Photo of the day: Taiwan invites MICE guests with wide open arms

October 5, 2022

The MEET TAIWAN Program held its Open Arms from MEET TAIWAN Press Conference at the Taipei International Convention Center on October 4, 2022, to officially welcome international business events and visitors back to Taiwan.

Organised by Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade, the press conference featured a magic carnival theme with MEET TAIWAN representative Amelia W. J. Day, secretary general of the bureau of Trade Bureau, lighting up the stage with magic and hope, announcing that Taiwan’s business events industry has entered a new chapter.

Numerous VIPs from international associations, venue operators, and companies showed their support both in person and online, symbolising the joint efforts and support from both public and private sectors alike, bringing Taiwan’s business events industry to new heights.

Looking to 2023 and beyond, Simon Wang, president & CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, expressed positivity and excitement about the prospects of business events in Taiwan.

Taiwan will be welcoming more than 500 international conferences and corporate meetings next year, bringing around 390,000 delegates and generating economic benefits of around US$800 million.

Asian MICE leaders agree on next steps to propel business events forward

By TTGmice

October 5, 2022

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JLS — Stakeholders underlined their commitment to the region and the vital role that the industry plays in supporting governments

Five key areas of collaboration were agreed upon by some 100 business events stakeholders, trade associations, and government representatives today at the inaugural Joint Leadership Summit (JLS), held at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore.

Stakeholders underlined their commitment to the region and the vital role that the industry plays in supporting governments

With the aim of boosting the growth of the industry through international and regional collaboration, the five areas are as follows:

1) Define business events as “controlled gatherings”

Business events are not public gatherings, but highly controlled assemblies. They need to be classified as distinct from generic mass gatherings. This will ensure that, in future situations, the sector can continue to operate and fulfil its strategic role for governments.

2) Establish business events as both an economic and tourism tool

Business events are economic, scientific, and professional in nature. Beyond serving as a key pillar of the tourism and hospitality sector, it also provides industry platforms to discuss and achieve strategic priorities. Therefore, it is imperative that business events are recognised as tools and platforms to be leveraged upon in the context of trade, economic development, social and investment, and policies should be mirrored as such.

3) Accessibility

The success of business events that gathers international delegates relies on the accessibility of respective markets. Accessibility is driven by cross-regional alignments on issues related to travel, immigration, and health & safety protocols. There needs to be cross-regional collaboration to reduce accessibility hurdles to empower business events to deliver their benefits.

4) Talent and capability development

The pandemic has caused a massive talent loss to the industry and attracting new and existing talent back will be among the key challenges to ensure the increasing demand for physical business events is met as the region continues to reopen. The region needs to come together to address and reduce the talent gap through talent sharing and collaboration on capability development initiatives.

5) Sustainability

While reviving the region’s business events industry remains the key focus, there is an understanding that sustainability plays a key role in the growth and revival of the industry. More than ever, delegates and attendees are demanding greener events. Therefore, we need to seize opportunities to collaborate internationally, regionally and locally between stakeholders (countries/cities, venues, organisers and suppliers) to step up our efforts to ensure that we not only deliver on our customers’ needs, but create a more sustainable future for the industry together.

The parties will reconvene in October 2023 to review the progress and discuss additional measures to drive the next stage of growth for the region’s business events industry.

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and co-organised by the Association of Event Organisers, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers, Society for Independent Show Organizers and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the Asia CEO Summit will continue to serve as the definitive networking and learning event for the business events sector for the next two years in Singapore.

Sabah joins Travel Spark by TTG video series

By Karen Yue

October 5, 2022

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Sabah Tourism Board has joined the Travel Spark by TTG video series with content that sheds light on the Malaysian state’s progress in the space of business events.

While the destination is a renowned adventure paradise, with Mount Kinabalu as well as the Sipadan and Mabul islands drawing global spotlight, Sabah offers far more than these natural playgrounds.

Under the leadership of Sabah Tourism Board and with the support of a committed private sector, the destination is building up a calendar of major events, presenting new hardware and experiences for event delegates, and advancing on its responsible tourism objectives.

The episode is now available on TTG Asia Media’s YouTube channel.

STB inks three new MICE partnerships

By TTGmice

October 5, 2022

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Global_MICE_Sustainability_Alliance_640 — Global MICE Sustainability Alliance

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key business events stakeholders to grow the industry.

The first signing was under the Global MICE Sustainability Alliance, where the seven-party MoU aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable business travel by reducing waste and the carbon footprint of exhibitions. The signatories are STB, Informa Markets, Constellar Venues, PICO World (Singapore), Cityneon Holdings, Kingsmen Exhibits and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS).

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The alliance will explore new solutions for green events and leverage its global expertise in sustainable event planning to ensure that these will adhere to local business events sustainability standards that are currently being developed. It will also focus on industry education to increase awareness and adoption of green practices. The alliance aims to set out clear sustainability targets over the next six months for the identified pilot event – Food & Hotel Asia -Food & Beverage 2024 and trial green initiatives there.

These efforts build on Singapore’s sustainability efforts under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, and are part of STB’s ambition for Singapore to be a top sustainable urban destination.

The second MoU, lasting three years, has been signed with Italy-based exhibition organiser Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), as part of a business expansion to South-east Asia. This includes establishing IEG’s South-east Asia regional headquarters in Singapore – its first office in Asia – by the end of 2023.

Under the partnership, IEG and STB will also explore ways to develop and anchor events in Singapore.

As a start, IEG is acquiring two tradeshows in the jewellery and F&B sectors from Conference & Exhibition Management Services – The Singapore International Jewelry Expo; and Café Asia, Sweets & Bakes Asia and Restaurant Asia. The aim is to expand IEG and the tradeshows’ presence in Singapore and South-east Asia.

Finally, the last was a three-year agreement with event organiser Comexposium, which will grow existing shows such as Milipol Asia-Pacific, Asia-Pacific’s largest homeland security event. Two anchor events will also be launched: SILMO Singapore, an eyewear and lifestyle tradeshow held from April 12-14, 2023; and Vinexpo Asia, a major wine and spirits exhibition scheduled for May 23-25, 2023. Both events are linked to established brands in Paris.

The signing ceremony was held alongside the launch of the Asia CEO Summit on October 5, 2022, at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, on the back of a strong business events recovery following the reopening of Singapore’s borders in April this year. It also underlines the confidence that global event organisers continue to have in Singapore as the preferred destination for business events and a launchpad for international expansion.

Meliá Chiang Mai unveils sky-high fine-dining restaurant

By TTGmice

October 5, 2022

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Meliá Chiang Mai has opened a 40-seater fine-dining restaurant on its 21^st floor, serving contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences.

Adjacent to the hotel’s executive lounge and tucked under the highest rooftop bar in the city, diners enter the venue under an arch that pays homage to a nearby temple. In a salute to Chiang Mai’s Bo Sang Umbrella Village, large lit installations of umbrella ribs cling to the ceiling. Various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles.

Meliá Chiang Mai

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Under the stewardship of executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and sous chef Karn Phojun, each dish from the restaurant’s seasonal menu is prepared à la minute from an open kitchen.

Expect dishes such as the Pla Salmon Nham Prik Oung, a baked salmon fillet with northern Thai-style tomato confit, sautéed gurmar leaves and pickled garlic served on steamed pandan rice.

Of the 28 menu options, 12 belong to the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ concept, which has been designed to minimise waste and carbon emissions. Under the programme, chefs craft dishes using produce from the hotel’s nearby organic gourmet farm partnership with ORI9IN, and use every part of each ingredient possible before leftovers are returned to the farm as compost.

Minimum spending for private events at Mai Restaurant & Bar is 120,000 baht (US$3,213) per meal, with set menu prices starting from 1,300 baht per person.

CWT adds team travel functionalities to myCWT

By TTGmice

October 5, 2022

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myCWT_platform_enhancements_640 — CWT adds new trip planning, management and collaboration functionalities

CWT has introduced several new features to its myCWT platform, making it easier for business travellers and TMCs to plan and manage trips, and share itineraries easily with colleagues.

The new share-a-trip feature, designed to facilitate team travel, allows travellers to provide their colleagues with a real-time view of their itinerary via the myCWT web portal and mobile app. Recipients can see the traveller’s flight and hotel details, including any changes in the itinerary after the trip has been shared.

CWT adds new trip planning, management and collaboration functionalities

Another functionality currently in the works, travellers – who want to join their colleagues on a trip – will be able to replicate a shared itinerary by shopping for the same flights and hotels with the click of a button, further streamlining the booking process for teams travelling together.

Flight booking modifications have also been simplified. Travellers can now quickly view the change and cancellation rules, shop for alternative flights, and understand the cost of changing their booking.

Meanwhile, travel planners can now search and book flights on behalf of their colleagues. When a travel planner selects a traveller in the system, that traveller’s policy information and loyalty programmes are automatically pulled from their CWT profile and applied to the booking. Hotel bookings are already live, with car rental and train booking capabilities to be added in the near future.

Erica Antony, CWT’s chief product officer, stated that “with remote and hybrid working becoming the norm, we expect people will travel more for small meetings to get some face-time with their teams, increasing the importance of simple ways to coordinate itineraries and make changes quickly on the go”.

Brij Hotels appoints Shiv Kumar Mehan as CEO

By TTGmice

October 4, 2022

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Brij Hotels has appointed Shiv Kumar Mehan as chief executive officer. He joins the senior leadership team to forefront operational excellence, innovation in brand building efforts and strategic development for the company.

His in-depth industry knowledge and expertise spans across three decades, having successfully launched and operated many hotels, resorts and various hospitality models. Over the years, he has led dynamic hospitality teams and has been instrumental in establishing multiple ventures in markets across the country.

Prior to joining Brij Hotels, he was the chief operating officer at Leisure Hotels Group.

Prioritising sustainability

By Caroline Boey

October 4, 2022

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Event brief
Organised by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) since 2012, the biennial CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESG) serves as a global networking platform for thought leaders, senior government officials, regulators, policymakers, and industry captains.

Organised as a hybrid event for the first time, CESG 2022’s theme – Towards Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities – focused on five key areas: Waste as Resource, Enhanced Hygiene Standards, Effective Pest Management, Sustainable Energy and Pollution Control.

Event highlights
According to an NEA spokesperson, CESG 2022 was significant for a number of reasons. First, it marked the resumption of face-to-face business meetings since the pandemic.

More importantly, following the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, CESG 2022 was a step forward for industry leaders, regulators and policymakers to reconnect and renew commitments to address sustainability and climate-related issues.

A new addition this year was the inaugural Youth Environment Leaders Immersion Programme, which brought together youth leaders to network and exchange ideas, and learn from industry captains in the environmental sustainability space.

Another new addition to CESG this year was the Start-Up Pavilion, which provided opportunities for start-ups to connect with buyers to advance the adoption and export of new environmental innovations.

There was also an Environment Expo, which featured thematic Pavilions, including the NEA’s Innovation Pavilion, Asia Climate Forum Pavilions and the Singapore Pavilions. About 30 per cent of exhibitors at the Environment Expo showcased digital solutions, among which robotics solutions featured prominently.

According to NEA, business opportunities and potential collaborations discussed this year have been valued at S$45 billion (US$32.6 billion) in the areas of waste management, cleaning robotics and climate risk mitigation.

CESG also walked the sustainability talk from the get-go. To reduce event waste and use fewer resources, NEA did away with event brochures and show dailies, and encouraged QR codes, websites, and collaterals a digital format. The venue’s temperature was also adjusted, which resulted in the waiving of business suit requirements to help participants stay comfortable, and only the main aisles were carpeted.

Event organisers also catered about 70 per cent of the estimated food needed for the event to help reduce excess food on the buffet line. NEA even went a step further and worked with sustainable food suppliers – where bread crusts and waste peels were converted into beer.

In total, CESG 2022 attracted more than 15,000 attendees from 65 countries and regions and featured 43 speakers and 63 exhibitors.

Challenges
The number of international participants for CESG 2022 was fewer than that of previous editions because of the pandemic and travel restrictions, which were only eased two weeks before the event.

However, CESG 2022 offered a virtual platform after the physical event so that participants could access on-demand conference recordings and opportunities to re-connect with all participating exhibitors and attendees (physical and virtual) even if they were unable to attend in-person.  – Additional reporting by Rachel AJ Lee

Event CleanEnviro Summit  Singapore 2022
Organisers National Environment Agency
Venue Sands Expo and  Convention Centre
Date April 17-21, 2022
Attendance 15,000

Prices and rates slip down the pecking order for travel managers

By S Puvaneswary

October 3, 2022

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CTW-conference_640 — From left: TTG Asia Media's Karen Yue; Ajaay Kapur; CWT's Akshay Kapoor; and Manish Raj discussing why cost-cutting is less important post-lockdown

Cost considerations are no longer a top priority for travel managers post lockdown, as they prioritise a return on investment, as well as staff well-being and retention, noted panellists at the recently-concluded IT&CM Asia 2022.

Akshay Kapoor, head of sales – Asia Pacific, CWT, opined that while travel costs have risen significantly worldwide post lockdown, organisations will continue to spend on incentive travel to reward staff, and build employee loyalty and a sense of belonging.

From left: TTG Asia Media’s Karen Yue; Ajaay Kapur; CWT’s Akshay Kapoor; and Manish Raj discussing why cost-cutting is less important post-lockdown

In some cases, several companies have also increased the number of qualifiers for incentive trips because they believe that incentive trips will help in staff retention, he elaborated.

Manish Raj, vice president, global sales & new initiatives of a technology company based in India, shared that while travel costs have increased significantly post lockdown, business trips will continue to happen.

This is because in-person meetings have an edge over digital meetings, he opened, where physical interactions tend to positively impact the closing of deals, and provide better company visibility.

For instance, unicorn technology companies in India that seek further funding to grow their businesses and organisations have to make trips abroad to meet with investors and venture capitalists.

Meanwhile, Ajaay Kapur, vice president & head procurement, for a large banking, financial services and insurance company, shared that post-lockdown, airline connectivity, as well as safety and security of travelling employees, currently take priority over budget.

To optimise costs, companies should work directly with airlines and hotels, he suggested. – Additional reporting by Serene Foo

SHATEC introduces sustainability training programmes

By TTGmice

October 3, 2022

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SHATEC-sustainability-course_640 — SHATEC will launch a new series of sustainability training initiatives from October 19

Starting from October 19, SHATEC will host a series of e-learning and in-person training courses to provide effective methods, strategies, and creative solutions to hospitality professionals during their sustainable development journey.

The one- and two-day courses will be released progressively, with online sessions on topics like Managing Waste in a Circular Economy; Water Conservation, Energy Conservation; and Energy Conservation towards Sustainability in Hotel & Tourism.

SHATEC will launch a new series of sustainability training initiatives from October 19

Also new for 2022 is a two-day in-person Sustainability Leadership in Hospitality workshop.

“Despite the extraordinary challenges Asia’s hospitality industry faced during the global pandemic, I am impressed at how well we are bouncing back. As future adversities may come our way, it is essential that we continue to build up our capabilities to grow responsibly and sustainably,” said Lim Boon Kwee, CEO of SHATEC.

Photo of the day: Taiwan invites MICE guests with wide open arms

Asian MICE leaders agree on next steps to propel business events forward

Sabah joins Travel Spark by TTG video series

STB inks three new MICE partnerships

Meliá Chiang Mai unveils sky-high fine-dining restaurant

CWT adds team travel functionalities to myCWT

Brij Hotels appoints Shiv Kumar Mehan as CEO

Prioritising sustainability

Prices and rates slip down the pecking order for travel managers

SHATEC introduces sustainability training programmes

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