IAAPA Expo Asia 2025, the largest tradeshow for the amusement industry in the Asia-Pacific region, will take place from June 30 to July 3 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
Themed Find Possible, the four-day international event will showcase the newest technological advancements and innovative solutions in the attractions industry from more than 300 exhibitors.
A panel in session at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
Over 10,000 attendees are expected to visit the 10,000m2 tradeshow floor to explore the latest trends, key issues and consumer preferences shaping the future of the sector.
The expo’s education programme of over 20 learning opportunities will cover a wide range of topics, from personnel development and merchandise to F&B trends and revenue diversification.
Among this year’s lineup of keynote speakers is president and managing director of Disney Parks International, Jill Estorino. She will deliver insights on innovation, marketing, and guest service during IAAPA Expo Asia’s signature Leadership Breakfast.
Additionally, EDUTours at Expo Asia will enable attendees to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of Shanghai’s world-class attractions. Included in the lineup are tours to LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its diversity – from historical and cultural sites, beautiful beaches and verdant mountains to rich wildlife and eclectic cities.
Accommodation, meeting packages and F&B are attractively priced compared to other business events destinations, although foreigners and locals are charged different fees at some attractions.
Colombo, the commercial centre of Sri Lanka
With the rise of bleisure travel, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) says the country is an “attractive destination for MICE travellers, where work can be blended with unique experiences”.
Skyscrapers tower above Colombo and shopping malls draw crowds, even as intriguing temples, local markets and alleys continue to thrill visitors on an exhilarating tuk tuk tour.
The ‘new’ Colombo is seen in ITC Ratnadipa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Colombo, and 687-key Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams. When the mall, casino and Nuwa hotel open in 3Q2025, it will be South Asia’s biggest integrated resort.
“Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is designed to seamlessly host large-scale events while offering diverse breakout spaces and personalised experiences,” said Alessandro Aldo Cabella, senior vice president & general manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.
“This integrated approach positions us as a premier destination for MICE in South Asia, capable of balancing scale with exceptional service.”
Besides India, the Middle East and Europe, new markets targeted this year are Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
Meanwhile, ITC Ratnadipa draws meetings and conferences from South and South-east Asia and the Middle East, especially two- and three-day residential events. The 30-storey hotel has 352 rooms and suites, as well as event facilities comprising a ballroom (divisible into three), four meeting rooms and two large outdoor venues.
Colombo being the international gateway, most incentive itineraries feature a ‘city and country’ combination, either heading towards the centre or south.
Central attractions include UNESCO World Heritage Sites Anuradhapura – famed for its Buddhist stupas and statues – and ‘Lion Rock’ Sigiriya – an imposing backdrop for photos, but too time-consuming to climb.
An early-evening, safari-style drive to Minneriya National Park reveals peacocks, painted storks and the highlight – elephants chomping or walking mere metres from the jeeps.
Next, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic provides both spiritual and scenic experiences. A special treat is being able to visit the Elephant Stables and feed the ‘Royal Tuskers’.
The other main attraction in central Sri Lanka is Nuwara Eliya for its many tea plantations. Some allow small groups to meander among the bushes, watching workers deftly pluck tea leaves, and even try their hand at this. Tea factory tours usually explain the varieties and production process, followed by tea-tasting and purchasing.
Southern itineraries usually take in Galle and Bentota, the former for its heritage buildings like the fort, clock tower, lighthouse and quaint shopping streets, and the latter for its beaches.
While both cities have old-world and new-build hotels, capacities are relatively small. But a unique experience is NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, located on a peninsula and accessed by a short boat ride. It offers beach dinners with tiki torches and décor, and small-group sunset pontoon tours with cocktails and snacks.
Sustainability being an important consideration, big DMCs/PCOs like Aitken Spence Travels have introduced conservation measures under a “Travel Kindly” theme. Community awareness programmes include sourcing gift-packs and woven bags from SMEs and featuring traditional arts and crafts on tours.
On a bleisure trip to Sri Lanka last November, the 20-member Singapore Press Club (SPC) delegation saw the country’s potential through the places visited, officials they met and meals savoured.
“We came back with a better understanding of the country and aspirations of its hardworking and friendly people,” said Bhagman Singh, SPC vice president and chair of the goodwill mission organising committee.
Elephants at Minneriya National Park; photo by Gerardine Donough-Tan
“Official meetings highlighted directions being taken to attract foreign investment, engage with international partners and get more tourists to visit the country and enjoy the varied holiday offerings.”
In February 2025, Sri Lanka also launched its Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP), a joint initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, SLCB, and SriLankan Airlines, to attract international conferences and boost economic growth, sustainability, and knowledge exchange.
Twenty-five ambassadors, representing various business sectors that host international conferences, are already on board.
SLCAP will continue to identify and support other local association leaders and business events professionals well-known in their fields, providing them with the resources and tools needed to attract international conferences to the country.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will transform its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million (US$) to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub.
Renovations will progress in phases, with works starting first on the First Class SilverKris Lounge and ending by 4Q2025. Construction of the new Business Class SilverKris Lounge is expected to begin in 4Q2025, and the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in 1H 2026. Full completion is expected around mid-2027.
An artist impression of the future SilverKris First Class Lounge Bar at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
The revamped lounges will boast 50 per cent more space and seating capacity, and feature upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an enhanced variety of F&B options.
The all-new First Class SilverKris Lounge will feature a spacious area with increased capacity, higher ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The renovated bar will offer a premium experience, including barista services in the morning.
The live cooking stations in the First Class SilverKris Lounge will serve a wide range of popular Singaporean, Asian, and Western cuisine of dishes, while the self-service buffet will also be expanded to mirror the offerings available at the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3.
The Business Class SilverKris Lounge will expand by 30 per cent, providing customers with more space and comfort. It will include a quiet rest area and a redesigned living room area with diverse seating options. The expanded self-service buffet, featuring both Asian and Western cuisines, will be complemented by a new full-service bar.
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double its capacity, offering various seating options. New amenities will include in-lounge restrooms and shower suites, enabling customers to freshen up before their flights.
Yeoh Phee Teik, senior vice president customer experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “Building on the success of our Terminal 3 lounges, we are extending our signature hospitality and thoughtfully curated offerings to Terminal 2. This upgrade reaffirms our continued dedication to providing a seamless, world-class experience that meets the high expectations of our discerning customers.”
Conrad Centennial Singapore hotel has been renamed Conrad Singapore Marina Bay on April 15 April to reflect its connection to Marina Bay.
Conrad Singapore Marina Bay will unveil a refreshed lobby and new dining concept in early 2026
The name change will be followed by transformations of dining venue Oscar’s, which will adopt a new concept, and of the lobby to offer a new arrival experience. These changes are set to debut in early 2026, and be complemented by guest programming that offers deeper connections to Marina Bay’s cultural, artistic, and culinary vibrancy.
The Conrad brand, which is part of the Hilton portfolio, is represented by two properties in Singapore, with the other being Conrad Singapore Orchard.
Attendees at the 1000meetings' Kuala Lumpur showcase
Event sourcing platform 1000meetings, which expanded from China to Singapore four years ago, has opened an office in the Malaysian capital.
Its industry debut at the February 26 Kuala Lumpur showcase, in partnership with the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association, was three times the size of what was planned. The final count was 180 corporate and association buyers, and 50 exhibitors.
Attendees at the 1000meetings’ Kuala Lumpur showcase
“We want to grow these initiatives, as nobody is doing these events and going deep. There is more leverage as Chinese companies are going to Malaysia post-lockdown. It is safe and there is strong demand,” Julien Delerue, 1000meetings’ founding and managing partner, told TTGmice.
The office in Kuala Lumpur opened in 2024, and despite expanding during the pandemic, Delerue said there has been revenue growth.
The company now has a team of 20 employees, with 13 based in China and the rest in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Delerue shared that the 1000meetings showcase will head to Jakarta and Bangkok next, and discussions with partners and clients have begun.
“Northern Asia is also extremely attractive, and we will be planning for a showcase in several cities in 2026. We are also looking at establishing Hong Kong as a hub,” he said.
Better hotel rates and the perception of China as a safe destination post-lockdown are presenting significant opportunities for incentive travel, according to Delerue. He added that Asian meeting planners and clients are increasingly focusing on the greater Asia-Pacific region, viewed as a “safe zone with no uncertainty”, partly due to the “Trump effect”.
From left: MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners' Richard Soo (moderator); Creative Technology Asia Pacific’s Christopher Burke; Encore’s Michael Magafa; Zoom’s Cathy Yum; and Capital-e Marketing & Events’ Andrew Everingham
Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore on April 14-15, The Business of Events 2025, organised by the Professional Convention Management Association, heavily featured technology as a central theme, particularly in the opening keynote and breakout sessions.
Opening keynote speaker Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO, Addo, made two salient points: “Cheap AI has implications for every industry and every function” and “people management is the key driver of success in AI”.
From left: MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners’ Richard Soo (moderator); Creative Technology Asia Pacific’s Christopher Burke; Encore’s Michael Magafa; Zoom’s Cathy Yum; and Capital-e Marketing & Events’ Andrew Everingham
She said the sales function will continue to evolve with digital and AI, such as in assisted selling and coded assistance, citing examples across various brands. But be customer-centred, and try to personalise events for attendees, she advised.
The fireside chat at the Tech In Action: Empowering Event Experiences Through Innovation session on April 14 focused largely on AI, but emphasised getting the message across, not the technology itself.
Andrew Everingham, founder & CEO of Capital-e Marketing & Events, and Cathy Yum, regional head of marketing & demand generation, Zoom, discussed how to leverage technology, as well as challenges with dynamic agendas, immersive content, and facial recognition.
Meanwhile, Michael Magafa, commercial director, APAC, Encore APAC and Christopher Burke, group managing director, Asia Pacific, Creative Technology Asia Pacific, indicated that too much tech can sometimes get in the way of the event experience.
They stressed that AI’s job is “to take care of the repetitive stuff” so event planners can be more creative. There are more options and opportunities at the back end, said Burke, and trust is important for the producer and the client.
An observation that “we don’t need more events, we need better ones” resonated with the audience, as did advice that “the best work comes when we stop competing and start collaborating”.
The speakers also discussed achieving consistency across different markets, and highlighted gaps or opportunities in the event space.
Session moderator Richard Soo, managing director of MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners, summarised: “The discussion brought out what truly matters – real insights from those who are using tech in the field. It was less about the hype, and more about what works, what doesn’t, and how we can scale innovation meaningfully across regions, while staying human at the core.”
Smith: great content is strategic, meaningful, and serves a purpose that inspires or drives a change or an outcome
With 70 per cent of the global workforce to be made up of millennials and Gen Z by 2025, organisers have to take into account when planning event strategy for a generation with different priorities, needs and values.
Yesterday, during The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaningful Content for the Next Generation of Corporate Events breakout session at The Business of Events 2025, organised by the Professional Convention Management Association, Taylor Smith, vice president, event production & creative content, BCD Meetings & Events, encouraged event planners to think about how they need to be “intentional about their content to create a meaningful connection” with their delegates.
Smith: great content is strategic, meaningful, and serves a purpose that inspires or drives a change or an outcome; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
“There should obviously be a theme, that ties into the company’s goals and its intentions. Under that umbrella sit videos, presentation design, and slides. Meaningful presentation design will tell a story, and not just display data. There’s a story underneath (big data numbers), so find that story and use that story to show what the numbers mean,” he explained.
To demonstrate his point, Smith shared several examples, such as Microsoft’s tone-deaf Windows 95 launch versus a successful energy company product launch. He also illustrated the difference by showing slides overloaded with charts and information alongside those with a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic.
“Our clients are getting younger every day, and the way that they consume media, the way that they experience brands, the way that they immerse themselves in events, is changing,” he said.
Smith added: “Almost half of this demographic have also said that they are experiencing (content) fatigue. If we get them to attend an in-person event, there needs to be a compelling reason. This (demographic of attendees) are immersing, filtering, and constantly making decisions whether something is worth that time.”
Hence, when addressing stakeholders, Smith advised planners that events do not require large budgets, relating how BCD helped to plan a sports-theme sales meeting for “little to no additional budget” in a ballroom. Differentiation is what truly matters to distinguish events for this younger demographic constantly exposed to other content.
“Millennials and Gen Z attendees expect to have a good experience (at business events), and good content that resonates with them. Every slide, chart, and graph, needs to go through the filters of what matters to them, while still driving the business goals and objectives and tying into themes,” he concluded.
From Left: IJM Land’s Tony Ling; Penang executive council chairman for tourism and creative economy’s Wong Hon Wai; Perennial Holdings' and IJM Perennial’s Dawn Tan; Penang’s chief minister, Chow Kon Yeow; Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center’s Lee Jae Yul; Mayor of Goyang Special City, Lee Dong-Hwan; and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Ashwin Gunasekeran
IJM Perennial Development has formalised a strategic partnership with KinMalaysia Management (KINTEX Malaysia) to operate the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), scheduled to open in October.
Two agreements, an Operation Service Agreement for PWCC, and a Memorandum of Understanding focused on enhancing Penang’s business events industry, were signed on April 11.
From Left: IJM Land’s Tony Ling; Penang executive council chairman for tourism and creative economy’s Wong Hon Wai; Perennial Holdings’ and IJM Perennial’s Dawn Tan; Penang’s chief minister, Chow Kon Yeow; Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center’s Lee Jae Yul; Mayor of Goyang Special City, Lee Dong-Hwan; and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Ashwin Gunasekeran
PWCC is expected to attract more than 30,000 delegates in its inaugural year of operation, generating approximately RM55.5 million (US$12.5 million) for the economy in Penang. The Centre is complemented by surrounding attractions such as The Waterfront Shoppes, the largest waterfront mall in Penang; international hotel brands, JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun; and a 750m-long waterfront promenade.
Confirmed events at PWCC for 2025 include the 7th Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development & Penang Urban Forum from October 5-7; Malaysia International Tech Education from October 24-26; K-Brand Week featuring the K-Beauty Expo Malaysia from November 20-22, and WaterTech Asia 2025 from December 2-4.
Group CEO and managing director of IJM Corporation, Lee Chun Fai, said in a press release: “Our partnership with KINTEX enhances PWCC’s operational capabilities and global reach, allowing us to attract and host high-impact international events. This collaboration will not only elevate PWCC as a premier venue but also drive economic growth for Penang, strengthening the State’s role as a key player in the global MICE sector.”
The Marina Bay Sands’ (MBS) business events team embarked on a first-of-its-kind partnership to co-develop and co-teach a dedicated business events module for local hospitality undergraduates.
Over the 10-week module from January to April 2025, students gained insights into Singapore’s business events industry through a blend of seminars and practical fieldwork.
The programme was officially launched by Ong Wee Min, vice president of sales & MICE at Marina Bay Sands, who provided an overview of the global business events landscape. Throughout the module, various MBS team members also shared about other aspects of event management, such as crisis management protocols, technical operations, and sustainability and wellness.
Recognising the value of diverse perspectives, Marina Bay Sands also enlisted the support of key industry players. Event Design Collective introduced their proprietary methodology, equipping future planners with a structured approach to optimise event outcomes. Gevme provided knowledge on leveraging online event management tools, while the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) offered in-depth insights into event conceptualisation, marketing strategies, and sponsorship acquisition.
The module culminated in a fireside chat with senior representatives from the likes of PCMA and Events Industry Council, focused on career pathways within the business events industry.
Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels, a new programme to offer esports teams, players and organisers carefully curated services and amenities designed to keep them focused, motivated, and prepared to perform at their best.
Developed in partnership with Spacefwd, a leader in esports and gaming expertise, the Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels programme includes features such as seamless connectivity through 500/500 Mbps symmetric internet with 100 per cent uptime, cabled connections, and backup lines for flawless gameplay and broadcasts; flexible services to match the demanding schedules of esports athletes; team-centric spaces like accessible private gaming rooms, lounges, and secure storage; and exclusive perks like 15 per cent discount on Best Available Rates and flexible cancellation.
The Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels programme caters to specific needs of esports travellers
Radisson Hotel Group expects the programme to place it in the lead in the race for the growing esports industry. Reports indicate that the global esports market is rapidly expanding, with projections expecting the market to surge to US$13.7 billion by 2032 globally, and particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa regions.
The groups has already lined up over 100 esports-ready properties, including Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Delhi Airport and Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok in Asia.
Angela Graun, vice president sales operations, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “The high-stakes world of esports means every second counts, and every detail matters. Radisson Hotel Group understands the unique challenges the industry faces when it comes to demanding travel schedules, unpredictable practice times, the need for seamless and reliable connectivity and secure, functional spaces to strategise and unwind.
“With Esports Ready by Radisson Hotels, we can help overcome these hurdles impacting performance and event success. Thanks to our diverse global portfolio of thoughtfully designed properties, Radisson Hotel Group can cater to the specific needs of esports travellers and create seamless experiences that facilitate esports success.”
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.
