Thai hospitality meets Laotian charm

April 1, 2025

Amari Vientiane - VIP Holding Room - Casual Setup 1 — Amari Vientiane's VIP holding room is an elegant space where your guests can enjoy a drink and network

Brought to you by Onyx Hospitality Group

As Laos emerges as a dynamic travel destination in South-east Asia, its potential for business events and conferences continues to grow.

Some milestone events were the Asean Tourism Forum 2024 and the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting last November. In April, Lao Digital Week 2025 will take place at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.

As part of the ongoing drive to enhance tourism and accessibility, Onyx Hospitality Group has firmly established its presence in Laos, with the successful openings of Amari Vang Vieng in 2018 and Amari Vientiane in March this year, further solidifying its commitment to the region’s growth

A hub for business and events at Amari Vientiane

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Newly opened in March, Amari Vientiane is an upscale hotel situated along the scenic Mekong River.

With 248 rooms and suites – including deluxe rooms, junior suites, executive suites and a grand presidential suite – the hotel offers a variety of plus accommodations for business travellers. Facilities include a rooftop bar with panoramic views, fitness centre, large outdoor swimming pool and the Breeze Spa for relaxation after a busy day.

For business meetings and corporate events, Amari Vientiane boasts a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 540 guests, making it an ideal venue for conferences, banquets, product launches, and networking events. In addition, multiple meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology offer flexible spaces for workshops, board meetings, and private gatherings.

Dining options include the Amaya Food Gallery, which offers a vibrant atmosphere with live cooking stations that serve Laotian and international cuisine. An executive private dining area with a view of the Mekong offers an impressive spot for networking lunches and business dinners. Meanwhile, Maitree Bar offers coffee and fresh pastries in the day and transforms into a vibrant hub at night, great for socialising, as guests can enjoy cocktails and fine wines accompanied by live entertainment.

A scenic retreat for corporate gatherings at Amari Vang Vieng

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Located in Laos’ adventure hub, Amari Vang Vieng offers a refreshing alternative for corporate retreats, incentive trips, and executive getaways. Overlooking the picturesque Song River and surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, this full-service hotel delivers both tranquillity and modern convenience.

With more than 160 rooms, including superior rooms and executive one-bedroom suites, Amari Vang Vieng ensures a comfortable stay with contemporary interiors and large windows that showcase the scenery beyond.

Essence Restaurant serves a diverse menu of Laotian, Thai, and international dishes in a refined setting, perfect for business luncheons and group dining. Or have casual meetings over coffee at Cascade at the Lobby Lounge.

Incentive groups keen to organise activities can take advantage of Amari Vang Vieng’s location to stay while they enjoy a range of outdoor activities that the city is known for. Planners will be spoilt for choice when deciding on their itinerary as they can choose from kayaking, take a slow boat down the Song river, go hot air ballooning, or explore the various caves.

Seamless connectivity

The accessibility of Amari Vientiane and Amari Vang Vieng further makes them convenient choices for corporate travellers from the region.

Amari Vientiane is just 4.8 km from Wattay International Airport, making it a short drive away after long flights.

More recently, the opening of high-speed rail services between Vientiane and Vang Vieng last year connects both cities and a bus service from Bangkok Central Station to Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) in Laos improves accessibility for those travelling from Thailand.

For more information, visit Amari Hotels & Resorts.

IMEX Frankfurt taps into business needs of 2025

By TTGmice

April 1, 2025

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IMEX Frankfurt education - 640 x 427 — Delegates at the education sessions

Brought to you by IMEX Frankfurt

Registration is now live for IMEX Frankfurt 2025, taking place from May 20 to 22. The 2025 edition of the show is set to bring the needs of today’s event professionals into sharp focus.

Rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the drive for sustainability are all set to shape the world this year with the resulting impact felt across the business events industry.

Through a series of improvements across customer service, event design and the education offering, IMEX Frankfurt has been reimagined to ensure event professionals have new skills, knowledge and contacts to respond to both global and regional changes.

One constant remains: delivering business value sits at the heart of the show, with IMEX continuing to invest in a new and dedicated customer service team and technology to ensure a friction-free and time efficient experience from start to finish.

The show brings buyers face-to-face with a broad range of international suppliers, and is designed to make meeting new destinations, new venues and new partners both straightforward and fun.

Impact-driven

The driving force behind much of the show’s experiential content is the new Talking Point for 2025: Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future. This has been developed to address the current global climate and with a firm focus on taking positive action and using events to make real, lasting change happen.

A dedicated education track, plus many of the show’s activations, have all been designed to galvanise event professionals into taking positive action. Impact is one of nine learning tracks forming part of a revamped education program of 150+ sessions.

This includes new – and very current – areas of focus such as Design Matters as well as Leadership and Culture (where the speakers are shining examples of extreme leadership – expect more details soon). All learning tracks focus on sharing insights that are meaningful, applicable, ROI-driven and often surprising.

“Live experiences hold significant currency in 2025. When everything can be clicked, streamed or viewed online, it’s the real-life moments that many people crave. IRL (in real life) experiences are not only an important way to establish trust and nourish our need for social connection, but they enable us to immerse ourselves in a community of common interests,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

“The latest iteration of our show has been shaped by our fundamental human needs and will help event professionals to deliver more positive business impact, build powerful global relationships and – let’s not forget – have fun!”

Registration for the event is now open. IMEX Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from May 20 to 22, 2025. More details about the show’s learning programme, including dedicated education for association and corporate planners, can be found at IMEX Frankfurt.

Inbound business travel to China gains momentum as visa restrictions ease

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 31, 2025

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China_immigration-2557170065_640 — Immigration at Beijing Daxing International Airport

China’s inbound corporate travel market is showing strong recovery, largely thanks to the Chinese government’s recent visa-exemption policies, which have made it easier for corporate travellers to enter the country.

Calvin Xie, general manager Greater China, FCM Travel, observed that “more companies are considering China as a MICE destination thanks to the (30-day) visa-exemption policy, which now covers 38 countries (such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan) since 2024”.

Immigration at Beijing Daxing International Airport

Flight Centre Travel Group has chosen to hold its ANZ leadership conference in Shanghai in October 2024. It flew 170 senior leaders from Australia and New Zealand into the city.

In addition to the visa exemption policy for 38 countries, the Chinese government also rolled out a 240-hour visa-free transit policy that covers 54 countries – such as Canada and UK – since December 2024.

Jonathan Kao, managing director North Asia, BCD Travel, agreed there has been a “notable resurgence in business-related travel”.

He said: “The extended visa-free arrangements and simplified application procedures, though not specifically tailored for corporate travel, are extremely beneficial for business travellers.”

As last-minute business trips are “quite common”, simplified visa processes and visa-free policies mean employees can easily arrange trips to China without the previous “complex and time-consuming” procedures, Kao noted.

BCD Travel has seen an uptick in enquiries and bookings to major economic hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, while Japan and South Korea are significant Asian sources of inbound corporate travel to China. From Europe, Germany and the UK are key markets. German companies, especially those in the automotive and industrial machinery sectors, as well as UK-based financial institutions and technology firms, contribute substantially to corporate travel volume.

At FCM Travel, high-technology and financial sectors do well, Xie pointed out.

Martin Go, growth manager, TruTrip, has seen an uptick in business travel from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand to China, with travellers representing various sectors such as semiconductor, professional services, insurtech, and distribution and engineering.

Xie said the overseas expansion of Chinese companies is driving stronger outbound corporate travel from China than inbound.

“However, as inbound leisure travel keeps stimulating the economic recovery of China, it will potentially drive up corporate travel volume into China at a later stage in 2025,” he added.

TMC representatives say business travel to China comes with its challenges.

Xie opined that the relatively high cost of travel within China’s major Tier One cities, as compared to South-east Asia, persistent cultural and language differences, and varying payment systems continue to create obstacles for international business travellers.

Kao warned of “tough competition” from other destinations around the world.

“Countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and some European cities also offer attractive business environments, with their own set of incentives and advantages. China needs to continuously highlight its unique selling points, such as its large domestic market, advanced technological capabilities, and rich talent pool, to differentiate itself from competitors,” he elaborated.

PCMA and BEIA form alliance to boost business events in APAC

By TTGmice

March 31, 2025

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Florence-Chua+Lisa-Hopkins_640 — From left: PCMA's Florence Chua; and BEIA's Lisa Hopkins

PCMA and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) have signed a two-year strategic alliance, further strengthening the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region’s collaboration for driving social and economic progress through business events.

The alliance covers cross-promotion of educational events and benefits to grow brand presence and event participation. PCMA and BEIA will also collaborate on research allowing for greater knowledge of the scale and value of business events throughout the APAC region.

From left: PCMA’s Florence Chua; and BEIA’s Lisa Hopkins

“PCMA remains focused and committed to the advancement of the global business events industry, and the professional development and connectivity of those throughout the APAC community,” says Florence Chua, PCMA’s managing director, APAC. “This important alliance provides a platform for collective growth – to deliver the knowledge, resources, and networks essential for growth and collaboration in the region.”

BEIA’s chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, pointed out the agreement with PCMA signals major benefits for BEIA members and the wider industry.

“BEIA members will now have access to PCMA’s exceptional education content and resources to foster their development. This will include working together to develop education sessions at each of the PCMA APAC and BEIA conferences. We will also collaborate for PCMA Convening Leaders, and offer free educational webinars for BEIA members,” Hopkins elaborated.

PCMA will participate in MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland. Come 2026, MEETINGS will expand its education focus with PCMA’s involvement.

PCMA and BEIA will also look to form a PCMA x BEIA Circle to curate New Zealand-based corporate event organisers into an exclusive micro-community for peer-sharing experiences.

AI integration, sustainability to power the future of business events

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 31, 2025

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conference_640 — AI and sustainability will shape how events are planned, executed, and perceived

The global business events industry is being driven by AI and an unwavering focus on sustainability, say speakers on The Future of MICE: Key Trends to Watch webinar last Thursday.

Naina Vishnoi, senior regional sales director at Cvent, projected a robust future for the sector, anticipating that the global business events market will reach US$1.9 trillion by 2028. This growth will be intrinsically linked to technological advancements, and in particular, AI.

AI and sustainability will shape how events are planned, executed, and perceived

“Recent insights from Cvent’s largest planner sourcing report indicate that 86 per cent of planners anticipate increased use of AI tools during the venue sourcing process,” she elaborated.

Vishnoi shared that Cvent has been actively investing in AI, with a dedicated team of 200 people, and the launch of over 20 new AI innovations on its platform to date. These AI innovations range from fresh content creation and data analysis, to smarter scheduling and venue search, all of which aim to alleviate time-consuming administrative tasks to “make planners’ life easier”, and free them up for other tasks.

She also touched on how sustainability is an “essential criterion for success and longevity” in the events industry, as it is “a crucial measure that planners consider when deciding whether to submit RFPs to a venue over others”.

Hotels can contribute to the sustainability movement by implementing energy efficient technologies, recycling programmes, sourcing locally, obtaining green certifications, and listing themselves as being sustainable on the Cvent network, Vishnoi noted.

Fellow speaker, Pavnesh Kumar, director of project management, PATA, acknowledged the value of AI usage in the business events industry, but emphasised the need for planner to “understand attendee behaviour”.

“We can automate certain things, we can streamline the processes. We can make it possible that the user has the least amount of friction or resistance with the ability to utilise the maximum that a venue has to offer, whether it’s about having AI enabled translation tools or summary tools or navigation tools – everything should work towards one goal, which is to elevate (a delegate’s) experience,” he elaborated.

Kumar also encouraged planners to continuously measure and report sustainability efforts, as it is essential for optimising resource usage and achieving sustainability goals.

AIME 2025 delivers A$400 million boost for APAC events

By TTGmice

March 31, 2025

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The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025 has concluded with resounding success, where the event is projected to inject a massive A$400 million (US$252 million) into the Asia Pacific business events industry within the next year.

An independent analysis following the event revealed that this figure marks a substantial 21 per cent increase compared to the business generated at AIME 2024.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from February 10-12, AIME 2025 saw participation from over 675 exhibiting organisations, 640 hosted buyers, and more than 4,500 attendees from around the world.

The stellar performance of AIME 2025, the largest iteration ever managed by Talk2 Media & Events on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau since 2019, has secured the company’s continued management of the event through to AIME 2028.

Event director Silke Calder shared that looking ahead, demand for AIME 2026 was “already strong”.

“Exhibitors and buyers continue to see the unparalleled opportunities for business development, networking and learning that AIME provides. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to shape the future of business events in the Asia Pacific region in the years ahead.”

AIME 2026 is scheduled to take place once again at the MCEC from February 9-11, 2026.

The Calile Hotel serves up a fresh new event menu

By TTGmice

March 31, 2025

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Callie-Hotel_640 — The new conferencing and events menu at The Calile Hotel promises a fresh, flavourful, and sustainably conscious dining experience

The Calile Hotel in Queensland, Australia, is raising the bar for conferencing and event dining with the launch of a new menu crafted by executive chef Mark Godbeer.

Continuing his philosophy of celebrating local produce and time-honoured techniques, the menu emphasises seasonal flavours and sustainable practices, deeply connected to the hotel’s own rooftop kitchen-garden and apiary.

The new conferencing and events menu at The Calile Hotel promises a fresh, flavourful, and sustainably conscious dining experience

New additions like tamarind-glazed beef short rib with rooftop herbs and coconut vinegar offer exciting flavours, while popular dishes such as lamb shoulder with yogurt, harissa, spring pea, and mint will see seasonal adaptations to ensure the freshest ingredients are always featured.

Godbeer explained: “Our new menu leans heavily on fresh and flavourful, we only seek that which is local and in season. This menu is designed to incorporate as many of the rooftop garden ingredients on the plate – which means bearing in mind the capacity of natural production and utilising techniques which are designed to bring all the natural flavours to the forefront.

“Having developed and run sustainable kitchens has allowed me to fill my repertoire with out-of-the-ordinary recipes and techniques to extract or emphasise all the parts of all our ingredients.

A long-time advocate for local and small-batch producers, Godbeer has built the menu around the rooftop harvests and a strong network of trusted Queensland growers committed to sustainability.

“Almost all our suppliers are local, or locally sourced. We will keep within the Queensland borders as much as possible, where it makes sense,” he said.

MEA ceases operations after 50 years

By TTGmice

March 28, 2025

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MEA-640 — Funding and sponsorship has waned over the years resulting in its closure

Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) has announced it will cease operations after entering voluntary administration on March 27, 2025.

The news, originally reported by Australian industry media, marks a significant moment for the industry as MEA was set to celebrate its 50^th anniversary this year. The annual MEA National Conference that was to be held in June 2025 in Sydney has also been cancelled.

Funding and sponsorship has waned over the years resulting in its closure

MEA chair Vanessa Green stated that MEA has been unable to secure the necessary cash sponsorship to maintain its activities.

Historically, MEA relied on the generous support of sponsors and government partners to keep membership accessible. However, in recent years, funding and sponsorship from state and federal government agencies and bureaus have been withdrawn.

Simultaneously, MEA’s core base of small to medium-sized enterprises, and corporate members, have faced tighter financial margins, making it difficult for them to bridge the funding gap.

Green also highlighted that MEA’s financial struggles reflect broader challenges within the events sector, including rising operational costs and reduced external support.

The emergence of new industry bodies, such as the Australian Business Events Association, has also contributed to a redirection of funding from traditional supporters, including convention centres and government agencies.

Despite its impending closure, Green emphasised the legacy of MEA over the past 50 years, where the organisation has helped shape the careers of many professionals, delivered nationally-recognised education, and championed excellence through mentoring programmes, awards, and industry events.

The 2025 MEA Awards will proceed as planned.

Tanya Popeau to lead global sustainability at PCMA

By TTGmice

March 28, 2025

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Tanya Popeau has joined PCMA as head of global sustainability.

Popeau joins PCMA after 10 years of collaborating with global corporations, non-profits, and government agencies, including the United Nations, to develop and implement sustainable and innovative solutions.

In this role, Popeau will work to evolve PCMA’s global sustainability strategy, manage strategic partnerships, lead the Convene4Climate initiative and develop a comprehensive sustainability course for the global business events community.

Marriott Bonvoy partners with Kai Tak Sports Park

By TTGmice

March 28, 2025

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Marriott-founding-hotel-partner-Kai-Tak_640 — Kai Tak Sports Park is poised to be the premier destination for major international entertainment, culture and sports events in Hong Kong

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel loyalty programme, has agreed to a multi-year agreement with Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP).

As the exclusive Founding Hotel Partner, Marriott Bonvoy will be collaborating with KTSP to promote the development of sports, culture and tourism in Hong Kong, helping to showcase the city’s world-class sports, culture and entertainment events to a global audience.

Kai Tak Sports Park is poised to be the premier destination for major international entertainment, culture and sports events in Hong Kong

“We are excited to partner with Kai Tak Sports Park to offer guests and members once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Hong Kong’s latest hub for culture, entertainment and sports,” said Betty Tian, managing vice president, customer, Greater China, Marriott International.

“Marriott Bonvoy strives to inspire how people want to live their lives and travel. We look forward to working with KTSP to support Hong Kong’s vibrant events scene, and amplify its success on the world stage,” she added.

With this partnership, members and guests can now discover an array of immersive and inspiring experiences in the city through the Marriott Bonvoy Moment platform.

Thai hospitality meets Laotian charm

IMEX Frankfurt taps into business needs of 2025

Inbound business travel to China gains momentum as visa restrictions ease

PCMA and BEIA form alliance to boost business events in APAC

AI integration, sustainability to power the future of business events

AIME 2025 delivers A$400 million boost for APAC events

The Calile Hotel serves up a fresh new event menu

MEA ceases operations after 50 years

Tanya Popeau to lead global sustainability at PCMA

Marriott Bonvoy partners with Kai Tak Sports Park

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