BestCities Global Alliance unveils new brand positioning

January 8, 2015

BESTCITIES Global Alliance has announced its new brand positioning and strapline – When the world wants to meet, we set the standard.

The new position will be officially launched at Convening Leaders – organised by BestCities’ strategic partner Professional Conference Management Association – which is taking place in Chicago from January 11 to 14.

John Donnelly, chief executive of marketing Edinburgh from BestCities, said: “BestCities is a strategic collaboration between the world’s premier meetings destinations. Our commitment to delivering the highest possible standards and achieving the best results for our clients ensures we maintain our position as leaders in global conferencing.

“Having evaluated the values, goals, objectives and vision of the alliance, we feel that this positioning statement neatly captures both the unique features and benefits of the organisation. It says what it does, why it does it and what that then results in for clients and the wider industry.”

Jonas Wilstrup, congress director of Wonderful Copenhagen, who heads the alliance’s brand task force with Donnelly, added: “Alongside a dynamic strapline which (encapsulates) the positioning, it provides a stronger presence for the brand and positions BestCities as the top DMO alliance globally.”

BestCities will also announce its newest partner – the 12th partner after Tokyo who entered the alliance in May 2014, at the event.

The alliance is the first global alliance to create its own quality management system to ensure service excellence from partner cities. BestCities’ partners are in Berlin, Cape Town, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

Setia City Convention Centre scales up with new hall

By S Puvaneswary

January 8, 2015

THE two-year old Setia City Convention Centre is planning to build a new 6,000m² hall adjacent to the main entrance to cater to large conventions.

The hall, which can be divided into two, will be connected to the main convention centre via a covered walkway.

Setia City Convention Centre head, Francis Teo, said the extension was necessary to cater for exhibitions of up to 350 booths and big conventions with up to 8,000 people in theatre style.

Upon completion in mid-2016, the total floor space at Setia City Convention Centre will be close to 10,000m².

Teo said: “There aren’t many venues in Klang Valley that can accommodate large conventions. We are building this extension as we see demand for space for exhibitions and large banquets.”

Ganneesh Ramaa, manager, Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “This new development is good for the industry. There are many hotels within the vicinity of Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam to support the convention centre and to attract international events here. I predict rental will also be cheaper as it is located outside Kuala Lumpur city.”

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

This multi-faceted venue elevates rooftop entertaining to a higher notch in the City of Angels. By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

Bangkok has no lack of rooftop bars in the downtown districts of Sathorn and Ratchaprasong, but Octave – perched on the topmost 45^th to 49^th floors of Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit – brings a fresh perspective with its slightly off-centre location in Thonglor, a buzzing lifestyle haven popular among Bangkokians and expats.

The venue features a restaurant, a private dining room, a bar and a rooftop lounge. With a contemporary design inspired by swanky New York apartment terraces, the décor veers towards modern industrial chic with liberal use of wooden furniture and timber-decked floor, and only a piece of reinforced glass separating visitors from the impressive vistas on each floor.

MICE application

Guests arrive at Octave via dedicated elevators to the 45^th floor, a 76-seat elongated lounge with proper dining tables and high sofas; the indoor attic (47^th floor) accommodates 50 pax and the balcony bar (48^th floor) can host another 46 pax. A flight of stairs leads to the rooftop bar on the 49^th floor bar, undeniably the pièce de résistance of the multi-level venue.

With a maximum capacity of 150 pax for cocktail receptions, the rooftop bar is also the most requested venue for private functions, according to Grace Hoang, the hotel’s spokesperson. The hotel is flexible when it comes to corporate events. Upon special request, Octave’s bartenders can perform for guests to jazz up the party.

For cocktail receptions, groups are encouraged to start welcome drinks at between 17.00 to 17.30, in order to catch the ‘magical hour’ as the sprawling metropolis is set aglow by a dipping sun (good weather permitting) before turning into a twinkling destination crisscrossed with lines of bumper-to-bumper traffic and BTS skytrains plying along Sukhumvit Road, and ships and cranes docked along the Chao Phraya River in the not-too-far distance.

F&B concept

Marriott’s director of beverage Asia-Pacific, Blake Walker, is the brain behind creative Thai-inflected cocktails like Taeng-mo Haze, which fuses agave tequila with water melon, lime juice, sweet vermouth and rosé wine; and Land of Smiles, Ketel One vodka stirred with junmai sake, lime, lychee, passion fruit and coconut syrup. The compact food menu focuses on fresh seafood as well as Asian-influenced dishes such as Wagyu beef udon noodles and meat yakitori – these tapas-style dishes come in platter sizes too, ideal for sharing.

Service and ambience

For me, the signature rooftop bar on the topmost floor is the real highlight as the space offers unbridled 360-degree views of Bangkok, further accentuated by a neon-blue circular open bar that makes an iconic statement in the middle of wooden-decked deck.

Bearing a low-key, mature yet edgy vibe, Octave does not have the pretentious air of other grander rooftop venues in town.

Contacts
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit,
2 Sukhumvit Road Soi 57
Email: anchalee.m@marriott.com
Website: www.bangkokmarriott.com
Opening hours
17.00-02.00

Pegasus flaunts Jewels of Romantic Europe to South-east Asia

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

Bavaria, one of the European jewels offered to win over Asian MICE groups

Vienna-based Pegasus – The Welcoming Agencies is promoting the region of Bavaria, Tirol, and Salzburg to South-east Asian MICE groups looking for a different experience of Europe.

Marketed as an alliance called Jewels of Romantic Europe, the region may not excite first-time MICE visitors to Europe, said Renate Forte, managing director of Pegasus. But the English-speaking region is 20-30 per cent cheaper than major European capitals and is easily accessible through Munich and Vienna, she added.

“There is snow throughout the year at Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain about 90 minutes south of Munich, and snow activities can be organised for incentive groups even in summer,” she said. “Incentive groups also have the option to use Munich, Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck as the base and make day trips to places of interest in the region.”

Florian Pötsch, business division-aviation, head of travel industry and hub marketing, Munich Airport, said companies such as Prudential and Great Eastern Life from Singapore, and Thai conglomerate PTT, have chosen the region for mid-size incentive groups of 700 to 1,000-plus people.

“Löwenbräukeller (a venue offering a Bavarian cultural and dining experience) for example, which has a ballroom for up to 2,000 people, can offer halal food and Indian cuisine,” he said.

Keyless simplicity now a reality

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has launched SPG Keyless, an initiative that transforms the guest’s smartphone into a room key and enables guests to bypass the front desk when checking in.

First rolled out within a week in November to 10 properties under the Aloft, Element and W brands, SPG Keyless will eventually be made available on 30,000 doors in 150 hotels around the globe by early 2015. Hotels in Asia that offer this convenience now include Aloft Beijing, W Doha, W Hong Kong and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.

It is available to SPG members who book a room through one of Starwood’s channels.

Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s president & CEO, said: “Not only does SPG Keyless alleviate a perennial pain point for travellers, but it also transforms the first interaction with our guests from one that is transactional to something more personal.”

Aman launches first city property in Tokyo

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

Japan has become the first destination to offer an Aman city hotel with the opening of Aman Tokyo in December.

Located on the top six floors of the new Otemachi Tower, the 84-unit urban sanctuary overlooks the financial district of Otemachi.

The centrepiece of the hotel’s lobby, soaring nearly 30m high, is an architectural feature resembling the interior of a paper lantern which diffuses sunlight in the day to illuminate the lobby while at night, the ambience evolves via a series of orchestrated lighting scenes.

Aman Tokyo features three F&B outlets: The Café by Aman which sells Mediterranean-inspired fare; The Lounge by Aman, offering drinks and snacks; and The Restaurant by Aman, serving Asian- and Japanese-inspired dishes.

There is also a glass fronted walk-in wine cellar with more than 1,200 wines, a Cigar Lounge and a Resident’s Library that offers books on Japanese art and culture.

Aman Tokyo’s rooms and suites all contain a deep soaking tub, which is a core part of the Japanese bathing ritural. The 71m2 Deluxe Rooms are the largest entry-level rooms in the city, followed by the Premier Rooms and the Suites which start at 141m2.

Recreational facilities include a fitness centre with yoga/pilates studios, a swimming pool, an inner garden and an Aman spa.

The Chandelier brightens Sheraton Hua Hin’s business events offerings

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

A new pillarless convention hall has opened at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa.

Named The Chandelier, the space is said to be the largest and most modern resort conference facility in Thailand’s western region. Measuring 892m² in size and boasting a 7.6m high ceiling, The Chandelier can accommodate up to 680 pax in theatre-style or 800 guests for cocktail receptions. It also comes with a spacious foyer and direct access for vehicle displays, and is equipped with the latest technology.

Chatchaya Glaiprayong, director of sales & marketing of Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, said: “Our associates are excited to exhibit this new facility’s versatility to the public. With so many different event possibilities, we are eager to host and create memorable experiences in all aspects, from exclusive conferences to world-class events”.

The Chandelier joins three other event venues – The Grand Ballroom, State Room 1 and State Room 2 – at the 240-key Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa.

Bringing hops to life in Bangkok

By TTGmice

December 18, 2014

What better way to reward your delegates or clients after a hard day’s work or touring than swigging delicious craft brews from all around the world? If you’re in Bangkok, send them off to Mikkeller for a round (or several rounds) of tipple.

One of three Mikkeller microbreweries in the world (the other two being in Copenhagen and San Francisco), the Bangkok outpost is tucked within a rustic house surrounded by lush greenery and private residences on Ekkamai Soi 10. Since opening its doors early this year – by a trio of beer experts Mike MacDonald, Jakob Rasmussen and Mikkel Borg Bjergso – the bar has bubbled up as a hit among the city’s discerning drinkers for its experimental approach and unique craft beers, offering a varied list of 30 rotating taps and specialised bottles from renowned breweries worldwide.

Private tastings at Mikkeller Bangkok can be arranged for groups up to 20 pax, which enable guests to explore a specific style (brand or country) during these closed sessions, from light beer tastings of around 800 baht (US$24.40) per pax to more aficionado-oriented affairs focusing on vintage and barrel-aged beers, which could go up to 3,000-4,000 baht per pax.

Events are entirely customised for the group and, depending on what’s in stock and the tasting theme, a session typically lasts one to two hours, and includes six beers, along with education, food and extras. Well-received beers include Mikkeller Sukhumvit Pilsner, To Ol Sofa King Pale, Amager Sinner Series Lust and Modern Times Lomaland.

Off-site tasting sessions can also be conducted for bigger groups. But as Mikkeller’s products are draft, off-site events are usually focused on bottles instead, with one or two draft options.

Contact (66-2) 381-9891 or info@mikkellerbangkok.com for reservations and customised tasting programmes.

Foreign exchange rates a major factor in Malaysian outbound MICE

By S Puvaneswary

December 18, 2014

OUTBOUND tour operators handling MICE business in Malaysia are projecting a drop in business next year no thanks to the ailing ringgit, but destinations with cheaper local currencies will enjoy the silver lining of more Malaysian business.

The ringgit has weakened substantially month-to-date against many major and regional currencies.

Topaz Travel & Tours managing director, Stephen Thomas, said: “We locked in rates a year ahead and had quoted (prices to) the clients in ringgit, and now we have to absorb the difference.”

While the cost of packages are certain to go up next year as a result, Stephen predicts popular MICE destinations are those where the ringgit remains stronger than the local currency.

This includes countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and China. He cited that there were also enquiries for incentives to South Africa.

Richard Vuilleumier, managing director of Panorama Tours Malaysia, also believes that South-east Asia destinations where suppliers provide quotes in local currencies or ringgit and not in US dollars will be favoured for Malaysian MICE.

The weaker ringgit means Malaysian MICE planners will look for ways to cut costs “such as choosing alternative destinations, accommodation or cutting down on meals”, he commented. “Longhaul destinations are sure to be the hardest hit.”

While some events are moving closer to home or downgrading accommodation and expenses, Adam Kamal, CEO of Rakyat Travel, is dealing with the situation differently.

“In 2Q2015, we expect a reduction in MICE movement overseas. Instead, we predict more domestic movement as companies cut costs. Thus, in this current environment, we are marketing domestic destinations more aggressively.”

Bacolod revs up for greater MICE action

By Rosa Ocampo

December 18, 2014

BACOLOD is chasing big MICE dreams as it sets up a convention bureau and brings more infrastructure to the market.

A city ordinance signed in June this year will see the creation of the Bacolod Meetings and Conventions Promotions Board, to develop incentives, and the Bacolod Conventions Bureau, to promote and implement strategies and support for MICE.

Furthermore, November saw the opening of SMX Convention Center Bacolod, the largest convention center in Visayas with a capacity of 4,000 pax for concerts and 2,800 pax in banquet style.

Dennis O Salvador, SMX Convention Center’s assistant vice president and director of sales, said: “The opening creates demand for the international market to explore Bacolod. We’re already getting leads for events two years from now.”

Ryan T Uy, SMX Convention Center vice president, strategic sales and income management, said event organisers no longer have to look elsewhere because Bacolod can now host MICE events.

Plans are also afoot to build a 200-key hotel, likely a Park Inn By Radisson, and a 150-key Seda Hotel in the city over the next couple of years.

These developments have led to the choice of Bacolod as the host of MICE Conference, the Philippines’ biggest meetings event, in 2016.