MCA, AV1 make major investment in venue tech

October 10, 2023

Live event production company AV1 and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) have renewed their strategic partnership, where the new deal will see AV1 invest in renewed state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment throughout the venue’s spaces.

Following the signing of the new deal, technology upgrades will take place in the coming months.

Event spaces within Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will get a tech boost (photo by Esteban La Tessa)

The Harbourside and Quayside rooms will be upgraded to the latest energy-efficient laser projection technology along with new LED lighting and PA system installations, while the Foundation Hall will receive the bulk of the investment as the museum looks to use the space for a broader range of applications.

MCA’s Lecture Theatre will undergo an infrastructure overhaul with the installation of an event-grade AV solution suitable for events and performances, in addition to live streaming capability. The Waterside Room & Terrace, Ambassador Lounge and Seminar Room are set to be upgraded to include self-managed solutions, suiting the application of these spaces.

Kirsty Esson, head of venues (sales & operations) with the Museum of Contemporary Art said: “MCA Venues provide crucial revenue to support the funding of MCA’s exhibitions, collection and engagement programmes… The investment plan is designed to facilitate the full range of event styles hosted within each of our venues, from corporate evenings to experiential brand and launch events, as well as helping our clients to celebrate their milestone occasions and create magical weddings. This investment will also support the MCA’s public programming, performances, and night events.”

Keith Wootton, managing director of AV1, added: “Since 2006, we’ve enjoyed a really great working relationship with a shared vision of giving our mutual clients and their guests the best event experiences.

“Throughout 2020 and 2021 we worked together to innovate with the ControlRoom solution, building an exclusive broadcasting studio against the beautiful harbour backdrop so that clients could continue to communicate during lockdowns. We appreciate MCA’s ongoing support and look forward to what’s to come in this iconic venue.”

The renewed partnership also sees AV1 elevated to Major Partner status, and follows a long-term partnership which first began in October 2006.

PCMA 2024 Board of Directors receives full membership approval

By TTGmice

October 6, 2023

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PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and CEMA (Corporate Event Marketing Association) president and CEO Sherrif Karamat, introduced the 2024 Board of Directors and Trustees Slate to PCMA and CEMA members on September 1, 2023, which has officially been approved.

Directors and Trustees will assume office immediately following PCMA’s Convening Leaders on January 7-10, 2024, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

Effective January 10, 2024, the executive officers serving a one-year term include:

Chair: Leonard Hoops, president and CEO, Visit Indy

Chair-elect: Neil Brownlee, head of business events, VisitScotland

Secretary-treasurer: Kelly Ricker, chief learning officer, American Academy of Neurology

Immediate past chair: Desirée Knight, senior director, meetings and events, American Psychological Association

The following leaders will serve a two-year Director and Trustee term (2024–2025):

Deborah Caldwell, senior vice president, Asia Pacific head of global events, Bank of America

Patrick Espinoza, director of sales, Caesars Entertainment

Fernando Fondevila, CEO, Promtur Panama

Gladys O’Mahony, vice president, global sales organisation, Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International

Peter O’Neil, CEO, ASIS International

Clifford Rippetoe, president and CEO, San Diego Convention Center Corporation

Panos Tzivanidis, director, corporate events & services, International Olympic Committee

Serving a one-year Director and Trustee term (2024) is Amy Walter, head of global event strategy and shared services, Atlassian.

The following leaders are serving the final year of a two-year Director and Trustee term (2023–2024):

Gregg Caren, president and CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Amanda Cecil, professor, department of tourism, event & sport management, Indiana University

Shameka Jennings, principal and chief events officer, Eventsnoire

Brian Landers, senior vice president / team director, ConferenceDirect

Lauren Parr, senior vice president, meetings and learning, American Geophysical Union

Stephen Rose, head of global communication services, Siemens AG

Kathleen Warden, director of conference sales, Scottish Event Campus

In addition, the president and CEO of PCMA and CEMA serves as a Director and Trustee:

Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO, PCMA and CEMA

TTGmice’s event catering feature scores PATA Gold Award

By TTGmice

October 5, 2023

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PATA-Gold-Awards — From left: PATA's Peter Simone; TTG Asia Media's Karen Yue and Rachel AJ Lee; and Macao Government Tourism Office's Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

Fancy Feast, a TTGmice feature tracking dining and catering trends in the world of business events, has found its way into the belly and heart of judges for PATA Gold Award 2023 and won the Business Article prize.

From left: PATA’s Peter Simone; TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue and Rachel AJ Lee; and Macao Government Tourism Office’s Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

The article was first published in TTGmice July-August 2022 issue, written by Rachel AJ Lee, assistant editor, TTGmice and TTGassociations, with TTG Asia Media.

This is TTGmice’s seventh award; the first was in 2008. TTG Asia took home the award twice, while TTG Asia Luxury won it once.

Pretty places to meet

By Karen Yue

October 5, 2023

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1. Grand Mercure Hanoi, Vietnam
Grand Mercure Hanoi is an elegant treasure trove of arts and crafts, with lacquerware from Ha Thái lacquer village, Chu Dau pottery from Hai Duong province, and Bat Trang ceramics on display throughout the hotel.

The interior is inspired by rice, with shimmering water-filled fields, hillside terraces, and the colour and shape of individual grains showcased in many elements throughout the hotel.

There are two function rooms on offer, with Trang An Grand Ballroom being the largest at 324m². This venue can be divided into two smaller spaces for 120 and 80 guests respectively in theatre-style. Another venue option is Dong Do 1 and 2, which can seat 15 each in a theatre setting.

Elsewhere, four restaurants and bars provide options for social gatherings. Each boasts original culinary concepts – Locally, which promises contemporary all-day dining with international flavours and local favourites; Cat Vi, a signature 15^th floor Asian brasserie that blends regional gastronomy and Vietnamese soul food with spectacular city views; Van’s lobby lounge; and VIVU Rooftop Sky Bar.

2. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, South Korea
Crafted by award-winning interior designer Bill Bensley, the new JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa impresses not only with its architecture and design but also with its location.

The property takes inspiration from the raw natural beauty of Jeju and its farming and fishing traditions, with landscaping crafted to take in low lava stone walls, cabbage fields, and mustard flowers that bloom in springtime, and a palette of grey, black and white adopted across the hotel to represent the local volcanic landscapes.

With it perched on a cliffside, the hotel grants guests stunning views of the volcanic coastlines and endless stretches of blue ocean.

As its surroundings are directly connected to Route 7 of the island’s famous Olle Trail, guests can easily head off for a liberating hike. For more wellness activities, check in with the hotel’s line-up of yoga, pilates and sound healing sessions.

For meetings and events, the hotel offers a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests, as well as other customisable function rooms.

3. Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
Soaring above Singapore’s prime shopping belt, Pan Pacific Orchard is a verdant sanctuary with an exemplary architectural design that draws nature inwards, featuring four seamlessly connected stacks – Forest, Beach, Garden and Cloud – each providing exceptional experiences across unique environments.

Its architectural design – think terraced landscaping, which takes in 14,000m² of foliage and water features – sets it apart from the malls along Orchard Road.

Event planners looking for a venue high up in the clouds will be interested in the pillarless 600m² Claymore Ballroom, which features a panoramic LED video wall, natural daylight filtering in from floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor terrace for al fresco receptions. This space has ample capacity for 420 guests.

4. The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the mighty Himalayas and within the Rishikesh pilgrimage and yoga hub, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas cuts a majestic figure with tall columns, high ceilings, and an earthy palette dominated by shades of white.

The resort occupies a unique vantage point, where guests can rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls by connecting with the natural splendour of Rishikesh.

With the Westin brand’s strength in wellness, guests here are assured of opportunities to tune up their minds and bodies during their stay.
For corporate gatherings, the hotel offers 1,985m² of event spaces, including a pillarless Grand Ballroom for up to 750 guests. Alternatively, take social events outdoors on the lawn where mountain views spill out generously.

SMX Convention Center Cebu and SM Seaside City on track for opening

By Rosa Ocampo

October 4, 2023

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Mike_Albana,_SMX_Convention_Center_VP_and_GM_640 — Albana: these two projects will be a boon for Cebu's business events sector

The construction of SM Seaside City Arena and SMX Convention Center Cebu – which will be larger than their counterparts in Manila – is on track for opening in 2025 and late 2026 respectively, after several delays.

Located in South Road Properties (SRP), where the SM Seaside City Mall currently stands, SMX Convention Center Cebu will have a total floor area of 52,000m², compared with SMX Convention Center Manila’s 35,000m², said Mike Albaña, SMX Convention Center vice president and general manager.

Albana: these two projects will be a boon for Cebu’s business events sector

He added that SMX Cebu will have three levels; four exhibition halls will be on the ground level, while the smaller function rooms will be on the second and third levels.

Adjacent to SMX Cebu is the SM Seaside City Arena, an indoor multipurpose venue that will have 16,000 seats, compared to the 15,000 seats in SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

These two developments, Albaña shared, billed as the largest business events facilities in Cebu, will also have two hotels. Currently, there is an existing Radisson Blu Hotel located next to SM Seaside City Mall.

Earlier in April, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. announced that as part of the franchise deal with Radisson Hotel Groups for 14 new hotels over the next five years, the first of these new properties will be the 516-key dual-brand hotel, Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson. Both are slated to open in 2027 as part of the bigger SMX Cebu and SM Seaside Arena.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. currently operates eight convention centres in Manila, Clark, Davao, Bacolod, and Olongapo.

Asia CEO Summit underway in Singapore

By TTGmice

October 4, 2023

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Asia-CEO-Summit-2023 — The Asia CEO Summit is ongoing at the JW Marriott South Beach

Top executives of the world’s leading business events organisers are convening at the Asia CEO Summit on October 3-5, 2023, to discuss the best ways forward in investing and bringing high-quality conferences, tradeshows, and exhibitions to meet the demand of Asian businesses.

The three-day in-person summit at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach facilitates high-level thought leadership panel discussions by global industry experts on industry topics such as recovery and growth in Asia and beyond, impact of China’s reopening, India market entrance strategies and growth opportunities, and sustainability development in the exhibition industry.

The Asia CEO Summit is ongoing at the JW Marriott South Beach

Among the global event organisers in attendance at the Summit are Informa Markets, RX, Clarion Events, Comexposium, and Messe Düsseldorf. The event, in its second iteration, the Summit also welcomed industry players from China to explore opportunities to strengthen business collaboration and presence in the region.

Richard Ireland, president, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), said: “The demand for business events in South-east Asia is stronger than it has ever been as large-scale international events like conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows continue to make a resounding comeback. More than ever, global businesses are looking to capture the exciting growth opportunities in the region.

“Situated at the confluence of the world’s most populous nations, Singapore is well-positioned as the gateway to a fast-growing market in South-east Asia. The strong line-up and success of business events in Singapore is a testament to its long-standing position as the choice destination for businesses to grow their presence in the region. And the Asia CEO Summit reflects the confidence and commitment of global event organisers in bringing more business events to the region.”

Asia CEO Summit is co-organised by SACEOS, Association of Event Organisers, Society for Independent Show Organisers, and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Pattaya focuses on MICE

By S Puvaneswary

October 4, 2023

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Titipun-_revitalise_and_bolster_tourism_sector — Titipun Pettrakul shares what Pattaya can provide event planners at IT&CM Asia 2023

Pattaya City officially launched its Pattaya City package for business events at the recently-concluded IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2023.

This support programme is accessible to business events planners upon request, and offers a range of assistance including bidding support, coordination with government agencies, and recommendations on event venues or professional suppliers.

Titipun Pettrakul shares what Pattaya can provide event planners at IT&CM Asia 2023

Moreover, Pattaya City has also allocated a substantial budget of 1.9 billion baht (US$52 million) for the upcoming fiscal year which started on October 1, 2023, with a focus on revitalising tourism and bolstering the local economy.

Titipun Pettrakul, deputy mayor of Pattaya City shared with TTGmice that a portion of this budget will be dedicated to destination marketing initiatives, which will include participation in travel trade events.

She added that Pattaya City is actively seeking to attract more business events, as well as leisure travellers, especially from the Middle East market, given their preference for longer stays, and strong interest in wellness offerings, which Pattaya can readily cater to.

It also helps that Pattaya is Muslim-friendly with a sizeable local Muslim population, with mosques and halal food easily available for Middle Eastern visitors, Titipun emphasised.

In pursuit of this goal, the city has plans to participate in 2024’s Arabian Travel Market, as well as organise its first tourism roadshow to Saudi Arabia in the coming months.

Australia’s business events industry springs back strongly

By TTGmice

October 4, 2023

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The business events industry is in a stronger position compared to 12 months ago and Australia’s appeal as an events destination remains high, according to research undertaken by Tourism Australia’s specialist business events unit.

Tourism Australia executive general manager of commercial and Business Events Australia, Robin Mack, said the research shows both association and incentive sectors are returning to normal, with more than 90 per cent of decision-makers running events in the last year, a 32 per cent increase from 2022.

New research reveal a strong comeback for Australia’s business events industry

“It’s encouraging to see the international business events sector is in a stronger position compared to 12 months ago, with decision makers feeling increasingly confident in running events internationally,” Mack said.

“In the short term, global uncertainty and key financial factors are the biggest influences on decision makers’ confidence, but this hasn’t impacted future budgets, with 90 per cent of decision makers indicating they will retain or increase their budget compared to pre-Covid times.”

The research also indicates that Australia’s appeal as an event destination remains high providing opportunities for Australian industry.

“According to those decision-makers surveyed, Australia is the number one incentive destination across 22 attributes, including excellent business facilities, value for money, and safety and security.”

For association decision-makers, perceptions of Australia have improved in many areas, and intent to plan an event in Australia within the next two years has increased.

“With the outlook for the association sector looking positive, there is an opportunity for Australia to capitalise on this sentiment and drive conversion through increasing familiarity of Australia’s offering,” Mack said.

Australian Indigenous experiences also hold increasing appeal for both association and incentive decision-makers. Association decision-makers are drawn to incorporating an Indigenous-guided experience or a traditional Welcome to Country Indigenous ceremony, while 85 per cent recognise the appeal of an Indigenous experience in a program itinerary.

“This outlook for the Australian business events industry is positive and echoes the feedback we’re hearing from industry. It is also evidenced through our Business Events Bid Fund Program, which has seen an increase in applications and event conversions across Australia,” Mack said.

The research surveyed 160 associations (in North America, UK and Europe) and 402 corporate decision-makers from the incentive sector (in 10 of Australia’s key markets) between May and June 2023.

The 2023 Business Events Consumer Demand Project (CDP) is conducted annually to understand the factors influencing association and incentive decision-makers when choosing a destination for events. The international research also outlines how Australia is perceived as a business events destination, and the impact the pandemic has had on the decision-making process.

The 2023 Business Events CDP factsheet is available for download from the Business Events Australia website.

ISPIM firms conference for Osaka, keen on more APAC gatherings

By Karen Yue

October 4, 2023

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After years of Covid disruption, the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) will finally deliver its ISPIM Connects Osaka Conference from December 2-4, 2024.

ISPIM Connects Osaka Conference was initially planned in 2018 for commencement in 2020.

Iain Bitran, executive director at ISPIM, told TTGmice that the years of delay have now created a more tangible link between the conference and the high-profile 2025 World Exposition in Osaka.

“When we planned the event for 2020, Expo 2025 was going to be five years away; now it is just around the corner.

“It means that a lot of the themes at Expo 2025 can also be incorporated into our conference. In fact, we will have a number of Expo 2025 experts coming to speak at our conference,” said Bitran.

With Expo 2025 being a point of appeal for ISPIM Connects Osaka Conference, the association is also working on adding innovation tours to Kyoto and Kobe, cities within the Kansai region.

He said: “Expo 2025 is positioned as a Kansai event, so it makes sense for our conference to also feature activities in the region. It is easy to get around Japan, and both Kyoto and Kobe are so accessible from Osaka. More importantly, these cities have a lot of interesting innovations for our delegates to study.”

Beyond ISPIM Connects Osaka Conference, ISPIM is now looking at anchoring one of its regular events in Japan.

“We have done events in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, and we like coming to Asia, in particular, Japan. This event takes place annually in December and typically attracts about 200 attendees.

“By anchoring it in Japan, we are confident of expanding participation numbers because the Japanese enjoy attending conferences and learning,” said Bitran.

ISPIM is also “keeping an eye out for other Asian destinations for future editions of our annual events”, as the region is active in the space of innovation.

Bitran expressed interest in Vietnam, due to its up-and-coming innovation industry.

Crowne Plaza launches Meetings Without Boundaries for the China market

By TTGmice

October 4, 2023

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Crowne_Plaza_Shennongjia-640 — Crowne Plaza Shennongjia 640

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), has unveiled Meetings Without Boundaries, a concept for the Greater China market which capitalises on the rising demand for domestic cultural tourism and bleisure travel.

The Meetings Without Boundaries concept features China’s business hubs like the Crowne Plaza Xiamen Jimei Seaview, which offers office environments along the Xiamen seaside. Next, the Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Riverside, strategically located near the Hangzhou International Expo Center and Qiantang River, has over 2,500m² of versatile meeting space.

Meanwhile, the Crowne Plaza Tianjin Meijiangnan enjoys a unique advantage in resources and location, as it sits near Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tianjin Municipal People’s Government, and the Xiqing Economic Development Zone. This year, the hotel hosted the World Economic Forum’s 14^th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2023, where its event team ensured a seamless conference experience for the over 1,500 attendees, catering to the personal needs of delegates from nearly 100 countries.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts also offers meeting guests an opportunity to enhance their connection to the destination. At Crowne Plaza Shennongjia, nestled deep in mountainous forests, a hike in the wilderness allows for a new way to engage in both teams building and the natural environment. Alternatively, at the picturesque Crowne Plaza Chongli Resort in Zhangjiakou, the snowy vistas will allow guests to ski or savour the landscape, creating unforgettable memories.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts also has a footprint in urban high-tech zones.

For instance, Crowne Plaza Wuzhen is located near the World Internet Conference Center and high-speed railway station, and offers 800m² of flexible meeting space. In the coastal hub of Qingdao, the Crowne Plaza Qingdao Jinshui features 2,000m² of flexible event space and 11 meeting rooms, including a 1,000m² ballroom that can accommodate over 650 people.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts currently operates 115 hotels and has 72 in the pipeline in Greater China. Newly-opened properties include Crowne Plaza Ganzhou, Crowne Plaza Jiangmen Binjiang in the Greater Bay Area, and Crowne Plaza Jinan Runhua, located next to the Shandong International Convention and Exhibition Center and commercial business district.

MCA, AV1 make major investment in venue tech

PCMA 2024 Board of Directors receives full membership approval

TTGmice’s event catering feature scores PATA Gold Award

Pretty places to meet

SMX Convention Center Cebu and SM Seaside City on track for opening

Asia CEO Summit underway in Singapore

Pattaya focuses on MICE

Australia’s business events industry springs back strongly

ISPIM firms conference for Osaka, keen on more APAC gatherings

Crowne Plaza launches Meetings Without Boundaries for the China market

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