One of the groups dining at Nu Nu Restaurant in Cairns
The first iteration for 2022 of the reinvented ‘BE Immersed’ educational programme was held last month by Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
The first group to experience the programme was made up of planners specialising in the corporate market, where their itinerary focused on the region’s new and upgraded hotels, rejuvenated meeting spaces, as well as a sneak preview of the Cairns Convention Centre expansion.
One of the groups dining at Nu Nu Restaurant in Cairns
Cairns Convention Centre’s expansion will be ready in 2023, general manager Rosie Douglas shared with the group, and features a 410-seat plenary, three large meeting rooms, exhibition space, a 500-seat banquet room, and an outdoor terrace with views over Trinity Inlet.
Meanwhile, the second group of delegates – made up of planners specialising in the incentive market – embarked on a four-day itinerary which included experiencing Port Douglas and its Carnivale Longest Lunch event, and floating down the Little Mulgrave River on a river tubing tour.
Both groups also toured offsite venues such as working sugar cane farms, converted WWII naval oil storage tanks at Tanks Art Centre, Hemingways Brewery located in an historic wharf, and took in the marina views of Salt House.
The BE Immersed Educational Program will continue throughout 2022.
There is more widespread determination across APAC organisations to make their corporate travel programmes sustainable
A new study by SAP Concur has found almost nine in 10 businesses (86%) across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) say their companies are actively considering sustainability when managing corporate travel.
The SAP Concur APAC Sustainability Survey – conducted by Consulting Group – Asia Insight – polled 648 senior and mid-level managers in corporate travel, finance, HR, procurement, and sustainability across Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.
According to the Air Transport Action Group, aviation is responsible for 12% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources; and the World Resources Institute reported that business travel represents about 15% to 20% of global travel.
There is more widespread determination across APAC organisations to make their corporate travel programmes sustainable
APAC commits to sustainable travel
Many companies have gone beyond articulating sustainability principles to putting things into practice through their corporate travel policies, driven by their leaders.
About 56% of the respondents said their “senior leadership” is driving the sustainability agenda for corporate travel. This group comes ahead of “employees” (47%), “those responsible for sustainability initiatives” (47%), and “those responsible for corporate travel” (41%).
The survey also suggested organisations are investing in sustainability outcomes. More than half of the APAC firms surveyed said they committed resources to championing sustainability. About 34% of the firms have someone who manages sustainability as part of their role, while 21% have dedicated personnel handling sustainability.
“The research findings were a significant departure from the pre-pandemic days where APAC organisations were more concerned about travel cost savings than the environmental impact of their actions,” said Matthew Goss, senior vice president & general manager, Asia Pacific and Greater China, SAP Concur.
“I believe that as flying time reduced, and emissions dropped during Covid-19 lock downs, organisations realised the possibilities of sustainable travel, and stakeholders became more motivated to take action. This shift of focus to bigger picture issues is a pivotal moment – not just for businesses to run better and be more profitable, but for more sustainable business practices to take root.”
Such business practices include the enablement of pre-trip approvals, and the provision of sustainable travel and accommodation options for employees’ selection.
Technology is key to overcoming implementation challenges
Despite that intention, businesses outlined a range of priorities for sustainable travel, based on their goals to:
Increase operational efficiency (70%)
Have positive brand awareness and reputation externally (67%)
Cut costs (66%)
Some companies also thought sustainable travel policies could become a competitive differentiator in attracting new talent in a competitive market (63%).
But challenges remain. Hurdles organisations faced in implementing a sustainable travel system included:
A lack of budget (37%)
A lack of employee engagement (32%)
A lack of professional tools to visualise the environmental impact of travel (31%)
A lack of policy flexibility and adaptability (31%).
Many APAC organisations (71%) already realise they need to harness technology to become sustainable effectively. About 38% currently have software in place to support corporate travel and expense management, while 33% plan to acquire such software “very soon”. About 60% of APAC respondents said they have good or excellent business travel data for their software to analyse.
Staying grounded
Trains and electric vehicles (EVs) are more sustainable modes of travel than airplanes, in terms of carbon emitted per traveller.
The survey findings suggest that despite countries in the APAC region being separated by water, such modes of transportation will grow here in the coming years:
There is awareness: About 81% of the respondents know that travelling by rail is more sustainable than travelling by air.
There is will: Where train travel is applicable, more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents are willing to shift from plane to train, for at least 20% of existing travels. This is especially relevant for corporate travellers in China and Japan, where a prevalence of high-speed trains in key routes offers greater convenience and productivity than flying.
There is incentive: About 65% of the respondents said they are currently reimbursing employees for EV charging costs; and another 16% plan to do so “very soon”.
“It’s clear from the study that organisations are brimming with interest and intent to embrace sustainable travel,” said Goss. “For those that lack implementation know-how, technology could point a way forward – in terms of helping guide employees to sustainable itinerary options, tracking emissions, and ultimately formulating more efficient and sustainable travel strategies. Firms should examine how these tools can support their broader sustainability goals.”
AV1, an Australia-based business events production specialist, is expanding following a record month in May, when it experienced its highest revenue level in 17 years.
The Australia-based company is exploring larger premises, and has welcomed four new staff members and a new hotel partner, as it plans to meet the renewed demand for events across the country. In May alone, the team produced more than 120 events across all major Australian cities, of which 90 per cent were in-person.
AREC 2021, one of the events that AV1 has handled
Kai Raisbeck will lead AV1’s creative content department as content producer, while Federico Pancotto, an experienced technical director will bolster the technical output of the team. The remaining two new additions will join the operations department.
Keith Wootton, managing director, AV1 said in a press release that the team is revelling in the renewed confidence across the events sector and is enjoying being on the road again. The company will continue to strengthen its offering for both live and hybrid events, with several more positions to fill.
“We’ve adapted and supported our clients over the past two years with online and studio products, and now we’re welcoming clients and staff ‘back to live’. It feels good to be moving forward, once again.””
AV1 has also been appointed as the preferred audiovisual partner of ACE Hotel, and most recently, kicked off its new campaign – Love Events, Love AV1 – with a new brand video, social media campaign and competition, which hopes to reignite passion, inspire creativity and build on the love of the Australian events industry.
Hong Kong may have seen the exit of international businesses and investments in recent years, but the city is still buzzing with business, events, and tourism activities, shares Larry Lo, CEO of Corporate Travel Management Asia.
Small-scale business events have resumed in Hong Kong, while tourism development and promotions are back on track.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five questions, Lo offers a snapshot update on the situation in Hong Kong, and discusses the city’s tourism and events recovery potential.
Results of a Policy and Destination Update poll, shared at last week’s Wonderful Indonesia Sales Mission to Singapore, show the top inducement needed to attract business events from Singapore post-lockdown is a marketing fund and incentive scheme.
According to Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Uno, who led the delegation, the need for such a scheme received 25 per cent of the votes, closely followed by fam trips at 23.8 per cent.
Lake Toba (pictured) has been classified as a Super-Priority Tourist destination
Discount vouchers at 20.1 per cent was third, free quarantine at 17.1 per cent was fourth, while free PCR tests at 14 per cent was in fifth place.
According to Aris Latiff, marketing and PR manager, Wonderful Indonesia, based in Singapore, the results came from a poll of some 100 members of the industry who registered to attend the May 31 sales mission.
Singapore poll participants included representatives from airlines, hotels, companies, online and offline travel agents, PCOs, event organisers, cruise and ferry operators and the media.
“The aim was to show the level of interest and proof of Singapore as a viable market to invest marketing dollars in,” said Aris.
While Wonderful Indonesia has yet to announce new strategies borne out of the poll findings, the recent sales mission highlighted the destination’s accessibility to travellers, Covid-safe conditions, and “green” experiences for corporate groups.
With effect from May 30, 2022, PCR testing has been dropped for international travellers entering Indonesia, where Riau islands, Bali and Jakarta are the top choices among Singaporeans, the minister pointed out.
Curated programmes in places like Bali and Lake Toba now offer “green” options, while more “serenity, spirituality and sustainability” products are available for corporate groups, he added.
Indonesia is also highlighting five Super-Priority Tourist destinations to revive the industry. These include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Likupang in North Sulawesi.
According to Wiku Adisasmito, a coordinator on the National Covid-19 Task Force, the highest vaccination coverage is in Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, the Riau Islands and East Kalimantan. This would help provide event organisers with a greater peace of mind when sending groups to these locations.
Carlton City Hotel Singapore has announced Niall Cowan as the hotel’s new general manager.
With nearly three decades of experience, and extensive knowledge and experience of luxury brands across Europe, Africa and Asia, Cowan joins Carlton City Hotel Singapore from his former role at Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, where he was also general manager.
Prior to his Bali stint, Cowan held senior leadership roles at The Savoy, The Berkeley and, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.
The Hybrid City Alliance has committed to the development and implementation of strategies based on the findings and recommendations of the ICCA Global Association Meetings Protocol.
This announcement was made at IMEX Frankfurt, and the 24 destinations will report on their individual activities and success at IMEX America in October, and the ICCA Convention in November.
Described as A Strategic Future for the Global Events Industry, the Global Association Meetings Protocol focuses on four key pillars:
Sustainability, Equity & Legacy: Sustainability; equity, diversity and inclusion; and legacy are now top of mind for association clients when it comes to site selection. Therefore, destinations should dedicate more resources to deliver on those priorities more effectively.
Crisis Planning & Mitigation: Protocols to enhance safety, health and security should be further enhanced and codified to protect against future cataclysmic shocks and chronic stresses that impact business events.
Advocacy & Policy: Association clients are asking destinations and their partners to continue to advocate stridently for reducing barriers to travel.
Sector & Community Alignment: Providing access to local clusters of advanced industries and community leaders is critical for attracting business events in those industries. Selling brainpower, as well as buildings, improves competitiveness for the destination and enhances legacy outcomes for the client.
“The Hybrid City Alliance was set up to bring likeminded destinations together at a time of extreme stress for our industry,” said Lesley Mackay, founding member of the Hybrid City Alliance and vice president, Meetings & Major Events Ottawa Tourism, in a press release.
“All of the member cities are committed to constantly improving themselves for the sake of their clients. This commitment provides the perfect demonstration of our willingness to make big decisions and implement the strategies, policies and infrastructure that association clients around the world need now and in the future.”
The Hybrid City Alliance boasts 24 member cities in 16 countries across five continents.
Located in the Beijing Olympic Green Area, the China National Convention Center, Phase 2 (CNCC-II) – one of the key projects in Beijing’s strategic development plan – is on track to open in 2024.
Designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, the venue previously served as the main media centre for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and is undergoing transformation into a flexible events venue.
A rendering of the CNCC-II exterior
CNCC-II features 420,000m2 of floor space and 270,000m2 of meeting and event space, comprising a 7,300m2 divisible plenary hall and 30,000m2 of exhibition floor space. The second floor has over 35,000m2 of function space with 70 meeting rooms in sizes from 100 to 2,000m2. On the top floor (level three), there is over 35,000m2 of function space comprising three banquet halls and two gardens. There are also over 30 VIP lounges spread across the three floors.
CNCC-II is expected to host conferences, forums, banquets, and other commercial events for up to 20,000 maximum, as well as exhibition events for more than 50,000 attendees.
When ready, CNCC-II will have smart venue systems from LED walls to robots that serve meals and undertake cleaning. The centre is also built in accordance with the LEED Platinum and China’s Green Building Evaluation Standard or GBES 3-star, developed by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
The venue is part of a complex that includes two hotels, commercial offices and retail.
“Beijing, as the capital of China, attracts many high-profile events with global influence. The convention centre’s target market includes high-profile intergovernmental meetings, international association meetings, Fortune 500 company meetings, banquets, niche exhibitions and special events,” said Rod Kamleshwaran, pre-opening international consultant of CNCC-II and partner at GainingEdge.
“CNCC-II will rejuvenate Beijing conventions and exhibitions infrastructure boosting the city’s competitiveness. In addition, Chinese thought leaders – the majority of them based in Beijing – bring business and help brand Beijing as a knowledge-based society.”
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) have officially signed a destination partnership at IMEX Frankfurt on June 1.
This is Japan’s first such partnership, and IAPCO’s second partnership within Asia.
Inking the partnership at IMEX Frankfurt
JNTO will participate in IAPCO’s network and actively engage with prominent PCOs, providing them with information about Japan’s potential as a destination for international conferences by highlighting the diverse options, facilities, and services of their convention cities.
This is as JNTO aims to make Japan the number one destination in Asia for international conferences by 2030.
Etsuko Kawasaki, executive director of JNTO, said: “The surveys we carried out last fiscal year for our next three-year marketing strategy highlighted the importance of connecting with core PCOs and strengthening Japan’s public relations. JNTO will actively engage with prominent PCOs worldwide through IAPCO’s network. We also plan to provide seminars and invitations for IAPCO members to foster understanding of Japan’s potential as a destination for international conferences.”
“The Asia Pacific region is one of growth potential for our members’ clients, as well as IAPCO. Forming such an important destination partnership with JNTO will ensure our communities and stakeholders can form stronger mutually beneficial relationships well into the future,” Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, added.
Japan is the seventh destination to form this partnership agreement with IAPCO, joining Hamburg, Melbourne, Toronto, Dubai, Hong Kong and Rwanda, and more recently Athens.
A bird's-eye view of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore's CBD skyline
Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Expo and Convention Centre has become the first venue in Asia to receive the Healthy Venue Gold accreditation for its efforts to incorporate wellness into its suite of business events offerings.
The recognition, awarded by the World Obesity Federation, is granted to venues that integrate wellness into conferences by prioritising healthier eating, movement, and workplace health.
A bird’s-eye view of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore’s CBD skyline
Event organisers and delegates can expect a healthier customer experience at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, including menus with 30 per cent less oil, sugar and salt; and facilities for standing conferences and meetings. Overall event programming can also include fitness and relaxation sessions; and outdoor activities such as SkyPark yoga, cycling and walking around the Marina Bay area.
The accolade comes as Sands Expo is also transforming its banquet service style to incorporate a variety of new hybrid dining experiences at events. Event organisers can customise a mix of à la minute (live) stations alongside a row of self-service buffets. Butler-style buffet, with service team roaming the event grounds with canapes or hors d’oeuvres, can also be incorporated as part the overall F&B service during show days.
Event organisers can also expect to see a rotation of healthier sweet treats to make an appearance daily at Sands Expo. These themed days include Juice Bar Mondays, Acai Bowl Tuesdays, and Kombucha Wednesdays.
“Wellness has become a key agenda in today’s events. The accreditation and the reinvention of Marina Bay Sands’ banquet service is a culmination of the lessons learnt during the pandemic, giving organisers the confidence to revitalise their delegates’ journey with wellness across multiple touchpoints,” said Ong Wee Min, vice president of conventions & exhibitions.
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.
Prior to his Bali stint, Cowan held senior leadership roles at The Savoy, The Berkeley and, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.
Described as A Strategic Future for the Global Events Industry, the Global Association Meetings Protocol focuses on four key pillars:
