Wicked, The Musical will be playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from August 25 this year.
One of the most successful musicals in the world, Wicked, The Musical has won over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.
Wicked, The Musical performs at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from August 25
The musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It tells the story of what happened before the iconic Wizard of Oz, with themes on good vs wicked; popularity and belonging; knowledge and truth; equality and justice.
Wicked, The Musical also features catchy songs and meaningful messages that will make this production a big drawcard for theatre lovers of all ages.
Singapore-based Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) has launched the three-day mega expo, Architecture & Building Services (ABS) 2023, slated to take place in the city-state this November.
The event serves the built environment industry, and is presented as an initiative under BuildSG, a national movement that encapsulates the spirit of collaboration in the transformation of the built environment sector.
CEMS’ Edward Liu unveiled ABS 2023 on March 31
It is positioned as a premier one-stop destination for international products, solutions, and service providers to boost their exposure to the local and international markets, covering sectors ranging from Architecture & Design, Facility Management, and Safety & Security.
Themed Designing a Safe & Resilient Built Environment, ABS 2023 will open its doors at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Halls B and C on November 15.
Visitors can expect six signature exhibitions under one roof – ArchXpo 2023; International Facility Management Expo (iFaME) 2023; Safety & Security Asia 2023; Fire & Disaster Asia 2023; Work Safe Asia 2023; Design Asia 2023.
There will be business matching services, VIP luncheons, and up to 12 specialised conferences.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) 27th MEETINGS 2023 this June 21 and 22 is gunning for the Toitū net carbon-zero certification as a Certified Event Operation – an achievement that will make the edition the most sustainable yet.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins expressed excitement over this commitment as well as the pursuit of further sustainability goals for MEETINGS 2023.
MEETINGS 2022 was hosted in Ōtautahi Christchurch
“As the business events industry’s peak body, it is our role to lead the way in sustainability practices and make them core to everything we do,” she said in a press statement.
“Working with Toitū to achieve this certification means all emissions associated with the planning and operations of MEETINGS 2023 will be measured, audited in alignment with strict world-leading criteria, and then offset via quality assessed carbon credits.
“Not only will this show our exhibitors and buyers we are committed to reducing environmental impact, but also it will give us the platform to work towards continual reduction of carbon emissions for MEETINGS year-on-year,” Hopkins added.
MEETINGS 2023’s sustainability efforts include a sensible venue selection. It will be held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, which holds a 5-Star Green Design certification from the New Zealand Green Building Council. Features of Tākina include high performance double glazing, automatically controlled LED lighting, heat pumps to reduce fossil fuels, ventilation and water efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency signage options, and environmentally-friendly materials sourced from sustainable forestry.
Other initiatives for MEETINGS 2023 include carbon-offsetting hosted buyers air travel with Air New Zealand’s FlyNeutral programme, reducing printed material, eliminating satchels, and partnering with local charities Kibosh Food Rescue, Gillies McIndoe Research and Wellington Zoo to make donations on behalf of every hosted buyer.
“We know our 200 plus hosted buyers, who come from far and wide across New Zealand and Australia, are the lifeblood of MEETINGS. We also know that getting here comes at a cost to the environment, so BEIA will be offsetting carbon emissions from all hosted buyer flights from Australia and around New Zealand,” she said.
Hopkins acknowledged that successful sustainability initiatives require collaborative efforts, and is therefore encouraging event participants to play their part in reducing footprint.
Exhibitors can help by offsetting carbon emissions from travel and freight to Wellington if possible, using sustainable packaging, reducing waste from one-time items by creating reusable generic signage or digital signage options, and bringing reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
“We are also encouraging exhibitors to use sustainable, eco-friendly and biodegradable giveaway items, and arrange for plants used on stands to be donated or re-planted,” she said.
Hosted buyers can make a difference by bringing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, and bags, and by using the MEETINGS App, recycling name badges, walking to the venue if staying locally, and choosing one of three charities for BEIA to donate to.
Jeanette Mao has been appointed the new CEO of HK Express, taking over the reins from Mandy Ng.
In her new role, Mao will spearhead the airline’s growth strategy to expand its capacity and network, and lead the team in enhancing operational efficiencies and customer experience through digital innovations.
She has over 20 years of experience with the Cathay Pacific Group, and was previously general manager inflight service delivery.
Indian business events movement to Australia is growing strongly on the back of improved direct air access between the two countries, making the market one of the fastest to recover since Australia reopened borders for tourism in 2022.
There are now 22 direct flights a week between India and Australia, compared to seven prior to the pandemic.
Robin Mack (left) and Kristian Nicholls welcome Asian buyers at the BEA Asia Mega Famil Showcase business session on April 3 at Crown Sydney
In an interview with TTGmice at the ongoing Business Events Australia (BEA) Asia Mega Famil Showcase that kicked off on 30 March, Robin Mack, Tourism Australia executive general manager of commercial & Business Events Australia, said the Indian market has been bringing in “sizeable groups”.
In July 2022, a group of 600 pax from an insurance company in India visited Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Strong demand is persisting through 2023, with a group of 350 attendees from a dealership of an automobile company calling at Sydney earlier this year.
“Improved air connectivity has been a strong pillar of rebuilding the Indian market,” remarked Mack.
Australian flag carrier Qantas started four-times-a-week flights between Sydney and Bengaluru last year – making it the first direct connection between Australia and South India. The airline also commenced flights between Melbourne and Delhi in December 2021.
“Adding to this, indirect services from Singapore offer great connectivity for Indian MICE groups as (Singapore Airlines) flies to seven gateways in Australia,” he added.
Not only are Indian corporate groups eager to return to Australia for meetings and events, they are also staying on longer.
Mack shared that while Indian business events groups used to stay an average of five nights in two destinations in general, they are now extending their time to seven or eight nights for the same two destinations.
Kristian Nicholls, executive general manager client engagement, Business Events Sydney, said: “India was one of the first markets to open up for Sydney, and at present is among our top three key source markets. Considering the US inbound market is slower to restart at the moment and China has just opened up, I definitely see India as being a critical market for us moving forward.”
Illustrating the promise of the Indian market, Nicholls said demand comes from “vast business verticals, from insurance to paint companies, which we don’t see in other markets”.
“The average size of Indian MICE groups has been between 300 to 500 pax. However, now we are also seeing queries of 1,000-plus groups,” added Nicholls.
Australia attracted 59,000 business events visitors from India in 2019 who contributed A$339 million (US$229.7 million) in direct expenditure. India was the sixth-highest business events market in terms of visitors; and fifth in terms of spend.
The InterContinental Bali Resort recently opened its new Jimbaran Convention Center (JCC), a modern and luxurious venue designed to meet the needs of corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions. Located only a 15-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, the spacious events space is strategically connected to the resort and boasts modern amenities amidst the breathtaking location of Jimbaran. These features make Jimbaran Convention Center an ideal destination for anyone looking to host an unforgettable event in Bali.
ARKdesign Architects, in collaboration with Indesign Domus as the interior designer, design the Jimbaran Convention Center. The design is heavily inspired by a luxurious art gallery with the choice of materials and glossy finishes, such as metal gold, bronze mirrors, marble, timber panels, and wooden accents, blends perfectly with the display of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces that fill every corner of the newly established events space.
Imperial Grand Ballroom stands tall as the jewel of the well-appointed convention center. The multi-purpose space spans 2,300 sqm with a maximum capacity of 2,200 people and is dressed in contemporary design with a touch of Balinese flair. As part of InterContinental’s initiative to make their properties inclusive to every guest, The Imperial Grand Ballroom is designed to be a disabled-friendly space with the installation of adequate ramps and lifts and accessible toilets. Hearing loop facilities are also available for people who are hard of hearing.
Next to the main ballroom, the Puri Kencana Ballroom serves as a smaller multi-purpose event space. Meanwhile, on the Mezzanine and second floor, ten opulent meeting rooms sporting an extravagant interior design and completed with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and high-speed Wi-Fi connection are ready for more private gatherings. The Jimbaran Convention Center is also fully air-conditioned, ensuring guests’ comfort regardless of the outside temperature.
The InterContinental Bali Resort understands that no two events are the same. In this regard, a designated banquet and event team will work closely with clients to create a customized package tailored to specific needs and budgets. From catering and entertainment to transportation and accommodations, the InterContinental Bali Resort team will take extra care of every detail so guests can focus on enjoying the event.
To complement the Jimbaran Convention Center, the InterContinental Bali Resort also offers guests a range of luxurious accommodations, from deluxe rooms to suites and private villas to suit every taste and preference. The newly renovated rooms and villas feature elegant Balinese décor with modern amenities and stunning views of the ocean or gardens.
Experience the ultimate event venue at the InterContinental Bali Resort’s new Jimbaran Convention Center. For more information, visit bali.intercontinental.com or contact apdpshamice@ihg.com.
Brij Hotels has named Sandeep Singh as vice president sales, who brings with him over 25 years of extensive experience in leisure travel sales for luxury hospitality segment.
He will lead the sales efforts for seven operational hotels and develop strategies for upcoming properties in his new position, and will work closely with all unit heads and the frontline sales team to ensure the delivery of exceptional experiences to guests and stakeholders.
Prior to joining Brij Hotels, he served as the director of sales and marketing for the Gujarat region at The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts.
The survey set out to find how association meetings are evolving
In-person meetings are back in full force, the need for core PCO services has increased, and focus on sustainability and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) are stronger than ever, found ICCA’s 2023 survey on Association Meeting Needs.
Meetings and events are still the largest segment of revenue generation for associations (for 46% of respondents this is the main revenue stream), although there is a growing need for associations to diversify their revenue stream to become more financially sustainable for the future.
The survey set out to find how association meetings are evolving
The survey also shares insights into creative approaches for doing so, as well as some great initiatives associations are undertaking to provide year-round in-person and digital engagement opportunities for their members.
There is a clear trend towards getting events back to in-person format, with 51% of associations indicating that they will hold their largest meeting in 2023 in-person, compared to 41% in 2022 and 14% in 2021.
Just under half of the associations are indicating that they will be changing their RFPs in the near future, with the majority indicating that they will be incorporating aspects such as hybrid/digital options, sustainability, as well as legacy initiatives.
And with many associations returning to in-person events, the need for support in the production of (virtual) events and integrated digital meeting platforms has dropped drastically. The need for core PCO services has however increased compared to last year, and is now the highest-ranking service closely followed by assistance with raising sponsorship and funding for events.
The majority of the respondents (83%) are making efforts to work towards more sustainable events and practices. However, the industry needs to be mindful that associations are in different stages of the sustainability journey, with some mentioning advanced and established sustainability strategies, and others acknowledging there is yet a lot to learn.
Around 80% of respondents indicate that they have a DEI policy in place, or at least are making some efforts to address DEI.
Partnerships are key in supporting associations in their efforts towards more sustainable and inclusive events. By sharing best practices and experiences with peers and with meeting suppliers, as well as engaging with initiatives such as the Net Zero Carbon Events, the whole meetings industry can unite to tackle these challenges together.
The survey was conducted in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives, the African Society of Association Executives, and the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse, have joined forces to create an all-new HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, and catering) tradeshow next year.
Scheduled to take place from March 6 to 8, 2024 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, the inaugural tradeshow will showcase a comprehensive range of innovative solutions in nine major segments: Bakery & Ice-cream, Café and Bar, Cleaning and Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech, and Wellness.
The inaugural tradeshow will be located at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok
Additionally, there will be several supporting programmes, including a Hosted Buyer Programme, slated to host more than 500 top buyers from Asia, allow them the opportunity to network. Industry players can also glimpse into the future of HoReCa at the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, and gain access to industry insights, perspectives, and best industry practices by attending forums, live workshops, and culinary demonstrations.
Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), noted that after three challenging years of Covid-19 restrictions, the HoReCa industry is now seeing a surge in consumer demand as people are eager to return to travelling, dining out, and other forms of entertainment.
“Thailand is… a famous tourist destination with a quality reputation for great hospitality and strong capability to serve the needs of the industry. This year, Thailand is expected to receive more than 20 million foreign visitors. Backlog demand is leading to an unprecedented need for new investments and opportunities in the HoReCa industry. Given the growth trajectory and our great achievement of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia tradeshow, all three organisers are confident that THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will be a beneficial platform to meet the needs of the region’s fast-growing tourism and hospitality industry.”
The debut event aims to attract over 300 leading brands and 20,000 trade visitors from South-east Asia and key cities across Asia-Pacific.
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.
She has over 20 years of experience with the Cathay Pacific Group, and was previously general manager inflight service delivery.
Prior to joining Brij Hotels, he served as the director of sales and marketing for the Gujarat region at The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) 27th MEETINGS 2023 this June 21 and 22 is gunning for the Toitū net carbon-zero certification as a Certified Event Operation – an achievement that will make the edition the most sustainable yet.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins expressed excitement over this commitment as well as the pursuit of further sustainability goals for MEETINGS 2023.
“As the business events industry’s peak body, it is our role to lead the way in sustainability practices and make them core to everything we do,” she said in a press statement.
“Working with Toitū to achieve this certification means all emissions associated with the planning and operations of MEETINGS 2023 will be measured, audited in alignment with strict world-leading criteria, and then offset via quality assessed carbon credits.
“Not only will this show our exhibitors and buyers we are committed to reducing environmental impact, but also it will give us the platform to work towards continual reduction of carbon emissions for MEETINGS year-on-year,” Hopkins added.
MEETINGS 2023’s sustainability efforts include a sensible venue selection. It will be held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, which holds a 5-Star Green Design certification from the New Zealand Green Building Council. Features of Tākina include high performance double glazing, automatically controlled LED lighting, heat pumps to reduce fossil fuels, ventilation and water efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency signage options, and environmentally-friendly materials sourced from sustainable forestry.
Other initiatives for MEETINGS 2023 include carbon-offsetting hosted buyers air travel with Air New Zealand’s FlyNeutral programme, reducing printed material, eliminating satchels, and partnering with local charities Kibosh Food Rescue, Gillies McIndoe Research and Wellington Zoo to make donations on behalf of every hosted buyer.
“We know our 200 plus hosted buyers, who come from far and wide across New Zealand and Australia, are the lifeblood of MEETINGS. We also know that getting here comes at a cost to the environment, so BEIA will be offsetting carbon emissions from all hosted buyer flights from Australia and around New Zealand,” she said.
Hopkins acknowledged that successful sustainability initiatives require collaborative efforts, and is therefore encouraging event participants to play their part in reducing footprint.
Exhibitors can help by offsetting carbon emissions from travel and freight to Wellington if possible, using sustainable packaging, reducing waste from one-time items by creating reusable generic signage or digital signage options, and bringing reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
“We are also encouraging exhibitors to use sustainable, eco-friendly and biodegradable giveaway items, and arrange for plants used on stands to be donated or re-planted,” she said.
Hosted buyers can make a difference by bringing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, and bags, and by using the MEETINGS App, recycling name badges, walking to the venue if staying locally, and choosing one of three charities for BEIA to donate to.