The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has revealed that Colette Baini been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Baini is the founder and CEO of The Conference Room, and Australia Conferences & Incentives. She is renowned for innovative design of incentive travel, conferences, special events, and destination management across Australia.
Colette Baini
In response to member feedback, ABEA recently merged the Supplier Pillar with the WH&S and Risk Management Special Interest Groups, recognising the overlap in their areas of focus. Damien Gaffney has been appointed chair of this combined group.
Further appointments include Dan Morahan as chair of the Queensland Chapter, Hannah Von Bibra as chair of Victoria, and Jessie Rayson who steps into the role of chair for Northern Territory, following her previous position as vice-chair. For the Special Interest Groups, Jessica Zicker will lead Sustainability, Toni McAllister is the chair for Education, Skills & Pathways to Industry, and Andrew Cook, Emerging Leaders.
All chairs lead a team of people and deliver a combination of events, information, resources and networking. The chairs will provide updates on their respective committee initiatives at the upcoming ABEA Conference, December 3-5, 2025 in Melbourne.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has appointed Andreas Gober as executive chef.
Originally from Austria, Gober’s career spans fine dining restaurants across Europe, premium cruise lines, luxury hotels and large-scale stadium catering.
Menus at Nyaal Banyul will be shaped in close collaboration with local growers and artisans, many based across the Bellarine and Surf Coast. Gober and his team will source seasonal ingredients with a focus on sustainability, supporting regional producers and minimising food miles.
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has appointed Nick Downing as general manager of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok.
He will report to Sherona Shng, regional vice president – operations, Asia.
Downing brings over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience across South-east Asia, Australia, and the Indian Ocean. He most recently led The Siam in Bangkok.
From left: Adelaide Convention Centre’s Sarah Goldfinch; and Business Events Adelaide’s Damien Kitto
Adelaide’s focused efforts to attract the Indian outbound market are bearing fruit this year, a strategy set in motion following Dreamtime 2023, where a fam for Indian event planners in Adelaide was held immediately after the event.
This commitment continued last November, when another group of Indian event planners visited Adelaide for a post-fam trip, following their participation at Australia Next 2024 in Cairns. This sustained engagement has now led to tangible results.
From left: Adelaide Convention Centre’s Sarah Goldfinch; and Business Events Adelaide’s Damien Kitto; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
“Indian travellers have been going to Sydney, Gold Coast, and Melbourne for 30 years, and they are looking for a new destination. Adelaide is that opportunity for them. For this coming December, we’ve secured two corporate incentive groups of around 150 to 200 participants,” Damien Kitto, CEO at Business Events Adelaide, told TTGmice.
He added that Business Events Adelaide is receiving enquiries merely eight weeks out from event planners based in India, indicating that the market “moves fast”.
“The more small- to medium-sized groups we can attract over the next 12 months and successfully deliver, the more we’ll build our volume and attract larger groups in the future,” Kitto shared.
Typically, an Indian corporate group will have a minimum one day conference, before heading out to experience Adelaide’s attractions – such as the cricket culture at Adelaide Oval and Monarto Safari Park – over the next three to four days.
Aside from being a safe Australian city, a strong Indian culture already flows through the city. For example, when it comes to cuisine, Indian agents are usually surprised by the “exceptional quality of Indian cuisine Adelaide has to offer”, thanks to the 50,000 Indian immigrants currently working and studying in the city, noted Sarah Goldfinch, general manager of Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC). The ACC too, has several Indian chefs on its F&B team, supported by a predominantly Indian event team.
One of the reasons why the Indian market is of interest is also because the country is home to a large number of medical associations.
Kitto stated: “We’re starting to engage with Indian PCOs connected with medical associations, educate them on our infrastructure, in particular the ACC. But a key aspect to that is Adelaide BioMed City, the largest health and medical research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere, that can be utilised for site visits.”
He hopes that in the next three years, efforts to court the Indian market will materialise into larger incentive groups, as well as large medical conferences.
Luminara, the third and largest superyacht in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (R-CYC), is set to arrive in Singapore on December 23, offering meeting planners that organise high-end incentives and corporate events a new exclusive venue to consider.
According to Steven Ler, executive director, UOB Travel Planners (UTP) who attended the June 26 launch and christening ceremony in Barcelona, this luxury small ship cruise experience is a new product and concept.
A rendering of Luminara; photo by Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Singapore will be the base for two months offering five- to 14-day cruises around the region sailing to Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Phuket and Tokyo, Ler told TTGmice.
Price-wise, the average per night per head cost is around US$1,500, and he sees pharmaceutical companies with “big budgets” as potential clients.
Luminara’s capacity is 452 guests and the 226 suites with private terraces offer generous space ratios, whjile the two new upper suite categories feature 93m2 of private space.
Among Luminara’s multipurpose meeting rooms are The Living Room, which can accommodate 100 guests for a stand-up gathering, while dining space Azur on Luminara seats 106.
In total, there are five restaurants, seven bars, and a wine vault, Ler noted.
With a full-yacht charter, itineraries to shore excursions and menus can be customised and branded with a company’s identity and messaging.
UTP, a top-performer specifically for delivering exceptional luxury travel experiences under Marriott International’s STARS & LUMINOUS Luxury Celestial Club, plans to “marry” its exclusive benefits and recognition for guests when booking participating Marriott properties with the Asian itineraries to create a seamless, luxury cruise experience for high-end events.
Unique suites, bold interiors, and a promise to support events with flexibility have gained The Standard, Singapore favour among creative event organisers.
Since its soft opening late 2024, the hotel has welcomed various corporate events that sought to bring lifestyle elements, such as whiskey tastings, into their programme.
The Standard, Singapore’s stylish suites and designed-focused spaces welcome event planners who think outside the box
The property adopts The Standard brand’s design DNA, presenting a dramatic terrarium-inspired reception desk, custom murals, and lush greenery throughout.
Amar Lalvani, president and creative director – lifestyle, Hyatt Group, said the brand’s design DNA “is rooted in pushing boundaries”, and a partnership with the Ministry of Design has allowed the brand’s “signature irreverence” to be blended with Singapore’s “rich, tropical sensibilities”.
“The result is a property that feels unmistakably Standard, yet deeply connected to the spirit and vibrancy of Singapore,” added Lalvani.
The Standard, Singapore presents several stylish spaces that are ideal for events – The Garden, a layered outdoor space that reaches skywards and offers pockets of stylish nooks for rest and tete-a-tete; and the One-Bedroom Suite Pool View, which welcomes guests into a brightly-lit atrium living room; and the 72m2 Suite Spot, which offers pool views, a private bar, and space to comfortably accommodate over 20 guests.
Corporate groups will also benefit from the hotel’s dining concepts – Kaya at The Standard, positioned as a modern izakaya, and Café Standard, a laid-back café that transforms into an enticing bar after sunset.
General manager Amy Lu told TTGmice that property buyouts are welcome.
“We can comfortably accommodate over 200 guests across our public spaces and 143 guestrooms. Flexibility is our strongest suit, and we aim to give our clients the comfort and convenience of designing their event exactly the way they envision it.
“Our garden and pool spaces are especially versatile, and we encourage guests to let their creativity soar. We are here to bring those visions to life: bold, custom, and unforgettable.”
Commenting on her dining venues, Lu said Kaya at The Standard is ideal for elegant dinners and innovative tasting sessions, while Café Standard is great for brainstorming sessions, casual breakfast meetups, or evening social gatherings.
“Both venues can be styled up or down depending on your needs, creating a vibe that is fresh and fun. A standout feature is that both spaces offer direct access to our outdoor areas – the garden for Café Standard, and an al fresco space cascading to the pool outside Kaya. Guests can brainstorm indoors or soak up the sun while networking, and we encourage them to enjoy both settings,” she added.
Lu emphasised the hotel’s strength in hosting “events that require creativity, intimacy, and an edge”.
“If you are not looking for a traditional ballroom, you are in the right place. We encourage guests to take advantage of our outdoor spaces, whether for wellness-focused programming, product launches, or fashion events. The Standard, Singapore, is all about breaking the boundaries, and we are excited to work with people who think outside the box,” she stated.
As a lifestyle hotel, The Standard, Singapore is also channelling its creative energy into numerous fun activations for guests. New menus at Kaya as well as collaborations with local artists and creators to deliver hands-on workshops, immersive showcases, and social events that double as cultural playgrounds are in the works, shared Lu.
Corporate event organisers are welcome to work with Lu’s team to weave creative magic into their events.
“Our in-house programming, ranging from artist sessions to pop-ups and live performances, can easily be customised for clients. We love adding unexpected touches and details that transform an event into an unforgettable experience. We have hosted musicians, creatives, and cultural collaborators across our spaces, and we are always excited to co-create something fresh and dynamic,” she told TTGmice.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will host the 21st Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum (AP ITS) in 2027, a three-day event focused on advancing the future of intelligent transport solutions.
The forum will take place from May 5-7, 2027, at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), bringing more than 1,000 delegates and an estimated NZ$1.3 million (US$780,000) in economic benefit to the region.
View of Auckland’s pink cycling path
The bid was led by Intelligent Transport Systems New Zealand (ITSNZ) with support from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
ITSNZ chair and president, Armin Guttke, said: “… The forum will showcase how the right policy and technology can address New Zealand’s transport challenges – making the system safer, more equitable, sustainable and productive. The forum will also create opportunities for local innovators, attract international investment and deliver significant economic benefits.”
With the theme Navigating Tomorrow: Advancing Intelligent Transport Together, the event will spotlight key technology-enabled developments in Auckland’s transport network – including AI-powered network optimisation for roads and public transport, the City Rail Link, new electric ferries and Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot.
Technical tours and demonstrations will include the University of Auckland Transportation Research Centre, a leader in dynamic wireless inductive charging, and ERoad, developers of New Zealand’s nationwide electronic Road User Charges System.
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, added: “This win supports our vision of Auckland as a global innovation hub. It shows we are open to international expertise and investment to grow our transport future, while also showcasing our homegrown technology and talent.”
ICC Sydney's Adam Mather-Brown; and Beverley Parker in front of ICC Sydney Theatre
ICC Sydney Theatre will soon be renamed the Entertainment Centre, creating a new branding and sponsorship opportunity for companies.
The venue, which has a capacity of 9,000 and hosts about 125 events annually, is one of the busiest entertainment venues in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring performances by international artists such as Elton John, Cher, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Kylie Minogue, Sting, and Jerry Seinfeld.
ICC Sydney’s Adam Mather-Brown; and Beverley Parker in front of ICC Sydney Theatre
Expressions of interest are now open for brands interested in securing long-term naming rights. The partnership includes rights to the venue name and access to 19 large-format digital advertising displays across Darling Harbour, reaching an audience of approximately 25 million people each year, including locals, interstate visitors, and international tourists.
This package offers brands the opportunity to associate with a major Sydney entertainment destination, gain extensive media exposure, and create customised brand experiences across more than 100 events each year. It provides a high-profile platform for brands seeking visibility and engagement in a prime cultural and entertainment setting.
“Brands have an unparalleled opportunity to align with one of Australia’s most high-performing entertainment venues situated within a vibrant precinct. Welcoming almost 497,000 patrons in the past year alone and ranked among Pollstar’s 2024 Top Performers – now is the moment to be part of a truly iconic venue in Sydney,” said Adam Mather-Brown, CEO at ICC Sydney.
Event planners can also utilise the hotel’s equipment
Conrad Tokyo’s new outside catering service aims to meet rising demand among planners to hold events at diverse venues in the Japanese capital.
The offering builds on the hotel’s reputation for hosting large-scale events and international sporting occasions and is designed to support indoor and outdoor events as varied as exhibitions, opening ceremonies, corporate celebrations and bespoke gatherings.
Event planners can also utilise the hotel’s equipment
Led by award-winning executive chef Masashi Mizuguchi, the service brings Conrad Tokyo’s blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine to coffee breaks and lunches, as well as buffets and gala dinners.
Each menu can be curated to reflect the client’s vision, dietary preferences and concept, and the team is equipped to plan every detail of the event. In addition to F&B, planners can utilise the hotel’s tableware, cooking equipment, chefs and staff, as well as stylistic elements such as sound, lighting, direction and entertainment.
According to general manager Neil McInnes, the new outside catering service “not only reflects our commitment to innovation but also meets the evolving expectations of our discerning clientele who seek bespoke experiences beyond the confines of a hotel setting”.
Airports worldwide are increasingly adopting digital technologies that are changing how travellers move through terminals and how much they spend.
A recent global survey by Priority Pass, which included over 12,000 travellers from key Asia-Pacific markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, highlights the growing impact of automation on passenger behaviour and airport commerce.
The survey finds airport automation is changing traveller behaviour and increasing spending across the Asia-Pacific region
The global airport automation market is expected to grow from US$55.05 billion in 2025 to USD$85.12 billion by 2033. The increase is attributed to changing passenger expectations and investment in digital infrastructure. Technologies such as biometric identification, real-time updates, and automated check-in and baggage handling are influencing traveller preferences and expenditure.
In the Asia-Pacific region, fast-track security (78%) and digital boarding passes (77%) were the most widely cited technologies impacting travel. Automated baggage drops (74%) and advanced security scanners (72%) also featured prominently.
68% of travellers in Asia-Pacific – including 77% of Gen Z and 73% of millennials – reported spending more at airports as a result of automation. This compares to a global average of 60%. Nearly half (48%) of travellers in the region said automation gives them an additional 10 to 30 minutes per journey, while 21% reported gaining up to an hour. This extra time is commonly spent on dining (58%), shopping (51%), or using airport lounges (46%). Around 31% of respondents said automation made them feel more relaxed, leading to greater discretionary spending.
Airport lounges and spending patterns
Lounge access remains a significant aspect of the airport experience in Asia-Pacific, where 80% of respondents said they had used a lounge at least once. Among lounge users, 73% said automation increased their airport spending, compared to 45% of non-users.
A separate study by analytics firm Fonto, commissioned by Collinson, found that Australian payment cardholders with Priority Pass spend 19% more annually than cardholders with access through other providers or without lounge access.
Travellers identified three preferred future developments in lounges: tech-enabled environments with tailored food, entertainment and workspaces (46%), seamless app-based bookings (42%), and sustainable lounge and wellness area design (41%). 67% of Asia-Pacific respondents said that lounge access through payment cards improved their airport experience.
Balancing automation and human support
While automation is generally viewed positively, travellers continue to value human interaction at key points. In Asia-Pacific, 69% of respondents believe the pace of AI and technology adoption in airports is appropriate. However, the study notes that human presence remains important during customer service interactions (66%), security procedures (53%), and lost property assistance (52%), where reassurance and clarity are often needed.
Looking ahead, travellers in Asia-Pacific expressed interest in standardised global security processes (45%), fully biometric travel (44%), and smart baggage tracking (43%).
As airports incorporate more technology, opportunities are increasing for service providers and brands to engage travellers. According to Priority Pass, aligning loyalty benefits with traveller preferences may enhance customer engagement within a changing airport environment.
Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans stated: “Automation is freeing up valuable time, lowering stress levels and providing better information, in real time to the traveller. When the experience delivers, travellers are more inclined to explore places to relax, sample dining options or retail stores. By integrating digital access to lounges and new airport experiences into the Priority Pass app, we’re creating more choice and opportunities for enhanced moments throughout the journey.”
“The dynamic Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the world’s busiest international airport hubs, with several airports investing significantly in expansion and modernisation of infrastructure to meet growing demand. The region is also leading the charge in adopting airport technology; in turn, setting new global standards for efficiency and traveller experience,” added Todd Handcock, global chief commercial officer and Asia Pacific executive chair at Collinson International.
He added that their research showed travellers in Asia-Pacific also place high value on “connection, trust and service alongside these innovations”.
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.
Downing brings over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience across South-east Asia, Australia, and the Indian Ocean. He most recently led The Siam in Bangkok.
