First-ever Asia CEO Summit takes place next month in Singapore

September 19, 2022

Fullerton-SG — Business events leaders will gather in Singapore to discuss the next steps for collaboration and growth; The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore pictured

The inaugural Asia CEO Summit will take place from October 5-7, 2022, at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore.

It will bring together around 100 leading senior representatives and CEOs from global business events organisations who will chart a sustainable pathway of growth for the region’s business events industry. The summit will also facilitate the exchange of insights on global markets’ experience in the resumption of physical business events.

Business events leaders will gather in Singapore to discuss the next steps for collaboration and growth; The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore pictured

The by-invite-only event is supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and co-organised by Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Society for Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Kick-starting the three-day event will be the Joint Leadership Summit (JLS) on October 5, 2022. The JLS will see regional government and industry leaders engage in a high-level discussion on key industry issues that will set the course to realise the potential of business events in the region. Measures of collaboration to facilitate and ease the organisation and dissemination of business events will also be discussed.

Carina Bauer, AEO chair, said: “… Asia has always been a major player in the global exhibitions market, and we remain confident about its potential as the region’s reopening picks up pace. While countries in Asia are experiencing varying stages of recovery, it has further underlined the importance for the region to come together in its efforts to create a sustainable pathway of growth.”

Monica Lee-Müller, president, UFI, added: “Around the world, business events are catching up to their pre-pandemic levels faster than expected – but Asia is lagging behind. In Singapore, we will work with government stakeholders and representatives to identify and overcome obstacles around regulations and travel restrictions. The world needs Asia to fully reopen. Asia has always been and remains a major player in the global exhibitions market. And Asia can benefit from the reopening experience of other global regions.”

Virtual options for MICE events likely to endure beyond the pandemic

By S Puvaneswary

September 19, 2022

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Virtual meetings — Virtual components of events are here to stay

Even as in-person gatherings return, several business events stakeholders are choosing to keep a virtual component at their events, to provide more accessibility and opportunities for those unable to attend.

Vincent Lim, president of CIS Network and organiser of Archidex, opted to keep the virtual component to encourage more attendees, especially those who wanted to save on travel costs and wanted the convenience of attending from home.

Virtual components of events are here to stay

Although Archidex had a physical component held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from June 29 to July 2, the virtual exhibition fared well too, attracting numerous first-time regional architects – 60 per cent of the online audience – below the age of 40.

Buoyed by this, Lim pointed out that next year, Archidex will continue to have a virtual component, and he hopes that it will be able to reach out to a younger audience who are tech-savvy, and who are comfortable navigating a digital platform.

Similarly, Mona Abdul Manap, CEO of Place Borneo, also opted for a hybrid format for the inaugural TTLx Summit, a two-day homegrown conference in Kuching that will be held from September 20-21, 2022.

The hybrid format will make it easier for her speakers, as Samuel Hungsoo Kim, founding president of the Centre of Asia Leadership Initiatives, and Florian Kaefer, founder and editor of the Sustainability Leaders Project, are both unable to be present in person.

For Mona, the hybrid format will also allow participants who chose not to travel to attend the sessions, as well as pose questions for panellists. To ensure traction online, only selected sessions will be streamed.

She added: “We ensured that the sessions were kept to a maximum of one hour. While we streamed some live, others could be watched upon demand.”

Joyce Surendra, cluster director of sales and distribution representing Pullman Miri Waterfront and Pullman Kuching, also told TTGmice that the demand for virtual connections is still ever-present.

“This is especially so for the corporate sector, where offices can be located in multiple locations. We currently see demand coming from the pharmaceutical, and oil and gas sectors.

“Accor’s All Connect enables corporate customers and meeting planners to combine physical in-hotel meetings with virtual interactions across multiple locations simultaneously. People can easily present content and see virtual participants as if they were in the same room,” she elaborated.

SACEOS postpones Singapore MICE Forum

By TTGmice

September 19, 2022

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The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) has postponed the Singapore MICE Forum, with a date to be announced in due course.

In a press release, SACEOS cited issues such as an incredibly packed event calendar, as well as manpower shortages, as reasons for the postponement.

For those who have registered, SACEOS will reach out for the refund of tickets.

Earlier this year, a partnership between ITB Asia and SACEOS was agreed upon to host the Singapore MICE Forum, which was to be co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia (October 19-21) in Singapore.

Airports Council brings back its annual tradeshow

By TTGmice

September 19, 2022

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airport-hub-airplane-640 — Airports Innovate aims to help the industry to address challenges and seize opportunities

Airports Council International’s annual global tradeshow is returning in a new format after a two-year hiatus.

Branded as Airports Innovate, the event reflects the rapid advancements of the industry in terms of technology, business and strategy. The two-day conference will take place in Muscat, Oman on December 7 and 8, 2022, and is jointly organised by ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI Europe and ACI World, and hosted by Oman Airports.

Airports Innovate aims to help the industry to address challenges and seize opportunities

This year’s theme is Building Back Bolder, and Airports Innovate will have three key pillars –

World Business Partners Arena: digital transformation, passenger facilitation and security
Theme Park: economics, security, workforce, airports of the future and greenfield airports.
Small & Emerging Airports: innovation in customer experience, cybersecurity, finance, and case studies.

Aside from providing a platform for the industry to come together and network with other airports and key partners and stakeholders, it will also be an opportunity for industry associates to showcase their products and services, as well as engage with airport members.

Trransfer aims to simplify pre-booked ground transport for corporates

By Rachel AJ Lee

September 19, 2022

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Trransfer-search_UX_640 — Corporates can book via their computers or an app

Founded in 2021, Singapore-based company Trransfer is a B2B booking-to-fulfilment SaaS platform that took to the road in April 2022, aiming to connect customers to a vetted supply of quality transport operators in key destinations.

Services are currently available in 14 major cities in Asia-Pacific, as well as London and Paris, and the company plans to add more as corporate travel regains its momentum.

Corporates can book via their computers or an app

Customers can book a ride using Trransfer’s web application or deploy a booking widget in their travel website or portal. Trransfer’s open API also offers more control and flexibility to customers who want to integrate the offering as part of their overall travel booking experience.

This service came about as the founders of Trransfer share that although pre-booked ground transport is critical for the travel and business events industry, it is the most underserved with technology and is manual and inefficient, as well as costly for both customers and providers.

Michael Chiay, co-founder and CEO of Trransfer, said: “The ground mobility segment of corporate and leisure travel is a significant untapped opportunity. Because of the high level of effort to sell and coordinate today, many deem it as a low priority due to poor ROI.

“We want to change this through technology and innovation, and reduce the effort of customers coordinating ground transfers while enabling providers to increase sales and automate their business operations.”

Trransfer is actively recruiting and welcomes transport providers to join their platform.

CWT joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council

By TTGmice

September 19, 2022

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GSTC_Sustainable_640 — CWT reaffirms its sustainability commitment

CWT has become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) global network.

This partnership will see CWT become an active contributor to the critical work GSTC delivers, toward its drive to widespread adoption of universal sustainable travel and tourism principles.

CWT reaffirms its sustainability commitment

“GSTC is delighted that CWT joins the rapidly growing list of major brands that see the value in applying the GSTC Criteria and our programmes as part of their commitment to enhance the sustainability of their extensive operations and supply chain,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

Recently in June 2022, CWT launched enhanced CO2 emission reporting to underpin responsible travel programmes, following the launch of carbon footprint indicators earlier in March 2022.

CWT also works with carbon intelligence platform, Thrust Carbon, to bring further enhancements to its responsible travel consulting and portfolio.

“CWT has worked collaboratively with its customers and partners for over a decade to provide innovative sustainable corporate travel solutions and insights. We are thrilled to be part of the GSTC family, combining our efforts and influence to drive awareness and adoption of standards for sustainable travel,” said Charlie Sullivan, vice president product management at CWT.

Emirates, United partner to expand network

By TTGmice

September 16, 2022

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United_+_Emirates_plane_640 — A new agreement between Emirates and United will benefit travellers and loyalty programme members

Emirates and United have signed an agreement that will enhance each airline’s network and give customers easier access to new destinations within the US and around the world.

From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will be able to easily connect to United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas. Customers of both airlines will be able to book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier.

A new agreement between Emirates and United will benefit travellers and loyalty programme members

Both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place at the other eight US airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC.

United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 where customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities.

Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when travelling on United-operated flights, while United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai.

Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.

More details on frequent flyer awards and lounge sharing benefits will be released at a later date.

End of the pandemic is near: WHO chief

By TTGmice

September 15, 2022

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bye masks — Still, WHO urges countries to keep up their efforts to fight the disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, with the number of global weekly deaths falling to 11,118 on September 5.

“We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic – we are not there yet, but the end is in sight,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, during a virtual press conference.

Still, WHO urges countries to keep up their efforts to fight the disease

However, Ghebreyesu urged nations to maintain their vigilance and likened the pandemic to a marathon race. He said: “Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work.”

The WHO added that countries need to maintain adequate supplies of medical equipment and healthcare workers, and has called for governments to ensure six key actions are taken. These include testing, vaccination, best practices when managing the disease, maintaining infection control measures in health facilities, preventing the spread of misinformation, and community engagement.

Countries need to take a hard look at their policies and strengthen them for Covid-19 and future viruses, Ghebreyesus said. He also urged nations to vaccinate 100 per cent of their high-risk groups and keep testing for the virus.

WHO’s next meeting of experts in October will ascertain whether the pandemic still represents a public health emergency of international concern, a WHO spokesperson added.

The Jakarta Provincial Government taking part in IT&CM Asia 2022

By TTG

September 15, 2022

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Brought to you by the Jakarta Provincial Government

The Jakarta Provincial Government is taking part in IT&CM Asia 2022 to strengthen the capital city’s position in the global meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) industry.

Head of Jakarta Capital City Government Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Andhika Permata, said that Jakarta as the center of Indonesia’s business and government has great potential for MICE tourism.

The capital city of Indonesia also hosts the Urban 20 (U20) Mayors’ Summit 2022, the summit of global city leaders, as part of the Indonesian presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20). Part of the Indonesian G20 presidency’s agenda is discussing various post-pandemic urban challenges that global cities must face inline with Indonesian G20 presidency theme, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.

One way that cities in the world can recover post the pandemic is through MICE activities which can move the economic wheels and revive tourism industry after being severely beaten by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is believed that MICE sector could help the economy and tourism industry to quickly recover during the post-COVID-19 recovery.

Jakarta is the country’s largest business city which indirectly makes it as a MICE city in Indonesia while at the same time MICE sector has the highest potentials in Jakarta’s tourism.

The capital city has just officiated its new stadium, the Jakarta International Stadium, which is located in Sunter, North Jakarta. The stadium can also be used as a venue for various large events at the international and local levels.

The 9^th Jakarta Marathon which will be held on Sunday 16 October 2022 expected to further develop Sports Tourism / Sportourism Indonesia on the world scene and restoring tourism jobs. The Jakarta Provincial Government has been supported the event since the first year of Jakarta Marathon in 2013. Considering that the City of Jakarta can always collaborate with events like this to further increase tourism promotion. The existence of JakMar further strengthens the positioning of Jakarta as a global city.” Said Andhika Permata Head of Jakarta Capital City Government Tourism and Creative Economy Office.

Andhika said, “Other than being a business and MICE city, Jakarta also has various destinations in the leisure sector. And one of the leisure destination is the Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) area which is suitable for visitors who want to take a brief break from all the hustle and bustle in Jakarta”.

“Kepulauan Seribu is located only about 15 minutes from the Jakarta port where tourists can enjoy its natural beauty, which is comparable to other beach destinations, both locally and globally.”

The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Office are working together with several businesses in the MICE sector in attending IT&CM Asia 2022. The businesses are Jakarta Convention Center, Dyandra Promosindo, Archipelago Int., Pullman Central Park, Chandra Universal Travel, Amora Tour and Lovin Tours Indonesia.

Come to visit our ENJOY JAKARTA stand No.C2!

Tencent Cloud inks MoU with Strange Universe Technology

By TTGmice

September 14, 2022

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Tencent_Cloud_x_Strange_Universe_Technology_press_photo_640 — From left: Strange Universe Technology's Steven Seet; Tencent Cloud International's Krittee Manoleehagul and Kenneth Siow at the signing of the MoU. Onscreen in the background is Strange Universe Technology's Edmund Ooi

Tencent Cloud has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Strange Universe Technology, a Singapore-based Web 3.0 company, to explore various opportunities in creating experiences in the virtual world.

The new agreement also aims to create an immersive and integrated platform that helps businesses adapt and thrive in a virtual environment. Other areas of collaboration include potentially integrating Tencent Cloud’s virtual world-related products and cloud solutions into Strange Universe’s platform.

From left: Strange Universe Technology’s Steven Seet; Tencent Cloud International’s Krittee Manoleehagul and Kenneth Siow at the signing of the MoU. Onscreen in the background is Strange Universe Technology’s Edmund Ooi

One of Tencent Cloud’s offerings available to Strange Universe is the one-stop solution Virtual Interactive Space, which is based on real-time cloud rendering technology. Combined with Tencent Cloud’s Tencent Real Time Communication, Game Multimedia Engine, and digital avatar products and services, VIS also provides multi-scene virtual space delivery capabilities covering virtual live broadcasts, virtual conferences, and exhibitions as well as events, among others, allowing businesses to build various scenario templates.

Prior to the agreement, Tencent Cloud was already providing Strange Universe with a range of IaaS products to support its operations in the virtual world.

Krittee Manoleehagul, vice president of Tencent Cloud International for South-east Asia, said: “As the physical and digital spaces emerge, more businesses have started looking to adapt and integrate their services in virtual worlds. Tencent Cloud has always been committed to assisting companies’ digital journeys through virtual world-related products and cloud solutions, and we look forward to working with Strange Universe Technology to open more doors of opportunities in creating a virtual world experience.

“We also aim to provide support for more companies and organisations as they adapt to the convergence of real-world and virtual realms.”

Edmund Ooi, CEO of Strange Universe Technology, added: “Our goal is to provide an integrated hybrid and efficient virtual reality technology platform, and by leveraging the highly reliable, high-quality and secure solutions of Tencent Cloud, we have taken significant steps towards achieving our mission.”

First-ever Asia CEO Summit takes place next month in Singapore

Virtual options for MICE events likely to endure beyond the pandemic

SACEOS postpones Singapore MICE Forum

Airports Council brings back its annual tradeshow

Trransfer aims to simplify pre-booked ground transport for corporates

CWT joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Emirates, United partner to expand network

End of the pandemic is near: WHO chief

The Jakarta Provincial Government taking part in IT&CM Asia 2022

Tencent Cloud inks MoU with Strange Universe Technology

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