Phuket Hotels Association funds scholarships through online auctions and gala dinner

May 17, 2023

PHA-scholarships — PHAB 2022 scholars at the Rajabhat University in Phuket

Phuket Hotels Association is inviting members of the public to take part in its Absolutely Fabulous Online Travel Sale – an online auction with prizes that will fund scholarships for talented young people in Phuket.

This is part of the Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) 2023 campaign, a fundraising initiative which also includes PHAB 5, a charity gala dinner at Angsana Laguna Phuket on May 20, 2023.

PHAB 2022 scholars at the Rajabhat University in Phuket

Bidding in the online auction is open until midday (Thailand time, UTC+7 hrs) on June 15. Participants can bid for five-star stays and exciting experiences generously donated by sponsors in various destinations such as Dubai, Sydney and the Maldives, as well as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. In addition to hotel stays, the auction includes a range of activities such as yacht charters, golf, tennis, surfing classes and gym memberships.

Proceeds from the auction will sponsor at least 20 hospitality scholarships and internships, exclusively for the benefit of young Phuket residents who would be otherwise unable to fund their education. To date, the association has successfully sponsored over 30 students studying hospitality and tourism in Phuket.

The PHAB 5 online auction is being continually updated with new prizes. Bidders can check back on their progress, make new offers and see what other prizes come up. Visit phab.phukethotelsassociation.com/silent-auction for more details.

Hosted at Angsana Convention & Exhibition Space, PHAB 5 is an upbeat fundraising event supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The evening will commence with welcome cocktails and live music, followed by an international buffet dinner featuring live cooking stations by some of the top chefs from Phuket’s best hotels, and drinks prepared by the island’s most creative mixologists.
Tickets are priced at THB 4,900 (US$143; premium) or THB 5,900 (VIP), with the proceeds also funding the hospitality scholarships.

IAAPA Expo Asia 2023 reveals speaker line-up

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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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.

GBTA partners with Worldwide ERC to co-locate APAC conferences

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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GBTA-2022-Bangkok — The co-located events will empower attendees to serve a global marketplace on the move; Suzanne Neufang speaking at the GBTA 2022 conference in Bangkok pictured

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 co-located events will empower attendees to serve a global marketplace on the move; Suzanne Neufang speaking at the GBTA 2022 conference in Bangkok pictured

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.

Christian Wurm helms as GM of Park Hyatt Jakarta

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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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

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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Unimas-Sarawak — The 54th APACPH Conference will be at the heart of community and public health education

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the Sarawak government are preparing to host the 54^th 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 54th APACPH Conference will be at the heart of the community and public health education

The theme for the 54^th 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 54^th 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

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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Federation_Square_Melbourne_s_meeting_place_640 — Melbourne is set to welcome around 14,000 delegates end-May

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.

Melbourne (pictured) is set to welcome around 14,000 delegates end-May

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

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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ATE23_Online_Newsroom_1551712_Big_Cat_Green_Island_640 — These programmes will offer groups the opportunity to dive deeper into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

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.

These programmes will offer groups the opportunity to dive deeper into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

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!

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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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

By TTGmice

May 17, 2023

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JW Marriott has made its debut in Goa, India, marking Marriott International’s 150^th 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

By TTGmice

May 16, 2023

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__9images_combine_640 — First column, from top: Jakki Govan; Casey Smith; Helen Xu. Second column, from top: Mark Phelps; Peumi Peiris; Chantel Kistenkas. Third column, from top: Edgar Navarro Parez; Sara King; Marcia Mudge

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.

First column, from top: Jakki Govan; Casey Smith; Helen Xu. Second column, from top: Mark Phelps; Peumi Peiris; Chantel Kistenkas. Third column, from top: Edgar Navarro Parez; Sara King; Marcia Mudge

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.

Phuket Hotels Association funds scholarships through online auctions and gala dinner

IAAPA Expo Asia 2023 reveals speaker line-up

GBTA partners with Worldwide ERC to co-locate APAC conferences

Christian Wurm helms as GM of Park Hyatt Jakarta

Unimas and Sarawak to host global public health conference

Rotary International Convention to congregate in Melbourne

Reef Unlimited launches ReefConnect programme for MICE groups

It’s party time!

JW Marriott debuts in Goa

Business Events Adelaide expands bid team

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