Alibaba Group Holding has announced that Joseph C. Tsai, currently executive vice chairman, will succeed Daniel Zhang as chairman, while chairman of Taobao and Tmall Group, Eddie Yongming Wu, will succeed Zhang as chief executive officer and take over his place on the company’s board of directors.
Both appointments will take effect on September 10.
From left: Joseph C. Tsai and Eddie Yongming Wu
Tsai joined in 1999 as a member of the Alibaba founding team and has served on the board of directors since the company’s inception.
As one of the company’s co-founders, Wu started out as technology director of Alibaba at the company’s inception in 1999. He has been in his current role since May this year.
If you are looking for the secret to Melbourne’s continued rise in the events industry, you will likely find it in its past, where stakeholders were prepared to play hardball from the beginning.
Marking 30 years of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) this year has given its owner, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), cause for a nostalgic look back at its foundations for success and key decisions that have positioned it for future growth.
Melbourne boasts stunning venues for business gatherings
And what it found when digging up the history books was pretty remarkable.
“Melbourne was really a large country town for many years,” reflected Julia Swanson, MCB’s CEO who has been in the industry for most of those three decades.
“And then in the last 20 years or so, it went through phenomenal growth; that’s everything from the airport to the hotel sector, to the development of significant precincts,” she said.
This included turning industrial or disused factory land into what is now some of Melbourne’s key business events assets, such as the vibrant South Wharf, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Docklands, plus university and biomedical precincts.
There is also pride in the fact that Melbourne is the only city in the world that hosts both a major tennis event in the Australian Open and the Grand Prix, cementing its reputation for hosting large-scale events.
So, what decisions did Melbourne make that are still paying it forward?
“(For one), the government of that time secured land and developed a world-class convention and exhibition centre right on the waterfront and in the city centre, which made a massive difference. The considerate planning they put into that, set up the city for decades of success in the business event sector,” said Swanson.
“I (also) always regard the International AIDS Conference, held in Melbourne in 2014, as one of the proudest accomplishments for a destination. Attracting an internationally significant gathering of 14,000 people from 120 countries – ranging from grassroots advocates to politicians, royalty, celebrities, and leading science experts – this conference facilitated collaboration to address an issue that is a challenge in some parts of the world.
“As a result, amazing events and lasting legacies were created that will survive for years to come,” she continued.
Also receiving special mention were Peter King, who recently finished his 11-year CEO role at the MCEC, and Peter Jones of Peter Jones Special Events.
“(King) took the MCEC from a functional building to world-class standards, setting the bar for venue design, reinvestment in technology and sustainability, and creating amazing delegate experiences in terms of food, wine and enrichment,” noted Swanson.
“And Jones had a really impactful chapter in Melbourne’s history delivering major public and business events. The work he did at AIME’s welcome reception (at Marvel Stadium) was phenomenal. To corral over 1,000 people to form the number 30 in the middle of the grounds, and all in the middle of a networking event, was something that I wasn’t sure he’d make happen but he proved me wrong, so that was fantastic,” Swanson enthused.
This year, Melbourne is projecting to offer 42,000 hotel rooms, including additions from Australia’s tallest hotel, The Ritz Carlton. That is a long way from 4,000 rooms 30 years ago in 1993. Work has also started on a A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) Melbourne arts precinct, which will be Australia’s largest arts and culture infrastructure project.
Meanwhile, the health and medical sector continues to be a force with 30 per cent of Melbourne’s confirmed business over the next three years coming from this sector. Biotechnology is also delivering some large events for Melbourne, including the International Congress of Genetics in July which will bring 3,000 delegates to the city. There is also significant growth in the business sector, with 24 association and incentive events secured for 2023.
Throughout the years, there is no doubt that AIME – a show that transacted A$120 million in business last year – has played a significant role in showcasing Melbourne to potential clients.
Sander Looijen has been appointed the new general manager at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
He brings a wealth of experience to the resort and will lead the to reach new heights of excellence in service, guest experience, and overall operational efficiency. He will also oversee event management at the resort’s adjacent, Bali International Convention Centre.
He was most recently cluster general manager at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung.
Findings from GBTA’s report cite awareness, investment and communication as key factors in advancing global sustainability
The time is now for the global travel industry to enact meaningful changes for the climate, according to a newly released report, The State of Climate Action in Business Travel – Global Industry Barometer 2023, from the GBTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The report was unveiled at the 2nd GBTA Sustainability Summit held in Washington, DC.
Findings from GBTA’s report cite awareness, investment and communication as key factors in advancing global sustainability
One of the key findings is the industry’s willingness to rise to the challenge: according to the report, 92% of respondents say sustainability is a priority for their organisation (up from 89% in a 2022 GBTA report). Based on survey responses, Europe (98%) along with Asia Pacific and Latin America (both 100%) lead in saying it’s a priority, with North America (86%) slightly lagging the other regions.
“Any kind of meaningful impact begins with the knowledge that change is necessary,” said Delphine Millot, managing director of the GBTA Foundation. “Engaging business travellers and activating the point of sale to empower them to select more sustainable options will be critical − with corporate travel managers playing a leading role in driving that needed change. But to get there as an industry we must unify standards and make the investments needed to decarbonise business travel.”
Here are some of the report’s key findings based on a global survey of travel buyers and suppliers:
Companies are investing in sustainability teams: 71% of travel buyers and suppliers say they have a sustainability team, an increase from last year (66%). While 90% of airlines have such dedicated sustainability resources, this drops to 59% for the hospitality sector, 58% for travel management companies (TMCs), 55% for ground transportation, and 50% for online booking technologies.
It’s all about reputation – but also impact: For companies, the biggest drivers when it comes to sustainability uptake are reputation management (84%) coupled with a genuine willingness to drive a positive impact for the planet (82%).
Travel managers are being tasked with reducing emissions for their programmes: More than half (54%) of respondents say their company has set either internal or public targets to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which include those from business travel. Another 23% are planning to set such reduction targets.
Combining trips is seen as a tactic to maximise travel’s return on emissions: 74% of travel managers are encouraging (55%) or mandating (19%) their employees to combine multiple business trips into one.
Travel managers are not always directly acting on the purpose of travel in their policies: 38% report they currently ask for justification for same-day business trips based on return on investment (ROI) and available alternatives.
The fastest-growing practice will be activating the point of sale to encourage employees to select lower emission options: Only implemented by 28% of travel managers today, an additional 32% are planning to have sustainability features integrated into their online booking tool.
Developing consistent industry-wide standards is a priority for travel buyers. Asked to pick five ways in which the industry should accelerate sustainable change (out of 10 possible), a large majority of buyers point to harmonised standards on emissions measurement, accounting, and reporting (requested by 65% of buyers). Meanwhile, 60% of buyers requested that GBTA develop harmonised sustainability questions to be used in procurement.
A third of travel managers will soon be in the game for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certificates: While only 18% of travel buyers currently invest in the purchase of SAF certificates, an additional 16% have plans to do so. Of the companies that purchase SAF certificates, 84% do so through airlines. Additionally, 38% say their companies are currently or expecting to purchase carbon credits to offset their business travel emissions.
Financing the green transition continues to present the biggest challenge for both travel buyers and suppliers in decarbonising their programmes and operations, with “higher costs” ranking as the number one barrier two years in a row.
Carbon pricing remains a niche: Only 10% of travel managers have established carbon budgets or carbon fees, but this is under consideration by another 23%.
The survey informing the report findings was distributed to the global business travel community, including GBTA members and stakeholders. It was conducted between April 17 and May 5, 2023, resulting in 863 responses from business travel professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
To learn more and download The State of Climate Action in Business report, click here.
Global Sources Hong Kong Show in April 2023 occupied all ten halls at AWE
Hong Kong is riding the rapid return of face-to-face events, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has recently announced that the destination will be welcoming two more tradeshows back to its shores, as well as securing four new tradeshows.
The two shows returning are the APLF Leather, Materials + & Fashion Access 2024, and Vinexpo Asia 2024, which will return to Hong Kong in March and May respectively.
The Global Sources Hong Kong Show in April 2023 occupied all ten halls at AWE
Meanwhile, this June and July will welcome four new exhibitions staged in Hong Kong for the first time. They are the DMP Greater Bay Area Industrial Expo; the three-in-one expo BioCHINA 2023; Greater Bay Area ESG & Sustainability Exhibition; and the 13th JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo 2023.
Other successfully completed shows include the Global Sources Hong Kong, which packed out all 10 halls with over 100,000 buyers at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), and HOFEX, an F&B tradeshow that attracted over 30,000 buyers from around the world to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Kenneth Wong, general manager, MICE & cruise, HKTB, said: “The return of the world’s leading trade shows highlights Hong Kong’s attractiveness, its friendly trading policies, and solid fundamentals; Hong Kong also enjoys promising growth potential with the Greater Bay Area and comprehensive government support for the industry. We are highly delighted to see organisers of both old and new shows choosing Hong Kong.”
Penang, Malaysia will be the destination of the next International Advertising Association (IAA) World Congress, marking the first occasion this event is held in South-east Asia.
Scheduled to take place from March 6-8, 2024, in the host city of Penang, the 45th IAA World Congress is jointly co-hosted by IAA Malaysia, Penang State Exco Office for Tourism and Creative Economy and Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
An aerial view of Penang
Under the theme of Brand Recode. Better World, Better Life, each of the conference’s three days of the congress will be themed, The Future of Brands on Day 1, Technology and Creativity to Shape the Future on Day 2 and conclude on Day 3 with the Future is Female. The IAA World Congress 2024 will also shine a major spotlight on the necessity of women’s empowerment and gender equality in the pursuit to re-code and rebuild the future in line with International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024.
The 45th IAA World Congress is a significant happening in the celebration calendar of the 85th Anniversary of IAA Global and the 30th Anniversary of IAA Malaysia.
CEO of PCEB, Ashwin Gunasekeran, said in a press release: “It took over four years of intense effort against other more globally famous destinations and pandemic disruptions before IAA Malaysia emerged victorious in the decision to host the congress in Penang, Malaysia. It proves that the world is growing to recognise Malaysia and Penang as destinations that are not only attractive in thousands of ways, more importantly, are well equipped in all avenues to host events of world-class stature”.
The opening ceremony at IAAPA. Photo credit: Caroline Boey
International amusement park and attractions show IAAPA Expo Asia, last held in Singapore in 2017, was “sold out” with 287 exhibitors, including 64 first-timers, taking up 7,000m2 of space at Marina Bay Sands.
The show took place from June 13-16, 2023, and hosted 47 exhibitors from North America, 83 from Europe and 150 from Asia; comprising sellers from China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, according to IAAPA. China and Hong Kong made up the biggest block with 118 exhibitors and 107 were from the mainland.
The opening ceremony at IAAPA. Photo credit: Caroline Boey
June Ko, executive director and vice president, IAAPA Asia Pacific, told TTGmice that some brands which had merged since 2019 returned this year, and the association managed to bring in new buyers from new regions like Europe.
The four-day event recorded 5,330 registered attendees from 75 different countries and regions, including 3,764 qualified buyers from 2,145 companies.
Exhibitor highlights this year included entertainment design company Legacy Entertainment showcasing its “destination dining initiative” in North Jakarta which combines retail and entertainment in a sustainable way.
Described as a floating metropolis, the Batavia Pantai Indah Kapuk mega-development is billed as the world’s first overwater retail destination featuring more than 40 restaurants, retail outlets, attractions and live entertainment.
Opened in early June just ahead of the expo, a spokesperson said the project, which is the size of San Francisco, will be completed by end-2023.
On the technology front, DOF Robotics specialising in AR and VR immersive attractions gave attendees the chance to test its enhanced Hurricane VR 360 attraction and the debut of its new VR movie Homeland: Rise of Nomads.
The expo agenda included 11 EduTours, some across the causeway to Genting SkyWorlds and Gamuda Cove in Selangor, 30 EduSessions, and a Young Professionals Forum and Reception special event.
IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from May 27-30.
Hospitality-led co-working operator, The Great Room by Industrious, has expanded to Australia, with the first location set in Sydney to open in 3Q2023.
It will be located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD at Level 29, 85 Castlereagh Street, marking its first foray into the country in partnership with Australia & New Zealand-based asset manager 151 Property.
A rendering of the upcoming Sydney space
Spanning 1,200m2, there will be 35 dedicated offices and customised spaces. The dedicated offices can take teams from three up to 20 people, while other spaces include hot desk options, and virtual office services for businesses needing a corporate address. Day passes for short-term space and amenity use will also be available, along with an enterprise suite option.
Founded in Singapore in 2016, The Great Room has since grown to 10 prime locations in key cities across Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
There’s a new rooftop venue in the heart of Singapore’s Orchard Road, aptly named Rooftop@24 at voco Orchard Singapore.
Rooftop@24 is a spacious open terrace with views of the city skyline, and is able to hold up to 150 pax. The space also comes with a pool.
A team of experienced event planners will work with clients to create a customised event package that suits their specific needs and preferences, while chefs will be able to create an event-specific menu including appetisers, signature cocktails, and desserts.
To celebrate the launch, voco Orchard Singapore is offering the following exclusive introductory packages. From Mondays to Thursdays, bookings will cost S$6,000++ (US$4,480; usual price is S$10,000++), while from Fridays to Sundays, bookings will cost S$8,000++ (usual price is S$12,000++).
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
He was most recently director of operations at Palace Hotel Tokyo, having joined the hotel since 2013.
He was most recently cluster general manager at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung.
International amusement park and attractions show IAAPA Expo Asia, last held in Singapore in 2017, was “sold out” with 287 exhibitors, including 64 first-timers, taking up 7,000m2 of space at Marina Bay Sands.
The show took place from June 13-16, 2023, and hosted 47 exhibitors from North America, 83 from Europe and 150 from Asia; comprising sellers from China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, according to IAAPA. China and Hong Kong made up the biggest block with 118 exhibitors and 107 were from the mainland.
June Ko, executive director and vice president, IAAPA Asia Pacific, told TTGmice that some brands which had merged since 2019 returned this year, and the association managed to bring in new buyers from new regions like Europe.
The four-day event recorded 5,330 registered attendees from 75 different countries and regions, including 3,764 qualified buyers from 2,145 companies.
Exhibitor highlights this year included entertainment design company Legacy Entertainment showcasing its “destination dining initiative” in North Jakarta which combines retail and entertainment in a sustainable way.
Described as a floating metropolis, the Batavia Pantai Indah Kapuk mega-development is billed as the world’s first overwater retail destination featuring more than 40 restaurants, retail outlets, attractions and live entertainment.
Opened in early June just ahead of the expo, a spokesperson said the project, which is the size of San Francisco, will be completed by end-2023.
On the technology front, DOF Robotics specialising in AR and VR immersive attractions gave attendees the chance to test its enhanced Hurricane VR 360 attraction and the debut of its new VR movie Homeland: Rise of Nomads.
The expo agenda included 11 EduTours, some across the causeway to Genting SkyWorlds and Gamuda Cove in Selangor, 30 EduSessions, and a Young Professionals Forum and Reception special event.
IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from May 27-30.