PACEOS’ members quick pivot to virtual events aids their survivability

November 4, 2020

Swivelling quickly from physical to online events was crucial to their company’s survival these few months, revealed Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) members, during the recent MICECON 2020.

Global-Link MP’s chief operating officer, Jing Lagandaon, shared: “If we did not try to pivot (to virtual events) as early as possible, we could have been out of business.”

Virtual events are the way forward for events organisers in this current climate

The company used to handle 30 physical events yearly, all of which had been cancelled due to the pandemic. As such, Global-Link MP put its in-house team – that previously did 3D renders for physical exhibitions – to create 3D venues online.

This resulted in an online participant being able to have a 360-degree view of exhibition halls, conference halls, showrooms, lobbies and lounges, as well as featured products like furniture from various angles, and the texture of paints.

Business is brisk now, with Global-Link MP now handling over 20 virtual shows for several clients, including an online business matching platform between exhibitors and buyers with partners in China.

However, PEP Tarsus’ president Joel Pascual chipped in to say that while event organisers needed to have the technology know-how and skills to pivot, the “biggest need now” is the improving of the country’s Internet connectivity.

“No matter how much you plan and even though everything is in place, the first Internet disconnection (can ruin an event),” he pointed out.

PEP Tarsus is one of the biggest pushers of online content, and has been successfully organising virtual events and paid webinars from new markets. The company has begun bidding for government projects, and will. soon be launching two editions of WOFEX 2021 (World Food Expo), the country’s biggest food show.

Another company that made a quick pivot is Exlink Management and Marketing. Its CEO, Orly Ballesteros, said that it has handled over 80 digital events, and the number is increasing as associations and organisations are keen to hold meetings and shows on its virtual platform.

However, earnings from digital events cannot compare to physical events, he lamented.

Moreover, one of the pain points in moving virtual was his clients’ “fear of technology”. To avoid glitches, Ballesteros advises doing several pre-event technical runs.

Lagandaon added that going virtual wasn’t easy, and likened it to “setting up a new business”, and had to explain what a virtual tradeshow was to her clients, who took time to trust in the product.

ICCA and Kaohsiung unveil Kaohsiung Protocol Framework

By TTGmice

November 4, 2020

kpsigning2 — ICCA being the global meetings industry association decided to create a framework which will enable and support ICCA members and the wider business events industry to utilise the knowledge, best practices and understand new business models

ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association – in collaboration with the city of Kaohsiung, has revealed the Kaohsiung Protocol Framework as the major legacy outcome of the 59th ICCA Congress.

The Kaohsiung Protocol is a crowdsourced framework identifying major trends and key strategies which will enable the international meetings industry to thrive, now and into the future. The trends identified include Innovative Business Models, Shared Risk, Digital Restructure & Hybrid Events, and Enhanced Engagement & Value Strategies.

ICCA decided to create a framework which will enable and support its members and the wider business events industry to utilise the knowledge, best practices and understand new business models

ICCA president James Rees described the Kaohsiung Protocol as a tangible, documented framework “that will be the true legacy of this year’s event – and that will resonate with members for years to come”.

This new framework is ICCA’s response to the major global trends such as technological advancement, safety and health, and understanding the next generations of attendees, all impacting the global events industry.

The conclusion is that it is the duty, as well as privilege, of the event industry to contribute to the advancement of the society through promoting core values such as knowledge economy, sustainable development, and global connection.

The show must go on

By S Puvaneswary

November 4, 2020

show_floor_3 — The flow of visitors to the exhibition was beyond my expectation

Hot idea
Consult with your stakeholders and weigh out the pros and cons of whether the exhibition would be better staged online or offline

The exhibition was a welcome platform to connect with customers face-to-face after months of distance working and remote communications

Event brief
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the physical edition of Beijing InfoComm China 2020 proceeded as planned from September 28-30.

Billed as Asia Pacific’s premier Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Integrated Experience solutions platform, the tradeshow needed to have numerous precautionary measures in place to help safeguard the health and safety of participants.

Held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, the three-day event connected global and regional solution providers, vertical market end-users and the supply chain.

Beijing InfoComm China 2020 attracted more than 450 exhibiting companies from around the world, of which more than 100 companies were participating for the first time.

The Summit, which also ran for three days in parallel to the exhibition, attracted 5,589 delegates who gained valuable insights from keynote presentations and discussions across 53 sessions.

Event highlights
The solutions featured during the show some of the best in Chinese innovations, including automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, Internet of Things and other smart technologies that are transforming Pro-AV and Integrated Experience applications.

Among the 450 exhibiting companies were 107 exhibitors who showcased products that were either new in China or new in Asia.

Richard Tan, executive director of InfoCommAsia, said: “The strong exhibitor turnout was a powerful endorsement of Beijing InfoComm China as the industry preeminent showcase, and our ability to stage a premier trade exhibition efficiently and safely under unprecedented conditions.”

Tan said the inaugural Start-up and Incubator Zone “generated much excitement among visitors”, who were among the first to preview next-generation integrated experience solutions by 25 start-ups.

Delegates listening intently at The Summit

A new feature introduced at The Summit was the AV Managers Day, where the programme was curated to cater to the specific needs of operational managers seeking to share experiences in project management. Diverse experiences in project and operations management were shared, and many participants took away valuable knowledge and information relevant to their professional work.

Another highlight at The Summit was the NIXT Conference, held for the second time following a successful debut in 2019. Here, case studies were presented to participants on the transformative power of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics, smart wearables, extended reality and 5G, on various industries including media and entertainment, manufacturing, retail, smart cities and transportation.

Challenges
“When the pandemic broke out in early 2020, and business operations were disrupted and movement of people was curtailed, we were not sure if Beijing InfoComm China could be staged (in-person).

“However, the encouragement of exhibitors gave us the confidence to proceed with organising the show, with the support of venue and industry partners. We are heartened by the positive response and feedback, validating our decision and justifying the confidence of participants and industry players,” recalled Tan.

As one of the major challenges was safeguarding the wellbeing of all delegates, Tan said: “Precautionary measures such as mandatory mask-wearing and ensuring there were safe-distancing measures in place.

“Exhibitors and visitors engaged in lively discussions and extensive networking activities also took place in the booths and meeting rooms, showing that the quality of experience at the show was not compromised.”

Event Beijing InfoComm China 2020
Organiser InfoComm Asia
Venue China National Convention Center, Beijing
Dates September 28-30, 2020
Attendance 30,866 visitors

MICE Matters branches out into digital technology; other plans up its sleeves

By Rachel AJ Lee

November 4, 2020

Singapore-based MICE Matters has unveiled a new division, Virtual Edge @ MM, as the typically incentives-focused company shifts its focus and business model to ride through the pandemic.

The end-to-end digital platform is able to implement, manage, and operate customised tech solutions, from pre-event communication and preparations, to event-day logistics and management, rounding off with post-event services.

MICE Matters’ working digital studio dubbed The Upper Room

As such, MICE Matters has also set up a working digital studio within its Singapore office, and named it The Upper Room.

Its director, Melvyn Nonis, shared with TTGmice one of the main objectives of setting up Virtual Edge @ MM is so that the company can continue to value-add and remain relevant for its incentive clients in the new normal.

He added that it was “important to upskill the team digitally” along with the times. Moreover, learning about digital technology can be applied to various facets of the incentive tour experience to ensure tours run more efficiently, especially so for large groups of 1,000 people the company regularly managed prior to the pandemic.

In line with this, the team has also commenced on a new project entitled GMX. GMX takes its lead from a teambuilding mobile app MICE Matters previously ran for its client’s event. However, the current objective is to design and create a corporate teambuilding gamification app that will help rediscover Singapore.

Nonis said: “We are targeting to complete this project by year-end and roll it out to the market at the beginning of 2021.”

When asked about its incentives business, Nonis said: “MICE Matters’ post-Covid-19 core business and clientele will mainly revolve around the organising of outbound corporate meetings and incentive programmes.”

He strongly believes that “virtual reality tours will not replace actual incentive tours”, and hence the company will also be diversifying its core services to other industries. Currently, its incentive groups hail from the financial planning, insurance, and multi-level marketing industries; and meeting and conferences from the IT sector.

MICE Matters is also exploring several corporate programmes based on the recent initiatives rolled out by Singapore Airlines. Possibilities could include behind-the-scenes tours of Singapore Airlines’ training facilities, or experiencing its flight simulator.

Malaysia to welcome new cafe-focused tradeshow next year

By TTGmice

November 4, 2020

latte art — The Malaysia Latte Art Championship will be a highlight at ICBS

Montgomery Asia, a global exhibitions company with 125 years of experience, has partnered Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association (MSCA) to launch the inaugural International Café & Beverage Show (ICBS) next year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Taking place from June 10-12, 2021, the three-day event will showcase artisanal food, beverage and café products from businesses and brands, both from Malaysia and the greater region of Southeast Asia.

The Malaysia Latte Art Championship will be a highlight at ICBS

Coffee enthusiasts, as well as F&B professionals, can look forward to an exciting roster of exhibitors, including suppliers of coffee beans, general beverages, café food items, the latest machinery and equipment, and innovative packaging designs.

As part of the partnership, Montgomery Asia will be hosting the next three years of the internationally-recognised Malaysia National Coffee Championship (MNCC), first organised by the MSCA in 2014.

MNCC 2021, the major headlining event of ICBS, will bring back annual events such as the Malaysia Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, and Latte Art Championship.

At the Malaysia Barista Championship, baristas compete in a brew-off to showcase their service and personalities. The Malaysia Brewers Cup highlights the craft of filtered coffee, challenging the baristas’ ability to extract outstanding flavours while brewing coffee by hand. Lastly, the Malaysia Latte Art Championship will see baristas present their art according to planned routines which will be judged on consistency and aesthetics.

For brewers and baristas seeking to compete on the world stage, winners of each event category will stand a chance to represent Malaysia at the World Coffee Championships, sanctioned by World Coffee Events. The stage, which is hosted by a different country yearly, will see competitors, judges and volunteers from across the country taking part.

ICBS is the first step in Montgomery Asia’s growth plan across the South-east Asian region. The tradeshow is also supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

First Hyatt hotel in Hanoi makes landfall

By TTGmice

November 4, 2020

Hyatt_Regency_West_Hanoi_longstay_guestroom — Long-stay room

Hyatt Hotels has opened the Hyatt Regency West Hanoi, the first Hyatt to debut in Vietnam’s capital.

Located in Nam Tu Liem district, the Hyatt Regency West Hanoi was rebranded from an existing hotel, and undergone extensive renovation throughout. It is situated near to the National Convention Center, and various business districts home to global companies, making the property a convenient base for corporate guests.

Spanning two towers, the hotel offers 519 guestrooms, including 114 suites and 129 long-stay rooms with kitchenettes and washing machines.

The hotel also features 823m² of meeting and event space comprising a ballroom and several multifunctional meeting rooms. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, and three F&B venues including a rooftop bar.

TTG Conversations: Five questions with Uzaidi Udanis, chairman, Tourism Productivity Nexus

By S Puvaneswary

November 2, 2020

A company’s productivity and efficiency are especially tested in challenging times, but business owners are able to improve on these aspects without incurring high costs and making large investments in cutting-edge technologies.

In this new episode of TTG Conversations: Five questions video series, Uzaidi Udanis, chairman of Tourism Productivity Nexus and president of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, shares ideas on what the travel trade can do to maximise their productivity while at the same time keep costs down and stay relevant.

Western Australia to welcome interstate business travellers from mid-November

By TTGmice

November 2, 2020

Western Australia opens up to more Australian states; Perth, its capital, pictured

Western Australia (WA) is set to welcome interstate delegates back, following premier Mark McGowan’s announcement today that the State’s border will move to a ‘controlled border’ from November 14, 2020.

Visitors from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory, which are considered ‘very low risk’ areas (no community cases for the past 28 days) will be allowed to travel into the State, and will no longer be required to self-quarantine.

Western Australia opens up to more Australian states; Perth, its capital, pictured

Those travelling from New South Wales and Victoria will be allowed to enter Western Australia but will have to isolate for 14 days in a suitable location on arrival.

Business Events Perth chief executive Gareth Martin welcomed the announcement, and said it would give a huge boost of confidence to event organisers to plan their next business event in WA.

This move is also critical to the local industry’s recovery and Western Australia’s broader economic recovery.

Business events are already underway in WA, following the success of the local Event Here Now campaign, aimed at supporting the industry and getting Western Australians meeting and collaborating again.

Martin shared that since the Event Here Now initiative was launched in August, the state has supported more than 50 business events and brought more than 18,000 locals together to connect, collaborate and share ideas and knowledge. A further 47 State-based events are currently under development.

Through the Event Here Now initiative, Business Events Perth is offering event organisers up to A$30,000 (US$21,019) in sponsorship for new business events. Events that attract considerable numbers of in-person attendees from outside of the State are eligible for higher levels of funding.

PCAAE gears up for virtual summit next month

By TTGmice

November 2, 2020

The Associations Summit 8 (AS8) – International Edition – presented virtually by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), will be held on November 25-26, 2020.

Themed Leading with Agility, the Summit is expected to draw association leaders and professionals here and abroad. The Summit will feature plenaries and learning sessions that will be covered by local and international speakers who will share best practices in association governance, leadership and management.

There will also be a virtual tabletop exhibition where suppliers and service providers to associations can meet. Participating PCAAE members will also earn points that could lead to earning the title, Certified Professional Association Executive.

The Summit will also feature the “Ang Susi” Awards 2020 night. “Ang Susi” stands for “Associations nurture National Growth through Social Unity and Sustainability Innovations” and also symbolises the key role that the association community and its professionals contribute to national economic development.

The awards will be given to membership organisations in six categories for their outstanding achievements in helping the environment, empowering people, serving communities, enhancing trade and industry, developing technology solutions, and for being agents of change. Two individual awards, the Association Board Member of the Year and the Association Executive of the Year, will be bestowed on outstanding career professionals who have sustainably governed and managed an association and produced remarkable results.

Photo of the day: Giving the gift of reading

By TTGmice

November 2, 2020

POTB — Amelia Roziman (centre, seated) with BESarawak staff outside the Batang Ai Community Library

The rural community of Batang Ai in Sarawak is the beneficiary of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project entitled Gift of Love: Batang Ai Community Library.

Built on the grounds of Nanga Ukom longhouse, the project was undertaken in conjunction with the 59^thICCA Congress Asia Pacific event from November 1-3, where the regional hub was in Sarawak’s state capital, Kuching.

Amelia Roziman (centre, seated) with BESarawak staff outside the Batang Ai Community Library

A majority of children at Nanga Ukom do not complete their secondary education, thus this CSR project will also measure how effective the library will be at encouraging children to remain in school.

BESarawak’s acting CEO, Amelia Roziman, shared that they are also collaborating with local education authorities to turn the library into a pre-school and a learning centre. To further push the educational capacity, BESarawak is also in the midst of collaborating with DMCs to develop a unique CSR project – such as teaching basic English – for business visitors.

The library is currently at 90 per cent completion, with add-ons to come, such as the installation of solar panels to supply Nanga Ukom longhouse with sufficient electricity. The opening ceremony will be held on November 27.