World Dream attains SG SafeEvent Certification

January 10, 2022

World Dream, operated by Dream Cruises, is the first cruise ship to receive the SG SafeEvent Certification by Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS).

In addition to ensuring hygiene benchmarks, Dream Cruises’ MICE At Sea cruises will adhere to Singapore Tourism Board’s CruiseSafe guidelines and SG SafeEvent Certification, with stringent safe distancing measures, capacity controls, and event cohort groups’ safety assurance.

Dream Cruises believes that the SG SafeEvent Certification will offer an extra element of reassurance to MICE guests; World Dream pictured

“Singapore has long been renowned as a safe and trusted Global Asia hub for business events. However, during these exceptional times, we have re-imagined MICE At Sea cruises in anticipation of regional cruise resumption to welcome international fly-cruise MICE event delegates to Singapore onboard World Dream once again,” said Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises.

This certification builds on the success of an SME Learning Cruise that was organised by Shin Min Daily News, Bosses Network and Dream Cruises on October 1 – 3, 2021, the largest event at sea since World Dream’s cruise resumption, added Goh.

The guidelines for MICE at Sea cruises include:

Full vaccination for all passengers and ship crew
Same day Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Testing for guests
Staggered cruise embarkation/disembarkation times
Deployment of safe distancing and crowd control Cruise Ambassadors and dedicated Hotel Event team during events
Contactless contact tracing technology such as TraceTogether Token/App, Tracey Tokens, Cabin Key Cards and CCTV surveillance records
100 per cent fresh air ventilation in each cabin and public areas with no re-circulation of air
A well-equipped 24-hour Medical Centre with Covid-19 testing capability, two doctors including an Infection Control Officer, Isolation wards & Quarantine cabins
Increased frequency of sanitation at high-touch points using hospital-grade disinfectants

Deluxe accommodation, Asian and international cuisines, entertainment shows and recreational activities are all included in the price of the cruise fare with the option to elevate the event experience to the next level in ‘The Palace’ – the “luxury ship-within-a-ship” concept across the Dream Cruises’ fleet that includes all-suite accommodations, 24-hour butler concierge service and exclusive privileges.

The World Dream is well-equipped with versatile onboard venues, with business facilities featuring the latest state-of-the-art technology including simultaneous translation service, HD screens, live streaming facilities and photo/video services. A dedicated Hotel Events team is also ready to offer event customisation to fulfil the needs and business objectives of every meeting planner and event organiser.

“As we continue to see the reopening of MICE events in Singapore, delivering a sense of confidence in the safety and wellbeing of all event attendees will be key for enterprises. And that is what the SG SafeEvent Certification aims to do… We hope more enterprises will come onboard the SG SafeEvent Certification to gain a competitive edge as we build towards a safe and progressive reopening of MICE events,” said Dylan Sharma, vice president, advocacy & communications, SACEOS.

FCM rolls out fee-free travel management for Singapore-based SMEs

By TTGmice

January 10, 2022

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Vicki_Parris_640_copy — Parris: this initiative is one way of working collaboratively together as an industry to support each other through difficult times

Travel management company FCM has launched its fee-free travel management programme for start-ups to mid-sized companies in Singapore.

The first of its kind in Singapore, FCM’s fee-free travel management programme provides fee-free business travel for all flight and hotel bookings. FCM will also help the company with systems and technology implementation at no cost, completed within two weeks.

Parris: this initiative is one way of working collaboratively together as an industry to support each other through difficult times

Services included within the programme are FCM’s 24/7 expert agent support; monthly reporting; always available duty of care via Safety and Risk functions through FCM’s mobile technology to account for the well-being and location of every traveller; and online booking capabilities.

With the reopening of the Singapore borders and Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangements with several markets in 4Q2021, business travel has been on the rise.

Henry Jones, director of marketing who is also leading the SME Travel division in Asia, shared: “Often, these companies have similar business travel needs as MNCs and large national companies, but are held back by greater budgetary considerations. They also have less negotiating power for group deals with suppliers as compared to large organisations. This is our way of supporting them – providing cost-effective rates and full travel management services inclusive of technology support at no fees.”

Following the programme roll-out for Singapore, FCM plans to launch the initiative in markets like Malaysia and Hong Kong when they reopen for international travel on a greater scale in 2022. The programme aims to help SMEs travel more and spend less.

“We recognise that the travel landscape is changed, which has created a challenging trading environment for some companies, especially budget-conscious clients,” said Vicki Parris, vice-president of customer success for FCM in Asia. “This initiative allows us to offer a helping hand to more Singaporean start-ups and mid-sized companies as they continue to grow.”

MeetingPlay and Aventri combine forces

By TTGmice

January 10, 2022

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Eric_Lochner__640 — Eric Lochner has been placed at the helm of the new company

Event software companies MeetingPlay and Aventri have merged, as well as received a growth equity investment from Sunstone Partners and Camden Partners.

In conjunction with the merger, Eric Lochner has been named CEO of the new company. Lochner has over 25 years of experience in building technology and technology-enabled services companies, with an impressive record of mergers and acquisitions.

Eric Lochner has been placed at the helm of the new company

This new event software powerhouse will blend visionary technology and best-in-class service to close all gaps in the planning process, offering a complete full-service solution for meetings and events of all sizes, from conferences of 200,000+ to meetings with less than 100 attendees.

Each year, MeetingPlay and Aventri power a combined total of more than 50,000 events, service over 10,000 companies, and elevate the attendee experience for more than seven million attendees.

Founded in 2011, MeetingPlay is an award-winning technology pioneer, centred around creating innovative solutions for premier in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. The company is known for pushing the envelope on technology advancements and has successfully powered many of the largest, most complex global events to date across numerous industries.

Founded in 2008, Aventri is the global leader in data-driven, end-to-end event management solutions for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Today, the award-winning platform provides a suite of solutions for the entire event lifecycle, from venue sourcing to event marketing, registration, onsite technology, strategic meetings management, data security and privacy, and ROI reporting.

The two companies will integrate their proprietary software platforms to elevate event experiences through a lineup of products to leading companies in the technology, financial services, travel, hospitality, health services, and association markets.

Highlighted capabilities include:

A Virtual and Hybrid Event Platform, which uses novel technology to create lifelike experiences for virtual attendees. The platform provides virtual and onsite attendees with unified engagement features like chat, Q&A, network matchmaking, and video conferencing that enables participants in the same room and across the world to connect instantly.
A Mobile App and imaginative Onsite Event Solutions, which enrich the attendee experience start to finish, boost engagement, and deliver ROI metrics, while keeping participants safe.

Meanwhile, co-founder and former MeetingPlay CEO Joe Schwinger, and co-founder and former MeetingPlay COO Lisa Vann will remain with the new company and undertake executive roles. Former Aventri CEO Jim Sharpe will remain a shareholder and advisor to the new company.

IMEX Frankfurt 2022 announces new dates

By TTGmice

January 10, 2022

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IMEX_in_Frankfurt-M — A previous edition of IMEX Frankfurt

The IMEX Group has today confirmed that it has secured new dates for IMEX in Frankfurt 2022, with the 20^th anniversary of the tradeshow now set for May 31 to June 2.

In a press release, the IMEX Group stated that the postponement was due to the “increase in omicron cases across Europe and around the world”, as well as the “current regulatory uncertainty”.

IMEX CEO Carina Bauer explained: “Everyone in our industry can see the current situation in Europe and knows that, with tradeshows depending on such long lead times, it doesn’t support a show in April. We strongly believe that a late May edition of IMEX in Frankfurt will allow everyone to move ahead and plan with certainty and confidence.

“Having recently come off a highly successful IMEX America, we’re completely focused on building a strong return for IMEX in Frankfurt and we’re also keenly aware of how much our industry needs IMEX to bring everyone together and prove that business regeneration and good lead flow is not only viable but closer than some may think.”

In addition to the tradeshow, IMEX Frankfurt with feature a dedicated day of tailored education on May 30 for specialist groups such as corporate, association and agency buyers.

Registration for IMEX in Frankfurt will go live in the week commencing January 17.

Oakwood Premier debuts in Melbourne

By TTGmice

January 10, 2022

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Oakwood_Melb_Studio_Room_with_City_View_[Landscape].jpg.sb-6086c65d-a7KUl4 — Studio Room with City View

Oakwood has crossed the milestone of 10,000 keys across more than 62 operating properties worldwide with its latest opening, the Oakwood Premier Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.

A debut for the Oakwood Premier brand in Australasia, the new-build soars 140 metres and 40 storeys with views of the CBD and the Yarra River, South Melbourne, Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay.

Oakwood Premier Melbourne offers 132 hotel rooms and 260 serviced apartments with fully-equipped kitchens for both extended and short-stay guests.

In addition to the all-day dining restaurant Fifth, other amenities include a Sky Bar, fitness centre, three meeting rooms, two multipurpose event venues, co-working space, games centre fitted with modern entertainment for those looking to play snooker or video games.

As part of the brand’s hallmark experience, a mixologist will create seasonal cocktails in the privacy of the guest’s apartment through the Oakwood Premier Mobile Bar, a club lounge experience that is a first of its kind in Australia. To complement this experience, a selection of canapés, comprising a rotational menu of hot and cold savouries or sweet treats, will also be served.

Back with a bang

By TTGmice

January 5, 2022

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Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific 2021

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Event brief
The 4^th edition of ITAP 2021 took place from November 22-24 at the Singapore EXPO, the largest in-person exhibition since the pandemic began.

Held in a hybrid format, there were a total of 143 exhibitors and five national pavilions from Singapore, China, Germany, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Over three days, an estimated 3,600 visitors attended in-person, while another 7,400 attended online. Total attendance stood at over 11,000, where attendees hailed from 70 countries. Attendees received opportunities to network with industry experts and counterparts from key manufacturing sectors in the region, to explore new partnerships and collaborations.

Event highlights
This year’s ITAP featured over 150 content sessions by more than 120 speakers to discuss the latest in manufacturing technologies, key industry developments, strategic regional developments, and regional government initiatives on I4.0.

Attendees at the physical event got the chance to visit exhibitions and activities such as the Gateway to Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the I4.0 Experience Zone, open mic presentations (Industry Connect Live Talks) by the Whole-of-Government (WOG) pavilion, over 100 other I4.0 physical showcases, as well as country and industry pavilions.

The I4.0 Experience Zone, powered by Singapore Polytechnic, gave visitors an insight into the vast and diverse possibilities that 5G and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) technologies will bring to Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 through Augmented Reality technology. As part of the zone, visitors also had a live 5G experience with industry-use cases and observed live demos of remote field assistance and robotic arms.

On the online front, ITAP engaged over 7,400 attendees on the digital platform called, ITAP CONNECTED. Online attendees also had access to a comprehensive exhibition e-showcase and networking opportunities through AI-powered business matching.

Challenges
ITAP 2021 allowed exhibitors and delegates to interact face-to-face and engage in a safe manner as a pilot event of the Vaccinated-Differentiated Safe Management Measures + Test (VDS + Test) protocol in Singapore.

Protocols included the requirement to conduct pre-event testing, where attendance was broken into timeslots with capacity limits to further manage the flow of attendees.

The event also leveraged technology service providers such as Viatick and Trakomatic to enable contactless registration through facial recognition and data-based crowd management.

Dubbed the Safe Event Tool, it allowed the live tracking of attendee numbers and business interactions, as well as the printing of delegate passes through an integrated facial recognition technology. The use of these technologies helped to minimise minimised physical interaction.

Organisers Constellar worked closely with local authorities to ensure attendees could have safe face-to-face interactions, which is a key component of business events.

While such measures added cost and operational pressures, the resumption of business events in Singapore with increased capacity limits has created an air of optimism that the industry is recovering.

Event Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) 2021
Organiser Constellar and Deutsche Messe
Venue Singapore Expo, Hall 2
Date November 22-24, 2021
Attendance Over 11,000 attendees in total

Singapore allows work-related events of up to 1,000

By TTGmice

January 5, 2022

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Companies in Singapore have been given the green light to hold larger work-related events for between 51 to 1,000 people, with organisers only needing to notify the authorities – rather than seek approval – before proceeding.

This is, however, subject to conditions such as ensuring that the event has no mask-off activities, such as to consume F&B, and participants must be seated or standing in fixed positions, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

This will give businesses more flexibility to organise work-related events with more participants; Singapore skyline pictured

Participants are also required to keep a distance of at least one metre from each other, and be split into zones of 100 people each, with at least two metres between zones.

Attendees also have to be fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 within the past 180 days, or be medically ineligible for vaccines under the national vaccination programme.

Event organisers of work-related events – such as conferences, meetings, seminars, townhalls, annual general meetings and corporate retreats – will also be required to submit relevant documents such as the floorplan and event schedule.

For work-related events with 50 or less, they can continue to be held without needing to notify the authorities.

Business events for up to 1,000 people, where there will be more interaction between participants, will still require approval from the relevant authorities.

Seoul MICE Alliance celebrates 10th anniversary

By TTGmice

January 5, 2022

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Seoul-MICE-On — Climate change, engagement with local communities, and digital transformation were highlighted as ways to revitalise the country’s business events industry

The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA), as part of a full-day hybrid business event themed Sustainable Transformation ON, Seoul.

Held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul grand ballroom on November 18, 2021, the hybrid event was livestreamed, and featured sessions named MICE and Climate Change Response, Engagement With Local Communities, and Digital Transformation.

Climate change, engagement with local communities, and digital transformation were highlighted as ways to revitalise the country’s business events industry

During the event, Yoo Yeon-chul, former Ambassador for Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the successful hosting of P4G 2021, Korea’s first environmental summit. He added that environmental, social and corporate governance, as well as sustainability, will “play an important role in attracting future international events”.

Other speakers included Kim Tae-young, who shared domestic and foreign examples to demonstrate how the meaning of space could be reinterpreted and how those reinterpretations could energise urban regeneration; as well as Hwang Jun-won, CEO of Future Channel MyF, who explored emerging business domains in the increasingly diverse online business events industry.

In another session, seven members of Korea’s Plus Cities – a growth programme for the business events industry and local governments that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been promoting since 2019 – came together to conduct joint marketing activities related to business events, as well as share best practices. The seven members are Seoul, Gangwon-do, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do.

The hybrid event rounded off with the annual meeting of the Seoul MICE Alliance, which celebrated its 10^th anniversary. Attended by 300 SMA members, industry officials, and students both onsite and virtually, plans for 2022 were unveiled, and four new division leaders were introduced.

CEO of Exporum, Shin Hyun-dae, will head up SMA’s exhibition division in 2022. He stressed that SMA will work closely with STO and overcome the pandemic together, while working towards the goal of sustainable development.

SMA members jointly attracted a total of 17 international conferences in 2021, including the 2025 World Congress of Neurology that would bring 5,000 attendees to Seoul.

Australian Convention Bureaux assemble for AIME 2022

By TTGmice

January 5, 2022

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AIME_Image_2 — A previous edition of AIME pre-pandemic

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has revealed that almost all of Australia’s Convention Bureaux will be participating in AIME 2022, taking place on March 21–23 in person and March 28 to April 1 virtually.

With 17 Convention Bureaux confirmed, sights are set on connecting with quality buyers and the AIME community to help drive business for their local regions, as well as showcase their destinations on the world stage.

Owners of AIME, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is looking forward to spearheading business for both state and country in 2022 and beyond.

Julia Swanson, CEO of MCB said: “AIME 2022 is set to be the next big ticket tradeshow to drive confidence right across the Asia Pacific region and importantly where key decision-makers connect, exchange ideas, and create business opportunities.

“The show will be one of the first international trade shows to be held in Melbourne and now in its 29th year, AIME 2022 will be a significant recovery platform for the business events industry right across the region, creating and re-establishing valuable connections to drive commerce.

“It’s an excellent time for the sector to come back together and show the world that Melbourne is back.”

Representing some 1,800 tourism and events operators, Andrew Hiebl, CEO at the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux and an AIMEbassador, is looking to use the 2022 event as a launchpad for the industry’s recovery.

He shared: “AIME’s role in our business events’ recovery is pivotal for reigniting rich business connections between organisers and suppliers. All our mainland members will be exhibiting at AIME 2022, and that’s a great sign of business confidence, human spirit, and commitment to the industry.

“The event will embody the spirit of resilience and add a much-needed boost to future confidence which will flow on to buyers and sellers alike. Through these positive conversations, on and off the showfloor, new opportunities, innovations, and collaborations will be born – that is what excites me.”

Showcasing in 2022 and sponsor of AIME’s Knowledge Program, Destination Gold Coast will be using the event to unveil its new brand and connect with valued partners and quality buyers.

“It’s been a while since Gold Coast has attended AIME as a collective and we’re delighted to be back. At AIME we will be launching our new brand and sharing with our customers what they can expect from us as a destination. We look forward to seeing you there,” said Patricia O’Callaghan, CEO of Destination Gold Coast.

Citadines Astrum Ampang Kuala Lumpur to open in 2026

By TTGmice

January 5, 2022

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Signing_Ceromony_1 — From left: Setia Awan's Ng Teck Hua, and Ascott's Mondi Mecja at the signing ceremony

Setia Awan Group’s Astrum Ampang Sdn Bhd and The Ascott Limited (Ascott) have entered into an agreement for the management and operations of Citadines Astrum Ampang Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Targeted at long-stay business guests, Citadines Astrum Ampang Kuala Lumpur will have 230 keys with facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, residents’ lounge, meeting rooms, and F&B outlets. The serviced apartment will also have its own dedicated lobby complete with a drop-off area.

From left: Setia Awan’s Ng Teck Hua, and Ascott’s Mondi Mecja at the signing ceremony

Located within the vicinity of Jalan Jelatek and Jalan Ampang, Astrum Ampang offers an unobstructed view of the Petronas Twin Towers. The development is also located close to landmarks including Gleneagles Medical Centre, Great Eastern Mall, Intermark Mall, Ministry of Defence, and numerous businesses, embassies, private and public schools.

Via a proposed covered pedestrian Astrum Ampang will be connected to Jelatek LRT station (Kelana Jaya Line) and four train stations away from KLCC LRT station. At the station, they leverage the numerous public transportations networks available in the Klang Valley, including LRT, MRT, KLIA Express and KTM InterCity Lines, and the upcoming LRT 3, MRT Lines 2 and 3, and the East Coast Rail Line.

World Dream attains SG SafeEvent Certification

FCM rolls out fee-free travel management for Singapore-based SMEs

MeetingPlay and Aventri combine forces

IMEX Frankfurt 2022 announces new dates

Oakwood Premier debuts in Melbourne

Back with a bang

Singapore allows work-related events of up to 1,000

Seoul MICE Alliance celebrates 10th anniversary

Australian Convention Bureaux assemble for AIME 2022

Citadines Astrum Ampang Kuala Lumpur to open in 2026

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