Celebrate Global Exhibitions Day on June 1

March 21, 2022

GEDlogosquaredate_640 — GED 2022 celebrates the role of exhibitions in accelerating the pace of economic recovery

The seventh annual Global Exhibitions Day is slated to take place on June 1 this year, recognising the important role that trade exhibitions play in driving economies throughout the world.

The 2022 GED campaign will focus on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery, as well as being the perfect occasion to network and meet new people.

GED 2022 celebrates the role of exhibitions in accelerating the pace of economic recovery

While the event is facilitated by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI, all businesses and professionals in the sector are encouraged to join the GED celebrations on June 1.

Activities can range from meetings with policymakers and learning videos, to webinars and hybrid events, with the aim of highlighting the impact of exhibitions on local economies – both in building businesses and connecting people from around the world, through activities.

SMX Convention Center Clark to open in May

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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Manila-headquartered SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) will be adding the SMX Convention Center Clark to its portfolio this coming May.

SMX Convention Center Clark will be SMHCC’s second standalone convention centre after SMX Manila. The venue will be able to hold multi-scale events with a gross leasable space of more than 4,000m², comprising event venues spread over two storeys and a mezzanine floor for offices. Function spaces include three trade halls, three function rooms, and 14 smaller meeting rooms.

SMX Convention Center Clark is built adjacent to Park Inn by Radisson Clark, and a 20-minute drive to Clark International Airport.

“These developments in Northern Luzon underline SMHCC’s confidence in this bustling economic hub. According to the Philippine Board of Investments, Central Luzon was the most invested region in 2020, amounting to over Php1 trillion (US$19.1 billion) worth of approved investments. Clark continues to be at the forefront of all these, with Clark Development Corporation’s business recovery efforts,” said Peggy E. Angeles, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president.

SMHCC is currently the Philippines’ largest MICE operator with seven convention centres and nine hotels.

AIME selects Cvent to provide contactless registration

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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AIME_Day_1_Knowledge_Program_2 — A file photo of this year's Day 1 Knowledge Program at AIME

Events technology company Cvent has partnered Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) this year, and is supporting the first hybrid event that starts today until March 23 in Melbourne, as well as the online version from March 28 to April 1.

As a primary technology partner of the event, AIME will leverage Cvent’s event management platform for their visitor’s registration and onsite solutions including check-in & badging to ensure a seamless and contactless experience for in-person attendees.

A photo of this year’s Day 1 Knowledge Program at AIME

According to Cvent’s most recent Planner Sourcing Report – Australia Edition, nearly half of the planners (45 per cent) are organising hybrid events, indicating the growing confidence in this new digital event landscape.

Cvent’s OnArrival onsite attendee management app will also be showcased at AIME 2022, enabling organisers to welcome back their attendees safely and confidently.

Getting back to business

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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World Congress of Nephrology 2022

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Event brief
World Congress of Nephrology 2022 (WCN’22) brought together the world’s leading experts in kidney health and the wider healthcare community to exchange the latest science and clinical applications in improving kidney care and preventing kidney disease worldwide.

The congress, held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from February 24-27, was jointly organised by the International Society of Nephrology, Malaysian Society of Nephrology and Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology, and supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre).

WCN’22 attracted close to 4,000 delegates, with more than 3,000 attending virtually and over 900 in-person, making this event one the highest turnouts in Malaysia for a medical congress since the pandemic began.

Event highlights
In addition to the scientific themes on kidney failure, chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, WCN’22 also featured sessions on green nephrology and gamified-symposiums to entice greater participation from younger professionals.

Complementing the broad scientific program, there were also short videos profiling challenging but inspirational accounts of people affected by kidney diseases, told with compassion and courage. This was part of the ISN Community Film Event, a unique initiative to raise awareness of the reality of living with kidney diseases.

As a hybrid event, participants from around the world were able to follow the virtual congress’ livestreamed sessions. The sessions were also recorded and made available on-demand directly after the livestream ended.

The virtual element was also supplemented by an in-person programme at the Centre for over 900 delegates, where 100 out of the 1,000 abstract submissions that came from local medical professionals and organisations were discussed face-to-face and virtually with international experts.

Challenges
Organisers had originally planned for a fully virtual congress. However, in November 2021, the government relaxed Covid-19 restrictions in Malaysia and allowed for the resumption of in-person events which had to adhere to strict standard operating procedures. A decision was then made to adapt the event to a hybrid format.

“With only four months to plan for the event, this presented various challenges tied to reorganising the entire programme to cater for both virtual and in-person participants. Our planning had to result in a smooth and seamless virtual and in-person congress,” recalled professor Abdul Halim Gafor, president, Malaysian Society of Nephrology.

According to Abdul, the decision to hold a hybrid version was because “delegates had the benefit of networking with doctors from the region”, as well as “some delegates from neighbouring countries who attended in-person”.

Discussions and exchange of insights and research projects between doctors, he added, were also more fruitful when done face-to-face.

To ensure a smooth and seamless virtual and in-person congress, two main teams, an on-ground team and a virtual team in Belgium, worked closely with the Centre’s in-house information technology team.

Alan Pryor, general manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, shared: “Everything onsite, which mainly comprised of hardware was handled by the on-ground and Centre’s teams. All the video and audio were collated and sent to the virtual team, which was then in charge of securing it and broadcasting it to the delegates all around the world.

“Our team also worked closely with the organising committee to advise on the best solution to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted hybrid event. This involved partnering with two Internet service providers to have a mainline and backup in place so the virtual and face-to-face elements could be delivered securely and reliably.”

Event World Congress of Nephrology 2022
Organisers International Society of Nephrology, Malaysian Society of Nephrology and Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology
Venue Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Dates February 24-27, 2022
Attendance Close to 4,000 delegates of which 900 attended in-person

Beyond physical walls

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 21, 2022

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How important is the role of a meeting planner in this current climate?
Considering the increased value that needs to be squeezed out of every meeting or conference that returns, I would say it is critical.

But the role of the venue and the venue’s staff is of equal importance. The hospitality industry has been rocked and leaked talent globally, so choosing a venue that has retained skilled and knowledgeable conference support staff is as important as an experienced meeting planner.

Will there be more hub-and-spoke events, similar to how ICCA held its large-scale association meeting last year?
Actually, I feel it is easiest to adopt multi-location meetings for smaller groups, as technology needs are simplified. IACC used it for our meetings where we had groups of between 15 and 50 at each live location, and it worked very well in both Europe and the Americas conferences in 2021.

How about hybrid and virtual events? Will the popularity of both dip or will it be another way for people to meet?
Short-term I believe the dip will be more pronounced as we rush back to live meetings to meet our needs for in-person collaboration. But as this immediate need wanes, I believe we will see more digitally charged live meetings, with some level of remote access commonplace longer term.

Why isn’t a venue just a place to meet now, and needs to have ethical and environmental credentials? Has this become a more important decision-making factor in recent years?
It was important before 2020, but a combination of things has led to an acceleration of efforts now. The race to net zero events is real and events like COP26 has pushed investors hard to effect change in companies they have influence over, which in turn put that demand on the events industry to deliver!

What does an event/meeting of the future look like to you?
I do not think of the future as a revolutionary change happening overnight. I think it will continue to evolve and we will see programmes, as well as expectations on individuals attending events, change too.

Just as we have found better work/life balance through remote and flexible working, I think some conferences may have perhaps been too demanding on people and they might want better balance, and more variety.

What other changes have been brought on by a decentralised work environment, and how will this affect corporate planners and their jobs?
IACC just completed a global study on the topic of how decentralised working may impact the need for externally staged meetings and conferences. I do not see a threat to the meeting planner, especially if, as we think, the need for more external meetings increases to fill the void of not meeting over the water cooler.

As many industry professionals have left during the past two years, how can the industry attract them to come back?
Two things need to happen and quickly. We have to find ways to put the heart back into hospitality, and shake off any past negativity as it relates to job insecurity. This includes creating a working environment that is as close to the customer experience as can possibly happen. We can make it happen, by focusing on the people and not the job or process.

We also need to evaluate candidates differently. If we look to the same attributes and skills for roles as we did pre-pandemic, the recovery will be slowed. But leaders need help in changing past methods, and it can be tough to adapt one’s personal evaluation of a candidate for a role.

Janice Lee adds both FHA events to portfolio

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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Informa Markets has appointed Janice Lee as the new event director for FHA-Food & Beverage and FHA-HoReCa, taking over from Martyn Cox who will be returning to the UK.

In this expanded role, Lee will be event director for both FHA events and HOFEX. She will lead the teams based in both Singapore and Hong Kong to oversee the overall performance and successful execution of both event brands.

She possesses more than 20 years of event management and sales experience with Informa Markets.

Conrad celebrates debut in Shanghai

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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Hilton has opened the Conrad Shanghai, the brand’s first foray into the metropolis, located in the heart of People’s Square.

Conrad Shanghai boasts 728 keys across 66 floors, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Puxi and the Bund. The hotel’s 60 luxury suites, including the Presidential Suite, will have additional access to the Executive Lounge on level 44 which offers exclusive concierge services, workspaces, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

There are five F&B options on-site – the modern French Copper Bistro; Chinese restaurant Enclave Eight with private dining rooms for corporate groups; all-day restaurant Lane 11; Asador Mediterranean Dining & Bar; and the Hu Bar on the 65th floor.

Event planners can make use of the 2,500m² of function space, spread over a 864m² ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests, 13 meetings rooms, as well as Hu’s Penthouse and Hu’s Atelier spaces on the 64^th floor.

After a long day of meetings, corporate guests can also unwind with a dip at Conrad Shanghai’s heated swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, or relax in the hot whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms.

The Ambassador Seoul reopens after complete refurbishment

By TTGmice

March 21, 2022

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Pullman Hotels & Resorts has reopened The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel after a comprehensive 18-month renovation.

Located in the heart of Seoul, the hotel – which first opened for business in 1955 – offers 269 hotel rooms and 49 residences with views of the Namsan N Tower. Club guests will be able to use the Club Ambassador Lounge, which offers private check-in, check-out services, workspaces, and a happy hour.

The property’s six restaurants and bars have also undergone revamp. These include The King’s, which rose to fame first hotel buffet in South Korea in 1975, returns with its traditional and authentic Korean, Asian and European brasserie-style fare, with upmarket items such as Peking duck and king crab. The Lounge & Bar located on the first floor serves afternoon tea and signature cocktails, while Hao Bin offers traditional and authentic Cantonese cuisine. There’s also 1955 Groceria which boasts fresh produce, charcuterie, hotel-branded products, and takeaway menus.

Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool on the fourth floor, an indoor swimming pool, an indoor golf driving range, a fitness, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna facilities. Corporate travellers with their families in tow will appreciate the Kids Room.

A standout feature for the meetings and events crowd is the hotel’s Namsan Room, located on the 19^th floor, a space adorned with a dome-shaped glass window. It also boasts a connecting room to comfortably accommodate larger groups. There are also five meeting rooms, as well as The Grand Ballroom which can hold up to 400 people.

The hotel is a one-and–a-half hour drive from Incheon International Airport and 50 minutes from Gimpo International Airport.

Julian Wipper now heads New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel

By TTGmice

March 17, 2022

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Seasoned hotelier Julian Wipper has been appointed general manager of New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel.

The German brings with him 25 years of luxury hospitality experience around the world.

Wipper joins the hotel from JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La where he was general manager for three years, while concurrently serving as regional champion rooms & guest experience for South-east and Australasia hotels.

Alma Resort embarks on solar power project

By TTGmice

March 17, 2022

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Vietnam’s Alma Resort is installing 5,634 solar panels on its extensive infrastructure as part of an ambitious solar power project that is expected to reduce the property’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 72,670 tonnes over a 25-year period and save up to US$16.85 million in electricity bills.

The panels will be mounted on 196 pavilions, two V-shaped towers housing various hotel facilities, and the utility building. Operating at a capacity of 2,480 kilowatts peak, the system will power almost half of the resort’s energy needs, depending on its occupancy rate.

Alma Resorts’ solar power project will reduce the property’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 72,670 tonnes over a 25-year period

According to a statement from Alma, Vietnam has overtaken Thailand as South-east Asia’s largest solar market with hundreds of solar projects under construction. Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler believes it will soon be incumbent for five-star resorts across the country to follow suit.

“With the weather we have in Cam Ranh, it makes total sense for us to take advantage of an abundance of sunlight and embrace a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to electricity,” said Laubichler-Pichler.

The solar rooftop modules throughout the resort are engineered, implemented and financed by German companies C Melchers (Vietnam), Aschoff Solar and a German financial institution.

The resort will pay for the system in savings made on its electricity bills within the first decade of operation.

“After the costs are taken out to pay for the solar technology, Alma will still save an additional US$1.96 million on electricity within this 10-year timeframe,” Laubichler-Pichler said.

The resort’s solar project is expected to generate 3.83 million kilowatt hours of energy in its first year of operation. Excess solar energy from one part of the system is used by other facilities on the grid.

The resort also launched a mobile app called Alma Resort last year, which allows contactless communication between guests and staff in real-time during the pandemic, and also serves as a sustainable solution with digital menus, resort maps, and more.

Celebrate Global Exhibitions Day on June 1

SMX Convention Center Clark to open in May

AIME selects Cvent to provide contactless registration

Getting back to business

Beyond physical walls

Janice Lee adds both FHA events to portfolio

Conrad celebrates debut in Shanghai

The Ambassador Seoul reopens after complete refurbishment

Julian Wipper now heads New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel

Alma Resort embarks on solar power project

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