The spirit of innovation has truly thrived amid this pandemic. We have seen major convention and exhibition centres in our region leading the charge towards venue and event digitisation, bringing onboard infrastructure that facilitates quality livestreaming and broadcasting. Along the way, hotels have joined in to offer livestreaming and broadcasting facilities, eager to be seen as a worthy supporter of increasingly popular hybrid online/in-person business events.
Venue managers that have gone on this path will soon realise that the only way to move is forward because with every online or hybrid event attendees experience, their expectations for quality content will rise. This puts pressure on event producers and planners to come up with novel ways to keep content and engagement interesting. In turn, event producers and planners will come to rely more heavily on partners that can help them easily turn ideas into reality, perhaps through the right equipment or with a collaborative mindset.
Far-sighted, savvy venues have continued to evolve and improve their digital and hybrid event offerings. They are finding audiovisual and broadcasting solutions from specialists that once catered only to television productions. No surprises there, as many event producers and planners have likened producing an online or hybrid business event today to delivering a major live performance.
Innovation is not only booming on the hardware front. The number of event software vendors across the world has expanded by 400 per cent in the past year, according to a global mapping study conducted by marketing specialist, Hoosh. You can read about this on TTGmice.com.
It is natural to feel that the familiar past of pre-pandemic days are more comforting than the unknown future, but the technology changes we are witnessing today are giving us a peek into a more exciting business events landscape to come, especially for conferences, meetings and product launches that could benefit from some creativity.
The combination of innovative event venues, new specialised apps to answer known and yet-unknown online and hybrid event needs, increased investments in event technology, and the consolidation of established event software players will ultimately benefit event producers and planners as well as attendees.
Business events are an important part of the Western Australian economy, bringing high yielding visitors to the State; Perth pictured
Business Events Perth has recently secured two separate bids to host Australia’s largest life sciences conference, AusBiotech, next year; and the International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases in 2024.
Business Events Perth chief executive Gareth Martin said AusBiotech 2022 is expected to attract over 1,000 researchers, developers, start-ups, investors, innovators, universities, and corporates to Perth. Slated to be held in October 2022, the congress will also bring new commercial opportunities to Western Australia’s thriving biotechnology industry.
Business events are an important part of the Western Australian economy, bringing high-yielding visitors to the State; Perth pictured
“Western Australia’s life science industry is one of the fastest-growing in Australia, with the total economic contribution estimated to be A$29.7 billion (US$23 billion) last year,” Martin said.
Running in conjunction with the conference will be the Australia Biotech Invest & Partnering event, which will provide opportunities for local companies and professional service providers to connect with key stakeholders and investors.
There are currently around 40 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and more than 50 medtech and digital health companies based in Western Australia, along with 22 research institutions and almost 65 services and support organisations.
Business Events Perth partnered with the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the City of Perth to secure the event.
Next up in 2024, the International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases will return to Perth for the first time in over 50 years.
The International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases is one of the leading global conferences on neuromuscular diseases, attracting thousands of delegates from around the world.
The event was first held in Perth in 1971, following the ground-breaking research by Western Australian Emeritus Professor Byron Kakulas AO who showed that degenerated muscle could regenerate in quokkas.
This research eventually led to United States Food and Drug Administration approved treatments developed by the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with application to other diseases.
Tourism Australia supported the bid to bring this event back to Australia through the Business Events Bid Fund Program.
Tourism Australia’s managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said in a statement: “Securing these types of events, particularly with the long lead time involved, will ensure that Australia remains front of mind among global decision makers and continues to attract high-value business events in the future.”
To secure the conference Business Events Perth worked with the local conference organising committee, which features prominent neurological scientists from the Perron Institute and PCOs Arinex.
IBTM has partnered with leading international industry associations, visionaries and thought leaders for the education programme
The Singapore Tourism Board is offering support of up to 70 per cent to employees of Singapore registered companies in the MICE sector who would like to attend IBTM Wired, set to take place from June 28 to July 1, 2021.
The Tip-It (Training Industry Professionals in Tourism) grant is open to all Singapore citizens or permanent residents of Singapore who are employees of Singapore-registered companies in the MICE sector.
IBTM has partnered with leading international industry associations, visionaries and thought leaders for the education programme
The grant supports up to 70 per cent of course fees and 70 per cent of absentee payroll, capped at S$7.50/hr (US$5.70/hour) The deadline for applications is June 4, and application forms can be downloaded here.
IBTM Wired features a packed conference schedule with over 30 topical education sessions and four high-profile keynote speakers designed to give events professionals the key tools they need for the next chapter in meetings and events.
The event includes online access to the SMF (Singapore MICE Forum) x IBTM Wired conference, in partnership with SACEOS (Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers), which takes place on June 28.
In addition to the education programme, visitors can use the ‘walk up’ video meetings function at the event to request forge new business connections with suppliers, venues and destinations from around the globe.
The updated Roadmap will Recommend strategies for the recovery and development of the Philippine MICE Industry
The Philippines’ MICE Roadmap 2030, which laid down the strategies to position the country as a desirable business events destination in Asia and the Middle East within the decade, will be updated taking into account the impact of the global pandemic.
Raquel Tria, acting MICE head, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), said the update should include a Covid-19 impact assessment on, and inclusion of, proposed measures on Covid-19 responses and recovery for Philippine MICE stakeholders.
The updated Roadmap will also recommend strategies for the recovery and development of the Philippines’ MICE industry
The updated version should assess the feasibility and relevance of the Roadmap targets, re-identify targets for each of the four segments (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), and update the statistical data and pertinent information,” Tria shared with TTGmice.
First unveiled in 2018, the MICE Roadmap 2030 is a comprehensive 10-year programme that prioritises the expansion of economic opportunities from MICE, as well as strengthens Philippines’ global competitiveness. It was initiated by PACEOS (Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers) in partnership with the Department of Tourism, its marketing arm TPB, and the Department of Trade and Industry.
TTGmice understands that PACEOS’ members agree that it is necessary to update the Roadmap, and will be meeting to discuss the issue.
PACEOS’ board member Orly Ballesteros said: “The pandemic brought to a halt the growth of MICE in the country. At the same time, the change in the MICE landscape (which saw the incorporation of) digital is another critical area that must be discussed in the recalibration.”
“The government should allot additional resources to the marketing and revival of the tourism sector. The strategic recalibration will be critical as we face a new world in the tourism industry, a world where health and safety, and sustainability, are the main (drivers that will help us reclaim the) growth momentum that we have experienced before pandemic,” Ballesteros added.
The e-catering platform, which is expected to launch in the region in the next one or two months, according to CEO Bernard Quek, will allow event planners to develop an F&B menu with a participating hotel, grant their remote event delegates the freedom to pick and chose what they would like to enjoy, and have the meal or refreshment delivered to different addresses within a set time frame.
Having seen success in moving hotel partners towards online retailing and F&B delivery throughout the pandemic’s recurring lockdowns and continued travel restrictions, Singapore-based Global Hospitality Solutions (GHS) is now preparing to launch an e-catering platform that will enable Asian hotels to revive some of their lost on-site events business.
Established in 2002, GHS specialises in technology that helps hotel partners be present in the entire customer journey in travel and tourism, from engaging travellers to driving purchase and eventually rewarding for loyalty.
GHS will make it easier for event planners to feed their remote event attendees
The e-catering platform, which is expected to launch in the region in the next one or two months, according to CEO Bernard Quek, will allow event planners to develop an F&B menu with a participating hotel, grant their remote event delegates the freedom to pick and chose what they would like to enjoy, and have the meal or refreshment delivered to different addresses within a set time frame.
GHS will provide the technology – supported by its existing WhyQueue Hotel e-Store solution – to facilitate e-catering, as well as manage the operations to ensure the right transport vendors are used to carry through hotel partners’ brand standards in the delivery service.
WhyQueue powers a private e-store for both hotel companies and individual properties, and have enabled hotels to develop different and more stable revenue sources during the travel and tourism crisis.
Quek said GHS’ move to create an e-catering platform was inspired by the rise in “Zoom parties” – online gatherings with entertainment and catered food, involving a number of people dialling in from different locations.
While the platform is still in its final phase of development, the GHS team had a taste of what’s to come when a hotel partner received an order for 400 meals that had to be delivered to 400 different locations at the same time on a particular day as part of a remote event.
“This service supports the future of entertainment, the future of work, and the future of business events,” he remarked.
He added: “(Business events) is a big piece of business for hotels, but (it is) gone for so many hotels in cities that have been going in and out of lockdown and have almost zero international arrivals. E-catering could bring back events revenue, especially now that remote parties and events with F&B are growing in frequency.”
Quek said there have been some expressions of interest from hotel partners that have benefitted from WhyQueue during the pandemic.
WhyQueue now supports various hotel companies and properties, such as Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Hyatt Jakarta in Indonesia, and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts across Asia-Pacific. It recently won over Marco Polo Hotels and will be establishing an online store for the chain’s properties in Manila.
The Sustainability Pavilion at the World Expo 2022
More than 370 delegates from around the world travelled to Dubai to attend the sixth International Participations Meeting (IPM) in-person, the final IPM before the October 1 opening of Expo 2020.
The IPM was held on May 4-5 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, and those present represented 173 of the Expo’s 190-plus participating countries, with others attending virtually.
The Sustainability Pavilion at the World Expo 2022
During the two-day IPM, attendees were briefed on the latest in operations, security, city readiness, marketing and communications, and programming, while organisers also presented the stringent measures being taken to ensure the health and well-being of Expo’s workforce, participants and visitors, in line with the UAE’s wider efforts to combat Covid-19.
The World Expo will be one of the first mega-events to take place since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it will welcome more than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, academic institutions and businesses.
For the first time in the 170-year history of World Expos, each participating country will have its own pavilion – a dedicated space where it can showcase its culture and progress to the world, creating partnerships and exploring solutions relevant to its circumstances and people.
It is also the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and the largest event to be held in the Arab world.
Expo 2020 Dubai will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, coinciding with the 50-year anniversary of the founding of the UAE.
People are keen to travel again, but Restrictions and Low Vaccine Uptake Remain a Serious Barrier
New research released by Collinson’s Priority Pass has revealed that pre-pandemic frequent flyers are ready to get back on a plane, as 77% of travellers in Asia-Pacific expect to travel more in the next 12 months (from March 2021).
Yet, despite travellers longing to hit the skies, entry restrictions – such as the need to be a resident – remain in place for many countries in the region; with most requiring several weeks of quarantine upon entry.
The global survey took into account the opinions of over 46,000 members of Collinson’s Priority Pass traveller experience programme. Further findings include leisure travel is projected to make up more than half of trips (55%) taken in the next year. And while business travel will recover more slowly, there is demand for it to return, with the expectation that business travel will account for 45% of flights taken in the next year globally.
People are keen to travel again, but restrictions and low vaccine uptake remain a serious barrier
Confident and excited – the world’s travellers are ready for a reboot After more than a year since Covid-19 first hit the travel industry, vaccination roll-outs have brought a glimmer of hope – with 41% of APAC respondents stating that being vaccinated against Covid-19 would be the top reason for encouraging them to travel, while 33% said that the lifting of international travel bans would be their top reason.
When questioned on the possibility of travelling by air in the next 12 months, 78% of members globally expressed feelings of excitement and 61% felt confident.
Globally, international travel will likely increase year-on-year. However, survey respondents project that domestic travel is still set to make a greater recovery than international travel during the next 12 months – at 64% versus 59%, when compared with 2019 travel levels, respectively.
Travel experience expectations for the immediate future have changed dramatically Around the world, the desire to keep health risks to a minimum has resulted in key changes to the way people experience airport travel, with the aim of keeping external contact to a minimum.
Since the pandemic began:
24% are more likely to use unmanned facilities, such as biometric passport kiosks
48% are more likely to use airport lounge access than they did before the pandemic
20% are more likely to pre-order and collect their food and drinks before departure
49% indicated that social distancing and contactless transactions at the airport are of a relatively high importance when travelling
Vaccinations are creating an environment of hope Despite Asia’s low vaccination rate in comparison to the EU and US, 79% of travellers cite growing confidence in the safety of air travel as more people are vaccinated.
While vaccines have yet to be fully rolled out globally, their availability continues to generate hope, as do the discussions around digital health certificates; with 82% of APAC respondents saying they would be happy to use one – which is even higher than the global average of 74%.
Globally, 76% of members say they would feel confident to travel internationally if getting vaccinated became a mandatory measure. This sentiment is echoed by a further 64% of travellers who agree that Covid-19 testing and the use of digital health certificates would encourage them to travel abroad.
Quarantines seen as ineffective, unnecessary, and a barrier to recovery The survey also shows that while quarantine regulations continue to be enforced around the world, 60% of APAC travellers do not feel it is an essential safety measure; while a further 69% see it as a major deterrent for international travel. When reasons behind this largely negative sentiment towards quarantine are explored in depth, 83% blame the additional costs involved and 69% also cite the unpredictable nature of quarantine rules, while 62% are reluctant to spend so much time indoors; a finding which is likely linked to an increasing emphasis on mental wellbeing when travelling.
“In APAC, it is clear that travellers are ready to get moving again if the right protocols are in place – so we need to focus our efforts on delivering a return journey that is seamless, safe, enjoyable and helps build on these initial signs of traveller confidence and excitement,” said Todd Handcock, president, Asia Pacific of Collinson.
“Working together to help reduce the impact of identified barriers will prove essential; as will communication and collaboration between all players in the travel ecosystem, governments and other relevant bodies to enable to implementation of globally consistent and accepted travel health solutions.”
Whether it is gas, charcoal or electric, South Australia’s recently launched Weber Grill Academy is offering corporate delegates and incentive groups the chance to become a barbecue master.
The academy offers interactive BBQ experiences on their spacious 120m squared all-weather balcony, with spectacular views across parklands to the city of Adelaide. All that’s required is a curiosity for grilling methods and an appetite for delicious food cooked with smoke.
Delegates get hands-on experience under the guidance of Weber’s grill experts who provide tips and tricks to the perfect steak. They will also demonstrate techniques for roasting crunchy pork crackling, fire roasting pizzas, and baking a chocolate brownie or pavlova.
An adjacent al fresco area serves as a dining area complete with a full bar, catering facilities and AV equipment. Groups can compete in team food challenges, or enjoy an entire day’s delegate package based on barbecued dishes created from quality Australian produce.
The academy prides itself in sourcing local ingredients, including from the famed Adelaide Central Market, and celebrating South Australian beer and wines.
Interactive experiences are limited to about 20 guests, to ensure maximum interaction with barbecues and grill specialists. However, capacities for events and meetings will be adjusted as required to meet Covid-19 restrictions.
Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara has appointed George Koumendakos as general manager, and Vivian Choa as director of sales and marketing.
In his new role, Koumendakos is responsible for the daily operations and strategic directions of the hotel. Koumendakos’ main priority is to ensure a safe and secure environment for his guests and colleagues, while driving more business opportunities in the domestic market.
From left: George Koumendakos, and Vivian Choa
A 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Koumendakos was most recently the general manager at Mövenpick Hotel Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Choa is responsible for overseeing all sales, marketing, communications, and events management activities for the hotel, reporting to Koumendakos.
With over 20 years of experience in hotel sales and marketing, Choa most recently headed the sales and marketing team at Invito Hotel & Residence, overseeing the repositioning and rebranding of the hotel.
Other hotel groups Choa has worked for include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Cairns Convention Centre has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. The Centre closed last April to begin the $176 million refurbishment and expansion. The refurbishment is now complete and the Centre has been fitted with state-of-the-art technology and a refurbished contemporary designed interior. Delegates are being treated to the latest audio-visual equipment and a fresh new menu featuring tropical local produce.
CCC Exhibition Space
The Australian Banana Growers Congress (May 12-14) was the first event in the renewed Centre. Moving forward the Centre is set to host more national conferences, concerts and other public events including the Cairns International Art Fair in August.
As the Cairns Convention Centre starts hosting events again the Centre’s multi-million-dollar expansion is well underway. The expansion has been designed to bring more of the region’s beautiful tropical environment inside and the inspiration for the Centre’s new façade will feature tropical plants from the region.
CCC Plenary
The Cairns Convention Centre expansion will include a new 410-seat plenary on a flat floor that can be split into two equal rooms. Next to the new plenary is an exhibition space for up to 30 booths. Also on this level are three new meeting rooms that can each hold more than 110 people theatre style. The flexible design of the rooms allows them to combined or made into various configurations.
With beautiful views, the Trinity Room is ideal for gala dinners and large cocktail functions. The room is able to host up to 470 people. There is also a large pre-function space outside the doors. The Trinity Terrace has stunning views over the Trinity Inlet. The tropical outdoor area is ideal for cocktail functions, lunches or unique events wanting to enjoy Cairns’ beautiful tropical weather.
The entire Centre will hold 2,500 delegates comfortably while the refurbished arena takes up to 5,000.
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.
