From left: GBTA’s Elle Ng-Darmawan (moderator); Amway’s Joann Toh; International SOS' Jamon Ngoencharee; and SAP Concur’s Elise Shen
Hush trips, defined as remote workers working from a location they did not inform their employers about, are becoming increasingly common, according to panellists on the Bleisure & Hush Trips: The Corporate Risk Dilemma session at IT&CM Asia and CTW APAC 2025 last week.
Jamon Ngoencharee, medical director, International SOS, shared that while bleisure trips are pre-approved and partly covered by travel insurance, hush trips leave companies in a difficult position.
From left: GBTA’s Elle Ng-Darmawan (moderator); Amway’s Joann Toh; International SOS’ Jamon Ngoencharee; and SAP Concur’s Elise Shen
In Thailand, duty of care obligations still apply to employees on hush trips if they are injured or fall ill abroad, even if the company has no knowledge of their travel, he pointed out.
Jamon also cited cases where employees were injured on hush trips, creating a liability dilemma, as employers may still be held responsible for the well-being of staff under occupational health and safety laws, despite the travel not being approved.
Cybersecurity is another risk factor, he added, as employees who take hush trips often rely on unsecured Wi-Fi in hotels or cafés to work.
Joann Toh, global travel manager, Amway, explained that although her company allowed staff to extend after business trips, hush trips were prohibited because of the higher risks involved.
To navigate this situation, clear policies and approval processes are essential, Toh noted, and that approved bleisure arrangements can support staff retention and work-life balance.
Elise Shen, senior solutions consultant at SAP Concur, said hush trips blur the lines of accountability.
Shen added that while employees on hush trips are expected to manage their own insurance and safety, companies may still face tax, legal, and compliance risks. This is because such employees can inadvertently trigger obligations under labour laws, immigration regulations, or tax regimes.
Jamon stated that hush trips will remain a “continuing battle between employee autonomy and organisational duty of care”, warning that employers must find ways to manage potential risks without alienating their workforce.
Shen agreed, and recommended that employers adopt integrated booking and risk management platforms to improve tracking of employees while maintaining respect on their privacy.
Resorts World Sentosa’s (RWS) newly-opened attraction Singapore Oceanarium (SO) provides a state-of-the-art indoor space and awe-inspiring storytelling to host different types of business events.
The revamped former S.E.A. Aquarium, which opened in July, “showcases our flexible and sustainable event spaces, as RWS redefines how MICE groups experience events in Singapore”, a spokesperson commented.
Singapore Oceanarium
There are 22 immersive zones, and Whale Fall and Seamount, an atmospheric space of light, sound and deep-sea discovery, for example, is suitable for standing receptions of up to 250 guests.
The adjacent Research and Learning Centre complement these environments with flexible meeting spaces like The Wave and Edutorium, as well as The Beacon, a rooftop venue with panoramic views.
The spokesperson added exclusive buyouts can transform SO into “a one-of-a-kind venue for launches, networking sessions, incentive groups and team retreats surrounded by ocean wonders”.
Current offers include one complimentary room for every 20 booked and charges are waived for the next 10 attendees with every 50 foreign delegates – a one-time use across the event period.
Corporate rates are also available with a minimum 30 tickets per attraction, while signature programmes such as Another Future, an immersive teambuilding game that explores the impact of plastic pollution, start from S$82 (US$64.30) nett per person.
To add meaning and make corporate events memorable, participants can take the Ocean Discovery Experience guided tour where they gain a deeper understanding of marine life.
An artist impression of Novotel Geelong’s new hotel tower
Construction has commenced on an 11-storey hotel tower at the Novotel Geelong, marking the largest single hotel development in the city’s history.
The expansion will add 134 new guestrooms, including 15 apartment-style suites, bringing the Novotel Geelong’s total capacity to 243 rooms.
An artist impression of Novotel Geelong’s new hotel tower
Located immediately south of the existing structure, the new tower will feature a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a new 125-seat brasserie-style restaurant. This new dining venue, complementing the existing Tempo Kitchen & Bar, will offer indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping 360-degree panoramic views from 36 metres above the bay.
The development will also enhance Geelong’s conference and events market by delivering a combined 1,200m2 of event space across both the new tower and the existing hotel.
The A$75 million (US$49.5 million) project along the waterfront, owned by ERDI Group, aims to significantly boost Geelong’s capacity for business and leisure tourism.
Aichi Sky Expo boasts one of the largest exhibition areas in Japan with six halls, 18 conference rooms, and a huge outdoor space
As planners search for more creative ways to make their events more memorable, Aichi Prefecture in Japan presents an attractive destination for hybrid events.
Strategically located in central Japan with excellent transport connectivity and home to Japan’s industrial manufacturing region, Aichi has large-scale venues and plenty of experiences to offer, whether it is an international conference or incentive trip.
On the global stage
The prefecture is home to Aichi Sky Expo, the fourth largest exhibition and convention centre in Japan with a total of 60,000m² of space.
The exhibition halls, which can be connected to create a total area of up to 50,000m², are among the largest in Japan. The facility also features 18 conference rooms in varying configurations, and a 36,000m² outdoor multipurpose area, all fully equipped with 5G technology and external kitchens.
Directly connected to Chubu Centrair International Airport by just a five-minute walk, Aichi Sky Expo is easily accessible by both domestic and international travellers. If coming by train, it takes only 28 minutes from Nagoya station.
Since its opening in August 2019, the modern, multipurpose venue has held more than 600 events, both B2B and B2C, including trade shows, e-sports, concerts, academic conferences or international conventions.
It recently hosted the Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi/Central Japan from September 25 to 28, which was attended by 127,677 visitors. Participants were first welcomed by the Mayor of Tokoname at a repurposed traditional climbing kiln turned restaurant, and could join excursions to Tokoname Pottery Footpath, INAX Live Museum, and Sawada Sake Brewery.
What sets the venue apart is not just its scale or modern building, but how well it can be integrated into a broader event experience. Once attendees step out of the convention venue, they are already positioned to explore one of Japan’s most culturally rewarding regions.
Extend the experience to Tokoname
A short transfer from Aichi Sky Expo takes you to Tokoname City, a coastal gem that offers an abundance of deep-rooted heritage, culinary experiences, and hands-on activities. Set along the scenic Ise Bay, Tokoname offers a refreshing change to the intensity of corporate meetings.
The city is most famous for its Tokoname-yaki pottery, a tradition that dates back over 900 years. Walking trails wind past traditional kilns, artisan studios, and ceramic-clad alleyways – perfect for slow-paced incentive tours or creative team-building workshops.
Visitors can arrange pottery-making sessions, heritage walks, or even customised gifts crafted by local artisans.
Complementing its artistic heritage, Tokoname is home to two historic sake breweries. These venues offer tastings and brewery tours and can also be used to host networking events or team building activities.
Tokoname also has a diverse food scene with a great number of local restaurants that specialise in regional cuisine using fresh ingredients from both the land and sea, as well as pubs and western restaurants.
Those looking to build a full-fledged incentive itinerary can also consider expanding further into the Chita Peninsula, of which Tokoname is a part. The region is renowned for its fermentation culture and sake brewing, with seven sake breweries, traditional miso makers and soy sauce producers.
Here, you can offer your guests more than just meals. Plan fermentation workshops, sake tastings sessions, or behind-the-scenes tours of traditional breweries.
The INAX Live Museum houses exhibitions of ceramics such as decorative tiles and terracotta. Pottery workshops are also available
Past events have successfully combined meetings at the Aichi Sky Expo with experiences in Tokoname.
In May, the Exhibition Venue Association Conference brought together around 100 participants where they had a packed programme. After productive board meetings and a general assembly at the Aichi Sky Expo, attendees embarked on a tour of the town. They explored the INAX Live Museum, wandered the historic Tokoname Pottery Footpath, and browsed Ceramall, capping off the experience with a fresh seafood lunch at a renowned restaurant, Muruha.
Another event in July by the Livestock Industry Subcommittee combined work and pleasure. A conference at the Aichi Sky Expo led into an evening of networking dinner at Maruha for around 100 delegates. The next day, participants savoured sake on a tasting tour at Sawada Sake Brewery before visiting the Tokoname Pottery Footpath and shopping at Ceramall. Lunch was served at a charming farmhouse restaurant offering local wines and farm-to-table cuisine.
Create programmes that engage the senses and foster genuine interpersonal connection in Aichi now. Visit Aichi Sky Expo and find out more about Tokoname’s gourmet experiences for event inspiration.
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) have strengthened their leadership in Asia-Pacific with a dual-role sales structure to support the brands’ growth in the region.
Lisa Pile, vice president and general manager for RSSC in Asia-Pacific, now also oversees Oceania Cruises in the region. Pile has worked with RSSC since 2016 and brings extensive experience across Asia’s luxury travel markets, having lived and worked in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
From left: Lisa Pile and Constance Seck
Constance Seck returns as director of sales, Southeast Asia, for both Oceania Cruises and RSSC. Based in Singapore, Seck has over 20 years of experience in luxury travel markets, including senior roles in hotels, consortia management, and travel agencies.
James Sitters remains director of sales, Australia and New Zealand, for Oceania Cruises.
Pile will be supported by three regional leaders: Seck for South-east Asia, Holly Kong for North Asia (excluding Japan), and Toshi Kurihara for Japan. Kong has more than seven years with the company, while Kurihara has led sales in Japan since 2023.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has appointed two senior executives to expanded leadership roles.
Steve Ayalo has been promoted to vice president, IT governance, risk & compliance, and Matthew Lloyd to vice president, marketing technology & CRM.
From left: Steve Ayalo and Matthew Lloyd
Ayalo, who joined GHA in 2015, has led the development of the company’s cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including the cybersecurity operations centre, threat intelligence services, and governance around emerging technologies such as AI. In his new role, he will oversee ISO certification, enterprise IT strategy, information security risk management, and regulatory compliance across all business units.
Lloyd joined GHA in 2018, bringing 10 years of prior travel industry experience with Hilton and Southwest Airlines. He has led global CRM initiatives, digital innovation, and customer data platform rollouts. He will take on broader responsibilities, shaping departmental culture, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring emerging talent to enhance GHA’s marketing capabilities.
From left: TECA’s Tiger Lin; STEM promoter, author and innovator, Gitanjali Rao; AFECA’s Edward Liu; The International Trade Administration’s Susan Hu; TAITRA’s Simon Wang; K&A International’s Kitty Wong; TCEA’s James Wu; TEA’s Michael Tu
The Asian MICE Forum (AMF) convened on September 19 in Taipei, marking its 20th anniversary alongside the two-decade milestone of the Meet Taiwan programme.
Adopting the theme Beyond 20: Embracing Tomorrow, the forum signalled the start of a new chapter for Taiwan’s business events industry with a major brand refresh and a lineup of globally-recognised speakers.
From left: TECA’s Tiger Lin; STEM promoter, author and innovator, Gitanjali Rao; AFECA’s Edward Liu; The International Trade Administration’s Susan Hu; TAITRA’s Simon Wang; K&A International’s Kitty Wong; TCEA’s James Wu; TEA’s Michael Tu
As part of the celebration, the forum unveiled Meet Taiwan’s refreshed brand identity, complete with a new logo and slogan, Meet Taiwan, me in Taiwan.
The AMF too, introduced a commemorative 20th anniversary logo, which visually blends the number 20 with the infinity symbol, reflecting the industry’s momentum, innovation, and limitless possibilities.
The forum kicked off with a keynote by TIME’s Kid of the Year and STEM advocate Gitanjali Rao. She spoke on the topic Technology as a Catalyst for Social Change, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This was followed by three high-impact panel discussions: one where experts from Expo City Dubai, Rotary International, and International Conference Services discussed how innovation can transform the business events industry; a second where leaders from the Paris Air Show and BIO Asia explored the strong connections between major exhibitions and supporting local industries; and a final panel featuring representatives from Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center focusing on how venues can elevate the delegate experience.
The dual 20th anniversary celebration highlighted the significant transformation of Taiwan’s business events sector. From early beginnings with limited venues, the nation is now home to a nationwide Taiwan Business Events Corridor and hosts world-leading exhibitions such as Computex, Taiwan International Machine Tool Show, and Taipei Cycle.
A candid relationship between meeting planners and event vendors will help overcome the current cost challenge
With cost of travel and meetings rising over the past 12 months and set to further increase in the coming year, meeting planners and suppliers have called for a closer working relationship that is built on transparency, flexibility and willingness to try new ideas in order to overcome challenges.
Jessie States, vice president, MPI Consulting, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), shared in a presentation at IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2025 on September 24 that market studies conducted with meeting professionals have traced price increases mostly in the range of 10 per cent in the past one year, with some reporting adjustments in excess of 10 per cent.
A candid relationship between meeting planners and event vendors will help overcome the current cost challenge
While prices are going up, meeting budgets are not all moving in the same direction. Thirty per cent of meeting professionals say event budgets are down while 47 per cent are given more spending money. However, the segment of meeting professionals with bigger budgets now are down 25 per cent year-on-year.
Meeting planners do not expect relief from rising costs in the next 12 month, with most bracing for one to 10 per cent increments across F&B, audiovisual, venue, hotel, labour and transport prices.
States commented: “This is causing organisers to make some really difficult decisions when it comes to their meetings and events.”
She told TTGmice that meeting planners and vendors will need to tackle price challenges together, by “being very transparent” about the budget. This will allow vendors to design realistic experiences that satisfy meeting planners’ objectives and budget.
“That experience might look a little different than (what meeting planners may be used to), but we have seen how organisations are able to do things at cost and be wildly successful,” added States.
She pointed out that hotel companies, DMCs and other event vendors in the destination “are experts in their space” and will know the ways to get meeting planners more bang for their buck.
Eileen Quek, assistant director, sales (international) at Constellar, the company that manages the Singapore Expo convention and exhibition venue, is confident of being able to successfully navigate the rising cost of operations with her customers.
Quek detailed: “Tighter budgets do not mean reduced level of service. Constellar does not add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill, but we still provide top-notch service and support for all our events.
“In fact, we have built an ecosystem of partners with our Singapore Expo Advantage Program to ensure that meeting planners who pick us will get access to exclusive privileges that will elevate the delegate experience. With our hotel partners under the programme, for example, meeting groups may be able to secure preferential rates and complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and our venue.”
Quek recently led the creation of a PCO partnership initiative that will result in closer collaboration to score successful meeting bids. The collaboration will include efforts to provide the best support and experiences that match the local host’s budget as well as in-person involvement in the bid presentation alongside the local host.
Meetings on tight budgets could blend cost-saving goals with social responsibility and sustainability objectives, opined Patranuch Sudasna, director of CDM-Conference & Destination Management in Thailand.
Instead of creating unique decorations for every session, Patranuch suggested that meeting planners could adopt reusable items. Digital media could replace printed backdrops and disposable marketing materials. Event entertainment and delegate souvenirs could also be sourced from local schools or artisans, which would not only satisfy international delegates’ hunger for authentic, local experiences but also support the livelihood and social development of the host community.
States recalled “great success” in engaging a local school choir for a meeting once, and the experience moved many delegates to tears.
“We were able to help positively impact a local ecosystem like the children, but at the same time, save on costs,” she said.
Integrating lifestyle experiences with business interactions during high-profile events such as the F1 fosters collaboration among stakeholders and businesses
The Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) is amplifying its appeal as a prime period for major international business events by integrating lifestyle and entertainment options.
According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), more 25 business events clustered around the Singapore F1 period including Milken Institute Asia Summit (October 1 to 3) continuing its tradition of scheduling the event during GPSS; All That Matters (September 29 to October 1); TOKEN2049 (October 1 to 2)) and Founders Family Office Forum (October 6).
Integrating lifestyle experiences with business interactions during high-profile events such as the F1 fosters collaboration among stakeholders and businesses
Lilian Chee, director, sports at STB, GPSS – which delivers 10 days of race-themed festivities that started on September 26, preceding the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix (F1) on October 3–5 – is designed to serve this dual purpose.
Chee highlighted that the diverse range of leisure options during GPSS provides event organisers and their delegates with entertainment and recreation alongside their professional commitments.
“Each year, together with our industry partners, we curate clusters of limited-time programming across various precincts that offer a unique experience for visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the race festivities,” Chee noted.
The 2025 lineup features the debut of PERFORMA –Singapore’s first premium retail gallery – at Plaza Singapura, located near the F1 circuit. PERFORMA joins other GPSS Headliners like Jam Off at Sentosa, GrooveDriver Festival at Marina Central, and Hit the Apex at CQ @ Clarke Quay.
Chee cited the GrooveDriver Festival as an example of how GPSS actively fosters collaboration with like-minded partners.
“Teaming up with local players such as Pink Blossoms Brewing allowed the homegrown brand to showcase their products in the heart of the city and widen their audience reach,” Chee noted.
Chee added: “Beyond the larger-scale GPSS Headliners, we also welcomed 16 new programme partners adding fresh offerings – ranging from homegrown establishments like New Bahru, Tanglin Gin and Love Bonito, to international brands such as Moët & Chandon, Adidas and Glenfiddich.
“The diverse range of leisure options during GPSS provides event organisers and their delegates attending business events held around the same period with exclusive race season for entertainment and recreation alongside their professional commitments.”
Furthermore, New Bahru is launching a race-themed retail fair, ECA: Pitstop, which includes a race-themed leather workshop by Crafune, while Brewerkz and seven other local breweries are launching an exclusive jasmine-rice Tropical Lager available only during GPSS.
The Mactan Expo Center is set to open its doors before the end of the year, just in time for the 2026 ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Tourism Forum.
Located within the 30-hectare township of Megaworld’s Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, the two-storey standalone convention centre is a 15-minute drive away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
A rendering of the Mactan Expo Center
Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, said the 2,500-person venue will be promoted internationally to target regional gatherings from the Asia-Pacific and niche markets, including the growing Muslim travel sector.
Albiso described Mactan Expo Center as embodying Megaworld’s “live-work-play-learn” ethos, as it is located within a vibrant township with a beachside backdrop. The area offers almost a hectare of versatile event space, as well as direct access to Mactan Newtown Beach for island hopping, jet-skiing, and other marine activities.
Also located on the beachfront are two event spaces – an all-glass, air-conditioned Glass Pavilion with breathtaking seaviews; and Ceremonial Garden, an open-air setting for corporate wellness retreats and milestone occasions.
Located across from the Mactan Expo are Savoy Hotel Mactan and Belmont Hotel Mactan – which will be rebranded as Mercure Mactan Cebu – providing almost 1,100 keys combined.
On the ground level of Mactan Expo is a 2,600m2 state-of-the art convention hall for up to 2,500 guests theatre-style or 1,600 guests in a banquet arrangement. The ground floor will also have a 1,426m2 pre-function area, three VIP rooms, a dedicated showroom for sample set-ups, cafes for informal gatherings, dual drop-off points, and a service kitchen.
Meanwhile, the mezzanine level will have two meeting rooms, each accommodating up to 150 guests theatre-style or 100 in a banquet format. This floor also includes a pre-function space and an open-air balcony.
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.
