China gets new exhibition centre; other regional venues declare restart

July 13, 2020

Pico_JJCEC — The brand-new Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center has already hosted its first exhibition

A new exhibition centre has opened in China’s Quanzhou city, while Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and IMPACT Muang Thong Than have shared their reopening plans.

Managed and operated by Pico Far East Holdings, the new Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center is a multipurpose complex with full-fledged exhibition and convention facilities in Quanzhou, part of Fujian Province.

The brand-new Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center has since hosted its first exhibition

The 120,000m² facility is the largest exhibition centre in Quanzhou, providing some 40,000m² of space across four exhibition halls.

Held from June 25-28, 2020, the 27th Quanzhou International Automobile Exhibition was the first show in Quanzhou since the outbreak of Covid-19. With stringent controls and measures being in place, the four-day exhibition attracted over 70 mainstream exhibitors and more than 24,000 visitors. Total sales recorded more than 4,000 vehicles within the show period.

Meanwhile in Bangkok, the 140,000m² IMPACT has resumed its business, and according to tentative reservations as of July 2020, there are 20 events scheduled. Thee include 11 meetings, seven exhibitions such as the Bangkok Motor Show, as well as several incentive events and parties.

The Bangkok Motor Show is scheduled to take place on July 15-26, and will utilise over 170,000m2 of space. It is the first large motorshow since the pandemic.

IMPACT has also prepared guidelines for the new normal across seven different kinds of events, ranging from meeting and conventions, to concerts. The guidelines aim to provide customers with a peace of mind, as these measures were based on recommendations from the government, public health sectors, and other related agencies such as Thai Exhibition Association and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

The venue also offers a hybrid meeting option that can accommodate meetings or conferences from 100 to 3,000 participants.

Over in Australia, BCEC will reopen in August 2020, and is already planning to host several events, once approval is given by the Queensland Health of its Site Specific COVID Safe Plan.

A newly-developed BCEC Safe Event Guideline has been prepared and the venue will assist clients in planning their events to encompass all necessary health and hygiene safeguards, food safety measures and social distancing required under the current opening conditions.

The facility has a total of 44 meeting rooms and event spaces.

Defined assurance

By Karen Yue

July 13, 2020

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It is often said that insurance comes as an afterthought. Did Chubb see a spike in event insurance enquiries as event plans were upended by the Covid-19 pandemic?
It is not unusual to see a spike in insurance enquiries just when something catastrophic might impact plans, whether it is a typhoon heading towards the city, civil unrests, a volcanic ash cloud or a heightened threat of terrorism. Covid-19 is no different.

Successful events would have been planned many months or years in advance and organisers would have created an event management plan. The event organiser should assess their risks and decide how they will be managed.

Some risks can be reduced by taking certain actions, such as managing security in-house or working with a specialist security services company. Some risks can be eliminated, such as by selecting a purpose-built venue versus one that is not fit for purpose. Some risks can be transferred, such as in contract via an indemnity from suppliers or by purchasing insurance. Some risks are considered low and the organiser decides to retain them.

However, not every risk can be transferred to insurance, so the event organiser will need to weigh the cost of insurance against their perceived risk. Insurance companies provide insurance for fortuitous events, in other words, something not reasonably foreseen or expected, and do not provide insurance for known events.

Here is a scenario: insuring an event during the typhoon season in Hong Kong is certainly possible but it will be more expensive than out of season. Seeking insurance as the typhoon approaches will be a fruitless exercise. Plan well and early, including the purchase of insurance to secure protection against fortuitous events disrupting your own event.

Do you expect – or perhaps are already seeing – a stronger take-up of event cancellation insurance in the immediate future when events resume?
Compared to other parts of the world, the take-up rate of event cancellation insurance in Asia has typically been low. This has partly been a matter of the lack of awareness that the insurance product exists and the organisers are prepared to take on the risk themselves, or have not budgeted for the cost of insurance in their plans.

Has the pandemic altered event cancellation insurance coverage and premium, or led to the creation of new insurance products?
No two events are the same and therefore event cancellation policies are typically negotiated on an event-by-event basis to suit the needs and budget of the organiser.

Event cancellation policies typically contain exclusions for adverse weather in relation to outdoor events, national mourning, civil commotion, terrorism, non-appearance, and communicable disease. Event organisers will negotiate to extend the insurance to cover one or more of these excluded perils and pay the additional premium. I do not foresee any new exclusions being applied to a policy unless there is a known event that the insurer does not want to cover.

The event cancellation insurance market has been hit hard this past 18 months, with over 20 music festivals being cancelled, extreme weather impacting major events, and more recently the largest market loss resulting from Covid-19. I expect to see a number of insurers withdraw from the industry and those insurers that remain will adjust their pricing to suit the heightened risks and their increased costs of operating.

One of the common reasons for event organisers to not pay for event cancellation insurance, is that in the event of a pandemic or terror attack, the force majeure clause comes into play and they will not be compensated. What is the reality?
In my experience, not every force majeure clause reads the same and there are many that do not contemplate a pandemic.

The clause also works both ways. The vendors supplying to the organiser, such as venue or the artiste, may have strong force majeure or terms and conditions that prevent full recovery of paid funds. The organiser may have a strong force majeure clause in their ticket conditions and therefore are not legally obligated to refund the patrons, but public pressure or to protect their reputation may cause them to act differently.

Depending on how far in advance the event is cancelled, there will always be expense savings that can be made, but rarely are the full costs and expenses recovered. Event cancellation policies are in place to pay for the irrecoverable costs and expenses that have been incurred for a covered event.

Another top reason for rejecting event insurance, is that it is unnecessary and “extravagant” for local or regional events involving under 100 participants. Again, what is the reality?
The purchase of insurance often depends on whether an event is revenue generating and for profit, or if it is a community event. We have insured local and regional events of all sizes, protecting the revenue or just for the costs and expenses. Whether it is a fashion show, wedding, business meeting or local government show or performance, the organiser in each circumstance needs to weigh the risk of cancellation and decide if the cost of the premium makes sense to their budget.

IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific take the virtual stage

By TTGmice

July 13, 2020

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Organisers of IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific, TTG Asia Media, have decided to move the tradeshow and exhibition online, with the new dates being November 16-20.

The virtual event will continue in its mission to foster business events growth opportunities for Asia-Pacific and beyond. The programme will engage regional and international industry suppliers and buyers in the realms of business, education and networking, as well as feature dedicated relevant topics designed around the interests of niche segments.

Last year’s face-to-face meetings in Bangkok

Meetings, peer-sharing, and collaboration are more vital than ever before in leading this industry on its road to recovery.

More details on the virtual event will be available in August. Register your interest here.

Next year’s physical event is scheduled to take place from September 28 to 30, 2021, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Photo of the day: New winners crowned at Thailand MICE Youth Challenge

By TTGmice

July 13, 2020

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TMYC2020_200710_4 — This year's Thailand MICE Youth Challenge was held as a hybrid event with social distancing in place

Organised by Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), the finals for the third annual Thailand MICE Youth Challenge was held last week on July 9.

The hybrid event at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit saw three teams emerge winners – Illuminate from Assumption University, MICE-ing Stars from MUIC; and The New MITI from Kasetsart University.

This year’s Thailand MICE Youth Challenge was held as a hybrid event with social distancing in place

All winning teams will be sponsored by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and receive support from TICA, Thai Exhibition Association, and Event Management Association as Thailand’s representative teams to compete at an international MICE stage.

In total, there were 19 applicants, with 15 submitting completed proposals. The teams hailed from across the country, and the judging criteria this year also included consideration of the new normal in the sector, as well as the use of event technology.

Not only this event was organised for students but it was also organised by TCEB-MICE Student Chapter, where the organisers were a team of four senior students from MUIC.

Ritz-Carlton opens its doors in Nanjing

By TTGmice

July 13, 2020

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THE_RITZ-CARLTON,_NANJING_OPENS_ITS_DOORS_IN_CHINA_S_BEAUTIFUL_CITY_OF_LITERATURE__DELUXE_ROOM — Deluxe Room

Nanjing, the capital of China’s eastern Jiangsu province, now has a brand-new five-star hotel in the form of a Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing towers 62 stories above the city’s CBD, on the uppermost floors of the upscale Deji Plaza, affording views of Xuanwu Lake and Purple Mountain from its rooms and event spaces.

There is more than 2,200m² of event space, ranging from The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom which also access to a leafy outdoor terrace, to The Plaza Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, alongside seven meeting rooms.

There are 295 rooms, including 32 suites with kitchen and dining areas. Business travellers staying in the club rooms will have 24-hour access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 58th floor.

Other facilities include a spa with eight treatment rooms, 24-hour fitness centre, yoga studio, and indoor swimming pool. There are also five F&B venues, such as Pin Ning Fu, a restaurant that serves cuisine from Nanjing and its surrounding provinces; and Flair, a rooftop bar and restaurant featuring boutique gins and crafted cocktails on the 62nd floor.

Cvent offers free training and certification until August

By TTGmice

July 13, 2020

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event management — Upskill with Cvent's training and certification opportunities during this downtime

Cvent, a meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, is offering all of its Cvent Certifications and training programmes to anyone in the industry free-of-charge through August 31, 2020.

Certifications typically have been offered only to Cvent customers, and it can cost up to S$2,500 (US$1,800) for an individual to get certified and trained across the entire Cvent platform. Also included in the programme are hundreds of free live, virtual training sessions and certification study groups, hosted by Cvent experts.

Upskill with Cvent’s training and certification opportunities during this downtime

For marketers and event planners, certifications offered include Event Management Certification; Event Management Advanced Certification; Mobile Event App Certification; Venue Sourcing Certification; and Virtual Events (training course starts July 8, certification to follow). In the pipeline are Certifications for Hybrid Events; Event Marketing; and for Social Tables – Cvent’s event diagramming and seating tool.

For hoteliers and destinations, the Cvent Supplier Network Certification is currently offered, with Cvent Event Diagramming Certification coming soon.

Cvent chief marketing officer, Patrick Smith, said in a statement that this was one of the ways for the company to “give back”, and “provide support in a way that could facilitate an even stronger industry post-pandemic”.

“Our goal is to train and certify tens of thousands of industry professionals, giving them the tools and skills they need to more quickly bounce back once things start to go back to normal – boosting not only their confidence and careers, but also the industry at-large,” he added.

Asia’s mega drawcards

By TTGmice

July 13, 2020

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artist’s-impression-of-the-Galaxy-International-Convention-Center — Artist’s impression of the Galaxy International Convention Center

Galaxy Macau

Macau is affirming its appeal as a business events destination with the unveiling of the upcoming Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, set for an opening in 1H2021.

Operated by the Galaxy Entertainment Group and part of the Galaxy Macau integrated resort, GICC will boast 40,000m² of event space, including a 10,000m² pillarless exhibition hall, an auditorium for some 600 guests, a banquet hall for up to 2,400 guests, a 4,000m² conference hall comprising three dividable spaces, and a ballroom catering to more than 1,000 guests.

GICC is also touted to be able to elevate business events planning capabilities through its Event Studio – a team of event professionals who can collaborate with organisers on venue selection, theme, décor, entertainment, as well as visual and lighting effects.

One of the most innovative features planners can look forward to is the interactive wall displays around GICC. These digital screens can be synced to mobile devices, allowing attendees to interact with visuals on their smartphones. Organisers can also customise the sweeping 75m-long LED façade wall for branding purposes.

Luxury lifestyle hotel Andaz Macau will be joining the precinct, with a similar targeted opening in 1H2021. The hotel will feature a dedicated check-in lounge catering to large corporate groups, over 700 rooms and suites, an Andaz lounge, a bar and restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor pool.

Andaz Macau will be connected to Galaxy Macau, which offers more than one million square metres of entertainment, retail and leisure attractions as well as 120 dining options.
Galaxy Macau currently boasts the destination’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands under one roof, comprising The Ritz-Carlton, Macau; Banyan Tree Macau; JW Marriott Hotel Macau; Hotel Okura Macau; Galaxy Hotel and Broadway Hotel.

These facilities present event organisers with the freedom to mix and match accommodation types, venues and experiences.

To court event planners and strengthen its network in the pre-opening phase, GICC is working very closely with the Macau government and local stakeholders to promote both the precinct and Macau as an attractive business events destination. It has attended well-known business event tradeshows and is supporting bidding projects as well as reaching out to all of Galaxy’ existing business partners to establish partnerships.

A spokesman added: “To better connect with the event community, we are now part of key global MICE associations such as ICCA and UFI.” – Prudence Lui

Resorts World Genting, Malaysia

Resorts World Genting (RWG) in Malaysia is ready to go all out to win a bigger market share of regional and international meetings and incentive groups once travel restrictions are lifted.

The integrated highland resort, popular for its cool weather, boasts over 10,000 rooms of different star categories. These hotels stand alongside the more than 37,000m² Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park; two cable car systems; the SkyAvenue shopping mall; Genting Highlands Premium Outlets; and numerous speciality restaurants such as Burger & Lobster.

An outdoor theme park is also under construction, but the opening date and name of the park has yet to be decided.

Arena of the Stars at Resorts World Genting, Malaysia

For events, numerous unconventional venues including Zouk Genting are available for exclusive hire. More traditional meeting spaces, such as a ballroom for up to 4,000 pax in theatre-style, are available too. For massive gatherings, planners can consider the property’s multiple performance halls where the largest, the Arena of Stars, has been retrofitted with concert standard audio and visual systems, and can hold over 5,000 guests.

Kevin Tann, vice president of MICE, entertainment & events at RWG, shared that the integrated resort is showcased as a “one-stop solution for business event organisers” and is suitable for a range of corporate gatherings, from business meetings to fun teambuilding programmes.

“All resort events are produced by our in-house entertainment team, so clients who want something special for their events can leverage this expertise. We are able to service clients from the proposal stage right up to execution,” he noted.

Some unique experiences the team can arrange include a meeting or teambuilding activity in the 100-million-year-old rainforest which surrounds the area; and a private golf tournament at the 18-hole course at Resorts World Awana.

“We also have the resources and expertise to (make the experience even more personalised, such as) arranging for private cable car lines as part of an incentive experience; drinking cocktails at -6°C at SnowWorld; or accommodate a private buy out of our theme park after operating hours,” he added.

Tann shared there was growing demand from organisers in Asian markets pre-pandemic. RWG has plans to host fam trips for event organisers – from key markets such as South-east Asia, China, India, and the Middle East – to visit and experience Genting Highlands for themselves.

It also helps that RWG’s strength lies in its location, which is within an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital and 90 minutes’ drive from its main gateways, KL International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. For quicker access or for VIP guests, helicopter rides from the airport can be arranged. – S Puvaneswary

Ariyana Tourism Complex, Vietnam

Ariyana Tourism Complex is home to Furama Resort Danang, Ariyana Convention Centre, Furama Villas Danang and the International Convention Palace.

Thanks to government efforts and infrastructure investments, the coastal Vietnamese city of Danang has been steadily gaining recognition as a business events destination.

Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, the resort was welcoming business travellers from across the globe, with domestic and regional visitors making up the bulk.

Furama Resort Danang is part of the Ariyana Tourism Complex

Planners are able to house delegates in Furama Resort Danang’s 198 rooms and 27 suites, while corporate functions can be hosted at the Furama Convention Palace, good for up to 1,000 people. Another 10 function rooms can cater for between 50 and 300 people. Next door, Ariyana Convention Centre’s pillarless ballroom can take up to 2,500 guests, providing even more space for event planners.

These facilities have played host to a string of exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other business-related events. Value-added options and services that can be enjoyed include beachside banquets, cultural excursions and a variety of tailor-made programmes. Two 18-hole golf courses sitting nearby allow corporate groups to have friendly tournaments pre- or post-event.

Furama Danang Resort also has its own helipad, meaning VIP guests can arrive in style.

One of the most recent events Furama hosted was in March 2020, when economic ministers from the 10 ASEAN member countries gathered for the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat.

Truong Ngoc Thanh, Furama’s spokesperson, said that flights and international travel are key for corporate events but due to the current pandemic, there have been no guests.

He added: “Now is the hardest time for MICE as people are not yet ready to (travel).”

However, he shared that the resort continues to support event planners as much as possible by providing flexible rates and innovative options.

During the downtime afforded by the pandemic, Furama Resort Danang has made use of the time to upgrade its facilities. This includes the refurbishment of walls, floors, doors, equipment of rooms and swimming pools. – Marissa Carruthers

Primed for a strong return

By Karen Yue

July 13, 2020

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How does tourism recovery look for you?
While some countries are starting to open up their economies, it is likely that travel restrictions will continue to be in place globally for some time to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

At Sentosa, we are heartened that Singapore residents have been our single largest market, even before the onset of Covid-19. Between April and November 2019, for instance, our local visitorship increased by about 23 per cent, compared to the same period in 2018. This is testament to the strong value proposition that Sentosa provides, not just for tourists but also our domestic guests.

These figures are in line with Expedia’s 2018 Singapore Staycation Study, which found that Singaporeans are avid staycationers.

How did your marketing approach change during the period of restricted activities, known locally as the Circuit Breaker?
We collaborated with our Island Partners to roll out several free online offerings, such as the virtual Sentosa on Animal Crossing: New Horizons and other leisure experiences, to keep engaging guests at home.

We will continue to build on and deepen our guest engagement through our diverse range of unique leisure offerings. These efforts include continuing to refresh and rejuvenate our offerings, and working with our Island Partners (tenants) and others to prepare for a strong recovery through events and other novel initiatives.

As we look ahead beyond Covid-19, we will continue to engage both locals and tourists by leveraging on the assets of our one-of-a-kind resort island, including our golden beaches and array of novel leisure experiences, to keep guests of all ages coming back for more, day and night.

How do regional and longhaul markets factor in your mid- and long-term sales and marketing plans?
Being a leading leisure destination in Asia, our regional markets such as China, India and South-east Asia will continue to be key.

In recent years, we have also strengthened our efforts to engage our longhaul markets in Europe, the US and Australia, such as through tradeshows like ITB Berlin, IMEX, IBTM World and the World Travel Expo.

For longhaul markets, we also focus on MICE, and we anticipate that business travel could see an earlier recovery than leisure travel.

We will continue to monitor global developments, and resume activities with our regional and longhaul markets once it is appropriate to do so.

How is Sentosa Development Corp (SDC) preparing for the rebound?
As a unique island-in-a-city that offers an array of differentiated leisure and MICE experiences, we are unlike many other destinations. Therefore, we take a holistic view in attracting visitors with various interests and across ages.

Sentosa has laid a strong foundation through active engagement with our key markets over the years, enjoying strong annual visitorship of 19 million from markets including Singapore, China, India and South-east Asia.

SDC is also a one-stop solutions provider for novel MICE experiences in Sentosa, and has been working with DMCs, PCOs and other venue operators to increase awareness of our destination on an industry level, providing (these partners) with constant updates on (what’s on offer).

We also work closely with the Singapore Tourism Board through programmes such as the Singapore MICE Advantage Programme as well as the In Singapore Incentives & Rewards, aligning our approaches with efforts at a national level.

Despite the inability to meet our Island Partners and travel agent partners face-to-face (during the lockdown), we have (maintained contact with) them regularly through platforms such as webinars, ensuring that we keep these relationships warm.

We have also been working with our partners and stakeholders on a strong marketing and promotional plan (that will) bring visitors back to the island once we are able to.

To position Sentosa for a strong recovery, SDC has been actively strengthening the resilience of our Island Partners, (such as by) offering rental support…and providing operational assistance.

What new processes have been put in place to ensure the island experience is safe for visitors?
The safety and well-being of our guests are always of utmost importance to us. Since early this year, SDC has put in place precautionary measures such as increased cleaning frequency of our common and high-touch areas, safe distancing in queues, and temperature screening, among various other measures.

The majority of our Island Partners have also been certified with the SG Clean quality mark, representing a commitment to uphold good sanitation and hygiene practices.

As Singapore reopens safely, we will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests by aligning with prevailing Covid-19 measures set by Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce. These include safe distancing, temperature taking (and) contact tracing (using) technologies such as the national SafeEntry system.

New processes may also be in place in certain areas, such as in managing crowds on the island. For example, guests may have to pre-book their date and time slots for certain activities, considering capacity reductions.

Such processes will enable guests to plan ahead and enjoy these experiences in a safe and comfortable way.

Anantara offers luxury train trips through Vietnam

By TTGmice

July 9, 2020

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The Vietage, a 12-seat carriage, has launched luxury railway journeys through the Vietnamese countryside linking Danang and Quy Nhon.

Developed by Anantara, The Vietage will journey between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. The six-hour journey passes through local villages, the rural countryside, and stops at a few stations on the way.

Amenities onboard the custom-designed carriage include a sit-up bar, and a dedicated area with spa treatment chairs.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage costs US$185 per person, including a three-course meal, free-flow drinks, bar snacks, and a 30-minute head and shoulder treatment.

An à la carte menu also offers premium wines, champagnes and treats such as local caviar and cheeses, all available for pre-purchase.

The Vietage departs from Danang every morning at 09.31, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon at 15.43. The return journey departs Dieu Tri at 17.29 and arrives in Danang at 23.01. The Vietage runs for eleven months each year, taking a break during the annual Vietnamese Tet holiday period.

Malaysia hotels woo travellers with safety label

By S Puvaneswary

July 9, 2020

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The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has launched the first industry-wide hygiene and safety label in the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic to give travellers peace of mind amid the pandemic.

Dubbed the Clean & Safe Malaysia, the certification programme is designed specifically for hotels and resorts in compliance with both local regulatory requirements and international standards.

*Malaysia’s Clean & Safe* label *certification* for the country’s hotels aim to restore traveller confidence

This programme is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, and will be the benchmark of hygiene and safety standards for the country’s hotel industry.

MAH CEO Yap Lip Seng said in a statement: “The Clean & Safe Malaysia hygiene and safety label extends beyond base regulatory requirements, with the ultimate goal of not only ensuring its implementation, but also continuous compliance for peace of mind of travellers staying at certified hotels.”

MAH has appointed Bureau Veritas Malaysia (BVM) as the independent auditor leveraging its global footprint and auditing expertise in more than 140 countries to deliver a consistent and uniformed solution to every participating hotel across Malaysia.

BVM will audit and monitor participating hotels throughout the entire certification period, and the general public can also access information of these hotels on its website.

Every certified hotel will be issued the Clean & Safe Malaysia label and certificate, complete with its very own QR code for referencing and verification purposes.

China gets new exhibition centre; other regional venues declare restart

Defined assurance

IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific take the virtual stage

Photo of the day: New winners crowned at Thailand MICE Youth Challenge

Ritz-Carlton opens its doors in Nanjing

Cvent offers free training and certification until August

Asia’s mega drawcards

Galaxy Macau

Resorts World Genting, Malaysia

Ariyana Tourism Complex, Vietnam

Primed for a strong return

Anantara offers luxury train trips through Vietnam

Malaysia hotels woo travellers with safety label

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