The expo is expected to play a role in enhancing the excellence of event staging; WTCMM pictured
The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), in collaboration with the WTCMM Business Club, has unveiled the Event Experience Expo 2025 (E3).
Slated for September 24–25, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, E3 will bring together the country’s leading event solution providers. Exhibitors will represent a wide array of sectors, including exhibition and special design contractors, audiovisual and lighting providers, logistics and freight forwarding, event technology solutions, catering, marketing, PR and advertising, as well as security, manpower, and medical services.
The expo is expected to play a role in enhancing the excellence of event staging; WTCMM pictured
E3 is designed to foster strategic connections across the business events ecosystem. By partnering with key government agencies, foreign chambers, and trade associations, the expo will enable organisers, corporate clients, and institutions to discover reliable, world-class partners for delivering seamless and impactful events.
The timing of E3 precedes WTCMM’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit 2026 International Media Center and coinciding with WTCMM’s 30th anniversary.
From left: NTUC LHUB’s Tay Ee Learn; Earth Productions' Matthew Mak; and SACEOS' Richard Ireland
Singapore’s NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) has signed an overseas partnership agreement with Earth Productions, to jointly develop and deliver industry-relevant sustainability training and certification for professionals in Hong Kong’s business events industry.
Witnessed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) at the Singapore MICE Forum 2025, the partnership will expand NTUC LHUB’s Certified Event Sustainability (CES) Programme overseas.
From left: NTUC LHUB’s Tay Ee Learn; Earth Productions’ Matthew Mak; and SACEOS’ Richard Ireland
This sustainability-focused professional certification, accredited by SACEOS and launched in March 2023 in Singapore, will be customised to meet the industry demands and local standards in Hong Kong.
The courses under the CES Programme include (1) Sustainability in MICE: Unlocking the New Horizon, and (2) Sustainability in Tourism and Event Operations, and (3) Narrating Sustainability in Tourism and Events through Design Thinking. These will expose frontline professionals to an overview of the sustainability concept, learn how to drive sustainability implementation in their respective roles, plan and manage sustainability reporting, and utilise tools to measure the environmental and social impact of events.
To further supplement the programme and its delivery, NTUC LHUB will provide overseas trainees with online learning resources through its NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform. This will enable trainees to leverage case studies on sustainable events in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and policy templates for the industry.
For a start, NTUC LHUB and Earth Productions aim to train 40 professionals annually. In Singapore, the CES programme has over 150 graduates to date, an additional 100 professionals currently undergoing the course.
The collaboration combines NTUC LHUB’s expertise as a Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore, with Earth Production’s regional insights, as a Hong Kong-based company that focuses on a “sustainability-first” approach in providing event consultation and management services.
The Board of Directors of Club Med Holding has appointed Stéphane Maquaire as president and CEO, effective immediately.
The French national will be based in Paris and is tasked with leading the next phase of the company’s growth while maintaining its French identity and values.
Maquaire brings extensive leadership experience with French companies operating internationally. He has a background in premium brand transformation and commercial real estate, with a record of driving growth and operational performance. He joins Club Med from Carrefour, where he was executive director for Brazil and Latin America.
The Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025 (APASS 2025) is set to take place in Manila, the Philippines on September 10 and 11, bringing together more than 200 safety professionals from across various aviation verticals.
The event, organised by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), will bear the theme, Safety Without Borders: Global Partnerships, Local Impact.
Manila will host the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025
Sessions will spotlight the most pressing safety challenges today in aviation, including the future of aviation safety leadership and organisational culture, crew performance and decision-making in dynamic environments, fatigue management for crew, maintenance and dispatch, and more.
New features at APASS 2025 include dedicated Flight Operations and Cabin safety components, a joint Engineering/Airlines/MRO collaboration panel, and roundtables involving turboprop and regional jet operators, enhancing the practical value of the seminar to participants.
The event is endorsed by the Flight Safety Foundation, supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Subhas Menon, director general of AAPA, said: “As the Asia-Pacific region continues its rapid growth trajectory, the need for shared strategies, transparency, and trust across borders becomes ever more important. APASS 2025 will convene leading voices from across the industry to drive meaningful, and objective improvements in safety performance.”
From left: SACEOS Dylan Sharma (moderator); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Donald Low; Yusof Ishak Institute’s Lee Sue-Ann; and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s Wu Ye-Min.
This year’s Singapore MICE Forum went beyond business events to address global issues such as US election’s impact, China’s growing influence, Singapore’s role in shifting paradigms, and strategies for the business events industry.
Panelists on the Beyond Borders: Navigating a Multipolar World yesterday morning offered diverse, yet hopeful perspectives.
From left: SACEOS Dylan Sharma (moderator); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Donald Low; Yusof Ishak Institute’s Lee Sue-Ann; and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s Wu Ye-Min
Donald Low, senior lecturer and professor of practice in public policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, opined that while US president Donald Trump is trying to reset terms of engagement with the rest of the world, “it doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t carry on”.
“I am reasonably optimistic there may be silver linings and it’s not the end of the road for globalisation,” he said.
Lee Sue-Ann, senior fellow and coordinator of the regional strategic and political studies programme, Yusof Ishak Institute, acknowledged that the US is a vital export market for South-east Asia, but countries must move past grief into acceptance.
“Governments must address inequalities. Otherwise, we’ll see the rise of populist leaders. Countries will also become more protectionist; we have to find common ground and move forward,” she added.
Wu Ye-Min, regional director for Asia-Pacific, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, commented that Singapore is able to build alliances and bridges, and get consensus. It is good at stewarding and can take a leadership role.
“Singapore is trusted, and also agile, with the infrastructure (for mediation). Such events can take place here. We need people in the MICE industry to help build that trust,” she suggested.
Referring to China as the “dragon in the room”, Low said that over-capacity led China to seek new export markets. It also set up manufacturing plants abroad to circumvent tariffs and other restrictions.
In the multipolar world, “the rules-based international order is not broken; the rules are evolving,” Loh said. Businesses in Singapore need to adapt and take advantage of opportunities, and as people value stability and integrity, it is possible that “Singapore can be a trusted broker”.
In the business events context, Wu suggested looking at international organisations, stakeholders and timelines, as such events “creates the space and has huge impact”, where “Singapore can be the place for breakthroughs”.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has appointed three seasoned executives to key leadership roles as part of its continued growth: Katharina Dein has been promoted to vice president commercial, Jelena Kezika steps into the role of vice president strategy, and Andrea Krenn has been appointed senior vice president communications.
In her new role, Dein will oversee commercial strategy, with a focus on optimising the performance of newly integrated properties, onboarding new brands, and launching new products and services across GHA’s portfolio. A long-serving GHA team member since 2013, she has played a pivotal role in brand relations and developed the alliance’s global online training platform.
From left: Katharina Dein, Jelena Kezika and Andrea Krenn
Kezika will oversee the development of future-facing initiatives to strengthen GHA’s positioning and loyalty ecosystem, while Krenn will lead GHA’s global communications strategy.
Despite mounting challenges in travel and tourism, business leaders and industry professionals continue to maintain a vigorous appetite to learn and grow through virtual and in-person events, observed PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
Noor told TTG Asia in an interview that the mood to learn, share best practices and build network is not dampened by concerns about macro-environmental factors.
Asia-Pacific tourism leaders stay committed to growth and knowledge-sharing despite uncertainty
“On the contrary, we believe that growing macro-environmental challenges, whether economic uncertainty, climate change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, or evolving consumer behaviour, only heighten the urgency for the industry to come together, learn from one another, and build stronger networks,” he stated.
Noor added that “fear or uncertainty” are no “barriers to collaboration”.
“In fact, they often motivate deeper engagement and dialogue. Industry professionals are increasingly aware that no single entity can tackle these challenges in isolation. Collective intelligence and cross-sector collaboration are more vital than ever.
“That is why events like the PATA Annual Summit and the PATA Travel Mart continue to draw strong interest. They’re not just about business meetings; they are about building community, trust, and shared purpose, especially in uncertain times,” he said.
The association’s next major trade gathering is the PATA Travel Mart 2025, set for Bangkok, Thailand from August 26 to 28. The event includes the one-day PATA Knowledge Forum on August 26, where a host of industry experts will discuss major trends and developments in the business.
PATA’s calendar of events covers a broad range of topics relevant to the travel and tourism industry. This variety is necessary, according to Noor, to cater to PATA’s diverse membership base across Asia-Pacific, made up of national tourism organisations, airlines, hotels, tour operators, DMOs, academia, and tech innovators.
“Because of this diversity, a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work; variety in our events is not just a strategy – it is a necessity,” he explained.
Noor expressed commitment to championing learning “as a proactive investment in the future of a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific travel ecosystem”.
PATA’s events line-up will get even more exciting next year, opined Noor, who pointed to the association’s 75th anniversary. He described it as a “significant milestone that reflects our enduring legacy and continued relevance”.
To commemorate the occasion, PATA will host two Annual Summits for the first time – one in Gyeongju and another in Pohang, both cities in South Korea.
The report highlighted both opportunities and complexities for travel programme planning in the coming months
Global corporate travel consulting group Advito’s recently-released Q3 Travel Price Index reveals a nuanced landscape for business travel across the Asia Pacific, characterised by significant pricing variations and a gradual return to pre-pandemic patterns in some locations.
Travel pricing across Asia was far from uniform, with certain markets demonstrating robust strength while others experienced declines.
The report highlighted both opportunities and complexities for travel programme planning in the coming months
Intercontinental airfares originating from Asia are stabilising. While there were modest increases to Europe in both business (+2% year-over-year) and economy (+1% year-over-year) classes, fares to North America saw slight declines. This moderation was partly attributed to slowing global economic activity impacting outbound travel from the continent, with a notable shift as airfares from India were decreasing.
Domestically and regionally within Asia, economy class airfares were trending downwards, largely due to a softening of demand in India and significant capacity growth in key markets like China and Japan. Conversely, domestic and regional business class airfares saw a slight increase (+1% year-over-year).
The hotel sector in Asia also reflected this varied picture. While overall hotel rates in Asia showed a modest increase (+1% year-over-year), several markets experienced strong growth in average daily rates (BAR) compared to 2024, including Japan (+5%), Thailand (+10%), Taiwan (+4%), Hong Kong (+8%), and Malaysia (+16%).
However, major markets such as China (-1%), India (-2%), Vietnam (-4%), and South Korea (-5%) were either flat or showed moderate year-over-year decreases in BAR. It is also worth noting that occupancy levels year-over-year increased in most global regions, with Asia being an exception.
In the South-West Pacific, the business travel sector held firm, yet signs of cooling were evident in economy travel and hotel rates, indicating a return to trends observed before the pandemic.
Intercontinental airfares in the South-West Pacific experienced a slight decline, signalling a move towards more stable and moderate fare changes after the significant airline network recovery seen last year. In contrast, domestic and regional airfares were on the rise (+1% for business, +6% for economy year-over-year), driven by disciplined capacity management and robust travel demand.
The hotel market in the South-West Pacific largely showed decreased average daily rates (-3% year-over-year), reflecting a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. Most markets in Australia (-3%) and New Zealand (-6%) saw decreases in BAR, with a few exceptions.
Raffles City Convention Centre (RCCC) kicked off its multi-million dollar technology upgrade in July 2024, partnering Unearthed Productions (UP) to oversee all audiovisual (AV) upgrades, operations and maintenance.
Theo Ocks, commercial general manager, Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, said the initiative was “developed in direct response to increasing client demand for seamless in-house AV solutions”.
Ocks: This investment is about creating an integrated ecosystem to deliver modern and meaningful event experiences
He elaborated: “Clients were looking for cost-efficient AV packages that reduce reliance on third-party vendors, quicker set-up times and bundled support to streamline event execution. Built-in AV was also a priority to cut down on labour and logistics.”
For instance, the Stamford Ballroom’s LED wall has been designed to be split into sections, allowing for varied uses such as branded content, dynamic speaker introductions or real-time social media feeds, shared Ocks.
The strongest user demand, he continued, has come from sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals, where high technical precision is required; financial services which prioritise seamless and reliable delivery; and luxury and lifestyle brands seeking multisensory guest engagement across AV, cuisine and experience design.
According to Ocks, there has been consistently high demand for AI-driven visuals, motion graphics and interactive LED features.
“A notable example was at Cvent Accelerate (held on July 11, 2025) where RCCC implemented an immersive tunnel with motion visuals to create a high-impact arrival experience,” he elaborated.
“Looking ahead, RCCC is focusing on developing more interactive and sensory-based formats. These will combine AV with curated F&B offerings, music, scent and sustainable staging to craft holistic event journeys that engage all senses.”
The 64th ICCA Congress will take place this year on November 9-12, 2025, in Porto (pictured)
Meeting professionals attending the 64th edition of the annual ICCA Congress later this year in Porto, Portugal will get four days packed with education and destination appreciation, as ICCA builds a unique programme designed to make the host city a stage for all its sessions.
The event will open on November 9 at the Coliseum of Porto, a theatre and concert venue that has played host to many high-profile performances. Here, delegates will attend the Welcome Ceremony, opening keynote, panel session discussing the impact of large-scale events, and the ICCA General Assembly.
The 64th ICCA Congress will take place this year on November 9-12, 2025, in Porto, pictured
In the evening, delegates will adjourn to the historical Stock Exchange Palace for a grand Welcome Reception. There will also be an opportunity to tour the interior of the neoclassical-style building.
Sharing Hubs, a time for all Congress delegates to connect, reflect, and align with one another on key issues impacting the meetings industry, will return this year. It will be held the morning of November 10 at the Alfândega Congress Centre, alongside keynotes and panel discussions.
The Congress then progresses with knowledge sessions in the afternoon, with each of five content tracks set to take place at various iconic venues across Porto. The commute to each venue promises to be a destination experience.
The content tracks are centred around the theme Charting the Course, which is aligned with the ICCA Congress 2025’s theme of purposeful exploration and bold innovation. Tracks include: Impact and Sustainability; Future Leadership and Resilience; Purposeful Business Models and Start-ups; Innovation and Technology; and The Creative Edge.
According to Claudia Bastidas, ICCA’s senior marketing manager, the venue selected for each content track has a connection with the topic.
The Impact and Sustainability track, for example, is held at the Porto Cruise Terminal, which is said to represent Portugal’s commitment to sustainable tourism, research, and forward-thinking design. The terminal is famed for its distinctive spiral design and state-of-the-art facilities including auditoriums, exhibition halls, and panoramic observation decks. It is also home to the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, which advances marine science, climate innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Other iconic venues marked for the different content tracks include Ferreira Cellars for the Future Leadership and Resilience; Alfândega Congress Centre for the Purposeful Business Models and Start-ups track; CeiiA Innovation Centre for the Innovation and Technology track; and the WOW Cultural District in Vila Nova de Gaia for the Creative Edge track.
“The programme design offers delegates an opportunity to really see and enjoy Porto,” remarked Bastidas.
Content tracks on November 10 and 11 will be the same, allowing more delegates to benefit from the session proceedings. Delegates are invited to choose two content tracks to attend and can make their choices during event registration. Seats are available at a first-come, first-served basis.
Delegates will get a valuable evening of networking on November 10, when GalactICCA: Navigating the Future is held at Super Bock Arena against a backdrop of science and innovation.
ICCA Congress’ popular Challenge Night will be hosted by the Amsterdam Convention Bureau on November 11 at Dragão Stadium, home of FC Porto. Delegates who get there ahead of opening may score a tour of the FC Porto Museum.
Further event details and speakers will be unveiled in the lead up to November.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
Maquaire brings extensive leadership experience with French companies operating internationally. He has a background in premium brand transformation and commercial real estate, with a record of driving growth and operational performance. He joins Club Med from Carrefour, where he was executive director for Brazil and Latin America.
