Asia/Singapore Friday, 1st May 2026
Page 275

Ham Kyung-Joon moves to Seoul Tourism Organization

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Seoul Tourism Organization has appointed Ham Kyung-Joon as executive director, international tourism & MICE division.

Ham used to be the former CEO of Ulsan Tourism Organization. Previously, he developed hands-on experience and expertise in the tourism and business events sectors from working in the Korea Tourism Organization.

On his appointment, Ham said: “I have many plans to enable Seoul, one of the world’s top MICE cities, to take its spot at the forefront as a global trendsetter and have a particular interest in putting groundbreaking strategies and effective policies into practice to help the organisation achieve its vision of reaching 30 million tourists and becoming one of the top five tourist cities.”

In-person events return with a vengeance: Cvest

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Hotels and venues should expect to host more in-person events this year, where a majority of them will be sustainable despite the higher costs involved, according to a Cvest survey.

Speaking at the PATA Webinar: Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Events Confirmation last week, Abhilash Menon, regional account manager of Cvest said: “Based on our recently-conducted survey with over 400 planners across the Asia region, one of the key highlights is that planners are more than eager to host in-person events. In 2023, 68 per cent of our surveyed planners expect an increase in hosting more in-person events as compared to last year.

The event world is celebrating the return to in-person events

“Hotels and venues should be encouraged that in-person event sourcing is truly bouncing back and they can now look forward to a very busy 2023 and beyond.”

As expected, sustainable events will continue to play a large role in events, with 85 per cent of respondents indicating they prefer attending conferences that include sustainable practices.

Menon added: “Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainability if they can be sure that their efforts make a difference.”

On the supplier side, the Cvest survey showed that 80 per cent of hoteliers believe that sustainability is an important factor in event planning. As such, sustainability is the first thing meeting planners would search for when looking for a venue through the Cvest network, so the availability of information about the hotel’s sustainability practices and certifications would help in the RFP creation process, noted Menon.

Ben Montgomery, director of business relations management at Centara Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that sustainability should be embraced by all industry stakeholders, and not be seen as a cost, but instead, an investment in people, products, and the environment.

QSNCC zeroes in on new revenue streams, has high hopes for its MICE future

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Since its official opening in September 2022 after an extensive three-year renovation, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) has held over 400 international and domestic events to date, with more slated to happen in the coming months.

“Previously, QSNCC mainly hosted domestic exhibitions and meetings, but (since the revamp), we have welcomed international tradeshows, global conferences, and entertainment events,” Sutichai Bunditvorapoom, executive vice president – marketing, sales and operations division from QSNCC told TTGmice.

An exterior shot of the modern QSNCC

He further shared that QSNCC’s portfolio has also changed slightly after its top-to-toe overhaul, where new clients include luxury brand launches such as Porsche and Lamborghini, as well as music concerts. Longstanding clients, such as the annual Book Expo Thailand – which registered around 160,000 in footfall during its October 2022 show – also continue to hold their events at QSNCC.

“We are happy with the response to our opening, and the line-up of business so far. We continue to receive many requests for RFPs. During the peak seasons of September, October, and November, we are quite fully booked. The challenge is trying to fill the venue during the low season in December and January,” noted Sutichai.

When asked if he could outline QSNCC’s strategy for the next five years, Sutichai shared: “Our profile will be clearer next year. This is because we are also trying to bring in new events in the innovation and technology space, as well as fintech. One notable win is Money 20/20, which announced (in April) that our venue will be hosting the 2024 edition.”‌

Moving forward, QSNCC will be focused on luring more business from Asia, as the “economy is strong, and corporates are willing to spend”. Further afield, the venue will continue to seek out business in France, Germany and UK as well.

Aside from bringing in new revenue streams, QSNCC also wants to become a “hub for the local community”, evident from its leisure offerings such as shopping, F&B outlets, and spa.

As to the business events future of Asia and Thailand, Sutichai is largely optimistic. “The growth is here in Asia, and it’s not just China. Many other countries in Asia are doing well too.”‌

However, several challenges the events industry is facing, along with the rest of the world, include shortage of manpower, rising travel costs, as well as other verticals – such as catering, security, and housekeeping – necessary components that make an event.

Cvent rolls out audience engagement solution

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A screenshot of the Cvent Events+ solution

Cvent has unveiled its new Cvent Events+ solution at Cvent CONNECT in Las Vegas.

Events+ is built to leverage existing event content in a fully branded, on-demand video library, enabling event organisers to better engage audiences and generate interest for future events.

A screenshot of the Cvent Events+ solution

Events+ works with Cvent Registration, the Cvent Attendee Hub, and Cvent Webinar, and its cross-promotion tools help increase visibility, registrations and attendance across an entire event programme. It also includes a feature allowing logged-in guests to see who from their prior event connections are planning to attend upcoming events.

The event calendar within Events+ also displays and promotes upcoming events, allowing Events+ visitors to explore the details of each event and easily register. This continuous interaction establishes anticipation for upcoming events, increases general interest in the community, and leads to higher attendance and brand engagement.

Events+ also serves as a valuable resource for those who couldn’t attend in person, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience event highlights and gain insights through educational session content, which expands an event’s reach and overall impact.

“Many of today’s event organisers and marketers are hosting more events – across more formats – than ever before, which can make it challenging to capitalise on all the incredible content and leverage it to increase brand awareness and drive attendees to their upcoming events,” said Cvent chief marketing officer, Patrick Smith.

“Events+ acts as a digital extension of an organisation’s event programme where attendees will go to binge on curated ‘best of’ on-demand event video content and easily find and register for upcoming events.”

IBTM World 2023 reinvigorates education programme

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The Business of Events will curate the Impact Stage Destinations stream at IBTM World

IBTM World has revealed the first details of its 2023 edition, which will see an evolution in the show’s culture creation campaign when it returns to Fira, Barcelona from November 28-30.

Visitors to this year’s event will find a reinvigorated education programme, with five feature areas serving different needs: the Main Stage, the Impact Stage, Workplace Revolution, ReFuel and the Associations Leaders’ Forum, with the show’s cultural theme embedded into each pillar.

IBTM World 2023 will include new and exciting elements and a targeted education programme to reflect the changing needs of attendees

The Impact Stage will make its debut this year, acting as the best-in-class showcase for the exciting work that destinations, hotels, and tech suppliers are doing across sustainability, D&I, experience design and more.

Destination sessions will be curated by The Business Of Events, the Global Think Tank and Policy Platform for the business events industry, and will also feature the launch of the annual Global Destination Report. Sessions will be fast-paced and value-led, lasting no longer than 20 minutes and in the form of case studies and best-practice, allowing Hosted Buyers to glean maximum value between meetings.

Also new this year is Workplace Revolution – a welcoming space where attendees can make the valuable connections they weren’t expecting. Here, delegates can continue conversations in a relaxed setting with inspirational figures (including speakers from the Main Stage), dissect topics in greater detail and ask those burning questions. With amenities, comfortable seating and an informal campfire-style atmosphere, this is the place for people to come together, connect and enjoy key aspects of business culture that they might be missing with the increase in working from home.

In recognition of the importance of wellbeing, IBTM’s wellbeing hub has re-branded to ‘ReFuel’. A zen-like pod which allows attendees time and space to relax and recharge their physical and mental batteries, it includes a well-being bar, sound and aromatherapy healing and a solo working area to provide respite from a busy showfloor.

The Association Leaders’ Forum (ALF) will be back on day one to help associations increase the impact of their gatherings around the globe and conquer challenges to achieve success in 2024 and beyond.

The Main Stage remains a fixture of the IBTM World Programme with inspiring figures from inside and outside of the events industry taking to the stage to tackle the latest topics and trends through inspirational keynotes, panel debates, and game-changing research. New to the Main Stage this year will be an afternoon of inspiring and empowering marketing content, curated in partnership with experts at The Thought Partnership, who have led content and marketing at businesses including Cannes Lions and Dow Jones.

UFI Asia-Pacific Conference goes to Macau in 2024

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UFI will go to Macau next year; St Paul's Ruins pictured

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will hold its 17th UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Macau on March 7-8, 2024.

Hosted by the Macau Fair & Trade Association, the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will feature two days of expert panels and keynote sessions from exhibition industry leaders, tackling hot topics and identifying opportunities in the APAC region.

UFI will go to Macau next year; St Paul’s Ruins pictured

Synthia Chan, council chairperson for the Macau Trade & Fair Association, said it has been a “long and winding road” to getting UFI to hold the APAC Conference in Macau, but has finally succeeded.

The original plan was to host UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in 2020, but the global pandemic delayed that by four years.

This year, close to 220 exhibition industry leaders from Asia and beyond gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the 2023 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Malaysia – the first time the conference was held face-to-face following the 2019 edition in Tokyo, Japan.

Pre-registration is open for the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference.

Gerhard Aicher leads as area GM of Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong

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Wharf Hotels has appointed Gerhard Aicher as the new area general manager of Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong.

He will lead the teams at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, Hong Kong and Prince Hotel, Hong Kong.

The Austrian national has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held the role of director of finance at several hotels. Prior to joining Wharf Hotels, he was CEO of the OTT hospitality division in Toronto, Canada.

Best of Singapore’s business events industry honoured at inaugural MICE Awards

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Marina Bay Sands picks up Venue of the Year award

The winners of the inaugural Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) were announced yesterday at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, in celebration of the achievements and contributions of the Singapore business events industry.

Organised by SACEOS and the Singapore Exhibitions & Convention Bureau, the SMA attracted a diverse range of entries from the MICE ecosystem which includes Event Organisers, Venues and Suppliers. The SMA features 10 award categories such as Trade Show of the Year, Meeting/Conference of the Year, Venue of the Year and Sustainability Initiative of the Year.

Marina Bay Sands picks up Venue of the Year award

Winners included Marina Bay Sands, which picked up Venue of the Year;
Now Comms Asia was recognised as Supplier of the Year; while Kingsmen Exhibits won the Show Team of the Year.

Meanwhile, the Trade Show of the Year went to Singapore International Water Week by Singapore International Water Week, as well Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2022 by Constellar Exhibitions. Resorts World Sentosa also picked up a Sustainability Initiative of the Year award for their initiatives, while Informa Markets’ sustainability efforts across Singapore Maritime Week, FHA-HoReCa, FHA-Food&Beverage, and Offshore Southeast Asia were also recognised.

The judging process involved industry experts from around the world, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The winners of the SMA were determined based on the collective average scores and valuable inputs from the esteemed panel of judges.

Beyond recognising and inspiring excellence in business events, the awards strive to build industry recognition and credibility, drive industry growth and development, and provide a platform for sharing of best practices among business professionals in Singapore and the region.

Top incentive ideas, part 2

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1. Eat well, be well
At the forested 51-hectare The Farm at San Benito in Lipa, Batangas – a 90-minute drive south of Manila, Philippines – treat your top achievers to a range of holistic, medically-guided, science-based retreats in a lush, natural setting.

With the aim of detoxing and recharging for a new year, groups will be able to stay in the property’s 60 suites and villas, and indulge in treatments at the award-winning spa that draws inspiration from the principles and practices of traditional Philippine Healing Art.
• Capacity: Any group size
• thefarmatsanbenito.com

2. Forest and folklore
Trek inside the old forest in Subic guided by the Aetas, one of the Philippines’ oldest indigenous tribes and gatekeepers of the forest land threatened by commercialisation.

The forest yields its secrets recounted in folklore and storytelling: groups will see endemic tall trees, rare plants, fruits and herbs, and edible insects; follow the scent of flowers abloom; and learn jungle survival skills. The experience is capped with a dip in the forest pools and waterfalls, and lunch prepared by the tribe.
• Capacity: Any group size
• madtravel.org/collections/tourpackages/tours

3. All aboard the train
This day trip with Canterbury Leisure Tours will take groups out of Christchurch onboard the TranzAlpine train that travels through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. Along the way, groups will be treated to snow-capped mountains, turquoise-coloured rivers, and lush rolling plains. Groups will then be offered the option of a short tramp through old-growth mountain beech forest or to Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, before breaking for lunch.

On the return journey, groups will also get to experience an exhilarating jet boat ride through the spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River. This is followed by a visit to a rural family-run farm for a sheep shearing and sheep-mustering demonstration, along with a spot of afternoon tea.
• Capacity: Any group size
• leisuretours.co.nz/day_tour/arthurs-pass-tranzalpine

4. Stay in a picture-postcard setting
Shirakawa-go in Japan is even more special in the stillness of evening and early morning. A number of the picturesque buildings, characterised by their thatched and steeply slanted roofs, are open as guesthouses, complete with historic beams, tatami flooring and sunken hearths. The village, located in one of the snowiest places in the country, is blanketed in white powder during January and February. There are more than 40 accommodation options for groups.
• vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/en

5. Wellness amid nature
Located near the hill station of Lonavala, Fazlani Natures Nest is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Pune. The sprawling property offers visitors a breathtaking view overlooking the majestic Sahyadri mountains, and serene backwaters of the Indrayani River.

Here, incentive groups can opt from a range of wellness therapies including Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Physiotherapy under its Conscious Change Retreats programme. Coupled with healthful energising activities and wellness cuisine, the programme aims to help groups reconnect and rejuvenate. Nature-trail walks, dynamic yoga, group exercise activities, and stretching sessions can also be incorporated during breakouts or pre- and post-meetings.
• Capacity: 80 pax
• fazlaninaturesnest.com

6. The world of wine
Monsoon Valley, Thailand’s leading wine producer, offers a range of activities for incentive winners, including a guided tour through the vineyard, cycling on the estate’s mountain trails, label painting workshops, and now, even a hot air balloon ride for an aerial view of the vines and surrounding area. And, of course, the opportunity to sample Monsoon Valley’s favourite tipples in the vineyard restaurant.
Travel planners can choose from three sites, Monsoon Valley Vineyard at Hua Hin, Tab Kwang Vineyard, and Chiang Mai Vineyard.
• Capacity: Any group size
• monsoonvalley.com/en

7. Soak up ethnic mountain culture
Delve into the unique culture of the Red Dao ethnic tribe in Central Vietnam’s Sapa. This provides a memorable adventure for top achievers as they dive into the fascinating world of one of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Guests can take part in a Red Dao wedding, feed guardian spirits, play traditional games and be treated to the hospitality of the minority group by staying in their homes.
• Capacity: Groups of 20
• contact@makeyourasia.com

8. An island paradise
Get your top achievers out of the office and ship them off for a four-day trip to Belitung, Indonesia.

Being an island destination, winners will be able to snorkel at Kera Private Island, and participate in coral planting, while on a private boat trip to Kelayang Island. Island hopping can also be arranged.
Itineraries can also include a guided trek to look for various species of dragonflies, as well as an in-depth lesson on the island’s flora and fauna.

Aside from its natural riches, the east part of Belitung is home to significant sights such as the Rainbow Troops School, made famous by the home-grown Laskar Pelangi movie); Kirana Harbour; Museum Kata Andrea Hirata, Indonesia’s first literary museum; Bandung Lake; and Kwan Im Chinese Temple which is more than 250 years old.
• Capacity: 40 pax
• reservations@bluemind.co.id

9. Gems of Langkawi
The Essence of Asia provides a one-day wellness programme in Langkawi with a personalised guided tour by a local naturalist showcasing the flora and fauna of the sprawling Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark.

Upon return to the hotel, top winners will be treated to an invigorating and revitalising traditional massage followed by a nutritious lunch. In the evening, they will be transferred to a secluded island where a four-course fine dining experience awaits.
• Capacity: 6 pax
• arokia.das@theessenceofasia.com

10. Desert discovery
Magic Camps can help to organise a memorable incentive trip in the heart of Oman’s desert, with a luxury camp experience curated to a group’s needs.

In keeping with Berber style, a majlis (sitting room) is situated at the heart of the camp, which can be transformed for an ultimate Arabian Nights adventure. Guests will get to stay in luxurious, eco-friendly tents, while a range of experiences includes stargazing with an astronomer, fire shows, a falcon show, and sandboarding.
• Capacity: Any group size
• camps-oman@magic-arabia.com

11. Walk on the wild side
Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre in Phnom Penh and meet some of the 1,200 animal residents that have been rescued from the clutches of Cambodia’s illegal wildlife trade.

The day experience includes hand-feeding elephants, visiting clouded leopards, gibbons and otters, hanging out with baby macaques, and visiting the nursery to see how baby animals are cared for until they can be released back into the wild wherever possible.
• Capacity: Groups of 10 pax
• wildlifetourspt@wildlifealliance.org

Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct targets 2026 completion

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A rendering of the upcoming Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre 

The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct development is a step closer to reality with Plenary Conventions appointed to lead the project.

The precinct will include the construction of the purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.

A rendering of the upcoming Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre

The precinct will also be home to retail spaces for F&B offerings and a large public plaza that will become a feature of the Geelong waterfront. In a boost for Geelong’s up-market accommodation stocks, the development will also include a 200-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand.

Preliminary works on the site are underway and construction is set to begin shortly, with completion of the convention centre and hotel set for early 2026.

The development also included extensive stakeholder consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation on critical aspects of the precinct’s design, identity and recognition of local cultural heritage.

The transformation of the 1.6-hectare waterfront car parking site into the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct is said to be one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria. The consortium comprises the Plenary Group as sponsor and investor, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect, BGIS as services contractor and Quintessential Equity as developer.

This entire project will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth for the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding areas. It will support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs once the precinct is complete.

To ensure lasting benefits to the region beyond the centre itself, the Government is supporting local organisations in recruiting up to 30 new local apprentices and trainees who are experiencing disadvantage in entering the workforce. Apprentices will be employed full time for the duration of their apprenticeship until they secure full-time employment with private contractors.

The Plenary Conventions consortium has a proven track record developing and maintaining the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and in the South Wharf precinct for nearly 20years.

The Trust that operates Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will also manage and operate the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre. When completed, the two centres will cement Victoria as a premier global destination for events.

The Victorian Government is investing more than A$260 million (US$175.6 million) into the project as part of the Geelong City Deal, with additional contributions of A$30 million from the Australian Government and A$3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

The precinct development is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal – a A$500 million commitment between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.

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