ASIA EVOLVED. SO DID WE.
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MICENET ASIA IS NOW
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EL KWANG PUBLISHER MANAGING DIRECTOR el@bizeventsasia.com
KRISTIE THONG EDITOR kristie@bizeventsasia.com
GINA SIN SENIOR WRITER gina@bizeventsasia.com
Biz Events Asia is published by Business & Tourism Publishing Asia Pte Ltd 51A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089008 Tel: +65 6337 8781 Fax: +65 6337 9060 Email: hello@bizeventsasia.com Website: bizeventasia.com
PUBLISHER/ MANAGING DIRECTOR El Kwang el@bizeventsasia.com DIRECTOR Geoff Batt-Rawden geoff@bizeventsasia.com
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EDITOR Kristie Thong kristie@bizeventsasia.com
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION PIXO fanix@pixosolutions.com
SENIOR WRITER Gina Sin gina@bizeventsasia.com
OFFICE MANAGER Rev Karunakaran rev@bizeventsasia.com
CONTRIBUTORS
CHINESE CONSULTANT KH Tok
SENIOR WRITER Claire Algarme claire@bizeventsasia.com
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APR 2015
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
As Mahatma Gandhi once said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
to piggyback the popularity of first-tier cities such as Shanghai to boost its profile. Read the cover story on page 16.
We’re blessed to be part of a dynamic industry where social interactions and connections are the reasons for our existence, and where we can learn from our peers and also seek guidance from the veterans, who are themselves seeking new ways of improvement.
In our #TalentAndMentor section, a young but established events professional talks about what it means to be a mentee and why a mentor-mentee relationship is a two-way street. “Your mentor is not there to give you answers but to provide an objective view, feedback (at times constructive), and guidance through their own experiences,” writes Ashleigh Taylor. Read more on page 30.
This Event Management and Case Study Issue is about industry excellence and learning. We look at what quality event management means, the importance of staying on top of latest trends, and the crucial role partnerships play. We then move into a series of case studies, contributed by event organisers across Asia Pacific. We have labelled all the case studies throughout the issue, and would love to know which ones are your favourite and are the ones you truly believe are industry examples of quality. On the cover we have Hangzhou, a scenic destination in China that no longer needs
Gareth Gallagher, an event planners with over 16 years of international experience, talks about the importance of cultural understanding on page 32. The #DelveInto section this month covers China, Vietnam, Malaysia and South Korea – some case studies have made it into this section as we felt the event organisers have aptly shown how successful events could be run in these destinations. We hope you enjoy the issue.
Biz Events Asia, the only Asia-based media for ibtm america
Biz Events Asia is the official media partner and member of:
Our cover image is courtesy of Hangzhou Tourism Commission. Read abut Hangzhou as a thriving business events destination on pages 16-17.
SALES & MARKETING SINGAPORE OffICE Michelle Lim michelle@bizeventsasia.com Charline Wong charline@bizeventsasia.com THAILAND OffICE Santhiti Arunsit Email: santhiti@bizeventsasia.com Tel: +66 81 422 4997
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES CHINA: Mary Yao Email: mary@mhichina.com Tel: +86 10 6551 5663 ext 8008 DUBAI: Lenora Bennis Email: lenora@themediavantage.com Tel: +971 52 846 6212 SOUTH KOREA: Alexander Paik Email: apcomm@naver.com Tel: +82 10 5042 1337
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CHINA
117th China Import and Export Fair 2015 Guangzhou | April 2015
HONG KONG
Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair May 2015 | 9,600 pax
MACAU
The 8th Macau International Real Estate Fair (spring) 2015 April 2015
MALAYSIA
SEMICON Southeast Asia 2015 Pulau Pinang April 2015 | 6,500 pax
SINGAPORE
Forever Living Global Rally 2015 April 2015
COVER STORY The picturesque city of Hangzhou has stepped out of its “back garden” status and transformed into a strong standalone business events destination. 16
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
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Janet Tan-Collis President | SACEOS CEO | East West Planners
Damion Breust Director – Head of Event Marketing Asia Pacific | Barclays
Selina Chavry Regional Director – Singapore & Malaysia | Pacific World
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SOUTH KOREA
20th Cardiovascular Summit – TCTAP 2015 Seoul, April 2015 | 3,700 pax
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ISSUE
JAPAN
2015 the International Colour Association Midterm Meeting Tokyo | May 2015
6 #SoundBites 10 #TakingTheLead 12 #WebSpace
14 #FreshIdeas
18 #TheEventManagementAndCaseStudyIssue
36 #DelveInto China Tracking China’s hospitality growth spurt
42 #DelveInto Malaysia
Dedicated to trends and excellence in business events
Looking beyond Kuala Lumpur
29 #TalentAndMentor
Play to the strengths of this destination and go local
46 #DelveInto Vietnam Are you doing your part as a mentee?
32 #Knowledge Be culturally aware
34 #Knowledge 10 things that can go wrong in business events
50 #DelveInto South Korea A search for experiences beyond Seoul
AUSTRALIA
54 #LegalMind
Australia’s Nature Coast Roadshow Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne April 2015
Protect your ideas during a pitch
56 #SoulSearching Some things only panning for gold and Victorian-styled living can give you
Daniel Chua Managing Director AONIA MICE
Andrew Chan CEO | ACI HR Solutions
Ho Yoke Ping General Manager Business Events Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)
Deanna Varga Director Deanna Varga Consultancy
Max Jantasuwan Group Managing Director Events Travel Asia
Sumate Sudasna President | Thailand Convention & Exhibition Association (TICA) MD | CDM Thailand
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CHINA Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in Hainan Island is Park Hyatt’s first beach resort project in China. This development comprises six standalone arch-shaped buildings designed on the fengshui belief to allow chi to flow unhindered between ocean and mountains. The property’s 207 rooms and villas spread across 70,000 sq m of luxurious private space and offers eight residential-style venues ranging from 42 sq m to 335 sq m for all types of events.
THAILAND New World Grand Rama 9 Bangkok Hotel has been scheduled to open mid-2017, the latest addition to New World Hotels & Resorts’ existing portfolio of properties in China, Vietnam and the Philippines. The 285-room hotel is part of a mixed-use development that comprises eight new residential towers; grade A office space including Unilever’s Asia-Pacific headquarters; a 3,000 sq m convention centre; and The Shoppes Grand Rama 9 complex that’s directly linked to the BTS concourse.
MALAYSIA The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has launched a Professional Development Grant aimed at growing the next generation of local meetings industry leaders, providing three young local association executives the opportunity to attend the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress 2016 held in Kuching, Sarawak. Objectives: professionals management and bidding process 6
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VIETNAM Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (Vietjet) plans to increase the frequency of its international route from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City from May 30, 2015 to meet growing demands for low-cost air travel. New routes will provide 5,040 seats per week and two round trips per day. Schedules: and 6.00pm (local time) Minh City: 8.55am and 2.00pm (local time)
UNITED STATES A number of major regional companies has been confirmed as hosted buyers for the upcoming ibtm america trade show taking place in Chicago this June. Biz Events Asia will be the only Asiabased trade media at the trade show held at McCormick Place from June 9-11, 2015.
AUSTRALIA Adelaide Convention Centre launched its West Building last month with a week long programme of business, stage of its multi-million dollar expansion, its ballroom can cater for 600-pax gala dinners and meetings, and conferences of up to 1,000. New Halls (LMNO) provide a multi-functional space that can be divided into six different configurations, and house Australia’s largest retractable lighting grids to allow for customisable ceiling heights. Second stage of the redevelopment – East Building – will have a plenary capacity of up to 3,500 seats, which is set to be completed by mid-2017.
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NUMBERS: 1,000
have signed up for the Bachelor of Hospitality Business with Honours programme, launched
Group sizes from business event leads
50-700 pax
Bureau’s March roadshow in Singapore
Preferred Hotel Group is now Preferred Hotels & Resorts A meeting planner loyalty programme is undergoing a Beta testing in North America with iPrefer, the company’s pointbased guest loyalty programme.
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# SACEOS BOOSTS PARTNERSHIPS 2015 has started off strong for the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), which has entered into a series of partnerships to boost its position in the industry. This includes signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a local polytechnic to attract and retain talent in the hospitality and tourism industry, promote manpower training and capability development, as well as build a stronger link between students and the industry. A list of initiatives will be implemented as part of this partnership. SACEOS also went into an agreement with Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) to enhance mutual support between the two countries. Benefits from this collaboration include maximising industry networking opportunities, cross-promoting products and services, member rates on attending each other’s events for a maximum period of three calendar years, as well as the exchange of market intelligence, among others. SACEOS has renewed its partnership with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) to continue to expand their CMP training in the region and offer additional education opportunities and resources for business event professionals.
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PACIFIC WORLD HIGHLIGHTS POPULAR EVENTS DESTINATIONS Pacific World has released its latest Destination Index Special Report, indicating South Korea, Indonesia and Hong Kong as the most popular meetings and events destinations in Asia for 2014. South Korea managed to overcome North Korea’s threat-related issues from the previous years with creative and well-executed promotional campaigns, as well as improved visa facilities which impacted the overall inbound MICE business. After years
of heightened security measures put in place by the police and local people since the terrorist attack in 2005, Bali is finally being perceived as a safe destination, attracting the greatest amount of business events in Indonesia. Hong Kong has seen an increase in clients looking for suppliers offering guarantees in the areas of Corporate Governance and Compliance despite its political situation. The tax-free system and visa exemption for almost all visitors have also been key factors in contributing towards the success of business events in Hong Kong.
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FROM THE BUREAUX
MALAYSIA
NEW ZEALAND The combination of Chinese New Year and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has seen arrivals in February this year up by 14 percent compared to the same period last year. For the first time ever according to Statistics New Zealand, total arrivals for the year ending February has reached above 2.9 million, with Chinese holiday arrivals up over 100 percent. Growth for the month was bolstered by the Cricket World Cup which kicked off the same month, a major sporting event that targets key markets such as Australia, India and the UK. Other emerging inbound markets include Singapore (up 9.2 percent), Japan (up 11.6 percent) and Korea (up 12.2 percent).
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has introduced an online venue directory for meeting and event planners looking to host their events in Malaysia. This venue directory provides a detailed guide to a large variety of venues available across the country. It will also provide a complete profile of each venue, including a description of the space, floor plans, accessibility, amenities, photos, and contact information. Meeting and event planners will be able to search for venues by the type of venue space, location, and event category. To find out more about the venue directory, visit venue.myceb.com.my.
ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi will be hosting the World Islamic Travel Summit (WITS15), the largest Halal travel event, in the fourth quarter of 2015. The inaugural conference and exhibition will cover two halls of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 19-21, 2015. It will bring together international specialists, projects, suppliers and policy makers, and will include an exhibition with over 200 participants and a 1,000-delegate conference comprising keynote sessions, panel discussions, a Ministerial debate, and 150 presentations from 70 international speakers. WITS15 has been brought to the United Arab Emirates by organiser Cacti Events with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – the business events promotional arm of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
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# Dreamtime 2015 goes to Adelaide Buyers will come from Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, USA and the United Kingdom
Biz Events Asia recently made a boo-boo with our dedicated email blasts, attracting over 20 comments from our readers telling us we are “formerly” and not “formally” micenet ASIA. We thank our avid readers and at the same time are overjoyed that the branding did stick.
Spotted on LINKEDIN
Marco Polo launches first hotel in Manila It sits in the growing commercial district of Ortigas with a 600-pax ballroom
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APR 2015
What you missed online on WWW.BIZEVENTSASIA.COM
New GM at Anantara Rasanada Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa He was most recently hotel manager and general manager at Capella Hotels in Singapore, China and the US
ibtm america attracts strong hosted buyer line-up Biz Events Asia will be the only Asia-based media at the show
79%
read Biz Events Asia’s March issue on ISSUU on their desktops
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# ALL IT CAN CONTAIN
Jim Girgis
THE WAY OF KARTON Cardboard is used more commonly in our daily lives than we realise. It so appears that it may also be used for tradeshows and corporate events – with astonishing results. KARTON, an Australia-based company, urges you to forget everything you think you know about cardboard. It offers lightweight but durable cardboard furniture that can be assembled easily without tools, which makes for effortless bump-in and bump-out at events. KARTON’s latest flux products are made from recyclable polypropylene and can be compressed to as little as three percent of the set-up volume.
When operations manager of Steel Spec Global Mark Rowston was serving the Australian army, he learnt to survive in extreme environments with limited resources. These soldiers found themselves building medical centres, accommodation, and kitchens or toilets – entirely out of shipping containers. Rowston then started to implement this knowledge into building his first container bar at home, which also opened his eyes to the opportunities in the mobile events space with containers. Today, Rowston is the brain child of the designs at Steel Spec Global, which provides customisable shipping container construction as an option for events. Shipping containers are mobile, robust and resilient, weather-proof and require minimal set-up, eliminating many issues in outdoor events. General manager Jim Girgis says that pretty much anything can be built from a shipping container, leaving much room for event planners to flex their creative muscles. A major plus? Air-conditioning is also available for the hotter, more humid weather conditions in Asia.
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JotItDown
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ANGSANA LANG CO
More than meets the eye
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Central Vietnam touts of its seemingly endless coastline, a rich history and a gem of a venue for the discerning event planner.
estled at the foothills of “Truong Son” mountains in Central Vietnam and surrounded by a breathtaking stretch of sandy beach along a crescent bay is Angsana Lang Co, Central Vietnam – an idyllic place conducive for meetings and corporate retreats. With such natural beauty of the turquoise sea and the tranquil view of the mountain range, guests can refresh their minds and kindle their creative ideas. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are nearby – the charming old town of Hoi An, imperial city of Hue and My Son’s Cham Kingdom of Sanctuaries; historical places that give inspiration from an enriching past.
EVENTS AS THEY SHOULD BE Angsana Lang Co, Central Vietnam understands the variety of tasks that every event planner needs to be on top of. The resort helps lighten some of the organisers’ responsibility through its own group of dedicated event planners who help manage every detail that makes for a successful corporate workshop, conference or summit. From pre-arrival
arrangement to post-meeting recreation, event planners and organisers can experience a seamless progression in their given itinerary – convenience and efficiency that delegates will appreciate and remember. There are 229 rooms and suites equipped with their own private pool and six meeting venues that can accommodate up to 400 people – desirable facilities that offer a combination of a relaxing respite and functional spaces to spark the brightest ideas and enhance delegates’ camaraderie. Adding delight to golf aficionado guests is the Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole Laguna Lang Co championship golf course that combines a challenging course with the rustic charm of scenic rice fields and bubbling streams.
TWO’S ON US Whether a fun-filled team-building, serious brainstorming or a private organic cooking class is the order of the day, Angsana Lang Co, Central Vietnam has put together packages that event planners can customise to suit their needs. Booking any of the event packages and holding an event at the
resort by March 31, 2016 have their rewards. Event organisers can choose two benefits that include two complimentary rooms or upgrades, complimentary group return airport transfers and more for a minimum of 20 rooms booked for at least two nights, including a meeting or gala dinner. For a minimum of 20 rooms booked for three nights or more, event organisers can choose two additional benefits that include a twohour Vietnamese-themed welcome cocktail party on the resort’s private beach or a complimentary CSR activity in Hue or Hoi An. As part of the reward programme, event organisers can enjoy a complimentary two-night accommodation certificate, which includes daily breakfast and a 90-minute spa treatment for two guests during their stay. Beyond a scenic venue, thoughtful event packages and a meeting space that inspires both mind and spirit, is a reward scheme from Angsana Lang Co, Central Vietnam that every hardworking event planner deserves.
For more information, visit www.angsana.com or email reservations-langco@angsana.com
Wedding set-up at Angsana Lang Co, Central Vietnam
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#CoverStory
NATURE TAKES ITS PLACE THE COMMENDABLE EFFORTS OF THE TOURISM COMMISSION HAVE BROUGHT THE PICTURESQUE CITY OF HANGZHOU OUT OF ITS “BACK GARDEN” STATUS AND INTO A STRONG STANDALONE BUSINESS EVENTS DESTINATION.
WORDS: KRISTIE THONG
Over the years, Hangzhou has become more accessible to the rest of the world. Connected via a 40-minute high-speed bullet train from Shanghai, it now enjoys direct flights to and from countries such as Germany, France, Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Yet Hangzhou’s reputation as a destination with picturesque landscapes and iconic natural sites has long been a natural hook even before it gained popularity as a standalone business events destination. With the West Lake Culture Landscape and other nature sites such as Qiantang River or Xixi Wetland, it has been popular as a preor post-show destination, especially with events held in Shanghai. Newer spots such as Xiang Lake, located close to Xiaoshan International Airport, and Qiandao Lake have boosted the city’s preposition for MICE visitors. The capital and largest city in Zhejiang Province of eastern China is already the third top Chinese destination for meetings, according to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings. It has secured a steady line of other noteworthy events, such as the 2012 World Green Roof Congress, the 56th International Les Clefs d’Or Annual Conference, and the 5th International Conference on Management of Travel Destinations – with its business events portfolio continuing to grow year on year. What’s helping boost the profile of Hangzhou as a MICE destination is the strong efforts of the tourism commission. Where mere numbers were once the priority to increase the
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number of leisure visitors to Hangzhou, the commission saw the significant contribution that business events have on a destination. Business Events Hangzhou from the Hangzhou Tourism Commission took the lead in establishing the Hangzhou MICE Association, which today consists of over 100 service providers including hotels, convention and meeting venues, travel agencies, airlines, transportation companies, caterers and more. The Hangzhou MICE Association is positioned as a one-stop shop for international groups, and has been united in its focus to attract more business events.
The city is also aggressive in its efforts to reach out in the global marketplace, taking part in industry trade shows such as AIME in Melbourne, CIBTM in Beijing, and IMEX in Frankfurt, while letting the destination speak for itself through familiarisation trips organised for event buyers.
FITTING BUSINESS PREPOSITION Hangzhou’s major strides forward are supported by ready infrastructure. The city has in excess of 30,000 guest rooms, many of which have the capacity to host
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business events. Home to international upmarket brands such as Shangri-La, Sheraton, Banyan Tree, Four Seasons and Aman Resorts, many luxury hotels are situated around the UNESCO Heritage Site West Lake, on the banks of the Qiantang River, or near the Xixi Wetland.
West Lake, Hangzhou
The deceptively leisure-sounding Taixuhu Holiday Hotel has 526 rooms as well as a 3,042-sq m Golden Hall and 20 meeting rooms, and was in fact the host hotel for the 2012 World Green Roof Congress. The InterContinental Hangzhou – arguably the most iconic building in the city – was constructed to mimic a rising sun with a majestic round structure and golden hues. Impressive looks aside, the hotel is part of an integrated complex that comprises the Hangzhou International Conference Centre, a shopping mall and a theatre. Located between the West Lake and central business district is The Dragon, which boasts the world’s first intelligent meetings management system and a whole set of intelligent features for a wholesome accommodation experience. Offering 598 guest rooms, it also has meeting and banqueting facilities spanning 2,500 sq m, including two 1,200-sq m ballrooms. Larger-scale events can turn to venues such as Hangzhou International Conference Center and Zhejiang People’s Great Hall. The Hangzhou International Conference Center has a total of 26 meeting rooms, two auditoriums, as well as a large pillarless ballroom that can take up to 1,250 guests. Zhejiang People’s Great Hall comprises six types of spaces with the main conference hall capable of seating up to 2,000 guests theatre style. Located near the West Lake, it has been used for major performances and conferences since its launch in December 2002.
Global Hall at InterContinental Hangzhou
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#TheEventManagementAndCaseStudyIssue
THE EVENT MANAGEMENT AND CASE STUDY ISSUE BIZ EVENTS ASIA DEDICATES APRIL TO EVENT MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AND SHOWS HOW SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES ARE A RESULT OF STRONG PARTNERSHIPS AND PASSION. WORDS: KRISTIE THONG
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The world of event management involves different levels of partnerships with varying levels of investment. Corporate companies will most often work with trusted partners that can pinpoint the exact issues and are able to execute their events in the most effective way. These partners, involving all areas of event management such as budget concerns, timelines, suppliers, venues and entertainment, go hand in hand to ensure the client’s objectives are met. Quality event management can mean anything from meeting budget restrictions and adhering to timelines to an attention for detail with excellent customer service. Similarly, quality event management may mean, to some, a perfect execution that embodies the commonly uttered “wow” factor experience without forgetting the importance of risk management. With the business events industry always evolving and as Asia gradually rises to the ranks of global mature markets, the interpretation of quality in event management also shifts with changing times. Exhibitions, for example, used to be a vehicle for sales and product presentations but have now evolved into a platform where physical communities are created. Organisers today have to focus on opportunities for networking while connecting to the latest technological and social trends. With more Generation Y professionals entering the business events industry, expectations are starting to change,
a trend report by European event organiser Amsterdam RAI indicates. While Generation X and baby boomer exhibition attendees put trust as a priority and want to know exactly what they are paying for and what will be received in return, Generation Y expects a real experience and wish to be actively involved every step of the event. Conferences or corporate meetings are gradually dropping the “attendee” term and turning delegates into participants – a need for innovative event formats that garner audience response. According to the Carlson Wagonlit Meetings & Events 2015 forecast, hybrid events, where live and virtual elements are mixed to reach a wider audience, are expected to rise this year. Projection mapping and interactive videos are predicted to become more popular in Singapore, while in the same forecast North Asia markets such as Hong Kong, China and Taiwan will increasingly use virtual elements to save costs. Incentive travel programmes continue to look for the best ideas and hottest destinations that would appeal to their high achieving guests, and it is the job of the event manager to ensure memorable experiences exceed expectations but stay within budgets. Trends can come and go. What’s always going to be more important is the ability to meaningfully engage participants, and also extending the event legacy by continuing to engage long after an event is over.
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EVENT ORGANISERS SAY… ANNETTE WOOD & GEM TAY The StarGazers Apxara Travel & Events
There is a science to planning an event. Sure, every event entails the usual details that we manage on a daily basis. Still, it’s not simply about executing the details requested by our clients, it’s about designing an event SPECIFICALLY for your audience. Every event deserves equal attention to detail, be it small or big, and we try to avoid a “copy & paste” event. How we achieve a “quality” event is first and foremost by understanding who our audience is and what excites them. Our passion for drama drives us to design events that startle, provoke and influence our audience. There is a quote that we hold true to our hearts, derived from Maya Angelou – “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is what we strive for – an extraordinary event that we will be remembered for.
Read about Annette and Gem’s event on page 47. Share with us your thoughts on what you think quality event management is all about by contacting the editor at kristie@bizeventsasia.com
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DARREN KERR Founding Partner & Executive Director FACTOR 168 Creative Event Company
SHELLY PAGE Event Manager based in Dubai
A quality event management partner ensures the event solutions are inspiring and yet pragmatically tempered so as to ensure that the design and execution of the experience is engaging, attractive, that it addresses the business objectives driving the exercise, that it is well resourced and curated, that it is on-brand, on-budget, and memorably on-message.
Quality event management means working with an event partner that has the experience, credentials, can anticipate and negate problems, has strong relationships and connections to select the relevant partners to work with and that the client is confident will deliver on expectation, time and budget.
Quality very rarely equates to the cheapest nor to a jack-of-alltrades and master-of-none style of organisational offering. Instead, quality can best be sourced from specialist practitioners who are best in class. Quality is never regretted. This is the same within the world of event management.
When event partners run events overseas and ensure that communication is clear, consistent, understood and open throughout the planning stages and on site – this is the fundamental stage of organising any event anywhere in the world. They act as an advisor and consultant on the best options for the event and there is mutual respect between all parties involved in the event.
Read about Darren’s event on page 24.
Read about Shelly’s event on page 38.
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#TheEventManagementAndCaseStudyIssue
CASE STUDY #1
BRISBANE RISES TO THE OCCASION HOSTING THE EMINENT G20 LEADERS’ SUMMIT WAS BRISBANE’S OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME – AND IT ROSE TO THE OCCASION.
THE BRIEF Australia’s G20 presidency, which ran from December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014, gave the country an opportunity to influence the global economic agenda and strengthen engagement with the world’s major economies. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the very best Australia has to offer to a global audience. During the presidency, Australia led a series of preparatory meetings and events held across the country, including Hobart, Uluru, Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns. It culminated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane.
THE EXECUTION It took Brisbane Marketing two years of solid planning and preparation to gear Brisbane up for an event of such scale and international significance. Over 2,000 Brisbane tourism and hospitality workers, taxi drivers and official G20 volunteers completed Brisbane Marketing’s Brisbane Welcomes the World training programme, which encouraged participants to think about what makes Brisbane special and how they could best share it with visitors. Brisbane Marketing initiated The Brisbane Global Café, a first for a G20 city which provided a focal point for virtual discussions on key themes for the two days prior to the Leaders’ Summit. At the Global Café, 75 global technology pioneers, scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and new-world
The Facts Event name: G20 Leaders’ Summit Type of event: Summit Dates: November 15-16, 2014 No. of pax: >4,000 Destination: Brisbane, Australia Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery Organiser: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Budget: Undisclosed
Behind the scenes during Australian PM Tony Abbott’s press conference
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G20 Leaders’ Summit opening session in Brisbane
thinkers exchanged ideas on the deep issues that affect society. The G20 Leaders’ Summit saw more than 4,000 delegates, including some of the world’s most prominent VIPs and 3,000 media representatives convene at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. On top of meetings and discussions held at the centre, the summit included a cocktail reception held at the nearby Gallery of Modern Art, followed by dinner in the adjacent Queensland Art Gallery. With Australia’s renowned reputation for fresh and quality food and wine, the G20 Leaders’ Summit was the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of Brisbane’s culinary offering. Delegates had the chance to dine on the best local produce of Queensland during a highly anticipated Leaders’ Lunch event, which was all sourced specially and matched with the best Australian wines. Brisbane’s wider hospitality community also jumped on the opportunity to contribute to the G20 festivities, where the city’s top restaurants participated in the Global Flavours program by creating signature menus for the month leading up to the summit. “The G20 Leaders Summit and the Brisbane Global Cafe have given Brisbane incredible exposure across the
THUMBS UP! “The professionalism, competence and high standards ensured that the Leaders’ Summit was seamless and memorable from the time leaders and their delegations touched down in Brisbane to the time they departed. Along the way you helped showcase Australian business prowess and our capacity to host globally important events – a lasting legacy for our nation.” ELIZABETH KELLY Deputy Secretary Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Asia Pacific as a city that can seamlessly host major business events,” said Rob Nelson, general manager of Brisbane Convention Bureau.
THE LESSONS Security was paramount. Each delegation had their own requirements which the Taskforce, BCEC and security agencies needed to address. Essential to the security overlay was maintaining dignity of all those present ensuring a safe, secure and accessible venue. With every inch of the centre utilised for the G20, the sheer scale saw the BCEC team having a total of 186 meetings with G20 delegations, the G20 Taskforce, Queensland Police, and other key stakeholders. There were contingencies and redundancies for everything – from every item of AV equipment to additional generators. The Leaders area was run by generator power during the Summit with an additional back-up generator available for emergencies. Key
BCEC staff and contractors stayed on site for the entire event period. The volume of meals required for the summit saw more than 100 chefs working throughout the event and serving up in excess of 100,000 meals. Careful management was required to ensure that the fresh ingredients could be sourced locally, and that they could be brought into the centre at designated times to fit with event security measures. Last-minute changes to the agenda in line with global trends and security issues were common. The Taskforce integrated fully with the BCEC Team and kept open communications and dialogue to ensure changes and updates were handled and actioned as early as possible in the planning process. To ease traffic around the venue, there were two Park and Ride facilities, an on-line guide for transport and traffic changes, car-pooling for staff, as well as a 24-hour transport help desk.
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CASE STUDY #2
BORN A SUCCESS
IF YOU WERE WORKING ON AN EVENT FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, HOW WOULD YOU STRIVE TO MAKE IT THE BEST YEAR EVER?
THE BRIEF The Bali Born sales incentive series sought to recognise and reward high achievers for the past year’s triumphs, and to incentivise them towards going above and beyond in the coming year. A large part of it included having a highly personalised environment that would also acknowledge and reward partners, significant others, and acknowledge their contribution the overall success. Being the seventh year FACTOR168 has been involved in delivering experiences for the organisation, the creative event company was tasked with designing, creating and delivering on an engaging and unique experience that could not be readily replicated or experienced without personal participation in these invitational events.
THE EXECUTION The Bali Born concept was broken down into a series of interlocking events, titled Born to Vibe, Born & Ready, Born to Rockabilly, Born at Sunset, Born to
The Facts Event name: Bali Born Type of event: Sales incentive series Dates: April 4-10, 2014 No. of pax: <700 Destination: Bali, Indonesia Venue: Angsana Resort and Spa, Bali, The Villas at AYANA RESORT, Potato Head Beach Club Organiser: FACTOR168 Creative Event Company Budget: Undisclosed
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be Wild, and Born to Party. It involved multiple venues – a full buy-out of the Angsana Resort and Spa as well as a full buy-out of The Villas at AYANA RESORT located close by, and a first-ever full corporate buy-out of the renowned Potato Head Beach Club for the series’ destination concert experience. The programme allowed for plenty of downtime for guests and their partners to reconnect, involving a private dining concierge, couple spa treatments, personal tours and adventures. It was spruced with surprise highlights, such as a poolside performance by one of Bali’s foremost rockabilly bands and a late night club with an international jazz artist. There was an evening that involved a dine-around with groups attending a selection of Bali’s best restaurants. The key highlight of the incentive event was an invitation-only concert staged at Potato Head Beach Club. Involving a programme of thirds, artists painted to represent various iconic Bali vignettes vogued on stage to the beats of international DJs amid the warmth of the sunset. This then transformed into a classic white party, themed with a cast of 40 performers, white beanbags, frangipani petals in the waters, and tropical cocktails. Guests witnessed the island’s biggest balloon drop (over 4,000
THUMBS UP! Thank you for all your efforts, without which, all those who attended would not have felt rewarded and special. That’s the real achievement here. balloons) as well as a fireworks display staged from the ocean.
TIPS FROM THE ORGANISER
THE LESSONS Bali is still largely a FIT and leisure destination, despite having begun to enjoy a growing share of the business tourism trade and an oversupply of internationally branded hotels. While it is an ideal destination for tropical weddings, it faces issues such as: limited event specific infrastructure; a lack of vendor depth in terms of specialist services; a largely transient skill base; and a passive hospitality culture at ground level. Lengthy site inspections ensured design expectations and product process standards were well communicated while selecting the best suppliers and talent across the island. This hybrid model involved the assistance of experienced specialists and talent hired from outside of Bali, from Jakarta, Bandung, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Adelaide.
Revellers We learnt from previous events to always ensure there is a dedicated on-site bar (soundproof and ideally detached) for those who want to continue to celebrate. Noodilists No matter how fabulous a culinary experience is staged at an event, there will always be a collection of guests who won’t be truly content unless there is a noodle bar they can frequent before lights out. Ensure a noodle bar is available. Sports Should there be a major sporting event happening during the course of the event, opening a small window for die-hard fans to watch the game will bring satisfaction to the group.
Bali Born Site
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CASE STUDY #3
ON A ROLL
AN INCENTIVE ITINERARY IN NEW ZEALAND OFFERED A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES TO ACCOMMODATE A GROUP WITH DIVERSE INTERESTS. Haka dance
THE BRIEF This group of high achievers came from various parts of South East Asia, and were to take on an incentive trip that consisted of a bit of business and a lot of fun. “The requirement from the client was to have cultural elements, good food and wine, and varying levels of activities including adrenalin-charged and outdoor experiences that New Zealand is known for,” said Anna Black from General Travel, an Auckland-based destination management company. This cued an action-packed itinerary that included activities such as sheep shearing, cultural dances, and bungy jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
THE EXECUTION A rolling programme saw the delegates fly into Auckland on staggered itineraries. The entire group assembled at the SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre for a business seminar, and proceeded onto a fun 70s disco-themed gala dinner the following evening. Delegates then rotated across three modules showcasing the best of New Zealand’s nature and culture. Besides getting acquainted with the metropolitan side of Auckland’s central business district, delegates spent a day of sightseeing in Auckland – which included a jet boat ride on Auckland Harbour and some time for shopping. The second modules gave delegates the option of a “Wild or Mild” experience. The Wild option was a free day in Auckland that incorporated either an
The Facts Client: Global direct selling company Type of event: Seminar and incentive Dates: December 3-13, 2014 No. of pax: 580 Destination: New Zealand Organiser: General Travel Budget: Undisclosed
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Auckland Bridge Bungy, a SkyWalk or SkyJump activity off Auckland’s Sky Tower. The Mild alternative incorporated the Agrodome Farm Show in Rotorua, followed by a trip to the top of Mount Ngongotaha on Skyline Gondola complete with luge activities. The highlight of the trip was a “Trilogy” day, which started with a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, before driving on to Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua. Te Puia encompasses a 60-hectare geothermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, guided tours, and rich Maori culture experiences. Delegates were welcomed onto the marae (a communal place for religious or social events) with a traditional welcome, before enjoying an interactive concert of Maori culture. They got down to trying a traditional poi dance (for women) and a haka warrior dance (for men). The Malaysian delegates found a real natural affinity with the Maori culture, according to Black, who noted that a lot
of the words “are similar between the two languages”. This was followed by a tour of the mud pools and geysers in the geothermal valley, before a sit-down lunch where some 200 delegates per day were treated to their own half-lobster meal, Kiwi barbeque-style.
#
JotItDown
The day ended with a tour and buffet banquet at the renowned The Hobbiton Movie Set.
THE LESSONS With 20 coaches in different places on any given morning, the team had to be organised. This meant daily debrief meetings to discuss what went well, and what needed attention the next day. According to Black, unofficial feedback showed customer satisfaction at around 90 percent. “A successful event is everything running smoothly and a smile on the face of the client at the end of it – and when a hiccup comes up dealing with it so people on the coach or on the ground don’t know that anything has gone wrong,” she said.
Auckland city, gulfs and islands
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ANNOUNCING A TO YOUR
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#TalentAndMentor
“One of Meetings & Events Australia’s great success stories has been the introduction of its member mentoring program in 2008. Tricky to organise to avoid possibly conflicts of interest between mentors and mentees and the companies they work for – it has been well worth the effort. This year’s program has been running in both Sydney and Melbourne and lasts six months in duration, although many of the mentoring matches choose to stay in contact afterwards. One of the best reviews from the program will always be that both the mentor and mentee have gained knowledge and abilities, given that the youth of our industry also have much to offer those more mature and staying in the workforce longer.” LINDA P GAUNT Chief Executive Officer Meetings & Events Australia
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#TalentAndMentor
IN FULL BLOOM SYDNEY-BASED EVENT SPECIALIST ASHLEIGH TAYLOR DESCRIBES THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH A MENTORMENTEE RELATIONSHIP CAN THRIVE. As an event manager of three venues with three direct reports at the age of 23, and the sales manager of a monopoly corporation with five direct reports at 24, I was considered a young leader within the industry. The presumptions and stereotypes associated with such job titles will force an individual like myself to have deep confidence in my ability, strong resilience in the face of hurdles and unwavering trust in the teams that surround me. I also need to build and surround yourself with a strong support network. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a mentor, a respected figure who listened, guided, challenged, and tested my limits. These experiences, combined with my persistence to seek opportunities outside my comfort zone, led me to apply as a mentee under the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) Mentoring Program. This formalised programme is facilitated by an external operator, and executed with utmost professionalism and transparency on what it truly means to be a mentee and a mentor. It is structured around harmonious connections fulfilling the mentees’ objectives, outlined within application, and the mentors’ strengths evident from their career achievements and industry recognition. Reflecting on my mentor/mentee experience from the programme, I learnt several things that I carried throughout my career. I learnt that the relationship is a two-way street – your mentor has just as much to learn from you as you do from them. While
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already established within the industry, your mentor is not there to give you answers but to provide an objective view, feedback (at times constructive), and guidance through their own experiences. It is important that mentees drive the relationship, set clear objectives, set the tone of formality, and open themselves to the experience holistically. Be willing to share in equality what you are expecting in return. While many employees seek mentorship internally with managers and colleagues, my experiences are ancillary to the benefits of seeking engagement beyond the organisation. This decision is accompanied by its own set of challenges, including having to establish the initial relationship and gaining the support of my employer. The key pillars to ensure success are rapport and trust, obtained when both parties foster an environment in which there is comfort ability to be transparent. My employer at the time encouraged my involvement in an external engagement; they recognised the investment was not only in me as an individual representing their company, but in the sustainability of our industry. As I continue to grow within the industry, it is crucial that there is emphasis on investing in the next generation, and in bridging the gap and moving towards intergenerational teamwork. Should the future present an opportunity to give back through mentorship, I will be relatable, open to sharing through experiences and open to learning. I will pass on my mantra of always respecting the industry that has always respected me.
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“
“I learnt that the relationship is a twoway street – your mentor has just as much to learn from you as you do from them.”
“
ASHLEIGH TAYLOR Event manager from Australia
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KNOW YOUR CULTURE GARETH GALLAGHER, WITH OVER 16 YEARS OF EVENT PLANNING EXPERIENCE IN THE US, EU AND ASIA, ADDRESSES THE NEED TO BE CULTURALLY AWARE IN THE FIRST OF A THREE-PART SERIES.
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#Knowledge
In the recent years, the infiltration of global organisations throughout the Asia region has seen considerable growth and the need to organise multi-cultural events has significantly increased. The importance of the planning of multi-cultural events both within and outside of the region has never been more apparent with many vital parts to consider throughout the event life cycle. With the increased footprint of international companies conducting business in Asia, the need to educate clients on cultural awareness and how to do business is critical for the success of any event.
EVENT CREATION AND DESTINATION An event agency is typically engaged to act in a centralised meeting planning role. They are often located in the clients’ country of origin, though clients are now starting to understand the benefits of working with agencies based locally in Asia. For any multi-cultural event, using a local agency is extremely beneficial: not only do they understand the elements and challenges required to operate in the region, they also provide a centralised consultative approach on cultural intricacies that the client may be unaware of. Cost is also a huge benefit, as Asia is considerably more cost effective than a number of other countries such as Australia, US and EU. This not only applies to hotels and third party suppliers, it also applies to local agencies who maintain a fiercely competitive service level. Clients often provide the agency with ideas on the destinations or venues they prefer, generally conceived by motivation factors, popularity and/or process of elimination from previous
events or the preference of their management. A vital factor often missed at the start is the completion of a full accessibility and visa rationale on all countries in attendance, reviewing travel times and duration, cost and the visa process to ensure any pitfalls and drawbacks are managed with attendees. Completing the rationale upfront will save significant time and any potential financial losses down the line if the destination is deemed inappropriate. Presenting the rationale will give the meeting owner the information they need to decide if the destination is a go, or if they need to steer away from somewhere which may be a logistical challenge before attendees get there. If this is not looked at in detail, it can result in upsetting attendees and the budget before the event even starts.
THE HOTEL AND VENUES Finding the right hotel and venues is dependent on the initial communication during the RFP stage. Ensuring you specify the group demographics will enable hotels and suppliers to present their services and options in the best light. Managing the venue finding through a centralised sales office will make the process smoother and more efficient compared to directly approaching each property (especially if your client has a list of deal breakers such as complimentary Wi-Fi, etc.) Managing this through a global office who understands your needs and speaks the lingo will stop the agency from needless calls and emails. Other recommendations include choosing city centre hotels with multiple facilities and dining options allowing plenty of choice. Hotels with comprehensive dining facilities, varying
Gareth Gallagher Business events professional
cuisines and international buffets are an absolute must for those countries with specific dietary requirements. Countries may also have regulatory restrictions on spend for dinner and transportation, therefore city centre venues allow the freedom to go outside of the hotel. Clients are not always aware of the importance of food in Asia – this is a highly essential factor if not considered during the early stages and can become a meeting planner’s nightmare. Choosing central and larger hotels who employ a larger variety of international staff will prove to be invaluable in communicating with your attendees in local language. Ask which languages the hotel has in-house during the RFP stage and put this in your proposal; this will show your client you are culturally aware and are thinking outside of the box. Contracting a hotel with a collaborative can-do approach is a good way to overcome these challenges.
Follow the next article for insight and advice on multiple language registration sites, pre-event planning do’s and don’ts, and how to create engaging communication for Asian attendees.
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10 THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG IN BUSINESS EVENTS THE BEST LAID PLANS CAN GO HAYWIRE AND BUSINESS EVENTS ARE NO EXCEPTION. HERE ARE MY TOP 10 ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR TO HELP AVOID EXTRA COMPLICATIONS AT YOUR EVENT.
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#Knowledge
1 STAFF Do you have enough staff? Do they know what is expected of them, and how they should behave at a business event? The staff at an event are not often event professionals. They rely on you to set the tone of the event, so brief them well. I meet with all the members of my team individually and as a group to assign tasks and to brief them on my expectations and requirements. This is also the time to schedule them appropriately to meet occupational health and safety requirements. For newer members of the team, briefing items might also include appropriate attire and behaviour where the majority of people at the event are delegates and therefore have different expectations of behaviour. It is your responsibility to ensure that your staff are safe, rested and performing their duties.
2 SPEAKERS Missed flights, technology mismatches, no rehearsal times, missed deadlines and excessive demands are all challenges of working with speakers. As the event manager, set your requirements out early and never be afraid to follow the speaker up as many times as you need. Assure the speaker that the deadline is for their own good so that you can take their presentation and pre-load and test it before they arrive. Delegates always comment if the AV doesn’t work the first time, so by insisting on preloading presentations you will help your speaker to feel confident from their opening word (and slide). If you are contracting speakers, check their contract to ensure that you have met all contractual obligations (i.e. travel and accommodation).
3 RISK ASSESSMENTS Prepare a fresh risk assessment for each event, even if you use the same venue. Each event is different and a risk assessment will assist you to focus resources if required. Situations to be aware of include but are not limited to: 1. Budget considerations
2. Staff issues, such as illness, performance/competency 3. Delegate issues, including illness or bad behaviour 4. Weather 5. Access to venues or equipment – what happens if you can’t get in? 6. Major emergencies. Will your event go ahead if there are protests or an epidemic outbreak? 7. Supplier issues – what if they are unable to supply a promised product or service? 8. Do you have unique requirements, i.e. truck movements?
TANIA GOODACRE Events Manager Australian Trucking Association
4 BUDGET While most event managers would prefer to be doing more creative things, the event’s budget is a critical component of being an effective event manager. A budget will allow you to say no and negotiate when you need to.
5 THE EVENT’S OBJECTIVE Why are you having the event? If there are no clearly defined objectives, how will you measure if your event is a success? When you and your team understand the event objective early in the planning, it will help you deliver an exceptional event that exceeds expectations.
6 COMMUNICATION How effective is your communication with your sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers and delegates? As the event manager, you lead the communication with these companies and people. What tools and strategies do you have in place to be an effective communicator? These can range from simple things, such as having all your supplier names and contact details in one easy to access place, to a complex multi-platform marketing plan.
7 FOOD AND BEVERAGE Go through your menu selections thoroughly – item by item, meal by meal. Is a “steak and kidney pie” a pie, or a massive steak with a tiny party pie on top? This is a huge component of the delegate experience, so do spend the time to get it right. Conduct taste
testings if possible – at every venue. Meet with the chef, and take into consideration your delegates’ dietary requirements when designing the menus. Chefs are often creative people and they will enjoy working with a passionate event manager who can inspire them. Give them plenty of time to work their magic.
8 PRE-CONFERENCE
MEETING
It is vital to get every one of your suppliers in a room the day before an event to go through each and every element of your event. This meeting has saved many a potential bad or embarrassing situation that no one but me and my suppliers know about. Also very helpful for reconfirming your VIPs attending the venues and their requirements.
9 VENUE SPECIFICATIONS Ask for floor plans and know what scale they are in. This is vital for planning room access and layout. I need to know that I can get a truck into a venue, and often the door is just a few centimetres too low.
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DON’T ASSUME – ANYTHING – EVER
If you have the thought, ask the question. Every supplier I have ever worked with has appreciated my attention to detail. This is the number one piece of advice that I can give to help anyone produce award-winning events!
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AND E TS C PUR LEN A H S XCEL S AS WT E E N GRO STRY A FAC YER I U N PLA IND CHI AT ABLE NTS. E WH D I V E M IN FOR ESS AS GIN SIN AND NG BU THO :K RDS WO
A N I H C
AS CHINA HEADS NORTH THE RELENTLESS PACE OF NEW HOTELS ENTERING CHINA BEGS FOR NEW STRATEGIES FROM HOTEL OPERATORS AND OWNERS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE. The Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Education and Research (IHTER) at Florida International University hosted a Visionary Leaders Executive Forum in Shanghai, China (WHEN) for hospitality leaders to discuss issues and opportunities arising from China’s relentless hotel development pipeline. The remarkable pace of new hotels entering the China market has called for the need of new strategies, business processes and tools from hotel operators and owners to optimise efficiency and productivity. Despite tremendous growth in hotel developments, delays in property openings are also occurring, according to a white paper released by IHTER. These delays could be due to unexpected higher pre-opening expenses along with miscalculated costs that could lead to loss of revenue, and could impact a brand’s reputation negatively. Rapid developments also pose challenges in terms of talent acquisition, retention and development. The group of 18 thought-leaders who participated in the discussion identified talent shortage as the primary issue facing the hotel industry in China, emphasising the need to prepare future leaders for this industry. The group collectively agreed: Despite the large labour pool, the dearth in skilled talent makes it hard to find talented leaders for the volume of international and local brand developments in the pipeline The lack of attractiveness for Chinese residents to work in the service industry The lack of investments in talent acquisition and development among owners/developers Recommendations to address these issues include a change in the approach towards education and training, better understanding
of the Chinese culture, and necessary skills development to cope with and to overcome cultural challenges. While appropriate mentorship and coaching are needed, future leaders need to understand how to handle and manage conflicts and dialogue, while developing a coping behaviour skillset that will enable them to engage and share ideas. A concerted communication campaign in place to build a good image of the industry targeted at prospective students interested in the industry, their parents, and even college recruiters can help overcome the negative impression of the hospitality industry as a career path. The group also identified staff – specifically the pre-opening team, general manager and owners – as the most important players crucial to the commercial readiness of a hotel. A hotel’s readiness is impacted by the hiring and training of people, the timing of talent hire, as well as the right people assigned to the right roles. No doubt the general manager’s role during pre-opening is critical in providing input to the regional team and employment decisions; there are however few candidates for this position in 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier cities in the country. The report suggests that this could be overcome when hotel groups reassign roles within the larger hotel portfolio internally. Owners also need to realise that the act of putting a brand logo on the building is not enough for an investment to be successful; it needs a significant amount of upfront capital for operating costs, talent development and maintenance, among others.
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#DelveInto
CASE STUDY #4
STILLNESS WORKS WONDERS AN EXPERIENCED EVENT PLANNER USED THE REMOTENESS OF A LOCATION TO HER ADVANTAGE FOR A CONFERENCE HELD IN SANYA, CHINA.
THE BRIEF Sydney-based Macquarie Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Key Partner Conference aimed to provide a strong vision of the future for this top ranking institution in the eyes of key recruitment partners in the greater China market. The conference called for collaboration which sought input and feedback from these key partners, enabling them to build strong and trusted relationships and have the confidence and tools to present Macquarie as a preferred education provider to Chinese students looking at studying overseas.
THE EXECUTION The Macquarie University Key Partner Conference programme involved two days of meetings and presentations from a broad range of faculties within the institution, as well as three social events. The dinner on the first night was a formal Chinese banquet with a guest speaker, David Christian, a notable historian and TED speaker (The History of Our World in 18 Minutes). The other two social events were less formal, and held at the host hotel for convenience.
The Facts Event name: Macquarie University Key Partner Conference Type of event: Conference Dates: November 6-9, 2014 No. of pax: 70 Destination: Sanya, China Venue: The Westin Blue Bay Hotel, Sanya Organiser: Dubai-based Shelly Page, project manager/ events guru specialising in conferences and events in Asia Budget: Undisclosed
Grand Oceanfront Suite Swimming Pool
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Lobby of The Westin Blue Bay Hotel, Sanya
THUMBS UP! Well organised, plentiful opportunities for networking and mutual communication between key partners and university staff.
Destination Asia was in charge of all transfer arrangements, while a local photographer was also appointed for the job. The Westin Blue Bay Hotel, Sanya was chosen for the conference due to its sophistication and location, and its service and attention to detail was highly commended. The hotel is approximately one to one and a half hour’s drive away from Sanya’s International airport. While remote, it boasts breathtaking views of the South China Sea bringing a feeling of rejuvenation and peace. This event was the resort’s first “official” conference group. Whilst risky, the team in charge at the initial site inspection exuded confidence and showed great pride in their work. The general manager conducted the site inspection personally, and was involved in all
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operational details of the event. All of the resort’s facilities were of a very high standard, lacking nothing. “The hotel really did push the boundaries for the event and rolled out the red carpet immediately as the guests arrived. The food selected had been upgraded and there was plenty of variety available. The quality and consistency of the food was outstanding. In some resorts, this is not always the case, due to the remoteness of the location,” Page said.
THE LESSONS One of the biggest challenges working an event in China is obtaining visas for international delegates. Fortunately for this event, the majority of guests were from the wider China region and did not require visas.
There were problems accessing certain websites due to the tight control of the Internet. It is always recommended for anyone organising an event in China to organise a VPN line before going. Being in a relatively remote location like Sanya poses the challenge of limited off-site activities. However, it allowed for a captive audience with quality time, thought provoking conversations and the opportunity to become acquainted with key partners in a beautiful and relaxed environment. Sanya is a fast-growing tourist destination and every hotel chain is represented. However, the airport and overall infrastructure will need to improve quickly if it has serious plans to attract international conferences and meetings.
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TIPS FROM THE ORGANISER Select a reputable partner to work with on the ground especially if you do not have any local language speaking staff. Research the visa process thoroughly and be aware of the procedure/protocols for certain countries – requirements vary for different countries. Select a venue that you not only like because of the look and feel, but that you are confident in working with. Ensure you meet the team you will be working with and make sure you feel comfortable and confident they will be able to deliver to you expectations. Get a VPN line organised for any guests you have travelling from outside of China. Be sure to identify any special dietary or religious requirements at the outset as catering for special diets can be challenging.
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Inclusions: 8 Standard audio visual equipment includes screen, whiteboard and flipchart 8 Day Delegate Rate is based on a minimum of 10 delegates 8 Rate includes GST APR 2015
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CITY HE R U MP NT I U L E T ALA OMPE U K OF YA TO C S S CCE TRAJA U S THE PTS PU . A M PRO AL AREN B GLO ONG E TH DS: WOR
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Seri Wawasan Bridge in Putrajaya
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BEYOND THE CITY PLAYERS LOCATED OUTSIDE KUALA LUMPUR ARE EYEING A SLICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS PIE. Kuala Lumpur has been getting all the attention for business events and with good reason. The city, with its cost competitiveness, ready infrastructure and mix of off-site eclectic venues, has been a prime choice for event organisers looking beyond mature Asian cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Unknown to many, neighbouring areas just outside of Kuala Lumpur city have had their fair share of business events. After a recent visit to Putrajaya, Biz Events Asia understands that there are venues beyond KL’s central business district yearning for more international business events.
According to Badlishah Hj Ahmad, chief executive officer of PICC, the venue has long been attracting government as well as domestic business. “60 percent of our MICE business comes from the government, and 40 percent from the corporate sector. Moving forward, we intend to reverse the percentage. We need to maintain government business because during bad times only the Malaysian government will support facilities like ours. But being a business entity now, we need to have good revenue, and this will come from corporate events that often yield higher than events from the government.”
Putrajaya is a city located 25 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur. It has a wide variety of attractions, such as the Putrajaya Wetlands, Putrajaya Challenge Park, Putrajaya Lake Club, Putra Mosque and Putrajaya Equestrian Park.
The Plenary Hall is PICC’s largest single venue, with its imposing gallery-like auditorium ideal for major corporate functions or congresses. Its interior design is inspired by the Malaysian traditional basket weave motif. With a capacity of 3,000 theatre-style, its chamber boasts excellent acoustics for national speech intelligibility and sound amplification. It comes with two public viewing galleries, eight interpreter rooms and two large AV screens.
Sitting at the highest point of Putrajaya and amid an enclave of residential neighbourhood and waterfront developments is the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Across nine levels of usable space, it has been configured to maximise energy efficiency with energy management systems in place that have garnered it the “100% ECO-FRIENDLY” Energy Efficiency & Conservation Award from ASEAN. Once previously managed by the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office, PICC was privatised in August 2013.
The column-free Perdana Hall can take up to 2,800 guests banquet style. Ideal for large banquets or themed events, it includes a nine-metre high ceiling, multiple stage and stage location options, and advanced data correspondence ICT system. Its two Putra Halls can each take 1,200 guests for banquets and cocktail events of 2,500, while conference halls can be combined (a total of five halls together)
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Putra Mosque
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Perdana Hall, PICC
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0 percent of our MICE business comes from the government, and 40 percent from the corporate sector. Moving forward, we intend to reverse the percentage. BADLISHAH HJ AHMAD Chief Executive Officer Putrajaya International Convention Centre
Event organisers can also take events outdoors at PICC. The Viewing Deck on the first level is a sheltered platform overlooking the lake with breathtaking views of the Federal Capitol buildings, bridges and boulevards. It can accommodate 150 guests for banquets, or 250 guests for cocktail receptions. Groups can also opt for a garden party on the grounds, which can take up to 500 guests cocktail style with catering provided by PICC’s international food and beverage staff.
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for a total seating capacity of 1,500 guests or add to a total area of 1,650 sq m to accommodate 64 booths. PICC offers 10 meeting rooms and 14 suites for smaller corporate events.
PICC is surrounded by a growing number of luxury accommodation, from exclusive five-star hotels and resorts to boutique hotels and short and long-stay residences. This include: Putrajaya Shangri-La; Marriott Putrajaya; Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside; The Everly Putrajaya; Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa; Primera Residences & Business Suites; Palm Garden Hotel IOI Resort; Residence Hotel; Sama-Sama Hotel; Concorde Inn, Kuala Lumpur International Airport; and Palace of the Golden Horses. According to Badlishah, two more hotels are expected to open by the end of 2015.
PICC is planning to attract more international business events this year. Badlishah tells Biz Events Asia that the Centre will be participating in some Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) roadshows in South Korea and China. “We are also currently in the process of bidding for international conferences and exhibitions for 2016-2017.” This intention is accompanied by identifying the need for refurbishment to ensure the venue is ready for international events. Heading into its 12th year of operations this year, Badlishah says huge refurbishment is needed for PICC to be on par with other competitors in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur. The refurbishment will include extensive changes to the way the centre operates, including advanced technology that event organisers today are now looking for. Badlishah says it will be done in stages, with refurbishments expected to be completed in three years. “We are looking to attract 10-12 percent of the international MICE business in three years,” he says.
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CITY WITHIN A CITY
Also in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur is MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre, an exhibition venue that offers over 20,000 banquet seating capacity. Located a 20-minute drive from KL’s city centre and within the MinesWellnessCity, the centre is surrounded by two hotels, spas, a premier shopping mall, 18-hole golf course, serviced apartments and many F&B options. It has a variety of events space – from a large multi-purpose hall to 1,552 sq m of meeting and seminar rooms.
Me e t ing fac ilit ies, re c o g n i s e d b y t h e w o r l d. At the 5-star One World Hotel, you can expect ample space, luxuriously appointed with spectacular chandeliers and state-of-the-art facilities including simultaneous interpretation system, live feed facility and mood lighting with variable colour setting and free Wi-Fi. However, what makes corporate functions here extra special is the opportunity to put fun back into functions. Anything’s possible in One World. To add some excitement to your next event, speak to our Conventions and Events team today at 03-7712 2289 or email cne@oneworldhotel.com.my
2015 Meeting Packages Half Day Meeting Package from RM218 per person per day
Full Day Meeting Package from RM228 per person per day
*Prices are in Ringgit Malaysia and inclusive of 10% service charge and prevailing goods and services tax.
Find us on
Certificate of Excellence 2014 WINNER
International Star for Leadership in Quality Award 2013 Gold Category
One World Hotel
first avenue, bandar utama city centre, 47800 petaling jaya, selangor, malaysia. toll free domestic: 1300 88 7888 toll free international: 1800 88 7888 tel: 603 7681 1111 fax: 603 7681 1188 email: enquiry@oneworldhotel.com.my website: www.oneworldhotel.com.my
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SIN Sunset on the Saigon river
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CASE STUDY #5
SOAKING IN SAIGON
A FORMIDABLE TEAM PULLS OFF AN AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE EXPERIENCE THROUGH ELABORATE THEMING AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
THE BRIEF An incentive travel programme for an insurance company seeks to reward 400 top qualifying agents of 2013 from every state in Malaysia and formally recognise these agents during a gala and awards ceremony held in Sheraton Saigon.
THE EXECUTION There were three options for a full-day destination experience to choose from, which included a trip to the Chu Chi Tunnels and the opportunity to fire an AK47 machine gun, a trip to the Mekong Delta by boat, or a Saigon city escapade and a golf day out. The main highlight was a welcome dinner on the first day of the event held at Van Thanh, an outdoor venue located by the Saigon riverside. Due to heavy rain, the only two shaded venues available had to be used for the predinner cocktail and the gala dinner separately. Themed “The Colours of Vietnam”, apxara created an authentic Vietnamese setting using handmade traditional Vietnamese lanterns as the backdrop, with the client’s corporate logo printed on the lanterns. Multi-coloured umbrellas were also used as part of the venue décor, serving as a witty reminder of the rainy season. Typical to the Vietnamese culture, pre-dinner cocktails involved mini interactive activities conducted by local cultural artists, such as VietnameseChinese calligraphy, mini lanternmaking, traditional origami and mini water puppets. Live cooking stations designed to resemble the typical Vietnamese village held interactive cocktail experiences for the guests, with
The Facts Event name: National Marketing Convention 2014 Dates: June 18 – 20, 2014 No. of pax: 400 Destination: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Venue: Sheraton Saigon Organiser: Apxara Travel and Events Budget: Undisclosed
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The Mist
THUMBS UP! After all the insane bumps and obstacles, you guys managed to pull through another incredible event.
food prepared on the spot to create a lively atmosphere as guests moved from station to station. Reinforcing the theme were dress props (summer hats for the ladies and a set of bow tie and straps for the gents) given out at the event. A three-minute Vietnamese percussion troupe performance kicked off the event, while a live band kept the entertainment running for the rest of the evening. A customised mini production of a contemporary performance named The Mist was put up exclusively for the gala and awards ceremony held at Sheraton Saigon. Depicting a successful harvest and expressing the joy of a farmer and his hard work endured, the event themed Je T’aime Saigon (I love Saigon) brought guests back in time to the French colonisation in Vietnam. This theme was seen in all the little details at the event – the ballroom walls were draped with blue LED lights against black curtains for a magical feel, while a digital backdrop on stage screened matching visuals with various activities that happened on stage during the show.
on cancellation charges from the airlines and venues, planning managed to proceed. Less than a month away from the event, the client insisted on changing the destination to Seoul, Taipei or Colombo after Vietnam’s anti-China riot that destroyed several industrial buildings including a Malaysian firm. A memo obtained from the Consul General Malaysia based in Ho Chi Minh City and the Malaysia embassy in Hanoi gave assurance that the protests were under control and business was undisturbed. The registration list of 400 people was only received 10 working days prior departure due to the client’s hesitation to proceed with the event as scheduled. The initial live band hired for the
gala and awards evening cancelled their show a day before the event. Thanks to the ground handler who personally searched a number of local bars, a new live band was willing to come in at the last minute.
TIPS FROM THE ORGANISER 1. Find yourself a local handler (or two) in whom you can trust and place all your faith. 2. Always check the food in Vietnam several times before serving (even after numerous reminders to the restaurants that all food must contain neither any pork nor any element of pork), especially when some of your guests are Muslims.
THE LESSONS Due to the MH370 incident that occurred on March 8, the client decided to put on hold the planning of the event when the destination and official event venue had been confirmed. After considerations
Vietnamese percussion troupe
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Sunset Over Incheon
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SEARCHING BEYOND SEOUL TOURISM LEADERS IN SOUTH KOREA HOPE TO EXTEND BUSINESS EVENT VISITOR STAYS IN THE COUNTRY AS THEY RAMP UP EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SOME DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE SEOUL. Influenced by the Korean wave – the phenomenon of Korean entertainment and culture rolling over to the rest of the world, visitors have been pouring into South Korea each year. The advanced technology and newly developed infrastructure have also been factors that draw business visitors to the country. With South Korea’s renowned expertise in medical tourism, it has seen exponential growth in the number of medical-related meetings and congresses. Minhong Min, executive director of Korea MICE Bureau, is one of the key professionals in charge of Korea’s MICE business. He tells Biz Events Asia that South Korea attracts international meeting delegates from all over the world, while its incentive business comes mainly from China and the rest of Asia.
Japan as its top inbound market for incentive business, and the Korea MICE Bureau intends to leverage that growth. “For incentives, we try to craft special customised experiences with traditional touches, sometimes with teambuilding,” he says. In 2015, Korea MICE Bureau will be working on integrating two industries as an overall package for business events groups. “Meetings and conferences alone may not attract groups to Korea. What else can we provide?”
A large part of bureau’s efforts has been on incentive travel, which Min believes has been particularly successful. This focus on incentive travel also allows the bureau to focus on places outside of Seoul.
Intending to leverage its medical tourism, Min suggests some packages may include combining conferences with medical tourism and attractions. “Medical tourism is a new trend compared to 10 years ago. Compared to our competitors, Korea is strong with human capital and infrastructure of medical advances. Strong in many medical treatments, especially skin and plastic surgery.”
“Seoul is the hub of Asia, but the focus on other parts of Korea allows us to encourage groups to extend their stays.”
“Daegeon will be a good destination [within Korea] for such packages,” he adds.
In 2014, Korea hosted an 18,000-pax Amway group from mainland China, which travelled by cruise to Jeju island, the most popular destination in Korea after Seoul. Min says China has replaced
In a media familiarisation visit arranged by Korea Tourism Organization, Biz Events Asia went to areas located outside Seoul for a different perspective of the country.
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MINHONG MIN Executive Director Korea MICE Bureau
INCHEON
Located close to Seoul, “accessibility” is what comes to mind when we think of Incheon. Already graced with the presence of Incheon International Airport, which has been rated one of the top airports in the world by numerous sources, Incheon also boasts an international seaport and is today considered a hub of Northeast Asia’s logistics. Once designated as the first Free Economic Zone in 2003 in a bid to elevate its status as a global standard city, Incheon’s rapid growth has turned it into the third largest city in Korea after Seoul and Busan. Songdo International City located within Incheon is a thriving business district home to 450 multi-national companies. Placing Songdo on a map as an international business events destination is the Songdo Convensia, a high-tech and environmentally-friendly government-owned convention centre that first opened in 2008. It offers over 10,000 sq m of events facilities, including: an exhibition hall spanning 8,416 sq m; a 1,800-sq m premier ballroom; and 23 meeting rooms of various sizes. While a 20-minute drive is all it takes to get there from Incheon International
Making chocolates at Genese Chocolate Earth
Airport, Songdo Convensia is also surrounded by over 2,000 hotel rooms from Songdo Bridge Hotel, Orakai Songdo Park, Central Park Hotel, Oakwood Incheon, Sheraton Incheon and Holiday Inn. The 321-room Sheraton Incheon is the only five-star hotel in Songdo, offering event spaces such as a 1,600-sq m banquet hall, 16 meeting rooms, and a 400-pax grand ballroom. Richard Suter, general manager of Sheraton Incheon, says business for the hotel has been positive and is only expected to grow further with the expansion of Songdo Convensia in the next three years. The hotel has always been popular with events from the pharmaceutical, IT and biomedical sectors, and the convention centre’s expansion will help fuel the growth. Also adjacent to Songdo Convensia is Oakwood Premier Incheon, a 423-room hotel that boasts several categories for short and longer-stay visitors. As the tallest building in Korea, it also offers meeting spaces such as a 270-sq m ballroom, a 109-sq m multi-purpose room and four meeting rooms. Songdo is a high-tech smart and green city. The Compact Smart City is a gallery of Incheon’s urban planning and architecture, presented through elaborate miniature recreations. Business event groups can go for a tour, which showcases the city’s past on the first floor, the present on the second floor, and the future on the third. As the name so aptly describes it, the Songdo International City sustains as a metropolitan attraction of education, business and also entertainment. From Tri-Bowl, a cultural space, and water taxis to malls such as Square
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One, visitors can gain a good balance of work and play by spending some time in Songdo. The Songdo Bridge Hotel also offers team-building at Genèse Chocolate Earth, where groups can spend time learning how to make their own chocolates and bring them home.
DAEGEON Daegeon serves as a transportation hub due to its central location, but in many years has also gained a reputation as a city of science and technology. It is accessible via a 50-minute high-speed rail from Seoul or under three hours from Busan, making it popular as a medical tourism destination. Proof of its medical advances is the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), which is a non-profit government-funded research institute established in 1976. By going on a tour of the facility, visitors can experience the different patented and pending technologies ETRI has successfully developed over the years.
Demonstration at ETRI, Daejeon
Meeting space at Oakwood Premier Incheon
Daegeon Convention Center (DCC) hosts over 600 international and domestic conferences a year. It has hosted events such as the World Humanities Forum, Korean ASEAN Summit, and Korean Asian Science and Technology Forum. It has a grand ballroom that spans over 2,000 sq m, a 2,520-sq m exhibition hall, and a number of smaller-sized meeting rooms. Lotte City Hotel Daejeon is located right in front of the convention centre. Having opened only in March 2014, a lot of its business comes from conventions and meetings held at DCC. The 312-room hotel has a Crystal Ballroom that can take up to 400 pax theatre-style or 240 for banquets, as well as a Ruby Room that can seat 80 guests theatre-style. Developments are also underway for that precinct in Daejeon. The current 4,500-sq m DIME Exhibition Centre will be transformed into a 12,000-sq m new exhibition venue opening in 2019. A huge entertainment, shopping and dining complex is also expected to open around the same time.
Songdo district in Incheon
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PITCH PERFECT LEGAL ADVISOR VICKI HENG SUGGESTS WAYS TO PREVENT IDEA THEFT AT A PITCH.
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#LegalMind
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of an original work that is reduced into material form. VICKI HENG Director Vicki Heng Law Corporation vicki@vickiheng.com
The pitch process, or the “beauty parade” as it is more casually referred to, evokes mixed feelings in us. The initial joy of being considered is shadowed by the anticipation of whether we will succeed in our bid, and worse, the horror of seeing our ideas being executed by the chosen service provider. Unfortunately, ideas, however brilliant, have no protection until certain steps are taken.
REDUCE IDEAS INTO WRITING Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of an original work that is reduced into material form. This means an idea that is drawn out or written about, enjoys copyright protection. To communicate this protection to a client, any materials provided during a pitch should be marked with a copyright notice.
the non-disclosure agreement imposes obligations upon both parties, rather than just the client.
RAISING AWARENESS While the law affords a certain degree of protection as well as the means to resolve disputes with errant clients and competitors, the enforcement of rights does sap time, energy and financial resources, all of which may be better spent on one’s business. With continuing education on the role and importance of intellectual property rights, it is hoped that idea theft will eventually fall away to reveal an environment of respect, awareness and integrity within the pitch process.
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JotItDown
The limitation of copyright law is that it protects the particular expression of an idea. An underlying idea may always be expressed differently. Therefore, short of exact copying by a competitor, copyright on its own does not proffer much assistance in a pitch.
CONFIDENTIALITY An obligation of confidentiality is imposed upon a client only when it is communicated to the client that the pitch material being shown is confidential. Along with the copyright notice mentioned earlier, it is suggested that the proposal is also marked with a confidentiality statement. The statement should state that the marked material is confidential and should not be used or disclosed. Having the client sign a non-disclosure agreement is also an option. However, this could be a sensitive issue with some clients which may work against the supplier. It may be easier to stomach if
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#soulsearching
Heart of gold gina Sin travelled witH a group of international buyerS to ballarat to experience itS ricHneSS aS a poStSHow deStination after aiMe 2015. Words: gina Sin
during my first trip to Melbourne for the aiMe tradeshow this year, i took a chance and chose a post-show tour of a city in victoria that i’ve not heard of. travel and events these days are always on the lookout for something new, refreshing, unique, and even adventurous. at the end of the day, we want to take something back – be it an experience, skill, or memory. without any expectations, i went to ballarat with an open mind, and was glad i selected it – a slowpaced city with a history that brings one back to a time when life was simpler. it made a city dweller like me reflect on the importance of preserving history and culture.
sovereign Hill a ride just shy of two hours from the Melbourne convention & exhibition centre (Mcec) brought the group of buyers from Holland, poland, new Zealand, china, india and Singapore to the old gold mining boom town in the city of ballarat. the city managed to attract 21,500 international visitors and nearly 1.7 million domestic day trip visitors in 2013. Sovereign Hill as an attraction on its own re-creates ballarat’s first 10 years after the discovery of gold in the 1850s. with a completely different feel from metropolitan Melbourne, visitors can dress up in period costumes for victorian-style portraits at the red Hill photographic rooms located along Sovereign Hill’s Main Street. visit the retail and dining venues, and pan for real gold at the red Hill gully diggings. what’s found is yours for real too. by night, a multi-million dollar sound-andlight show, “blood on the Southern cross”, is a highlight that presents the dramatic story of the 1854 eureka uprising, australia’s only armed rebellion.
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kryal Castle
Kryal Castle
Buyers posing for a Victorian-styled portrait
Sovereign Hill
Craig’s hotel Another Australian gold-rush era venue, Craig’s Hotel located in the heart of Ballarat was first opened in 1853 and has since hosted notable opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, poets, prime ministers, and royalties. No two of their 41 elegant rooms are the same. Almost all of its spaces, including the five banquet and meeting rooms, retain significant features of the rich history – from the art and décor to the way it was being restored.
Panning for gold
Situated just outside Ballarat, the Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort is a fantasy-based medieval theme park and resort that attracts at least 60,000 visitors each year. This leisure and entertainment venue has “Castle Suite” themed luxury accommodation, and caters to business events together with a range of interactive experiences and performances such as Skill at Arms, a challenge designed to test the skills of knights and warhorses of Kryal with sword, spear and lance.
“Most people in the Indian market are not aware of destinations like these, and corporate clients are always looking for new destinations for their conferences and incentives. Ballarat as a destination is perfect for MICE groups; I would like to put efforts in bringing groups to Ballarat.” Gajesh Girdhar Patron, Founder & National Coordinator Network of Indian MICE Agents
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Novotel forest resort CresWiCk
This family-owned Wildlife Park specialises in native Australian animals and a wide range of exotic reptiles. It is also home to the oldest Common Wombat on record at 28 years old, a fivemetre salt water crocodile, and 80 kangaroos that roam freely in the park. Functions can be held in the Bushman’s Hut area.
Nestled in 150 acres of state forest and 6.2 kilometres of golf course, this property is a 75-minute drive from Melbourne and Tullamarine airport and is situated between Daylesford and Ballarat. Its centralised location is ideal for anyone seeking a relaxing and luxurious retreat away from the bustling city, or those with a penchant for indigenous art, history, and culture.
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#Deals visit www.bizeventsasia for more deals online
Accor Asia Pacific
ASIA
Accor has launched an “Awe-Inspiring” meeting package for meeting planners at participating Accor hotels throughout Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. Meeting planners are allowed to choose between one and five of its rewards depending on the rooms booked. Rewards include double Le Club Accor hotels meeting planner points, complimentary upgrade and/or 10 percent cash back. Terms and conditions apply. accorhotels.com/meetings
Harbour Grand Hong Kong HONG KONG
With a space of 576 sq m featuring harbour views, the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests in a theatre-style setting. Benefits for meeting at Harbour Grand Hong Kong include 10 percent discounts at all food and beverage outlets, free welcome drink on the day of the arrival, room or suite upgrade and limousine service to and from airport for the organiser or VIP. Terms and conditions apply. Tel: +852 2121 2665 mice.hghk@harbourgrand.com
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One Farrer Hotel & Spa SINGAPORE
Hold your meeting in one of our event spaces from SGD 85 (USD 61) ++ per person, inclusive of two tea breaks and a lunch, and enjoy exclusive room rates from SGD 270++ per night for stays in Urban Room with breakfast for one person. Terms and conditions apply. Tel: +65 6705 7887 events@onefarrer.com
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
THAILAND
From May to July 2015, event bookers can enjoy benefits such as two-night complimentary accommodation and complimentary one-hour Thai Massage at Mandara Spa with a minimum of 10 rooms booked. Located near the resort’s lobby, the entire conference space has a substantial indoor foyer area and an open air terrace. Team-building activities can also be tailored to suit requirements. Tel: +66 76 338 000 jwmarriottphuketresort.com
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