1. Watersedge at Campbell’s Stores, Sydney
This multi-level venue, housed in Sydney’s historic Campbell’s Stores, is a visual stunner with an impressive track record to boot. The sandstone and timber architecture has staged some of the highest-profile global brand activations and incentive travel experiences in the city. The versatile venue can host intimate dinners for 30 guests, fancy cocktails for 5,000, and everything in between.
2. Trans Studio Bali
There is truth in the saying, we never really grow up. And that is why theme parks as a venue for business events often hold a special place in the hearts of attendees.
Groups bound for Bali now have a new place to play and party – Trans Studio Bali, an indoor theme park with five activity zones and a 500-seat amphitheatre. Here, guests can sky-dive indoors, go on a virtual flight around South-east Asia, or enjoy performances and activities crafted by the venue’s team.
3. Temple Tree Resort Langkawi
Temple Tree Resort Langkawi is perfect for parties that seek to introduce guests to the destination’s history and heritage. It is made up of eight beautifully preserved Malaysian houses dating back to the 1930s. Accommodate guests in the 21 rooms and suites, then wine and dine them at the landscaped garden.
4. Sirimahannop, Bangkok
Sirimahannop, a replica of the Royal Thai Navy’s last three-masted sailing ship from the reign of King Rama V, is a party gem at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Permanently docked at Asiatique The Riverfront, the floating venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and keep them entertained with themed parties and live performances. Culinary arrangements will not disappoint – expect handcrafted cocktails, signature drinks and shared plates that reflect the ship’s historical global trade routes from Europe to Asia.
5. AIA Vitality Park, Hong Kong
Located on the Central Harbourfront and set against Victoria Harbour, this garden-inspired event space has played host to an eclectic mix of corporate and public events. With the venue operator also running the adjacent Hong Kong Observation Wheel, party planners can easily add on a fun ride as a pre-event perk.
6. Boater’s Bar, Singapore
ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore offers a number of event spaces, but the standout is its Boater’s Bar – the only floating platform event space in the Lion City. Set by the dockside against a backdrop of fancy yachts and the glittering sea, the Boater’s Bar offers luxurious lounge seating and can take up to 120 guests in a standing cocktail function.
7. Platinum Charters, Malaysia
If parties on land are not your group’s cup of tea, take them out for a cruise on Malaysian waters. Platinum Charters’ private yacht parties promise the ultimate in privacy, while indulging guests in arrangements comprising private chefs, party DJs, live bands, and even offshore activities.
8. IFTM Educational Restaurant, Macau
Aside from the do-good potential offered by the restaurant – operated by Macao Institute for Tourism Studies as a platform for its students to gain real-life service and managerial experience – event organisers will also appreciate its picturesque surroundings. The restaurant sits on the protected Mong Há Hill, and abides by a farm-to-table dining concept, with herbs, fruits and vegetables sourced from its own Aerial Garden. Macanese and Western dishes are served, and some 100 labels of Portuguese wines are ripe for picking.
Cefalú, who joined the company in 2016 as regional development director for EMEA, will oversee the development of the group’s pipeline of hotels and residences worldwide.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, and was previously the general manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai in Thailand.
Taking place at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore next month (June 13-16, 2023), IAAPA Expo Asia will feature industry leaders from renowned attractions like Shanghai Disney Resort, Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong, Legoland Shanghai Resort, Universal Beijing Resort, Puy du Fou Asia, and Six Flags Qiddiya.
“Knowing we have been without an in-person IAAPA Expo Asia since 2019, we worked hard to select top industry veterans to best mark the return of this premier event,” said June Ko, executive director and vice president of IAAPA Asia Pacific. “Education is a main component for any IAAPA expo and the Singapore programme brings the best of our region together for impactful learning.”
This year’s show pillars focus on technology, innovations and solutions, sustainability and diversity. Speakers during the four-day education conference will discuss the process to create inclusive operations, how to operate a sustainable business, retail and merchandising, and tips for cultivating tomorrow’s workforce.
One key highlight from this year’s event is an all-new CEO Talk, which gives attendees unique access to four of today’s most influential leaders in the attractions business.
Audience members will get to listen in on a casual, unrehearsed conversation that will touch on what it takes to have a successful career in the industry of fun, and how to maintain focus on priorities while building a company culture that lasts.
This panel will be moderated by IAAPA president and CEO Jakob Wahl and features Darrell Metzger, an industry innovator; Wuthichai Luangamornlert, managing director of Siam Park Bangkok; Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment and chairman of the 2023 IAAPA Board of Directors; and Massimiliano Freddi, founder and CEO of Wonderwood.