Maharashtra establishes India’s first state-led convention bureau

June 9, 2025

IMEX2025_ Launch-Maharashtra-Convention-Bureau-2.jpg_640 — The Maharashtra Convention Bureau was launched at IMEX Frankfurt

The Maharashtra Government’s Department of Tourism has formed the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB), India’s first state-led initiative focused on cementing the state’s position as a compelling destination for global conventions, exhibitions, and business events.

Based out of Mumbai, MCB will serve as a catalyst to attract and facilitate international events, building upon the state’s global reputation as a business and tourism hotspot. This initiative reflects the key focus of the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024, highlighting the growing importance of business events tourism, and aims to accelerate the growing visitor economy across the state.

The Maharashtra Convention Bureau was launched at IMEX Frankfurt

“The establishment of the MCB marks a transformative moment for our state’s economic and cultural landscape. Maharashtra has long been a leader in industry, education, and innovation – and with this new bureau, we are unlocking the full potential of the business events industry to amplify that leadership on a global stage. Through strategic investment in MICE, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and intellectual exchange.”

“This initiative will serve as a catalyst across key sectors – from tourism and hospitality to higher education, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It will attract global thinkers, investors, and changemakers to Maharashtra, generating new opportunities for our youth, our entrepreneurs, and our communities…, “ said Shri Indranil Naik, minister of state for tourism, industries, public works, higher & technical education, tribal Development, soil & water conservation, Government of Maharashtra.

MCB will work closely with international event organisers, offering administrative assistance, and providing resources to ensure the success and impact of events. Additionally, MCB will collaborate with key stakeholders, including hotels, venues, and service providers to ease the planning process and enhance the overall experience.

Mumbai has already hosted global events like the 21st World Congress of Accountants 2022, The G20 Sessions 2023, the 141st International Olympic Committee Session 2023, and the Miss World Grand Finale 2024 at the Jio World Convention Centre.

Moving forward, Mumbai has successfully secured future conventions such as the International Baccalaureate Congress (2026), ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Annual Conference, International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025), Asian Seed Congress (2025), and the UIA International Forum of Architects (2027), all of which will be hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre.

Mumbai, which also contributes close to 15 per cent of the country’s GDP, also recently bid for the prestigious International Astronautical Congress in 2028.

Medical-related conventions and association meetings key to Bali Beach Convention Center’s growth

By Rachel AJ Lee

June 9, 2025

Bali Beach Convention Center_640 — Bali Beach Convention Center

Driven by the Indonesian government’s strategic development of the 42-hectare Sanur Special Economic Zone, the 3,750m² Bali Beach Convention Center is actively pursuing medical-related conventions and association meetings.

“The main target of the zone is focused on getting Indonesians to stay in Indonesia for medical services they usually go to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand or South Korea for,” Ed Brea, general manager of The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, which includes management of the Bali Beach Convention Center, told TTGmice.

A natural evolution of that is enticing medical conferences and associations to hold their business events in Bali.

“I was at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 to promote medical conferencing. We have four medical conferences booked this year, and have received interest from other European companies that want to come for their incentives, association meetings, and research purposes. For example, I have an Italian incentive group that is interested to do a buyout of the property next year,” Brea shared.

A reasonably-sized group that can “plug and play into any one of our spaces” is 400 to 500, according to Brea. But given that Bali Beach Convention Center can hold up to 4,000 theatre-style or 2,000 banquet-style, he works with other hotels in the area to host overflows.

The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel offers 184 and 273 rooms respectively, alongside a spa, two swimming pools, and four F&B venues (another two will open by end-2025). Aside from hotel facilities, the Sanur Special Economic Zone is also home to the 250-bed Bali International Hospital, which Brea noted is “the first time that foreign doctors have been allowed to practice in Indonesia”.

There are also plans to build another four-star, 450-room business hotel. Twelve clinics – offering different types of treatments from stem cells to aesthetics – are also slated to open by end-2026.

Since its opening in May 2024, Bali Beach Convention Center has hosted around 250 business events across a range of sectors.

Brea added: “We have also created events, such as Beautyverse, a beauty and wellness event; and Eco Tourism Week, a B2B exhibition of sustainable solutions tailored for the hospitality sector. We are also organising a food-related event, where we are bringing about 12 Michelin chefs to Bali. (Even though some of these created events are leisure-focused), it is about supporting tourism here, and building awareness of our convention facilities.”

When asked if he has seen a reduction in government meetings, Brea shared that although such events have been cut back by about “50 per cent”, there has been some reengagement lately, with several enquiries “trickling in”.

Currently, Bali Beach Convention Center’s top market are corporate events out of Jakarta, with Australia a close second. In fact, one of the medical conferences on this year’s events calendar is from Australia.

“At the end of last year, we started looking towards Singapore in particular to augment our government business and domestic events. We are also looking towards attracting corporate events from Taiwan, China, and South Korea,” said Brea.

Overall, Brea remains optimistic and confident in the venue’s ability to attract more business events moving forward.

“These days, people look for something more than just a venue. Bali has always attracted people because of its cultural and spiritual side, while continuing to be a value-for-money destination for business events. So for us as a venue, we need to continue building our network with PCOs and DMCs outside of the country.”

GBTA APAC Committee bolsters ranks to tackle region’s gaps in meetings and events strategy

By Caroline Boey

June 9, 2025

Revol_SMM_w_Event_Tec_session_640 — From left: Amex Global Business Travel’s Kaori Pereyra-Lago; MSD International’s Adeline Kang; and Cvent’s Navodit Srivastava

The 10-member GBTA APAC Meetings & Events Committee, formed in February, will be adding three more members in the coming weeks to achieve a 50-50 buyer/seller mix to better develop strategic meetings management (SMM) programmes and encourage higher adoption in the region.

While SMM is not new, committee chair Brenda Quek said Asia-Pacific is “not as mature” compared to other regions, citing differing organisational structures and where there is no one-size-fits-all.

From left: Amex Global Business Travel’s Kaori Pereyra-Lago; MSD International’s Adeline Kang; and Cvent’s Navodit Srivastava

Quek, EY global meetings and events services lead and APAC travel lead, added corporate structures may often have different travel programme and meetings and events strategies and non-aligned interests.

As managed travel and meetings and events programmes differ, corporate travel managers need “to know the meetings and events process”.

She continued: “They may struggle a bit if the meeting objective is not aligned and it is also dependent on where meetings and events sits in the corporate structure.

“While TMCs can offer venue sourcing, the event planner needs an end-to-end plan where the buyer is looking to drive efficiency, increase audience engagement and offer stakeholder ROI.”

At the recent GBTA APAC Conference Revolutionising SMM with Event Technology education session, presented by the APAC committee, 81 per cent of attendees polled would consider a meetings and events strategy.

“The education journey is important,” Quek commented. “There was unanimous consensus the region is not as mature, and the committee’s goal is to create small learning modules like podcasts and webinars based on topics suggested.”

According to session feedback, meetings and events is more complex compared to managed travel where supporting local service providers, women, LGBTQ communities, and impact reporting are some desired corporate outcomes.

Consolidation with proper thinking for a framework and cost is important, was suggested.

Another observation was the situation of Internal meetings teams managing events remaining largely unchanged from a decade ago, and there needs to be a move towards working with agencies and providers of end-to-end sourcing.

Hilton Tokyo revamps main ballroom

By Kathryn Wortley

June 9, 2025

Hilton Tokyo has begun renovating its ballroom as part of a multimillion dollar phased investment in its events spaces to meet growing demand for engaging and flexible event experiences.

Upon completion, the Kiku Ballroom will have capacity for 1,000 guests and allow for partitioning into four sections. Kiku 1–3 will be suitable for up to 800 pax theatre-style and 450 pax banquet-style, while Kiku 4 will have capacity for 150 pax theatre-style or 90 pax banquet-style. The ballroom’s adjoining 490m² pre-function area will be available for event registration, break time with refreshments, cocktail receptions, networking and exhibitions.

“This renovation allows us to leverage the increasing demand for MICE events from international clients. Our newly-designed meeting floor is tailored to meet the growing need for flexible spaces, empowering our skilled event team to deliver seamless events from initial enquiry to final execution,” said Felix Busch, general manager of Hilton Tokyo.

The new spaces will feature advanced hardware including a curved, state-of-the-art Barco LED Wall (15m x 3m) and a cutting-edge digital audio system, both provided by audio-visual system integrator Vega Project.

Richard Johns, managing director of Vega Project, said the tech upgrade “focuses on flexibility, ease of use and seamless integration,” adding that the addition of mobile screens will “allow spaces to be easily reconfigured for a wide variety of event formats.”

The remodel follows the completion, in 2024, of renovations on the third floor, which added 200m² of meeting space to the hotel’s existing 1,000m².

Cairns Convention Centre to host global bat research community in August

By TTGmice

June 9, 2025

Cairs-Convention-Centre_640 — Cairns Convention Centre

The Cairns Convention Centre will host the 20^th International Bat Research Conference (IBRC) from August 3-8, 2025, bringing more than 400 global experts in bat research, conservation, and management to Tropical North Queensland, Australia

This major international conference, held every three years, is co-hosted by the Australian Bat Society and the Pacific Bat Conservation Network, with previous editions held in Texas and Phuket.

Delegates attending IBRC 2025 will take part in a six-day programme of symposia, workshops, and networking events. Topics will include key biodiversity areas for bats, impacts of wind energy, genomic tools for conservation, bat diseases and immunity, and media engagement and mentorship opportunities.

Field trips have been planned throughout Tropical North Queensland, offering delegates the chance to observe local bat species in their natural habitats. With more than 40 species of bats in the region, locations include Rainforestation Nature Park, Tolga Bat Hospital, Cattana Wetlands Bat Walk, and Kuranda Day Trip and Bat Walk.

oneworld alliance adds three senior leaders to executive team

By TTGmice

June 5, 2025

oneworld alliance has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team as part of its strategy to strengthen global operations and collaboration.

Stephan Nagel has been appointed vice president – global partnerships. He brings over 25 years of experience in aviation, having held roles at Qatar Airways, Air Berlin, Star Alliance and Lufthansa. In his new role, he will lead strategic partnerships across the alliance, including with member airlines, technology platforms and loyalty partners.

From left: Stephan Nagel, Chris Kelly Singley and Guido van Til

Chris Kelly Singley joins as vice president – communications and marketing. She has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors, with previous roles at JetZero, Boeing, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. She will oversee global communications and marketing strategy, including media relations, employee engagement and stakeholder outreach.

Guido van Til has been named vice president – digital. He brings experience in digital transformation across the aviation and retail sectors, having worked with brands such as Rituals, Dyson and Air France-KLM. At oneworld, he will lead the alliance’s digital strategy and delivery, with a focus on customer experience and integrated platforms.

ECKO Hotels and Resorts welcomes Shekhar Chandra as GM

By TTGmice

June 5, 2025

Ecko Hotels & Resorts has appointed Shekhar Chandra as general manager – operations and pre-opening.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has held senior roles with companies including Royal Orchid Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide, Radisson, Hilton Hotels and Ministry of Sound.

In his new role, Chandra will be responsible for managing pre-opening and operational activities, ensuring efficiency and supporting the brand’s focus on sustainability, community engagement and technology integration.

Abu Dhabi to host the inaugural edition of M&I Expo in 2026

By TTGmice

June 5, 2025

Abu-Dhabi-M&I-Expo_640 — M&I’s Richard Barnes; and Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Moammer Mohammed Al Marzooqi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the M&I Expo, slated for April 14-16, 2026.

M&I, an events provider within the portfolio of Worldwide Events, will bring to Abu Dhabi the “MICE 1,000”, a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global business events industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development.

M&I’s Richard Barnes; and Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Moammer Mohammed Al Marzooqi

The event, to be hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces, and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, CVB’s, major hotel brands, conference centres, DMCs, and technology providers.

The M&I Expo programme will feature one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering.

Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth.

This announcement comes as Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and US.

Philipp Weghmann joins Preferred Travel Group as chief development officer

By TTGmice

June 4, 2025

Preferred Travel Group has appointed Philipp Weghmann as chief development officer, a new role in which he will lead strategic growth and innovation across the company. He will also serve as president of Beyond Green, supporting the brand’s global expansion.

Weghmann will oversee the group’s global development, working with leadership teams to identify opportunities for brand growth and portfolio alignment. He will also manage the company’s Integrated Quality Assurance and Alliance Partner programmes.

With over 20 years in hospitality, Weghmann previously served as vice president and global brand leader for The Luxury Collection at Marriott International, leading brand strategy and growth for more than 120 hotels worldwide.

Tourism Australia’s Phillipa Harrison to pursue new opportunity overseas

By TTGmice

June 4, 2025

The Board of Tourism Australia has announced that managing director Phillipa Harrison will leave in August 2025 to pursue a new opportunity overseas.

Appointed managing director in 2019 and reappointed in 2024, Harrison joined Tourism Australia in 2017 as executive general manager international, overseeing international operations, global distribution, and partnerships.

Penny Fowler, chair of the Tourism Australia Board, praised Harrison’s leadership, noting that under her tenure, Australia welcomed more than eight million visitors last year for the first time in five years.

Reflecting on her time at Tourism Australia, Harrison expressed gratitude to the 300,000 tourism operators across Australia and the 200 staff worldwide who support the industry and help deliver memorable visitor experiences.

The recruitment process to appoint a new managing director will commence shortly.