Convention bureau Meet Taiwan is utilising creative means to boost its destination profile and branding during travel trade events.
Earlier this year, it developed the High Five Taiwan campaign that has been used in five travel trade shows this year including IT&CM China, IT&CM Asia and IMEX 2016 to boost traffic to its Meet Taiwan booth, and results have been phenomenal.
At IMEX for instance, the campaign generated 373 per cent more traffic to the booth compared to the previous year. “The campaign was developed specifically to solve the problem of getting buyers to our booth and it has produced results,” said Walter Yeh, executive vice president of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.
The initiative involved visitors placing their palms on an iPad provided by Meet Taiwan and an app will then detect the person’s body temperature and suggest a travel activity they can do in Taiwan. More than 175,000 trade participants have used the app so far since it made its debut at IT&CM China in April, said Yeh.
During the ICCA Congress, Meet Taiwan and Kaohsiung also saw an opportunity to be creative during a lunch they sponsored by inviting younger delegates to sit with and interact freely with industry veterans, such as CEO of ICCA Martin Sirk, at the VIP table.
Sirk said: “It is a clever way of branding which no other sponsor at ICCA Congress has thought of in the past. It sends a clear message that Meet Taiwan and Kaohsiung are also interested in the next generation of leaders, and not solely focused on driving traffic to their destinations.”
Make your event a memorable one by showcasing the culture of the destination while celebrating local talent. Here are some unique performance groups that you can call upon here in Asia-Pacific to leave a lasting impression
Cambodia Living Arts, Cambodia
Cambodia Living Arts (CLA) is an NGO launched in 1998 to revive the country’s traditional arts, which were wiped out during the Khmer Rouge reign. CLA trains young Cambodians to professional standards in a range of art forms, and talented troupes are on hand to wow private and public audiences with their artistic feats. Dance troupes showcase different dances from Apsara to the ethnic buffalo sacrifice dance. The ancient shadow puppet shows have also been revived, with large and small puppets performed in both traditional and modern ways, while musical groups are on hand to perform with instruments such as the pinpeat (wind and percussion instruments), and chapey dong veng (two-stringed, long-necked guitar).
Urban Drum Crew drum is touted as the “definite showstopper whenever and wherever they perform”. This performance group based in Singapore is able to rouse the crowd by playing a number of rhythmic instruments, producing music with a creative blend of innovative ideas.
Among the many unique acts it offers is the water LED drums where lights and water come alive with the drumming beats.
Urban Drum Crew is also able to bring Singapore’s multicultural elements into its performances.
Best suited for… Any private events. For indoor performances requiring the use of water LED drums, Urban Drum Crew will bring its own water retention carpet and ground sheet.
Bhangra is known to be one of the most energetic dance forms from the northern Indian state of Punjab. It has been showcased in many Bollywood musicals.
The dance form is both serious and vibrant at the same time, making it suitable for opening ceremonies in the morning, as a mid-conference energiser, for award dinners and all other events in between.
Event planners can have a Bhangra troupe, wearing colourful traditional dresses and playing a dhol (drum), welcome delegates as they enter the venue. The performers can also escort delegates to their respective seats.
Delegates can also be invited to be part of the performance, by having some members of the troupe urging them on, while other performers entertain the rest with their acrobatic feats.
Best suited for… Any private events
Contact info@tic-india.com; www.tic-india.com
Circular Rhythm, Australia
Circular Rhythm is essentially run by Lucas Proudfoot, a one-man-band, who provides interactive and informative performances designed to educate audiences on Australian Indigenous culture.
Located on the Gold Coast, Proudfoot is a member of the Tweed Coast/Aboriginal Islander community and has over 20 years of experience as a cultural performer. His shows feature a plethora of instruments ranging from the guitar, stomp box and didgeridoo to indigenous instruments such as clap sticks and boomerangs.
Each performance ranges from 10 to 20 minutes in length and is tailored to the client and audience, linking in with corporate branding and key messaging.
Macanese group Tuna Macaense was formed in 1935. Today, the band still performs, and its members are of Portuguese and Chinese descent. They are able to provide live music in the form of Cantonese and Chinese ballads, carnival songs, and Anglo-Saxon pop music.
One of the many non-verbal South Korean performances that have earned an international following, Fanta-Stick tells a love story that had begun at the dawn of time using a mix of traditional Korean melodies, heart-pounding percussion beats and electrifying dance moves.
The audience are encouraged to clap and chant to the beat, providing a wholly immersive and memorable performance.
Although Fanta-Stick offers regular, scheduled performances at NH Art Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, the crew is open to private event hire at other locations.
Best suited for… Opening and closing dinner events, and award functions
Hailing from Hong Kong, Children’s Cantonese Opera’s roots can be traced back to 1998, when it was formed by a charitable company, the Cha Duk Chang Children’s Cantonese Opera Association (CDC).
CDC’s performances are based on scripts that have been specially written for children, where the theme revolves around their daily lives.
Performance durations can be anything from 10 to 30 minutes and is flexible depending on the organisers’ need. Famous
Cantonese opera stories, based on original scripts, can also be relayed in English.
Best suited for… Any private events
Contact info@chadukchang.com
www.chadukchang.com
El Gamma Penumbra, the Philippines
The grand winner of the first season of Asia’s Got Talent in 2015, the all-male El Gamma Penumbra performance group weaves beautiful stories, leaves inspiring messages, and raises awareness on contemporary issues such as trophy hunting, the ill effects of blast fishing and climate change through their shadow acts.
Their mesmerising acts is a study in grace and artistry, requiring high concentration, good balance and extreme body movements.
Best suited for… Any private events, especially gala dinners, incentive parties
Xam singing is a traditional art form which originated from Vietnam’s northern regions.
With deep lyrics that narrate daily life stories, the art form was considered to be a treasured cultural item, and was an important part of the Vietnamese people’s spiritual life.
The artform was at risk of being lost, but it was revitalised recently and once again, holds a special place in Vietnam’s heart.
Since 1956, the Vietnam National Academy of Music has been training students in a range of traditional art forms, with troupes ready to showcase their talents to the backdrop of authentic Vietnamese music.
Best suited for… Any private events
Contact hvan@vnam.edu.vn; www.vnam.edu.vn
Angklung Orchestra by Saung Angklung Mang Udjo, Bandung, Indonesia
Angklung
An orchestra of angklung, a bamboo musical instrument from Indonesia, can perform a great variety of music, from the traditional and pop music to complicated classical numbers of composers like Mozart.
One of the most interesting parts is that at the end of the show, participants will be provided with an angklung and be taught how to play. The audience will then have a chance to play the instrument. Special arrangements are required if event organisers would like to gift their delegates the angklung to keep as a souvenir.
Best suited for… Cocktail receptions, pre-dinner or dinner functions, product launches, award nights and ice-breaker sessions
The Folklorico Filipino Dance Company is a group of professional dancers – dressed up in intricate Filipiniana costume and finery – who can add colour, glamour and grace to any event.
The skilled dancers will be able to entertain audiences with tricky performances such as tinikling, which requires balance and perfect timing as several dancers hop and dance in between bamboo poles; and the folk dance pandanggo sa ilaw, in which dancers balance glasses containing water on their hands and heads as they avoid spilling water despite their bodies moving faster and faster.
The group’s rondalla, the ensemble of stringed musical instruments, can add spice to the show.
Best suited for… Any private events
Contact www.facebook.com/folkloricofilipino
Devdan Show, Indonesia
Devdan is a musical and dance performance regularly performed at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre. The 90-minute performance tells the story of Indonesia’s cultural diversity through a mix of traditionally-dressed dancers and high-tech projections.
The story is told through the eyes of two children, who were separated from a tour group and found a treasure chest. The chest transports them to different parts of Indonesia, and at the same time, the audience is introduced to the people and culture of destinations such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua.
MICE groups can either book the entire show at the theatre, or have a portion of the show performed elsewhere. As such, event organisers will be able to incorporate their event’s theme into the performance. In a product launch event, for example, the show can become the means of the product launch itself.
Best suited for… Opening and closing receptions, gala dinners, award ceremonies/dinners and product launches
This six-person Sarawakian band At Adau experiments with the fusion of modern and traditional instruments to create enchanting tunes.
For example, a rendition of the classic Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, is accompanied by the sape, a traditional string instrument from Sarawak. Or a round of the ever-popular Pat-a-cake hand-clapping game can be done to a chant of an old Malay rhyme titled buah cempedak di luar pagar or jackfruit outside the fence.
These gigs coalesce tribal and contemporary instruments to produce fusions of various rendition acts that is both engaging and interactive.
Best suited for… Opening ceremonies, ice-breaker sessions and gala dinners
Contact terence@truevents.my www.truevents.my
The Wrecking Crew Orchestra, Japan
An eight-piece dance group that is based in Osaka, the Wrecking Crew Orchestra has performed its unique blend of hip-hop and acrobatic moves around the world.
What sets them apart, however, is the group’s use of light; they perform their tightly choreographed moves in suits and face masks that are illuminated with brightly coloured LED lights against a black backdrop. The combination of sound, light and movement is mesmerising.
It will probably be a hit with a younger crowd, although anyone can appreciate the spectacle.
Best suited for… An evening reception in an indoor venue
Hands Percussion Malaysia has been part of the Malaysian performing arts scene since 1997.
Its highly creative and artistic drumming performances incorporate varied influences from communities around Malaysia. In addition, it also uses shigu drums and South-east Asian musical instruments.
The group has been invited to participate in international arts festivals such as the World Culture Showcase World Music Festival on Drum and Dance in Taiwan in 2007; World Congress & Performing Arts Festival for young people in Adelaide in 2008; and the New Taipei City International Music & Dance Festival in Taipei in 2012.
It can also be hired for private events.
Best suited for… Gala dinners and opening receptions for tradeshows or conferences
The brainchild of Melbourne-based Icon Entertainment, Iconic Creatures sees talented performers – adorned in costume and body paint – bring four Australian icons to life.
The four icons – Frill Neck Lizard, Sulfur Crested Kangaroo, Eucalyptus Tree and a Kookaburra – first appeared at the AIME 2016 Welcome Reception. Each character takes close to three hours to transform, and the finished product is perfect for meeting and greeting guests, resulting in a host of Instagram-worthy snaps!
A Wattle Tree and Echidna will soon be added to the Iconic Creatures’ mix.
Best suited for… As a welcome feature during opening and closing receptions, and product launches
Contact info@iconent.com.au www.iconent.com.au
Jon Santos, Philippines
One of the Philippines’ top comedians and impersonators, Jon Santos has the extraordinary ability of imitating the voice of presidents, politicians and other famous people regardless of whether they are male or female, right down to their accents and mannerisms.
During performances, his physical appearance will also be effectively transformed, thanks to skilled make-up artists and costume designers.
Santos’ forte in political satire will keep the audience in stitches. Neither corny nor offensive, his spoofs are hilarious, and the punch lines delivered with good timing. He writes most of his scripts, and he can also also sing.
Best suited for… Any private events
Contact www.twitter.com/jonsantosako
Kathak, India
Kathak is one of the 10 major forms of Indian classical dances and it gained popularity in the courts of the Indian rulers as an entertainment option and classical form.
Considered one of the most dynamic theatre arts in the world, kathak performers tell stories from Indian scriptures like Ramayana through dance, music and mime. The performers will mesmerise the audience with their gestures, expressions and rhythmic foot movements.
Performed in a palace-like setting, the ambience will allow guests to experience how past Indian kings used to spend their evenings.
Best suited for… Gala dinners, award dinners and incentive parties
Contact info@tic-india.com; www.tic-india.com
Shadowgraphy, Singapore
Founded in late-2013, Shadowgraphy specialises in shadow dance where dancers manipulate light with their bodies, casting shadows on a screen to create silhouetted images that tell an engaging story.
Shadowgraphy is able to customise the performance to convey messages or to match a theme the event organiser desires.
This is the first performance company in Singapore to offer this dance form, and it has been engaged for performance overseas.
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka in Japan has relaunched its brand new 1,120m2 Grand Ballroom Naniwa, said to be the largest ballroom in southern Osaka, capable of hosting up to 1,400 guests in theater style.
The US$1.5 million makeover gave the venue new wall coverings, an elegant wall-to-wall carpet inspired by Swissôtel’s iconic Swiss Circles silhouettes, and ceiling paint. A rich colour palette of purple, blue and grey is applied to create an opulent ambience.
The expansive foyer space now features eclectic wall art incorporating natural and unique circular designs.
The renovation of Grand Ballroom Naniwa follows the recent refurbishment of the hotel’s Swiss Executive Club floors, which saw double rooms being converted to twin and triple rooms to cater to the growing number of MICE travellers.
Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels has unveiled its latest baby, The Els Club Desaru Coast’s Ocean 27-hole golf course in Johor, Malaysia.
The Ocean is the first of two major golf developments to open in Desaru Coast where The Els Club is located. The Troon-managed Ocean course features three distinct nine-hole courses: the Coast, Ridge and Lakes. It is also home to The Els Performance Golf Academy – the first of its kind in the region – and two casual dining restaurants including an all-day café and bar created as an ode to designer Ernie Els’ PGA Tour record-breaking 72-hole aggregate in the 2003 Mercedes Championship.
The Els Club Desaru Coast’s second course, The Valley, is scheduled to open soon after. The Valley will be an 18-hole course.
New Zealand-based event app company, ShowGizmo, has partnered exclusively with Crowd Mics in Phoenix, Arizona to offer what is said to be the first and only technology that turns smartphones into wireless microphones at conferences and events.
The new app, called ShowGizmo+Crowd Mics, uses Crowd Mics technology which is powered by the event venue’s Wi-Fi and audiovisual system, connecting the producer device to smartphones in the audience. The producer device receives and accepts requests to talk, which enables the individual microphones.
The app is expected to encourage audience participation and removes the hassle of running multiple microphones around the room.
While ShowGizmo does not have an office in Asia nor does it have current plans to expand into the region, the company’s CEO, Marie-Claire Andrews, said: “We are the number one event app in Australasia and support all markets throughout the Asia-Pacific.
“We can provide our event apps in several languages, including Mandarin, across iOS, Android and the mobile web.”
Opened at the end of October, the 310-room Meixi Lake Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Changsha is the first high-end international hotel to open in the Chinese city in Hunan province.
The hotel, equipped with seven meeting venues totalling 2,679m2 – the largest measuring 1,100m2 – is targeting small MICE groups from the electronics, IT, automobile and medical sectors, general manager Eddie Tang, said.
The ideal group size for corporate meetings, product launches and seminars the hotel is eyeing is between 150 and 200 people, with the domestic market taking up a 90 per cent share, he added.
Heavy machinery, advanced materials, automobile and parts manufacturing, electronics and IT, food, tobacco and biological medicines are industry pillars in Changsha, the capital of Hunan in south-central China.
Taking up the upper floors of a modern tower with businesses, shops and a cultural centre, Meixi Lake Hotel is located 10 minutes from the Changsha National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, 20 minutes from the Changsha North Train Station and 45 minutes from the Changsha Huanghua International Airport.
The property will complement the 260,000m2 Changsha International Convention and Exhibition, expected to be ready by end of this year.
Plaza Premium Group has brought its independent airport lounge product to Brisbane Airport, offering all travellers access to a well-appointed space where they can rest and recharge for their next journey.
Located on level four between departure gates 81 and 82 of the International Terminal, the new Plaza Premium Lounge has a seating capacity of over 100 and features the brand’s signature honeycomb seats that promise extra privacy, complimentary Wi-Fi, a multitude of electrical outlets for travellers’ many gadgets and an extensive F&B menu.
Access to the lounge is priced from A$66 (US$50) for a basic package for five hours. Eligible credit card holders and selected lounge access programme members will be granted complimentary access to the lounge.
Also new is Plaza Premium Group’s Wellness Spa, located right next to the lounge. The spa provides a selection of treatments using Australian spa products. A 15-minute treatment starts from A$49.
Berlin-based Blacklane is a relatively young global car hire service provider but since its establishment in 2011, it has achieved a presence in 250 cities worldwide including several in Asia-Pacific such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Hyderabad and Melbourne.
It streamlines the car hire process by facilitating bookings on its website (www.blacklane.com) and via a mobile app, allowing a choice of car type from business class sedans and vans to luxury vehicles, and presenting upon confirmation the total fare which includes all taxes, tolls, fees and tips. Hourly bookings and one-way hires are available.
Blacklane tracks travellers’ flights and train rides, so pickups are ensured even with delayed arrivals. Furthermore, a 15-minute waiting time is included in all standard pickups, and one hour is included for airport and train station pickups.
A corporate solution is offered too, and it comes with a key account manager, 24-hour customer care, a consolidated corporate account, a corporate portal to track all rides, and flexible payment options, among other features.
Step back in time in Attitude on Granville, a new boutique hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui that offers 81 retro-themed guestrooms reminiscent of scenes from Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s.
Rooms come in four categories – Urban, Cozy, Elite and Studio Suite – and feature murals of landmarks such as the Clock Tower, while the lobby boasts vintage letterboxes and retro payphones.
There are two F&B options for guests: Yum Cha, a contemporary Chinese restaurant that serves up unique-looking dim sum; and Urban Park, a modern European restaurant and bar with an open-air terrace that overlooks Granville Road.
The completion of a two-year staggered refurbishment of the 334-room Parkroyal Yangon in Myanmar has given the hotel a modern sense of elegance and elevated standards.
The comprehensive revamp has seen the lobby transformed into a sophisticated open space, with feature lights and soft furnishings, while dining offerings have upped a gear with new and improved options. The hotel’s all-day restaurant has been rebranded to Spice Brasserie, serving international and local cuisine in a slick and modern setting, while Parkroyal’s signature Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant has debuted. The former Music Club has also been relaunched as the stylish Club 5.
A total of 14 one- and two-bedroom serviced suites boast chic interiors and modern comforts. All Deluxe and Premier rooms also sport new fixtures and fittings and revarnished floors.
Meeting planners can also enjoy a refreshed Grand Ballroom, which now charms with new carpeting, lighting, wall paneling and audiovisual systems.
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.
Make your event a memorable one by showcasing the culture of the destination while celebrating local talent. Here are some unique performance groups that you can call upon here in Asia-Pacific to leave a lasting impression
