BuildTech Asia Digital Series returns virtually for the second time

July 7, 2021

BTA_640 — this event provides a vital avenue for built environment professionals to keep in pace with new technological advancements and discover practical solutions to improve business practices

The digital edition of BuildTech Asia Digital Series returns for the second year from July 7-8, 2021, to facilitate the exchange of insights, knowledge, and solutions towards accelerating the adoption of smart technologies, as well as strengthen Industry 4.0 capabilities for the built environment sector.

Building on the success of the inaugural digital series in 2020, this international building & construction technology expo will see over 50 key industry leaders speaking at 40 online webinars: a twofold increase of both speakers and webinars from last year. The virtual exhibition will also feature over 100 exhibiting global brands and is expected to draw over 6,000 regional trade professionals.

This event provides an avenue for built environment professionals to keep pace with new technological advancements

Despite posing unprecedented challenges to the built environment sector, Covid-19 has fostered stronger regional collaborations across the sector’s value chain, opening up opportunities to accelerate digital transformation and boost productivity from conception and design-build, to operation and maintenance.

In line with these developments, BuildTech Asia 2021 will enable built environment professionals to discover the latest SMART Construction Solutions and technologies to reach new levels of productivity, efficiency, health and safety. For instance, Building Information Modeling (BIM 360), Enterprise Resource and Productivity Planning Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G & Wi-Fi 6, Robotics & Drones, 3D Printing, Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) and Modular Construction.

This year’s edition will also provide enhanced networking opportunities and improved business matching features to forge stronger connections around the region.

Meanwhile, The virtual exhibition will present a comprehensive exhibit profile of more than 100 global brands across the entire building lifecycle in five key areas: BUILDPro: Productive Technologies; BUILDCon: Onsite Construction Machinery & Equipment; BUILDMat: Building Material & Architectural Solutions; BUILDFin: Quality Finishes and BUILDFM: Facilities Management.

BuildTech Asia is now in its 10th edition. It is organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Constellar Holdings and co-organised by the Singapore Institute of Building Limited.

Emirates Business Rewards offers SMEs a limited time incentive

By TTGmice

July 7, 2021

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Emirates has rolled out a Business Rewards incentive for new small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who sign up for the programme.

SMEs which are new sign-ups for Emirates’ Business Rewards corporate loyalty programme from now until July 27, 2021, will receive a bonus of 10,000 Business Reward Points, the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket to selected destinations in Europe.

Business Rewards programme members were also provided additional reassurance with extensions on their points validity if travel plans needed to be adjusted

Emirates currently has over 20,000 SMEs businesses enrolled in its Business Rewards programme, where benefits include simplified enrolment, easier earning and redemptions, greater flexibility on retaining and using points, multi-risk insurance cover, as well as upgrade opportunities, even on last-minute bookings.

With countries easing their entry restrictions, business travel has begun accelerating, and SMEs have become key drivers of demand with the flexibility to make travel plans quickly as new opportunities emerge.

Businesses of all sizes can also ensure their health and safety expectations are taken care of throughout their journey, as the airline has implemented consistent and clear safety measures at every touchpoint, including a contactless travel journey and digital verification solutions such as the IATA Travel Pass.

Ecosystm and Constellar join forces

By TTGmice

July 7, 2021

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Ecosystm, a technology research and advisory platform, has entered into an agreement with Constellar Venues, a subsidiary of Constellar Holdings, which will see the two parties collaborate on a series of Executive Think Tanks globally.

The first Executive Think Tank to be jointly organised under this partnership will be held virtually in August 2021.

The resulting partnership will deliver an enhanced standard of virtual, physical and hybrid events globally

Ecosystm created the Executive Think Tanks in 2018 as a means for business and technology leaders to share and exchange experiences in an intimate peer community setting. Through these they can stay updated with the ever-evolving and increasingly important developments in technology, and what this means for organisations looking to manage remote workforces, build better customer experience, and adopt the myriad technologies involved in digital transformation.

As the pandemic evolves, global travel restrictions and safety measures continue to impact face-to-face events. Many businesses have also adopted remote work routines. Virtual and hybrid engagements will continue to be popular alternatives alongside physical gatherings, providing consumers greater accessibility and flexibility. These engagements will also have to meet consumers’ needs for effective networking, sharing and learning. As such, Constellar’s event formats and extensive networks will enhance the ability of the Executive Think Tanks to engage and curate audiences more effectively.

APAC’s leading pathologists to meet in Sydney in 2022

By TTGmice

July 7, 2021

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Sydney has been named as the host city for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) national conference Pathology Update 2022.

The conference is expected to attract over 800 delegates to Sydney over three days in March 2022, and will be held at ICC Sydney. This year’s conference was supposed to be held in a hybrid format, but snap lockdowns saw it converted into a completely virtual format in 48 hours.

Sydney (pictured) has been chosen as the host destination again

Pathology Update is the annual scientific educational meeting for the RCPA and the only conference of its kind in Australasia. Bringing together pathology professionals from its membership-base across Australia, New Zealand and South-east Asia, the meeting will focus on the leading and latest diagnostic processes.

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said that the 2022 event would further progress NSW’s focus on innovation in health and pathology, a key sector identified by Government for the state’s future prosperity. The Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct is set to become one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia. Spanning 75 hectares, the precinct will include four hospitals, four medical research institutes, and the largest research-intensive pathology service in New South Wales.

BESydney has secured a total of 84 events with a combined estimated direct expenditure of A$491 million (US$368 million) on the calendar for 2021 to 2026, spanning health, financial services, and technology, with 62 per cent of meetings impacted by Covid-19 successfully re-negotiated into future years.

Pullman debuts in Thailand’s Khao Lak

By TTGmice

July 7, 2021

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The 253-key Pullman Khao Lak Resort in Phang Nga province has opened, making it the eighth Pullman property in Thailand.

Standing on Bang Muang Beach, rooms here start from the 44m² Deluxe Room, to the 62m² Family Suite, and 88m² Presidential Suite that overlooks the ocean. The resort also features a collection of two-bedroom pool villas, good for small groups travelling together.

For meetings and events, the resort features a ballroom and two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests. All venues are equipped with the latest technology.

Resort amenities include 1,400m² freeform swimming pool, Rosalyn Spa with a Hamam bath experience, and 24/7 fitness facilities. Meanwhile, F&B options include the all-day dining Plai Dining Room, The Hub Pool, The Junction lobby lounge, and Kram Beach Club which focuses on seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

Pullman Khao Lak Resort is located less than two hours’ drive from Phuket International Airport and is close to local attractions including Khao Sok National Park, Sai Rung Waterfall, Rommanee Hot Spring, and Takua Pa Old Town.

Strong demand for private aviation powers Yugo’s SEA expansion

By Karen Yue

July 7, 2021

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Although commercial flight operations are still a long way to recovery, one private aviation brand has seen demand for private flights picking up, warranting its expansion across South-east Asia with new charter routes.

Speaking to TTGmice, Jim Baldy, CEO of Yugo, an air mobility platform that connects numerous points across Asia-Pacific, said the company has commenced new routes in the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. Some of the more attractive new routes include Manila to Banwa Private Island in the Philippines; Koh Kong to Sihanoukville in Cambodia; Bangkok to Koh Samui in Thailand; Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands and Genting Highlands to Langkawi in Malaysia.

Yugo’s private aviation charters see an equal mix of business and leisure bookings, with many businessmen choosing to pick up loved ones for a holiday after their assignment

With the additional routes, Yugo now operates to over 150 destinations in this region, supported by a fleet of more than 50 aircraft from renowned private jet manufacturers such as Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault Falcon, as well as helicopter specialists Bell, Airbus, Leonardo and Robinson.

Yugo is presently working with select travel agents to supply its chartered flights, and is open to expanding its partnerships.

“We believe in the creation of an ecosystem where we provide solutions to trade agents to best suit the needs of their guests and customers. We welcome all new channels and networks,” remarked Baldy.

According to Baldy, Yugo is seeing an almost equal interest from leisure and business travellers, with leisure bookings being slightly more at the moment. However, the convenience of private aviation charters has helped to blur the lines between business and pleasure trips, with many Yugo customers choosing to “pick up close ones to travel to another destination for leisure” after work is done.

He said private aviation charters are a “business enabler” and a “reliable option for leisure activities”, hence the new routes were established to support desires to blend business with leisure during trips made amid the pandemic.

“We believe it is a great time to fly private to break with the constraints inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Baldy remarked. One of the top travel constraints today is health and safety concerns, and private aviation charters can offer reduced infection exposure risks to travellers.

He elaborated: “For example, there are around 700 points of contacts during a commercial flight. This is reduced to approximately 30 during a private flight. For the transportation of our guests, their families, friends and business partners, travelling private (provides) additional safety.”

While private aviation charters are often regarded as an exclusive service only for the rich and famous, Yugo has made solutions “much more accessible to a slightly wider number of people”.

“It is actually easier to book a private flight than what most people think. And since passengers can go for a rideshare, an empty leg flight, or a flight by the seat, it is also usually cheaper than what they usually think (a private flight would cost),” Baldy said.

Yugo customers can search and book flights online, or rely on Yugo’s concierge for arrangements.

When asked to clarify a common misconception that passengers on private aviation charters were able to bypass immigration restrictions, Baldy said all charters and passengers must still abide by local regulations and health protocol requirements.

Digital event strategy is about future-proofing events and careers

By TTG

July 7, 2021

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Darren Chuckry Certification — Darren Chuckry is one of the thought leaders that host live weekly Expert Hours in PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist Course for APAC

Brought to you by Professional Convention Management Association

Darren Chuckry is one of the thought leaders that host live weekly Expert Hours in PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist Course for APAC

Hybrid events are about interaction and engagement, not only about technology – just like face-to-face events. Darren Chuckry, Founder and Managing Partner of HK Initiative and Chair, Hong Kong of The Marketing Society, shares what he’s learned over the last 15-months and why PCMA’s DES Certification course is future-proofing careers.

What should I look out for when choosing an event platform? Are virtual and hybrid events really the new normal, or a passing phase? How do I price a hybrid event? How can I improve engagement? How can I make sure our audience has a positive experience?

You’ve probably asked yourself these questions, and more; have you come up with the answers?

For the last year, we have been focused on delivering events through a screen using technology – largely as a necessity due to restrictions on meeting in person – however, we have forgotten how important human connection still is. What does your viewer or participant want or crave from your event – whether they are attending in person or virtually – and how do you add value to their experience?

We, as an industry, need to throw out the old way of doing conferences and events. It’s time for us to start afresh – nobody wants to sit down all day and passively listen to experts speak; people want to be involved, engaged, and become part of the conversation.

As event professionals, we need to spend time working with the presenters to change the content they deliver and the way they deliver it to different audiences. However, even before we get to this, we need to take a step back and develop a hybrid event strategy. This will be the key to success and the reason I chose to become an APAC Expert in the PCMA Digital Event Strategist Certification Course and lead the live expert hours for two modules.

Whether you believe hybrid is here to stay or not, you need to be equipped to deliver effective and highly interactive online gatherings. Attaining a DES Certification is the first step – this course provides you with the priceless skills and knowledge you need. Not only is the content relevant, but you are given exclusive access to experienced APAC experts who share their knowledge in live sessions. I know from my experience over the last 20 years that it’s the peer learnings that has given me the most value; hearing first-hand what works, what doesn’t and why.

As one of the PCMA DES Certification course APAC Experts, I enjoy sharing my expertise and learnings on content and audience engagement. I am passionate about ‘connecting’ and if the world of social media has taught us anything, it’s that developing engaging content is the key to success. But more than that, it is understanding audience needs, expanding on brand loyalty and then using the right tools to deliver the best, most cost-effective solutions for a positive and memorable customer experience.

Sherrif Karamat, PCMA’s president and CEO addresses the Convening Leaders hybrid audience via telegraphic presence at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in January 2021.

So, what can the DES Certification course deliver for you and your team?

As event and conference organisers, it’s our job to recognise and plan for the unexpected. In this new environment, having a digital element can ensure your event will proceed, regardless of external factors outside of your control. In the current climate, not having a digital aspect to an event is high risk and could see you isolate potential attendees.

The DES Certification equips event professionals with the knowledge they need today. They will learn from real case studies, access a forum of elite APAC event professionals, learn about the latest technology, and know how to price and market a hybrid event while bringing content together in an engaging way. I encourage all event and conference organisers to get in the game by taking this course and feel confident you have the skills you need to face the challenges of the events industry head on.

PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) Certification is a six-week course catering specifically for APAC business events and marketing professionals looking to future-proof their events and careers.

The next two courses begin 12 July and 23 August – don’t miss out!
https://pcma.co/DESAPACTTG

Franck Rodriguez takes reins at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne

By TTGmice

July 6, 2021

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Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Franck Rodriguez as general manager of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, set to open in 3Q2021.

A French national with more than 20 years of industry experience, Rodriguez has worked reputed hospitality brands including Leading Hotels of the World, InterContinental Hotels Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now part of Marriott International). He is also no stranger to the Centara brand, having spent a formative part of his career as the F&B manager at Centara Villas Samui.

More recently, Rodriguez was group director of operations with The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts for almost five years, overseeing a portfolio of 27 upscale properties, before joining IHG, where he was responsible for the opening of several key hotels, including the Asia Pacific region’s first-ever voco hotel in Danang.

The Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is the second Centara Mirage resort worldwide, and is Centara Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Vietnam.

The family leisure destination is centred around an “Explorer’s Playground” waterpark, complete with pools, slides, a sailing ship, lazy river, splash zone and cliff-jumping rock. The property will also have 984 rooms and villas, and boast amenities such as six restaurants, six bars, playgrounds, entertainment complex, spa, observatory tower, grand ballroom, and outdoor amphitheatre.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort welcomes new GM

By TTGmice

July 6, 2021

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has appointed Coetzer Deysel as general manager.

He will be responsible for driving the resort’s strategic and commercial growth, overseeing operational excellence and will continue to elevate the luxury positioning of IHG’s flagship property in the Maldives.

Deysel brings with him over 17 years of experience in hospitality across leading luxury brands such as Anantara Resorts, The Westin, W Hotels, naked Retreats and Le Meridien in resort destinations such as Mauritius, Maldives, Thailand, China and South Africa.

His most recent role was general manager of Ananatara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas, where he oversaw the launch of the first Anantara resort in Mauritius.

Indonesia’s exhibitions industry keen to bounce back from pandemic-induced downturn

By Tiara Maharani

July 5, 2021

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Collaboration and building confidence across all verticals are key to restarting Indonesia’s exhibition industry, shared panellists at the Restarting Indonesia’s Exhibition Industry Webinar on July 1.

Online events do work, in the sense that content and ideas can be shared easily, and it is easier to stay in touch with business contacts, shared Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, but everything else that’s related to trade and transactions still need to be conducted face-to-face. These findings that Hattendorf shared were based on UFI’s polls on 15,000 exhibition attendees around the globe.

Andreas: need to show the government that the exhibitions industry is still up and running, albeit at a slower pace

As such, the UFI chief strongly believes that in-person events will continue to have a strong showing post-pandemic.

However, what Indonesia’s exhibition stakeholders need to do is to convince the government that business events are not mass gatherings. This is because as event organisers, it would be easier to “set up a safe environment”, such as having ample floor space, ensuring minimum capacity, and providing necessary safety measures, noted Hattendorf.

Hosea Andreas Rungkat, chairman of Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association, agreed that it is important to restore the government’s confidence that exhibitions can be conducted safely, as well as convince exhibitors and buyers that attending an event would be safe.

He added: “(Before the pandemic), the government did not pay much attention to the exhibition industry, as they were focused on (leisure) travel. However, after we showed the amount of losses suffered by the industry, the government began to think about how it can help revive it.”

Indonesia’s exhibition industry suffered a total opportunity loss of approximately US$3.1 billion in 2020. These numbers were based on 4.1 million square metres of projected exhibition space available, and is equivalent to US$10.5 billion in direct economic impact.

Andreas also called on all industry stakeholders to cooperate and continue to plan ahead for events, to show that the industry still exists.

Still, one of the good things borne out of the pandemic was how quickly companies learnt to adopt and deploy new event formats such as hybrid events and virtual expos, noted Susan Tricia, co-founder and group CFO of Fireworks Trade Media Group.

All these tech innovations can still be used when exhibitions return, Tricia pointed out.

Meanwhile, Björn Kempe, CEO of Expoasia voiced his confidence in the Indonesian exhibition sector, and indicated that international exhibition companies will still be interested to invest in both Indonesia, and Asia as a whole due to its vast potential.

BuildTech Asia Digital Series returns virtually for the second time

Emirates Business Rewards offers SMEs a limited time incentive

Ecosystm and Constellar join forces

APAC’s leading pathologists to meet in Sydney in 2022

Pullman debuts in Thailand’s Khao Lak

Strong demand for private aviation powers Yugo’s SEA expansion

Digital event strategy is about future-proofing events and careers

Franck Rodriguez takes reins at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort welcomes new GM

Indonesia’s exhibitions industry keen to bounce back from pandemic-induced downturn

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