London-based MBB-Consulting Partner Group has launched a commercial audit service to help event companies address performance concerns through the expertise of its international team.
The commercial audit service takes a deep-dive analysis of an event business’s current operations, with the objective of identifying practical steps to significantly improve its commercial performance. It will scrutinise various areas of operations, such as sales and team culture, systems and process integration, and financial and price planning. The results can then be referenced and compared to international benchmarks and industry best practice.
The commercial audit service is backed by research and business expertise
The group believes that this service is particularly timely as companies seek to emerge stronger from the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Matthias Baur, one of the founding members of the MBB-Consulting Partner Group, also believes that the events industry has been held back by underperformance.
He added that the service’s “unique blend of incisive research capabilities combined with a deep understanding of the practicalities faced by events businesses” will able the group to deliver “market leading results”.
The service is designed specifically for exhibition organisers and venue owners.
Covid-19’s economic impact on local communities have led to a spike in theft from hotel rooms as well as crime in and around hotel precincts, which were already increasing prior to the pandemic.
Here are nine tips to help business travellers guard against opportunistic offenses.
Having a safe hotel stay requires advance planning and preparation
The surprising item every traveller should pack – and it fits in the smallest part of your suitcase
Crimes could be thwarted with something as simple as a doorstop. Even in the modern era of high-tech surveillance and monitoring, the humble doorstop can still hold its own. When wedged under the door, it
can provide enough of a deterrent to make the thieves reconsider.
Doorstops with an inbuilt alarm – which can be as loud as a fire alarm – can scare off any would-be thief.
Think about those valuables when packing and storing
Travellers should reconsider the need to take expensive items along for the ride, leaving valuable and attractive items at home. If valuables must be brought on the trip, beware of storing valuables in hotel safety boxes, as some can be carried out of the room.
Location, location, location
Enhance one’s security by requesting a room between the third and sixth floor of a hotel, as this minimises the ability for thieves to climb onto balconies and through a window, but puts the guest still within reach of most fire ladders in case of emergency.
In addition, prioritise hotels that require a key/card to access guestroom levels. Do note that levels with hotel bars are usually accessible by the general public, so where possible, ask for a room away from general entry areas.
Be aware of your surroundings
Use one’s powers of observation to keep safe. Pay attention to emergency exits and fire escapes, and note how many steps they are away from one’s door to enable evacuation under heavy smoke, total power loss or a large-scale criminal act targeting the hotel.
At the same time, observe people in the hotel foyer – some may be paying extra attention to guests that they intend to mark out as a potential target of crime.
Pack a ‘go bag’
Get into the habit of packing a ‘go bag’ with essentials such as drinking water, non-perishable food items, a small first-aid kit and important documents. This bag could help one survive until help arrives.
Prevent unwanted visitors
In World Travel Protection’s travel risk training, clients are advised not to state their home address at reception; if one is travelling for work, provide the company’s details instead.
It is also prudent to have the reception staff write down one’s room number instead of speaking it out aloud.
Further, book a room next to the elevators to minimise the risk of being cornered at the end of a long hotel corridor.
Consider cyber security
The World Travel Protection team recommends avoiding hotel Wi-Fi use; instead utilise a Wi-Fi dongle or other hot-spotting device for increased cyber security. Only store on your computer what you need for your trip to minimise data that can potentially be stolen or breached.
Choose a hotel that is suitable for a long-term relationship!
Planning ahead is essential for a safer and more comfortable travel experience, and that includes picking the right accommodation.
Properties with windows that can be opened, and which offer good ventilation are a good bet. Travellers must consider the possibility of contracting the virus while on their trip, which could potentially mean an extended stay at their hotel. In case one has to be isolated for a period, be mindful of booking a room that is comfortable and has space to move.
Be risk aware
Businesses with staff travelling internationally should undertake risk assessments, including on destinations, accommodation and personnel who are travelling.
However, the onus is also on the individual staff member to look after their own safety. Consider offering travel risk training for staff who must travel frequently, so that they can learn to be risk aware and informed, and be able to recognise anything unusual.
DigiTech ASEAN Thailand featured an online tradeshow, educational webinars, business matching meetings, and more
Event brief
Ongoing Covid-19 restrictions have forced DigiTech ASEAN Thailand, an important digital industry exhibition and business platform organised by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co, to be staged in a fully digital format for the second year in a row.
The edition drew support from many national and international organisations, such as Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Hong Kong’s Event Technology Association, Japan Network Security Association, and Taiwan Electric & Electronics Manufacturers Association. Altogether, more than 100 tech and digital participating companies from countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia were in attendance, alongside 3,500 online attendees from 28 countries.
Event highlights
DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2021 bore the theme, Connecting you with the global tech and digital community, and promised to bring together business and knowledge that help shape the digital future.
The event saw participating companies showcasing their latest business solutions, covering tech profiles such as business software, artificial intelligence, cyber security, e-commerce & digital marketing, data & cloud, smart solutions & IoT and 5G technology & network.
There were also more than 60 webinars with topics touching on the latest industry trends and strategies conducted by industry experts and professionals in English and Thai. Other online activities such as seller-buyer business matching meetings, live video product demonstrations and on-demand video presentations provided attendee engagements.
Challenges
According to show organiser IMPACT, one of the key challenges in putting the event together was the need to “quickly acquire new skill sets, competencies and understanding of technology to create a digital twin of the physical event that can meet the needs of face-to-face activities while at the same time, offer values for customers”.
The perceived value of virtual platforms remained relatively poor as compared to in-person platforms, the spokesperson noted, adding that there was still a human need for physical interactions that technology could not replace.
“Nevertheless, the prolonged pandemic without any full resumption of physical events over the last two years, has somehow hasten the adoption of digital platforms. These digital platforms serve as event marketing alternatives for companies to continue to do business, promote their brands, maintain customer relations, stay connected with industry peers and get updated on market trends,” said the spokesperson.
IMPACT drew on lessons learnt from the first digital edition of DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and were able to work with its technology vendors to offer a user-friendly digital platform that enhanced the business exchange and networking experience for participants and delegates.
The platform also served as an effective alternative market platform for participants to continue with their business activities in the digital sphere, especially in business, knowledge and networking exchanges.
Event DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2021 Organiser IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd Date November 24 to 26, 2021 Attendance 100 participating companies from Asia; 3,500 online delegates from 28 countries
The pursuit of wellness has been widely identified as a travel priority in a post-lockdown world, and South Korea’s Gangwon province may well offer valuable healing experiences for pre/post-event programmes.
Healience Seonmaeul
Therapies in nature can be found at Romy Zian Garden in Gariwangsan Peak. Paths wind through lush greenery, where scenes and garden themes change with the seasons.
The mountainside Healience Seonmaeul keeps guests disconnected from the hectic world with a host of activities such as yoga in the forest, forest bathing in Jongjasan Mountain, and treatments in a spa boasting facilities like Carbonic Acid Pool and Red Clay Bedrock Sauna.
Donghae Mureung Health Forest makes another good wellness retreat. The eco-friendly lodging offers a traditional Korean bathhouse, known as a jjimjilbang, made out of red clay, as well as a salt cave sauna. Guests can also make themselves an eco-friendly souvenir of cypress pillows and natural shampoos.
For healthful stays, consider Osaek Greenyard Hotel, Park Roche Resort & Wellness, and Yong Pyong Resort.
At Osaek Greenyard Hotel, guests can strengthen their immune system with healthy meals and detoxifying hot springs bath, and ease tension with indoor yoga and pilates classes.
Park Roche Resort & Wellness serves up healthy dishes that use low-salt traditional Korean sauces and offers physical rejuvenation through a Wellness Club and Aqua Club.
Yong Pyong Resort invites guests to explore the lush forests of Mt Balwangsan, test their courage on the Balwangsan Skywalk tempered glass bridge, and participate in healing yoga and pilates classes.
If it is meditation that one prefers, Museum San Meditation Hall, designed by famous architect Tadao Ando, has a stone garden that is ideal for emptying the mind. The floor is maintained at 22°C year-round and the humidity level is carefully controlled. Wellness programmes range from a singing bowl meditation to a resting meditation.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Adeline Phua as director, development for the South-east Asia and Korea region.
In this newly-created role, Phua will be supporting the strategic growth of IHG brands in South-east Asia, focusing on its luxury and lifestyle portfolio, and establishing a China desk to facilitate cross border investments and cooperation for the region.
Phua brings 16 years of global experience in hospitality strategy, planning, development, ideation and concept creation, feasibility, valuation, investment and asset management across China, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
Based in China for the last 13 years, she joins IHG from an Asia practice of a Swiss cross border real estate investment and hospitality advisory firm based in Shanghai where she was founder and partner. Prior to that, she was senior director at Starwood’s Greater China development team and partner at HVS in Asia Pacific, first based in Singapore and then moving to Shanghai in 2009 to establish their China practice.
The recovery of WA’s visitor economy will have a flow on effect to a broader range of businesses
The Western Australian (WA) government has unveiled a new Reconnect WA funding package worth A$185 million (US$132 million), targeted at attracting tourists, skilled workers, international students and events.
Out of the A$185 million, the State’s official convention bureau, Business Events Perth, will receive A$15 million to attract business events to the state to support its business events, hotel, and hospitality industry.
The recovery of WA’s visitor economy will have a flow-on effect to a broader range of businesses; Perth pictured
As well as the funding for Business Events Perth, the package includes a A$65 million aviation fund directed towards re-establishing international and interstate flight routes that were disrupted by the pandemic, as well as targeting new routes including Germany, India, China and Vietnam.
Business Events Perth chair Bradley Woods said the funding would act as a direct and significant boost to WA’s tourism industry and praised the State Government for recognising the importance of the business events sector.
“In 2019, Business Events Perth generated A$153 million in confirmed business events with A$5.3 million in funding, which is an ROI of 1:29, so we expect that this new funding from the WA State Government will generate significant economic returns for Western Australia and also support Perth’s CBD hotels which have borne the brunt of the pandemic.
“With business event delegates spending up to five times more than their leisure counterparts and almost two-thirds of delegates choosing to attend a conference in order to extend their trip to take a holiday, the business events sector has a vital role to play in the ongoing recovery of Western Australia’s overall tourism industry,” Woods elaborated.
Business Events Perth CEO Gareth Martin added that the funding boost would underpin a strong recovery for the business events sector in Western Australia that would have a flow-on effect for a broad range of businesses and the State’s visitor economy as a whole.
“Through the funding of the State Government over the last 15 months, Business Events Perth Perth has directly supported over 350 local events while securing a pipeline of national and international business events for future years.
“In the face of an increasingly competitive national and international market, this much-needed boost in funding will drive a significant return on investment for WA and support local jobs in one of the most affected sectors,” said Martin.
Full details of the package will be released shortly.
Melbourne (pictured) is confident in its ability to deliver world-class business events
Melbourne has won the hosting rights for two tech conferences – the largest blockchain series in the world, The World Block Chain Summit (WBS) 2022; and the Association for Computing Machinery’s annual international conference on multimedia – The ACM International Conference on Multimedia (ACM MM 2024) in 2024.
WBS takes place in over 16 destinations across the world and brings together an elite gathering of technology leaders, start-ups and enterprises from over 52 countries to share, educate and discuss the latest trends in emerging technologies.
Melbourne (pictured) is confident in its ability to deliver world-class business events
Combined, these events are expected to attract 1,200 blockchain and tech players to the city, deliver A$5.2 million in economic contribution to the Victorian economy, and some 2,850 room nights to the Victorian hotel and accommodation sector.
Both events will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. WBS 2022 will be held from Setempber 15-16, 2022, while ACM MM 2024 will be held from October 28 to November 1, 2024.
Through a partnership with Victorian State Government, Business Events Australia, Trescon, a global business events and consulting firm, Monash University, as well as expert Local Organizing Committees from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region, MCB steered the proposal to secure these events for Melbourne.
The business model for virtual conferences can take many different shapes and forms
The popular answer must be “no” because they are all very anxious to be able to travel to attend face-to-face conferences.
However, some people may give you a different answer when the question is asked under a different context. For example, a busy accounting professional may prefer to attend a virtual seminar on the latest ESG updates just to satisfy the Continuous Professional Development requirements from the governing body.
The business model for virtual conferences can take many different shapes and forms
Conference organisers need to recognise the fact that virtual events are here to stay because they satisfy the needs of a segment of the conference market. In fact, even before Covid-19, the demand for virtual events was already picking up.
A survey conducted a few years ago (Digitell 2016) asked professionals such as lawyers, accountants and engineers as to why they would prefer to attend a virtual conference instead of attending the event in person, where 72 per cent indicated money was the main reason. It is not cheap to attend a conference, especially if the venue is away from your hometown. Even if you choose to stay in budget hotels or Airbnbs, the expenses can easily be in the thousands (US$).
On the other hand, 60 per cent indicated that taking time away from their busy work schedule was a challenge. Once again, the motivation to attend a conference would be significantly less if the venue is outside of your hometown.
According to a study by Global Business Travel Association, 2020 saw a 290 per cent spike in hosting virtual events as compared to 2019. Some attribute this to the social distancing measures and the travel restrictions.
However, as a member of academia and a former PCO, I am of the view that even without the Covid factor, there would still be handsome growth in the demand for virtual conferences.
Here, I elaborate by using the PESTLE model. PESTLE refers to external factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and or Environmental) influencing the industry landscape.
Environment
Let’s start with environmental factors. Earlier in November, the UK delivered a carbon-neutral COP26 in Glasgow with a certification from the International Standard for Sustainable Events (ISO20121), which encourages a reduction in carbon emission via minimisation of air transport. The Millennials and Gen Z are strong supporters of climate actions. They are also becoming the decision-makers in many organisations. It is not difficult to imagine that they will prefer to organise and attend virtual events over physical ones in the years to come.
Politics
Also at COP26, many business leaders and heads of states were criticised for not taking public transportation to Scotland. A total of 670 private jets were flown to Glasgow and nearby airports, including one from the host, UK’s prime minister Boris Johnson, which collectively emitted over 102,500 tons of CO2.
Many countries have pledged to lower carbon emissions, and government agencies around the world are expected to lead by example. They are also one of the biggest clients of event management services. Hence it is not difficult to predict that more and more government-led conferences will take place in a virtual or hybrid format.
Legal
Although there is no legal provision that directly restricts how conference organisers must or must not plan their conferences. Environmental NGOs around the world have published green-event guidebooks which are widely endorsed by the relevant government agencies. The cost of complying with the new regulations on waste management is also becoming more and more expensive. They are new considerations for conference organisers when deciding whether they should plan more physical or virtual conferences in the future.
Social
Over the past two years, people had no choice but to get used to the online mode of working, socialising and conferencing. While some still prefer face-to-face activities, others may have changed their preference.
According to a survey by Zoom Video Communications earlier this year, only 38 per cent of conference attendees in Singapore will only meet in person (if they were given a choice), 55 per cent will choose both options, and six per cent will only meet virtually. Although more research data is needed to identify whether there is an upward trend on this six per cent, my view is that this number will grow over the next few years.
Technology
Video conferencing is not rocket science. The technology is already there. Prior to Covid-19, organisers did not feel the pressure to fully utilise current technology in managing conferences. After all, it was much easier to make money off the commission and rebates from hotels, MICE facilities and in some cases local tourism bureau.
Since 2020, organisers had no choice but to turn to virtual conferences, hence the spike in demand for new features. According to Fortune Global Insight, the global video conferencing market is projected to grow from US$6.3 billion in 2021 to US$13 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 10.9 per cent during forecast period.
Zoom alone released over 400 updates in 2020, with new offerings including Zoom App, OnZoom and Zoom for Home. With overwhelming demand for online meeting technologies, the share price of Zoom spiked from January 2020 at US$73 to over US$500 in October 2020.
Economy
Conference producers who are among the Baby Boomers and Gen X were so used to the traditional business model whereby revenue could only come from selling sponsorship packages and admission tickets. Most “traditional” PCOs are of the view that it is very difficult to commercialise online events because sponsors and attendees are generally not willing to pay the same amount of money for events with no human interactions. However, we are living in a digital world. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves this question, “Can online events offer more revenue options?”
While face-to-face conferences are good opportunities to bring people together, online events can, with the right business model, bring in alternative revenue streams. For example, Insider Inc. has been using on-demand content to bring in revenue since moving its events online in 2020.
Although its online events are free, and its virtual sponsorships cost less than its physical ones, the company has generated eight times more revenue than 2019. It has done so by putting on more events, and by implementing on-demand programmes that can be accessed after the events are streamed. This has led to increased ROI for sponsors since this type of content can still generate awareness and engagement long after the event has ended.
The business model for virtual conferences can take many different shapes and forms. Some organisers are frustrated because they feel like they are sitting on a gold mine but unable to come up with the best formula in reaping the best return on their investments.
However, with more and more online events being held, it can be envisaged that newer ways to commercialise online events will emerge in the not-so-distant future. After all, face-to-face events are just not scalable, yet the possibility for online events is yet to be fully exploited.
Conclusion
Virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. In fact, they are expected to grow handsomely in the coming years, but the industry will need to learn how to deliver value to attendees and ROI to organisers.
If anything, the Covid-19 factor only acted as a catalyst in accelerating the growth of this industry over the past 18 months.
With over 25 years of Marcom experience, Roy Ying has managed hundreds of events and conferences globally in his capacities as a trade promotion manager for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, head of communications for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and senior corporate communications manager for MTR Corporation.
In his current role as senior lecturer for the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Ying not only devotes his time as the module coordinator for Global Marketing, but also contributes articles and content to various industry publications.
Award recipients at BESarawak’s Tribe Assembly 2021
BESarawak recently launched the BESarawak Centralised Collaboration & Data Sharing Initiative (BEdata), during its Tribe Assembly 2021 event.
Beyond obtaining an overview of Sarawak’s business events sector and its local economic impact, BEdata creates a baseline for data generation concerning meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions, and provides in-depth market analysis to support lead generation and business development. Data contribution will predominantly by the government sector with the aid of private sectors.
Award recipients at BESarawak’s Tribe Assembly 2021
Speaking at Tribe Assembly 2021, assistant minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, Sebastian Ting encouraged both the government and private sectors to contribute to the initiative.
BEdata is expected to support investment decisions made by the government to ensure the sector remains competitive, while assisting in formulating strategic and tactical plans to develop the industry.
Tribe Assembly 2021 was also the opportunity to recognise 12 International Convention Scholarship Award 2018/2019 recipients and 49 industry partners who obtained industry qualifications and designations such as the Certified Meeting Planner, Certified Incentive Specialist, Digital Event Strategist, Certified in Exhibition Management, and Certified Event Designer.
Amelia Roziman, BESarawak’s CEO, noted: “We want Sarawak to be a more competitive destination by focusing on industry education and development. Our goal in mind is to develop the industry in a holistic manner that puts equal focus on developing hard infrastructure as well soft infrastructure and human capital.”
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has released a list of hospitality companies that will be exhibiting at AIME 2022.
The line-up includes luxury resorts and hotels from Marriott International, Langham Hotels & Resorts, Crown Hotel & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, TFE Hotels, Minor Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts. All will come armed with new announcements and properties to be revealed on the showfloor.
Pan Pacific Melbourne
Furthermore, as official partners, the eight hotel groups will also accommodate domestic and international hosted buyers during the show, with exclusive previews into their latest offerings.
Looking to use AIME as the event to reconnect with the industry, Cinn Tan, chief sales & marketing officer of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, is excited to supercharge business as the hotel group looks to launch 15 new properties by 2024.
“We’ve been confidently expanding our pipeline, with 15 new properties across 12 cities by 2024. This includes our recent addition of PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne, which opened in April 2021 within the M-City complex.
“We’re thrilled to be a partner of AIME 2022 and look forward to reconnecting with you all, as well as relaunching our face-to-face and hybrid meeting products.”
Delegates attending AIME in-person and online will hear first-hand about new venues and destinations, as well as corporate packages for events and work travel.
AIME’s event director Silke Calder noted: “With four months to go, the countdown is well and truly on for AIME 2022, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our line-up of hotel partners to date. It’s an exciting taste of what’s to come, and we can’t wait to announce more outstanding hotels and venues that will be showcasing next year.
“There are so many opportunities waiting to be discovered at AIME, with a strong sense of reunification for our community. As more borders begin to open, including our APAC neighbours such as Japan and Korea, we know that business and leisure will evolve into something truly special. We are confident delegates will be blown away with what’s in store for them.”
Next year’s AIME will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 21–23 in-person and March 28 to April 1 online.
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.
With over 25 years of Marcom experience, Roy Ying has managed hundreds of events and conferences globally in his capacities as a trade promotion manager for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, head of communications for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and senior corporate communications manager for MTR Corporation.
