Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has launched two new social media accounts, TikTok and Pinterest.
TikTok will provide educational content, and illustrate the scale and versatility of MCEC’s spaces, while Pinterest will work valuable visual tool to promote creative collaboration and showcase the creativity of MCEC’s events and exhibitions.
A screenshot from MCEC’s Tiktok page
The launch of these new channels is part of MCEC’s wider digital transformation and opportunity to showcase the venue’s unconventional event ideas and installations.
With over seven million monthly active users on both platforms in Australia, MCEC is the first Australian convention centre to launch accounts on both platforms, adding to its existing Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.
MCEC’s head of marketing, Liz Kozmevski, said that the channels will help customers with event planning ideas, and gather up-to-date information on the possibilities of hosting an event at the venue.
“Our research shows that Pinterest and TikTok are channels customers are using in the very early stages of event planning. We want to help them when they’re developing their event concepts and provide useful tips along the way”.
The Intan is a private home-turned-museum in the Joo Chiat area that houses an impressive collection of artefacts and antiques belonging to the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture.
The attraction recently rolled out two experiences targeted at corporates, The Intan Private Dining Experience, and Wellness @ The Intan.
The Intan Private Dining Experience
The Intan Private Dining Experience starts from S$180 (US$127) per pax, and can accommodate up to a maximum of 30 individuals. Come hungry, for the seven-course meal will include dishes such as babi pongteh (pork belly braised in fermented soyabean paste), ngoh hiang (meat rolls), and otak (a spicy fish cake grilled and wrapped in banana leaf). The meal finishes with an ice-cold bowl of chendol, shaved ice with pandan jelly, coconut milk, and gula melaka (palm sugar).
The experience also includes a tour of the museum with owner Alvin Yapp and a closer look at its treasures, as well as a walk around Geylang Serai Market to learn more about the ingredients used in traditional Peranakan cooking.
Yapp has also unveiled a Wellness @ The Intan experience, which is good for up to eight individuals at S$300 per person.
In addition to a tour of the museum with Yapp, the whole experience revolves around allowing corporates to enjoy a Sound Bath onsite. Conducted by an expert, a Sound Bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various sources, including healing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, percussion, chimes, rattles, tuning forks, or the human voice.
Among the benefits are relaxation, an increased sense of well-being, expanded awareness, and access to inner visionary experience.
Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts has appointed Rajeev Paul as general manager of The Residence Bintan.
Paul has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, and his career has spanned all of Asia from Bhutan to Bintan including the Middle East across some of the world’s leading hotel brands with Oberoi, Six Senses, Alila and Aman.
A part of the pre-opening team, Paul joined Cenizaro Hotels and Resorts in 2017 as The Residence Bintan’s hotel operations manager. He was soon appointed acting general manager in 2021.
Chris Peak will join Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as events manager on October 25, taking over from Jen Henshaw.
He will be responsible for organising BEIA’s key events including the annual MEETINGS exhibition.
Originally from the UK, Peak has been with PCO The Conference Company in Auckland for the past eight years. Prior to that, he was based in Queenstown, New Zealand for six years with AJ Hackett Bungy.
ChristchurchNZ Business Events has appointed Jeanette Henshaw to the new role of business development manager – New Zealand.
She starts in her new Auckland-based role on October 31, 2022.
Henshaw joins ChristchurchNZ from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) where she has been responsible for delivering MEETINGS and conference events. Previously, she was with Auckland Convention Bureau for six years as marketing and business events services manager.
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach in Thailand has announced the executive management team ahead of its grand opening in 4Q2022.
Back row from left: Thanate Likhittumrongkawin, Alexis Movio, Ranjeet Rajebhosale, Vincenzo Gatti, Kriengkrai Chongkhanpond; front row from left: Anna Rhee, Dollarpapat Sookmuang, Sunny Yu
Leading the team is Ranjeet Rajebhosale as general manager, who has amassed 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He was previously general manager of Hyatt Regency Liberation Square Chongqing, China.
Anna Rhee is executive assistant manager – rooms, and has been with Hyatt for more than 23 years. Her most recent position was with Hyatt Regency Nha Trang in Vietnam where she served on the pre-opening team.
New director of sales & marketing Sunny Yu joins the team after over a decade with IHG where she held roles in loyalty marketing, global sales effectiveness and commercial marketing. In addition, she is in her fifth year serving as president of the Thailand Chapter of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International.
Overseeing the hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges is director of food & beverage Alexis Movio. A dynamic F&B professional, he has worked in some of Asia’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.
Vincenzo Gatti is the resort’s executive chef. Gatti has worked in the top kitchens of Europe and Asia for two decades, as well as in Asia. He has extensive experience of Hyatt and its brands, having worked at Park Hyatt Guangzhou, Grand Hyatt Seoul and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in the past six years.
Thanate Likhittumrongkawin joins the team as director of finance. He has worked with brands including JW Marriott and W Hotels before joining Hyatt Regency Phuket.
Dollarpapat Sookmuang is the director of human resources, and joins Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach from Park Hyatt Maldives, while Kriengkrai Chongkhanpond, director of engineering, most recently worked on the launch of Hyatt Regency Koh Samui.
As one of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) 10 MICE Cities, Chiang Mai already has the goods for all types of events, but continuously adds and improves its business events infrastructure of hotels and conference centres.
The situation has become even better with the arrival of two new properties, according to Vorapong Muchaotai, deputy managing director of DMC Event Thailand.
There are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai; a temple guardian pictured
“Meliá Chiang Mai, which opened in June 2022, (offers several meeting options) while The InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping, on target for its launch in 1Q2023, will provide expansive meeting areas suitable for events,” he said.
Vipasiri Napawongdee, cluster director of marketing communications at Meliá Koh Samui & Chiang Mai, revealed that Meliá Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Grand Ballroom can seat up to 300 guests, which helped in its selection as an official hotel for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference (APEC) 2022.
To help event planners improve their sustainability ethos, EcoTouch Meetings by Meliá is a programme that raises awareness about the responsible use of resources. All materials are from recycled sources, such as notebooks, pens, markers, flipcharts and coasters. Glass jars instead of plastic bottles are also used, as well as energy-saving lighting, and the use of computers and audiovisual equipment with low energy ratings, among other initiatives.
Located near to Meliá Chiang Mai and in the heart of the city are more options for event planners, such as the Le Meridien Chiang Mai with 1,741m2 of event space, and the Shangri-La Chiang Mai which boasts an auditorium which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
There is also the upcoming 306-key InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping. The property is a complete makeover of the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, which IHG took over in 2019, and will feature over 3,600m2 of outdoor and indoor convention, event and meeting spaces.
Aside from meeting capabilities, attractions delegates can explore pre- or post-meetings include the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Tha Pae Gate and Warorot Market.
These MICE-ready properties, as well as the destination’s ease of air connectivity, help Chiang Mai to capitalise on being a leading destination for international business events.
Vorapong pointed out: “In addition to daily flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by Scoot and Air Asia, there are also charter flights from Incheon by Jeju Air bringing large groups of golfers to Chiang Mai which began in June 2022, on top of the other services.”
Already known as the gateway to northern Thailand, Chiang Mai International Airport is also the fourth busiest in the country.
“However, despite recovering nearly 50 per cent of passenger levels in July 2022 compared to the same time in 2019, the airport is not back to full capacity. Pre-pandemic the majority of arrivals were from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taipei, whose borders have still not fully opened for travel,” he noted.
The historical iron bridge in Chiang Mai
Despite the current shortfall in arrivals, there is growing excitement around the proposed construction of a second airport for the region. The new airport is expected to be developed in Lamphun Ban Thi, approximately 25km from the existing Chiang Mai International Airport.
Chiang Mai is no stranger to large-scale events as well. The most auspicious headliner would no doubt be the APEC 2022 sessions. At the end of August 2022, more than 1,000 delegates got together at the Chiang Mai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (CMICE) for the Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry, and Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum.
CMICE was also the host of FTI Expo 2022 (Federation of Thailand Industry), welcoming thousands of delegates from June 29 to July 3, July 2022. The conference was graced by Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who presided over the opening ceremony with a keynote speech.
This year, for the first time, Chiang Mai also hosted the Spartan Race organisation over a weekend in August, which saw more than 3,000 runners from 30 countries compete on a five-kilometre trail strewn with 20 obstacles. It generated over 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) for the city over four days.
Chuta Tharachai, TCEB’s director of the Northern Region Office, is capitalising on the smooth handling of the large-scale event to obtain the rights to organise the Spartan Race World Series, which has a fan base of two million people from 40 countries.
Commenting on the city’s recovery, Vipasiri said: “Chiang Mai is a busy city with a thriving tourism scene and is well-prepared with up-to-date infrastructure for events and conferences. Once Asia and the rest of the world embrace large-group travel and international meetings again, we are more than ready (to welcome them).”
The Amaya Food Gallery offers east-meets-west cuisines, popular local fare, and Thai-infused selections in an interactive street-market-inspired setting
The Amaya Food Gallery offers east-meets-west cuisines, popular local fare, and Thai-infused selections in an interactive street-market-inspired setting
Penang saw an exciting new hospitality addition opening its doors to welcome guests recently. Bleisure hotel, Amari SPICE Penang, offers world-class integrated hospitality facilities and services in the heart of the island’s central business district and just minutes from Penang International Airport.
Directly connected to the SPICE Convention Centre, guests can gain convenient access to the world’s first hybrid solar-powered MICE venue complex. Whether they are in town for business or leisure, Amari is the ideal accommodation.
Floor-to-ceiling windows fill its 453 guest rooms and suites with warm natural light, each one well-equipped for the modern business traveller. The contemporary-designed spaces come complete with thoughtful touches – a smart workspace, smart TV and high-speed wi-fi connectivity.
Thoughtful amenities and facilities
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The new hotel is located in the central business district and just minutes from Penang International Airport
Guest rooms come complete with a smart workspace, smart TV and high-speed wi-fi connectivity
The executive lounge offers an elevated level of personalised service and complimentary offerings
Floor-to-ceiling windows fill its 453 guest rooms and suites with warm natural light
Guests staying in the executive rooms and suites will enjoy private access to the executive lounge offering an elevated level of personalised service along with complimentary daily breakfast, evening cocktails, all-day light bites and beverages, topped with stunning 180-degree views of Penang.
From small boardroom meetings of up to 10 people, annual dinners, customised events to full-day conferences, Amari sets the perfect stage with versatile rooms, seating, and stage arrangements.
The hotel even boasts a 240-square-metre pillar-less ballroom complemented with a spacious pre-function space and five function rooms.
The signature all-day dining restaurant, Amaya Food Gallery, presents east-meets-west cuisines, popular local fare, and Thai-infused selections in an interactive street-market-inspired setting with live food stations. It also includes a wine room, The Cellar and tropical garden sit-and-chill alfresco dining at Amaya Terrace, as well as Amaya Bar for sunset Happy Hour.
Cascade is a chic and cosy lobby lounge by day with light meals and afternoon teas for casual meetings. By night, it transforms into a stylish bar lounge, a perfect venue for drinks.
Besides, Penang’s latest rooftop bar overlooking the panoramic city’s skyline, D’Observatory Sky Bar, also serves up unique cocktails with local twists and tasty tapas. This spectacular vantage point is great for after-work drinks, pre-dinner aperitifs, chic evenings out and celebrations.
For sensorial holistic therapies, weary travellers can visit the Breeze Spa, a contemporary spa retreat, featuring five treatment rooms to relax and revitalise their body, mind and soul.
Fully equipped with a range of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training machines, the FIT Centre allows wellness fanatics to work out after a long day at work too.
Guests can also lounge on the sun deck of the outdoor saltwater swimming pool, overlooking the beautiful roof garden, while enjoying refreshing drinks and light bites from the Aqua Bar.
Operated by ONYX Hospitality Group, one of Asia-Pacific’s leading hospitality management companies, the Amari collection of hotels and resorts brings to life a contemporary re-imagining of Thailand’s rich cultural roots, with the influences of unique localised settings amplified through architecture, design, art, cuisine and services.
Keen to check out Penang’s latest hospitality addition?
Singapore recently welcomed its largest post-lockdown incentive movement from India in September, when more than 2,400 SBI Life Insurance “Jewel of the Crown” (JOTC) top agents and partners gathered for their four-day programme.
Flying in from nine cities across India on 36 different commercial flights, this was the largest JOTC ever (1,600 pax attended the Bali incentive trip in 2019), and one of the largest incentive groups hosted in Singapore this year.
JOTC participants at Sands Grand Ballroom foyer. Photo credit: GB Srithar LinkedIn
Delegates’ itinerary included major attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore (USS), Sentosa, and Gardens by the Bay, while the awards and gala dinner was held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
Supported by the Business Events in Singapore scheme and Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) India team, Akbar Travels of India and Akbar Travels Malaysia handled the trip logistics.
When asked why Singapore holds strong appeal for India’s outbound corporates, major Indian incentive tour operators SOTC Travel and Thomas Cook (India) cited Sentosa was home to many other attractions such as SkyHelix, Skypark Sentosa, Mega Adventure Park, and Ola Beach Club. The Night Safari and River Safari at Mandai, and the Singapore Flyer are also popular.
“Singapore is one of the most sought-after MICE destinations in South-east Asia thanks to its accessibility and strong connectivity from India with a choice of multiple carriers, from budget to full-service airlines,” said S D Nandakumar, president & country head – corporate tours, SOTC Travel.
“SOTC’s forward pipeline indicates a strong and growing appetite for MICE travel to Singapore. We have multiple queries with group sizes ranging from 200 to over 1,000 pax for 4Q and 2023,” he added.
Similarly, Meera Charnalia, senior vice president and head – MICE, Thomas Cook (India), has seen the outbound demand for Singapore surge “over three times”, and pointed out that the route is at “90 per cent recovery”.
She added: “We have operated a significant number of groups to Singapore ranging from 50 to 200 pax, with budgets ranging between 75,000 Indian rupees (US$911) to 150,000 Indian rupees per person and have several movements in the pipeline.”
Charnalia attributed the surge in interest to strong support from STB, as well as the ease in obtaining visas.
“The In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE) Global 2.0 programme is beneficial for MICE groups to Singapore as it offers several complimentary options including sightseeing, dining, thematic tours, teambuilding and retail experiences,” noted Charnalia.
With travel sentiment at an all-time high, both tour operators have also reported an uptick in cruise incentives from Singapore.
Nandakumar shared: “Our data has also revealed a surge of over 40 per cent in cruise itineraries compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cruises (are popular as they) represent a great value proposition as an all-inclusive experience.”
From left: Cvent's Anthony Lion and Will Kataria at the event
Global event and hospitality technology provider Cvent is increasing its engagement with Singapore-based millennial and Gen Z meeting planners, and educating them on the platform’s in-person and hybrid capabilities to meet their post-pandemic needs.
To do this, Cvent organised a lunch and learning event on October 12, which was attended by some 35 mid-level corporate buyers, as well as individuals from institutes of higher learning and digital marketing agencies.
From left: Cvent’s Anthony Lion and Will Kataria at the event
Will Kataria, senior director/general manager, Cvent Singapore, shared with TTGmice that the goal was to educate “those most directly involved in planning events” in order to connect with their stakeholders- and budget-holders as the next step.
Kataria noted meeting planners in Australia, Europe and the US, when compared with their Singapore counterparts, were more informed and less resistant to deploying technology as a strategic meetings management tool.
“To grow events, there must be acceptance and millennials and Gen Z meeting planners need to embrace technology,” he observed. Kataria also highlighted the importance of technology and data protection under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and PPDA (Personal Data Protection Act) compliance.
While in-person events are back with a vengeance in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and several other South-east Asian countries, buyers told TTGmice that hybrid meetings to engage with customers were still important.
Simon Lalloz, events marketing manager Asia of Contentsquare, said he was looking for a hybrid solution that is less expensive than streaming to sidestep possible technical hitches. Contentsquare is a software firm which organises around 30 medium-size events annually.
Meanwhile, the meeting planner of a leading Singapore law firm, a former Cvent customer, was present at the event to obtain an update. She noted that the Cvent team, which organised a few webinars a week during the pandemic, was now moving towards physical and hybrid events to meet client needs.
At digital marketing company AMC Asia, a Cvent customer, a senior representative said he was looking for a solution on the platform that could incorporate travel information like flight details and related information.
Cvent Studio, was also highlighted that afternoon as a free user-friendly web-based tool that is part of Cvent’s virtual software. Introduced in August 2021, Cvent Studio is capable of producing broadcast-quality content to help meeting planners organise virtual and hybrid events.
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A part of the pre-opening team, Paul joined Cenizaro Hotels and Resorts in 2017 as The Residence Bintan’s hotel operations manager. He was soon appointed acting general manager in 2021.
