This acquisition is expected to bolster Venuexplorer Singapore’s growth in the region; screenshot from Venuexplorer
Online venue marketplace Venuexplorer Singapore is looking at a network power-up through its acquisition by global online hotel reservations services HotelPlanner.
Venuexplorer’s founder Christopher Lee said in a statement: “New advances in technology are fuelling the events industry, and we’re confident that HotelPlanner’s revolutionary booking technology will help take us to whole new levels.”
This acquisition is expected to bolster Venuexplorer Singapore’s growth in the region; screenshot from Venuexplorer
Venuexplorer Singapore features over 100 event spaces in Singapore, including restaurants, banquet halls, conference centres and less conventional places like *SCAPES, Singapore Turf Club, F1 Karting Circuit and more.
The company’s target is to increase the market share by up to 300 event spaces by the end of this year, and to broaden its network in Asia-Pacific by 2020.
Lee has also been appointed executive vice president, APAC for HotelPlanner Singapore, and has been tasked with spearheading the company’s growth into Asia-Pacific.
Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner, remarked: “We are very pleased to have Venuexplorer as part of our extended family and are confident that our success in the industry will allow them to continue exceeding expectations.”
Busan, a large port city in South Korea, is the site for this large-scale conference
South Korea has won her bid for the 23rd International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) World Congress, an event that will welcome approximately 3,500 delegates to Busan from August 20-25, 2026.
The decision was unveiled during the IFAC board meeting on September 8, 2019, in Vienna.
Busan, a large port city in South Korea, is the site for this large-scale conference
Founded in 1957, the IFAC is focused on automatic control and has representation in the fields of engineering, science and the impact of control technology on society. Its community boasts members from 50 countries.
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Busan Tourism Organization (BTO), and Control Robot Systems Society, South Korea’s member of IFAC, supported the bid. On KTO’s part, for example, it conducted site inspections and hosted events such as Korea Night. Earlier in 2018, KTO appointed vice president of IFAC, Cho Dong-il, as an honorary Korea MICE Ambassador.
Oh Choong-sub, head of the convention team at KTO, said: “At international conventions, a large number of experts visit Korea from overseas and conduct academic exchanges. This has significant effect not just on related industries in Korea, but on Korean tourism as well. Particularly, the IFAC World Congress in Busan will have significant impact on the local economy and help to raise global awareness about Korea.”
Previous IFAC congresses were held in France (2017) and South Africa (2014). Next year’s congress will be held in Berlin, Germany.
Josh McNicol, general manager and head of marketing for Eventbrite APAC, also presented Eventbrite’s annual Pulse Report, which deep-dived into the most effective event marketing channels for 2019
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) Young Stars, a group that engages under 35-year-olds working in the exhibitions and events industry, gathered in Melbourne last week to discuss emerging marketing trends for the exhibitions and business events sector.
More than 50 people gathered at the Eventbrite headquarters, to learn from a panel that shared case studies on successful marketing strategies for both trade and consumer events.
Josh McNicol, general manager and head of marketing for Eventbrite APAC, presenting Eventbrite’s annual Pulse Report
The panel was led by Chris Schlueter, EEAA board member and product manager from Sprintr by AV1, with industry experts Timothy Collett, managing director, Specialised Events; Megan Coningsby, strategic marketing manager, Eventbrite APAC; Dean Prenc, general manager, Madman Anime Group; and Laura White, marketing manager, Events & Exhibitions Australia.
Josh McNicol, general manager and head of marketing for Eventbrite APAC, also presented Eventbrite’s annual Pulse Report, which deep-dived into the most effective event marketing channels for 2019.
IT&CMA and CTW Asia Pacific 2019 concluded on a high with delegates expressing positive experiences across the board, as a variety of business, learning and networking objectives were met through new initiatives.
Notable highlights, aside from the 12,000 business appointments, were the popular Brand Showcase Presentations, Meet-The Corporates and Exhibition Walkabouts.
Meet The Corporates session, where IT&CM Asia exhibitors get to meet CTW Asia-Pacific’s corporate buyers
The 10 Brand Showcase Presentations saw full attendance with participating exhibitors being “extremely satisfied” with the turnout of attendees and the opportunity to share their latest highlights and features they offer, according to a post-show satisfaction survey.
“It is a good platform to showcase India as a MICE destination to relevant buyers and we are extremely pleased to have more prospective buyers approaching us after the Brand Presentation Showcase,” commented Sudeshna Ramkumar, assistant director of India Tourism.
Susan Maria Ong, MICE director, Asia Pacific of Japan National Tourism Organization, which was featured in the Exhibition Walkabout, commented: “This is the first time that IT&CMA has had this Exhibition Walkabout initiative and it was a great opportunity for us to meet more association buyers at one go compared to one-to-one business appointments.”
Say Hi To Everyone, the first day’s opening ice breaker, was a highlight for many.
“Say Hi to Everyone was a very good networking session where we got to know new buyers who were at the show this year. This new initiative is definitely a good opportunity for business,” said Walter Ng, manager, sales & event services of Setia Convention Centre.
Delegates also commended this year’s networking sessions that saw a bevy of sponsored luncheons, coffee breaks, dinners and cocktails by participating exhibitors and sponsors.
“Known for mountaineering, trekking and organising renowned art and music festivals, little has been talked about Nepal being one of the preferred destinations for corporate travel despite hosting various regional government and corporate conferences. The networking luncheon organised by Visit Nepal Year 2020 Secretariat during IT&CM Asia 2019 was an opportunity to showcase the country as one of the perfect MICE destination of choice and to promote Visit Nepal Year 2020 Campaign,” stated Rohini Prasad Khanal, programme manager of Visit Nepal Year 2020 Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the expanded Asian MICE Cruise Conference, established Association Day forums, reintroduced ASEAN MICE Forum, and CTW Asia-Pacific Conference also received positive reviews from delegates.
Noor Ahmad Hamid, regional director (Asia Pacific) of ICCA, said: “IT&CMA has always been a great platform for sharing and having discussions with like-minded peers during the various knowledge sessions. The lingering question of whether CVBs and PCOs should work together for greater success was addressed during one of the Association Day forums. It was truly an eye-opener for both delegates and panelists.”
IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific will return on September 22-24, 2020.
Park Inn by Radisson has opened Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, the fourth of its brand in the Philippines and the first in Metro Manila.
The hotel in Quezon City offers 238 rooms, including 16 suites with separate living areas and upgraded services such as VIP welcome amenities, Nespresso machines, minibars with free drinks, complimentary daily newspapers, late check-out and discounts on transfers and spa services.
Guests can refuel at three F&B outlets: Casa, the all-day dining restaurant; Terraza on 7, which serves poolside drinks and light snacks; and the social Lobby Bar. Aside from the fitness centre, other facilities include the Makiling Grand Ballroom, Banahaw Meeting Rooms and a pre-function area that accommodates up to 640 delegates.
The hotel is surrounded by educational institutions, medical establishments, offices and entertainment areas, with Manila International Airport just 22km away.
Wharf Hotels has appointed Christopher Johnson as general manager of Marco Polo Jinjiang.
With 20 years of experience in hospitality industry, Johnson has held senior leadership roles at international hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Four Seasons, InterContinental and Fairmont.
Prior to joining Marco Polo Jinjiang, Johnson was general manager at Millennium Gaea Resort Hualien, Taiwan.
Princess Cruises’ Crooners bar conveys a classic Sinatra era vibe
Crystal Endeavor’s deluxe suite promises a fine stay onboard Silversea Cruises
CRYSTAL CRUISES ShipCrystal Endeavor Capacity 200 Destinations Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia Why meet onboard?Crystal Endeavor is a polar class mega-yacht with 100 twin rooms and six different dining venues that come with meeting facilities. This compact but luxurious cruise ship welcomes whole ship charters.
To deliver the best event experience for guests, staff onboard works closely with planners to tailor programmes according to specific requirements and needs.
Meeting Room Lounge on World Dream
DREAM CRUISES ShipsGenting Dream, Explorer Dream Capacity 3,300 (Genting Dream); 1,856 (Explorer Dream) Destinations Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam (Genting Dream); Australia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Vietnam (Explorer Dream) Why meet onboard? Built with corporate events in mind, both Genting Dream and Explorer Dream feature the latest business equipment and a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, including the massive Zodiac Theatre.
On Genting Dream, the Zodiac Theatre seats 999 people while on Explorer Dream it seats 830.
An event experience unique to Dream Cruises is Dream Night, a spectacular fireworks display against the night sky as guests celebrate the start or end of their event over champagne and cocktails.
Both ships are packed with activities that are great for corporate teambuilding and incentives. For instance, planners can make magical moments with a private foam
party at Zouk Beach Club onboard Genting Dream, or hold VR/AR arcade game challenges at the ESC Experience Lab onboard Explorer Dream.
C-suite gatherings can be held within The Palace, an ultra luxurious ‘ship within a ship’ area that promises exclusive privileges to VIP guests.
Princess Cruises’ Crooners bar conveys a classic Sinatra era vibe
PRINCESS CRUISES ShipsSapphire Princess, Diamond Princess Capacity 2,670 guests Destinations Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan Why meet onboard? Both Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess are group-friendly, with cabins that can offer either twin beds or a queen at the planner’s request, plus staterooms for three or four sharing guests.
There are also numerous facilities for corporate gatherings. The Princess Theatre can accommodate group sizes of up to 700, while dining functions can be arranged at various dining rooms that can take up to 240 guests in one sitting.
As well, both ships offer a variety of dining experiences and venues, ensuring happy bellies all around. Furthermore, complimentary room service is available for event delegates.
There’s never a dull moment onboard, thanks to plenty of recreational options such as Broadway-style entertainment shows, art auctions, game shows, ballroom dancing classes, and movies under the stars, featuring the latest blockbusters and complimentary popcorn and hotdogs.
Tying all these together is Princess Cruises’ events services support team that will ensure assistance for all onboard programmes as well as group shore excursions.
The elegant Compass Rose on Regent Seven Seas Mariner
REGENT SEVEN SEAS ShipRegent Seven Seas Mariner Capacity 700 Destinations Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India Why meet onboard? Spacious conference and meeting rooms for up to 700 people are available onboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner, all armed with state-of-the-art multimedia facilities. Corporates that choose a full charter have the option for corporate branding throughout the ship.
On top of the signature restaurants and casual eateries, the ships feature complimentary in-room dining with free flowing premium wine and spirits – perfect for delegates to wind down after a long day of meetings.
There are also world-class theatrical productions and musicals including performances by the Regent Signature Orchestra.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES ShipsVoyager of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas Capacity 4,269 guests Destinations Malaysia and Thailand (Voyager of the Seas); Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (Quantum of the Seas) Why meet onboard?Voyager of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas are giants to ride Asia’s waves in 2019/2020, making them perfect for large MICE groups.
Voyager of the Seas offers 1,600 twin cabins and meeting rooms for up to 1,400 people. The largest function space is the elegant La Scala Theatre which, in the evening, is home to Broadway-standard shows.
There are several recreational gems onboard that planners can be weaved easily into a corporate programme. One such facility is the ice skating rink where performances by professional skaters from around the world are held. Outside of scheduled shows, the rink can be used for teambuilding activities or casual meetings for up to 800 pax. Other facilities include a basketball court, rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Quantum of the Seas offers 1,900 twin cabins and meeting facilities for up to 1,400 people. The jewel in its crown is the Two70, an entertainment hub that offers guests multiple experiences throughout the day – a feature that is unique to the Quantum-class ships. With capacity for 615 guests, it is the perfect venue for meetings and seminars, especially when impressive visuals are needed to complement messages.
Thrills are available across the Quantum fleet, from RipCord by iFLY – the first skydiving simulator at sea – to SeaPlex bumper car ring and FlowRider surf simulator, among others.
A spread of 15 restaurants, including the famed Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver and the ultra exclusive Chef’s Table, help planners dish out varied dining experiences.
SILVERSEA CRUISES ShipsSilver Spirit, Silver Muse Capacity 608 (Silver Spirit); 596 (Silver Muse) Destinations Singapore and Hong Kong (Silver Spirit); Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam (Silver Muse) Why meet onboard? Both Silver Spirit and Silver Muse are luxurious all-suite ships with twin-sharing possibilities. Each vessel houses eight restaurants and a theatre that accommodates 320 guests.
Silversea’s team of corporate and incentive planning professionals provides creative solutions to ensure that corporate events take off successfully. The extensive host of event planning resources available onboard ensures that all special activities and services are well customised and arranged, promising delegates an unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival, the butler welcomes guests personally, orientating them to their suites and even offering to unpack their bags.
STAR CRUISES ShipStar Pisces, Superstar Aquarius, Superstar Gemini Capacity 1,027 (Star Pisces); 1,511 (Superstar Aquarius); 1,530 (Superstar Gemini) Destinations Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand Why meet onboard? Star Cruises liners boast facilities that are on par with world-class hotels, offering corporate groups quality twin-sharing accommodation, fully-equipped work spaces, and a wide variety of teambuilding activities.
Event planners have the flexibility to customise onboard activities with the help of Star Cruises’ in-house planners and event coordinators.
Offering panoramic views of the ocean from a glass-fronted observatory area, the Galaxy of the Stars lounge onboard these ships is ideal for presentations and product launches. With a seating capacity of up to 292 guests, it also serves as a popular party ground where delegates can dance their night away after a day of meetings.
Hot idea Property buyout allows for corporate branding throughout the venue and privacy for event attendees
Brief
The Asia Pacific Leadership Meeting is held every year by Visa Worldwide to bring its associates from the region together. While the event has been held at the Marina Bay Sands integrated resorts for the past six years, the company decided to switch things up and hosted the 2018 edition at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove on Singapore’s resort island.
For the event from October 24 to November 3, Visa engaged Tricom Events to help deliver it.
Highlights
The Asia Pacific Leadership Meeting enjoyed complete privacy in its venue of choice for the first time with a buyout of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.
While the full event duration was from October 24 to November 3, including attendee check-ins and check-outs, the hotel was bought out for only three days – October 29 to November 1.
According to hotel spokesperson, Alicia Tan, Visa chose to take this route as the 2018 event involved Visa’s mid- to top-tier management team, and exclusivity was needed.
Tan added: “As this only happens once a year they wanted to take this opportunity to get together and celebrate.”
The hotel is no stranger to venue buyouts and has in place procedures to facilitate it. Customers who had booked its rooms ahead of time for the event period were re-accommodated – with their consent – at sister properties.
The buyout allowed Visa to implement corporate branding in various areas of the hotel, such as at the main entrance, ballroom, pool and lobby. It also made customised F&B offerings possible throughout the event.
Together with Tricom Events, the organising team at Visa and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s events, banquet and culinary teams, a myriad of unique dining concepts were created. Examples included a Halloween-themed dinner party aptly titled, Monster Ball, on October 30, and carefully curated menus for lunch at unconventional venues on-site.
The Monster Ball gala dinner featured Halloween-themed sweet treats such as ginger and pumpkin tarts, and Halloween trifles.
Bearing the tight event programme in mind, hotel chefs also customised daily Grab-and-Go lunches executed at a pop-up stall in the lobby.
“This was done to make it convenient (for the attendees) and (to ensure) a space large enough to accommodate the flow of more than 250 delegates,” explained Tan.
The Grab-and-Go lunches were a convenient alternative to sit-down lunch options at The Kitchen Table, SKIRT and WOOBAR.
Challenges
For this event, the hotel faced an issue with limited restaurant capacity at The Kitchen Table and SKIRT.
“As there were more than 250 delegates, both our restaurants were unable to accommodate all of them,” said Tan.
The solution was to convert WOOBAR bar and lounge into a bistro with a buffet line similar to what was served at The Kitchen Table and SKIRT.
Another challenge came in the form of an overcast sky that threatened rain.
Tan said: “The initial plan was to have the Monster Ball gala dinner by the W Lawn, which would have been the perfect venue to culminate the meeting as delegates would be able to enjoy the sunset and a view of the marina. However, as the sky was overcast, the planning committee had to make a tough call to change the venue. The ballroom could not be considered as it would take about three hours for dinner set-up, and meetings only ended at about 18.00.”
The Monster Ball was thus moved to the hotel lobby, spilling into WOOBAR. To facilitate the change in plans, the hotel’s operations team sought help from other back-of-house departments to speed up the turnover. Precise teamwork allowed Visa to commence its gala dinner on time.
Event Asia Pacific Leadership Meeting 2018 Organiser Visa Worldwide Event company Tricom Events Venue W Singapore – Sentosa Cove Date October 24 to November 3, 2018 Attendance 240 people
Current Walmart boss Greg Foran has been appointed as Air New Zealand’s new CEO, a role that he will assume in 1Q2020.
He will take over from CFO Jeff Mcdowall, who was appointed as interim CEO after Christopher Luxon’s resignation in June.
A Kiwi native, Foran is currently president and CEO of Walmart US, a role he took up in 2014. He first joined Walmart International in 2011 where he served in a number of capacities, including as president and CEO of Walmart China, and then president and CEO of Walmart Asia up until he assumed his current role.
Before joining Walmart, Greg held a number of positions with Woolworths in Australia and New Zealand.
Abhimanyu Singh has been appointed general manager of the soon-to-open 318-room Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown in Malaysia.
Having gained substantial experience in a career span of 15 years, Abhimanyu brings with him a wealth of knowledge in hotel management, administration, and operations.
His career with Marriott International began in 2004 with JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu and in a short span of time became the hotel’s front desk manager. Over the years, Abhimanyu has also worked with various brands within Marriott International and has played a role in the opening of hotels such as JW Mumbai Sahar, JW Marriott Macau and JW Marriott Pune.
Prior to his move to Malaysia, Abhimanyu was most recently resident manager at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam.
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.
