Indian corporate agents attending DSA standing alongside Business Events Adelaide's CEO Damian Kitto (rightmost)
In March 2025, Destination South Australia (DSA) hosted its first delegation of Indian corporate agents, who participated in a tradeshow alongside interstate agents at the Adelaide Convention Centre, before embarking on a post-familiarisation trip.
Interstate agents were shown around to business event venues and hotels in the city, as well as joined a fam to either the Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills. Meanwhile, Indian corporate agents were brought on a separate fam and educational programme, with both groups coming together for showpiece occasions at Adelaide Oval and Morphettville.
Indian corporate agents attending DSA standing alongside Business Events Adelaide’s CEO Damien Kitto (extreme right)
Given that it was the first Australian visit for many of the Indian agents, they were introduced to a range of incentive experiences. These included viewing native Australian wildlife at Cleland Wildlife Park; exploring world-class wineries such as Seppeltsfield and Chateau Tanunda; enjoying a helicopter flight over the Barossa Valley; and go-karting at The Bend Motorsport Park. Another unique experience involved getting up close with lions during the Lions 360 encounter at Monarto Safari Park.
“This was the favourite part of the trip for many delegates, who said they couldn’t even get this sort of experience in Africa, so it was a surprise that it was on offer so close to Adelaide,” shared Business Events Adelaide’s CEO Damien Kitto.
“The Adelaide Oval, where Australia and India have battled each other on the cricket field, is a key product for this market. Another highlight for the delegates was doing the Roofclimb of the Oval, a site inspection of Oval Hotel, a behind-the-scenes tour and meeting former Australian Test cricketer Greg Blewett,” he added.
Kitto also detailed how the food offering was tailored throughout the fam. “Adelaide has a significant Indian community, and talented chefs from every region can provide authentic cuisine. Each of our venues ensured they showcased a menu tailored to suit groups from many regions of India.”
Vikas Mittal, director of Iris Global Vacations, said that the itinerary was “very well-designed”, with an “excellent selection of hotels, gourmet meals, and teambuilding activities”.
“Business Events Adelaide took the city beyond our expectations with their exceptional hospitality. Adelaide will be a regular feature in our upcoming itineraries for Australia,” he noted.
Kritika Kunden, general manager at Hyperlink Brand Solutions, agreed: “There were a lot of fun experiences we did not expect, and a lot of sights we had not seen before. Many of our clients are seeking new destinations and experiences, and I think that Adelaide ticks all the MICE checklists. The team at Business Events Adelaide has been extremely supportive, and I look forward to promoting Adelaide.”
When asked what the decision was behind inviting Indian corporate incentive agents for the 21st edition of DSA, Kitto told TTGmice that the market is a “new opportunity for South Australia”.
Still, Kitto emphasised that Greater China and South-east Asia remain Adelaide’s primary target markets for incentives and associations. To this end, Business Events Adelaide actively participates in Tourism Australia’s Greater China Showcase and will also undertake trade visits to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
With more than 40 member exhibitors and 50 hosted guests, this year’s DSA was the biggest yet, with A$40 million (US$25.2 million) expected to be generated from attendees.
The International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong 2025, recognised as a Mega Event by the government, will take place from June 12-15 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The annual event, comprising the 39th ITE (Leisure) and the 20th ITE MICE, is in its fifth iteration. The first two days are dedicated to trade professionals, followed by two days open to the public.
ITE 2024 showfloor
ITE 2025 organisers are expecting greater international exhibitor numbers this year, with South Korea significantly expanding its presence with two pavilions. The event will also feature a diverse array of destinations from Europe, the Americas, Central Asia, and Africa.
Recognising the growing importance of the mainland Chinese market, this year’s trade seminar series on New/Niche Destinations & Products will feature English to Mandarin simultaneous interpretation. The programme will also include NTO presentations, exhibitor-led seminars, and an industry forum on sustainability.
Asian travel trade professionals are encouraged to apply online for a complimentary Trade Visitor Badge to ITE 2025. Beyond free admission, ITE’s subsidy scheme includes benefits such as free lunch/drink coupons and cloakroom services. Subsidised visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in dedicated B2B sessions.
ITE 2024 featured 515 exhibitors, a significant 87 per cent originating from outside Hong Kong, representing 68 countries and regions, with 36 per cent from beyond Asia. The event saw strong participation from approximately 70 National Tourism Organizations. There were also 7,023 buyers and trade visitors, with 46 per cent hailing from outside Hong Kong.
From left: Place Borneo’s Fifi Lea Jaina, and Mona Abdul Manap; Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak’s Adrian Susin Ambud, and Nicholas Jenek
The 4th edition of the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) Conference 2025 – a major international conference focused on combating rabies in the Borneo region – will be held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
The significance of the upcoming conference was underscored by the formalisation of a strategic partnership between the Government of Sarawak, through the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, and Place Borneo. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the DVS Sarawak Headquarters.
From left: Place Borneo’s Fifi Lea Jaina, and Mona Abdul Manap; Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak’s Adrian Susin Ambud, and Nicholas Jenek
This partnership forms a vital part of Sarawak’s larger mission to eliminate rabies and achieve a Rabies-Free Sarawak by 2030.
The RIB Conference 2025, supported by the Sarawak Government through the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and Business Events Sarawak, aims to be a pivotal gathering of local and international experts, policymakers, and community leaders. The event will serve as a crucial platform for sharing the latest research, discussing best practices in rabies prevention and control, addressing emerging challenges, and developing actionable strategies for the region.
The agenda also includes impactful community engagement programmes such as mass vaccination drives, responsible pet ownership campaigns, and public awareness activities, directly involving local communities in the eradication efforts.
This conference is an opportunity for delegates to collaborate on research and the best new practices; Melbourne pictured
Melbourne has been chosen as the host destination for the Global Hepatitis Summit 2027, which will take place in 1H2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with the Burnet Institute and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the Global Hepatitis Summit 2027 will attract hundreds of attendees from around the world.
This conference is an opportunity for delegates to collaborate on research and the best new practices; Melbourne pictured
The biennial Summit is a cutting-edge research conference that shares the latest developments in liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The 2027 Summit will profile Melbourne’s research facilities and provide a platform to promote Australia as a world-renowned location for viral hepatitis research and advancements.
The event includes four days of keynotes, clinical workshops, scientific plenaries, networking sessions, a large exhibition component, as well as the opportunity to co-locate the host destination’s national Viral Hepatitis meeting.
This Summit adds to a line-up of international healthcare-related events coming to the city in the next two years, including the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025, World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025, and International Diabetes Federations Western Pacific Regional Congress 2026.
In celebration of Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60) this year, Pan Pacific Singapore is offering SG60 MICE packages infused with Singapore flair, available from now until March 31, 2026.
Delegates will be able to feast on a selection of local Singaporean delicacies, some of which are prepared à la minute at the chef’s live station. These include a kaya toast (toasted bread spread with rich coconut jam and butter), popiah (soft spring rolls filled with prawns, eggs, and vegetables)., and nonya kueh (colourful sweet or savoury snacks), kopi tarik (local coffee sweetened with condensed milk and pulled to froth it), and more.
Pacific Ballroom
A full day meeting package is priced from S$155++ (US$115++)per guest and includes lunch and two refreshment breaks. For those with shorter agendas, a half-day meeting package is available from S$140++ per guest and includes lunch and one refreshment break.
The 790-key hotel offers 2,329m2 of meeting spaces across three levels, all equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. Facilities include the St. Gregory spa, gym, swimming pool, and several dining options ranging from the Cantonese dishes at Hai Tien Lo, to the international fare at Edge and Pacific Emporium.
InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has appointed Adnan Yücel as its new general manager.
In this role, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring guests experience exceptional service while embracing the charm and rich culture of Chiang Mai. His leadership will further enhance the hotel’s offerings, including the recently launched spa and Club InterContinental.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yücel brings a wealth of experience to this position, having most recently served as general manager at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Maree Di Pasquale has stepped into the role of group CEO at Arinex, a event and conference management company in Australia.
She takes over from Nicole Walker, who remains a board member and significant shareholder of the Group.
Di Pasquale steps into the role after serving as CEO of Arinex’s sister company, brand experience and innovation agency Neoteq. She brings a wealth of expertise from leadership positions in culture, tourism and events across Australia, Hong Kong and the UAE.
Convention centres are constantly evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the events industry.
From integrating cutting-edge technology and prioritising accessibility to embracing sustainable practices and creation of loyalty programmes, these venues throughout Asia-sPacific constantly invest in infrastructure upgrades and programmes to deliver exceptional experiences.
Culture Cartel at Singapore Expo
Singapore Expo, Singapore
Singapore Expo’s facilities and infrastructure have also undergone improvements and refurbishments to stay relevant and competitive in the global events landscape.
For organisers looking to hold experiential conferences, Apex @ Expo features state-of-the-art technologies in an immersive space that accommodates a plenary hall, with customisable audiovisual and digital elements and content management capabilities, alongside a configurable screen.
Singapore Expo’s multipurpose Arena @ Expo is another versatile space – which can seat over 6,600 attendees – features high-quality acoustics and tech systems, and customisation capabilities.
“Many events already benefit from Singapore EXPO’s “Halls Without Walls” infrastructure – all 10 10,000m2 halls are pillarless and interconnected across one level, enabling seamless transitions and unique configurations. One of the biggest events held in Singapore EXPO is the 2024 edition of FHA F&B, which spanned seven halls, allowing the event to host more than 72,495 attendees from 91 countries and regions,” said Chua Wee Phong, group CEO of Singapore Expo’s managing organisation, Constellar.
As the nation’s largest purpose-built business events venue, Singapore Expo is also diversifying its offerings as a vibrant space for entertainment and leisure experiences. This includes the Play @ Expo: Find Your Fun, All in One Place campaign, which features a series of themed weekends including consumer events such as Artbox Everyday 2025, Culture Cartel, and more.
Chua added: “The growing variety of on-site lifestyle events, concerts and leisure experiences aligns with the venue’s refreshed brand identity, Playground of Possibilities, where we want to attract younger generations of trendsetters, reflecting our commitment to innovation and creating dynamic experiences that stay ahead of the changing MICE and tourism landscape.”
Singapore Expo is committed to sustainable event practices, demonstrated by its use of renewable energy and venue-wide green initiatives. The venue holds the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (Gold) for 2024, and initiatives range from a large-scale, on-site solar rooftop installation – one of the largest in the country – and urban farms, to plastic-free packaging, and responsible F&B solutions.
In 2024, Singapore Expo hosted more than 350 events and welcomed more than 1.5 million delegates and attendees, and the outlook is looking positive, shared Chua.
Upcoming events include the return of Asia Tech x Singapore (May 27-29); the 41st International Association for Hydro-environment Engineering and ResearchWorld Congress (June 22-27); while ITMA Asia + CITME, a textile technology and machinery exhibition, will take place from October 28-31. – Rachel AJ Lee
The 10th World Water Forum Ministerial Meeting was one of the major events held at BNDCC in 2024
Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Indonesia
Renovation and improvement of the facility are annually carried out at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) as part of its long-term strategy to be a leading convention centre in both Indonesia and South-east Asia.
The venue has also recently upgraded its audiovisual equipment to high-resolution LED screens and sound systems, as well as improved the fibre optic infrastructure and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity in public areas and meeting rooms.
“Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (the Nusa Dua complex development and management company) is in the process of building a natural gas pipeline distribution network in the Nusa Dua area which will be used for fuel and food production.
This will replace Liquefied Natural Gas, and is both more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The implementation at BNDCC is scheduled for 3Q/4Q this year,” said Riyanthi Handayani, president director of Nusa Dua Indonesia.
She added that LED lighting has been installed throughout the building and procurement of electric vehicles is ongoing as part of the company’s efforts to improve energy efficiency.
As international event planners prioritise sustainability when selecting venues, Riyanthi is confident these enhancements will meet this growing demand.
After a successful 2024 – where 131 events, including 38 international conferences with a total of 110,442 participants and international corporate events with a total of 33,163 participants – Riyanthi is bullish for the year ahead.
“Our projection this year is that business will be dominated by association and corporate events, both domestic and international, plus other social events. Our (target) is to grow business by between five and eight per cent annually for the next five years by increasing the number of international events,” she said. – Mimi Hudoyo
One of the Centre’s refurbished meeting rooms
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
It is an optimistic outlook for the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) this year.
The 3,000-person plenary hall has been equipped with four new LED screens, while its audiovisual systems in all meeting rooms are being upgraded in stages.
The venue is also in the midst of upgrading its meeting rooms with Bring-Your-Own-Device capabilities. These enable up to four devices to connect seamlessly to the LED screens. Additionally, the meeting rooms are equipped with motion sensors for energy efficient lighting and offer organisers full control over the ambience settings.
In 2H2025, the Centre will offer several new meeting spaces and an additional versatile space on Level 3 which can be used for small meetings.
To further enhance sustainability and efficiency, the centre has invested in 2,000 new banquet chairs that eliminate the need for linens, reducing laundry-related energy and water use, and setup time. It has also invested in a sustainable buffet system powered by eco-burners, which eliminates dependency on electricity.
The venue’s general manager, John Burke, shared that the Centre has already secured 55 per cent of its business target for the years. This includes confirmed bookings for 60 international, regional and domestic exhibitions, and more than 70 corporate meetings and events.
Several major international conferences and congresses happening this year include the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry General Assembly & World Chemistry Congress (July 12-19), and Asian Patent Attorneys Association General Assembly & Council Meetings (October 24-28).
Burke added: “Visa exemption for Chinese visitors, extended by the federal government until end 2026, is expected to attract more Chinese exhibitors and delegates to exhibitions held at the Centre.
“Furthermore, Malaysia’s role as the Chair of the ASEAN Summit in 2025 will boost government-to-government meetings, providing a major uplift to related industries such as hospitality and transportation throughout the year.” – S Puvaneswary
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand
Having enjoyed a significantly higher than anticipated level of business since opening three years ago, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has continued to build on a growing international reputation for innovation, responsiveness and sustainability.
As part of its continual focus on innovation, Te Pae Christchurch launched a refreshed website in late 2024, designed to provide an intuitive and engaging experience for clients, exhibitors and media.
In 2024, Te Pae Christchurch became the first convention centre in the world to achieve Toitū net carbon-zero accreditation.
“We have a fantastic foundation in a 5 Star Green Building design and a certified Toitū net carbon-zero operation. We are also happy to share the details of our initiatives, such as our eWater system for natural sanitisation, dehydration of food waste into soil food for community gardens and use of environmentally friendly packaging, to support our clients’ sustainability goals,” said Te Pae Christchurch’s general manager Ross Steele.
Behind the building’s multi-award-winning design and architecture, Te Pae Christchurch features leading audiovisual and network technologies in its meeting rooms and 1,368-seat configurable auditorium.
“While our popularity since opening has reinforced the ongoing demand for face-to-face interaction, hybrid events are the new standard for the industry, through live streaming, virtual networking sessions and interactive online platforms” says Ross. “Te Pae was designed with advanced networked AV systems that make it easy for our expert team to deliver both live and hybrid experiences.”
Off the back of a packed 2024 season, with over 220 national and international conventions exhibitions, banquets, meetings and live entertainment events, Te Pae Christchurch has a strong pipeline of activity for 2025 and beyond.
Events on the calendar include the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses annual scientific meeting (April 9-11); and the industry’s own Professional Conference Organisers Association conference, heading to New Zealand for the second time from December 7-9. – Rachel AJ Lee
BCD Travel has appointed Stephanie DeNote to the newly created position of senior vice president of travel commerce.
In this role, DeNote will be responsible for the success of BCD’s proprietary Travel Commerce platform and the evolution of its booking and trip management experience for travellers and agents. She will lead an international team of product managers, developers and engineers.
DeNote brings more than 15 years of expertise in the design, development and deployment of traveler and agent point-of-sale products and technology. She joins from a leading TMC where she served as vice president of product management, traveller experience & content. In her previous role, she led the strategy and development of an integrated digital platform and mobile app for travellers and travel arrangers, as well as the supporting agent technology.
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.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yücel brings a wealth of experience to this position, having most recently served as general manager at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
His experience and understanding of the market position him to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
