Pushing through obstacles

August 4, 2015

CEMS ensures a successful Glasstech Asia 2014 through strategic planning and good rapport with partners despite facing numerous challenges. By Rosa Ocampo

Event brief

Glasstech Asia, the exhibition showcasing glassmaking machinery and glass products, is rotated around South-east Asia every year.

Choosing the host country based on the state of its glass industry is a straightforward decision by the organiser since 1998, the Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), and its joint venture partner Singapore Glass Association.

CEMS group managing director Edward Liu said the Philippines was ready to host its first Glasstech Asia 2014 as the country’s economy is expanding and its industries booming.

CEMS worked with two local associations, the Philippine Chamber of Glass and Aluminum Industries and the Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines.

The show is targeted at the trade people to use new machinery, new technology and applications that will increase their production and efficiency, and to share knowledge and technology.

Aside from the exhibition, Glasstech Asia 2014 also included the Asia architectural glass conference mostly for architects and the Green Council Meeting to acquaint architects, building developers and glass merchants with the use of glass to create a green environment.

Challenges

“Although we were confident about the market in the Philippines, it was still considered a new market for the show and we were going into unchartered waters,” said Liu about holding the first Glasstech Asia in the Philippines after a good 15 years.

“Secondly, the political tension between China and the Philippines had caused concerns among some Chinese exhibitors, and some of them had in fact withdrawn from the event; as well as some trade visitors from China. This was an issue that was beyond our control and expectation,” he added.

“Thirdly, (CEMS) having not organised any event in Manila after our Defence Asia event in 2000, a lot of the developments were new to us. We needed to re-learn the dynamics of the MICE industry in the Philippines in terms of the operational perspective as well as the localised visitor promotion strategies, etc.,” Liu said.

Solutions

With the event being held in World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), guidance was sought from the management team of WTCMM, who had kindly provided the much needed advice and assistance in putting up Glasstech Asia 2014.

“We had worked closely with both our co-hosts of Glasstech Asia 2014, the Philippine Chamber of Glass and Aluminum Industries and the Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines in better understanding the Philippines’ glass market and its buying trends,” said Liu.

Some foreign exhibitors brought in heavy machinery which they were able to sell or had already sold. It saved them from having to pay to ship them back to the country of origin.

Key takeaways

As a Singaporean company with regional operations in South-east Asia and China, CEMS is well aware of the differences in cultural, management and expectations.

“One needs to appreciate and understand these differences in order to formulate and execute the right strategies that are suitable for the country and the industry that we are involved in. Having the right partner is also important. Hence, the WTCMM has been most helpful in ensuring the success of Glasstech Asia 2014,” said Liu.

Juggling multiple events

By S Puvaneswary

August 4, 2015

With more than 6,000 attendees, the massive 6^th IUCN World Parks Congress brings together the world’s most influential people involved in protected area management. By S Puvaneswary

Event brief

Pitched after the preceding edition that was held in South Africa in 2003, the 6^th IUCN World Parks Congress had a long 11-year lead time. Peter Cochrane, ambassador of the 2014 IUCN World Parks Congress and former head of Parks Australia, was instrumental in securing the meeting in Sydney.

Conducted last November, the objectives of the meeting were to set the agenda on global nature conservation for the next 10 years through an initiative called the Promise of Sydney. The congress took stock of the challenges faced by people concerned with environmental conservation and explored how leaders from every corner of the world were finding and implementing solutions to a range of challenges, from climate change to economic recessions.

Challenges

Home to 400 native plants and 200 native animal species, the 640ha Sydney Olympic Park located west of the CBD was considered the perfect destination for the congress.

The opening ceremony, welcome function, exhibition, plenaries and meetings all took place at Sydney Showground and its large number of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The challenge was in harnessing the facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, which were not specifically designed for hosting international conferences.

“We needed lots of small spaces for the many break-out sessions planned,” said Bryan Holliday, managing director at ICMS Australasia, the PCO company that was hired to run the congress.

He noted other challenges were in coordinating the smooth delivery of the activity-packed programme, which featured world leader dialogues, more than 300 stream
sessions, 240 satellite events and 100 exhibitor-led showcase events in total.

As events were happening at 20 different locations, getting food served at the same time in these different locations was also a challenge, if not for proper coordination.

Solutions

Vast exhibition halls at the Sydney Olympic Park were divided into four separate areas with a wide aisle between them and these areas were used for the break-out sessions.

Acoustic drapes were used to minimise the cross-spill of noise and the PA systems were positioned from the centre pointing to the outside, like the spokes of a wheel, which meant that the sound could only be heard in the appropriate space.

To make delegates comfortable, hay bales for seats were casually spread around The Dome, as were picnic tables, while wait staff refreshed glasses and served up tasty morsels.

Holliday said: “In coordinating a smooth delivery of a complex programme, clear communication with stakeholders was vital. We developed a mobile app specifically for this programme which informed delegates of the location of events and programme changes.

“Each member of staff had a specific responsibility for certain aspects of the event. They were responsible for their section and were empowered to make decisions on the spot.”

ICMS assisted Sydney Olympic Park with a system flow to ensure that food was delivered to the different venues at the same time, with many part-time staff hired to ensure food delivery.

Key takeaways

The week-long event saw a doubling of delegate numbers compared to the 2003 Congress. Congress director, Trevor Sandwith, attributed this to Sydney’s global appeal combined with a progressive programme.

As delegates hailed from more than 170 countries with different levels of English proficiency, the organisers had 100 rostered volunteers from 20 countries at the event to help with interpretations and assistance.

Holliday said empowering staff to think on their feet and make quick decisions helped ensure the event ran smoothly.

33 Incentive ideas

By TTGmice

August 1, 2015

There’s nothing better than unique travel ideas to motivate top achievers to strive for greater targets. Here are 33 of our picks from around the world

Uncovering the secrets of Bhuta

Delve into the secrets of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. For this tour, there will be an exclusive arrangement made with Eddie Jose. Jose is a conservationist who has devoted much of his life working with the local monks on Thangka reservation and conservation, to gain a deeper understanding of their work and to study the treasures in monasteries and dzongs not usually seen by foreigners. One of the highlights will be meeting the typical local family who will whip up an authentic Bhutanese lunch.

Capacity: Maximum 16 pax
Email: enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg
Website: countryholidays.com.sg

Sky high dining

Hop on the cable car, have a four-course dinner on board and enjoy the sunset over Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

During the first 45 minutes of the cable car ride up Mount Rigi, the first two courses of dinner will be served. A stop can be made at the village for pictures and a toilet break before the cable car makes its descent. On the way down, main course and dessert will be served. The total travel time will take one hour and 50 minutes.

The service is available between May and September.

Capacity: 40 pax (in two cabins)
Website: rigi.ch

Learn the art of receiving guests

Receiving guests is an art in France. There are a few rules to learn to become a perfect host.

The De Vogue family – owner of Vaux le Vicomte’s Castle, a private chateau 45-minute drive from Paris – still pursue the
tradition. Not only will your top achievers enjoy a dinner in the 17^th-century chateaux, they can take an hour-long crash course on the art of table setting, seating arrangement, serving a sit-down-dinner, as well as observing a dress code.

Capacity: 20 pax
Website: vaux-le-vicomte.com

Call of the wild

Eagle hunting, one of the most dramatic and primal relationships between man and beast is alive and well in the remote mountains of western Mongolia.

Indulge your guests in a private itinerary created for falconers, adventurers and cultural enthusiasts. Your delegates will find home in the most luxurious gers overlooking the Mongolian steppes in Ulaanbaatar, spend a day hunting with the Kazakh eagle hunters before travelling to the Eagle Festival as part of the contingent.

Capacity: Minimum four pax
Email: info@urbanenomads.com
Website: urbanenomads.com

Heigh ho heigh ho, off to Wieliczka we go

Suitable for more exclusive groups that want to combine leisure, accommodation and meetings/dinners, Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 10km outside Krakow, Poland. It dates back to the 13^th century and is known for the statues, cathedrals and halls carved out of rock salt by miners over the years.
Groups can take up the mine’s Visit the Mine by Night tour and explore this vast underground labyrinth only by the light of their mining lamps, or put their hand to the plough and perform the everyday work of ancient miners in the Underground Escapade – Adventure Trip excursion. Delegates can also put up at The Eastern Mountains’ Stable Chamber, a converted former stable some 135m below ground, where the microclimate of the saline excavations is reputed to be good for health. The mine’s range of underground chambers are ideal both for intimate and large events, with up to 600 guests at the most.

Capacity: Group tours: minimum 10 pax, maximum 20 pax; The Eastern Mountains’ Stable Chamber: minimum 10 pax, maximum 28 pax
Email: imprezy@kopalnia.pl
Website: wieliczka-saltmine.com

An African safari adventure

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge boasts architecture as impressive as its surroundings.

While the structural style evokes traditional Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta (homesteads), the interior accommodation and finishes are pure luxury. There is also private butler service, and all suites have a view of the crater along with a luxurious domed dining area and a fireplace.

This place is ideal for groups looking for a thrilling escapade from the city and urban life. Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in the southeast of the Serengeti allows delegates who are keen to explore the challenging paths close to the rim with safari walks, or join the game drives to witness hippo and lions roaming in the wild.

Capacity: Maximum 60 pax
Email: inception@tradewindstravel.com.my
Website: twtravel.com.my

Down in the dungeons

Leave the modern, working world behind and let your top achievers embark on a gripping journey through 1,000 years of London’s murky past – guided by a cast of London’s infamous rogues and villains.

The London Dungeon mashes up theatre, special effects and intriguing storytelling with humour and plenty of edge-of-the-seat surprises.

Meet Sweeney Todd and his evil sidekick Mrs Lovett, escape the Plague ridden streets of 1665, and visit Jack The Ripper’s favourite haunt, the Ten Bells Pub in Whitechapel, before facing your fears on the drop ride!

The London Dungeon includes a Victorian Gin cocktail on arrival, access to a costume wardrobe, an after-hours, adult-only tour of the dungeon and pies in Mrs Lovett’s pie shop.
The venue can also be booked out for an evening event.

Capacity: Maximum 65 pax
Website: merlineventslondon.com

Raise a glass

Depart in the morning to visit one of the local vineyards up in Bali’s north. While there, learn about the local winery, type of grapes and their harvesting time from a local expert. Then taste the local wine, and have them with Indonesian snacks prepared by The Ritz-Carlton, Bali’s chef.

Back at the resort, refresh and get ready for a wine pairing dinner at the resort’s Indonesian restaurant Bejana. Pair an Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner with local wine while learning about the tipple from Sansan Pratama, winner of the Indonesia Best Sommelier 2015 title.

Capacity: Maximum 20 pax
Website: ritzcarlton.com/Bali

On the trail of a chudail

Suryagarh Jaisalmer is a 77-room property which sits on the threshold looking south towards the ancient city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, which offers an unsurpassable antiquity, and looking north to the undulating landscape of the Thar Desert with its raw natural beauty. The property has a conference hall that can accommodate 90 pax and offers facilities like drop down screens and state-of-the-art audio video equipment.

Besides their scenic sand dunes, Jaisalmer is also home to a number of tourist attractions like the Jaisalmer Fort, Amar Sagar Lake and Bada Bagh. The latter houses the Royal cenotaphs of the premier family of Jaisalmer.

Incentive groups can also engage in activities like a treasure hunt in the city, go on a Camel Safari or take on its one of a kind Midnight Haunted Trail. The locals believe that some sites are inhabited by spirits called chudails and this trails takes one to all these sites at midnight.

Capacity: Maximum 150 pax
Email: reservation@suryagarh.com
Website: suryagarh.com

Hop on that train

Travel on a one-of-its-kind narrow-gauge steam locomotive from a bygone era and get a rare look into China’s industrial revolution and the Jiayang Coal Mine.

Founded in 1938 in Bajiaogou, the Jiayang Coal Mine was the first Sino-British joint venture in Sichuan. The railway, built in the 1950s, is still the only way in and out of the valley. Recognised as an industrial heritage site, the railway is a national icon.

The steam locomotive, which pulls seven mini passenger carriages with 18 seats each and runs between Bajiaogou and Shixi in Qianwei County, Leshan, in Sichuan, can be chartered for private events.

There are four sightseeing stops along the route featuring picturesque views, Jurassic-era forests, peaks, rivers and Bajiaogou’s Soviet- and British-style village houses.

Visitors can climb up a hill to watch the small train give a spectacular “steam show”, dine at a farmer’s inn, visit the Jiayang Mining Museum, dress up as coalminers and explore a coal pit.

Capacity: 126 pax
Email: 1797341447@qq.com or 1404527714@qq.com
Website: lsqwly.com

Chasing time in Beijing

Launched in October 2013 and reintroduced this year, this is an Amazing-Race-meets-Beijing history lesson and participants race in vintage motorcycle sidecars to piece together the story of China’s capital since the days of Dadu in Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty.

Participants “travel” through four eras of Beijing history from the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republican/Mao era. From the hidden corners of the Forbidden City to old Gothic churches and bomb shelters, time chasers have three hours to complete as many challenges as they can. It ends at a restaurant for a slap-up celebratory meal and award ceremony.

Capacity: 40 pax
Email: info@bespoke-beijing.com
Website: bespoketravelcompany.com

Explore the way of the mountains

Shrines on Dewa Sanzen, the three sacred mountains of Yamagata in Japan, have long been visited by pilgrims who undergo tests of physical and mental endurance. The experience is now popular with tourists and a three-day programme is offered for participants to meditate under a waterfall, jog through the serene mountains, detoxify in an incense room, and cleanse the body with a traditional meal of shojin ryori (vegetarian temple cuisine). Participants are also offered the opportunity to harvest their own vegetables and fruits for their meal, an arrangement unique to the shrine experience in Dewa Sanzen.

For incentive groups that lack time for a complete Dewa Sanzen experience, they can check into one of the many history-rich ryokans at the foot of the mountains and partake in prayers and meditation every morning, led by ryokan owners, and enjoy shojin ryori.

Capacity: Unavailable at press time
Email: kanko@city.tsuruoka.yamagata.jp / rkonno@solarisspace.com

Make your own luxury timepiece

Guided by a Swiss master watchmaker in a modern atelier with a view over a typical Jura valley, this unique Swiss experience is a one-day private watch making course (09.00 to 17.00).
Guests at the Beau Rivage Hotel will discover the intricate subtleties of how a mechanical watch moves. They will then choose their components to personalise their timepiece, before assembling it themselves and taking it home. This private tour includes a night’s accommodation, watchmaking workshop with the option of dining at a nearby Michelin-star restaurant, and a five-course dinner in the on-site Restaurant O’terroirs that has an amazing view of Lake Neuchatel. To get there, helicopter transfers can be arranged.

Capacity: Maximum 12 pax
Email: info@beau-rivage-hotel.ch / marketing@beau-rivage-hotel.ch
Website: beau-rivage-hotel.ch

A royal welcome

Terrapuri Resort in Penarik, Terengganu is made up of 22 villas, whose architecture resembles old Malay palaces that were in existence more than a century ago. Delegates will be treated like royalty, enjoying royal delicacies of olden days and being entertained with a traditional dance drama known as Mak Yong. Mak Yong, declared by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece Of The Oral And Intangible Heritage Of Humanity”, is almost extinct in Malaysia.

A corporate responsibility programme that involves releasing newly hatched river terrapins into the Penarik river can also be arranged on request. These terrapins are an endangered species and your group can play their part in the continued survival of this species.

Capacity: 40 pax for resort buyout
Email: sales@terrapuri.com
Website: terrapuri.com

Be inspired by one of Britain’s national treasures

Receive a warm welcome into Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England, home of the 12^th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

This 18^th-century Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site houses some of the finest antique collections in Europe. Visitors can take a tour of the State Rooms and admire the portraits, tapestries and exquisite furniture while learning about the 300-year-old palace. Blenheim Palace also boasts of more than 80 hectares of landscaped parkland, which comprises an array of formal gardens like the Rose Garden, Water Terraces and Secret Garden. Take a stroll up to the Grand Cascades or around the lake to admire some of the finest views in England.

Capacity: No maximum limit
Email: sale@blenheimhospitality.com
Website: blenheimpalace.com

Thrills that don’t need mad skills

Contrary to popular belief, heli-skiing isn’t just for extreme sports enthusiasts. Harris Mountains Heli-Ski’s menu suits a wide range of snowboarding and skiing abilities, providing helicopters and guides for your day out on New Zealand’s snowy peaks.

Incentive winners will be treated to multiple adrenaline rushes as they race down slopes of untouched snow and be lifted back to the peak by helicopter. Incredible views and a gourmet picnic await them at lunchtime, and then it’s back to the mountaintop for even more excitement.

Capacity: 16 to 25 pax per helicopter
Email: hmh@heliski.co.nz
Website: heliski.co.nz

Glamping next to Angkor-era ruins

Banteay Chhmar tented camp offers small groups the opportunity of staying overnight in the jungle right next to a 12^th century Khmer temple in Cambodia, near the border with Thailand.

While the glamping experience has plenty of luxury elements it is a community-based tourism project. Local villagers are employed and help run the initiative, from looking after guests to cooking food and more, providing an ideal corporate social responsibility element for groups.

Capacity: Maximum six pax
Email: sales.cambodia@khiri.com
Website: khiri.com/cambodia

Soaring over The Land of the Thunder Dragon

Fly over central Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley in a hot-air balloon and watch in awe as the 360-degree view reveals the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The valley below is dotted with villages, farmhouses and temples, while the 17^th-century Gangtey Goenpa monastery nestles a 5,000m spur at the north end of the valley. The area is home to snow leopards and black-necked cranes – both of which are rarely sighted – and a host of other wildlife.

Capacity: Unavailable at press time
Website: easternsafaris.com

Picnic on the back of an elephant

Explore Chiang Mai in style with 137 Pillar House’s signature picnic basket, filled to the brim with tasty treats for your incentive winners to nibble on as they journey through a jungle atop an elephant. They can toast their adventures with flutes of champagne while they sightsee from within a howdah, or visit the elephant hospital to watch a veterinarian take care of sick and injured elephants.

After having lunch at a restaurant in Lampang, they can ride a horse-drawn carriage – a famous symbol of the town – around the market, before heading to Ban Sao Nak, a huge ancestral mansion built in 1895 with 116 teak pillars.

Capacity: Maximum five pax
Email: info@137pillarshouse.com
Website: snhcollection.com/137pillarshouse

Aerial views of Cambodian temples

Serving as an ideal pre- or post-event incentive for high-end groups staying at the luxurious Soneva Khiri, flights from the resort on Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia afford delegates a unique aerial view of the area which is famous for its temples, including the Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat. An expert guided tour of the complex is thrown in. Additional elements can be tailored too.

Capacity: Eight pax
Email: kiri@soneva.com
Website: soneva.com

Tanzania migration safari

Reward your winners with one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth: the great migration of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles crossing the great African plains and mighty rivers. Fly your top achievers to the Sanctuary Migration Camp, a luxury tented mobile camp erected close to the Grumeti River to witness the amazing spectacle unfold over two days. For the adventurous, they can opt to enjoy top-down game viewing through a spectacular hot air balloon ride.

Capacity: Maximum 16 pax
Email: enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg
Website: countryholidays.com.sg

Be one with the underwater world

Situated in North Ari Atoll in the Maldives, Kandolhu Island is a diver’s paradise, surrounded by cerulean waters and a pristine coral reef. Offering more than the typical water activities, the resort amps up the adventure factor by whisking your top achievers away to a nearby deserted island for a Robinson Crusoe experience, where they can explore the uninhabited white, sandy beach or go snorkelling in the colourful house reef.

For those who can’t get enough of the sea, Kandolhu Island also boasts experiences such as big-game fishing, sunset cruises and fluorescent night snorkelling, where divers can watch corals and underwater creatures glow pink and orange in the dark.

Capacity: Maximum 80 pax
Email: info@kandolhu.com
Website: kandolhu.com

Conserve Malaysia’s natural environment

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort located in an idyllic setting on Malaysia’s Langkawi Island, is nestled between a 10 million-year-old rainforest in the tranquil Datai Bay and an 8,000-year-old fringing coral reef.

The five-star resort is ideal for delegates looking to make a real and tangible difference to the environment through conservation efforts such as coral transplanting under the expert guidance of the resort’s marine and coral curator. While in Langkawi, discover the natural beauty of the island by taking part in various nature activities such as mangrove river cruising with an experienced nature guide who will also point out the ancient rock formations that form part of Langkawi Geopark.

Capacity: 140 pax
Email: theandaman@luxurycollection.com
Website: theandaman.com

Stay in a casa in the Caribbean

Situated in one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, Santo Domingo, Casas del XVI hotel comprises two beautifully restored 16^th-century houses, decorated to reflect the area’s historical and cultural significance. Both contain a central courtyard, where your top achievers can dine under the stars as a butler tends to their every need.

Take full advantage of the hotel’s proximity to the Colonial City and lead them on a culinary tour of the city, or visit one of the largest organic cocoa producers of the Caribbean and learn how they produce, roast and hand grind chocolate.

Capacity: Eight rooms
Phone: 809 688-4061
Website: casasdelxvi.com

Private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

For over 600 years, the Crown Jewels have been held for safekeeping at the legendary Tower of London. They are priceless for their symbolic value as well as the magnificence of their precious materials. Millions of visitors every year come to marvel at these treasures, which include the Cullinan I, the largest top-quality diamond ever discovered.

Motivate your team to succeed with the reward of sipping sparkling wine and enjoying canapes after all the tourists have headed home for the day at a private viewing of the Crown Jewels. On arrival, the guardians of the Tower will escort you to the Jewel House regaling stories of the Tower’s history along the way. Once inside, enjoy the hospitality while hearing about the unique working collection that is still regularly used by the Queen in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

Capacity: Maximum 150 people
Email: events@hrp.org.uk
Website: hrp.org.uk/hireavenue

Skip the city for the depths of Java

For a retreat deep among lofty mountains and ancient temples, look no further than a stay in Java’s Villa Borobudur. Each of the traditional joglo-style villas’ teak arches and carved roofs were handmade by expert carpenters. While some villas feature outdoor showers and others infinity pools, all of them offer stunning views.
Your incentive winners can go on an excursion to Mount Merapi on a jeep safari, hike to rice fields and waterfalls, or go rafting on Progo River. For the less adventurous, they can learn batik printing and pottery lessons at a nearby village.

Capacity: 10 rooms in six villas
Email: info@villaborobudur.com
Website: villaborobudur.com

Retreat to a luxurious abode near a tiger reserve

The Samode Safari Lodge at Bandhavgarh in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is a unique luxury retreat located adjacent to the 450km². Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, known to have the highest density of tigers in the world.

There are 12 private villas at Samode Safari Lodge. The lodge is designed around a series of individual chalets that each come with an elegant living space, a bedroom with a modern en-suite bath and dressing area, a unique open-air bath court, and a private veranda with striking views of nature.

Incentive groups can enjoy gourmet dining at the main restaurant, barbecues around a campfire, and long lazy poolside meals, and head out for a wilderness experience. Activities include wildlife excursions led by expert naturalists, as well as cycling and sightseeing tours to ancient temples and nearby villages. When the day is over, retreat to a fully-equipped spa to renew the body.

Capacity: 24 pax
Email: reservations@samode.com
Website: samode.com

Live the sultan lifestyle

As the name of this hotel suggests, your top winners will get the royal treatment at the La Sultana Marrakech. Besides offering a traditional hammam and balneotherapy baths, the hotel also features stunning architecture and decor. Plan a cooking class for your group and have them learn the tricks to whipping up mouthwatering traditional cuisine, such as chicken tagine with preserved lemon, from a Moroccan cook.

The hotel’s location in the heart of the old city means guests are mere steps away from royal palaces, museums and souks.

Capacity: 28 rooms in five riads
Email: reservation@lasultanahotels.com
Website: lasultanahotels.com/marrakech

Delve into Hong Kong’s traditions

Hosted by local artisans who are masters of art forms such as bamboo and flower displays, shadow puppetry, qipao-button crafting and lion dancing, the classes at The Peninsula Hong Kong offers guests an insight into the country’s disappearing crafts.
After choosing their preferred artisan, participants are split into groups and they get to support the city’s traditional crafts by contributing to their sustainability through education and awareness building. More than simply a learning experience, these programmes immerse participants in the local culture.

There are half-day and full-day programmes to choose from, allowing more flexibility and options depending on participants’ itinerary and areas of interest. It is ideal for small incentive groups.

Capacity: Four to eight pax
Email: academyphk@peninsula.com
Website: peninsula.com/hongkong

Luxuriate in a desert oasis

Set in a sprawling desert and occupying over 10 hectares of land, Samsara Dechu is an architectural marvel with its colossal swimming pool, expansive green areas and exquisite accommodation options.

Located 115km from Jodhpur, India, the property offers 32 luxurious villas with private gardens and a campsite with 25 luxury tents. Amid the wilderness, surrounded by dunes of the Thar, the luxury tents offer vibrant block-printed interiors complimented by locally-crafted furniture and rugs that accentuate the rich heritage of Rajasthan.

Perfect for corporate groups, the resort also houses a conference room that can accommodate 84 pax in a round table setting. Some of the activities that incentive groups can experience include birdwatching tours, camel safaris, bush dinners and picnic lunches.

Capacity: Maximum 110 pax
Email: reservations@samsaradechu.com
Website: samsaradechu.com

Simply an exquisite stay

With its stately marble staircase and intricately painted ceilings, mesmerising does not even begin to describe Ca’Sagredo Hotel in Venice. Pamper your top achievers to a lavish sojourn in this historic gem by the Grand Canal, where they will not fail to appreciate the stunning works of art within the hotel as well as its luxurious furnishings.

Capacity: 42 rooms and suites
Email: info@casagredohotel.com
Website: casagredohotel.com

Lip smacking good stuff

Las Vegas is more than just a paradise for people looking to challenge Lady Luck at games tables, and Lip Smacking Foodie Tours proves exactly that. Through carefully curated guided food tours that stop at some of the best restaurants on the Strip and off-the-beaten path, participants gain a belly full of great eats as well as interesting information about the city’s art and architecture and stories about the featured restaurants and their chefs. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours offers two regular, scheduled tours – Afternoon Culinary Adventures and Savors Of The Strip – and is able to tailor a programme just for private groups.

Capacity: Up to 60 pax
Phone: (888) 681-4388
Website: VegasFoodieTour.com

Take a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon

It’s hard not to feel the draw of the Grand Canyon calling out to you when you are in Las Vegas. An aerial view of the rock formation, the forests, raging rapids, wildlife and the Colorado River can be arranged by helicopter and/or plane. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your winners to truly enjoy the scenery and take memorable photographs as they fly over the Grand Canyon.

Capacity: Maximum seven pax (by helicopter), 19 pax (by airplane)
Email: res@papillion.com
Website: papillon.com

Medical, health conferences are most lucrative: MCB study

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2015

A RECENT study by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) on international association conferences held in the destination has found that medical and health conferences are the most lucrative for Victoria state in terms of organiser spend and daily delegate expenditure.

In the 2014/15 financial year, medical and health association conferences in Melbourne brought in more than 63 per cent of the total A$212.7 million (US$155) economic contribution to Victoria. The 20th International AIDS Conference in July 2014 attracted more than 11,700 delegates, and was a significant contributor.

According to ICCA, Melbourne hosts an average of 41 per cent of all medical and science conferences in Australia.

This supports MCB’s continued focus on attracting large international health and medical conferences to Melbourne.

The Melbourne Conference Expenditure Study 2015 also reported that international association conferences are supporting a broader range of businesses than once thought.

“Each international association conference delivers an average A$4.9 million to the Victorian economy from conference organiser spend, based on our most recent survey of nine international association conferences,” said MCB CEO Karen Bolinger.

“This is ‘new money’ that would not have come into Victoria had these conferences not been hosted here and is spent on businesses that supply a diverse range of services including venue hire, catering, printing, exhibition set up, audiovisual, training, marketing, financial, legal and accounting.”

International conferences also see a delegate expenditure of more than A$5,500 per person per trip.

Melbourne hosted 33 international association conferences in last financial year, and these supported more than 2,550 jobs.

Bolinger pointed out that MCB draws an average of 190 business events annually to Melbourne, 17 per cent of which are international association conferences. These conferences deliver 57 per cent of the total economic value of business events over a typical 12 month period.

“Our new research adds conference organiser spend into the mix to paint a compelling picture of the broader importance of international association conferences to a wide range of businesses that may not be directly connected with the event industry, and that’s great news for the economy,” Bolinger said.

Sydney to host Amway China mega incentive for the third time

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2015

AMWAY China has announced today that it will be taking its 10,000-delegate Amway China Leadership Seminar to Sydney in March 2017, making it the company’s third trip to the Australian city since 2005.

Associate director of special events of Amway China, Charming Cao, explained that Sydney was chosen to present a tempting reward for top performers.

Cao said in a press statement: “We aim to motivate our Amway China team to reach and exceed their sales targets, knowing that their reward will be an exciting trip to the always beautiful and thrilling city of Sydney. Our delegates will experience the modern, world-class facilities of the newly-opened ICC Sydney (International Convention Centre Sydney) and an exciting, appealing programme of activities.”

He added that his delegates had reported a 93 per cent satisfaction rating during their last visits to Sydney in 2005 and 2011.

“We look forward to inspiring and entertaining our delegates again in 2017,” he said.

Commenting on Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) latest triumph in the incentive business, Destination New South Wales CEO Sandra Chipchase said her agency was delighted to have assisted BESydney in securing the event for New South Wales (NSW), and remarked that “China is the number one visitor market for NSW”.

“ICC Sydney will be Australia’s largest and most impressive events space, and securing the coveted Amway China Leadership Seminar for this state-of-the-art facility reinforces Sydney’s international reputation for hosting major events,” Chipchase added.

BESydney has done well in the incentive sector, delivering more than 45,000 Asian incentive delegates into NSW over the past three years and injecting A$213 million (US$155.6 million) into the economy.

“We’ve experienced a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in this sector in NSW over the past decade,” remarked Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney.

“Last year, 858,500 Chinese tourists arrived in Australia, spending more than A$5 billion, and many came to attend a business event or join an incentive programme.”

ASEAN MICE Forum to debut at IT&CM Asia

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2015

THE ASEAN Secretariat and TTG Events have joined hands to co-organise the first ASEAN MICE Forum on September 29, a half-day event aimed at showcasing the South-east Asian region’s MICE developments and capabilities.

Located within the annual Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CM Asia), the forum will offer a mix of panel discussions and presentations. Highlights include A One-Stop MICE Wonderland: Multi-destination Programmes in ASEAN, a panel discussion on how multi-destination programmes can be put together in the region; Learning from Success: Case Studies, which will see industry players sharing mini case studies on their events in relatively “fresh” ASEAN destinations; and Discovering ASEAN: A Rising Star for International Exhibitions, which looks at the region’s current exhibition performance and its future.

The organisers are targeting a turnout of 50 delegates, of which a majority will be buyers, exhibitors and the media.

The ASEAN MICE Forum is open for free to all IT&CMA delegates. Industry members who are not registered for IT&CMA can access the forum for a fee of US$50.

By Samuel Ng

Louder roars in the making

By Paige Lee Pei Qi

July 30, 2015

Singapore’s stunning skyline will be seen by more business event travellers should STB’s new marketing efforts, supported by a bigger budget, prove successful

With more MICE marketing budget in Singapore’s pocket, local players are urging greater focus on experiential aspects, tradeshow presence, among others. By Paige Lee Pei Qi

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been given a 35 per cent boost on its destination marketing budget this year, aimed at enhancing Singapore’s MICE appeak. While STB assistant chief executive, Neeta Lachmandas, is unable to provide the exact amount of the investment, she confirms that “a subtstantial sum” will be channelled into brand building and marketing campaigns.

“Prior to 2013 and 2014 we had a bit of a quiet period which we did not have much destination branding for MICE,” Lachmandas said.

With the aim of generating greater awareness through PR activities, advertising and increased participation in tradeshows held in Singapore, STB will be targeting the associations and exhibition and conference event organisers in the US and Europe, and corporate meetings and incentives planners in Asia-Pacific.

STB’s attendance building efforts for tradeshows will be made through advertising towards event delegates.

Although news on the budget increase was announced in April, STB is still unable to share updates on its specific activities. Meanwhile, local trade players who welcome this move are quick to suggest how Singapore could be best marketed to business event clients.

Tour East Group senior vice president for sales and marketing, Judy Lum, told TTGmice: “I hope to see an increase in (STB’s) efforts in hosting familiarisation visits and offering more affordable participation costs for STB-led MICE tradeshows.

“Singapore is a destination that requires MICE planners to come over and experience what we have here and what we can do. We need a presence at tradeshows to retain mind share.”

To market Singapore, Vincent Yap, assistant director, institutional division of MCI Group Asia Pacific, said the brand campaign must “create and evoke a consistent emotional attachment that visitors feel when they think or consider Singapore as a destination”.

“The core message could focus on Singapore’s excellent infrastructure, security, connectivity, multicultural ethnicity, colourful traditions, history, and cuisine,” he added and pointed out that these would help overcome the citystate’s “inherent limitations both from a physical and financial perspective that may increasingly reduce her attractiveness as a MICE destination in South-East Asia”.

Yap elaborated: “Singapore is constrained by its physical size and the concentration of services and amenities in the city centre. There are limited congress venues, attractions or social venues within close proximity that possess enough scalability to host a large congress or meeting.”.

He also urged the creation of a simplifed process for grant applications and greater subsidies for organisers and planners to help ease the financial toll of organising an event.

Theresa Lee, head of MICE at FCm Travel Solutions, would like to see more web-based marketing efforts. She said: “Social media plays a big part in our lives now and it is a trending market today. Singapore should expand its MICE brand through multifaceted campaigns that would include not just PR and advertising or tradeshows, but also more web-based marketing for greater brand awareness.”

For an effective branding strategy, Selina Chavry, regional director, Asia of Pacific World, said efforts “should include the experience here”.

Chavry said: “Despite being a cosmopolitan city, Singapore still possesses the warmth and simplicity of the kampong spirit from the past with diverse races and cultures living together harmoniously. As such, Singapore should be branded as a destination with the best of both worlds – rooted and yet advanced, warm yet progressive, diverse yet integrated.”

She added that there is still “room for improvement” in the level of professionalism in the industry.

“Much effort has been put into attracting travellers to the country, however, we are lacking in delivering the experience. This starts from the professionalism of meeting planners, to destination knowledge and language efficiency of tour guides and transport providers, and the service quality rendered at the frontline,” she remarked.

For now, what is certain is Singapore’s continued strong track record in securing best-in-class exhibitions and conferences. The tourism bureau has made good progress towards its annual target of 10 new association world congresses.

In May, Singapore won the bid to host the 103^rd Lions Club International Convention 2020, the country’s largest-ever association congress. The event is expected to contribute S$58 million (US$43 million) in tourism receipts and 20,000 foreign arrivals.

{ Talking Numbers }

{ Insider }

Selina Chavry, regional director, Asia of Pacific World points out three must-dos in Singapore

Explore its fascinating history
Singapore may be short in history but the country has succeeded gloriously in its development during its past 50 years of independence. Bringing the group through the transformation of Singapore by visiting Pulau Ubin to experience the simpler life in the 1960s; to Queenstown where the first public houses were built; and then to Pinnacle at Duxton to appreciate the award-wining public housing project, will be a good highlight of the country’s development from a kampong slum to a cosmopolitan city.

Discover lush greenery
Singapore is known as a Garden City. With its well linked park connectors, cycling around the island is a great way to experience the outdoors, be greeted by greeneries in the city, and discover hidden treasures in off-the-beaten track. This can be organised as a leisure or teambuilding activity.

Dive into a cultural wonderland
One of Singapore’s unique strengths is its cultural diversity and religious harmony. Nowhere is this more clearly seen here than how temples, mosques and churches co-exist within the same vicinity, thriving without conflict. Exploring the various ethnic enclaves around the island will be a memorable experience.

{ Spotlight }

The Black Swan

Decked in black and gold, The Black Swan in a conserved Art Deco building on Cecil Street – which was once a bank – has injected a touch of glamour into Singapore’s Central Business District.

This stylish outfit, a replica of a grand European café and bar, features an elegant interior complete with brass fittings and frosted light fixtures. Stepping through its doors brings one right onto the set of The Great Gatsby.

Reaching up three storeys, The Black Swan can seat up to 130 guests – split between the classy U-shaped granite bar wing and the main dining area. The upper mezzanine level, named The Powder Room, has a separate cocktail lounge that can accommodate an additional 60 pax.

For exclusive gatherings, there is a private 12-seat dining room in the basement, accessible through a concealed entrance, and right into the former bank’s vault.

Dining events can begin with appetisers and small plates like charcuterie cuts, soft-shell crab sliders, or one of the must-haves – baked bone marrow. Main courses here built mostly on premium meats and seafood, and highlights include the duck confit, ribeye steak, and the signature Black Swan Burger. Classic dishes come with a contemporary twist; the chargrilled beef tartare and pan-seared foie gras with yuzu marmalade are worth a try.

All great parties require quality liquids, and The Black Swan seduces with an impressive drink menu that lists a range of handcrafted cocktails, rare spirits and a well-curated wine list that introduces favourites from around the globe, from organic producers and small batch wineries to passionate growers.

The Black Swan welcomes private hires. A minimum spend of S$20,000 (US$14,807) is required.

Visit the www.theblackswan.com.sg or call (65) 8181-3305 for more information.

Cold is hot in Hokkaido

By Julian Ryall

July 30, 2015

Niseko town is a wonderland for winter activities and culinary adventures

From snowshoe races to sledge-building contests, the Japanese island takes full advantage of its frosty weather and pushes MICE activities unique to its climate. By Julian Ryall

For a good part of every year, Sapporo and the countryside that surrounds the largest city in Hokkaido are blanketed in thick, powdery, perfect snow. So it comes as no surprise that the local MICE industry is playing to the climatic strengths of Japan’s most northerly island.

Locals call winter “the silver time”; but as recently as a decade ago, Hokkaido as a whole had two distinct high seasons for tourists. Those interested in winter sports would arrive for the December-to-February period while the summer season was in July and August.

“We used to have ski resorts that still had great snow on the ground in March and even April, but they were almost empty,” said Dima Azarov, a spokesman for the Sapporo Convention Bureau’s MICE section. “Then we realised that these venues would be ideal for snow-based teambuilding activities.

“We wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities during our off-seasons, and from there we have started to develop and expand our unique offerings for the incentive sector,” he told TTGmice.

The region’s first Unique Venues and Team Building Guide was issued two years ago. Of the dozens of opportunities that have been devised for inbound clients, a number are likely to catch the eye.

The particularly adventurous, even if they are novices, can participate in snowmobile races, while the fittest can take part in a snowshoe race that culminates in an ice cream-making competition. Other venues offer snowman-building competitions, sledge-building contests – with the vehicle eventually put to the test in a race – and team treasure hunts around winter-bound Sapporo.

One of Hokkaido’s claims to winter sport fame is yukigassen, which is essentially a snowball fight with rules that were formalised in 1989. Available at a number of venues, as many as 80 people can participate in a yukigassen showdown. There are even serious moves afoot for the sport to be put forward as an event for future Winter Olympic Games.

Sapporo Racecourse, the first horse racing venue in Japan to be open for private events, has space for 300 guests

And while elsewhere shovelling snow is considered a chore, the ever-inventive people of Hokkaido have elevated it to a sport – the ultimate, perhaps, in Cool Japan.

“The bureau provides a one-stop service to handle any inquiries from tour agents or incentive organisers,” Azarov said. “Whether a group is looking for something specific or more general, we do our best to introduce them to the right people.

“We are constantly striving for new discoveries and ideas, and we work closely with local facilities and event organisers to deepen their understanding and expertise.”

One of the latest additions to the city’s portfolio is Sapporo Racecourse, the first horse racing venue in Japan to be offered as an event venue. With indoor seating of up to 300 people, the course has an impressive view across central Sapporo, and guests get to bet on a race even if the course is fetlock-deep in snow as the venue can screen a race from the previous summer.

Nearby Niseko has also attracted a firm tourist following in recent years, with the two cities complementing each other with their offerings in the MICE sector.

“The accommodation on offer ranges from internationally branded hotels, such as Hilton, which are set to increase in the near future, to smaller hotels, condominiums and private lodge-type properties,” said Paul Haggart, who handles the MICE sector for the local government.

“The styles of accommodation are endless, as are the options for putting together accommodation for groups who wish to stay in the area.”

Another charm of Niseko is the vast number of medium-sized restaurants that revel in the region’s reputation for providing fine food.

Meeting the restaurant owners and enjoying their seasonal offerings can be the difference between a standard and a memorable MICE event, Haggart said.

He continued: “Niseko is a well-known produce-growing area and because lot holdings are smaller, the farmers have a lot more freedom to produce an even wider variety of different produce, resulting in a variety of different menu options.”

The city also has conference and meeting facilities that range from large banquet halls to purpose-built facilities operated by the local government, and Haggart emphasised that the tailor-made approach to inbound MICE clients works best for Niseko.

Haggart and Azarov both play down concerns that Sapporo is not adequately served by flights from other parts of Asia, with Azarov pointing out that Tokyo is a 90-minute flight away and that the route is the busiest in the world, with more than 70 flights a day.

“Of course, we would like to see more direct flights from new destinations, such as Singapore or Malaysia,” Azarov said, pointing out that inbound tourism from Thailand soared by 89,000 visitors – a 320 per cent increase – when the Sapporo-Bangkok route was introduced in 2013.

“Our major concern is the number of hotels and rooms,” he admitted. “Accommodation in the low season is not an issue for Sapporo anymore and we do see lots of inbound throughout the year, but if we see a further increase in the number of direct international flights, as well as more MICE events heading for Sapporo, then adding more hotels is an absolute must.”

{Talking Numbers}

{Insider}

Kikuo Eri, MICE in-charge of Japan Travel Bureau, Hokkaido points out three things to watch for when holding events in winter

Bundle up, and don’t forget the shoes!

It might seem to be stating the obvious, but anyone taking part in teambuilding events in Hokkaido, especially during the winter months, really needs to be dressed appropriately for the conditions. It can get very cold and wet. Waterproof outer layers are a must, along with gloves and hats. We also sometimes find that our visitors bring all the right clothing, but have forgotten to come with appropriate footwear – and that’s arguably the most important piece of equipment they are going to need.

Avoid the big accommodation crunch

Sapporo hosts the world-famous Snow Festival over a period of one week in February, with the 2016 festivities scheduled for February 5 to 11. The event has attracted a colossal following among both domestic and foreign visitors, so securing accommodation is very difficult at this time of year. For any companies planning a MICE event, avoid the festival itself, but the following week sees hotel availability return to normal.

Better safe than sorry

A lot of these teambuilding events can be quite strenuous and taxing, so we advise that organisations that come to Hokkaido have appropriate insurance coverage for their staff. We also strongly recommend that they purchase insurance to cover against their flights being cancelled due to bad weather. Hokkaido does get storms during the winter and extending a stay at a hotel here can be expensive.

{Spotlight}

Cook in the snow

Teambuilding in the great outdoors does not have to be all about rolling about in the snow, with Hokkaido also renown for its cuisine and environmental awareness.

Hakkenzan Eco-catering, set up by German-born Bianca Furst, started teambuilding events just two years ago and now operates a regular selection of handicraft workshops, music events, “slow food” evenings, theatrical productions and agricultural projects. In June, participants in an educational project were encouraged to plant beets and potatoes that will grow into a “German meal”.

“We offer ‘eco-craft,’ eco-cooking’ and energy-rally events throughout the year,” Furst told TTGmice. “And because we have a huge field – it’s white and beautiful in the winter – we plan to offer even more events in the winter months.

“We already do snowshoe walking expeditions, cooking on a fire in the snow and team projects to build an igloo,” she said.

“We are particularly keen to connect directly with educational organisations for teambuilding events, and with companies through travel agencies and the city authorities in Sapporo.”

One teambuilding activity that has proved particularly popular, and brings together energy education and environmental education, is using solar ovens to cook meals. Hakkenzan also has its own solar panels and uses the power of the sun to dry locally grown soft fruit.

“Hokkaido is great for nature, for food, new ideas, ‘onsen’ hot springs, nice people, for the seasons and for international exchanges,” Furst said. “We aim to combine environmental education on a fruit farm, with a wide range of outdoor experiences, hands-on farming experiences and bringing in the elements of arts, crafts and energy.”

For more information, visit www.hakkenzan.jp/ecocatering/ or call (81) 11-596-2280.

Culinary central

By Prudence Lui

July 29, 2015

Vida Rica Restaurant features Michelin-starred guests chefs throughout the year to keep culinary experiences exciting for diners Picture by Mandarin Oriental

The rise of celebrity restaurants in Macau is giving event planners plenty of mouthwatering options for dining functions. By Prudence Lui

Macau’s culinary scene is flourishing with the emergence of new boutique restaurants and Michelin-star dining destinations. This has created a vast selection of venues for corporate groups looking for somewhere with an incredible ambience to bond over great food.

As of May 2015, Macau is home to 357 restaurants and the list is set to grow, thanks to a wave of new integrated resort openings over the next six to 12 months, as many of these properties promise unique dining experiences.

Among the latest additions in Macau is Tromba Rija, a Portuguese restaurant with roots that go back to 1966 in Leiria, Portugal. Its expansion into Asia has brought it to the Macau Tower, where it offers fine dining in a traditional, homey environment. An a la carte menu is offered, along with a buffet that featues over 60 signature dishes.

Tromba Rija can be booked entirely for private events.

Private dining functions are possible at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana

The reputable 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana also made its foray into Macau last May. Located in Promenade Central of Galaxy Macau, this restaurant by chef Umberto Bombana can fit 42 pax in the main dining hall and 18 in two private rooms. It boasts an exclusive ageing cellar that packs in culinary gems like Pata Negra and Cinta Senese hams, Italian cheeses, caviar and truffles. There is also a spacious walk-in wine cellar with a collection of more than 1,800 bottles from more than 600 labels around the world.

While no minimum pax is required for a venue buy-out, a minimum spend of at least MOP$200,000 (US$25,042) must be fulfilled.

Hotels are also getting in on the action, whipping up tasty culinary concepts to woo corporate groups.

Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central is offering Portuguese Poolside Barbecues at its Sala pool every Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 22.00, from now through October 31. A live band enlivens the party with Portuguese Fado tunes from 19.00 to 22.00. Groups with 12 to 80 pax can be accommodated.

To keep dining experiences fresh year-round, Mandarin Oriental Macau flies in four to five Michelin-starred guest chefs every year to showcase their culinary prowess at the hotel’s Vida Rica Restaurant. This October, two-star Michelin guest chef Stéphane Buron from France will take over the kitchen for three days.

A hotel spokesperson told TTGmice: “These prestigious chefs from around the globe present their one-of-a-kind signature creations at our restaurant, giving connoisseurs unique, unforgettable dining experiences and bringing Macau’s culinary scene to another level.”

Vida Rica Restaurant is itself a celebrated dining destination and has played host to several private events. Themed dinners have been held, with chef Dominique Bugnand executing cooking demonstrations by the table.

While fancy dining options are now plenty in Macau, event specialist, MCI Macau’s managing director, Peter Hassall, said clients would always demand privacy, so restaurants that want their business must allow full venue hire.

As “many private dining rooms cannot cater for large numbers, usually seating under 20 pax”, Hassall opined that such restaurants would function better as a complementary venue for corporate events that require different options for VIPs within a larger group.

Delegates’ growing interest in what they eat and the story behind their food has also spurred DMCs to come up with food inspired activities for their clients.

Macau-based event specialist, smallworld Experience, tantalises corporate clients with a programme called Cooking Experience. Participants are brought to a local market where they have to purchase all items on a shopping list, using a limited budget. They will then cook a full meal, comprising of a starter, main and dessert, under the guidance of a chef, before digging into their culinary creations for lunch or dinner.

CEO Bruno Simoes explained that the activity can be tailored to suit client’s preference, and the cuisine featured in the cooking class can be Macanese, Portuguese or Chinese.

Hassall remarked: “Food is a very important component of any event and (interest in) culinary teambuilding activities is on the rise due to the growing popularity of cooking shows like Masterchef and Iron Chef.”

He added that food themed activites appeal to a wide audience. “No matter what age, athletic ability, position in the company or personality type, (these activities) are equalisers as most people can cook and enjoy cooking.”

MCI Macau has a number of unique culinary programmes for corporate clients, and they include teambuilding activities based on food and unique off-site dining experiences on beaches, country properties and heritage sites.

“We are currently working with an incentive group on a Masterchef style teambuilding activity that will be paired with a Michelin-starred private dining experience. For another group we are (offering) dine-outs at local restaurants,” revealed Hassall.

Simoes believes that Macau can benefit from showcasing its unique local cuisine through activities that introduce what the various dishes are and how they are prepared.

“Portuguese wines are another opportunity because they are quite unknown and unique in Asia – mostly available in Macau – and are good value for money,” he added.

He recommends adding a dining experience in Old Taipa, which is a 10- to 15-minute walk from Cotai where large conference are often held. “However, organisers need a good DMC to make this happen as there are too many restaurant owners (in Old Taipa).”