Travelodge Hotel Hurstville's new conference centre seeks to capture the growing meetings market in Hurstville
Travelodge Hotel Hurstville has expanded its business events offering with the launch of a new conferencing centre, targeting growing demand for flexible meeting spaces outside Sydney’s CBD.
Travelodge’s four conferencing rooms cater to corporate meetings, workshops, training sessions, and small events, and are supported by a large multi-use break out area, fast connectivity, and modern flexible layouts. This is complemented by 124 Chada-designed hotel rooms, on‑site parking and direct access to dining, entertainment, and leisure facilities via the adjacent Club Central Hurstville.
Travelodge Hotel Hurstville’s new conference centre seeks to capture the growing meetings market in Hurstville
Hurstville is gaining traction as a meetings destination, supported by ongoing commercial development and infrastructure improvements across southern Sydney.
Located just 16km from Sydney’s Central Business District, with excellent rail, road and airport access, the city is conveniently accessible by both domestic and international visitors.
The property is positioned to tap into increasing interest in decentralised meetings.
The move reflects broader shifts in the meetings landscape, with organisers increasingly considering suburban locations that offer convenience, value and integrated facilities.
Club Med has named Marc Lauret as sales director for Singapore and Malaysia.
He most recently held regional sales roles across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, where he led trade engagement, digital distribution and indirect sales growth.
In his new role, he will lead sales strategy and partnerships across both markets, with a focus on growth and trade development.
At a resort where spa and hot springs services are essential to the brand, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs requires a seamless integrated solutions for better operations and workflow
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs has gone live with a fully integrated hospitality technology suite from Agilysys, a global provider of hospitality software and services.
The Australia-based property, known for its hot springs and spa-led experiences, required an integrated hospitality technology solution to manage operations across the property.
At a resort where spa and hot springs services are essential to the brand, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs requires a seamless integrated solutions for better operations and workflow
By adopting Agilysys, the resort is able to manage accommodations, dining, wellness services and guest activities in a more streamlined manner enabling a more personalised guest journey and improving workflows.
At the core of the system is a cloud-based property management platform that consolidates reservations, arrivals and guest profiles. This is complemented by unified food and beverage operations, spa scheduling, activity bookings and digital marketing.
The resort has also introduced systems to manage hot springs capacity and curated experiences, allowing for better pacing of guest flows while maintaining a relaxed environment. Additional tools support inventory management, gift card integration and targeted guest communications.
“Thanks to the seamless integration of various Agilysys technology solutions, including the powerful Agilysys Spa module, we have made great strides forward towards unifying our guest experience – from activities and bookings through Reserve to group-wide gift card redemption – allowing our team to focus entirely on nurturing the customer journey. Our guest wellbeing care now flows as naturally as our geothermal waters,” said Gene Seabrook, owner of Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs.
“Hotels today are looking for ways to unify operations, optimise internal workflows and deliver distinctive experiences that keep guests coming back,” said Tony Marshall, vice president & managing director, Agilysys, Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs showcases how a fully integrated solution can elevate both staff productivity and the guest journey.”
Sydney has won the bid to host the 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, reinforcing its standing as a leading destination for large-scale medical meetings in the region.
The congress will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney and hosted by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, bringing together 5,500 medical professionals, researchers and clinicians. The event will focus on clinical advancements aimed at preventing blindness and restoring sight.
The 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress will be held in Sydney and is expected to generate A$21 million for the economy
The bid was secured by Business Events Sydney in partnership with RANZCO during the APAO Congress in Hong Kong. The win follows a multi-year effort involving collaboration with leading ophthalmologists and stakeholders across Australia.
The event is projected to generate A$21 million (US$15 million) in direct expenditure for the visitor economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
Amanda Lampe, CEO of BESydney, highlighted Sydney’s strengths in the healthcare field: “Sydney is a hub for health and research innovation, strengthened by expanding medical and health precincts and emerging industries across the life sciences.
“Our city brings together globally respected universities and healthcare institutions, advanced research facilities, world-class conference facilities and a welcoming, well‑supported environment for delegates,” she added.
RANZCO president Peter McCluskey said the congress will provide a platform for education, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Asia-Pacific region: “The Congress brings extraordinary talent from across the Asia Pacific to our region and creates a powerful platform to expand education, collaboration, and shared leadership. We look forward to working with the APAO over the coming years to deliver a world-class Congress.”
According to BESydney, the successful bid was supported by key figures in the medical community, including global ambassador Frank Martin, Nitin Verma, Colin Chan and Joevy Lim, alongside RANZCO’s leadership and management team.
The 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 is extending its impact beyond the conference floor with a community outreach initiative in Sarawak, reaffirming its commitment to extending occupational health and safety awareness to rural communities in the state.
Supported by Business Events Sarawak, the Legacy Impact project was held on April 8 at Rumah Ngindang in Lubok Antu, bringing together around 200 participants from the longhouse and neighbouring communities. The initiative aimed to improve access to healthcare and empower residents with knowledge and resources for safer and healthier living.
ACOH looks to support rural communities in Sarawak by improving access to healthcare
Residents received health screenings, dental check-ups and eye examinations, alongside educational sessions on household safety. A practical fire extinguisher demonstration was also conducted, equipping participants with essential safety knowledge.
To support longer-term community development, a mini library was established within the longhouse to encourage reading and knowledge-sharing among residents.
Abu Hasan Samad, congress chair of ACOH 2026, said: “We hope to bring meaningful and lasting benefits not only to the community. Beyond the immediate benefits of screenings, we hope the programme will contribute towards improving the community’s quality of life while also strengthening awareness of safety practices within the longhouse environment.”
He added that the initiative reflects the event’s broader mission to promote occupational health and safety beyond traditional workplace settings and into communities.
The project was delivered in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Fire and Rescue Department Betong, Sri Aman Division Health Department, Sri Aman Hospital’s physiotherapy and dental units, Nanga Stamang Health Clinic, Sarawak State Health Department, Rotary Club of Kuching, and Jee Kwong Optical Group.
Organised by the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia, ACOH 2026 will take place from August 5 to 8 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The congress is expected to gather regional and international experts to address emerging issues and innovations in occupational health and safety.
Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches make it a surfer’s paradise
For event planners seeking a destination that seamlessly blends business, lifestyle and unforgettable experiences, Gold Coast Australia continues to raise the bar. At the centre of this offering is This Is Gold Coast 2026 (TIGC26), an annual signature business events showcase designed to immerse planners in everything the destination has to offer.
Led by Experience Gold Coast (EGC), TIGC26 is more than a familiarisation programme, it’s a curated, multi-day experience that brings the city’s full capabilities to life. Designed specifically for decision-makers in the business events and incentive travel space, the programme connects planners directly with the venues, suppliers and experiences that make the Gold Coast such a compelling choice.
Check out what the Gold Coast has to offer
With limited spots available and applications assessed by the EGC team, conference and event organisers are urged to apply early to not miss out. Accommodation and travel are arranged for you, so all you need to do is simply choose from a three- or four-day programme to discover everything the Gold Coast has to offer.
TIGC26 offers multiple opportunities for connecting with suppliers and venues
Three-day programme: August 3 to 5, 2026
The three-day programme will include two nights of hosted accommodation, a variety of showcase events and the Business Exchange. The showcase events are designed to highlight the breadth of the Gold Coast’s event offerings. Attendees will immerse themselves in a variety of diverse social events, while enjoying the opportunity to network, cultivate relationships, and delve deeper into discussions with local suppliers.
The Business Exchange will provide attendees with a day of face-to-face pre-scheduled appointments with the opportunity to engage and connect with Gold Coast’s business event venues and suppliers.
Four-day programme: August 3 to 6, 2026
Join us for three nights of hosted accommodation and an in-depth exploration of the Gold Coast’s business events offerings. Extend your experience with the four-day programme, which includes all the benefits of the three-day one, plus exclusive site inspections of accommodation venues, unique offsite event locations, and local experiences.
For international and domestic planners alike, the value of attending TIGC lies in its immediacy. Rather than imagining what an event could look like, participants leave with a clear vision, and the confidence to bring it to life. From concept to execution, the programme provides both inspiration and practical insight, making it easier to translate ideas into successful events.
Weather on the Gold Coast
An August trip to the Gold Coast is the ultimate travel hack for those visiting Australia. Sitting at the tail end of winter, the comfortable weather during the day makes it ideal for outdoor networking and alfresco dining, with all the sunshine but none of the humidity.
The sunrises and sunsets during this time of year also make for the perfect backdrop for any event.
Explore more on the Gold Coast
Whilst the curated TIGC26 programme will take you around the city, showcasing plenty of incredible venues and incentive experiences, there’s always more to discover.
From August 14 to 16, the skies over Surfers Paradise come alive with the thunderous rumbling of jets as Australia’s biggest and most spectacular air show comes to town. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day festival of incredible choreographed aerial displays, breathtaking aviation stunts and a dazzling party atmosphere on the sands of Surfers Paradise.
If you have a current, emerging or future business event opportunity, don’t miss this chance to discover why the Gold Coast is the perfect host. Visit This is Gold Coas 2026 to apply today.
Conrad Bengaluru has appointed Aagman Baury as hotel manager.
He was most recently general manager at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, where he focused on operational performance and market positioning.
In his new role, he will oversee hotel operations, with a focus on guest experience, efficiency and growth.
Delegates can look forward to sustainable menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options
Conrad Bali reinforces its commitment to responsible and impactful gatherings through its Meet With Purpose initiative, enhanced by the brand’s signature Conrad 1/3/5 programme.
Both these programmes aim to create a destination-conscious platform where sustainability, cultural immersion, and wellbeing experiences are woven into the meeting experience.
Delegates can look forward to sustainable menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options
“Conrad Bali is committed to driving a positive change through meaningful hospitality experiences,” shared Marco Neukom, cluster general manager of Conrad Bali and Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua. “By combining sustainable event design with immersive cultural encounters, we aim to inspire our guests to create gatherings that leave lasting impact while discovering the beauty of Bali.”
By integrating eco-conscious practices, local community engagement, and curated micro-experiences, the hotel lets planners deliver programmes that can positively impact the destination.
Through Meet With Purpose, organisers can host carbon-neutral meetings by offsetting event emissions through a reputable carbon offset programme.
To reduce its environmental impact, Conrad Bali has transitioned to a plastic-free meeting environment, replacing single-use bottled water with glass carafes and reusable stations, alongside sustainable amenities such as recycled lanyards and locally crafted materials.
The hotel has also adapted its culinary approach to be more sustainable. Its producer-to-plate programme offers menus that feature locally sourced ingredients and plant-based options.
Beyond operations, Conrad Bali emphasises community engagement. Delegates can participate in programmes such as mangrove restoration, coral planting, and food donation initiatives, allowing meetings to contribute directly to the local environment and community.
Complementing this is the Conrad 1/3/5 programme – thoughtfully crafted one, three, and five-hour itineraries where groups can discover Bali and experience wellness, cultural encounters, nature and its culinary heritage.
AI innovations such as a virtual conference assistant is part of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur's drive to make events more seamless and convenient for delegates
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has unveiled a suite of AI-driven technologies designed to enhance meetings, events and weddings, positioning itself as a future-ready luxury venue in Malaysia’s capital.
Introduced as optional enhancements, the technologies aim to complement rather than replace human interaction, combining operational efficiency with personalised guest experiences.
AI innovations such as a virtual conference assistant is part of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s drive to make events more seamless and convenient for delegates
Nelson Hilton, regional commercial director, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, said: “While technology continues to advance at an extraordinary pace, one thing remains constant: our guests and our clients are always at the centre of everything we do. These intelligent solutions are introduced to simplify, remove friction, enhance engagement, and ensure that every moment, from arrival to conclusion, feels effortless and intentional.”
Among the new offerings is an AI-powered conference assistant that facilitates self check-in, seat allocation and access to event information, alongside post-event AI-generated summaries for organisers.
Real-time AI interpretation supports more than 40 languages via personal devices, LED displays and AI-enabled glasses, addressing the needs of multilingual gatherings.
The property has also introduced what it describes as Kuala Lumpur’s first AI hologram emcee, capable of delivering multilingual presentations and guiding event proceedings. Additional features include AI live feed technology with instant highlight reels, immersive 360-degree virtual showcases with AI avatars, and same-day VideoFX playback designed for social sharing.
By integrating these technologies, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur aims to reduce logistical complexity, particularly for large-scale and international events, while allowing planners to focus on creativity and guest engagement. The hotel shared that its events team remains central to delivering personalised service, from menu curation to décor and entertainment.
With the ongoing oil crisis, Asia’s business events outlook “remains cautious but not significantly weakened”, with incentive travel as the most affected segment, said Stephan Roemer, CEO of DTH Travel.
Incentive trips are “more discretionary in nature and therefore more sensitive to cost pressures, making them more likely to be postponed or reduced in scale”, explained Roemer.
Stephan Roemer observes that business events are still going ahead but companies are shifting towards short-haul or regional destinations and tightening budgets
The DMC’s incentive trip cancellations, however, remain limited, with most groups choosing to postpone or adjust their plans instead, he said, citing that incentive requests for 2027 to the Philippines remain with no cancellations.
“The flight disruption in the Middle East affected two incentive groups due to arrive last March (in the Philippines), but both have rebooked their trips for later this year,” Roemer told TTGmice.
As for business events, corporations are still proceeding with events, though with more attention to cost and efficiency. Some companies have shifted toward short-haul or regional destinations, with shorter programme durations and tighter budget controls.
“Rather than completely canceling their plans, many companies are opting to postpone or scale down their events, indicating that MICE remains important for business continuity and engagement,” said Roemer.
As for what corporate clients look for in these uncertain times, he cited that “safety and sustainability are becoming more prominent in decision-making”.
DTH Travel will actively work with its partners to offer full flexibility and customisation through scalable programmes, hybrid-ready solutions, and more favourable booking terms. It also ensures that its contingency plans are up-to-date to anticipate and address possible uncertainties.
Roemer added that: “what increasingly differentiates MICE products is the ability to combine unique, memorable experiences – especially for incentive groups – with strong infrastructure such as quality venues, hotels and digital capabilities.”
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
In his new role, he will lead sales strategy and partnerships across both markets, with a focus on growth and trade development.
In his new role, he will oversee hotel operations, with a focus on guest experience, efficiency and growth.
