Dubai registers major YOY growth in bid wins for 1H2023

July 19, 2023

Dubai-booth-at-IMEX-Frankfurt-2023 — The Dubai booth at IMEX Frankfurt 2023

Dubai’s stature as a global business events destination continues to soar, with the city registering a strong year-on-year growth of 44 per cent in business event bid wins in 1H2023.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, worked with partners and stakeholders to win 143 conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in the first six months of 2023.

The events captured include 24 association conferences, congresses and meetings, which are set to contribute to driving Dubai’s knowledge economy forward. Renewed growth from China alongside ongoing momentum from India contributed to 84 incentives won by the city.

Association events set to be held in Dubai over the coming years include IATA AGM 2024, World Library and Information Congress 2024, Critical Communication World 2024, Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, and International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026.
Meanwhile, corporate meetings and incentives coming to Dubai are Cardano Summit 2023, Perfect China Incentive 2023, WCAworld Annual Conference 2024, Brand Experience World 2024, and Nu Skin Global Team Elite Incentive 2024.

These events – which will take place over the coming years – are expected to bring over 94,000 additional visitors to the city, including global experts and leaders in their respective fields.

Announced earlier this year, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 has outlined a series of ambitious targets to grow trade, develop key sectors and boost innovation and sustainability across the economy. With the aim of cementing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities, business events are set to play a key role at the intersection of business and knowledge development, in addition to contributing to incremental growth in visitation. Key D33 objectives also include boosting innovation, making Dubai a global hub for higher education and increasing FDI inflows.

A thrilling return

By Caroline Boey

July 19, 2023

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IAAPA Expo Asia 2023

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Event brief
The International Association of Amusement Park and Attractions (IAAPA) brought IEA, the largest premier trade show for the attractions industry in Asia, back to Singapore after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

Highlights
According to Jakob Wahl, IAAPA president and CEO, the show pillars this year focused on technology, innovations and solutions, sustainability and diversity. Featuring a wide range of exhibitors, educational tours and sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, the expo provided a platform for industry professionals to showcase and discover the latest products, services and technologies and forge new business opportunities.

Key highlights included the opening reception at Universal Studios Singapore, where participants experienced South-east Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park during an exclusive EDUTour held in the evening.

They went behind the scenes of select attractions and entertainment offerings for an in-depth look at how Universal Studios Singapore makes safety a priority for guests and team members while delivering epic thrills.

The Leadership Breakfast on day two featured keynote speaker Tom Mehrmann, president and chief operating officer, Universal Destinations and Experiences, Pacific Rim, a premier networking event for senior attractions industry professionals.

A new segment of this year’s show was CEO Talk, where four of today’s most influential leaders in the attractions business shared insights 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.

Moderated by Wahl, the panellists were 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.

Challenges
Deciding on the location for IEA 2023 was challenging as Asia-Pacific is a huge region, and Singapore was eventually chosen due to its global air hub status.

Logistics posed a challenge as the event grew in size and required a venue capable of accommodating a wide range of displays, attractions, and even rides from exhibitors. Singapore once again, emerged as the ideal choice, given the successful hosting of the event at Sands Convention and Expo Centre in 2017.

Wahl said working in Singapore was operationally easy, with the MBS events team knowledgeable and responsive to questions and needs. The only real challenge this year was the move-in schedule, which required building management to understand IAAPA’s procedures.

The attractions industry is experiencing a staged recovery globally, Wahl noted, with Asia-Pacific lagging behind Europe and North America. Several key markets in Asia-Pacific have not yet fully recovered to pre-Covid attendance levels, posing a challenge for industry trade shows like IEA.

Wahl continued: “Changes in guest behaviour have resulted in the emergence of new types of attractions, such as sports parks, FECs (family entertainment centres), and immersive dining experiences, which are smaller in size.

“There was a need to find services and products that fit regional markets, which IAAPA as a show organiser keeps up with and represents.”

Event IAAPA Expo Asia 2023
Organiser International Association of Amusement Park and Attractions
Venue Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Dates June 13-16, 2023
Attendees 5,330

CWT adds WhatsApp to messaging traveller support channel

By TTGmice

July 19, 2023

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myCWT_messaging_WhatsApp_640-v2 — CWT now has a WhatsApp function

CWT is integrating WhatsApp into its messaging service channel, giving its customers’ employees another way to contact CWT for assistance with their travel arrangements.

Offered in multiple languages, the messaging service can also be accessed through the myCWT web and mobile apps, Microsoft Teams, and Workplace from Meta, and is currently used by over 1,000 customers in more than 70 countries.

With an active user community of 2.2 billion worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used communication apps. It has also become a popular way for people to connect with businesses, with 175 million people messaging a business on WhatsApp every day, making it an ideal addition to CWT’s suite of channels.

“Since its launch in late 2019, the convenience of our messaging service has quickly made it the preferred support channel for many travellers, with customer satisfaction scores of over 90 per cent,” said Erica Antony, CWT’s chief product officer.

Dorsett Melbourne releases limited-time meeting offer

By TTGmice

July 19, 2023

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Dorsett-Melbourne-meeting-room — Meeting room

The recently-opened Dorsett Melbourne’s meeting spaces are now available for booking, and to celebrate, the hotel has released a Dorsett Delight Meeting Package.

Any new event booking will be offered the choice of one Dorsett Delight perk. Planners can choose from perks such as complimentary venue hire; complimentary barista coffee upgrade for all delegates; a 30-minute conference wind-down canapes and drinks for all delegates; complimentary full buffet breakfast with residential accommodation bookings; or a complimentary room upgrade to next accommodation available for bookings that include accommodation.

This offer is valid for new bookings made until September 30, 2023, for any event date booked.

Dorsett Melbourne features three meeting rooms for small to medium-sized events, where each space can host 48-pax theatre style, or 40-pax banquet-style.

The property itself comprises 316 guestrooms, as well as amenities such as an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, steam room, wellness room, and a gym, as well as three F&B venues.

Mark Foxwell helms as GM of Hyatt Centric Melbourne

By TTGmice

July 18, 2023

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Hyatt Centric Melbourne has named Mark Foxwell as the new general manager. He will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel operations.

He has over 28 years of experience with Hyatt, including 14 years in general management roles in Australia, Japan and China.

Conrad expands APAC presence with Shenzhen opening

By TTGmice

July 18, 2023

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Hilton has opened Conrad Shenzhen in the city’s Qianhai business district.

The hotel offers 2,100m² of meeting and event space, across a 1,1000m² grand ballroom decked out with the latest audiovisual technology, and five multipurpose function rooms. The ballroom is connected to a foyer that is flooded with natural light, and filled with contemporary sculptures inspired by the lush hills and rugged shores of Shenzhen.

Event planners can house their corporate guests in one of the 300 rooms available. Guestrooms start from 56m², and each room has been designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and offers views of the bay or the city, separate lounge and work areas, as well as full-sized luxury amenities from European brand Byredo.

Among the hotel’s facilities are a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and four restaurants and bars. These range from Chinese restaurant CH’AO which serves up Chaozhou cuisine with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, to the Collective Bar – which can be booked exclusively by groups – offering views over Qianhai Bay from the outdoor patio.

Conrad Shenzhen is situated in the heart of the city’s financial centre, 25 minutes from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and steps away from Guiwan metro station.

Club Melbourne welcomes three new leaders to Ambassador Program

By TTGmice

July 17, 2023

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Mandy-Nicholson+Dianne-Smith+Eric-Reynolds_640 — From left: Mandy Nicholson, Dianne Smith; and Eric Reynolds

Mandy Nicholson, Dianne Smith, and Eric Reynolds are the latest inductees to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) Club Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Nicholson, a Wurundjeri-willam (Wurundjeri-baluk patriline) artist and Traditional Custodian of Melbourne and surrounds, is a cultural and community leader. As the founder, singer and songwriter of Djirri Djirri, the only Wurundjeri female dance group, Nicholson preserves and shares her culture through community ceremonies, dance, language and cultural workshops. Currently pursuing a PhD at Monash University, she is researching ways that Aboriginal people connect to Country, off Country.

From left: Mandy Nicholson, Dianne Smith; and Eric Reynolds

Nicholson is the first Traditional Owner to join the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the cohort.

Smith is the CEO of Industry Capability Network, an independent body that maximises procurement and supply chain opportunities, providing support services for buyers and suppliers across Australia and delivering employment and socio-economic outcomes.

She previously held chief executive positions at Melbourne Chamber of Commerce and Victorian Tourism Industry Council.

Laureate Professor Reynolds is the CEO and research director of the Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre at the Melbourne Dental School. His career in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, cardiology and periodontology has led to the development of 19 patents and has earned him numerous awards for his contributions to science.

The Club Melbourne programme includes over 80 Ambassadors who are business and community leaders in different fields including agriculture, science, medicine and technology.

Club Melbourne Ambassadors work alongside the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) to secure significant conferences and events that promote Victoria as a leading knowledge destination.

Since its inception in 2005, the Club Melbourne Ambassadors, together with MCB, have secured over 160 international conferences worth over A$1 billion (US$680.8 million) to Victoria’s economy and brought tens of thousands of visitors to the city.

Refurbished Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa welcomes corporates and their families

By Rachel AJ Lee

July 17, 2023

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Hyatt-Regency-Danang-aerial-640 — An aerial view of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa

The five-star Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa in Vietnam has completed an initial series of refurbishments, following a decade in operation, and has tuned up its focus on medium-sized corporate groups as well as accompanying families.

The enhancements comprise an expanded kids’ club Camp Hyatt with four indoor and outdoor play zones; rebranded F&B outlets, Italian restaurant Osteria Al Mare and lounge space Terrasse; a new art gallery that features both local and visiting artists; and Vive Océane beach club, a new option for beachside cocktail evenings and team dinners.

An aerial view of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa

Adrian Pulido, general manager, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa, shared: “One of the opportunities for us is medium-sized corporate groups because the hotel is able to comfortably cater to them. Aside from corporate travellers themselves, we are also encouraging them to bring their families along by offering a host of other experiences.”

To achieve this, the hotel will participate in Hyatt fairs to meet with clients in targeted countries, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s Together by Hyatt event planning programme, a new approach to help bring people together again with a deeper sense of trust, connection and wellbeing. The top business event markets for the resort are currently Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, while South Korea generates several groups. Pencilled into the calendar this year are two corporate groups from Singapore, where one in September will have 500 participants and the other 900 in October.‌

Pulido added that the VIPs from the 900-pax group will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa, while the rest will be split over several other hotels in Danang. The gala dinner and main events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.

More enhancements such as a zone for teenagers are in talks, while the standalone event building – which has a dedicated entrance and breakout rooms on the second storey – will be getting an uplift in the future. The ground-floor ballroom will also be expanded to accommodate more people.‌

Other event spaces include five outdoor lawns and poolside areas. The property has five pools in total; two of which are located in another section of the resort, allowing for private events.‌

When asked if the resort would feel too crowded when occupancy gets high, Pulido pointed out that the 20-hectare resort has more than enough space for everyone, and is able to ramp up production and manpower easily, allowing it to open more restaurants for breakfast service, for instance.

Another unique selling point of the hotel, according to Pulido, is its wide variety of accommodations, such as villas, residences, and hotel rooms, which is “not something that other hotels in the area have”.‌

In total, the hotel houses 198 rooms and suites, 144 one- to three-bedroom residences, and 18 three-bedroom villas, alongside 900m² of event and meeting facilities. The beachfront property also enjoys direct access to a 700m-long stretch of Non Nuoc Beach.

Melissa Brown assumes CEO role at ABEA

By TTGmice

July 17, 2023

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The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has appointed Melissa Brown as its inaugural CEO, a role that she will assume on September 4, 2023.

Brown’s has been stationed in the UK, US, and Hong Kong, working with organisations such as Telstra and Talent International. She played a pivotal role in managing the Australian Chamber of Commerce in London, where she built a significant associate membership and advocacy programme.

She then returned to Australia to contribute to cyber security start-up, Sapien Cyber.

The Board identified Melissa’s passion for building teams and her proven track record in managing diverse stakeholders as key attributes that will enable her to be a champion for the varied organisations and interests that form the business events industry.

Sarawak ignites growth of hydrogen economy with Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024

By TTGmice

July 17, 2023

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Asia_Pacific_Green_Hydrogen_2024_640 — The launch event for Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 was held in Kuala Lumpur

Sarawak is poised to accelerate the growth of its hydrogen economy with the highly anticipated Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition (APGH) 2024.

Set to take place from June 11-13, 2024, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak, this event is set to propel the destination to the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.

The launch event for Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024 was held in Kuala Lumpur

“In the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to grow by 50 per cent per year over the next decade. As such, there is a need to ramp up the development and construction of Green Hydrogen plants. Over the last year, it was announced that production volumes for Hydrogen have increased by more than 40 per cent to 38 million tones per annum of additional capacity, roughly half of what the world needs by 2030 to be on track to meet the net zero emissions commitment by 2050.

“Hence, there is a need to move the projects from feasibility to Front End Engineering Design or FEED stage, to the construction phase and ultimately operations. I am happy to share that our hydrogen projects are currently in the FEED stage and the Final Investment Decision (FID) is planned for next year,” said Hazland bin Abang Hipni, deputy minister for energy and environmental sustainability Sarawak, at the launch of the event in Kuala Lumpur.

He added that APGH 2024 will “bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments in green hydrogen, especially in the technology, policy, regulation and infrastructure development space”. The event will also provide an opportunity for youths to learn about clean energy, the energy transition and green hydrogen.

During the launch event, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) also solidified its commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation by becoming the Exclusive Financial Institution Partner for APGH 2024.

According to Tan Ai Chin, senior banker, managing director and head of investment banking of OCBC Bank, the Bank’s involvement is aimed at meaningfully contributing to the Sarawak State’s sustainability initiatives towards achieving its goal of a low carbon and inclusive green economy by 2030. The bank’s efforts would also contribute to the OCBC Group’s Net Zero ASEAN and Greater China target by 2050.

Anticipated to attract 100 exhibitors, 500 conference delegates and 4,000 trade visitors, APGH 2024 is organised by Borneo Business Connect, and supported by the Ministry of Energy and Sustainability Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak.

Dubai registers major YOY growth in bid wins for 1H2023

A thrilling return

CWT adds WhatsApp to messaging traveller support channel

Dorsett Melbourne releases limited-time meeting offer

Mark Foxwell helms as GM of Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Conrad expands APAC presence with Shenzhen opening

Club Melbourne welcomes three new leaders to Ambassador Program

Refurbished Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa welcomes corporates and their families

Melissa Brown assumes CEO role at ABEA

Sarawak ignites growth of hydrogen economy with Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2024

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