Moxy Sydney Airport has appointed Sid Bhatia as its new general manager.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia has held leadership roles including general manager at Vibe Hotel and cluster general manager for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.
Congratulations on your appointment as the CEO of Messe Stuttgart India. Could you share more about your key priorities?
Messe Stuttgart has made remarkable strides in India, particularly with the success of shows like LogiMAT India. Our portfolio also includes DIDAC India, Asia’s largest education-focused exhibition. My immediate priority is to continue strengthening these flagship events, while exploring opportunities to expand our event portfolio and deepen industry partnerships.
This year, we are launching a new show, DIDAC Skills, which will address the growing demand for skilling, reskilling and upskilling India’s workforce. We also aim to introduce more of Messe Stuttgart’s global portfolio to the Indian market in the near future.
What is the current state of the exhibition industry in India and which key business sectors are driving its growth?
The exhibition industry in India has witnessed significant growth post-Covid. Most companies have not only recovered but have surpassed their pre-pandemic performance.
According to data from the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, the sector is currently growing at a CAGR of approximately 10.3 per cent. The industry is projected to reach a value of US$1.3 billion by the end of this year, up from US$700 million in 2019.
This upward trajectory reinforces the crucial role exhibitions play in India’s economic progress. Several sectors are fuelling this growth namely e-commerce, FMCG, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, IT and pharmaceuticals. As these sectors expand, exhibitions are becoming vital platforms for business development, networking, showcasing innovations and tracking industry trends.
What are the key factors contributing to the current momentum?
Rapid industrialisation, digitisation and continuous technological innovation play a major role. The vibrant startup ecosystem and government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ have further boosted manufacturing and its ancillary industries.
Exhibitions have evolved into dynamic platforms where companies can present new products, engage with clients and distributors and receive direct market feedback. Unlike other marketing channels, exhibitions offer real-time insights and create immersive brand experiences that foster stronger industry connections.
Are there many international exhibitors at these exhibitions?
We are seeing a steady increase in international participation at Indian exhibitions. At some of our recent events, up to 20 per cent of exhibitors have been international, accompanied by strong overseas visitor delegations. Countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Singapore and the US are actively participating.
This is encouraging, but to significantly scale India’s position in the global exhibition circuit, we must consistently deliver world-class events with compelling content, curated experiences and robust infrastructure. It is also essential to foster deeper international collaborations, promote trade alliances, and implement supportive government policies that simplify travel and business operations for foreign participants.
With the economic and infrastructure development of India’s secondary cities, how do you see these markets evolving as exhibition venues?
The growth of tier-two and tier-three cities has led to a decentralisation of economic activity, creating new opportunities for the exhibition sector. Improved connectivity via air and rail and increasing commercial activity in these regions are opening doors to untapped markets and industry clusters that were previously underserved.
While these emerging cities present promising avenues for hosting exhibitions, infrastructure remains a challenge. Compared to metro cities, tier-two and tier-three markets often face limitations in terms of venue quality and reliable suppliers. However, with thoughtful planning and strategic focus on regional industries, these markets are becoming increasingly viable for exhibitions. We are already seeing major players exploring and organising events in these locations.
Recently, India has seen the addition of modern event venues like Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) and Bharat Mandapam. How are such developments impacting the ability to host large-scale events?
These state-of-the-art venues are a tremendous boost for exhibition organisers like us. They enable us to host large-scale, high-quality events seamlessly and significantly improve the overall experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Additionally, these venues help position India as a serious contender in the global business events arena. With better infrastructure, we can attract more international participation and execute events that meet global standards.
What are the key challenges that need to be addressed?
One of the critical issues we face is the lack of a streamlined approval process. We are advocating for a single-window clearance system, which would simplify permissions and improve the ease of doing business.
Currently, organisers have to liaise with multiple government bodies for approvals, which slows down the planning process. Another challenge which I also mentioned earlier is the limited availability of quality exhibition venues in tier-two and tier-three cities. While there is interest in expanding to these markets, we need better infrastructure to support such efforts. Furthermore, quality suppliers are often concentrated in metro cities, making it harder to execute premium events in smaller towns.
Malaysia’s established Kesatria Malaysia Programme, a conference ambassador initiative aimed at propelling the nation into the top five business events hubs in Asia Pacific by 2030, welcomed five new members at a special induction ceremony.
The event, a highlight of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) Association Day 2025 held on April 30 at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, saw these accomplished individuals from key Malaysian industries, all with a proven track record of hosting major international conferences, officially join the programme.
As the newest Kesatria ambassadors for 2025, they will work alongside existing members, leveraging their experience and networks to identify and encourage other potential local hosts to bid for and organise international events in Malaysia, further driving the growth and development of the country’s business events sector.
MyCEB’s chairman, Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu shared in his welcome remarks that Malaysia is expected to maintain steady economic growth this year, with projections indicating a trade value exceeding RM2.5 trillion.
He said: “This positive growth is driven by our strategic focus on key sectors such as green technology, artificial intelligence and industrial automation.
“As we strive for greater economic success, business events serve as a crucial driver in positioning Malaysia as a premier international destination for global conferences, exhibition, corporate meetings and incentives.”
MyCEB’s acting CEO, Tan Mei Phing, reinforced the bureau’s long-term commitment to empowering association leaders as catalysts for international event acquisition.
“Associations form the backbone of our business events ecosystem. By equipping them with insights and tools through initiatives like Association Day and the Kesatria Malaysia Programme, we are strengthening Malaysia’s competitive edge in securing high-impact events,” she elaborated.
In his opening remarks, deputy minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, added: “Since the induction of the Kesatria programme in 2012, our dedicated industry champions have secured 98 international business events contributing to RM1.6 billion (US$379.4 million) in economic impact and attracting almost 124,000 international delegates to Malaysia. This programme has promoted knowledge sharing and attracts top tier industry experts to our shores.
“With GDP growth reaching 5.9 per cent and trade value exceeding RM2.1 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, our continued focus on this sector will further position the country as a preferred international business events hub.”
New Zealand has announced a significant reform to its medicines laws on April 29, 2025, eliminating a key obstacle that previously hindered the country from hosting international medical conferences.
Effective soon, tradeshow exhibitors will be permitted to showcase new pharmaceutical products and research to medical practitioners within New Zealand, even if those medicines have not yet received Medsafe consent.
The joint announcement from David Seymour, minister for regulation, Simeon Brown, minister of health, and tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston highlighted that the outdated regulations restricting the advertising of unapproved medicines at medical tradeshows were out of step with international standards and disadvantaged New Zealand.
“New Zealand’s prohibition on advertising medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe is a barrier to New Zealand’s ability to host medical conferences and tradeshows. The opportunity cost of New Zealand missing out on these is huge,” Seymour said.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has been advocating for a change to Section 20 of the Medicines Act 1981 for many years and BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said today’s announcement means medical conference organisers from around the world can now plan ahead with confidence.
“The global business events industry is worth US$2.1 trillion, and the medical and pharmaceutical sector is the second largest user of conferences to connect, educate, and inform professionals.
“By finally removing this barrier, New Zealand can now proactively approach those medical associations who in the past have taken New Zealand off their list because of this prohibition,” she noted.
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened a new airline lounge for Saudia Airlines at London Heathrow, Terminal 4, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
The lounge, which serves First and Business Class passengers, offers a range of amenities, including runway views, a VIP zone, a buffet area, and dedicated workspaces. A new tea bar, in partnership with The London Tea Exchange, offers a selection of curated teas.
The Saudia Lounge is Plaza Premium Group’s seventh lounge in London and reflects the company’s expansion and commitment to enhancing passenger services at major airports. The lounge aims to improve the pre-flight experience for Saudia Airlines guests with tailored offerings and luxury service.
Song Hoi See, founder and chief executive, PPG said: “London remains one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, and our continued expansion here underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for every guest. The launch of the Saudia Airlines Lounge allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and culture through thoughtfully curated in-lounge experiences, further reflecting our commitment to delivering world-class, locally inspired hospitality at every touchpoint.”
Rossen Dimitrov, chief guest experience officer, Saudia added: “The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”
ICCA and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to collaborate and strengthen engagement within the international association meetings sector.
The two organisations will collaborate to align on mutual strategic goals, focusing on content, learning experiences, and initiatives that resonate with the global business events community and association members, ultimately working together to expand opportunities, develop impactful educational resources, and foster a supportive global network to address the evolving challenges facing associations today.
Several areas of focus have been outlined, including supporting global associations as they navigate geopolitical situations and dealing with generational shifts and how this affects the workforce in the industry, including pertinent topics like AI, inclusivity, and talent strategies.
The agreement also stipulates that the two organisations will engage in shared content development, exploring possibilities for joint publications, research reports, and educational materials that can be distributed across both organisations’ channels, strengthening resource accessibility for members.
The partnership between ICCA and ASAE also includes membership and event registration exchanges, in an effort to encourage collaboration and connection among the two groups’ membership communities.
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has promoted Marc Singerling to the role of director of event delivery.
Reporting to Lynell Peck, ICC Sydney’s general manager – operations, the new directorship will lead culinary and event services as part of the organisation’s commitment to drive change through innovation.
With three decades in F&B and events management, including nine years at ICC Sydney where he recently served as F&B services manager and led the internal operational management group, Singerling commenced his new role on April 14, 2025.
Tanjong Beach Club, a Singaporean pioneer of urban beach culture, has returned to Sentosa’s Tanjong Beach as a revitalised and versatile event destination.
Following a four-month revamp, the club now offers enhanced spaces, refined dining, and dynamic programming ideal for corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and stylish events.
Designed by Akin Atelier, the club blends heritage with modern aesthetics, creating diverse ambiences across its fluid spaces. Lush landscaping and a unique mural enhance the coastal setting.
The redesigned venue features distinct zones, including a dining room with a wood-fired grill, at main bar, and an expanded VIP lounge with a dance floor, all centred around its iconic infinity pool.
The indoor dining room can accommodate 68 seated guests in its standard layout, or up to 80 guests for a mix of standing and seated arrangements. For an outdoor experience, the terrace provides alfresco seating for 40 guests, expanding to a capacity of 60 for standing events. The main bar, available exclusively for full venue buyouts, comfortably seats 50 guests and can host up to 70 guests in a combined standing and seated format.
Head chef Mong Zhen Yew leads a new culinary direction focused on wood-fired coastal cuisine, offering customisable menus from sophisticated dinners to sharing platters. A refreshed beverage programme highlights champagne and innovative cocktails. Planners should note that different menu selections require a varying minimum and maximum number of guests.
A half-day venue exclusive (four to six hours) starts from S$28,000 (S$21,663) up S$58,000 (six to 10 hours) for a full-day exclusive hire. For semi-exclusive bookings, it ranges from S$150++ to $250++ per person. Event bookings are not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays unless a full venue exclusive is secured.
Brought to you by Penang Marriott Hotel
One of the latest entrants to the Penang coastline, the Penang Marriott Hotel opened last February, offering a luxurious stay in the heart of George Town.
Strategically located along the island’s iconic Gurney Drive, this 55-storey, 223-room luxury hotel combines modern sophistication with sweeping sea views, creating an inspiring destination for event organisers and business travellers seeking both convenience and sophistication.
Its convenient location also offers guests easy access to major attractions such as Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall, as well as the cultural and nature sites of George Town, enhancing the overall event experience.
Flexible meeting spaces for every occasion
With its versatile event facilities and spaces, the hotel offers event planners a wealth of options to host all sorts of events from grand weddings to large corporate events.
A grand, pillarless ballroom spanning 722m² serves as the centrepiece, ideal for large-scale conferences, gala dinners, and corporate functions. Featuring high ceilings and the latest audiovisual systems, the grand ballroom delivers both visual impact and technical performance.
Complementing the ballroom are five well-appointed function rooms across levels one and two, offering adaptable layouts for seminars, workshops, or breakout sessions. Each room is equipped with the latest AV technology and flexible lighting, and can be customised for hybrid events to support seamless in-person and virtual participation.
Adding to the appeal for high-level business travellers is the M Club, an exclusive lounge offering premium privileges to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members. With upscale amenities including comfortable spaces to work, complimentary breakfast and drinks, and a refined, quiet atmosphere, the M Club is an ideal setting for VIP guests to connect, work, or unwind between engagements.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring seamless connectivity for business travelers.
Culinary delights for every palate
Dining options at the Penang Marriott Hotel are diverse, with venues suitable for networking events, client lunches, or post-conference relaxation.
The Great Room offers expertly-crafted cocktails in a refined setting, while Kucina serves ocean-inspired Italian cuisine and Sago provides all-day global dining with Penang specialties. For more casual options, the Lava Java, a grab-and-go cafe, offers convenient choices of coffee and freshly baked goods to get before heading into a meeting.
Private dining rooms and customisable catering concepts are also available to meet specific event requirements.
Wellness amenities for mind and body
Recognising the importance of attendee well-being, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre, steam room, infinity outdoor swimming pool, and a seafront sun deck, providing guests with opportunities to relax and recharge. Guests can also visit scenic jogging trails and nearby cultural attractions to experience the best of Penang.
Whether hosting a large corporate event, an incentive retreat, or a business meeting, Penang Marriott Hotel offers premium facilities with exquisite views in a vibrant heritage city.
Book your next event now and indulge in a luxurious experience at Penang Marriott Hotel.
Virtuoso has enhanced its leadership team with the appointment of Cheryl Cheney Bunker as senior vice president of global memberships and Cory Hagopian as senior vice president of global partnerships, continuing its focus on global expansion and luxury travel growth.
Cheryl Cheney Bunker has been appointed senior vice president, global memberships. She has been with Virtuoso since 2007 and most recently served as vice president of global member relations, overseeing more than 1,200 travel agencies and over 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries. In her new role, she will lead global membership strategy and oversee engagement across all regions.
Cory Hagopian has taken on the role of senior vice president, global partnerships. He joined Virtuoso in 2022 and has overseen both member and partner relations. He will now focus on global partner sales and relationships across product areas including accommodation, cruises, tourism boards, transport, and insurance. His role includes expanding partnerships in new markets and managing the organisation’s ultra-high-net-worth segment.
