Singapore's year of incentive excellence FEB 2015

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SINGAPORE’S YEAR OF INCENTIVE EXCELLENCE

Singapore welcomes large-scale incentive travel groups this year as new and refreshed historic venues get ready to impress. he use of motivational travel experiences to reward employees has been on an uptick. According to the SITE Annual Survey of 2014 that polled 119 respondents comprising global SITE members and registrants in the SITE Index database, more than half of respondents surveyed believe that the overall use of incentive travel programmes will increase or substantially increase in the next six months.

On that note, 2015 marks a significant year for Singapore not only because it is the country’s Golden Jubilee, but for the momentous milestone of welcoming five large-scale incentive travel groups to its shores.

Pointing to Singapore’s strong appeal as an incentive travel destination, these groups of over 30,000 business attendees combined include: Oriflame Diamond Conference 2015 of 1,200 pax; USANA Pacific Convention 2015 of 2,800 pax; BestWorld Convention 2015

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of 1,000 pax; Forever Living Global Rally 2015 of 5,000 pax; and Jeunesse Global Expo Unite Annual World Conference 2015 of 14,000 pax.

FOREVER LIVING GLOBAL RALLY 2015 Singapore prides itself as a safe and secure destination, and has all the necessary event-related infrastructure and competent venues and suppliers

needed to facilitate large groups. These are the sentiments of Nick Woodward-Shaw, director of global events of Forever Living Products International, which will be hosting its Forever Living Global Rally 2015 at Marina Bay Sands this April. As one of the largest MICE facilities in Singapore with a state-ofthe-art Sands Expo and Convention Centre that can accommodate up to 11,000 delegates and house guests at its adjoining 2,561-room hotel, Marina Bay Sands was a Marina Bay Sands

Capitol Singapore

Singapore can help me to deliver ‘an experience like no other’ for our guests.

NICK WOODWARD-SHAW DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EVENTS FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

natural choice for Forever Living Global Rally 2015 as it is able to house all its delegates under one roof.

“It’s a destination in itself, and a great tool in us marketing our incentive,” Woodward-Shaw says.

Having hosted its two previous Global Rally events in Hawaii and London, Singapore’s plethora of event facilities and top-notch infrastructure along with unique sightseeing and cultural experiences fit the bill as a world-class choice for Forever Living’s next incentive destination.

The itinerary for the Forever Living Global Rally will include an entire day of fun-wrapped activities around the island

of Sentosa, where all its delegates will have unlimited access to attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A Aquarium, culminating in a beach party on Siloso Beach.

From prominent event venues such as the outdoor 10,000-pax Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands and the Flower Field Hall of Gardens by the Bay to unique cultural experiences through activities such as scavenger hunts or walks through iconic heritage sites, WoodwardShaw believes Singapore works well as an incentive destination.

Adding to its line of credits is Singapore’s strategic and convenient location. “Singapore has brilliant

Incentive travel groups coming to Singapore this year: Oriflame Diamond Conference 2015 1,200 delegates

USANA Pacific Convention 2015 2,800 delegates

BestWorld Convention 2015 1,000 delegates

communication links and is a major worldwide hub, which means guests coming from over 100 countries will find it pretty easy to get to,” he says.

With seamless transportation links within the city, large groups of delegates can also be transported from one venue to another efficiently, making itinerary planning and experiences in Singapore fuss-free.

“Singapore can help me to deliver ‘an experience like no other’ for our guests,” Woodward-Shaw adds.

Singapore’s incentive travel market has lots of potential with its well-tailored incentive programmes, strong business fundamentals and strategic location, according to Chang Chee Pey, executive director for Europe, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

“2015 is going to be an exciting year as we stride towards Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, and this would give business travellers additional reasons to revel in the Singapore spirit,” Chang says.

REFRESHED VENUES TAKE THE STAGE Singapore has the ability to host large incentive travel groups due to the constant rejuvenation of its offerings, with new attractions such as Trick Eye Museum, the renowned Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the Royal Albatross – a luxury corporate and private tall ship berthed at the Maritime Experiential Museum at Resorts World Sentosa – drawing much interest. The Lion City is also implementing a series of revitalisation works to its historic and cultural landmarks as it has identified the demand for unconventional venues.

Coinciding with Singapore’s 50th year of independence is a line of new and refreshed historic venues boosting its already impressive skyline.

VICTORIA THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, a 152-year-old national monument, has re-opened in July 2014 after a three-year refurbishment. Now offering an old-world charm through careful restoration of its original architecture, the theatre and concert hall has

Forever Living Global Rally 2015 5,000 delegates

Jeunesse Global Expo Unite Annual World Conference 2015 14,000 delegates

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National Gallery Singapore

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nal Gallery Sin

Atrium of Natio

been transformed into intimate spaces with improved acoustics and functional designs, available for venue hire.

NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE The National Gallery Singapore is an upcoming visual arts institution that will manage the largest public collection of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to present day.

Situated in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in the City Hall and adjacent former Supreme Court Building – two important heritage buildings symbolic of Singapore’s nationhood.

Opening in November 2015, the Gallery also provides unique venue spaces for small and medium-sized corporate events between 60 to 200 guests. The largest event space within the Gallery can hold up to 300 guests for standing cocktail receptions, while the rooftop bar overlooking the Padang and Marina Bay Sands can be used for corporate parties.

THE PATINA, CAPITOL SINGAPORE The Patina, Capitol Singapore, a new 157-room hotel situated close to the National Gallery, will be opening in the second half of 2015. The hotel will be

part of Capitol Singapore, the city’s first integrated luxury development project comprising the iconic Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building and Stamford.

Offering its own unique concierge concept and art exploration programmes with bespoke cultural itineraries, it will boast a pillar-less ballroom that can host up to 200 guests for cocktail receptions and 170 guests banquet-style. The neoclassical iconic Capitol Theatre will re-open in the second half of 2015 with the restored venue available for event hire.

SINGAPORE PINACOTHèQUE DE PARIS Opening in mid-2015 is the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris, a private art museum modelled after the renowned

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

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Pinacothèque de Paris in France.

Housed in the rejuvenated 5,500-sqm Fort Canning Arts Centre, the museum will curate a permanent collection – showcasing works by Amedeo Modigliani, Rembrandt van Rijn, OscarClaude Monet, Pablo Picasso and more – and rotating feature exhibitions held twice a year. The Fort Canning Arts Centre will also be offering an engaging and multi-dimensional palette of experiences, including the Singapore Pinacothèque Museum boutique, a museum café, and a unique variety of art-inspired food and beverage and retail outlets.

Dedicated spaces will be available for event rental in the Centre, according to a museum spokeperson. “Those looking for a unique cultural experience can also consider holding their events within the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris where guests can network while soaking in the paintings by masters such as Modigliani and Picasso.”

With its range of historic landmarks slated to transform into prominent unconventional venues for events, Singapore, the premier MICE destination is set to further raise the playing field for its competitors.

Turn your event into a world-class experience. Tap into dynamic Singapore!