Javier Gimeno, a hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience across Asia and Europe, has been appointed general manager of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel, set to open in 1Q2025.
He joins Meliá Pattaya after a decade in senior roles at Marriott International, most recently as cluster general manager at Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in China.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is strengthening its operations and expanding its presence in key markets with two recent appointments.
Damian Borg has been promoted to senior director of sales strategy & operations for Asia Pacific, where he will support Ben Angell, vice president and managing director of NCL APAC, in focusing on the fly-cruise market to key destinations such as Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. He will also provide strategic leadership to the region’s four country managers: Manoj Singh (India), Takahiko Yajima (Japan), Crystal Wong (Greater China and South Korea) and William Tay (South-east Asia).
Jason Montague has been appointed chief luxury officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), where he will oversee both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Montague brings extensive industry experience, having previously led these brands as president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and president and COO of both Oceania and Regent.
The future of Indonesia’s exhibition industry looks promising, with growing demand and the ability to stay agile and evolve with today’s ever-shifting trends, according to industry leaders at the Indonesia Business Event Forum, organised by the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA).
IECA reported that the number of exhibitions reached 170 in 2024, marking a 21 per cent growth compared to 2023. IECA also projected that the industry would generate US$1.7 billion in revenue by 2025, reflecting an eight per cent rise from 2024.
Hosea Andreas Runkat, chairman of IECA, emphasised that infrastructure-related exhibitions were likely to see continued demand, particularly in sectors such as transportation, smart cities, and urban development.
“The Indonesian government’s ongoing investment in these areas will trigger innovation and increase the need for exhibitions that showcase the latest in infrastructure development,” he said.
Daswar Marpaung, president director of Dyandra Promosindo, agreed, pointing to the country’s expanding infrastructure as a major factor in the sector’s growth.
The development of the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, as well as the expansion of venues such as the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) is timely, as the demand for more sophisticated, tech-driven exhibitions continues to increase.
“The expanded spaces provide room for innovation, allowing the sector to tap into new ventures and broader audiences,” said Daswar.
These developments, combined with the increasing presence of sectors like construction, manufacturing, and finance, set the stage for a thriving tradeshow landscape. Additionally, consumer shows in food, fashion, and wellness are expected to grow in tandem with rising consumer spending.
Supporting this optimistic outlook, Jeffrey Eugene, president director of Debindo Mega Promo, highlighted the company’s strong growth trajectory for 2025. “We plan to launch at least four new expos next year, and I believe other organisers will follow suit with even more events.”
Eugene noted the rising creativity among event organisers, who are increasingly leveraging technology to craft engaging, innovative exhibitions that resonate with current trends. “There’s a clear shift towards more dynamic, tech-driven formats that capture the evolving needs of both exhibitors and visitors.”
For Tony Chang, business development director at Panorama Convex Indonesia, technology is reshaping how events are held. He projected that hybrid formats would drive a 30 per cent growth in tech-focused exhibitions, particularly in AI, Fintech, and IoT. With innovations like AI, virtual reality, and mobile apps enhancing interactivity, these technological advances are crucial to keeping exhibitions relevant and engaging in the future.
Looking ahead, Hosea said sustainability would be embedded in the core of every event, from waste management to energy consumption. This shift is further backed by a US$5 billion government investment aimed at fostering eco-friendly initiatives across various sectors.
“The future of exhibitions is green, and we are aiming for 40 per cent of exhibitions to implement sustainable practices in 2025,” Hosea noted.
In a rapidly-evolving industry, the focus on delegate experience is emerging as a key driver of architectural and design trends in venues, according to industry figures who spoke at the ICCA Global Venue Experts Forum 2024.
Prue Daly, general manager of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, emphasised that beyond green initiatives and technological advancements, prioritising delegate well-being is crucial.
“Venues are evolving beyond mere event spaces,” she stated. “They are becoming destination experiences, much like five-star hotels, offering luxury amenities, direct accommodation connections, and a strong emphasis on wellness.”
Daly highlighted the growing importance of features like movement spaces, hydration stations, and inclusive design principles, such as universal accessibility and multi-faith rooms, to cater to the needs of diverse attendees, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
This focus on enhanced delegate experience is reflected in Marina Bay Sands’ second expansion phase.
Genevieve Lim, executive director of MICE management at Marina Bay Sands, revealed that the second phase of transformation will feature 580 all-suite rooms, a 15,000-seat arena, and a 10,000m2 luxury ballroom.
“This aligns with our new ‘Above Beyond’ brand vision, and the new ballroom space will complement our existing offerings and position us to attract more high-end events,” Lim explained.
Dileep Mudadeniya, senior vice president global alliances and partnerships at John Keells Holdings, also highlighted emerging trends in venue design – particularly in emerging markets – exemplified by the Event Dome Colombo.
“This 18,000m2 structure is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including sound, lighting, and a full air-conditioning system. Importantly, it can be manufactured and installed within two months, offering a much faster construction timeline compared to traditional convention centres,” he said.
Group travel costs can quickly spiral out of control, especially for business events.
Whether planners are organising a teambuilding retreat or a major conference, handling flights, hotels, and ground transport is not always straightforward. And despite what many assume, larger groups do not always mean lower costs.
Airlines are hesitant to offer discounts to smaller groups (less than 20 travellers). Even larger groups of 70 or more might only get marginal savings. Meanwhile, hotels and ground transportation are usually easier to negotiate, particularly if planners book early or during off-peak times.
Internal delays can also be a costly problem. According to TruTrip data, only 30 per cent of group booking requests are secured at the initial quoted rate. As time passes and availability shifts, prices can increase by as much as 29 per cent. The faster planners can lock in the bookings, the more the company will save.
Here are five practical ways to keep group travel affordable.
1. Leverage Travel Management Companies (TMCs)
TMCs can help handle the more complicated aspects of securing deals on hotels and ground transport. While airlines may sometimes prefer to handle direct group bookings, in those cases, TMCs can still play a key role as facilitators rather than cost-savers by negotiating terms, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a smoother booking process.
Work with a TMC to negotiate group rates for hotels and transport, and leverage their expertise to manage flight bookings efficiently.
2. Book smaller groups
Instead of booking all seats at once, think about splitting the group into smaller chunks. For example, if 24 seats are needed, book the first eight at individual rates, then the next eight. If the third set costs more, planners can switch to the group fare for the remaining seats. This way, you can still snag the lowest available fares.
Breaking larger groups into smaller bookings gives planners flexibility and often leads to better pricing.
3. Use economic fare options
Airlines like American Airlines offer group deals with added perks like seat selection and luggage, but not everyone needs those extras. In some cases, booking restricted individual fares with fewer perks might save more.
Combine group and individual fares for a balanced mix of savings and benefits.
4. Avoid internal delays
Approval delays can be costly. Waiting even a couple of days to approve a booking can cause prices to rise significantly. For example, a hotel booking approved two days late could see a price increase of up to 29 per cent, according to TruTrip data. Fast decisions often lead to the best deals, so set clear internal deadlines for approvals to avoid price hikes.
5. Plan more strategically
Choosing destinations and travel dates wisely can make a big difference. Opt for locations that are easier for most attendees to reach and book during off-peak periods. Travelling midweek or outside of holidays can lead to significant savings.
The realities of securing the best rates
While it is tempting to think that group bookings should always come with huge savings, that is not always the case – especially with flights. Negotiating hotel and ground transport deals is usually more flexible, but airlines tend to be less accommodating, particularly for smaller groups. Early planning and flexibility are key to securing better rates.
With business travel spending projected to hit US$1.5 trillion by the end of 2024, getting the best deals is only becoming harder. But by following these strategies, planners will be better positioned to manage costs without compromising on quality.
Final say
Managing group travel does not have to be a budget breaker. By using TMCs when appropriate, breaking up larger bookings, opting for flexible fare options, avoiding delays, and planning strategically, planners can significantly reduce costs.
Imran Dosani is head of support at TruTrip, a rising TMC in South-east Asia. With a background in the airline industry and experience as a customer service supervisor and event manager, Dosani combines his passions for travel and customer service to provide top-notch support to business travellers.
Event brief
The 2024 ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit marked the 50th anniversary of Australia’s dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Held at the MCEC, the event brought together leaders from nine South-east Asian countries and Timor-Leste, along with prominent figures from business, academia, and the community.
As the largest convention venue in the Southern Hemisphere, MCEC was optimally positioned to host the summit. The venue’s expansive spaces, cutting-edge technology, and central location in Melbourne made it the perfect setting to facilitate discussions on deepening economic, cultural, and environmental ties between Australia and ASEAN.
The summit served as a significant milestone in the ASEAN-Australia partnership, addressing pressing global issues and fostering cooperation in areas such as climate change, clean energy, business innovation, and regional security.
Event highlights
The summit took over the entire MCEC venue, transforming it into a hub of collaboration and diplomacy. With carefully coordinated events and forums, the summit fostered meaningful exchanges among ASEAN and Australian leaders, laying the groundwork for future bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Among the major announcements made during the summit were initiatives valued at over A$500 million (US$311.5 million) to enhance cooperation in education, trade, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives included an A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, the establishment of regional technology Landing Pads, travel easing between South-east Asia and Australia, and significant funding to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
Also announced was the ASEAN-Australia Centre, which aims to provide scholarships, fellowships, and English-language training to help Timor-Leste integrate as a new ASEAN member.
MCEC’s industry-leading technology and design ensured the event ran seamlessly. With robust facilities, the venue enabled complex forums and high-level discussions to take place smoothly. The collaboration between MCEC’s teams and external partners, including Victoria Police and the ASEAN Taskforce, played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success and safety.
On the lighter side, guests entering the International Media Centre were welcomed by displays of Australian wildlife, and delegates were treated to a unique 360-degree audiovisual gala dinner experience, featuring the immersive BBC Earth Experience that was showcased at the event.
Challenges
Hosting such a high-profile international event required extensive planning and coordination between MCEC, the Australian Government, local authorities, and event partners.
Security was of paramount importance due to the presence of global leaders and dignitaries. MCEC’s operations team worked closely with Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, and other agencies to establish a comprehensive security plan, including a venue operations control centre to monitor and address event safety in real time.
MCEC project specialist – major events, Maxine McIntyre, highlighted the level of precision needed to manage an event of this scale. Numerous pre-event site inspections and security briefings were conducted to ensure that all aspects of safety and logistics were meticulously aligned.
The venue’s ability to integrate all these elements demonstrated its capability to host complex, large-scale events with global reach.
Event 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
Organisers Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Commonwealth Government of Australia
Venue Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date March 4-6, 2024
Attendees About 5,000
Hyatt Regency Danang is offering a limited-time promotion with a selection of complimentary benefits for corporate groups.
Planners will be able to choose three from the following options: a unique well-being group experience for up to 25 guests; a refreshing signature mocktail added to the group’s welcome reception; one complimentary room for every 40 room nights booked; one upgrade one room for every 20 rooms confirmed; or a complimentary upgrade to the Regency Suite for the VIP. Planners also have the option to earn double World of Hyatt Meeting Planner Points.
This offer is valid for bookings made by January 30, 2025, with a minimum group booking of 10 rooms during peak season. Mention the code “Wellbeing” when making your reservation to access these exclusive benefits.
Planners can look through the property’s Collective Experiences Brochure, which features a variety of teambuilding activities and cultural immersions suitable for groups. There is also an Event Dining Experience Guide, should planners decide to hold a beachfront barbecue.
Rooms
Pan Pacific Perth offers a total of 488 keys across two towers, which includes 42 suites.
I stayed in the 28m2 Premier Room, which looked out to the city and a portion of the iconic Swan River. Amenities include a flatscreen TV, coffee machine, and minifridge. While complimentary plastic water bottles were currently in use during my stay, I understand that the property is transitioning to a more sustainable approach by offering refillable glass bottles at designated water points.
The luxurious king-sized bed came with four plush pillows. Having spent a fair bit of time on the road in 2024, I can confidently say these were among the most comfortable pillows I have encountered. One pillow provided ample support for my head and neck, a stark contrast to many places where I needed two for adequate comfort.
Instead of the usual power outlets at the bedside, I found only a single USB-A port and a USB-C port. This was a non-issue for me, but could be a problem for others.
Instead, the placement of the power outlet directly under the coffee machine was incredibly convenient. It enabled me to easily set up my workspace on the contemporary couch, and the Wi-Fi was speedy.
The ensuite marble bathroom featured luxurious amenities by Balmain, complete with a rainshower and a separate showerhead. I appreciated the housekeeping staff’s commitment to sustainability by leaving my towel in place when it was hung up, while still providing an extra towel as a courtesy.
MICE facilities
The property’s 2,500m2 convention floor – Perth CBD’s largest hotel conference space – has also undergone a complete refurbishment.
The pillarless Grand River Ballroom boasts full-length windows that open out to the Swan River, and can accommodate 600 guests cocktail-style. Meanwhile, the largest venue is the Golden Ballroom, which can accommodate 420 guests for a gala dinner.
For corporate meetings, planners can opt for the Pilbara Room, which is flooded with natural light; or the Boardroom, which features a terrace view. The Goldsworthy and Hamersley Rooms can function independently or be combined for larger events, perfect for breakout sessions.
Pan Pacific Perth is currently in the process of installing LED screens, which will be completed by 1Q2025.
In total, there are 18 versatile spaces to cater to events of all sizes, backed by a dedicated conference and events team; audiovisual support is provided by Encore Event Technologies.
Other facilities
There are four F&B options on-site: Monty’s, where the breakfast buffet is served daily; Hill Street Bar; Más Vino Wine Bar; and Uma Restaurant.
I had the opportunity to dine at Uma Restaurant, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My lunch was a delightful fusion of flavours, featuring the finest Western Australian produce expertly uplifted by a range of aromatic Peruvian herbs and chilies.
I highly recommend the Ceviche Peruana (lightly-cured Shark Bay Fish, Tiger’s Milk, charred sweet corn, caramelised sweet potato), Pulpo a la Piedra (grilled Fremantle Octopus, adobo, smoked potato puree, bell pepper salsa), and the hefty Black Angus T-bone that was served medium rare.
The Pacific Club Lounge, located on level 7 and also recently renovated, offers exclusive access to guests staying in Club Rooms or Suites. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness centre, and a small outdoor swimming pool.
Along with its recent transformation, Pan Pacific Perth has also introduced a Wellness Program that weaves wellness practices into every aspect of a guest’s stay.
At press time, the hotel is currently remodelling its porte cochère and lobby, and is also redesigning two of its popular dining outlets.
Service
Staff members were incredibly warm and friendly. I was impressed by the hotel’s commitment to inclusivity, which was evident in their hiring practices. For example, I met Laura, a valued member of the team who contributes to the smooth running of the breakfast buffet.
Verdict
My stay was truly delightful, and I woke up feeling incredibly well-rested and ready to take on the day.
Number of rooms
488
Contact details
panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-perth.html
Brought to you by Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Devcon SEA 2024, held for the first time in South-east Asia from November 12 to 15, 2024, made history with over 12,500 attendees from 130 countries gathering at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
This record-breaking event demonstrated not only the global appeal of the Ethereum community but also the key role QSNCC played in delivering a seamless and memorable experience.
QSNCC’s state-of-the-art facilities, strategic location, and exceptional service contributed to the successful run of Devcon SEA 2024. With Bangkok’s reputation as a key destination for international conferences, QSNCC has solidified its reputation as a premier venue capable of hosting large-scale, globally significant events.
This year’s Devcon SEA 2024 was the most internationally diverse and largest version to date, with attendees from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. “We were expecting maybe 10,000 to 12,000 people, but we had 13,000 register and nearly all of them checked in,” shared Skylar Weaver, Devcon lead at Ethereum Foundation. “This is double the size of our biggest Devcon and probably the most global we have had.”
The event highlighted Bangkok as a vibrant hub for blockchain innovation, fostered global connections, and reinforced QSNCC’s role as a catalyst for cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Versatile spaces for different purposes
QSNCC’s expansive and versatile facilities were crucial in accommodating the diverse needs of Devcon SEA 2024. The venue offered a mix of conference rooms, ballrooms, and expo spaces, all adaptable to various formats. “We chose QSNCC because it’s big. It fits our audience and has enough different types of rooms. We turned the expo centre into a creative space and used the ballrooms for conferences,” said Weaver.
QSNCC’s modern design and panoramic city views were also highlights for attendees. The venue is new, well-developed, and offers spectacular views of the city. The metro station and restaurants in the venue also added to the venue’s attractiveness, Weaver added.
Exceptional service and support
QSNCC’s dedication to service excellence played a key role in the event’s smooth execution. From technical support to catering, the venue’s team ensured every aspect of the event ran seamlessly. “The staff at QSNCC have been super helpful, answering our questions and supporting us with Wi-Fi and other systems. We’re very pleased with their responsiveness,” Weaver shared.
More to do
At the same time, there were also more than 70 events that were organised during the week of Devcon. From hackathons and workshops to networking sessions and parties, the community had ample opportunity to meet and engage meaningfully. Delegates could also join pre- and post-event tours to explore more of Bangkok.
This also benefitted related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and DMCs in terms of revenue.
Looking ahead, QSNCC continues to attract high-profile international events. In 2025, the venue will host Cyber Asia and Money 20/20 Asia, which are expected to see about 3,000 and 5,000 delegates respectively. These events underscore QSNCC’s growing prominence in the global MICE industry.
With its facilities, strategic location, and exceptional service, QSNCC is positioned as the go-to venue for international conferences in South-east Asia. The success of Devcon SEA 2024 is a testament to its ability to deliver world-class experiences, making it a top recommendation for future event organisers seeking a premier destination in Asia.
Eager to host your next event in Thailand? Visit QSNCC to find out more.
Capella Hotel Group has made key executive appointments to strengthen its leadership across its properties in Asia and the Maldives.
Anthony Gill, with over 20 years of experience, takes on the role of general manager at Patina Maldives, where he will lead the resort into a new era of transformative luxury.
Dennis Laubenstein, a veteran of Capella, moves to Capella Taipei, set to open in 1Q2025, after successfully leading Capella Hanoi, including securing its first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Antonio Saponara will now oversee Capella Bangkok, following his term at Patina Maldives, while Hildegard Anzenberger joins Capella Hanoi from The Langham Hefei, bringing extensive international experience and a strong focus on staff development and sustainability.
