2nd October 2013 Editor: Jill Varley
business events news Southern belled!
IT&CMAsia & CTW Asia-Pacific at the Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World yesterday was in the main for exhibitor, buyer and media meetings and briefings. The evening was given over to the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception - Connecting Asia, hosted by TCEB at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok and was attended by 500 industry guests. I have to say I am blown away by the service at Plaza Athenee where I am staying. Not just for the hospitality and the quality of the hotel but especially by the man who services my room. This morning as I was leaving my room, he saw me walking towards the elevator and rushed to press the lift button, like I was some delicate Southern Belle! To my amazement he addressed me as Kun Jill. How he knew my name I’ll never know because he didn’t see me leave my room. He engaged me in conversation while we waited. He knew I was attending IT&CMA, stayed with me until the lift came and wished me a pleasant day. Like I said, I was so impressed that when I met the gm yesterday evening, Chooleng Goh, one of only three women hoteliers in Bangkok, I sang his praises. Now, that’s the sort of service that attracts business! - Jill.
business events news
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Bishara announces DMS sale dESTINATION Marketing Services has been sold to the company’s general manager, Marissa Fernandez, who has taken the reins of the business effective from 01 October. The move comes 21 years after Leila Bishara (pictured right) founded the business, which innovatively connects Australian and New Zealand event planners with destination management companies from around the globe. The company is in a “particularly strong position,” she said, with the streamlining of operations in the outbound market and a strong service focus having delivered “several years of uninterrupted growth in corporate profits”. Fernandez has been at DMS since 2005 after previous roles with The AHL Group and Tourism Australia. Initially heading up sales, she became general manager in 2008. Bishara, who will stay connected
to the business as a strategic consultant, said that it had been vital that the new owner of the business keep the existing DMS team in place, as well as retain the confidence and loyalty of its network of overseas business partners who together represent more than 60 destinations. DMS’ annual roadshows have become an industry fixture, welcoming DMCs from across the world to events in Sydney and Melbourne (just before AIME) where they connect with local PCOs and event planners. Fernandez said owning the business was a great opportunity. “The core values of DMS will continue on, with ethical practice and a very high standard of customer service, which I know will pave the way for DMS’ future success,” she said.
Major comp winner
CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle Droguett of CI Events who is the lucky winner of last month’s major competition of a trip for two people to Vanuatu, courtesy of Air Vanuatu and the Grand Hotel and Casino. The prize includes Air Vanuatu airfares, accommodation in a harbour view room and breakfast daily at the Grand Hotel & Casino. Droguett correctly answered all 17 questions and was chosen as the winner for her response (below) to tell us why The Grand and Vanuatu offer a great venue for meetings and incentives. “It’s a great alternative from nearby destinations, rich in culture, offers a range of activities, the hotel’s in a prime, easily accessible location with good sized rooms and service.”
Chretien joins Outrigger Above: Marissa Fernandez
Frederic Chretien has been appointed general manager of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa, which is scheduled to open in December 2013. Chretien, a French and Mauritian national with 30 years' experience in hotels, was for 14 years the general manager of The Residence, Mauritius.
CANBERRA
ADELAIDE
PERTH
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