Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team has welcomed Esther Ng and Annie Tay as contract market support to grow incentive and association conference business from South-east Asia.
Both are team members of business events consultancy GainingEdge.
From left: GainingEdge’s Esther Ng; and Annie Tay
Ng, based in Singapore, will be driving incentive leads for New Zealand from South-east Asia. With close to 25 years of experience in the tourism, hospitality, and business events market, she will be drawing on her contacts across the region.
Tay, based in Kuala Lumpur, will help Tourism New Zealand build strong relationships with associations based in South-east Asia to develop conferencing leads. With more than 20 years of experience across the business events lifecycle, her background includes key roles at Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
From left: Singapore Expo’s Ian Gan; RWS' Brian Ho; Unearthed Productions' Adam Piperdy; and GSTC’s Rita Kuan
Small actions can lead to big impacts was the key takeaway from the Next Horizons: Future-Proofing Sustainability in the MICE Industry session at ITB Asia last week.
Rita Kuan, market development manager of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), opened with an introduction to GSTC’s MICE Early Adopter Program, a two-year initiative launched in 2024 that involves awareness-raising and implementation of the MICE Standard, and sharing of best practices and solutions.
From left: Singapore Expo’s Ian Gan; RWS’ Brian Ho; Unearthed Productions’ Adam Piperdy; and GSTC’s Rita Kuan
The programme is designed to result in an increase in three main areas: sustainable practices, the number of GSTC-certified MICE businesses, and consumers’ choice of sustainable businesses.
Kuan then introduced the panelists whose organisations – Singapore Expo, Resorts World Sentosa, and Unearthed Productions – adopted the programme one year ago.
Ian Gan, chief sustainability officer, Singapore Expo, and vice president centre management, Constellar, said sustainability has been embraced as a business strategy.
Constellar is aiming for a 75 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and a 30 per cent improvement in energy use intensity from its 2019 baseline by 2025. It also targets a 10 per cent improvement in water efficiency by 2026. Furthermore, the company is scaling up initiatives, such as a nearly 1,400m2 urban rooftop farm that brings the farm-to-table concept to event catering.
Gan added that Constellar has “curated a journey roadmap” to encourage greater sustainability within the business events ecosystem. Steps include a sustainability health check so organisations can assess and improve their green practices.
Adam Piperdy, founder and CEO of Unearthed Productions, then called on the industry to make “smarter choices for better experiences, lower costs and real sustainability”, noting that brands can choose “to embed sustainability into every event” by using his company’s practical, action-based checklist.
Questions to ask include whether it is necessary to lay carpet at exhibitions; if it is possible to introduce QR-code agendas with real-time updates and what type of catering is best, he elaborated, adding that an opt-in or credit model for meals can cut costs and waste while providing attendees with greater “freedom of choice, dietary fit and more time to connect”.
“The future of events is about doing less, but making it count,” he said, adding that the industry can “double down on content, connections and conversations” for improved sustainability.
As the world’s first destination to be certified for both GSTC destination and hotel standards, and host of Singapore’s inaugural GSCT conference in 2024, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is focused on increasing sustainability to meet growing industry expectations.
RWS’s vice president of sustainability, Brian Ho, stated: “Focusing on sustainability is no longer optional, but rather a strategic necessity,” he said.
He introduced RWS’ 2030 Sustainability Master Plan, which targets carbon neutrality and positive social-economic impact by 2030. Key elements of the plan include greening 75 per cent of its buildings, halving operational waste-to-landfill, and fostering an environmentally- and socially-conscious workforce.
In closing, the speakers called on business events players to share best practices to boost sustainability adoption in the industry.
From left: Chinese Business Event Industry Committee’s Alicia Yao; China Association for Small and Medium Commercial Enterprises' Yang Bao Zhen, Beijing Best Tour’s Wang Yi; China Beyond Ocean International Travel Service’s Fen Hai Ying; and Easy-trip (Beijing) International Business and MICE Service’s Zhang Yi Sheng; photo by Caroline Boey
China’s outbound business events and association meetings industry now requires buyers to take on new roles like facilitating global client engagement, organising ESG-focused events, and acting as exhibition and conference organisers.
These developments were discussed during The Business of Experience: How MICE is Evolving Beyond Traditional Practices panel at last week’s ITB Asia.
From left: Chinese Business Event Industry Committee’s Alicia Yao; China Association for Small and Medium Commercial Enterprises’ Yang Bao Zhen, Beijing Best Tour’s Wang Yi; China Beyond Ocean International Travel Service’s Fen Hai Ying; and Easy-trip (Beijing) International Business and MICE Service’s Zhang Yi Sheng; photo by Caroline Boey
DMC and association meeting speakers said their clients were looking for specialised, immersive experiences, want to leverage global networking for business expansion, have local engagement, and participate in knowledge exchange.
Moderator Alicia Yao, vice chairman of the Chinese Business Event Industry Committee, stated that demand has moved beyond simple packaged tour “pure incentives” to international events that promote product branding, business development, trust-building, and creative design.
Yang Bao Zhen, consultant with China Association for Small and Medium Commercial Enterprises, said its 6,000 members want to attend high-level events that promote innovation and collaboration with international peers in fields such as technology and aviation for their businesses to expand overseas.
For corporate culture events, Wang Yi, project director at Beijing Best Tour, noted a demand for “thoughtful and smart guided tours” that build team spirit in a local context (like New Zealand’s Maori culture), complete with professional photography and live-streaming.
Wang also noted the appeal of hands-on activities, such as the panda keepers experience – where corporate groups clean cages and feed animals – and marine conservation efforts to raise money for charity.
Feng Hai Ying, general manager of China Beyond Ocean International Travel Service, identified education, training, media, and communication as bright spots amid current geopolitical uncertainty.
“The upgraded business model requires us to be more involved in our clients’ business and supply chain and to be their ‘external brain’ to manage different resources on a global stage to obtain a higher ROI.
“We have to be more involved in our clients’ ecosystem, understand their profit model and be able to allocate resources more accurately and efficiently,” Feng added.
Zhang Yi Sheng, chief operating officer of Easy-trip (Beijing) International Business and MICE Service said the challenge now is finding safe destinations that meet shrinking budgets.
The company’s role has expanded beyond simple incentive trips, shared Zhang, where they now must organise events incorporating conferences and exhibitions, work with a wider range of suppliers, upgrade their skills to design and sell these components, and connect with societies and universities.
Social media, Zhang noted, is also an indispensable tool for events it organisers to be different and stand out.
Chuta: Smart cities and sustainability will drive EEC's business events sector
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is stepping up as a business events destination, with new smart city developments, enhanced connectivity, and a clear positioning around inclusive, impact-driven business events.
“MICE and business events are a powerful catalyst for impact investment and sustainable development in the EEC,” noted Chuta Tharachai, director of the EEC Office’s locals and community development division.
Chuta: Smart cities and sustainability will drive EEC’s business events sector
Established in 2017, the EEC spans three provinces: Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao. Chonburi stands out for its world-class infrastructure paired with coastal vibrancy; Rayong combines industrial excellence with heritage innovation; while Chachoengsao offers a green, creative, and sustainable character.
“The EEC’s guiding principle of Inclusive Investment ensures that every meeting, incentive, conference, or exhibition can contribute to sustainable growth, addressing challenges such as land use, water scarcity, environmental impact, and income inequality. Together, these provinces form a powerful ecosystem where business events not only deliver ROI but also create lasting positive change,” Chuta summarised.
Anchoring the EEC’s ambitions is EECiti, a 24km² smart city in Chonburi’s Bang Lamung district currently under development.
EECiti will feature renewable energy, green-blue infrastructure, and hubs for finance, healthcare, future foods, and creative industries. Site preparations for EECiti began a few years ago, and the smart city will call for PPP (Public-Private Partnership) bidding in 2026.
Meanwhile, Pattaya – one Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s designated MICE Cities – is also undergoing transformation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, having launched a one-stop service for film production. New hotels include Brighton Grand Hotel Pattaya, Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, and The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, as well as a 2,000 pax 12M Convention Hall Pattaya.
Moreover, the U-Tapao Airport City mega project will expand accessibility and is expected to house multipurpose venues.
“For MICE suppliers, these three provinces offer more than venues and logistics – they provide purpose-driven opportunities to design events that blend world-class infrastructure with meaningful community impact,” Chuta told TTGmice.
The MoU is a practical step aimed at fostering expertise and creating clear professional pathways for emerging talent
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Australia and New Zealand Chapter have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on strengthening the business events sector.
This agreement formalises a collaboration centred on joint research, unified advocacy, professional education, and the development of young leaders.
The MoU is a practical step aimed at fostering expertise and creating clear professional pathways for emerging talent
Key initiatives include connecting experienced and developing professionals through SITE’s Young Leaders cohort and ABEA’s Peer XChange mentorship programme. The partnership will also expand access to high-quality education, including webinars and SITE’s Certified Incentive Specialist and Certified Incentive Travel Professional certification programmes.
Furthermore, the collaboration will deliver richer regional data by jointly working to increase Australia and New Zealand’s participation in the annual Incentive Travel Index.
For advocacy, the organisations will engage jointly in forums like the Tourism Australia Incentive Roundtable to ensure a cohesive industry voice on critical national conversations, including workforce development and market positioning.
The mutual promotion and shared communications between ABEA and SITE are expected to enhance sector visibility and underscore the significant contribution of incentive travel to the broader Australian visitor economy.
New formats, such as Bate Papo, will debut at the Congress
The 92nd UFI Global Congress, hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo, is set to take place in Hong Kong from November 19 to 22, 2025.
Under the theme Shaping the Future, the event will convene global industry leaders to discuss the exhibition sector’s evolution during UFI’s centennial year.
New formats, such as Bate Papo, will debut at the Congress
The Congress will introduce two new features. First, Insight Series – Ideas in Action will be six one-hour workshops spotlighting UFI Award-winning projects across categories like Digital Innovation and Sustainability, which focus on translating innovative ideas into actionable strategies.
Second, the Bate-Papo Corner. This new, informal side stage, inspired by the Portuguese word for “chat,” will host lively discussions, with sessions being recorded and released as the UFI Bate-Papo Unplugged podcast.
Dex Hunter-Torricke, a prominent Silicon Valley strategist and former leader at Google, Facebook, and SpaceX, will deliver the keynote address. He will focus on how AI and technological change are reshaping industries and the exhibition sector’s role in reconnecting people and ideas.
Meanwhile, the main stage will feature sessions examining the forces shaping future events, including Future-first: How leading organisers are redesigning the exhibition experience; What our industry can learn from Hyrox; Rethinking the role of service providers; How venues are evolving; and the Global Economic Outlook.
The UFI Medal of Honour will also return to celebrate individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the global exhibition industry.
And as UFI marks its 100th anniversary, the Congress will feature special celebrations, including the UFI-100 Expo Corner highlighting the association’s history, and a 1920s-themed Welcome Reception – a nod to the year of UFI’s founding.
The Congress will also host the annual handover of the UFI Presidency, with Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, passing the presidency to Panittha Buri, vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group.
Capitalising on Vietnam’s booming business events sector, which is forecast to be a nearly US$10 billion industry by 2030, the new InterContinental Halong Bay Resort has opened its doors, unveiling a suite of purpose-built, state-of-the-art event and conference facilities.
The resort’s purpose-built Meetings Centre features advanced audiovisual technology designed for immersive events, including omnidirectional microphones, Logitech video-conference cameras, expansive LCD screens, and customisable lighting.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort
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Twin Classic Halong Bay View
Pool bar
Top Terrace
Tonkin Ballroom
The venue lineup includes the Tonkin Grand Ballroom, a pillarless space capable of hosting up to 1,050 guests theatre-style, and the light-filled Cat Ba Ballroom, which accommodates up to 252. A range of smaller boardrooms, along with a scenic landscaped garden and panoramic terrace, offer flexible setups for corporate retreats and exclusive events.
The hotel’s incentive programme offers delegates rare cultural access, including private cruises through limestone karsts and visits to local floating fishing villages like Vung Vieng and Cua Van.
In alignment with IHG’s Meetings for Good initiative, the resort employs responsible event practices, including a digital-first approach to eliminate printed collateral, extensive use of digital signage, avoidance of single-use plastics, and energy-minimisation policies across all event spaces.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort offers 174 guestrooms, 60 residences, and 41 private villas, many with bay views. Amenities include three outdoor pools, a Hidden Lagoon Spa with specialised jet-lag and stress-relief therapies, and complimentary access to the Timeshifter circadian science app for international travellers.
Voco Auckland City Centre has introduced Elevate Your Experience upgrade packages, designed to enhance corporate meetings and events on the hotel’s exclusive Level 38.
For a fixed price of NZ$35 (US$20) per person, event planners can choose from a menu of premium amenities to customise their booking. This offering is available for all meetings held on Level 38, which provides immediate access to Bar Albert, New Zealand’s highest hotel rooftop bar.
The Waitematā Suite
The upgrade options focus on three key areas of the meeting experience. The View Upgrade guarantees Sky Tower or Harbour views for the event space and includes a fresh fruit bowl on arrival. The Power Up package provides barista-made coffee and wholesome bliss balls to maintain delegate energy. Finally, the Wellness Package features seasonal fruit skewers, an infused water station, muesli bars, mindful breaks, and warm towels. A separate Lunch Beverage Package with premium non-alcoholic drinks is also available.
Level 38 features several event spaces with panoramic city views, including The Wyndham Lounge (seating up to 16 in a boardroom layout), and The Waitematā Suite (a 100m2 harbour-view space for up to 15 seated guests).
Larger gatherings can use Bar Albert, the high-altitude rooftop bar which accommodates up to 110 guests, or The Albert Terrace for outdoor receptions of up to 30. All Level 38 spaces come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, audiovisual technology, and dedicated event coordinator support.
Amari Bangkok Grand Ballroom classroom style set up
Choosing the right event venue is a key factor in ensuring its success. Whether it is for a corporate retreat, conference, workshop or team building session, location, amenities, sustainability practices are just some of the factors planners consider when looking for a venue.
Amari hotels offers its warm style of hospitality, sincere service and vibrant spaces capable of hosting meetings and events ranging from 20 to over 1,000 participants.
The brand is under the Onyx Hospitality Group, the prominent management company in South-east Asia specialising in hotels and resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury – including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence.
Equipped with advanced AV technology, flexible seating, high-speed internet, and tailored catering, these venues ensure every event is executed efficiently while leaving a lasting impression, complemented by warm Thai hospitality and a commitment to excellence that the Amari brand is known for.
When organising your next event, these hotels under the Amari brand might just be the venue that you need.
Located in the heart of the city and easily accessible to major landmarks, convention centres and attractions, Amari Bangkok offers versatile facilities. Its expansive Watergate Ballroom is capable of accommodating up to 1,200 guests and is suitable for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, and even vehicle launches – complete with direct vehicle access into the ballroom. Equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, it can be arranged for various seating arrangements. Catering can be customised, ensuring that everything is executed to guests’ needs.
Beyond its facilities, Amari Bangkok is dedicated to social responsibility – it donates surplus food to Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), a non-profit organisation dedicated to combating food insecurity.
A wedding set up in Amari Don Muang Airport’s ballroom
For unparalleled convenience, this property provides direct walkway access to Don Muang International Airport, making it an excellent choice for events that require seamless airport connectivity. The Don Muang Ballroom can host up to 800 guests, with additional meeting rooms that can be adjusted to various group sizes.
Amari Pattaya’s Grand Ballroom foyer is set up in an inviting manner to welcome guests
Along Thailand’s eastern coast lies the popular beach town of Pattaya. Located at the end of Pattaya beach is the Amari Pattaya with unblocked views of the sea. Its Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests, and if divided into two, each ballroom can hold up to 250 guests.
These spaces are further complemented by Prego Event, a 407m2 venue perfect for corporate retreats and social gatherings.
Backed by decades of regional expertise, Onyx Hospitality Group has earned a trusted reputation across South-east Asia for understanding both traveller preferences and the unique requirements of event planners.
Central to ONYX’s philosophy is a tailored approach to hospitality, ensuring that every meeting, incentive, or celebration is designed around the specific needs of organisers and their guests. With the support of dedicated corporate sales teams and international representatives covering the UK, Europe, India, Greater China, South Korea, and ASEAN, ONYX offers global reach with a personalised touch.
Amari Vientiane’s lobby is bright and spacious for guests to relax
Opened this year in February, Amari Vientiane, situated along the iconic Mekong river, brings modern MICE facilities to the Laotian capital. The grand ballroom at 495.5m2 accommodates up to 600 guests, along with three versatile meeting rooms and a VIP room that are all equipped with modern audiovisual technology.
Amari Colombo’s Club Pahana offers a panoramic ocean view
Over in Sri Lanka, the Amari Colombo houses a 160m2 ballroom that can host up to 250 guests as well as flexible meeting rooms for 70 to 150 guests, great for executive business functions and intimate celebrations.
Amari Spice Penang's dinner set up is ideal for corporate dinners and dances and weddings
Classroom style set up for Amari Johor Bahru
Amari Kuala Lumpur Veria Ballroom in a banquet set up
With direct connection to the Setia Spice Convention Centre, Amari Spice Penang in the city’s central business district is conveniently located for delegates travelling for events nearby. For other activities, the hotel is well equipped with a 266m2 pillarless event hall, complemented by five meeting rooms and expansive outdoor spaces, catering to a variety of event formats.
Located in the central business district of the Malaysian capital and close to neighbouring malls and public transport, Amari Kuala Lumpur is an eco-certified hotel with a large event space of 552m2. This includes a ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests and seven versatile function rooms.
For those with business in the city of Johor Bahru, Amari Johor Bahru near the JB Sentral train station offers versatile spaces including its spacious Lido and Rex function rooms and six other flexible venues, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, ideal for conferences, meetings, and social gatherings.
For those looking at more than one hotel under the Onyx group, take advantage of Onyx’s Reward Bookers and Planners programme for corporate clients, bookers and event planners to enjoy loyalty benefits and perks. Visit <LINK> for more information.
TFE Hotels has expanded its leadership team across New Zealand and its Rendezvous Hotels in Perth and Queenstown.
Stuti Kumar has been appointed director of people and capability, New Zealand. Kumar previously served as general manager of people and culture at Ezi Car Rental in Auckland and has over a decade of human resources experience across New Zealand.
From left: Stuti Kumar, Lindsay David, and Joseph Stipo
Lindsay David joins as director of sales, New Zealand. She brings more than 20 years of hotel sales and business development experience, including senior roles with Millennium Hotels, IHG, and Rendezvous Hotel.
In Queenstown, Joseph Stipo has been named general manager of Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown. Stipo has spent 18 years with TFE Hotels, most recently as general manager of Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, where he led a major refurbishment and rebranding.
In Perth, Thiva Kesavan has been appointed general manager of Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough. Kesavan most recently served as general manager of Hyatt Regency Perth and has more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Supporting him, Lucy Ockleston has been named hotel manager. Ockleston has been with TFE Hotels for 14 years and previously held leadership roles across the Travelodge and Adina portfolios.
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.
