Some APAC events press on with added precautionary measures

February 11, 2020

FHA-Food & Beverage Pavilion-1 — The Australian Pavilion at last year's FHA-Food & Beverage

Amid the gloom of multiple event cancellations that have hit Asia-Pacific as the Novel Coronavirus situation continues to develop, some tradeshow and event organisers have brought a sliver of hope to the industry with their determination to keep their shows going.

In Singapore, organiser Informa Markets will proceed with FHA-Food & Beverage as planned from March 31 to April 3, 2020, at the Singapore Expo, as the “event remains robust in the current climate and visitor pre-registrations continue to pour in”.

The Australian Pavilion at last year’s FHA-Food & Beverage

Informa Markets will continue to work closely with government authorities and agencies to put in place necessary measures, both pre-event and onsite, to help ensure the safety and confidence of the event’s participants.

However, Informa Markets’ FHA-HoReCa, originally scheduled for March 3-6, will be postponed to July 13-16.

When asked about the decision, Martyn Cox, event director for FHA-HoReCa and FHA-Food & Beverage, Informa Markets, told TTGmice: “In postponing FHA-HoReCa, the primary reason is the knock-on effects on the wider HoReCa industry relating to the trade of hospitality and food service equipment as a direct consequence of (affected) international travel during this period.”

“FHA-Food & Beverage will proceed as planned as the event serves a wide range of industry segments including retail, wholesale, e-commerce and F&B service that are not so much affected by the current situation in comparison.”

He added that even though FHA-HoReCa has been postponed, “withdrawal requests are minimal”.

Over in Jakarta, the ICCA Indonesia Committee is all set to hold the inaugural ICCA Indonesia Forum 2020 on February 25. As most of the attendees are Indonesians, with only a few speakers flying in from overseas, the event committee is confident that the flu outbreak will not impact participation.

And to minimise the negative impact of the outbreak on the incentive industry, the Association of the Indonesia Travel Agencies (ASTINDO) will be leveraging the two upcoming Astindo Travel Fairs as a platform to tell the public that travelling to certain countries is still safe and to emphasise the government’s outbreak prevention efforts.

ASTINDO’s secretary general Pauline Suharno said: “We will carry on with the travel fairs in Jakarta as planned on February 21-23, and Bali in early March, to help stimulate travel.”

Meanwhile in Bangkok, Future Energy Asia 2020 is taking place as planned this week, from February 12-14. The annual exhibition and conference, dedicated to advancing future energy solutions, will host over 150 exhibitors from nine countries/regions, 4,000 trade professional representations from over 50 countries, 1,000 conference delegates, and 200 industry speakers.

Organisers dmg events and ExpoSis, together with the exhibition venue BITEC, have implemented precautionary measures such as increased frequency of cleaning and sanitising common spaces, changing of air-con filters, and the provision of sanitisers at all key entrances and information counters.

Although SingEx Holdings was unable to comment on whether other events at the Singapore Expo would continue, Aloysius Arlando, its CEO, said: “With learnings from episodes of years past like SARS and H1N1 for example, Singapore’s MICE industry, today, is more prepared than it has ever been for such situations. It is with this preparedness and greater understanding that we can swiftly calibrate our course of actions that are in line with advisories from the authorities to mitigate the impact the outbreak will have on businesses in the MICE industry.

“For as long as we stay strong as a community, we are confident that the MICE industry is resilient and will bounce back from whatever setbacks that may come our way, as past experiences in SARS, H1N1, MERS and the haze have shown.”

Seeking to assure MICE stakeholders, Andrew Phua, director of exhibitions and conferences, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Our MICE industry continues to operate and remains open for business. Nonetheless, we will continue to stay vigilant, strengthen our defences, and prepare for all scenarios. The health and safety of locals, visitors and industry partners remain a priority and we are monitoring the situation closely.”

Singapore is not alone in this, for ICCA and the Joint Meetings Industry Council have called upon all industry members to actively support measures that help restore and build confidence in event participation.

This includes ensuring that all policies and procedures within the industry’s spheres of influence that help secure the health and safety of event participants are in place and up to date; consulting with event organisers and related service providers to explore ways in which any programme adjustments that need to be made in response to outbreak-related impacts can be accommodated; and most importantly, continuing to support awareness of the essential roles of meetings, conventions, exhibitions and business events as drivers of recovery and advancement of global economic and societal development.

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Update, February 17, 16.18: Informa Markets has just announced it is postponing the FHA-Food & Beverage event to a later date due to global travel concerns and the spill-over effects on the F&B industry in light of the latest developments regarding the Covid-19 outbreak. The event was originally scheduled to take place from March 31 to April 3, 2020, at Singapore Expo.

Coronavirus infections linked to Singapore meeting chip away planners’ confidence in the city

By Pamela Chow

February 11, 2020

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Confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus local transmissions arising from a business meeting at Grand Hyatt Singapore in mid-January have led to a wave of event rescheduling and cancellation for two major event agencies in the city-state.

The 109-pax event, according to various news reports, had attendees from China as well as from other parts of the world. A Briton, South Korean and Malaysian later emerged as having been infected at the event.

Gloomy skies ahead for Singapore (pictured) as clients place events on hold, change destinations or postpone plans

According to Pacific World Singapore’s global managing director Selina Sinclair, clients have postponed or put programmes on hold, or “have requested to change destinations for their events”.

In response, the PCO has had to relocate some of these events to other cities.

Meanwhile, CWT Meetings & Events’ Singapore office is in the midst of “ongoing consultations with clients to ensure that the well-being of attendees is fully considered before they decide how best to proceed with planned or proposed events anywhere in the world”, shared Sam Lay, the company’s senior director, Asia Pacific.

Both companies are keeping close tabs on the situation and have doubled up on communications with suppliers and partners.

Sinclair added: “We are working proactively with local health authorities, vendors and suppliers to understand the measures that venues and hotels have put in place for the events, as well as kickstart conversations with partners including suppliers and all logistical arrangements.”

She regards the situation as still being in the “monitoring phase”, and expects clarity in the next two to three weeks on the state of containment.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti and Qatari governments had on Monday issued a travel advisory to their citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, or delay travel, to Singapore because of the spread of the coronavirus.

Singapore’s government raised its DORSCON (Disease Outbreak Response System Condition) alert to Orange over the weekend, which defines the disease as being severe and easily transmitted from person to person, but has yet to spread widely in the country and is being contained.

As of press time, Singapore has 45 confirmed cases, of which 23 are locally transmitted.

Coronavirus to have “small impact” on AIME

By Adelaine Ng

February 11, 2020

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Organisers for AIME indicate they are looking forward to a successful show with robust registrations despite the drop in travel confidence due to the coronavirus.

The annual event in Melbourne for the Asia-Pacific’s meetings and event industry will kick off this coming Monday with an Australian government travel ban on all flights from China still in place and disruptions elsewhere. However, TTGmice has learned that travel restrictions have brought about a “small impact” on the show’s total numbers.

AIME is all set for the show next week; photo from last year’s event

“AIME is shaping up really well,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events, which took over the reins of AIME and launched a reboot last year.

“The one thing all events have to consider is the “what happens if” and AIME is no different. This year it is bushfires and coronavirus, hence we have had to keep our hosted buyer recruitment open longer, our diaries open longer and generally ensure our marketing of AIME is extended. We are working hard to ensure that our visitors and exhibitors have a successful show.”

Pearce admits this year’s AIME will have a different flavour however. “There may be some additional emphasis on dealing with the impacts of these natural disasters, but the fundamentals of AIME won’t change and in fact, will help our visitors find alternative locations and opportunities.”

TTGmice understands there are currently about 2,000 registrations with numbers still being added. Last year’s registrations recorded more than 2,500 attendees. AIME maintains its overall number of participants has increased over the last two years, but Pearce believes it “could have been even higher” if there was no coronavirus.

This year’s AIME will launch an Associations Round Table for industry members to discuss issues relevant to the sector. It will also see the continuation of the Knowledge Exchange Program, a full day of lectures and workshops relevant to the business events community.

“The tone of (AIME) won’t change,” said Pearce. “We are the first large-scale event of the year, so we know people are keen to get on with and drive their businesses. This is even more true this year,” he added.

Vietnam DMC rounds up SME operators to craft creative itineraries

By Marissa Carruthers

February 11, 2020

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LUXPERIA-Branded-Hero — Luxperia partners SME operators to curate travel experiences around Asia

Vietnam-based luxury DMC is aiming to disrupt the market and offer a platform for South-east Asian SME operators to shine.

In an age of corporate buy-outs and acquisition of DMCs, the team behind Luxperia are doing things differently. The Ho Chi Minh City-headquartered company has spent the last 14 months gathering a collective of boutique operators from across South-east Asia to curate innovative itineraries that tap into their wealth of ground knowledge.

Luxperia partners SME operators to curate travel experiences around Asia

Linh Le, principal and co-founder of Luxperia, said: “During the last 10 years, there has been a lot of acquisitions with corporates buying DMCs and tour operators, through to ground suppliers. However, we’re seeing growth in the number of local SME operators. We don’t want to create another DMC model but a network of smaller DMCs to work as one collective.”

Luxperia has brought together a network of experts in MICE, adventure and culinary tourism across the region to craft creative itineraries that offer authentic and unique local experiences, enabling the DMC to curate a diverse range of luxury, niche-led itineraries.

Said Le: “We want to make it win-win for both economies and international buyers. We are seeing increased competition from large DMCs, but we want to use that as a positive. If we can turn it around and share best practices, learn from one another, then there’s huge benefits for SME operators to join together.”

Sustainability is another key driver of Luxperia’s philosophy. Its collective of operators includes grassroots experts able to tap into their local networks, ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism.

Added Le: “It’s important we support and boost local economies with each of these small individual players. For example, a regional expert in northern Laos would know local communities and cottage industries. Supporting these artisan villages, buying local produce and introducing crafts to international tourists helps the growth of the micro-economy and adds to jobs.”

With Luxperia’s Spain-based CEO Vicente Catala having established the company in Spain, Portugal and Latin America, Le is now tasked with growing business from English-speaking markets, including the UK, Australia, Europe and the US.

Added Le: “What’s most important is we offer a multifaceted win-win scenario for local people and communities, the buyer and the end consumer.”

To join Luxperia’s collective, visit https://luxperia.com/.

Hilton in Malaysia aims to Elevate Ideas

By TTGmice

February 11, 2020

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Nine Hilton properties in Malaysia have come together to unveil Elevating Ideas, a flexible meeting package that reinforces its Meet with Purpose concept with sustainable practice, healthy food choices and mindful breaks.

The participating hotels are Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Petaling Jaya, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Hilton Kuching, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, and Hilton Garden Inn Puchong.

Room rates start from RM165 (US$40) nett/per room, per night, while full-day meeting packages go for RM110 nett and up.

Event planners can enjoy discounts and complimentary rooms plus upgrades, as well as a complimentary delegate pass for every 10 paying delegates and more.

Bookings have to be made by March 31, 2020, with events to be held from now until June 31, 2020.

For more information, visit https://hiltonmalaysia.com/meetings/.

Suwon gets first Courtyard by Marriott

By TTGmice

February 11, 2020

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Marriott International has opened the first Courtyard by Marriott in Suwon, South Korea, part of the new MICE Complex within Suwon Gwanggyo New Town.

The newly-opened Courtyard by Marriott Suwon offers 288 rooms, ranging from the lead-in 28m²Premiers to the 84m² Lake Park Suite.

Meeting amenities include the 70-seater Executive Lounge featuring views of Gwanggyo Lake Park, the Lake Park Ballroom which can take up to 300 pax theatre-style, as well as three multipurpose boardrooms for 16 pax each theatre-style.

There is also a fitness centre, laundry room, and two F&B options including the Suwon Kitchen which serves an international menu and has four private dining rooms.

For guest’s convenience, the hotel is connected with the Suwon Convention Center, Gwanggyo Lake Park, Galleria Department Store, and Aquarium.

New Chinese restaurant Mott 32 joins Marina Bay Sands’ restaurant portfolio

By TTGmice

February 11, 2020

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Mott32_Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck with Mott 32’s “Signature Cut”_640x400 — Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck

Chinese restaurant Mott 32, founded and operated by Hong Kong-based restaurant group Maximal Concepts, has opened its latest outpost in Singapore.

This follows locations in Hong Kong (the first opening six years ago), Las Vegas, Seoul, and Vancouver. Located on the Galleria Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, the 149-seater Mott 32 is open for dinner daily, with lunch service commencing today.

Mott 32 Singapore

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Helming the kitchens of Mott 32 Singapore is Hong Kong-born executive chef Chan Wai Keung. With over 35 years of professional culinary experience, the veteran is known for his mastery in traditional Cantonese cooking, specialising in seafood, dim sum and soups.

Mott 32 Singapore will be serving iconic dishes from the original Mott 32 menu, such as the Barbecue Pluma Iberico Pork Glazed with Yellow Mountain Honey, and the Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck with Mott 32’s “Signature Cut”.

A number of offerings will be exclusive to Mott 32 Singapore, such as the Signature Crispy Sugar Coated Peking Duck Bun, Crispy Prawns with Salty Egg Yolk and Oatmeal, and the Wok-Fried Live Whole Crab in Black Pepper Singapore Style.

In addition to the a-la-carte menu, Mott 32’s menu will also feature handmade Cantonese dim sum items with a twist, such as Soft Quail Egg, Iberico Pork, Black Truffle Siu Mai; and South Australian Scallop, Garoupa, Caviar & Gold Leaf, Egg White Dumpling.

Mott 32 is in possession of an extensive wine collection, and its mixologists have created a selection of cocktails inspired by Asian ingredients and culture, three of which are exclusive to Singapore.

Philippe Bartholomi to helm The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu

By TTGmice

February 11, 2020

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Philippe Bartholomi, co-founder and COO of Hospitality Resources – a new hotel management firm formed in Cebu last year – will also take on the general manager role for its first managed property, the soon-to-open The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu.

Bartholomi was previously with another management company, Hospitality Innovators, as corporate group director and general manager.

His general manager stints across the country include Century Park Sheraton Manila, Fridays Boracay Resorts and Manila Polo Club.

Six Senses appoints Mark Sands as VP of wellness

By TTGmice

February 7, 2020

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Mark Sands has been promoted to vice president of wellness at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in Bangkok, Thailand.

Having joined the group in 2011 as area spa director, Sands played a significant role in creating and launching many of the brand’s wellness initiatives, while leading spa operations.

Prior to that, Sands worked at the Ananda in the Himalayas for six years.

Inaugural ICCA Indonesia Forum proceeds as planned in Jakarta

By Mimi Hudoyo

February 6, 2020

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Raty-Ning-_-Pacto-Convex — Raty: firm plans in place, beginning with ICCA Indonesia formation, to advance the country's MICE sector

The ICCA Indonesia Committee is all set to hold the inaugural ICCA Indonesia Forum 2020 on February 25 in Jakarta.

Launched by the newly-formed ICCA Indonesia members’ community, the forum aims to bring about more visibility for Indonesia on the international stage, and elevate the capacity and capability of the country’s meetings sector.

Raty: firm plans in place, beginning with ICCA Indonesia formation, to advance the country’s MICE sector

Raty Ning, chairman of the ICCA Indonesia Committee, said: “Apart from fostering the growth of the MICE industry in Indonesia, which includes education and networking, the ICCA Indonesia Forum 2020 is held in support of the government’s programme to elevate Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s preferred MICE destinations.”

Similarly, she added that Jakarta was chosen as the location for the forum as it was in line with the city’s government initiative to raise the city’s profile as a prominent MICE and Events destination.

The event aims to attract 200 participants from Indonesia’s business events and related industries including representatives from major associations, as well as regional government officials. Both national and international speakers will be featured.

Raty explained: “There are (currently) 10 ICCA members from Indonesia, all of whom are major players in Indonesia. We want more companies to join ICCA, as we want to be able to combine forces and appear as one Indonesia at international forums and win non-government events. We used to attend ICCA events as individual members.”

She pointed out that Indonesia already had the facilities and infrastructure, as well as relevant experience in handling mega government events like the Climate Change Conference and World Bank IMF Annual Meetings. However, very few large-scale association meetings have been held in Indonesia.

Internally, the committee also sees the need to elevate the capacity of Indonesian stakeholders through education. Plans are in motion to hold two to three educational forums a year in different business events cities in the country.

“We have often heard people talk about networking, presentation and bidding for events, but how to do all that effectively may not be skills that many have mastered,” she said. Raty added that she had seen bids fail, not because of the offered content, but because of the way it was presented.

Moreover, sending a government official that is a decision-maker, to bid sessions, sends a clear message that the destination is serious in its intention to host the event.

Currently, Indonesia’s ICCA members include the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Pacto Convex, Royalindo Convention International, Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia Convention Exhibition, Grand City Convex Surabaya, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre, Bali International Convention Centre, and The Trans Luxury Hotel.

Some APAC events press on with added precautionary measures

Coronavirus infections linked to Singapore meeting chip away planners’ confidence in the city

Coronavirus to have “small impact” on AIME

Vietnam DMC rounds up SME operators to craft creative itineraries

Hilton in Malaysia aims to Elevate Ideas

Suwon gets first Courtyard by Marriott

New Chinese restaurant Mott 32 joins Marina Bay Sands’ restaurant portfolio

Philippe Bartholomi to helm The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu

Six Senses appoints Mark Sands as VP of wellness

Inaugural ICCA Indonesia Forum proceeds as planned in Jakarta

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