Next year's AIME will be different from last's (pictured)
US-based Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced a two-year collaboration with Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME).
As its strategic education partner, PCMA, in collaboration with the AIME team, will design, build and deliver key components of the education programme on the first day of the event. Next year’s event is scheduled to be held in Melbourne, Australia, February 18-20, 2019.
Next year’s AIME will evolve into a different event as a series of changes are introduced; this year’s AIME pictured
Antonio Codinach, regional business director-APAC, PCMA-ICESAP, said: “With the changes happening in the region, it’s a timely opportunity for PCMA to join forces with AIME and help deepen delegates’ knowledge and help them deliver show-stopping business events. We are looking forward to helping the attendees at AIME access our industry leading educational programme, which will drive their professional and personal development, and in effect drive economic and social prosperity.”
The AIME Knowledge Programme offers event professionals a range of case studies, practical solutions and access to high-quality knowledge on cutting-edge trends.
Matt Pearce, CEO, Talk2 Media & Events (Talk2 ME), said: “Earlier this year, we announced a series of changes designed to implement the vision we have for AIME – ensuring the longevity of the event to better reflect the current state of our industry. We have also expanded the range of education sessions at the event to include both individual and industry development.”
Earlier in 2017, PCMA acquired the Singapore-based Incentive, Conference & Event Society Asia Pacific (ICESAP). Over the course of 2018, PCMA-ICESAP will have offered 12+ local education and networking events, including the 2018 PCMA ICESAP Annual Conference which is taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from November 7-9.
Team Frozen Lime Asia (from left): Pow Zhi Hoe, Aileene Thangaveloo, Serene Lam, Jagdish Sandhu, Adelina Pillai, Kenji Chen
Singapore-based Frozen Lime Asia (FLA) has been appointed GSA for Small Luxury Hotels of The World (SLH) member hotels in Asia.
Team Frozen Lime Asia (from left): Pow Zhi Hoe, Aileene Thangaveloo, Serene Lam, Jagdish Sandhu, Adelina Pillai, Kenji Chen
The specialist in revenue, distribution as well as sales & marketing for hospitality and tourism in Asia will focus on generating corporate meetings and leisure group leads for SLH member hotels from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
SLH, a collection of independent hotels around the world, has over 120 hotels in its Asia-Pacific stable.
Concept
After a six-month-long transformation, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa Singapore has finally reopened its Italian restaurant Trapizza.
The beachfront eatery stands on Siloso Beach, a five-minute walk from the main hotel building. The restaurant’s design is inspired by architecture in Palm Springs, California, and has been decked out with cacti landscaping, palm trees, kombi vans, and turquoise and pink neon chairs.
Channelling the beach vibe
Food
I liked that Trapizza is headed by Turin-born Alessandro Delle Cave, which was assuring, as anything that was put on the table would most certainly be authentic Italian cuisine.
We started off with chicken wings in a slightly spicy pomodoro-based sauce, before the calzone and prawn salad arrived. Chicken wings were fried to perfection and juicy, while the salad was light and refreshing. I wasn’t a fan of the calzone, as I was much more interested in the pizzas instead.
Thin-crust, wood-fired, and with generous toppings – exactly how I like my pizzas, and Trapizza does not disappoint. We managed to try the Siciliana, Quattro Formaggio, di Mare, Inferno and Aloha, as the Family Sharing 16-Inch Pizzas enabled us to have three flavours on a single pizza. There were some other pizzas on the menu I would have liked to have tried, alas, we were rather full by then. But no matter, as it’s a reason to return.
The menu has a whole range of pizza flavours to choose from
Our group was also given the opportunity to dig into a variety of sweet treats. There was a lemon tart and pistachio-filled cannolis, but the two that really stood out were the jars of silky-smooth strawberry pannacotta, and creamy tiramisu.
There are even Pizzatinis on the menu. As its name suggests, this drink is a – rather questionable – marriage of savoury pizza flavours or toppings with martinis. For instance, the Bloody Mary came topped with pepperoni and rosemary.
If cocktails are not up your alley, try the fruity and refreshing lager that has been specially brewed for the restaurant by Rye & Pint Brewery. Trapizza intends to introduce a dark ale in the future as well.
I personally enjoyed the organic Lemon Lime & Bitters I chose. The number of drink options is rather staggering, and one will definitely be spoilt for choice!
A spread of desserts
MICE application
The restaurant can take a maximum 214 persons – this includes the main dining area under a canopy, outdoor seating on the sand, and seats at the bar counter. There’s also a fully air-conditioned private dining room. It can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests for a sit-down meal, perfect for a more intimate gathering.
The restaurant can be booked out completely for events, and the minimum spend for weekdays is S$10,000 (US$7,246) per meal period, or S$13,000 per meal period during weekends.
Service
The restaurant manager was welcoming and service was prompt.
A rendering of the upcoming InterContinental Auckland
Precinct Properties and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) have signed an agreement for a flagship InterContinental property in Auckland, New Zealand.
InterContinental Auckland will be located on the city’s waterfront at 1 Queen Street, and will be part of the Commercial Bay mixed-use development. The precinct will also feature shopping and dining outlets, as well as a 39-level office tower.
A rendering of the upcoming InterContinental Auckland
Around 90 per cent of the hotel’s 244 guestrooms will offer water views, and facilities within the hotel will include F&B options, a gym, and meeting facilities.
The hotel is within easy reach from the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Viaduct Harbour, Britomart precinct, Wynyard Quarter, Vector Arena, the international cruise ship terminal, Sky City and Sky City Casino. Meanwhile, Auckland Airport is 20km away.
InterContinental Auckland will be the second for the brand in New Zealand, after InterContinental Wellington.
Registrations are now open for the 42nd Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Annual Conference, happening from October 30 to November 1, 2018 in Cordis Hotel, Auckland.
CINZ’s chief executive Sue Sullivan said in a statement: “We will be highlighting the growth ahead for the business events sector in New Zealand as new infrastructure and major events come online from 2020. Traditional presentations will be supplemented by panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and TED-style Talks.”
This is the first time the CINZ Annual Conference and AGM is being held in Auckland
“We are at a critical point in our development as a global business events destination and it is timely we have several international guests speak to us on trends, what the future holds for the sector and our talent pipeline.”
Focusing on international trends for the sector, keynote speakers will include Oscar Cerezales, chief operating officer at association and congress management company MCI Asia Pacific and Jan Tonkin, managing director of The Conference Company.
Meanwhile, New Zealand economist and author Shamubeel Eaqub will examine the high value value of the business events sector, and Auckland will showcase its Road to 2021 strategy.
This year CINZ has also introduced an Emerging Talent stream as a separate half-day programme on November 1 with practical skills and inspiration for professional development.
IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) has enhanced its Meet For Free package, where companies can hold their next event at no cost across participating hotels in Singapore.
The package is inclusive of breakfast; lunch; Wi-Fi; a morning welcome reception; two meeting breaks with three snack items; unlimited coffee and tea for duration of event; the assistance of experienced on-site event planners; and the meeting spaces with whiteboards, flip charts, markers, LCD projectors and audio-visual equipment.
InterContinental Singapore’s Grand Ballroom
In addition, three IHG Business Rewards points will be earned for every US$1 spent.
Participating hotels include InterContinental Singapore, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium and Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.
Each hotel will also be offering added privileges. For InterContinental Singapore, there will be triple points for IHG Business Rewards members and will be able to choose one of the following: one-hour complimentary cocktails and canapes with a minimum booking of 30 rooms; complimentary two-night stay in one of the suites with a minimum booking of 100 room nights; or incremental discount of up to 15 per cent off the total accommodation bill when more than one booking is made during the promotional period.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s Function Room
Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport will offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, as well as a complimentary welcome cocktail reception at the hotel with a minimum booking of 30 rooms.
Next, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium will offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, as well as 5,000 bonus IHG Business Rewards points. Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre will also offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, and a complimentary welcome cocktail reception in hotel with a minimum of 25 rooms booked.
Lastly, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong offers five per cent off master bill when bill is charged back to company.
The Meet For Free package is valid with a minimum booking of 10 guestrooms per night for new bookings by October 31, 2018, and event materialisation by December 31, 2018.
Terms and conditions apply.
Second occupancy rates with or without meeting package inclusions are available.
Grand Mercure has opened its first-ever hotel in Myanmar overlooking the famed Shwedagon Pagoda.
The Grand Mercure Yangon Golden Empire boasts 175 guestrooms and suites designed by local artist Pyar Dade, all of which featuring detailed hand-painted ceilings. Room sizes start from the 30m2 superior rooms up to the 340m2 two-bedroom suites.
The decor of the rooms differ, where some have blue and green colour schemes
Amenities on-site include a restaurant, deli, pool bar, two state-of-the-art ballrooms that can host up to 400 guests with a large pre-event function area, and seven meeting rooms.
Meanwhile, the wellness area comprises an outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, and a fitness centre. There is also a spa complete with open-air Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, while a nearby golf course completes the suite of leisure facilities.
The illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan, The official home of the president, in Delhi, India
Business events held in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) has recorded an eight to 10 per cent year-on-year growth, and its positive performance has been attributed to infrastructure development, as well as the country’s growing appeal as a source market for businesses.
Mahesh Iyer, executive director & chief executive officer, Thomas Cook (India), told TTGmice that “a lot of global companies are now looking to have their board meeting in the (Delhi NCR)”, drawn to India’s many business opportunities.
The illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan, The official home of the president, in Delhi, India
Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, CEO (South Asia), Radisson Hotel Group, has also reported a growing demand for corporate meetings and international congress events in the region.
According to ICCA’s 2017 ranking of meetings cities, New Delhi took 41st position globally with 59 meetings. ICCA also placed India at 24th spot, up from 31st, in the worldwide country rankings and fifth spot, up from seventh, on the Asia-Pacific charts.
“India Convention and Promotion Bureau (ICPB) is working towards making India one of the top ten convention destinations globally. Delhi NCR, with its MICE venues like Pragati Maidan and hospitality districts like Delhi Aerocity, will play an important role in achieving this goal,” remarked Chander Mansharamani, managing director of Alpcord Network Travel & Conferences; who is also vice chairman of ICPB.
Delhi NCR’s capability as a business events destination will gain a boost with a planned renovation of Pragati Maidan to turn it into a world-class, state-of-the-art integrated convention and exhibition centre. The refreshed Pragati Maidan is slated for completion in June 2019, and will offer 30 meeting rooms of various sizes as well, an exhibition wing with seven modern exhibition halls, pre-function areas, and an integrated F&B facility in every hall.
As well, the Indian Union Cabinet has recently approved a proposal to lease out 1.5 hectares of land at Pragati Maidan to a private player for the construction of a hotel.
This venue may finally put to rest Indian business events stakeholders’ complaints of the lack of a venue in Delhi NCR that can host mega conventions.
Anitha Niranjan, managing director, CIM Global, said her company had previously lost bids for international conferences because of the limited venues in the destination, adding that Delhi NCR is in need of an international standard convention centre that comes with a world-class hotel.
“(The improved) Pragati Maidan will help to better position Delhi NCR as a destination for international business events,” she added.
For now, Delhi NCR is keeping busy with a number of international trade events. Recent events held in the region include the International Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition 2018, Taiwan Expo 2018 and Asia Rubber Expo.
The Indian government is also throwing its support behind the positioning of Delhi NCR as the hub for business events, by organising many international tradeshows, such as the 11th India Digital Summit, that are aligned with its initiatives like Digital India, Start Up India and Skill India.
“Segments like medicine, information technology, defence and science are bringing conferences and exhibitions to Delhi NCR,” noted Mansharamani.
Going forward, the Indian tourism ministry is contemplating ways to incentivise event organisers that choose to take their events to India, such as by offering to host gala dinners.
However, Mansharamani said Delhi NCR needs to do more to “grow the incentive business”, and his views are echoed by some of his peers.
“Delhi NCR boasts many good hotels, rich heritage and culture. Unfortunately, Delhi is often used as a stopover by incentive groups that move on to nearby destinations like Jaipur and Agra. A focused destination marketing campaign showcasing what Delhi has to offer to incentive groups is needed to grow this business segment,” urged Arun Anand, managing director, Midtown Travel.
Delhi NCR’s popularity among clients is also affected by international coverage on the region’s rising pollution levels, according to a representative of a Delhi NCR-headquartered PCO who has requested anonymity.
“We have received many enquiries from our clients who wanted to know how bad the air quality is in the national capital. One of them eventually shifted his event to a nearby destination,” said the representative.
This article was first published on TTGmice August 2018
Ayana Hotels has appointed Thomas Demesmaker and Ricardo Ferreira as cruise director and operational manager respectively at the 205-room Ayana Komodo Resort, opening on Waecicu Beach in Flores island come September.
Demesmake, who has more than 13 years of experience in the Maldives in operational and cruise director roles for liveaboard vessels, will be at the helm of Ayana Lako di’a, the resort’s 54m-long phinisi boat with nine bedrooms.
From left: Thomas Demesmaker and Ricardo Ferreira
Meanwhile, Ferreira will head the operations of all daily excursions and water activities including kayaking, SUP, fishing, diving and snorkelling, and the additional leisure boats for the Lako di’a fleet at AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.
The Portuguese has vast operational experiences from St Maarten to Mozambique, where he has led a dive center, marine biology centre, numerous boats, and extensive water activities on a private island in the Maldives.
Start in Mexico city and fly over the Aztec ruins of Teotihucan in a hot air balloon in the morning, before paying a visit to the wineries in the afternoon, or learn about Mexican cuisine during a culinary tour. Then the group moves to Cancun, where colonial city tours, or tours to cenotes – sink holes and underground river systems – are organised, before stopping for lunch just next to the Mayan ruin known as Chichén Itzá. From May to September, speed boats can also be rented to take the group swimming next to whale sharks, and snorkelling at the second largest reef in the world.
Capacity 20 to 30 pax Email sprenzel@epic.com.mx Website www.epic.com.mx
The Fujino site opened in April, making it the newest and one of the most luxurious glamping venues in Japan. A 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, the 16,500m2 property affords breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fuji. With space for up to 100 guests, and available for buy-out, the site also has a children’s play area and event space. Cabins range from 54m2 to 153m2 in size, and can accommodate up to six people. It is air-conditioned and boasts an outdoor jet bath, fireplace and a deck with grill.
Old-world Michelin excellence meets contemporary local culture in this experience at Regent Taipei. In this fusion gourmet adventure, tea replaces wine as the complement for each luxurious dish.
The menu comprises Michelin-star-chef-inspired recipes, while a Regent sommelier selects the tea pairings as a more innovative option to the traditional wine pairings. Premier Taiwan tea choices may include the refreshing sparkling bi-luo-chun, elegant cold-brewed osmanthus, full-bodied jinxuan oolong, and sweet oriental beauty.
Capacity Up to 100 pax Email customerservice@regenthotelsgroup.com / concierge@regenthotelsgroup.com Website www.regenthotels.com/regent-taipei/overview/regent-academy
Charter a luxury yacht or catamaran and sail from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to the remote offshore island Isla Saona. Anchor will be dropped, and activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, or stand-up paddling can be done. A barbecue lunch will be prepared on the beach, while a bar will be opened to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Caribbean vibe.
Capacity 10 to 400 pax Email mjordan@amstardmc.com Website www.amstargroups.com
The group will depart Panama City in the morning on a bus that heads northwards. The ride will take guests through a rainforest and continue its journey alongside the Panama Canal. There will be a break for lunch on the Caribbean side and a visit to the Panama Canal visitor centre, before it’s time to head back to the city by train. In each train car, chocolate, rum, beer or mojito tasting – all ingredients produced in the country – can be arranged.
Capacity 100 minimum, 250 maximum Emaillherrera@panamazingdmc.com Website www.panamazing.com
The white summer nights are perhaps Finland’s most iconic natural phenomena. When nights are almost as bright as day, planners can pack in many more fun activities daily for top achievers.
Start with a dinner at the 18th-century sea fortress island Suomenlinna, followed by a midnight cruise in an old sailing ship, which is a wonderful experience from May to September.
Capacity Up to 120 pax Email info@travel-experience.net Websitewww.travel-experience.net/bestincentiveexperience.htm
Kotagede is a historic district in Yogyakarta, Indonesia with remains that date back to the first capital of the Mataram Kingdom in the 16th century. The four-hour tour takes winners on a jaunt through the narrow lanes among the Kalang Houses – an eclectic blend of Javanese traditional wooden joglo houses and Dutch architectural design. While learning about the history of the place, members can also visit the local silver smith in his workshop, make jewellery Kotagede is famous for, and participate in a traditional dance workshop.
The tour includes a pit-stop where local drinks and cookies unique to Kotagede can be enjoyed. Then, settle down for lunch specially prepared by the locals at Lawang Pethuk.
Capacity Up to 30 pax Email info@werkudaratravel.com Website www.werkudaratravel.com
Photo by Soo Wen Yi
The Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysia, provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers as it offers a glimpse of Borneo’s unique flora and fauna. This area is one of two known places on Earth where 10 primate species can be found in the wild such as the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, macaques, maroon langur and Bornean gibbon.
Take a guided river cruise to view the impressive range of biodiversity up close, and allow delegates to spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, hornbills, wild elephants and many more wildlife animals in their natural habitat. Then enjoy a meal in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature. After dark, a nightwalk to spot nocturnal wildlife animals is also possible.
Capacity Up to 30 pax Emailmalaysia@lotusasiatours.com Website www.lotusasiatours.com
Travel back in time to the Renaissance era and live like royalty in the Chateau d’Amboise where King Francis I once hosted Leonardo Da Vinci. This UNESCO-listed site in France’s Loire Valley Region offers exceptional surroundings for private receptions. Be it in the Royal Court, the Council Room, the Cup Bearer’s room or in the Royal Garden, spaces are available for say, a gala dinner, all year round. Add a twist to your event by putting on traditional costumes while local artists bring in the entertainment.
Capacity Up to 550 pax Emailcontact@chateau-amboise.com Websitewww.chateau-amboise.com
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.
