Artyzen Singapore has appointed Marcel NA Holman as general manager.
Holman brings over 35 years of global hospitality experience, having most recently served as managing director at infinitude Hospitality, where he provided strategic counsel to luxury hotels and resorts. He has also held senior leadership roles with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hospitality Group, and The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.
In his new role, Holman will lead the strategic direction of Artyzen Singapore, focusing on growth, operational excellence, and guest experience.
One of the most anticipated events in Sydney’s calendar, Vivid Sydney, is a must for an unforgettable experience
When people talk about Sydney, it conjures images of the iconic Sydney Opera House, the historic Harbour Bridge, surfer hangs and pristine beaches stretching along the New South Wales coastline. But beyond these icons lies a plethora of hidden gems yet to be explored.
The Sydney Series: Beyond the Icons is a new initiative from Business Events Sydney (BESydney). The video series introduces you to some of Sydney’s leading experience providers who share their local knowledge on Sydney and how you can add value to your next incentive event.
Introducing The Sydney Series: Beyond the Icons
Sydney is a playground of ideas and has a multitude of activities to choose from across its 650 suburbs and further into the rural parts of Sydney. The city is the perfect collision of urban and natural landscapes, a unique background for unique incentive experiences.
Join our local incentive experts as they share the hidden gems and favourite experiences inSydney.
The culinary mastery of Rakesh Pillai
Rakesh Pillai, executive chef at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney is a celebrated culinary expert in Sydney and understands how to blend home cooking with native ingredients, weaving storytelling into his dishes. He says that ICC Sydney understand the importance of using locally sourced ingredients to create these unforgettable dining experiences.
“The team and I are also focused on sourcing Australian native ingredients from Australian producers, adding a little bit of cultural background to the stories we tell through our iconic dishes,” Chef Pillai explains. His approach goes beyond mere food preparation; it is about curating an experience that captures the true spirit of Sydney and celebrate its rich multicultural identity.
Festival season with Gill Minervini
“Sydney’s vibe [is] dynamic, as there’s always something happening,” shared Gill Minervini, festival director at Vivid Sydney. “I love to get beyond the icons and go into what I call the ‘real Sydney’ … So suburbs like Newtown and Surry Hills, where you really see Sydneysiders enjoying the city’s authentic experiences: great food, great entertainment and a great way to spend a day in the city.”
Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, awarded Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event at the Australian Event Awards 2024. As the seasons change and the city moves into the cooler months, Sydney will be illuminated at night with light shows, entertainment, food markets and dining experiences.
Visiting Sydney in the quieter season allows people space to immerse themselves in different experiences, taking opportunities to wind down and see a new side to the city.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will commence from May 23 and run till June 14. Watch the video here.
On top of the world with Kyle Ivey
Go on a thrilling bridge climb that will take your breath away for this sweet Sydney harbour view
Kyle Ivey, Climb Leader at BridgeClimb Sydney, is one of the few people in Sydney who gets to truly appreciate the city’s beauty each day. A proud Bunjalung man, he leads the IndigenousBuwarra Climbprovidingstories of Australia’s First Peoples,culture, language and history as you enjoybreathtaking views of Sydney. “I don’t think you can find many cities in the world that have such a beautiful harbour and such a plentiful amount of beaches to choose from,” said Ivey. “For me, the most unforgettable thing I’ve ever done in Sydney was catching that ferry to Manly.”
The Sydney Harbour Bridge sits as an iconic landmark along the cityscape but to take on the challenge to scale the impressive structure offers unique perspective and birds-eye-view of the Australian metropolis.
Get your feet wet for some fun as you hunt for oysters and savour the sweet fruits of your labour over some drinks
Founder of Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Sheridan Beaumont, is an innovator in the space of agritourism. Less than an hour from Sydney’s CBD, this luxury experience offers delegates an opportunity to sample fresh seafood with the backdrop of the spectacular Australian bush and Hawksbury River. “Within one hour of Sydney you can be standing knee deep in the Hawkesbury River and having the freshest seafood of your life … You’ll harvest it, open it and get to eat it right there … To be surrounded by nature, standing in the river with friends; an experience like this will stand out in your mind forever,” said Beaumont.
This enriching dining event will change the way you experience seafood forever. Hear more from her here.
The Future Vision
“The Sydney Series: Beyond the Icons” redefines the visitor experience of Sydney, showcasing the diverse offerings of the city. Incentive travellers are promised an inspiring and innovative trip, seeing this prolific destination in a new lens. Inspired to
Discover why Sydney is the perfect choice for your next corporate or incentive event. Inspired to plan an unforgettable incentive event in Sydney? Contact us now.
View of Perth from Kings Park and Botanic Garden; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
From proposed convention centre overhaul to airport expansions and new hotels, Western Australia is investing heavily in its infrastructure, signalling a strong commitment to the business events sector.
When asked how was business shaping up for 2025, Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth, told TTGmice: “It looks fantastic in terms of projections for the corporate incentive market for this year. We’ve seen a really strong rebound for this sector across our key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and especially China; China is currently our number one market.”
View of Perth from Kings Park and Botanic Garden; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
As for international associations, BE Perth’s other focus sector, Martin shared that the organisation is “working on events that will be held in 2029 and beyond”.
He stated that Western Australia is fortunate to have a “strong economic situation”, and that this confidence has led to the development of infrastructure, services, and suppliers.
For instance, the expansion of Perth Airport has already begun, and two hotels for the precinct have been announced. Although the airport’s train link into the city was completed in 2024, but full works – comprising a second runway and increased capacity – will happen in 2030 and beyond.
Moreover, there is also a “very strongly developed proposal” surrounding an expansion of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, but “finer details” have yet to be made, said Martin.
The proposal includes significant upgrades to the existing convention centre, such as expanded capacity of its Riverside Theatre, and a new, four-storey wing that will house meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 1,000-seat plenary, and a flexible multi-use hall. The proposal also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.
Perth alone, however, is not Western Australia’s only draw. Fremantle, a 30-minute drive down south of Perth, is equally eager to demonstrate its hosting abilities.
City of Fremantle, economic development partner, Caitlin Skinner, told TTGmice that her goal is to get groups to consider Fremantle as a full day and night destination, which is what Perfect China, and the BE reWArded Mega Famil, showcased to delegates visited in June 2024 and December 2024 respectively.
She added that there is “A$2.3 billion (US$1.4 billion) worth of redevelopment happening” in the city, with a new luxury hotel opening in July 2025, as well as “additional activation spaces” and “experiential products in development” that would work for incentive groups.
“We want to change the narrative of Freemantle as the gateway to Rottnest, and stimulate that weekday economy. That is where corporate and incentive groups can help us,” said Skinner.
Rottnest Island itself, accessible by ferry, offers a variety of activities for corporate groups.Segway Tours WA can organise teambuilding events like Segway fun races for 100 to 200 people, while other touring options include walking trails, snorkelling charters, bus tours, dining at local restaurants and cafes, or overnight stays at Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island.
Further down south, an hour’s drive of Perth, Mandurah is another possible day-trip destination. A unique activity for corporate groups is Mandurah Cruises’ Wild Seafood Experience, a 3.5-hour experience that allows guests to help haul in freshly-caught lobsters, spot wild dolphins, and enjoy an eight-course menu whipped up onboard by a private chef.
Natalie Goddard, commercial operations manager at Sea West (Mandurah Cruises’ parent company), told TTGmice: “We have quite a high percentage of corporate groups that come through, especially for the Wild Seafood Experience. We can cater to large groups, and offer multiple departures a day. With the barbecue boats, we can take up to 32 people at one time.”
When asked how business is shaping up for 2025, she shared that the company is “seeing a lot of corporate requests coming through for the next 12 months”, and indicated that Sea West will continue to engage with the international market to promote its other products, such as the eco-friendly, self-drive Mandurah BBQ Boats.
Back in Perth, Crown Perth – the precinct is home to three hotels and more than 25 meeting spaces – is no stranger to large business events, having hosted the 24th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, as well as the Amway Japan Diamond Council delegation.
Crown Hotels Perth, director of sales, Scott Alderson, shared: “Perth tends to get a lot more South-east Asian business than our Australian counterparts due to its location, where for us in particular, we see many Singapore and Malaysian groups. Amway Taiwan also came through in 2024.
Wild Seafood Experience; photos by Rachel AJ Lee
“Our partnerships with BE Perth is how we get our brand further out, (and demonstrate how ready we are for business events).”
Similarly, Western Australia’s target markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and China – buoyed by direct flights. But the long-term vision is to work on other markets it has direct fights with, such as Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Even markets like Taiwan shows promise. “We don’t have a direct flight to Taiwan, but Amway Taiwan brought over 1,000 delegates to Perth. This means that many other groups are now looking towards Western Australia,” stated Martin.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed Richard Nuttall, a British national with extensive experience in the airline industry, as its new president, effective May 29, 2025.
Nuttall will report to Lucio C Tan, chairman and CEO, and Lucio C Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings, the parent company of PAL.
Nuttall brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines, where he successfully led the airline’s turnaround, returning it to operational profitability and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
He also served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he played a key role in reforming its governance structure to enhance decision-making and collaboration.
Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who will take on the role of executive vice president and COO, also effective May 29, 2025.
Rakesh Pillai, International Convention Centre Sydney’s executive chef
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will be launching their new corporate and incentive campaign, The Sydney Series: Beyond the Icons, on April 28, 2025.
This six-month initiative invites incentive travellers to discover a different side to Sydney and embark on fresh and exciting local experiences. Targeted primarily at BESydney’s key Asian markets, this campaign inspires delegates to uncover unique experiences within the city.
Rakesh Pillai, International Convention Centre Sydney’s executive chef
The campaign’s video series focuses on four of Sydney’s leading experience providers. They share their local knowledge, specialist expertise and their Sydney story to create a blended narrative of the city’s unique melting pot of ideas and cultures. Their stories encourage delegates to discover some of the unique, multicultural neighbourhoods and experiences across Sydney.
The series features:
Rakesh Pillai, International Convention Centre Sydney’s executive chef, can be found curating a fine dining experience for thousands of delegates or an intimate VIP gathering. The key for Pillai is using locally sourced ingredients. Pillai takes inspiration from Sydney’s South Asian community, blending his love of home cooking and native Australian ingredients to create a story with his dishes that leave delegates wanting more.
Gill Minervini, VIVID Sydney’s festival director speaks on her version of Sydney as being a trip to suburbs such as Newtown and Surry Hills, where you can experience unforgettable dining and local performances in trendy and artistic neighbourhoods. Vivid Sydney, already a huge tourist attraction, could transform the way visitors experience the “low season” in Sydney. As the locals wind down for the city’s mild winter months, this celebration of art and technology illuminates the city indoors and out every night.
Kyle Ivey, BridgeClimb Sydney’s indigenous climb leader, guides climbers atop the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, sharing ancient insights into the spectacular natural and urban landscapes that spread for miles around you. BridgeClimb Sydney takes delegates on a unique journey with stories of Australia’s First Nation’s people and their Sydney history. Ivey speaks on his appreciation of the lesser-known Sydney and how he likes doing a First Nation’s walking tour of The Rocks with his visitors.
Sheridan Beaumont, founder of Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, is an agritourism innovator. Less than an hour from Sydney’s CBD, her tours offer delegates an opportunity to experience a day-in-the-life-of an oyster farmer and sample fresh produce that finds its way to the tables of Sydney’s finest restaurants.
Spark, a purpose-built AI platform for the events industry, has garnered more than 11,000 users since its June 2023 launch, with 70 per cent hailing from the US.
Other big users are Singapore, Canada and the UK.
Gevme’s Keerat Singh at PCMA’s BOE 2025
Spark is a collaboration between Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Singapore-based online event management company Gevme.
At PCMA’s Business of Events (BOE) in Singapore on April 15, Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, vice president of Spark and PCMA Insights, told TTGmice that small- to medium-sized businesses are leading users within the association segment.
“The event world is undergoing a seismic shift in how value is created. Spark embodies this transformation, leveraging AI for personalised experiences and revenue optimisation,” she said.
The team is increasing sales and marketing activity to boost awareness across all markets.
“We’re also rolling out a game-changing training platform because successful transformation hinges on know-how. This isn’t just about productivity; it’s about empowering event professionals to make AI-driven strategic decisions, taking their game to the next level,” Sturk-Nadeau said.
After Sturk-Nadeau’s introduction, Paula Rowntree, head of external engagement for the Australian Psychological Society and founder of Business Events Network, presented the platform’s core capabilities. She showed how it differs from mainstream AI tools and can assist with tasks such as content generation, idea brainstorming, legal drafting and content repurposing.
Participants then engaged in hands-on exercises with real-world scenarios, led by Rowntree, Sturk-Nadeau, and Keerat Singh, the head of revenue growth & partner engagement at Gevme.
The second session went into advanced AI applications, guiding participants through building and deploying custom AI agents to support everything from budget planning and workflow automation to personalised attendee engagement.
“At Spark Labs, we’re turning possibilities into action,” said Singh. “From creating custom workflows to embrace the human and AI synergy in the meetings industry, to designing smarter, more personalised experiences, we’re equipping event professionals with tools to innovate with intention and impact.”
The G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo will return to The Venetian Macao from May 7-9, 2025, showcasing over 100 new product launches in Asia across 30,000m2.
The 2025 edition is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions, and will feature enhanced networking opportunities, including high-impact sessions and a dedicated business matchmaking team aiming to arrange over 400 pre-scheduled meetings.
A previous edition of G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo
A new addition this year is the Gaming Innovation Forum, a three-day programme within the exhibition hall that will delve into the latest trends and technologies shaping the gaming landscape.
The G2E Asia Awards will once again celebrate excellence and innovation across five categories: Best Slot Award, Best Electronic Table Game Award, Best Table Game Award, Best Casino Supply Award, and Best IR Tech Solution Award. Award-winning products will be prominently featured within the exhibition, offering attendees a firsthand look at industry-leading innovations.
The expanded Asian IR Expo will introduce a new Smart Hospitality Technology Experience Zone, providing an immersive and interactive onsite demonstration of emerging technologies. This zone will highlight innovations in Smart Reception, Smart Cleaning, and Smart Hospitality through guided tours and live demonstrations.
Returning popular features include the Technology Zone and Tech Talk, which will showcase the latest advancements from emerging industry brands. Over two days, Tech Talk will host expert-led sessions focusing on crucial topics such as entertainment technology and smart hospitality.
Minor Hotels has named Shobhit Khattri as associate vice president of development for India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Based in New Delhi, Khattri reports to Omar Romero, chief development and luxury officer, and works closely with the Asia business development team.
In this role, Khattri is responsible for identifying and managing new development opportunities across the three countries, from site selection to hotel openings. He will also support the expansion of Minor Hotels’ brands – particularly in India – and work with operations teams to ensure new projects align with brand standards and operational goals.
Khattri brings over 17 years of experience in hospitality development across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai has appointed Vinodh Ramamurthy as general manager.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality sector, he has held senior leadership roles across several hotel groups in India, and most recently served as general manager at three properties in various cities. His prior experience includes leadership roles at Taj and Hilton.
In his new role, Ramamurthy will focus on enhancing guest services, developing talent, and strengthening the hotel’s position as a destination for both business and leisure travellers in Chennai.
The bid received strong support from the Federal Malaysian government and Sarawak government
Sarawak has won the bid to host the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH), scheduled on August 5–8, 2026, at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
The congress is expected to attract 2,000 occupational safety and health experts from across the globe, and is the second time that Malaysia is hosting the triennial congress after 29 years.
The bid received strong support from the Federal Malaysian government and Sarawak government
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, said: “The estimated total economic impact of ACOH 2026 is valued at RM16.4 million (US$3.7 million), categorised by direct delegate expenditure of RM8.9 million, RM984,000 in tax revenue for Sarawak, and 1,301 jobs supported and created from the organising and hosting of ACOH 2026. We also look forward to collaborating with the host to build an occupational and environmental health legacy that will benefit our growing communities.”
The theme for the 2026 event is Navigating Global Cross-Cultural Perspective on Occupational Health: Shaping the Future for Sustainability, focusing on how cultural differences influence occupational health approaches and how these insights can contribute to sustainable practices in the field. A key aspect of the congress is to motivate collaboration between academia and the workplace to advance the field of occupational health in the region.
The scientific programme includes three plenaries and 12 symposia covering topics such as Sustainable Practices in Occupational Health, Innovations in Occupational Health, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene and Mental Health and Wellbeing. There will also be Poster and Free Paper Presentations throughout the three-day event.
Hosting the event is the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia in collaboration with the Asian Association of Occupational and Environmental Health, which advocates for the protection of the health of workers and the promotion of wellness within the working population.
The international bid win resulted from a collaboration between the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak, and the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
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.
In his new role, Holman will lead the strategic direction of Artyzen Singapore, focusing on growth, operational excellence, and guest experience.
Nuttall brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines, where he successfully led the airline’s turnaround, returning it to operational profitability and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Khattri brings over 17 years of experience in hospitality development across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
In his new role, Ramamurthy will focus on enhancing guest services, developing talent, and strengthening the hotel’s position as a destination for both business and leisure travellers in Chennai.
