A splendid run in the park

July 30, 2019

Event brief
AIA Hong Kong and Macau has been the title sponsor for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s (HKDL) 10K Weekend race for the past three years. For the 2018 edition, the life insurance group leveraged the public sports event to create a special activity for its staff, business partners, clients, and almost 100 guests from underprivileged families and NGOs such as the Music Children Foundation.

AIA Vitality @ Work All In All Appreciation 2018 was held on November 2, a day before the public race. The 1.5-hour in-park route run was combined with a buyout of HKDL, granting participants access to the theme park’s limited-time Halloween attractions.

Other highlights included a race kick-off officiated by CEO Peter Crewe and CHRO Maylie Lee, accompanied by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in sports gear; an extra showing of the We Love Mickey Projection Show; a guests-only performance of Moana: A Homecoming Celebration; photo opportunities with Iron Man; and a special balloon twister and atmosphere performances in Fantasyland.

Challenges
Large-scale events typically come with logistical challenges. As the AIA Vitality @ Work All In All Appreciation 2018 private run was held inside the Disneyland park and during regular operation hours, event organisers also had to take into consideration park visitors to ensure safety for all.

As well, as the event was held on a weekday afternoon from 16.25 to 18.00, organisers had to entice participation from family members of the staff, clients and business partners.
Alternative programmes also had to be arranged for participants who chose not to run.

Solutions
To clearly identify event attendees from regular park visitors, event organisers created a range of branded credentials such as bibs for runners, colourful lanyards, specially-designed runners T-shirts, and wristbands for all guests.

As well, separate entrances were designated for event attendees.

To accommodate the private run, Adventureland, Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch theme park zones were cordoned off. Space along the running route was provided for attendees to cheer runners on.

As soon as the race concluded at 18.15, Adventureland was swiftly reopened for regular park visitors, while Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch remained closed for the event.

To attract runners, a lucky draw was arranged for the first 30 who completed the race, where AIA dangled prizes such as a complimentary stay at the new Frozen Suite at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. As a result, more than 1,700 people participated in the private race.

Key takeaways
By combining the HKDL 10K Weekend race with the park’s Halloween buyout experience, AIA was able to fulfil its objectives of providing a staff incentive, engaging underprivileged communities, and living out its commitment to helping people live healthier, longer and better lives.

Building the private event on top of a prominent public event also reinforced corporate pride through extensive branding, from event stage backdrop and finish arches to AIA logo projections by Gobo light at Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land and Adventureland entrances during the run.

Additionally, the private run allowed Disney VoluntEars – a CSR effort managed by Disneyland cast members – and AIA corporate volunteers to collect recyclable plastic cups used by runners to minimise waste on site.

Brett Thorstad named Sabre’s VP sales management SE Asia, APAC joint ventures

By TTGmice

July 30, 2019

Sabre Corporation has appointed Brett Thorstad as vice president sales management, South-east Asia and Asia-Pacific joint ventures.

In this role, Thorstad will oversee sales performance and drive the retention and growth of agencies across South-east Asia. He will also be responsible for the strategic development of distribution partners across Asia-Pacific.

Having joined Sabre in 2013, Thorstad has held high-profile roles within the organisation, previously serving as vice president & associate general counsel for Sabre.

Before joining the team in Singapore, Thorstad was responsible for leading Sabre’s legal support of global M&A activity, corporate finance and other corporate transactions.

Prior to that, Thorstad was a senior corporate associate at the Dallas office of Weil, Gotshal and Manges, an international law firm.

Former Frasers chief Choe Peng Sum now CEO of Pan Pacific

By TTGmice

July 29, 2019

The board of directors of UOL Group, parent company of Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), has announced that Choe Peng Sum will be appointed CEO of PPHG with effect from September 1, 2019.

In his new role, Choe will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of PPHG’s hotels and serviced apartments, marketing and brand standards, as well as business development and expansion of the group’s hospitality business under the Pan Pacific and Parkroyal brands.

Choe will report directly to Liam Wee Sin, group chief executive of UOL.

Choe takes over the CEO post from Lothar Nessmann, who stepped down on June 30 after two years on the job.

Choe was the CEO of Frasers Hospitality International from 1996 to 2019, and will be a senior adviser to mainboard-listed Frasers Property until August, reported The Business Times.

The hospitality veteran has over 30 years’ experience in the hotel industry worldwide including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Scotland, the UK and Germany.

Genting veteran Michael Goh to steer Dream Cruises as president

By TTGmice

July 29, 2019

Long-time Genting Hong Kong executive Michael Goh has been appointed the president of Dream Cruises, and head of international sales for Genting Cruise Lines.

Succeeding former Dream Cruises president Thatcher Brown, Goh will continue to be based in Singapore, reporting to Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines.

Goh joined Genting Hong Kong 20 years ago and was the senior vice-president of international sales for Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Asian sales and marketing for Crystal Cruises. Together with Brown, he has played in the launch of Dream Cruises four years ago.

“Michael’s long experience developing the Asian cruise industry with Genting Hong Kong and as a key member in the start-up of Dream Cruises will further strengthen the brand with his appointment as president of Dream Cruises,” said KT Lim, chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong.

“With his strong relationships in the travel industry, he will lay the sales and marketing strategies for the successful arrival of the first of two 204,000 gross ton Global Class ships in 2021,” he commented.

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By TTG

July 29, 2019

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Hong Kong braces for protests at airport; more countries issue travel advisories

By TTGmice

July 26, 2019

Hong-Kong-protests — Hong Kong protestors

Hong Kong is preparing for a demonstration at the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in Lantau, as protesters plan to converge at one of Asia’s busiest air hub to spread their message to foreigners visiting the city, The Straits Times reported this morning.

In an advisory issued early this morning, Singapore’s foreign affairs ministry encouraged travellers to avoid HKIA as well as the rural town of Yuen Long in the New Territories following reports of upcoming protests at these locations.

Hong Kong protestors on a huge democracy march

Singapore joins several other countries including Ireland, Canada, Japan and South Korea to issue travel advisories for Hong Kong.

The police have so far not given approval for the gathering at HKIA. Recent mass rallies have started out peaceful but escalated into violence later after groups of protesters clashed with police.

The planned rally at HKIA is the latest in a recent wave of protests that have gripped Hong Kong, which has caused shorthaul visitor arrivals from Asia to tumble in recent weeks.

Since June, millions of demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest against a controversial bill, which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have since evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms in Hong Kong.

Pullman KLCC welcomes new GM

By TTGmice

July 25, 2019

Wolfgang Kiesel has joined Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences in Malaysia as general manager.

The hospitality veteran – with over three decades of experience – has held senior management positions in Jakarta, Xiamen, Heifei, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and most recently, Jinjang in China. He was previously involved in rebranding Pullman Jakarta Indonesia.

Kiesel will be taking the lead in moving the hotel’s financial performance forward and setting a new direction for the enhancement of operations.

TCEB to launch national Thai MICE database, incentivise local business growth

By TTGmice

July 25, 2019

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will launch on October 15 Thai MICE Connect, an online platform that contains information on the country’s MICE industry and connects various industry sectors, from tourism to logistics.

Created in collaboration with more than 10 public and private organisations, Thai MICE Connect will go live with phase one rolled out across central Thailand, the south and the north-east. By the end of the year, TCEB aims to build a database of at least 10,000 MICE entrepreneurs.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya (centre) and his TCEB team at the launch of Thai MICE Connect

The second phase, covering the north and the east of Thailand, will begin in the fiscal year 2020.

Presented in Thai and English, users can access a pool of information of MICE products, services, sellers and producers in Thailand. The system also helps MICE businesses to extend their reach beyond Thailand’s borders to international markets.

TCEB will be hosting training sessions for business owners on how to maximise the use of Thai MICE Connect and equip them with know-how to market their businesses on an e-marketplace. More than 5,000 participants are expected to attend the sessions, running from July 25 to September 9, 2019.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of TCEB, said in a statement: “Thai MICE Connect will become the new, innovative platform for Thai MICE industry to compete in the new global market where entrepreneurs are required to constantly learn and improve their products and services to distinguish themselves.”

He said TCEB will reward entrepreneurs that update their product and service information frequently, by means of images and promotion news.

“TCEB also aims to motivate MICE entrepreneurs to participate in the training session to further develop their business prospects with self-evaluation system. TCEB offers workshops for information collection and digital marketing where participants can exchange their knowledge to further develop the tools that are most suitable for their businesses,” he added.

Darwin Convention Centre returns to its roots with new menu

By TTGmice

July 25, 2019

Darwin-CC---SevenSeasons-Damilbila — A dish from the Seven Seasons menu

The Darwin Convention Centre has developed Seven Season, a new menu inspired by the Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) Seasons, where the Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region.

The seven-course degustation and three-course banquet menu combines local fresh produce and traditional indigenous food.

“When developing the menu, we didn’t just look at the ingredients. We looked at the history of the food, how it was gathered, how it was prepared and how it was cooked,” said Toby Beaton, executive chef Darwin Convention Centre.

“We have provided guests the opportunity to be part of a journey that has been evolving for over thousands of years. The menu is not only about the taste, smell and look of the food, it is about understanding the local land and how Aboriginal people have used the ingredients available to them” Beaton said.

In a convention centre first, the Seven Seasons journey goes beyond Aboriginal food, and also includes a visual and sound experience, creating a full sensory culture immersion.

Audio and visual packages accompany each course giving delegates a deeper experience and understanding of the Gulumoerrgin Seasons, the weather patterns, and changes in plant and animal activity.

“We wanted to provide our clients the opportunity to integrate the Seven Seasons menu into their event on varying levels,” said Peter Savoff, general manager of Darwin Convention Centre.

“Event planners can chose just the menu, or add on the production elements to give a deeper experience to their delegates. The menu also works perfectly with an awards night or gala dinner,” Savoff added.

Singapore is top meeting destinations in Asia for 2019: Cvent

By TTGmice

July 25, 2019

Singapore has retained its number one position as the most popular destination for business meetings and events for the fourth year running, according to Cvent’s list of the Top 25 Meeting Destinations for meetings and events in Asia this year.

Asian cities were previously featured in one Asia Pacific list, but due to increased sourcing volume to the region, Cvent unveiled Asia, and Australia & Oceania as two standalone lists this year. The expanded list highlights Asia’s strength and growing popularity as a MICE destination.

The future of Singapore’s MICE future looks bright

The lists were compiled based on meeting and event booking activity across Cvent’s venue sourcing sites, including the Cvent Supplier Network through which more than US$16 billion in business was sourced in 2018.

Cvent’s Top 10 Meeting Destinations in Asia are:

Singapore
Bangkok, Thailand
Hong Kong
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shanghai, China
Tokyo, Japan
Seoul, South Korea
Beijing, China
Bali, Indonesia
Mumbai, India

“With more events being held around the world, we’re proud to expand our lists this year with the addition of Top Meeting Destinations in Asia,” said Chris McAndrews, vice president of marketing for Cvent Hospitality Cloud.

“Meeting and event activity in the region is booming and cities such as Seoul, Osaka, and Yokohama have all risen in rank year-over-year highlighting their successful efforts in positioning themselves as top cities to host meetings and events. Business events add US$1.5 trillion to the global GDP and because of this positive economic impact, the cities featured in this year’s Top Meeting Destinations lists have put significant time and resources into attracting more business events to their locales.”

Cvent evaluated more than 11,000 cities worldwide featured on its venue sourcing sites to compile the eighth annual list. Activity was tracked from January 2018 through December 2018 and destinations were ranked according to the following criteria: