attendees next year.
82% of meeting planners are optimistic about the health of the industry (up from 77% last year)
Additional highlights from the 2024 Forecast include:
28% say programmes have already met or exceeded pre-pandemic attendee levels and 42% expect to reach that goal in 2024.
72% of meeting planners expect lead times in 2024 to be the same or shorter.
Only 25% said they were likely or very likely to look for a job within the next year; of those, more than 65% plan to stay in the same industry – further evidence that meeting professionals remain bullish about the future of the industry
Gerardo Tejado, senior vice president, professional services, Amex GBT, said: “With more distributed workforces than ever, companies are re-evaluating the importance of internal interactions for team cohesion, productivity, creativity, engagement, employee welfare. It’s never been clearer that in-person meetings and interactions are irreplaceable, with face-to-face connections and building relationships serving as cornerstones of personal and professional success.
“Our Forecast indicates that 2024 will be a dynamic year – not only are budgets and attendee numbers rising, but we’re also seeing technology adoption accelerating dramatically.”
Distributed workforce models accelerate internal in-person meetings
A majority of respondents said meetings and events next year would be either entirely in-person (59%) or hybrid (20%) – with the remaining 21% virtual. With many organisations embracing hybrid and remote working models, the role of meetings and events in bringing distributed teams together is amplified and the value of face-to-face interactions continues to grow.
Internal meetings and customer advisory boards are on track to see the biggest increase, with 42% of respondents saying there will be more of both types of meetings next year, followed by incentives (38%), small and simple meetings, product launches, and senior leadership meetings (37% each), conferences with trade shows (35%), and conferences without tradeshows (30%).
According to Amex GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2024, hotel rates will likely continue to rise in most locations globally during 2024, and meetings and events are expected to replace the diminishing demand for leisure travel.
Technology is bridging the gap
Technology is expected to make major changes in the way meeting professionals do their jobs, including destination research, event communication, and registration automation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for personalised attendee communications; 42% of respondents say they expect to use AI in 2024. Mobile apps continue to be a staple in meetings and events, with a predicted usage rate of over 60%. Meeting professionals are also continuing to experiment with virtual reality technologies, with 41% of respondents expecting to use it next year.
Tejado said: ”Meeting planners must harness the available tools effectively by using technology for task automation, revising meeting programme policies to accelerate budget approvals, and integrating business and meetings travel.”
Sustainability adoption still continues to rise
Most meeting professionals (78%) said their organisations would have net zero goals by the end of 2024. However, that doesn’t happen without a few challenges noted from respondents, including identifying certified suppliers (39%), budget (35%), measuring impact and post-event CO2 calculation (32%), finding locations with minimal travel (28%), and lack of skills/resources/knowledge (23%).
Global view: The regional outlook
There are regional differences in what the industry can expect in the upcoming year. Compared to other regions, Asia Pacific is leading the way with organisations that have already set corporate net zero goals – at 63%. Some 67% of respondents in Asia Pacific say that sustainability has been strongly adopted in their meetings programmes; 74% say sustainability is very or extremely important for their organisation.
The full 2024 Meetings and Events Forecast can be downloaded here.
An increasing number of planners understand that events are about how attendees can forge deeper connections
There is a need to focus on balance and belonging in the global meetings and events (M&E) sector according to Accor’s Meeting Expectations: The Future of Meetings & Events report.
The report also addresses the transformation that the M&E sector has undergone in recent years and explores the fundamental shifts impacting the industry as it continues to recover and drive strategic growth for 2024 and beyond.
An increasing number of planners understand that events are about how attendees can forge deeper connections
Accor’s Meetings & Events Industry Forecast survey data reinforces this predicted growth trajectory. The majority (78%) of respondents said that their or their clients’ expenditure had increased since 2022, with 36% saying it had increased by more than 25%.
Looking to 2024, the growth is expected to continue with 80% of surveyed experts expecting increased spend in 2024, with 30% saying it would rise by more than 25%.
According to the research, continued growth is forecast across all meeting and event sizes in 2024. Three-quarters (78%) expect the number of small and medium-sized meetings (under 100 delegates) to increase next year, and the same number said they expect the number of meetings of over 100 delegates to increase.
More than half (57%) predict a rise in large meetings (over 300 delegates) to increase and three-fourths (78%) said it would be “very important” for their industry to attend exhibitions, conferences and trade shows in 2024.
Reconfirming the value of meeting in real life, 33% of meetings planners expect in excess of 40% more revenue from face-to-face meetings versus a virtual meeting, and the majority (80%) would not be happy to use video conferencing to close deals in 2024.
The new Accor report also revealed five trends expected to shape the growth of the industry.
Softer productivity. The work-hard, play-hard ethos once associated with business and events is changing in line with the demands of new lifestyles. Key takeaway: Balance purpose and productivity.
Selling belonging. The meetings and events sector is all about one thing: People. Human connection and fostering a sense of belonging are the cornerstones of successful event design. Key takeaway: Celebrate the human connection. Sell belonging.
Designing experiences. Event bookers are looking for a return on their investment, but they are more than ever looking for “ROX,” a return on experience. Key takeaway: Create memorable experiences that forge meaningful connections.
Green gatherings. Positive impact is the differentiator, and, more than ever, the sector has the green light to drive change. Green credentials are no longer a bonus for events – they will be a deciding factor in who secures the business. Key takeaway: Sustainability should be the first thought, not the afterthought.
Disruptive technology. In-person conferences are now a vital way of bringing together people who may only see one another through laptop screens. Key takeaway: Digital has reach. Face-to-face has value. Being in the room matters.
Coming out of the pandemic there were fears that the events industry might struggle to reclaim its audience. Today that audience has largely returned and is expected to rise far beyond its 2019 peak in the years to come.
This is great news for the sector but it also brings fresh challenges and opportunities that will alter the way events are booked, planned and executed.
Scheduled from March 26-28, next year’s IT&CM China and CTW China will be back as a 100 per cent in-person event.
Held at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (SHCEC) in the Changfeng Ecological Business District, delegates can look forward to dedicated knowledge sessions, enhanced business opportunities on the showfloor, and expanded networking sessions.
A speaker during the 2023 edition
Hosting and incentive programmes for quality business events, associations, and corporate buyers from China and the world will be made available in time.
More details will be released in the coming months.
Cairns Convention Centre has launched a new virtual tour experience that enables clients to experience its expansion from anywhere in the world.
The website platform allows clients to select the spaces they want to explore and move through the Cairns Convention Centre by selecting their own path, giving users a complete interactive experience.
Cairns Convention Centre’s exterior
The headset video gives an overview of the Centre’s main spaces and the offerings within the region.
The venue’s general manager, Janet Hamilton, said the new tool will showcase the stunning spaces within the new expansion and highlight the incredible views delegates will experience.
“We want to showcase our Centre in person to as many clients as possible, but that is not always possible. The interactive virtual tours allow clients to become immersed in the spaces within the Centre by using (virtual reality) headsets or jumping onto our website.”
“We can use headsets at tradeshows or clients can experience the Centre in their own time through the website tool,” Hamilton said.
The virtual tours were made possible by the support of Tourism Australia via its Business Events Advance Program which partners with industry on activity that aims to increase the number and value of international business events for Australia.
“We are grateful for the support from Tourism Australia on this project, and we look forward to providing more opportunities to showcase Australian business events opportunities and bring more events and delegates to Cairns,” added Hamilton.
Event brief
A key focus for IFES is the advancement of the industry and continuous development within the association.
“In addition to the content component, an essential part of this annual Summit is the opportunity for IFES members, potential partners and exhibitors from different countries to make contacts and find partners. Incorporating all the suggestions received will take IFES forward into the next 12 months with renewed impetus,” said IFES president Philippe Beille.
Themed Expanding Horizons, the programme comprised the annual general meeting, plenary presentations, breakout sessions, networking and social activities.
Event highlights
“Participants gained a deeper understanding of Asian markets, were inspired by the next generation, galvanised to bring sustainability into all exhibition and event-related business activities, and motivated to incorporate the metaverse, ChatGPT, augmented reality and omni-channel strategy into the exhibitions and events industry,” said IFES executive director Uta Goretzky.
Topics included the state of the Asian exhibition industry after Covid-19; understanding Asian consumers and cultures; and individual country spotlights on Australia, China, India and Singapore/South-east Asia.
Recognising that the younger generation will take the industry forward, IFES ran a campaign targeting them, such that over one-third of this year’s attendees were aged below 35. The newest members were also invited to share the challenges of working abroad, the values most important to them as association members, and contribute ideas they would like implemented.
The IFES talent team suggested ways to inspire and engage young professionals in the workplace.
On technological innovation, speakers explained how generative AI boosts productivity and sparks creativity, and when combined with the metaverse and AR, can enhance face-to-face events to meet the evolving needs of today’s B2B buyers.
The early-morning run/walk around Marina Bay drew some 100 delegates. Moreover, 30 members stayed an extra day for the Green Singapore Tourist Program to experience nature in north-eastern Singapore, biking through coastal forest and clearing plastic waste along the coast of Coney Island and Punggol waterways.
Challenges
While sustainability featured in presentations and panel discussions, it also posed a challenge: putting principles into practice. IFES made a conscious decision to be as sustainable as possible. Hence, accommodation and most events were concentrated at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay to avoid shuttling around.
The main convention area also featured reusable pull-up banners and LED back walls, instead of custom-made set pieces; while an event app replaced printed documents. Participants even walked to the Dinner in White – one of the event highlights – at Empress restaurant at the Asian Civilisations Museum one kilometre away.
The cost was a major concern, and organisers wondered how many international delegates would attend the longhaul, more-costly summit. However, the 2023 event became IFES’ first-ever completely sold-out Summit, with high-level delegates attending from around the world.
“We saved costs by locking in the venue and block-booking accommodation early. Aside from Kingsmen who acted on our behalf on the ground in Singapore, 22 other IFES members sponsored lunches, dinners, coffee breaks, photography services, compering and other essentials,” Goretzky shared.
Local suppliers were used for sponsored goodie bags and contents. The summit also received financial support under Singapore Tourism Board’s Business Events in Singapore scheme.
Sarah Chew, executive director at Kingsmen Exhibits, said with the company being an IFES member for almost 20 years, and the only Asian-based Board member located in Singapore, she worked closely with the IFES management team and board members to organise the summit.
She elaborated: “Our contribution included providing local knowledge and ground support, such as venue and accommodation sourcing, connection with local industry stakeholders, content and speakers’ line-up, curating the F&B experience, summit logistics and set-up, and hosting the delegates’ visit to Kingsmen Experience at Changi Business Park.”
Event IFES World Summit 2023 Organiser International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services Venue Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore Dates June 20-24, 2023 Attendance More than 180 pax
The Star Brisbane has announced it is now welcoming bookings for its state-of-the-art Event Centre, slated to welcome its first guests from April 2024.
Located at the heart of Brisbane’s A$3.6 billion (US$2.3 billion) Queen’s Wharf precinct, the expansive 3,500m2 Event Centre is anchored by Brisbane’s largest hotel ballroom. The pillarless ballroom, designed by Hassell and taking inspiration from Queensland’s subtropical landscape, has the capacity to host up to 2,000 guests, and can be split into five separate serviceable ballroom spaces.
A rendering of The Star Brisbane Event Centre
Kelvin Dodt, chief operating officer at The Star Brisbane, said the Event Centre will significantly bolster the region’s destination appeal ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dodt said: “In designing this high-spec Event Centre, we’ve kept variety and flexibility front of mind, creating a series of transformational spaces to cater to events of all shapes and sizes. Whether you require a sit-down gala dinner for 1,400 guests, a 1,800-person cocktail soirée or a product launch, exhibition or tradeshow, the Event Centre at The Star Brisbane inspires big ideas and bold concepts and heralds a thrilling new era for events in Queensland.”
Event attendees will be greeted by a striking central glass atrium, and floor-to-ceiling windows which frame the Brisbane City skyline. There is also an outdoor terrace – which perfectly offers views across the city to the Story Bridge – for pre and post-event functions.
Six additional breakout rooms, a business centre and a conference secretariat round up the facilities. The Event Centre complements a range of unique event and entertainment spaces within The Star Brisbane and the broader 12-hectare Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, including the signature showpiece Sky Deck, Brisbane’s verandah over the city.
Featuring a 250m rooftop runway of restaurants and bars floating 100m above the Brisbane River, Sky Deck will be where locals and visitors can meet and mingle, book private functions, or soak up 360-degree views.
The 12,000m2 open-air Leisure Deck also offers more event and entertainment opportunities and the equivalent of two football fields of mixed-use space. The Star Brisbane Event Centre will be serviced by four future luxury hotels including The Star’s signature five-star hotel, The Star Grand Brisbane, and connects via pedestrian link to Brisbane’s South Bank cultural precinct and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
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.
His previous roles have included local and international brands such as Naumi Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, The Langham Sydney and Shangri-La Sydney.
Scheduled from March 26-28, next year’s IT&CM China and CTW China will be back as a 100 per cent in-person event.
Held at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (SHCEC) in the Changfeng Ecological Business District, delegates can look forward to dedicated knowledge sessions, enhanced business opportunities on the showfloor, and expanded networking sessions.
Hosting and incentive programmes for quality business events, associations, and corporate buyers from China and the world will be made available in time.
More details will be released in the coming months.