The podcast studios aim to help capture stories and share knowledge
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, has unveiled A Quick Yarn, a suite of onsite podcast studios designed to enhance content creation and event impact.
The new service allows organisers, speakers, and brands to capture high-quality audio and video content in real-time. Integrated with the venue’s Connect Hub, the studios are supported by an expert in-house audio-visual team providing end-to-end production.
The podcast studios aim to help capture stories and share knowledge
ICC Sydney’s A Quick Yarn podcast service includes the choice of two fully-equipped podcast studios located within the venue; onsite recording, same-day editing, and livestreaming capabilities; and collaboration with ICC Sydney’s communications team to maximise audience engagement.
The launch aligns with a significant surge in local media consumption. According to the Infinite Dial Australia 2025 report, podcast listenership in Australia has hit a record 52 per cent, reflecting an eight per cent year-on-year increase.
Ho from The Urbanist Singapore leading the first-ever Stories of Orchard tour
Grand Hyatt Singapore has partnered with Yong Min Ho from The Urbanist Singapore to launch Stories of Orchard, a 90-minute walking tour that reveals the district as a complex landscape of hidden canals, forgotten cemeteries, and the echoes of yesteryear.
The tour begins at Grand Hyatt Singapore, which serves as the starting point for a journey back to March 17, 1971. When it first opened its doors 55 years ago, Grand Hyatt Singapore held the distinction of being the largest hotel in Southeast Asia.
Ho from The Urbanist Singapore leading the first-ever Stories of Orchard tour
In its early years, the hotel was a vibrant hub for regional sporting culture, housing an International Bowling Alley that hosted major competitions. One of the tour’s most surprising revelations is that the hotel’s current parking deck once served as a premier convention space – a testament to the property’s long-standing history as a pioneering venue for large-scale gatherings.
The hotel’s guest ledger also reads like a chronicle of pop culture history. In 1972, the Bee Gees stayed at the Grand Hyatt Singapore during their performances at the National Theatre (then located at Fort Canning Park).
Perhaps the most enigmatic guest arrived in November 1976: John Lennon. Seeking a quiet escape from the global spotlight, the former Beatle checked in under the pseudonym John Girskin. Despite his efforts to remain anonymous, he was recognised by a local Singapore Airlines stewardess while shopping nearby.
Beyond the hotel’s own history, the tour traces the evolution of Orchard Road through several pioneers.
Captain William Scott was among the first to transform the area into a profitable agricultural hub, cultivating nutmeg and mace for export to Western markets. Later, Tan Choon Keng (better known as C.K. Tang) became a “first mover” who famously defied local superstitions. In 1958, he established his landmark department store, Tangs, directly across from Tai Shan Ting – a Teochew cemetery where Ngee Ann City stands today – betting correctly on the site’s future commercial value.
The tour continues toward Emerald Hill, where Lim Boon Keng co-founded the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School. The original building still stands today, marking the site where the school operated from 1924 to 1994. Lim was a staunch champion of female education at a time when such opportunities were rare, aiming to provide a secular alternative to the mission-led schools of the era.
Participants also gained insight into the Stamford Canal. Largely covered to make way for pedestrian malls like 313@somerset and Orchard Central, these hidden waterways serve as a reminder of the district’s original topography as a flood-prone valley – a challenge that eventually necessitated the massive engineering feats of the 2000s.
Designed with flexibility in mind, event planners can tweak or fully customise the tour itinerary to align with specific corporate themes or time constraints.
Stories of Orchard can also be paired with curated F&B packages at any of Grand Hyatt Singapore’s acclaimed dining venues. For a truly local flavour, groups can conclude their journey with a feast at Straits Kitchen, where the stories of Singapore’s diverse cultures are brought to life through authentic street food.
Tourplan, a software provider for tour operators and destination management companies, has appointed Eduard Liebenberger as chief technology officer (CTO).
He brings more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership, with roles across New Zealand, Australia, Germany, the UK and Austria. He joins from Streamliners, where he was CTO, and has previously held senior roles at Jade Software and William Hill, leading digital transformation and product engineering teams.
Asian enterprises are doubling down on face-to-face interaction
Three in four businesses across Asia (74 per cent) now cite employee engagement as their primary reason for hosting meetings and events, according to new research from FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E).
The finding comes from FCM M&E’s 2026 Global Trends Report, which highlights that businesses are prioritising internal connection, capability building, and culture over acquisition or brand activities.
Asian enterprises are doubling down on face-to-face interaction
In Asia, 67.3 per cent of respondents expect their meetings and events budgets to increase in 2026, outpacing the global average of 59.4 per cent. This represents a substantial vote of confidence in face-to-face connection during a year marked by continued uncertainty.
The report reveals that 35 per cent of organisations globally now expect to manage between US$1 million and US$10 million in meetings spend in 2026, a 19-percentage-point increase from the previous year.
However, the higher budgets also come with higher expectations. Respondents cited safety and security as the top priority globally (78.9 per cent) and in Asia (80.5 per cent).
Meanwhile, effective project management came second at 77.9 per cent in the region, reflecting the pressure of planning windows that have compressed by 18 per cent over the last two years.
Asian teams are working with an average 71-day lead time between RFP and event, forcing faster decisions without room for error.
“Expectations around experience continue to climb,” says Manpreet Bindra, regional leader Asia, FCM M&E. “Audiences want sessions and content that feel relevant and interactive, with stronger pacing and better use of time.”
The research also highlights a fundamental shift in event strategy. Rather than single mega-conferences, organisations are increasingly favouring regional events that reduce visa complexity, manage travel fatigue and maintain engagement.
Incentive travel is also experiencing renewed momentum across Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, China and India.
“Programmes are being designed around clear outcomes for teams and the business, with experience used to reinforce performance and connection,” Bindra noted.
Organisations are also tightening control across markets that used to operate locally, with more regional oversight and greater consistency in suppliers, processes and reporting.
“This is happening without forcing every market into the same mould,” said Bindra. “The practical goal is simpler delivery and fewer surprises in an uncertain environment.”
Technology adoption continues to accelerate, with 78 per cent of respondents globally now using AI, primarily to save time and reduce costs. Sustainability considerations also remain a priority across the region’s meetings programmes.
Artist’s rendering of the SMX Convention Center Trade Halls
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) will expand its events portfolio in 4Q2026 with the opening of three new SMX Trade Halls in Cabanatuan, Santo Tomas, and Santa Rosa.
The new venues will add more than 13,000m2 of leasable exhibition space to the SMX network. Strategically located within commercial hubs in Nueva Ecija, Batangas, and Laguna, the halls are designed to meet rising regional demand and support the expansion of the business events sector beyond Metro Manila.
Artist’s rendering of the SMX Convention Center Trade Halls
Designed for scalability, the new trade halls feature flexible layouts and modern infrastructure integrated with adjacent SM retail and hospitality developments.
SMHCC’s senior vice president Walid Wafik said that these investments “reflect our confidence in the Philippines’ growing MICE potential and our mission to deliver accessible, high-quality event spaces across the country”.
The expansion aligns with SMX’s broader growth strategy, which includes the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu – set to become the country’s largest convention venue – and SMXCITE (Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), billed as the the largest exhibition and trade hall venue in the country.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has completed a 10 million baht (US$308,356) upgrade to its event technology, installing the largest in-hotel LED screens in Bangkok.
Integrated into the Crystal and Grand Hall ballrooms, the new P2.6 LED system measures up to 27 metres wide and five metres high. The modular installation allows organisers to split or resize screens into nine-metre, 18-metre, or 27-metre configurations to suit different staging needs.
Crystal Hall
The investment aims to increase the hotel’s competitiveness in the regional business events market by providing convention-centre-grade technology within a luxury setting, said the hotel’s general manager Blair Fowler.
“Our LED infrastructure enables us to meet world-class production standards while improving operational efficiency and sustainability,” Fowler added.
The digital transition also reduces environmental impact by eliminating the need for single-use printed backdrops, vinyl panels, and temporary scenic constructions. The high-definition screens also consume less energy than traditional projection systems, and offer 800 nits of brightness optimised for ballroom lighting.
The Athenee Hotel features 30 meeting rooms in Bangkok’s CBD, including the Crystal Hall and Grand Hall ballrooms, which accommodate 1,500 and 1,200 guests respectively.
Expo organisers converge on Sydney (pictured) for the AIPH conference
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) convened its 2026 International Horticultural Expo Conference in Sydney on March 9, gathering its global network of exhibition organisers to coordinate a decade of upcoming events.
Hosted by Greenlife Industry Australia, the summit served as a progress review for events scheduled between 2026 and 2031 across Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Europe.
Expo organisers converge on Sydney (pictured) for the AIPH conference
The conference highlighted several immediate milestones. Organisers of GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama announced that ticket sales will launch on March 19, 2026, while preparations for Expo 2029 Korat in Thailand are focusing on sustainable agriculture, and horticultural innovation.
Looking toward late 2026, infrastructure for the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo is reportedly 70 per cent complete, and South Korea’s Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo is finalising plans to welcome around 820,000 visitors starting April 25.
Further updates were presented on other events across the Expo programme, including the2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo in the South Korea and Expo 2027 Izmir, Türkiye.
The event also marked the first formal progress reports for two major future sites: Expo 2031 Minnesota, the first such event in the US, and Expo Garden Baghdad 2029 in Iraq. Both teams outlined long-term visions for urban regeneration and international collaboration.
Following the conference, the AIPH General Meeting officially approved two new trade exhibitions: GreenItaly in Parma, and Myplant & Garden Middle East in Dubai. These additions expand the organisation’s portfolio of B2B platforms aimed at integrating horticultural innovation into the global economy.
Global leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates gathered in the Thai capital last week for the 12th Better Air Quality (BAQ) Conference 2026, marking a decisive moment in the regional fight against toxic air pollution.
The three-day event, which concluded on March 13 at the United Nations Conference Centre, saw over 1,100 delegates from 56 countries convene to address an escalating public health emergency.
Attendees at BAQ 2026
Organised by Clean Air Asia in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and United Nations Environment Programme, the conference focused on the theme Together for Clear Skies: Driving Action, Accelerating Investment.
The conference opened against a backdrop of sobering data. According to the State of Global Air 2025 Report, one in eight deaths worldwide is now attributed to air pollution. Despite the WHO tightening its safety guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 5 µg/m³ in 2021, statistics shared at the summit revealed that 99 per cent of the global population still breathes air exceeding these health standards.
“BAQ 2026 underscores the urgent need for collective investment and strengthened partnerships,” said Bjarne Pedersen, executive director of Clean Air Asia, during the opening plenary. “We are here to unlock the health, economic, and climate benefits that only clean air can provide.”
The selection of Thailand as the 2026 host was no coincidence. As a regional hub for diplomacy, Thailand has faced its own hurdles with seasonal agricultural burning, industrial emissions, and urban traffic. By hosting the summit, the nation positioned itself as a leader in regional environmental cooperation.
BAQ 2026 conference moved beyond theoretical discussions, focusing heavily on financing and scalable solutions. Key objectives tackled during the sessions included unlocking investment for long-term economic resilience, driving multi-sectoral action to reduce emissions from energy and agriculture, and building stronger partnerships between the private sector and civil society.
The event concluded with a series of high-level financing roundtables designed to accelerate the flow of capital into clean air programmes.
From laidback city vibes to diverse wildlife, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences in the Queensland capital
Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital is accelerating, with global publications such as TIME Magazine, Frommer’s and The New York Times naming it a must-visit destination.
For international planners designing incentive programmes, the city delivers far more than meetings and events. Compact, connected and walkable, Brisbane makes it easy to craft immersive pre- and post-conference experiences where delegates can move seamlessly between wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, world-class dining and rich cultural discovery, all within minutes of the city.
Here are some quintessential Brisbane experiences to help you craft the ultimate itinerary.
Meet the local residents through wildlife and marine encounters
Meet the local residents
Australia’s wildlife remains a powerful drawcard for international delegates. At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the exclusive Nocturnal Tour allows small groups to observe native species after dark in an intimate setting.
A short ferry ride from the city, TangaloomaIsland Resortpairs sunset dolphin feedingwithsnorkellingaround the iconic shipwrecks and sand tobogganing on towering dunes. Named by Lonely Planet as the world’s best beach to see nature in 2024, it delivers a quintessential Australian marine adventure just off Brisbane’s coast.
For a hands-on coastal immersion, Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours offers a unique in-water dining experience, where delegates can learn to shuck and savour oysters straight from the pristine waters of Moreton Bay, perfectly paired with premium Australian champagne for a memorable, indulgent experience. With vessel charters available for larger groups, it is a fresh and memorable way to bring local produce into an incentive itinerary.
Adventure on the river and beyond
Wine and dine on the edge – safely!
Brisbane’s subtropical climate and riverfront setting naturally invite outdoor adventure. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb delivers a true sense of achievement, guiding groups to the summit of one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks for panoramic views across the skyline, river and hinterland.
Nearby,Vertigo elevates dining into a playful challenge, suspending guests above the Brisbane Powerhouse for a skyline-framed culinary experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
On the water, Riverlife Adventure Centre offers twilight kayaking beneath the illuminated bridge, blending activity with connection and spectacular city views.
See Moreton offers a full-day coastal adventure to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), where delegates can snorkel among colourful fish, spot dolphins and dugongs, explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, and enjoy a tropical buffet on pristine beaches — an unforgettable pre- or post-conference escape just a short journey from Brisbane.
Dive into culture and be creatively inspired
Brisbane’s creative identity adds depth and sophistication to any programme. QAGOMA, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, is unique for its world-leading focus on contemporary Asian and Pacific art, offering private viewings, curator-led tours and riverfront cocktail events that elevate cultural engagement, while Vast Yonderworkshops offer hands-on aerosol art experiences.
Brisbane also stands on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, whose connection to Country spans tens of thousands of years. Incorporating First Nations experiences into anincentive programme offers delegates meaningful insight into the world’s oldest living culture. At Birrunga Gallery, delegates can create Indigenous artwork and sample native foods. A Welcome to Country, guided cultural walks, storytelling sessions or native ingredient dining experiences can be seamlessly woven into pre- or post-conference events, adding authenticity and a powerful sense of place.
Indulge in culinary exploration
Head for a street market to try the different creative local dishes on offer
Food is central to Brisbane’s incentive appeal, with flavours that reflect the city’s premium produce, coastal bounty, and multicultural influence. Walter’s Steakhouseshowcases classic Australian beef, Tillerman Seafood offers Moreton Bay bugs and local catch, and Supernormal celebrates inventive Asian-inspired cuisine. Precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane provide versatile, group-friendly spaces with spectacular views for bespoke dining experiences.
For casual, vibrant evenings, Eat Street Northshore offers an unmatched sensory experience with global street food, live music, and neon-lit waterfront lanes– perfect for relaxed group connections.
Just beyond the city, SirrometWines invites delegates to enjoy vineyard tours, wine tasting sessions, and long-table dining overlooking rolling hills, providing a serene rural escape within reach of Brisbane.
Enjoy curated retail therapy and lifestyle discovery
For tailored lifestyle experiences, Spree With Me, a personal stylist agency, offers personalised shopping tours,ensuring international delegates enjoy curated access to Brisbane’s boutiques and precincts with ease and cultural understanding.
Start planning your next incentive in Brisbane
Discover why global businesses are choosing Brisbane for programmes that go beyond expectations. Visit Choose Brisbane to start planning your next world-class incentive in Brisbane.
1. Sydney Fish Market, Sydney
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest fish market reopened in January 2026 following a 6,000m2 redevelopment.
The early-morning Dutch-style fish auction remains the centrepiece, delivering a fast-paced, loud and visually intense experience as buyers bid on the day’s catch straight from the boats. Beyond the auction, the waterfront precinct now hosts more than 40 food and retail outlets, complemented by group tours, tastings and cooking classes at the Sydney Seafood School.
2. Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Northern Territory
Located three hours south-east of Darwin, Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience is an invitation to engage deeply with living Aboriginal culture through food, storytelling and hands-on learning.
Set against the natural landscapes of the Katherine River region, the three-hour experience highlights Pamkal Family Cookups featuring classic bush tucker, including kangaroo tail, enjoyed alongside cultural practices such as weaving. Guests gain authentic insights into Indigenous traditions while supporting the local Dalabon community.
3. Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours, Brisbane
Set against the clear waters and sweeping coastal scenery of Moreton Bay, Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours offers an interactive and Instagrammable farm-to-table experience.
Guests learn how premium Queensland oysters are sustainably grown, shuck their own oysters immersed in the ocean and enjoy the tastings. A short ferry ride from Brisbane, tours run for up to four hours, accommodating groups of up to 100 guests, or 300 guests total via private vessels.
4. Seven Mile Beach Golf Course, Tasmania
Seven Mile Beach Golf Course offers a scenic, links-style golf experience just 10 minutes from Hobart Airport. Bordering Seven Mile Beach, the course combines ocean views with a relaxed playing environment suited to mixed-ability groups.
The 18-hole championship South Course winds through undulating coastal dunes, with 37 bunkers and three routing zones spanning high dunes, sheltered valleys and the ocean’s edge, making it suited for incentives, networking rounds, and informal corporate competitions.
5. SOL Elements, Gold Coast
Inspired by Japanese bathing traditions, SOL Elements is Australia’s first “floating” elemental bathhouse set on a tranquil lake and immersed in subtropical rainforest at Tamborine Mountain.
Designed for mindful immersion, the experience combines magnesium pools, cold plunges, sauna, steam and curated spa rituals within a serene, phone-free environment. With limited guest numbers and a strong connection to nature, it is a distinctive option for incentives and wellness-led programmes.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
He brings more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership, with roles across New Zealand, Australia, Germany, the UK and Austria. He joins from Streamliners, where he was CTO, and has previously held senior roles at Jade Software and William Hill, leading digital transformation and product engineering teams.
