This initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism presence in India, a key source market; Colombo pictured
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in partnership with the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, will be organising two MICE Roadshows in Hyderabad and Bengaluru next week.
The first roadshow is scheduled for July 1, 2025, at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad, while the second will take place on July 3, 2025, at the Taj West End in Bengaluru.
This initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism presence in India, a key source market; Colombo pictured
A 20-member delegation of Sri Lankan tour operators and hoteliers will participate in the roadshows, showcasing the country’s business events and tourism offerings to event planners, tour operators, corporate leaders, trade associations, and Indian travel industry stakeholders.
There will be B2B engagements, evening networking sessions, as well as a performance from a Sri Lankan cultural troupe.
Malkanthi Welikala, manager – marketing, SLCB, added that the roadshows will also “build momentum for the 5th Edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo”. Happening from September 22–26, 2025, in Colombo, the show is expecting to welcome over 100 international buyers.
India remains Sri Lanka’s top source market, contributing 20 per cent of total tourist arrivals. From January 1 to May 31, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over one million, with 204,060 from India. Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings have exceeded US$1.5 billion in 1H2025.
Sri Lankan Airlines operates 90 weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. IndiGo and Air India also offer daily flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Cvent has announced that Cvent Essentials – a new product designed for managing high-volume, simple in-person events – is now available to all Cvent customers.
Cvent Essentials simplifies the planning and execution of frequent, smaller gatherings like field marketing activations, internal meetings, client trainings, and networking experiences. It aims to provide a solution without the complexity or cost of traditional event management tools. The product helps event professionals set clear guidelines and templates, enabling anyone within their organisation to plan and execute smaller events with minimal oversight.
A screenshot from the Cvent Essentials website
The tool emerged from a rigorous beta programme involving hundreds of users across various industries.
Key capabilities of Cvent Essentials enables users to launch on-brand events in minutes using approved templates; offer streamlined registration and onsite experience through single-page online registration and check-in via the Cvent OnArrival app; and providing attendance data.
The solution includes built-in engagement tools like live polling, Q&A, and post-event surveys. For data management, it provides real-time data and integrations with platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot for timely data capture and ROI tracking.
The product also facilitates empowered, distributed teams with unlimited Essentials-only users, allowing business units to self-manage events within admin-defined guardrails. A powerful templating system ensures centralised governance over data collection, privacy, security, and event design.
This launch comes as industry data indicates 58 per cent of organisations plan to increase their volume of small, in-person events in 2025–2026.
Malaysia’s largest women-focused trade and investment exposition, WE2025: Future in Motion, will take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from November 25-27.
Under the theme Women in Trade. Investment. Leadership., WE2025 aims to unlock RM100 million (US$23.5 million) in potential trade and investment and convene over 10,000 visitors, 1,000 conference delegates and 500 exhibition booths.
MITEC (pictured) is the strategic venue partner
Timed to coincide with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, WE2025 also serves as a timely platform for regional cooperation, aligning with the National Women’s Policy 2025, and the Malaysian government’s vision of shared prosperity and inclusive progress.
The conference multi-format design integrates four core components – a leadership conference, trade exposition, business matchups, and curated knowledge sessions and mentorship forums.
A hallmark of the event is the dedicated marketplace for micro and small enterprises, particularly from underserved and emerging communities. This segment ensures that WE2025 is both top-level and grassroots in its reach and relevance.
The event is organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, and supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and Department of Women Development.
Australian casino group The Star Entertainment Group has appointed Jennifer Cronin as interim CEO of The Star Gold Coast, subject to regulatory approvals.
Starting on July 1, 2025, Cronin has agreed to assume the leadership of The Star Gold Coast for up to 12 months, while the company continues its search for a permanent CEO. She has also been appointed director of The Star Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast local was previously president and CEO of Wharf Hotels, Marco Polo Hotels and Niccolo Hotels in Hong Kong. Her extensive experience also includes working at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Hololiday Inn Hope Island and at The Kooralbyn Hotel Resort on the Gold Coast before she pursued an international career working for global brands in Singapore and Thailand.
Ecko Hotels & Resorts has appointed Amrit Mukhopadhyay as area general manager.
Amrit has over 18 years of extensive expertise in the hospitality sector, and has held key leadership positions such as head of department and hotel manager (unit head) at hospitality businesses including The Fern, Royal Orchid, and Clarks Inn.
Delegates enjoyed the best of what Melbourne and regional Victoria had to offer from food to culture; photo by Tourism Australia
Direct selling company Amway China’s 30th Anniversary Leadership Seminar in April 2025 was an event of unprecedented scale and impact that solidified Melbourne/Narrm’s reputation as a world-renowned business events destination.
Melbourne Convention Bureau, together with the support of Tourism Australia’s Bid Fund Program, successfully secured the event following a competitive international bidding process, resulting in a win that not only highlighted Melbourne/Narrm’s global appeal, but also brought significant benefits to the local visitor economy.
Welcoming a staggering 16,000 delegates across six separate waves, this landmark event was the largest incentive group ever to visit Australia.
Over the course of the month-long incentive event, delegates immersed themselves in a dynamic programme of business sessions, world-class hospitality, unique cultural experiences, and regional exploration – all of which showcased the depth and diversity of what Melbourne and greater Victoria have to offer.
“Melbourne was the perfect destination for this landmark event for Amway China and our delegates have had a fantastic time exploring this wonderful city and state,” said Carl Wen, director of Special Events, Amway China.
A region-wide celebration of business and culture
The Melbourne Showgrounds served as the central hub for daytime business seminars and nightly gala dinners, showcasing its versatility as one of the city’s premier indoor-outdoor event venues.
Each wave of 2,000 to 3,000 delegates took part in high-energy networking sessions by day, then returned to the Showgrounds in the evening for gala events featuring live entertainment and exquisite catering showcasing the best of Victorian produce.
The accommodation and hospitality elements were equally impressive, with eight of Melbourne’s leading hotels – including the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Pullman on the Park, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, and Pan Pacific Melbourne – accommodating delegates and generating 32,000 room nights. Melbourne / Narrm’s famed dining scene was on full display, with 66 restaurants across the city and regions taking delegates on a culinary journey through Victoria’s diverse flavours.
Delegates visited the renowned National Gallery of Victoria as part of their programme; photo by Amway
Beyond the boardrooms and ballrooms, Amway China delegates got a taste of the city’s rich culture and creative energy by exploring iconic attractions such as Melbourne Skydeck, Hosier Lane (where local artists created Amway-themed street art), Queen Victoria Market, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
However, it was the regional experiences that truly elevated the incentive programme, with thousands of delegates venturing beyond the city to discover Victoria’s breathtaking landscapes and regional treasures. Highlights included: wildlife encounters, including the famous penguin parade, on Phillip Island; wine tasting and food pairing in the Yarra Valley; helicopter tours to the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, and immersive historical experiences at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.
The VIP experience was a particular standout, with select guests enjoying a flight over the Yarra Valley in an Amway China branded hot air balloon – an unforgettable way to mark Amway’s milestone anniversary.
“Hosting an incentive of such scale was a key opportunity for us to showcase Australia’s world-class event capabilities and what truly sets us apart – our diversity of destinations, exclusive experiences in beautiful natural settings, and our friendly welcoming people,” Robin Mack, Tourism Australia Executive General Manager for Global Markets & Business Events.
A benchmark for future events
Amway’s 30th anniversary brought the largest gathering of delegates to Melbourne/Narrm; photo by Amway
Melbourne/Narrm’s seamless delivery of this monumental incentive programme demonstrated the city’s capability and creativity in delivering high-calibre international events, cementing its reputation as a leading destination for large-scale business events.
The Amway China Leadership Seminar delivered an estimated A$100 million (approximately US$64.8) in economic impact for Victoria and involved over 80 local businesses, directly boosting the tourism, hospitality, and event industries.
The event wasn’t just the largest incentive programme in Australian history – it was a testament to what’s possible when collaboration, culture, and innovation come together. It leaves behind not only economic value but a lasting legacy of connection, inspiration, and opportunity.
“It has been incredible to witness the phenomenal impact of the Amway China incentive programme. It is a testament to Melbourne’s ability to host large-scale, bespoke events that showcase the best that our city and state have to offer,” Julia Swanson, Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive.
Want more inspiration? Contact Business Events Australia today: Edward Kwek Senior business events manager, South East Asia ekwek@tourism.australia.com.
Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; photo by Liau Fung Min, Sabah Tourism Board
Sabah’s business events sector is experiencing a notable upswing, driven by strong government support and promotional efforts, and rising interest from regional and international markets looking for fresh destinations.
Sellers from Sabah interviewed at the inaugural B2B ASEAN Tourism Exchange (ATEX) 2025, held recently in Kota Kinabalu, reported year-on-year growth in business events.
Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; photo by Liau Fung Min, Sabah Tourism Board
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu’s sales manager, Noor Mazmiza Latuwoh, told TTGmice that the property had seen an increase in incentives from China, Singapore and Australia, driven by improvements in air connectivity.
Last year, the hotel became the first in Malaysia and within the Shangri-La group to achieve its Event Sustainability Management Systems certification. “This sets us apart as a truly eco-aware MICE venue. For MICE planners and corporations, aligning their events with sustainable venues bolsters their corporate image,” shared Noor.
Avasi Borneo Tours & Travel’s chief operating officer, Alicia Gomes, shared that her company is seeing Malaysian companies from West Malaysia and multinational corporations based in Singapore returning to Sabah for their meetings and incentive programmes – but with a twist.
“Instead of staying in Kota Kinabalu, many groups are now opting for off-the-beaten-path destinations like Kundasang, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Danum Valley,” she said.
“These locations offer unique settings where teams can bond while being surrounded by pristine rainforest or mountain landscapes. It’s a refreshing change from the typical city-based meeting format,” she explained.
This sentiment is echoed by Mary Chey, sales manager at the 97-key Perkasa Hotel Mt Kinabalu – the only hotel located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.
Chey shared that the hotel is increasingly popular for exclusive buyouts by corporate clients from across Asia, particularly those seeking privacy and a more focused environment for seminars, workshops, or leadership retreats.
“The natural surroundings help foster creativity and deeper team engagement,” she said. Additionally, many incentive groups visiting Kundasang for day trips use the property as a lunch stop or short retreat venue, complementing their main programmes in Kota Kinabalu.
Positioned as the only private sector-driven tourism event in Malaysia, ATEX was jointly organised by the ASEAN Tourism Association, Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations, and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.
The amendment to the country’s Medicines Act, due to take effect by year-end, will permit pharmaceutical companies to present new products to medical professionals even before they receive Medsafe approval.
Pickford: Medical Act change has come at an opportune time
The reform could unlock lucrative new opportunities for New Zealand’s business events sector, long constrained by strict regulatory barriers.
Mike Pickford, executive chair of ASN Events, welcomed the move after advocating for the change for more than six years.
“When we have meetings in New Zealand, a lot of Australian sponsors just wouldn’t come because of obstacles to talking about products not registered locally.
“Now, I can go to half a dozen clients and say that their reason for not coming to New Zealand is gone. I’m thrilled about the change, and I think New Zealand is getting increasingly well positioned to capture some really significant meetings that probably haven’t been in this space before,” Pickford told TTGmice.
Kang: New Zealand needs to enhance communication and support packages; photo by Adelaine Ng
Adeline Kang, director of operations Japan, China, and Asia Pacific at MSD International, said that while the development was positive, the real impact in the international medical conferencing sector may be slow to realise due to multi-year bid cycles and existing venue contracts in a highly competitive environment.
“If you want to play in this space, it’s a long game,” she said, calling for New Zealand to be more proactive in communicating the change and offering compelling support packages.
Kang pointed to New Zealand’s challenging geographical distance as being “more down under than Down Under”, and said New Zealand must work closely with airlines, hotels, and key opinion leaders to present a holistic proposition – especially when up against established destinations like Singapore, which she highlighted as a benchmark for its collaborative approach and aggressive support for business events.
Nonetheless, Pickford noted that the Medical Act change has come at an opportune time, as shifting geopolitical dynamics in the US are forcing medical and scientific associations to reassess traditional conference destinations.
“There’s a bit of resistance to actually running the conferences in America, with the Americans withdrawing their funding support for a lot of international disease campaigns,” he explained.
“Some of these are changing destination decisions at very short notice, so there’s some fluidity in the short term. Hopefully this is an issue that will disappear with some time. But right now, all of my clients, whether they’re international or Australian, are doing risk assessments for their meetings and after the Covid experience, which was quite traumatic for some, they are more risk averse than they were before.”
In response, Penelope Ryan, global manager business events at Tourism New Zealand, acknowledged both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities ahead. She told TTGmice at Meetings 2025 in Auckland that the Medical Act change is only the beginning, with the focus now on building awareness and educating prospective event organisers, particularly in key growth markets across Asia.
From left: Beam Singapore’s Kiat Chua; and Chab Events' Gary Ching speaking during a fireside chat at TIME 2025; photo by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Geopolitical and economic uncertainty are forcing budget cuts and strategic re-evaluation for business events
Business events professionals must shift from execution to consultative partnerships
Adaptability, flexibility, and cost management crucial for survival
From left: Beam Singapore’s Kiat Chua; and Chab Events’ Gary Ching speaking during a fireside chat at TIME 2025; photo by TCEB
Geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds took centrestage at the recently-concluded Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange (TIME) 2025, where speakers across multiple sessions unpacked how today’s turbulent global landscape is reshaping the business events industry.
In his keynote Storm Watch: Global Disruptions and the Future of the Thai Service Sector, Andrew Staples, founder and principal at Geopol Asia, laid out the broader context.
“The global economy is slowing. Businesses are focusing on cost control. If they can’t predict tariff rates, they can’t plan – or invest,” he explained, warning that this pervasive ambiguity is leading many companies to delay or scale back on meetings and exhibitions.
As such, Staples urged event professionals to engage more proactively with their clients: “Ask them how geopolitics is impacting their business. They’re concerned about their customers and their bottom lines – work with them to find solutions.”
From execution to consultation
This global uncertainty is shifting how agencies and clients collaborate. During the fireside chat, Being the Regional Office Hub for Multinational Companies – What’s New for Clients?, speaker Gary Ching, event director at Chab Events, highlighted the need for business events providers to move beyond execution and towards consultative partnerships.
“Planners need to prove clear ROI,” he remarked, noting that shifting supply chains and tariffs are driving greater scrutiny on event value while driving a shift towards resilience, networking, and competition.
Ching explained: “This is a very uncertain period, and many clients are cutting down their event budgets. But the truth is, they do have budgets. They just need help planning and understanding the ROI.”
He observed clients pushing back on training events that require travel, and prioritising partner-led activations where there is stronger value alignment and clearer returns.
Buyers tighten spend, but keep expectations high
This cautious spending and strategic prioritisation was also highlighted by Singapore-based buyer Chloe Ng, event manager at Seventy2 Singapore, who noted the challenges of working with budget constraints in the current economic climate.
“The budgets are extremely reduced this year compared to last year, (although) briefs have stayed the same. The latest trips no longer feel like true incentives – they have lost that sense of luxury,” she remarked.
Ching also pointed out that the relationship between agencies and clients has become far more collaborative.
“As event professionals, we need to dig deeper – really understand their business, ask the right questions, and take on more of an advisory role. It’s about guiding them toward events that generate leads and drive revenue, rather than defaulting to internal activities that don’t move the needle,” he stated.
Staying adaptable
When asked how the industry is navigating unpredictability, Canadian buyer John Wee Tom, founder of Area Corporate, shared: “We’re hardwired to respond. There’s no perfect playbook. You just keep your ears to the ground and adjust. Even the best plans can’t anticipate some of what we’re seeing.”
Contracts are also evolving to address this reality, he added. “Just like we adapted contracts for Covid, now we’re adding clauses for political instability, especially in risk-prone destinations.”
Nitin Sachdeva, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s India representative, meanwhile emphasised the importance of agility, tech adoption, and cost management. “If you can’t cut your input costs in an era of inflation and oil spikes, you’ll struggle to survive,” he warned.
Reflecting on recent disruptions, Sachdeva said: “We had a great warm-up with Covid. Back then, everything was shut down. Now at least something is always open; we need to stay flexible. If outbound markets collapse, pivot to domestic. Use technology to reduce overheads. This is where creativity and survival intersect.”
He stressed that rising oil and logistics costs will hit events hard in the near future, and companies must revisit core principles. “Cutting input costs isn’t just a strategy – it’s a necessity. We need to remember how to adapt quickly.
Kobe’s business events industry is expected to experience a boost following the launch of international flights to and from the city.
In mid-April 2025, Kobe Airport opened its international terminal, transitioning from a domestic-only facility. This was made possible by the easing of restrictions related to route-sharing agreements with nearby Kansai International and Itami airports.
Kobe Airport
The new routes connect Kobe with Seoul, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung. All of these routes will operate daily, except for Taipei, which will have five round trips per week.
Although the flights are classified as charters, tickets are available through airline websites, making the booking experience similar to that of regular scheduled international flights, which are expected to be launched in the lead up to 2030.
Lance Ferguson, assistant manager of Kobe Convention Bureau, told TTGmice that the launch of international flights at Kobe Airport “significantly improves global accessibility”, and “the enhanced connectivity makes it even more practical for overseas delegates and organisers to consider Kobe as a viable destination for business events”.
The development is the latest in a series by Kobe to increase its appeal among business events players. The city’s waterfront has undergone significant redevelopment, with a focus on revitalising the port area as a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The Kobe Port Tower reopened in 2024 after renovation, while multipurpose space Glion Arena Kobe opened this year.
These developments are “part of a larger urban transformation that includes upgraded public spaces, new hotel developments and improved transport infrastructure, which includes the internationalisation of Kobe Airport,” said Ferguson. He added that they make Kobe “a compelling option for planners looking to blend efficient business facilities with an attractive and vibrant city setting”.
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.
Starting on July 1, 2025, Cronin has agreed to assume the leadership of The Star Gold Coast for up to 12 months, while the company continues its search for a permanent CEO. She has also been appointed director of The Star Gold Coast.
