A proposal to welcome associations into the ICCA membership is gaining adherents.
The 57th ICCA Congress opened in Dubai last Sunday; pictured (left) outgoing president Nina Freysen-Pretorius and acting CEO Dennis Speet
Historically, ICCA members have been limited to convention bureaus and suppliers but for several years now, the ICCA Associations Relations Working Group, together with the Board and ICCA Head Office, had been working on getting closer to associations in line with the adopted Strategic Plan from 2015.
Its draft proposal about potential association membership in ICCA was discussed in an open dialogue with members last Tuesday, with some mentioning the logistical and legal ramifications under the Dutch law as ICCA headquarters is based in the Netherlands.
Members input will be included in the final proposal which would be voted on next year either at IMEX Frankfurt in May or at the 58th ICCA Congress in Houston, Texas in November.
ICCA board member Jason Yeh welcomes associations’ entry into ICCA, saying that it is the right direction to grow in terms of membership, recognition and professionalism.
Yeh added that the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter is already working closely with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), newly-formed Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations (AFAO), and the Philippine Council of Association and Association Executives (PCAAE).
Siti Karmila, head of sales and marketing at Indonesia Convention Exhibition, gives her nod on association membership, saying that associations will help balance the membership currently exclusive to suppliers.
Roman Ray Straub, CEO of Prague Congress Centre, is also amenable to the new direction, as association members will bring business to the supplier membership.
ICCA’s Asia Pacific Chapter is looking to launch a conference next year to address the region’s unique needs on education, networking and business development.
The ICCA Apac Summit 2019 concept paper, unveiled at the 57th ICCA Congress earlier this week, specified that the event “does not intend to dilute or replace official ICCA events but instead aim to complement ICCA’s presence in the region while leveraging on this platform that ICCA has built”.
The concept paper went on to say that the Asia-Pacific event “will mean a more active Apac community which is dynamic and robust, resulting in a stronger ICCA presence and brand in this region”.
Yeh: Asia-Pacific Summit not in competition with other ICCA events
Stressing that the ICCA Apac Summit 2019 will never replace ICCA events, ICCA board member and Apac Chapter member Jason Yeh said: “We have talked about organising the Summit for a long time. The region is so big and we cover very huge territories. It is very hard to form a common interest”.
As the Asia Pacific Chapter is “getting bigger and bigger, we want to tie up with all the communities in the region,” Yeh said. The Asia Pacific Chapter is the largest of all chapters outside Europe, with 265 members.
While the annual ICCA Congress had been held in Asian cities in recent years – Shanghai (China) in 2013 and Kuching (Malaysia) in 2016 – with the 2020 edition heading to Taiwan, there has not been an ICCA event that is organised by the members in the region, for the members in the region.
“Although ICCA events like the Congress and Association Meetings Programme (AMP) do rotate to the region, and we have our own Client Supplier Business Workshop, the time is right for this regional community to recognise the untapped opportunities within ourselves, and harness it,” the concept paper said.
Summit 2019 was discussed by Asia Pacific Chapter members during the Congress, and decisions will be made about the venue, budget, target market and whether it will be stand alone or in combination with another event.
To help defray the cost, the Chapter intends to charge a minimal registration fee for members, rely on sponsorship package, and to approach ICCA headquarters to host the airfare of five association executives from the region.
The draft programme for the Summit includes, among others, ICCA Business Leads Exchange, Data Lab on how to use ICCA data for business and communications, Destination Asia Pacific Market Place for outbound corporate travel managers and association executives, plenary session, and networking reception.
CITS American Express Global Business Travel, a joint venture between American Express Global Business Travel and China International Travel Service, has released the 2018 China Business Travel Survey (the Barometer). The Barometer has revealed that 45% of Chinese companies expect business travel spend to increase over the next 12 months.
Despite volatility and uncertainty in the global economy, the outlook reported by Chinese companies is one of the strongest indicators of corporate confidence that has been reported by the Barometer since its launch 14 years ago.
The level of business activity within tier two and tier three cities in Mainland China is rising
The portion of business travel expenditure allocated to domestic China (versus international) trips has increased by 18%, compared with last year’s Barometer. This indicates that the level of business activity within tier two and tier three cities in Mainland China is rising.
Research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has revealed that inland and emerging cities within China are set to outpace top tier cities in annual GDP growth over the next three years*, creating attractive new business opportunities for Chinese firms.
“An interesting dynamic is emerging when it comes to business activity in China – in addition to domestic growth, China’s outbound direct investment is once again growing, indicating a focus on international business activity,” said Kevin Tan, vice president of CITS American Express Global Business Travel.
“Travel managers now need to ensure travel programmes and policies adequately cover the needs of travellers and companies in these new geographies. Emerging cities often lack the same level of infrastructure as more developed cities, creating a need to focus on spend categories that may have received a smaller budget allocation in the past, such as ground transportation. They should also ensure Chinese business travellers are sufficiently trained and educated in the nuances of travelling in different environments.”
The Barometer also revealed that ‘cost savings’ (62%) and ‘compliance’ (57%) are the top priorities for the travel programmes of Chinese companies, whereas ‘safety and security’ has slightly dropped from the top priority in 2017. In line with prior year results, the top three concerns on the minds of Chinese business travellers, according to the Barometer, remain: the travel reimbursement processes being too complex (49%), pre-trip validation processes being too complex (37%), and travel conditions too strict in general (37%).
“These figures highlight a clear and exciting opportunity to develop simpler and leaner processes to increase business traveller satisfaction and boost efficiency within the company. If a company’s travellers cannot understand or effectively navigate their company travel processes, there will be decreased compliance, leading to greater costs,” continued Tan.
Considering the significant amount of change occurring in China’s travel industry, both in terms of supply and demand, it’s worth noting that the Barometer revealed 45% of Chinese travel managers believe they have limited knowledge on how to manage a travel programme in current business conditions.
Tan added: “Traditionally for many companies in China, travel budgets have focused primarily on travel servicing rather than strategic travel management. However, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s Reform and Opening this year, cost-savings, governance and business efficiency, have become a greater focus for Chinese companies. It’s critical that companies engage the right partners for their businesses in order create a travel programme that meets their evolving needs.
“This could range from intelligence on where China’s high-speed rail can prove more efficient for domestic travel than air, as well as international guidance on visas, safety & security, and access to global travel cost-savings. For travel managers without experience in these areas, the learning curve can be steep, so it’s important to know when to outsource key business requirements,” he concluded.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts is offering a five per cent rebate on the final master bill for business events held at any of its 11 participating South-east Asia properties from now until December 31, 2019.
The Meet @ Millennium Hotels and Resorts offer is valid for new bookings of 10 guestrooms and above confirmed before March 31, 2019. Other terms and conditions apply.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore
In Singapore alone, Millennium Hotels and Resorts has six strategically located hotels, with access to over 2,600 guestrooms and more than 9,290m2 of flexible event space.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal resort town has launched new meeting packages that feature all-inclusive coffee breaks and leisure activities.
Half-day meeting deals, priced at 1,550 baht (US$45) net per person, comes with use of a meeting room from 08.30 to 12.00 or 13.00 to 17.00, a Thai/ International buffet lunch or Thai/ International set lunch, and one coffee break.
The full-day option, priced at 1,650 baht net per person, comes with an additional coffee break.
Both packages include meeting room set up, audiovisual arrangements, free Wi-Fi connection and support from a meeting butler for the entire event.
Bleisure travel, or travel which combines work and leisure, has become commonplace as part of many an organisation’s job benefits. This has presented a conundrum that many organisations have found difficult to navigate.
While organisations now broadly understand and exercise duty of care for their staff, does this duty extend to employees who add on leisure time to their business trips (bleisure)? If it does, should organisations continue to exercise the same level of vigilance – including maintaining a degree of visibility over a business traveller’s itinerary?
The workforce of today accepts the blurring of boundaries between work and other life domains
A study in 2016 conducted by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, found that 20% of 1.9 million business travellers surveyed included time for leisure in their work trips (1). As the figure demonstrates, the workforce of today accepts the blurring of boundaries between work and other life domains. Will the same workforce also accept that there could be some concerns over compromised privacy as part of efforts to ensure their safety?
There are several factors for employers to assess – the risk level of the recreational activities or destination, the risk tolerance and work culture of the organisation, the awareness of the staff on the organisation’s duty of care obligations, and policies concerning the period when responsibility is firmly passed over to the individual traveller.
Problems posed by lack of employee visibility
When business ends and leisure begins during overseas assignments is often the time when communication and accountability between the employer and employee becomes increasingly sparse. Bleisure trips contain an aspect of adventure or exploration; employees are much less likely to structure their leisure itineraries, and may even switch hotels or turn off their corporate phones to minimise roaming fees.
This is likely to come with a change in the level of risk that employees expect compared to the business portion of the trip, and also in their level of vigilance against potential risks.
According to the Ipsos MORI Global Business Resilience Trends Watch 2018 survey, 44% of organisations surveyed found it challenging to communicate with employees during a crisis, and 39% found it challenging to track employee travel.
Imagine how these challenges could be compounded during bleisure trips (2).
Should an incident occur during any trip – bleisure or otherwise – it is critical that within an hour of the incident or what is referred to as the “golden hour”, employers are able to identify and assess who is affected, so that the appropriate security and medical help can be arranged and delivered swiftly.
Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can be unpredictable and while emergency response capabilities in disaster-prone countries have improved, having employee visibility adds another significant safeguard for both employer and employee.
Simple measures for employee visibility
The topic of employee visibility can be an uncomfortable one, as questions are raised about GPS tracking or by-the-hour updates. However, this paints an incomplete picture of what employee visibility means. Rather, it is ensuring that the necessary preparation and communication channels are in place to mitigate all potential risks in any environment.
The first step for business travellers is as simple as taking precautions like updating oneself on the latest security, medical travel and cultural conditions in their destinations before and during travel, which enables them to take the necessary actions to alert their company in the event of a crises. They can also share their location though a secure platform to ensure that their whereabouts are known to the company. Both these efforts can be achieved through the International SOS Assistance App. Managers are able to quickly access reports on the whereabouts of their travelling staff and decide on the most appropriate course of action, in consultation with travel risk management partners.
The second step is establishing a mode of communication that is available when needed. Communication platforms like the International SOS’ TravelTracker Incident Support allows travellers to be contacted quickly and reliably, and provides them and their employers with peace of mind. Business travellers who will benefit from an immediate channel for communication include those who experience minor incidents, sudden illnesses, or major catastrophes resulting in displacement or injury.
The responsibility of companies which have employees going on bleisure travel extends beyond simply approving such travel requests. The responsibilities and potential risks that comes with this type of travel must be taken into account.
The key lies in employees and employers determining where their respective responsibilities begin and end in such situations, and in setting up clear protocols of what each party can and should do in the event of a crisis or emergency. If this can be achieved, then the phenomenon of bleisure travel may not create significant disruption for employers and employees alike in the years ahead.
Aditya Luthra is the security director – security solutions, Asia, International SOS & Control Risks. He leads client engagements around Asia and Australasia, developing bespoke solutions in support of organisations and managing their travel risk mitigation strategies, policies and procedures.
What is your background with Marriott?
I’ve been with the company for 14 years now. I started my career at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, moving to Phuket in Thailand, and now here in Siem Reap. The company takes care of its associates, and I have been blessed to be nurtured and developed. Hence, I continue to grow with Marriott.
You have taken up a senior role at such a young age. What challenges did this involve and how did you overcome them?
I have always been one of the youngest in any of the roles I have undertaken. In the very beginning, I found it challenging to manage those who were older than me, but I quickly learnt that age did not matter. If you lead by example and are always willing to guide and share knowledge, people will look up to you and age does not become a barrier.
Why did you take up the role of general manager at this property?
It was the opportunity to open the first Marriott hotel in the entire country. As well, Cambodia has always fascinated me: its history, growth and potential. There was no question that this role would fully challenge and fulfill me.
How has the journey with Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort been for you?
It has been the most exciting, fulfilling experience I could have had. Not many general managers get to open a hotel in their career and I am very fortunate to be able to be a part of this. Being involved in the construction phase and lovingly putting every piece of the puzzle together, and seeing how the hotel and the team has come together today has been incredible.
What makes Siem Reap a competitive regional destination for business events?
It offers extreme value, and unique, unspoilt locations for any business event sector. Its accessibility from neighbouring countries and wide range of hotels offering conference facilities and event spaces also make it an attractive destination. Business events in Siem Reap has steadily been growing when it officially emerged as a viable sector of the country’s tourism market. Siem Reap’s commitment to the sector is visible in the continued development of hotels’ conference facilities and event venues, including the opening of this hotel – the first brand from Marriott International.
Which source markets are you keeping your eye on?
China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are our key markets as they are big on business events and there are many direct flights to Siem Reap from these countries. As well, we are looking at getting more European, Australian and American visitors in 2019.
With so many business event offerings coming out in Siem Reap, how will Courtyard by Marriott stand out from the crowd?
We are designed from the ground up for the business traveller. One of the reasons Marriott and the Courtyard brand have been so successful is that we have an unrelenting focus on understanding the customer, their needs, and designing product and service solutions that exceed their expectations. We have unique event spaces, like our rooftop bar with views of Angkor Wat on the horizon, as well as a ballroom with natural daylight and all of the latest technologies.
How is it built for the modern traveller?
The new resort is based on several core needs of the traveller: the desire for a quality product that they can count on to deliver consistently stylish and functional room design that helps them make the most of their time on the road, and F&B outlets adapted to local demand.
Our business support systems include modern technology, ample work space in the room, a meeting facility that helps them be productive, and attentive, respectful service that makes them feel welcome and supported. This is all delivered at an exceptional value.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which kicked off its 57th congress in Dubai on Sunday, has welcomed ExCel London’s executive director James Rees as its new president, succeeding outgoing Nina Freysen-Pretorius who completes her term this year.
Rees takes on ICCA presidency
An ICCA board director and vice president, Rees was elected over two other long-timer contenders: Eric Bakermans, director marketing meetings and conventions at Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, and Juan Jose Garcia, chief marketing officer of Bco Congress Spain.
As the association’s new chief, Rees will favour events and services adapted for every region. “A one-size-fits-all approach will no longer allow ICCA to grow its global influence. By providing each regional office with the flexibility to adapt its services, in line with the strategic plan, ICCA will deliver enhanced benefits to its members,” he said.
Freysen-Pretorius: limited-term contract for future ICCA CEOs
Meanwhile, Freysen-Pretorius has revealed a new approach to ICCA’s future CEO engagement, which will now be limited to a three-year term contract that is renewable based on performance and board approval.
ICCA is expected to have a new CEO by April 2019, having tapped Brussels-based European Affairs Recruitment Specialist (EARS) to assist in selecting and evaluating candidates, with closing date for application on January 15.
Freysen-Pretorious reported before the General Assembly that ending former CEO Martin Sirk’s 16-year tenure was “not a decision that happened overnight made by any one individual but rather the outcome of several concerns that the board had over an extended period”.
She explained that ICCA’s growth in a global environment of constant change and disruption forced the board to ask where will it be in the next decade and whether its mission and vision are still appropriate. The board’s eventual unanimous decision was that Sirk was not the right person to activate and implement ICCA’s vision and objectives.
The skills of the CEO of an organisation the size of ICCA “necessitates a strong understanding of financial management, controls and reporting to be in place always for us to continue our growth and thrive,” remarked Freysen-Pretorius.
“We need leadership that can implement an operational structure that is supported by proper checks and balances while maintaining the ICCA family style ethos. Our business model and approach has to be reevaluated for future growth,” she added.
Freysen-Pretorious told TTGmice that Sirk’s termination has financial implications. “The CEO contract stipulated that ICCA had to give 12 months’ notice and in addition would be liable for another 12 months of severance pay under the Dutch labour law,” she said.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced the appointment of SingEx Venues (SingEx) as the operator for the Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre (Singapore Expo) for up to 10 years starting January 2019.
SingEx Venues continues to manage the Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre
As the incumbent operator SingEx’s management contract is due to expire at the end of 2018, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on the government procurement portal, GeBIZ, in December 2017.
STB received three submissions at the close of the RFP. All three proposals were evaluated on criteria such as business strategy, track record and ability to market and operate the Singapore Expo as a leading business events venue.
According to an STB statement, the winning proposal demonstrated “a strong understanding of Singapore’s MICE industry and outlined a comprehensive plan to grow the MICE segment in relation to Singapore Expo”.
More details of PACIFICO Yokohama’s North expansion are out as construction progresses and brings it closer to its end-March 2020 launch.
Artist’s impression of the upcoming PACIFICO North
The venue’s new wing will feature 42 meeting rooms and one of Japan’s largest multi-purpose halls. The 6,337m2 column-free and carpeted hall can accommodate some 6,000 pax and be divided into eight sections.
“The multi-purpose hall can be used for exhibitions or corporate banquets, and can be divided into rooms for conferences,” Makoto Batori, executive director, sales promotion department, PACIFICO Yokohama, told TTGmice.
Batori sees the North expansion as a much needed solution to the rising demand for event venues in the Japanese city.
He said: “Yokohama’s specialty is in conferences – particularly medical conferences – and we realised the strong point of this centre. With this expansion, we will raise Yokohama’s brand not only among exhibitions, but also conventions.”
Besides exhibitions and conventions, Batori pointed to corporate incentive events with banquet requirements as the next target segment for the centre.
He said much of such demand came from Asian markets like Singapore and Hong Kong.
PACIFICO Yokohama has begun sales campaigns in Asia, starting with its inaugural attendance at ITB Asia in October.
“We will send more staff to Singapore next year to research on corporate companies and incentive events. Singapore is an important market for us,” said Batori.
Upon completion, PACIFICO North will sport an outdoor pedestrian deck connecting its second-floor main entrance to the Exhibition Hall and Annex Hall of PACIFICO Yokohama. The facilities can be jointly used for large-scale events.
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.
Aditya Luthra is the security director – security solutions, Asia, International SOS & Control Risks. He leads client engagements around Asia and Australasia, developing bespoke solutions in support of organisations and managing their travel risk mitigation strategies, policies and procedures.
