GBTA partners with Worldwide ERC to co-locate APAC conferences
Christian Wurm helms as GM of Park Hyatt Jakarta
Park Hyatt Jakarta has appointed Christian Wurm as its new general manager.
In his new role, Wurm will be responsible for the overall operation of the hotel, from purchasing and operations to catering and guest experience.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, and was previously the general manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai in Thailand.
Unimas and Sarawak to host global public health conference
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the Sarawak government are preparing to host the 54th Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference 2023 from October 30 to November 1, 2023.
Supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the conference will be held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, and an expected 800 public health experts, practitioners and industry collaborators from across the world are expected to attend.
The theme for the 54th APACPH Conference is Transcending the New Normal: Strengthening Public Health Through Education, Research and Collaboration. In addition to workshops and symposia, delegates will visit UNIMAS’ Malaria Research Centre and Institute of Health and Community Medicine to tour the facilities. They will also tour the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre.
Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak’s deputy premier and minister for public health, housing and local government, said in a press release: “Public health is extremely important. It goes beyond preventing and responding to diseases – it is about giving everyone access to the right healthcare services and facilities to improve their quality of life and live longer.
“The government has spent decades focusing on the improvement of healthcare and medicine but today, we are facing new challenges that need more research, collaboration and innovation. The 54th APACPH Conference will be at the heart of community and public health education and transform Sarawak into a global hub for public health research and learning.”
One of Sarawak’s biggest challenges is having to meet the public healthcare needs of three million people; concentrated in its urban districts and dispersed throughout the rural areas. Current governmental efforts include forming the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, building the Sarawak Heart Centre, and investing RM200 million (US$45 million) in the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre. The government is also in talks with the Ministry of Health Malaysia to open a cancer care centre.
Some anticipated impacts from the conference include beefing up action plans to assist higher education institutions to achieve United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and expand their members’ networks at the local and international levels through strategic collaborations.
Amelia Roziman, BESarawak’s CEO said: “The 54th APACPH Conference is a strong event to reflect the importance of purpose-driven business events in sector and community development. We are working with the conference committee to address four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals. The legacy that we hope for is that this conference in Sarawak is the key to Malaysia and Asia’s public health developments.”
Rotary International Convention to congregate in Melbourne
The 2023 Rotary International Convention will be held in Melbourne from May 27-31, 2023, with over 14,000 delegates from Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia expected to attend.
The major event is expected to deliver A$91 million (US$60.4 million) to the local economy and will take over the entire Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), with events also to be held at Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne & Olympic Parks and activations around the city.
MCEC will host pre-convention programmes, seated luncheons, breakout sessions and the House of Friendship Exhibit Hall, where attendees can learn about projects making an impact around the world. In addition to the public-facing events, the entire centre will be in use to support the execution of the event, with Rotary support offices, president and president-elect offices located on-site.
“The Rotary International Convention is unlike anything we’ve hosted at MCEC. It’s a major logistical operation, with team members working tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for conference attendees,” said MCEC chief executive, Natalie O’Brien.
The bid, led by Melbourne Convention Bureau, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia, will see the event return to Melbourne for the second time, 30 years after the 1993 convention.
Reef Unlimited launches ReefConnect programme for MICE groups
Eco-friendly experience provider Reef Unlimited has unveiled a new ReefConnect Program developed exclusively for the events and corporate groups market.
The ReefConnect Program will offer a range of experiences as add-ons to existing tours which include half- and full-day Island and Reef tours departing from Port Douglas and Cairns – including the new Reef Magic marine science and tourism platform launched in 2022.
The programmes offer the opportunity for groups to take their experience in the Far North Queensland region one step – or swim – further via a range of activities such as private snorkelling safaris with marine biologists, guided indigenous land and sea interpretation tours, and visiting coral rejuvenation sites to collect marine science data. Programmes will focus across three main areas on Marine Science, First Nation Sea Country interpretation, and Marine Conservation.
“The Reef Connect Program is the first of its kind, enabling our guests to visit the Great Barrier Reef while gaining an insight into conservation, cultural awareness and marine education” said Adam Jones – group general Manager, marine & skydive.
“A collaboration between Reef Unlimited and GBR Biology, a team of experts in the field of marine science, education and cultural stewardship, the programme is catering towards sustainability focused and culturally interested visitors in the business event space – an area that up until now was under-served.”
ReefConnect Programs are available as additions to non-exclusive group bookings and private charters in Cairns and Port Douglas.
It’s party time!
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.
JW Marriott debuts in Goa
JW Marriott has made its debut in Goa, India, marking Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia.
The hotel offers a total of 1,742m2 feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two meeting rooms and the Grande Salão ballroom with an outdoor terrace, decked out with the latest audiovisual technology and Wi-Fi.
Delegates can stay in one of the 151 rooms, which feature balconies that open to ocean views. Suites, meanwhile, offer an added perk of private plunge pools.
Recreational facilities on-site include a gym, outdoor infinity pool, and a spa – which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms.
Business travellers on the road with their families can rest assured knowing that their children will be well taken care of, thanks to the Family by JW programme, which offers an entertainment centre with virtual reality games, a bowling alley and a children’s play area.
There are also four F&B venues on-site – the all-day JW Kitchen; Pérola, the French-style lobby bar with afternoon tea; the rooftop Água Bar and Café which serves up Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails; and Heliconia for Asian fine dining.
The property is located along the coastline of Vagator, Goa, minutes from historic Chapora Fort and Chapora and Vagator beaches. It is approximately 27km from the new Mopa Airport in North Goa and 43km from Goa International Airport.
Business Events Adelaide expands bid team
The South Australian State Government has provided Business Events Adelaide with an increase in funding allocation, bringing about an expansion in the bid team.
The new bid team (both international and domestic) is led by Jakki Govan who joined the organisation in late-2022. Govan has an enviable reputation both domestically and internationally in sales and marketing, as well as an understanding of how to win business events, and of their economic value.
Her team includes Casey Smith, who has been promoted to international director of bidding, after five years with Business Events Adelaide.
The international bid team comprises Helen Xu, director of sales Asia. Xu has been working in Asia and Australia for more than 20 years (based between Sydney and China).
Next, Mark Phelps is manager business development, who after more than 10 years with the South Australian Tourism Commission has chosen to move to Business Events Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Peumi Peiris is also manager business development, who after more than 15 years with the Sri Lankan Convention Bureau and two years at Flinders University, has moved to Business Events Adelaide.
Moving on, the domestic bid team comprises Chantel Kistenkas, manager business development, who is responsible for the Sydney market. She is an experienced professional with a commercial sales background.
Next, Edgar Navarro Parez is manager business development, responsible for the Melbourne market. He has been part of the Business Events Adelaide team for four years and arrived from Mexico 12 years ago.
Additionally, Sara King is also manager business development, responsible for the remainder of the Australian markets. She has 15 years of industry experience across business development and sales in South Australian five-star hotels, as well as in the associations sector.
Last but not least, Marcia Mudge has been appointed director events and services, bringing more than 20 years’ experience delivering events in both the public and private sectors.
Christchurch Airports works towards restoring air links, improving green credentials
Christchurch Airport is working tirelessly to restore air links, update hardware and advance on sustainability goals – all to ensure the country has a healthy second airport.
Scott Callaway, general manager, trade development, Christchurch Airport, said a reliable second airport is crucial in the event of weather incidents.
Callaway said: “We need to work hard to build our international arrivals up, as they are of high value to New Zealand and the South Island.”
Christchurch Airport is the gateway to South Island, which is working to achieve 40 per cent of international arrivals to New Zealand.
In 2019, Christchurch Airport welcomed seven million passengers a year.
“We did some research previously, and for every dollar we bring into the economy, NZ$50 (US$31.70) is spent downstream, and that is a big multiplier that goes beyond Christchurch and spread throughout the South Island,” added Callaway.
When asked about air links with China, he said the airport currently has an “undertaking from China Southern Airlines”.
He said: “China is really important to the South Island and Christchurch Airport. We’ve done a lot of work in marketing (to the Chinese market), such as partnering with Alibaba. Our expectation is that it will come back strong. (For now), it is still quite early in its recovery.”
There are also discussions with Singapore Airlines and Emirates, two carriers that are crucial in bringing in international visitors. Unfortunately, ticket prices on both carriers are sky high, driven up by pent-up demand from both business and leisure travellers.
“At some point in the next six to 12 months, we should see a softening in pricing. The demand will still be high, but I think that (the current pricing) is temporary,” he opined.
In addition to sustainability initiatives in place since 2016 – such as hand-sorting rubbish and introducing electric vehicles – Christchurch Airport is also exploring the feasibility of electric planes. In fact, New Zealand’s first two-seater electric plane was assembled in Christchurch.
“The future of aviation is on everybody’s mind. Although we don’t believe that electric planes have a huge place in the future, their technology is something worth exploring,” Callaway remarked.
More crucial in the airport’s sustainability efforts is the Hydrogen Consortium announced in February 2023, where the vision is to support the country in pioneering the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft. Consortium partners include Christchurch Airport, Airbus, Air New Zealand, global green energy company Fortescue Future Industries, next generation energy company Hiringa Energy, and liquid hydrogen solution pioneers Fabrum.
“The cost of producing hydrogen and delivering it to the aviation industry is a consideration. (We are looking into) producing our own hydrogen, which will lower the cost as it is a complex material to transport. If we can start producing it, we get an economic advantage,” he pointed out.
The first phase will focus on research, which will be completed by the end of 2023. The second phase will focus on whether hydrogen aircraft test flights can be held in New Zealand.
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa welcomes new executive chef
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa in Vietnam has appointed Pierre Tavernier as executive chef.
He will be responsible for overseeing the resort’s F&B operations, comprising six restaurants, bars and lounges, plus in-room dining, banqueting and catering services.
A culinary expert with more than 18 years of experience, Tavernier commenced his career in 2005, where he worked with Michelin-star chefs in leading restaurants in France, Australia and Switzerland.
Moving to Thailand, he served as chef de cuisine at Meatlicious by Gaggan in Bangkok, before joining the Hyatt family for the first time in 2016 as chef de cuisine at Park Hyatt Bangkok. Having impressed during his five-year spell there, Tavernier was appointed to the role of executive chef at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui in 2021.
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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has teamed up with Worldwide ERC, a global association for professionals engaged in global talent mobility, to co-locate their respective conferences for the Asia-Pacific region.
Taking place from September 19-20, 2023, at the Shangri-La Singapore, each conference will run separately. However, attendees will have access to the content of both programs and gain increased value and networking opportunities during the combined expo hall and social events.
The GBTA APAC Conference 2023-Singapore will bring together the Asia-Pacific business travel community to network, and learn from industry experts and regional thought leaders while benefiting from peer-to-peer education. The event will include main stage sessions, travel buyer roundtables, and breakfast sessions, along with “The Big Idea” interactive session where attendees will collectively tackle a topic important to the industry.
Meanwhile, the Worldwide ERC APAC Regional Summit Singapore will offer delegates the opportunity to benefit from learning and networking sessions with other seasoned mobility professionals and those new to the industry across topics that cover the entire mobility and relocation ecosystem. The only event in the industry to take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities specific to Asia-Pacific, it will include overviews of the labour market, broad economic implications and immigration trends.
“Serving the needs of companies and their teams in a changing world is a mission shared by GBTA and Worldwide ERC − whether it involves moving people for business travel or for global mobility and relocation. We are very excited to team up with Worldwide ERC to bring greater value to attendees of our individual conferences by creating this broader opportunity for learning and networking through our co-located events in Asia-Pacific,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA.
“We believe that collaboration is the key to driving innovation and progress in the field of global talent mobility and relocation. By co-locating our event with GBTA, we not only will combine our strengths and resources but also expand and deepen our impact in the APAC market. We are grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to witness the results it will yield for our delegates,” said Lynn Shotwell, CEO, Worldwide ERC.