the Indonesian government has chosen ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’ as the theme for its G20 presidency.
As Indonesia kicks its year-long G20 presidency into high gear this month with a series of activities and events, its Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) has unveiled plans to leverage the high-profile event to trigger a revival of the business events sector.
Summits, ministerial assemblies, forums, and working groups are some of the key G20 meetings that are slated to take place, which will be a mix of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. The G20 Summit meanwhile, will take place in Bali, and is expected to be attended by more than 6,000 delegates.
The Indonesian government has chosen ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’ as the theme for its G20 presidency; a screenshot from the G20 event website
Rizki Handayani, deputy for tourism products and event organisers at MoTCE told TTG Asia: “Indonesia will also maximise its G20 presidency and showcase its development progress. (We aim to also) promote Wonderful Indonesia by holding a series of side events in 13 destinations including Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Batam-Bintan, Medan, Manado and Makassar.”
Under the aegis of the G20, MoTCE will be holding at least four tourism-related side events such as the World Conference on Creative Economy 2020, Indonesia Wellness and Tourism International Festival, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network Conference & International Events 2022. The ministry is also encouraging institutions and industries to hold creative economy exhibitions this year, in relation to tourism.
“We have also created a special tour package with a sustainability theme for G20 delegates, to let them see firsthand the sustainable tourism programmes that are happening, while they enjoy the country’s natural beauty,” stated Rizki.
Standardising event services will also fall under MoTCE’s purview, where the ministry would be ensuring that every venue is compliant with the country’s Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Environment Sustainability (CHSE) standards.
“If the G20 is successfully held without a new (Covid-19) cluster, this will help provide build industry confidence that Indonesia has the ability to organise large-scale events to international standards,” Rizki noted.
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has revealed that its 2022 annual conference, Evolve, will be held from June 29-30, 2022 at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
A welcome function will be held on the evening of June 29, ahead of the conference proper and an event dinner on the day and evening of June 30. The Melbourne Convention Bureau will be a major sponsor of the event.
MEA organisers intentionally chose these dates when forecasts suggest Australia will be better positioned to hold large-scale events; Melbourne pictured
Traditionally coupled with Evolve is an Awards dinner at which national awards are presented. However, the MEA Board has resolved that an awards programme for 2021 will not be conducted.
MEA CEO Peter McDonald said: “We hope that our early public commitment to lead by example and proceed with our conference will give rise and reassurance to the market and sector at a time when its most needed.”
He also shared that former head of innovation and creativity from Disney, Duncan Wardle, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker.
A registration portal and event programme will be made available and published in the coming weeks
CWT has announced the strategic aims and leadership team for its global customer team, under the newly appointed leadership of Nick Vournakis, executive vice president and chief customer officer.
Nick Vournakis
Effective immediately, the core leadership team of the customer unit are:
Ian Cummings heads up the global Meetings & Events business, and will continue to serve existing customer needs – whether virtually, or in-person and grow new business.
Robin Handley will lead the newly-formed Customer Effectiveness organisation, focused on helping client retention, growth and profitability.
Gregory Harkins will continue in his role, leading Defense & Government customers, as CWT maintains its leading position in providing travel management services to the US military and government.
Tammy Morgan will lead CWT’s Regional Key Accounts and will be responsible for developing CWT’s national customers across the world.
Raphael Pasdeloup will assume Nick Vournakis’ prior responsibility of leading the Enterprise Customers organisation. Organised around industry verticals, Pasdeloup’s team will continue to manage key global, multinational, and national customer relationships, expanding these across the full width and breadth of CWT’s offering.
Darren Toohey will continue to lead CWT’s Global Sales Organization, focused on growing CWT’s business globally and across key industry verticals.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has appointed Adeline Vancauwelaert as its next chief operating officer, effective February 22, 2022.
Vancauwelaert joins UFI from Comexposium, a French-based, global exhibition organiser. As event director, she has had a leading role in strategic positioning, team management, and the international development of the SIAL show. At Sopexa, her responsibilities included promoting and supporting the visibility of French brands across international markets.
She’s also held several senior executive positions. Her broad experience in managing events at an international level will be a vital asset in supporting UFI’s global member community.
Concept
In celebration of its Golden Jubilee this year, Sentosa Development Corporation will be rolling out a host of commemorative offerings. The first of these is a collection of 10 sustainability- and heritage-themed guided tours on Sentosa dubbed SentoSights, with two routes including the Southern Islands.
These tour initiatives are part of the Sustainable Sentosa strategic roadmap, which focuses on six key areas to realising the island’s dual goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and becoming a globally-recognised, certified sustainable tourism destination.
What
TTGmice was treated to a condensed version – an hour each – of both the Sentosa Intertidal Exploration and Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure tours, conducted by local wildlife tour company The Untamed Paths.
MICE application
Corporate groups will be able to discover Singapore’s flourishing biodiversity, and learn that when the tide retreats, the exposed swath of shore left behind held pools of seawater teeming with coastal crustaceans, otherworldly-looking echinoderms, nonchalant frogs and darting fish.
During the immersive evening walk, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for leisurely-moving snails, scurrying elbow crabs, well-camouflaged teddy bear crabs, friendly hermit crabs, and lumps of pulsating acorn worms on the sandy flats.
Exploring intertidal flats at different times of the day during low tide, or at other locations like Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris, would yield different animal sightings. If they are lucky, corporate groups may also get a glimpse of octopuses, squids, stingrays, and starfish.
On the Naturalist Night Adventure, groups will be guided through a forest walk, and be treated to the sound of a rainforest symphony under the cover of darkness. Aided by a small but powerful torch, guides would scope out nocturnal creatures such as several Asian toads, red-tent spiders in their intricate webs, and glowing scorpions.
Full-length tours for both the Sentosa Intertidal Exploration and Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure are 1.5 hours each, and require a minimum of four to proceed, and a maximum of 20. Visitors are advised to take along a pair of aqua shoes, and a flashlight, to help with their exploration.
Service
I really enjoyed the Intertidal Exploration tour, where the city slicker in me was thrilled to discover Singapore’s flourishing biodiversity.
During the Intidertidal Exploration tour, my guide Christina also took the extra effort to point out other animals such as a white-bellied sea eagle which soared above our heads, as well as a translucent sea anemone hidden among the stones that pulsated under her UV light. She also pointed out the remnants of horseshoe crab shell, a jellyfish carcass, and other tiny critters I forgot the names of.
I learnt a lot about the intertidal and forest ecosystems, as well as to be more observant of my natural surroundings.
Rate: S$90.95 (US$67.70) per pax for each tour. Corporate tours can also be arranged, contact The Untamed Paths for more information. Dates: Bookings for the Sentosa Intertidal Exploration are released progressively with varying dates and times, while the Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure runs every Saturday from 19.30 to 21.00. Contact
Email: dennis@theuntamedpaths.com
Website: www.sentosa.com.sg/en/
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has launched lyf one-north Singapore, its first coliving property in One-North, Singapore’s research and innovation hub.
Offering 324 keys, the units range from One of a Kind studios with ensuite bathrooms, or Level Up lofts that can accommodate two. The serviced apartments are within two seven-storey towers connected by a linked bridge, and are targeted at long-stay business travellers, as well as expatriates working in the area.
lyf one-north Singapore,
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Bond
Bond
One of a Kind
Level Up
Collab Theatre
Connect
Amphitheatre
Chill Out
A new range of vibrant and green social spaces both indoors and outdoors will make their debut at lyf one-north Singapore. At ‘Meet’, an outdoor amphitheatre, guests can gather for live performances. They can break a sweat in an exercise class at ‘To-Gather’, a flexible outdoor activity area, or take a ‘Dip’ at the 25-metre outdoor lap pool complete with a BBQ pit for an intimate get-together.
Guests can also attend events and market fairs at ‘Hangout’, the property’s rooftop social clubhouse and terrace to unwind, or enjoy an outdoor movie screening under the stars. Indoors, at ‘Huddle & Collab’, the property’s convertible function rooms are also suitable for hosting a variety of events – from mini brainstorm sessions to larger-scale business functions.
Alongside these new social spaces, lyf one-north Singapore will feature the brand’s signature communal spaces. There are ‘Connect’ social zones for coworking and collaboration, as well as a ‘Bond’ social kitchen for guests to prepare and share meals. There are also a gym, and laundromat, on-site.
Lyf one-north Singapore is the second lyf-branded coliving property in Singapore, following the opening of lyf Funan Singapore in 2019. Next to open will be lyf Farrer Park Singapore, slated to receive guests later this month.
Globally, Ascott has 18 lyf properties with over 3,300 units in 14 cities across nine countries. This includes six lyf properties that are scheduled to open in Bangkok, Cebu, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Shanghai and Xi’an this year.
The world’s most challenging public health crisis in living memory has forced communities to alter their way of life. The business events industry, one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, has evolved too – with many changes for the better.
While safety of event crew and participants has always been one of the key responsibilities of businesses and governments, this consideration has scaled to the top of mind amid the pandemic. Governments swiftly established public health and safety regulations along with specific measures for public and business events, while MICE specialists developed their own protocols to ensure event continuity amid new challenges.
With the careful abidance of government and private sector health and safety regulations at events, the MICE industry in some destinations has been able to carry on with business without incidence of infections, demonstrating that such events are one of the safest activities possible during a pandemic.
The MICE industry has also responded to new event considerations in a post-pandemic era. Destinations and MICE specialists that can answer to planners and attendees’ high expectations for new and safe engagements, and cater to a growing need for hybrid and online events, last-minute changes to event formats, well-ventilated venues, among others, find themselves in a strong and competitive position.
A similar MICE evolution has emerged in the Japanese capital city, where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau have been proactive in rebuilding planners’ confidence in hosting their events in the destination.
First and foremost, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau have heeded medical advice and implemented new measures in conference centres, hotels and venues throughout the destination. For example, under the guidance of infectious disease experts, Tokyo has prepared the Hygiene Safety Guidelines – Holding a Successful Business Event in Tokyo, which outlines specific measures to ensure safe and secure business events during Covid-19 pandemic. These guidelines are currently being used by MICE organisers.
Tokyo’s efforts are paying off, as several business events have resumed this year. Some have been limited in numbers, others have been virtual, while yet more have been a hybrid of the two approaches.
Some notable events that have successfully taken off amid the pandemic include the 16th International Docomomo Conference Tokyo Japan with 240 in-person attendees and 2,900 online attendees from 55 countries, and the 7th Asian Conference on Tumor Ablation with 270 in-person attendees and 250 online attendees.
Alongside the health and safety focus, Tokyo has also worked to ensure her venues are now able to cater to new event considerations in a new normal era.
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
Opened in 2020 and coinciding with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this graceful, contemporary facility is designed to serve as the gateway for visitors arriving in the city by cruise liners.
Capable of berthing the largest vessels in the world, its clever design also makes it ideal as a unique venue for events with up to 1,500 guests. The terminal building boasts an impressive 6,000m2 of event space across the second and third floors, including conference rooms and VIP suites. Spaces are flexible – a requirement even more critical in a post-pandemic era, allowing planners to bring to life their desired layouts alongside safety requirements. For instance, a fashion show was held last December in the multipurpose hall on the third floor to showcase the new works of Tokyo designers to an audience of 400 people.
A highlight of the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is its vast observation deck. Overlooking the bay, it is the perfect spot for post-event drinks and networking, particularly as the sun goes down on the city’s spectacular skyline.
Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
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A unique venue with spaces spread across four floors
Conference rooms and VIP suites boast stunning sea views
The city’s spectacular skyline viewed from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
Tokyo Tower Iconic and eye-catching, the 333m Tokyo Tower dominates the city’s skyline. Completed in 1958, with its lattice design inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this landmark offers spectacular opportunities for planners looking to deliver an impressive and memorable event.
A number of venue options are available at the Tokyo Tower – and arrangements can be made to keep the spaces exclusive to event attendees to ensure safe distancing from the visiting public. The highest point where an event could be hosted is the Top Deck, which rises 250m into the sky. Here, guests can take in a stunning, 360-degree view across the metropolis. The Top Deck is suitable for intimate groups of up to 30 people.
Club333, at the 150m mark, puts state-of-the-art visual and sound equipment in the hands of planners. Glorious city views can be seen all around, making the venue ideal for “sky parties” for as many as 70 guests.
For larger gatherings, the Tokyo Tower has flexible indoor and outdoor facilities on the ground floor FootTown. Last November, a hybrid event was held on the top deck and a part of the main deck for an international company that wanted a special venue to host an award ceremony and reception for their outstanding members.
Visitors and event attendees at the Tokyo Tower can rest assured of a safe experience, as the attraction has installed new anti-virus and UV sterilisation devices to clean surfaces and the air.
Tokyo Tower
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A dominating landmark in Tokyo
Savour sprawling city views from special event venues within the Tokyo Tower
One-stop MICE solution Organisations keen to utilise the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, Tokyo Tower or any unique and outstanding venues across Tokyo can expect quality guidance and assistance.
The Unique Venues One-Stop Service Desk, established in 2018 to serve as a convenient, one-stop service desk for planners, underscores the destination’s ability to deliver on event expectations.
Experienced staff are on hand to support planners from conception to completion of their event. They can recommend venues to suit a client’s requirements, coordinate site inspections, provide promotional materials such as the Tokyo Travel Guide and promotional DVD, and act as the go-between with specialist companies involved in event organisation. Such forms of support are especially valuable now and going forward, when pulling off an event is far more complex due to post-pandemic considerations.
Confident strides into 2022
While the last two years have presented unprecedented challenges to the world’s MICE industry, and a sense of caution continues to hang in the air while governments and communities find their footing around living with the virus, one must acknowledge the progress Tokyo – and Japan in general – has made in combating the public health crisis.
Thanks to carefully calibrated activity restrictions, such as early closing times at dining and leisure facilities, most commercial activities have been able to carry on while ensuring the safety of Tokyo residents. The Japanese culture of order, consideration of others and responsibility for their surroundings – a way of life collectively known as omotenashi – has also been instrumental in Japan’s ability to keep infection incidences lower than other major countries around the world.
Despite the effects of new variants, Tokyo’s steady progress towards recovery from the pandemic is a cause for optimism that the city will soon be able to return to more in-person gatherings.
To find out how Tokyo can bring your next event to life, visit Unique Venues Tokyo.
The pandemic is still hampering normal business events, but Tokyo is stepping up to meet changing needs and offer innovative and sustainable solutions.
For the past two years, event organisers and hosts have been embracing new operations while continuing to implement rigorous protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Approaches taken include using technology to bring people together more easily and efficiently while keeping them safe.
Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba is an event venue that supports biodiversity in its buildings
“Tokyo has been focusing on promoting Smart City initiatives, and technology such as robots and AI are becoming standard,” said Kana Nomoto, director of sales at Business Events Tokyo, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB).
“Avatar robots, in which meeting participants can log in from their computers and communicate with colleagues onsite, is one way to enhance the delegate experience. The robots make face-to-face networking a lot easier for both online and onsite delegates.”
The robots allowed participants to move around during coffee breaks and interact with in-person attendees.
Chris Christophers, founder and CEO of iPresence, said this technology offered a “more complete interactivity to remote participants, creating truly hybrid experiences”.
Tokyo-based event facility and organiser Happo-en has also devised ways to improve hybrid events.
In November 2021, the company launched an online event platform called We Room, to enhance communication among digital and in-person attendees. The platform places up to 16 pax on “tables” where they can watch a livestream of the event and communicate with each other at the same time. Digital attendees can move freely among the “tables” to talk and meet others, just as they would do at an in-person event.
Rosa Aldridge, brand communication and design manager at Happo-en, says the platform aims to combine the “real” and “online” worlds and is “a way to provide a new level of flexibility and freedom for event organisers and participants”.
The company has also adopted the use of Servi, a non-contact hospitality system to serve guests food. QR codes on the items presented by the robots contain the names of the dishes and their ingredients. Launched in April 2021, these two new initiatives are part of Happo-en’s Future of Communications Project.
Aldridge explained: “The role of the hospitality industry as business event organisers goes beyond just facilitating gatherings and providing cuisine. We must actively contribute to the building of new relationships, the creation of business opportunities and the fostering of corporate – as well as organisational engagement – through people-to-people interaction.”
With safety still top of mind for the industry, Japan’s technology firms are stepping up too.
In November 2021, Panasonic launched its latest anti-infection technology for use at the entrances and exits of venues. Named Anshin Gate, it measures the participant’s temperature and sanitises their hands and feet simultaneously. A related system tracks the movement and number of participants in the space to predict congestion levels so as to reduce the chances of lines or crowds forming.
Beyond improving in-person and hybrid events, Tokyo’s business events industry is preparing for the future of green events.
Following the 2019 release of Sustainability Guidelines for Business Events in Tokyo, TCVB’s Business Events Tokyo team launched the Sustainability Experience in Tokyo in 2021. The programme offers ideas for international conference organisers that are keen on engaging their delegates in nature, food, crafts and physical activities.
“We are confident that these (sustainability experiences) will make the guests’ stay in Tokyo most satisfying and meaningful,” said Nomoto. “We also hope meeting organisers will make good use of these programmes that aim to contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals while offering the opportunity to experience unique activities and be immersed in the traditional culture of Tokyo.”
The guidelines and experiences are part of TCVB’s wider efforts to “raise awareness of the importance of sustainability in the business events industry”, she elaborated.
Firms are heeding the advice. Tokyo’s newest destination marketing organisation, DMO Shiba, Tokyo Bay, is among those with a green mission. Launched in autumn 2021 and covering the areas of Hamamatsucho, Takeshiba and Shibaura, the DMO supports members that have a high level of interest in the environment.
For instance, event facility Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba supports biodiversity in its buildings using onsite rice paddies, vegetable patches, and a beehive. Its Port Hall and Port Studio offer a CO2 Zero MICE Initiative for organisers to replace the electricity used for their event with renewable energy.
Meanwhile, DMO member Waters Takeshiba is restoring the tidal flats along Tokyo Bay where it offers experiences and tours, so visitors can better understand and appreciate the valuable ecosystem there.
From February 10, 2022, the Philippines will be allowing fully-vaccinated international tourists from a total of 157 visa-free countries, shared the Department of Tourism (DoT) today.
Vaccinated tourists would be required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
The Philippines finally opens borders for fully vaxxed tourists; Coron, Palawan pictured
Foreign arrivals must also self-monitor their health for the first seven days of their arrival, with the first date being the date of arrival. They will also be required to report to the local government unit of the destination should Covid-19 symptoms manifest.
Tourists must also carry proof of vaccination, such as certificates issued by the World Health Organization, VaxCertPH of the Department of Health, or a national/state digital certificate of a foreign government that has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.
Children below 18 years of age are exempted from the requirement of full inoculation and providing proof of vaccination status.
A total of 157 countries enjoy visa-free entry privileges to the Philippines, including some of its top tourist markets prior to the pandemic such as South Korea, Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, US, and Germany.
Also on February 1, 2022, fully-vaccinated returning overseas Filipinos will no longer be required to undergo quarantine as long as they are able to present a negative result of an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before departure from the point of origin.
Andaz Singapore has welcomed its first female Executive Chef, Nadine Waechter-Moreno.
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise gleaned from over 20 years of experience, Waechter-Moreno now leads all culinary operations from events and catering, to each of the five drinking and dining concepts of the hotel.
Hailing from Luzern, Switzerland, her passion has then taken her around the world, including the US and Australia, before she joined the Hyatt family in 2008 at Park Hyatt Tokyo as chef de cuisine.
From there, she rose through the ranks to be executive chef within a span of two years, and was instrumental in the opening of Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Most recently, Waechter-Moreno was cluster executive chef for Hyatt Regency Bali and Andaz Bali for four years.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
To find out how Tokyo can bring your next event to life, visit 
