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Asia-Pacific #

Edition July 2013

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Headquarters Asia-Pacific is > Malaysia the Asia-Pacific Magazine for Association Executives.

Supported by UIA, the Union of International Associations.

Published 4 times a year: April, July, October, December.

UIA Virtual conferences

Thailand with a vision Nopparat Maythaveekulchai TCEB’s new president

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> Contents

Colophon HAP or Headquarters Asia-Pacific is a niche publication for local, regional and international associations based in AsiaPacific and dealing with the organisation of worldwide congresses. Published 4 times a year. Circulation: 2,500 copies in 14 different countries.

Subscriptions Subscriptions amount to 85€ (all incl.). The online version of the magazines is available at www.headquartersmagazine.com Editor in Chief Marcel A.M. Vissers T. +32 (0)3 226 88 81 marcel@headquartersmagazine.com Managing Director Cécile Caiati-Koch T. +32 (0)2 761 70 52 cecile@headquartersmagazine.com Account Manager – International Sales Kelvin Lu T. +32 (0)2 761 70 59 kelvin@headquartersmagazine.com Managing Editor Rémi Dévé T. +32 (0)2 761 70 58 remi@headquartersmagazine.com Contributor Katie Lau

Design Press Point Poelstraat 167 - 9820 Merelbeke T. +32 (0)9 362 52 50 - www.presspoint.be Print The Neu Print PTE Ltd - Singapore neuprint@singnet.com.sg Supported by UIA, the Union of International Associations Address Headquarters Magazines PTE Ltd 1 Scotts Road #21-07 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208 www.headquartersmagazine.com press@headquartersmagazine.com

Asian Toppers in 2012 I’m always curious to see the details of UIA’s International Meetings Statistics. So I can take an educated look at the figures. In fact, I’ve always been intrigued by the numbers of Marcel A.M. VISSERS the meetings industry. This year, I don’t see a landslide in the Editor in Chief Asia-Pacific region but more of a constant movement towards the top. The following three Asia-Pacific countries are in the Top 5 of the Meetings Countries list for 2012 for the very first time together: Singapore, Japan and the Korean Republic. My first reaction is: wow!

In the Top of International Meetings Cities list, it’s quite logical to see three cities that score exceptionally well in these countries, as they come close to the most successful European cities: Singapore #1 with 958 international meetings, followed by Seoul at #6 with 253 meetings and Tokyo at #7 with 225 meetings. So three Asian countries in the Top 10! Here I can even go: Wow! Wow! I’ve been studying the meetings trends in the Asia-Pacific region for quite some time now and I’m not really surprised that more and more of these countries and cities are becoming top destinations. How is this possible? There are three reasons in my opinion. The most important one is that policy makers now realise that tourism is a major generator of income and that the meetings industry plays a big part when it comes to economic impulses. The second reason is that these countries and cities have designed an effective development programme which is geared towards the future, and for at least ten years. I call this the Singapore Model. And the third reason is that hard-working people can be found locally: they’re the ones with a vision. Maybe I’m forgetting a fourth but very important reason: European expertise in the meetings management industry has paid an enormous contribution. And that’s good news for the Asian continent!

» More stories on www.headquartersmagazine.com

Contents GENERAL Edito 3 News 4 Association Portrait 6 India Association Congress 9 IT&CM China 22

Cécile Caiati-Koch

UIA Virtual conferences

Rémi Dévé

Kelvin Lu

COVER INTERVIEW Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of TCEB

15

DESTINATIONS Xiamen, China Sri Lanka Geneva, Switzerland

18 20 21

12 DESTINATION SUPPLEMENTS England Malaysia

3

> News

Adelaide

Adelaide wins 6 major international events In the past few months, the Adelaide Convention Bureau has earned South Australia an $18.3m in forecast economic benefit by way of winning the hosting of six major international conferences, a testament to the strategic direction and hard work being of the Convention Bureau Team, Team Adelaide industry partners and the Conventions Adelaide Ambassadors. The conferences include the International Convention of Asian Scholars in August 2015 (1,250 delegates), the International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer in June 2016 (1,500 delegates), the Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in October 2014 (600 delegates), STEMFEST 2014, Global 29 STEM states in September 2014 (250 delegates) and 2 other conferences whose names are embargoed at the time of writing. www.adelaideconvention.com.au

UIA Associations Round Table in Asia For over 100 years the UIA has been working to promote and facilitate the work of international associations. The UIA Associations Round Table is an opportunity to learn through networking and through practice, meet representatives of other international associations and share experience and know­ ledge, and gain practical skills and tools to help you do your work better. This year the, for the first time, the Round Table comes to Asia, 23-24 October in Singapore, at Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre, with an expected 200 participants. www.uia.org 4

Yokohama

Yokohama Wins the World Conference on Lung Cancer for 2017 While Japan has consistently boasted one of the best reports cards in the world on health, cancer has remained a black spot.

Lung cancer became the major cause of cancer deaths among Japanese for the first time in 1998, surpassing stomach cancer, according to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Therefore, the announcement by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) that Yokohama will host its World Conference on Lung Cancer in 2017 was very well received. Not only will the Japanese have a chance to showcase their own R&D in this field, the convergence of some 6,000 delegates from all over the world will mean a wonderful opportunity for robust networking and exchange of ideas among like-minded peers. www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp

CTICC achieves the gold AIPC Quality Standards Certification The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the first convention centre in Africa to achieve the gold AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) Quality Standards Certification.

AIPC is the industry association for professional convention and exhibition centre managers worldwide and is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention centre management.

The centre achieved its certification at the 2013 AIPC Annual Conference and

Rashid Toefy and Geoff Donaghy, AIPC President

55th General Assembly, which the centre hosted from 30 June-3 July 2013. According to Chief Executive Officer, Rashid Toefy the CTICC achieved this Quality Standards Certification after the successful completion of an extensive international audit of the centre’s operations and processes. www.cticc.co.za

Two new members for JMIC Philippe Fournier, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), announced that ASAE and the Centre for Association Leadership and IFES, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, have joined the Council, taking its membership to fifteen major international industry organisations. ‘The addition of these two international organisations to our Council further strengthens JMIC’s ability to bring together and represent the global meetings industry at a time when there is a greater need than ever for us to be able to present a united front on key issues ‘, said Fournier. www.themeetingsindustry.org

> News

Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane

Australia’s newest convention centre opens for business Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane International Airport, the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) has opened its doors, offering multi-functional event spaces which can accommodate up to 3,000 delegates. The 10,000 m2 two-level building features three halls, seven meeting rooms, two boardrooms, an open foyer space and a landscaped plaza suitable for outdoor events. RICC facilities are complemented by a range of indoor and outdoor venues including a 20,000 seat arena and large scale festival and amusement areas. www.ricc.com.au

Malu Barrios Named General Manager of Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island AEG Ogden’s Director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy, announced that experienced venue executive, Malu Barrios, has been appointed General Manager of the Glebe Island facility in Sydney. Barrios has overseen the the AEG Ogden managed Darwin Convention Centre for the past five years since its opening. Prior to Darwin,

2013 Meetings Industry Fairs IT&CM India // 20-22 August 2013 New Delhi // www.itcmindia.com CIBTM // 2-4 September 2013, Beijing // www.cibtm.com IBTM India // 12-14 September 2013, Mumbai // www.ibtmevents.com/IBTM-India IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific // 2-4 October 2013, Bangkok // www.itcma.com IMEX America // 15-17 October 2013, Las Vegas // www.imexamerica.com EIBTM // 19-21 November 2013, Barcelona // www.eibtm.com

she was General Manager of Sydney Showground for five years and spent six years as Events Director at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, also operated by AEG Ogden. www.glebeislandexpo.com

International association sector shows significant growth according to ICCA With the release of the 2012 Top 20 Rankings for cities and countries, ICCA is reporting another year of continued strength in the international association meetings market.

For the first time ever, more than 11,150 regularly occurring association events which rotate between at least three countries were identified by ICCA members and ICCA’s in-house research team as having taken place during 2012, over 1,000 more than identified a year previously.

The top 10 countries showed little change in ranking, with the top seven repeating their positions, led by the USA, Germany and Spain. United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Brazil are on places 4 through 7. After the aftermath of cancellations due to the earthquake and tsunami, Japan jumped back into the top 10 from 13th to 8th place.

The Netherlands remained 9th and ChinaP.R. dropped from 8th to 10th place. Austria just falls out of the top 10 to 11th place.

In the city rankings, Vienna retained its number one status with 195 meetings in 2012, and Paris is second again. Berlin climbs one place to third. Spanish cities Madrid and Barcelona are respectively 4th and 5th and London and Singapore share 6th place. The biggest climber in the top ten was Copenhagen, taking eighth spot with 137 meetings, 39 more than last year. Istanbul and Amsterdam took 9th and 10th spot, displacing Beijing, which fell three places to 13th. www.iccaworld.com 5

> Association portrait

Specialty Committee Conference, Jilin, China

Focus

World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) Established in 2003 and located in Beijing, the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) is an international academic Chinese Medicine organisation approved

by State Council of P.R. China. At present, the WFCMS has 228 member societies from 62Â countries and regions. Jeffery Huang, deputy Secretary General of WFCMS and Secretary General of the World Congress of Chinese Medicine, tells us more about how the organisation operates.

Jeffery Huang

HQ: What are the main objectives of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies?

Jeffery Huang: The main objectives of WFCMS are to organise academic activities on Chinese medicine, to spread Chinese medicine culture, as well as to develop international communication on Chinese medicine. In order to achieve this, WFCMS has established three different conferences, the annual World Congress of Chinese Medicine, as well as regional international academic 6

conferences and academic conferences of specialty committees, and symposiums and working meetings. Annually, there are 80 to 100 meetings held by secretariat of WFCMS, together with local member societies.

HQ: Can you tell us more about these events?

Jeffery Huang: Since 2003, WFCMS has held nine World Congresses of Chinese Medicine (WCCM) respectively in Beijing, Paris, Toronto, Singapore, Macau, Melbourne, The Hague, and London, each of which attracted 750 to 1,200 attendees. Delegates from over 50 countries and regions attended the congresses, which shows significant international impact. Each

time, we received fund support from the government of the hosting countries. The 9th World Congress of Chinese Medicine, held in Kuching in 2012, received even more financial support from the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB).

Regional international conferences and forums focus on the regional situation of Chinese medicine, liaising and communicating with local scientific research institutions, universities and governments, so as to provide importance information and policy reference to the Chinese government - we are serving as an important think tank.

> Association portrait

A history of the World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM) 2004: Beijing, China - 3000 delegates 2005: Paris, France - 820 delegates 2006: Toronto, Canada - 810 delegates 2007: Singapore - 1030 delegates Academic conferences on different subjects are also annually held by different specialty committees of WFCMS. There were 54 academic conferences on 54 subjects in 2012, covering expertise on tumor, cardio vascular, dermatology, liver diseases, nephropathy and Aids, etc. A total of over 10,000 delegates from over 30 countries and regions attended these conferences.

HQ: What is the association’s decision process concerning the organisation of your events? How do you decide where to go?

Jeffery Huang: The World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM) is bid for by the member societies or local DMCs in the organising country. The Secretariat of WFCMS then chooses the best one for venue inspection, then submits the report to the Council Board Meeting for final approval.

The main criteria we look at include: • Conveniency and cost of transportation: Accessibility into a destination is the priority concern for holding WCCM. • Venue and hotel facilities: Hotels have to be within walking distance of the venue, if we have chosen for a non-residential conference. The closer, the better.

• Affordability: We can afford the equivalent to four-star-hotel expenditure. So everything has to be within that price range.

• Richness of tourism as well as academic study resources: Both have to be really strong as a conference delegate can also be a ‘traditional’ tourist.

• Degree of support from local government: This can be diverse, ie financial or policy support.

• Willingness of local institutions to cooperate with our conferences, like local Chinese medicine and acupuncture societies for instance.

• Presence of Professional Conference Organisers and their service level.

• City image and favourable climate conditions: It helps attract international guests!

2008: Macao - 1250 delegates 2009: Melbourne, Australia - 760 delegates 2010: The Hague, Holland - 850 delegates 2011: London, England - 860 delegates 2012: Kuching, Malaysia - 1096 delegates 2013: San Francisco, USA - est. 860 delegates 2014: Moscow, Russia - est. 1300 delegates 8th WCCM, London

For the regional conferences and forums, it is usually decided upon by the secretariat of WFCMS, depending on the terms and conditions provided by the local organiser, but we often prefer to co-operate with the local university/college. The academic conferences held by specialty committees are jointly decided upon by the Secretariat of WFCMS and the Secretariat of the specialty committee.

HQ: How do you see the future of the association?

Jeffery Huang: As to our conferences, I firmly believe they will grow better and stronger partly thanks to China’s economic development. The number of newly-established specialty committees keep increasing for instance, leading to more and more meetings every year.

Financial support from the Chinese government to Traditional Chinese Medicine research has also increased in the past five years and led to more meetings to be held on different levels. But the government doesn’t support our organisation directly, so we need to raise money for our meetings ourselves - and that can be a challenge!

In the future, there will also be more competition mainly due to China’s economic prosperity and its opening to the world.

If the Chinese MICE industry is stronger, it will also create new dynamics worldwide, in every field of endeavour.

HQ: How would you summarise new trends in the association congress world?

Jeffery Huang: Since 2001, China has benefited a lot from its participation to ‘globalization’, with international investments of all kinds making it an important economic power. With the rapid development of China’s economy, more and more associations have been set up. The MICE industry is here part of the ‘service’ industry, which is China’s focus for the future. The Chinese government is now strongly supporting the development of the MICE industry, and some local governments have also issued policies to encourage it at a more local level. With this, we are confident that the association congress world will enjoy a fast and healthy development and contribute to more social and economic welfare.

I believe that the association world will be more professional in the near future, with more DMCs and PCOs, stronger ‘green’ commitment, more healthy competition.

HQ: Any memorable destination for one of your events?

Jeffery Huang: Definitely Kuching city, in Sarawak, Malaysia, a modern city surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest offering unique pre- and post-conference tour options and field trips for delegates. The Garden City par excellence, it also boasts world-class accommodation and meeting facilities like the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, while the people of Kuching are friendly and courteous. This is a destination to remember! www.wfcms.org 7

> Congress

Associations in India What’s the deal?

India is a large and also a democratic country. And we know that democratic values ​ are valuable assets for the growth and thriving of associations in a country. When associations can be set up without restraint in a free society, it also means economic progress for a country. Are my statements too bold? We reviewed these thoughts with Prasant Saha, chairman of the 3rd Indian Association Congress which will be held this August in Chennai.

Text Marcel A.M.Vissers

What does MICE stand for in India?

You could think of India as a bustling congress country where every convention centre is trying to outrun the next.

However, this is not the case. Most congresses in India are held in hotels (which are also quite expensive) due to a lack of purpose-built and large congress centres. Hyderabad is the only exception and although the congress centre there is owned by Accor Group it has nevertheless acquired a national status. The discussion is more about the initiatives that the government should take, for example, in New Delhi and Mumbai (and generally in all the large cities), to build major congress centres that will increase the reputation of the country internationally and give the MICE industry a welcomed boost.

A second important parameter for the development of the meetings industry in a country is the number of congress bureaus. Hyderabad has taken the lead in this respect too with the only professional bureau in the whole of India. I find this difficult to understand. There is also an India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) which has some good news in store: India is expected to unveil a national policy for MICE by the end of September this year, the

absence of which has, up until now, crippled the country’s endeavour to position itself as an international destination. It is also in this light that we should see the power of a National Association Conference, namely as a message to policymakers that it is high time to develop MICE at an accelerated pace.

It’s common knowledge that associations are major generators of large congresses and consequently substantial income.

Unique congress for associations The 3rd India Association Congress will take place at ITC Grand Chola hotel, Chennai, on 22-23 August 2013. It aims to create a greater sense of association and collaboration between association decision-makers.

The conference will be attended by association heads from various fields of endeavour.

The two day program will witness eminent speakers addressing various issues through Case Studies, Expert Presentations, Panel Sessions and Exclusive Roundtable Sessions.

The sessions will be followed by a gala dinner at the Leela Palace Chennai alongside a refreshing entertainment program.

More details: www.indiaassociationcongress.com/ program.php

Prasant Saha

Prasant Saha, a driving force in India It’s not often in a country that a PCO takes the lead to promote the MICE industry. Prasant Saha, Managing Director of CIMGlobal, is the exception.

He is also the great inspirator (and inventor) of the India Association Conference.

He started his venture, CIMGlobal in 1997. Spearheading a dynamic team of 100 professionals drawn from varied industries, Prasant has led CIMGlobal to be India’s Brand Ambassador for MICE, promoting India as a knowledge hub and a fine host to science and technology events.

9

> Alliance

Focus

Global Science & Convention Alliance (GSCA)

Four cities spread over the world have combined their forces in a brand-new alliance in order to be able to offer international associations the benefit of their strength and information know-how with a particular emphasis on science-based international congresses. It’s called the Global Science & Convention Alliance (GSCA) and we’ll tell you what it’s all about.

Text Cécile Caiati-Koch the idea and, after internal discussions, decided to come on board.

Current President Bernard Keller and Past President Hoon Chae

Where did it all start?

It actually dawned on the people of Daejeon, a city in South Korea, 50 km south of Seoul. DIME (Daejeon International Marketing Enterprise, a meetings industry alliance) realized that the centralization of science based institutes in their city could be a strong asset in promoting the destination to the international science world, but also understood that such a promotion carried out alone would not get the anticipated result. Therefore they contacted other similar cities in the world to see what they could do to organize some kind of global marketing approach. ‘lt makes good business sense given the number of meeting industry events based around science and research to unite our resources, draw on the strengths of each destination and form the ‘Science Alliance’ to attract such events’ said Mr. Hoon Chae, President of DIME and former first president of the Global Science & Convention Alliance.

Hyderabad in India, Adelaide in Australia and Toulouse in France were intrigued by 10

What are the common characteristics of these four cities? · All destinations are small to medium global cities, geographically unique and rich in history and culture · Each city is strong in scientific innovation and research · Each city is home to a world-class convention space What are other benefits for the international associations?

‘We have developed a unique database which all members can consult in order to know how to pitch a bid for a certain association’, said the new president of the alliance, Mr. Bernard Keller. All specific requirements of an association which has already worked with one of the partners are put in this database so the other members know exactly what is of importance.

Introducing the four cities DAEJEON (South Korea) Daejeon is nicknamed ‘Asia’s Silicon Valley’ and ‘High technology city’. It has 18 universities including KAIST, Chungnam National University, Hanbat National University, Hannam University and UST (Korea University of Science and Technology). Other several important research institutes are based in the

city. Daedeok Innopolis (Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone) is composed of 28 state-run research centres as well as 79 private research institutes with as many as 20,000 researchers. In addition, Daejeon established the WTA (World Technopolis Association) in 1998 with the view of realizing regional development through international cooperation with world science cities.

HYDERABAD (India) Historically, Hyderabad was known for its pearl and diamond trading centres.

Industrialisation brought major Indian manufacturing, research, and financial institutions to the city, such as the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the National Geophysical Research Institute, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and the National Mineral Development Corporation. The formation of an information technology Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the state agencies attracted global and Indian companies to set up operations in the city. The emergence of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries during the 1990s earned it the titles of ‘India’s pharmaceutical capital’ and the ‘Genome Valley of India’. ‘Dynastic grandeur in the heart of modern India’ is a baseline which suits the ancient city situated in the middle of India as a glove.

> Alliance

ADELAIDE (Australia) Manufacturing, defence technology, high-tech electronic systems and research, commodity export and corresponding industries are Adelaide’s strengths. The city has over 40% of Australia’s high-tech electronics industry which designs and produces electronic systems that are sold worldwide for applications in medical, communications, defence, automotive, food and wine processing and industrial sectors. Adelaide wants to position itself as ‘Australia’s education hub’ and markets itself as a Learning City. The number of international students studying in Adelaide has increased rapidly in recent years to 23,300. In addition to the city’s existing institutions, foreign institutions have been drawn to set up campuses in order to increase its attractiveness as an education hub.

Daejeon, South Korea

‘It makes good business sense given the number of meeting industry events based around science and research to unite our resources’ TOULOUSE (France) Toulouse, based in south-west France, is the centre of the European aerospace industry, with the headquarters of Airbus, Galileo positioning system, the Aerospace Valley, considered as a global cluster. The city also hosts l’Oncopôle de Toulouse, the largest cancer research centre in Europe, the European headquarters of Intel and CNES’s, Toulouse Space Centre (CST), the largest space centre in Europe. Thalès Alenia Space, and Astrium Satellites, EADS’s satellite system sub­ sidiary, also have a significant presence in Toulouse. Its world renowned university is one of the oldest in Europe (founded in 1229) and, with more than 119,000 students, is the thirdlargest university campus of France.

Hyderabad, India

The strengths of the individual destinations will of course be highly beneficial to Associations and lnstitutes seeking destination options for their events with shared intelligence and resources offering advantages on many levels to organisers. In the coming years, the alliance says, additional partners are likely to be invited to assist with expanding the objectives of the partnership.

Contact François Lafont VP of Business Development So Toulouse +335 81 31 30 22 f.lafont@so-toulouse.com www.globalsciencealliance.com

© Ville de Toulouse - Patrice Nin

Adelaide, Australia

HeadQuarters Europe and Asia Pacific magazines will keep you updated on a regular basis on this alliance, as it has established a special relation with it.

11

> UIA

Virtual conferences

Improve your content, get online

In this digitally connected world, could virtual participants meaningfully follow and take part in an IIED conference, cutting carbon footprints and expense?

Text Suzanne Fisher, web content manager at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) attending an international conference is Last year at a conference I met a project financially impossible. manager and mum who said that she and many of her colleagues were increasGenerating evidence through hands-on ingly opting out of attending conferences. research with grassroots partners is one of Worried about her carbon footprint, the IIED’s key aims. Helping participants get expense of flights and accommodation and inside conference rooms where knowledge being away from her family, she felt conferis being shared, and helping them actively ences didn’t always justify the expense and participate in proceedings by asking extra exhaust fumes. And for many people, 12

questions or leaving comments is an important part of that work.

This year at CBA7 the web team at IIED used a number of different technologies to do just that. We used Scribble Live, also used by a number of news agencies, including Reuters, CNN and the Press Association, to report live from the conference.

Once up and running, it allowed participants (both those at the conference and also ‘virtual’ online ones) to:

UIA|Union of International Associations

• read curated content on the live blog, including comments and social media postings that participants had published on social media accounts and which were then pulled through onto the live blog page • live ‘report’ from the event (through comments and social media content) • leave comments - for instance, by watching the live web cast and then asking questions online.

How we did it The live pages were actually running on the Scribble live site, so we needed to make alterations to make the pages conform to the IIED site design. The web team adapted some of the style sheet (CSS) settings on the Scribble live template, changing fonts, font sizes and colours, so that it sat seamlessly when embedded within the IIED website. And we embedded the live blogging technology onto our website to ensure that we generated traffic on our site.

All the content posted by participants ‘pulled through’ onto a dashboard, and was checked before it was posted live to ensure no defamatory comments or spam ended up on the live blog.

The result Was the hard work worth it? The online statistics suggests it was. We had 203 comments on the live blog. This means that during the four day conference 203 people bothered to log in and participate in the discussion, which shows a high level of interest.

Overall we had 3,568 unique page views on our CBA7 web pages (including the live blog and the highlights pages) from 21-29 April 2013. If we include the CBArelated blogs and press releases in total the figure is 4,367 unique page views for this time period. This is an impressive achievement for eight days.

Likely a two-hour online debate on how the poorest can act to adapt, hosted by IIED

and AlertNet Climate and held a few weeks before the event, helped drive online traffic and interest in the conference. According to AlertNet Climate, that chat alone had 832 unique visitors, 80 of whom posted comments themselves. At least some of those participants likely followed CBA7 virtually.

and that we couldn’t live report on the conference. Many of the hotel conference rooms, where side events were being held, didn’t have wifi. All of this no doubt had an impact on people’s social media and web participation, as most people couldn’t get onto the live blog to comment or onto

Of course, there are important perks to attending conferences. Meeting someone face to face over a coffee is invariably better than communicating virtually Viewer figures were higher on the first day and then progressively tailed off on the following days. We can only guess why, but generally the live blogging model works best in short and sharp bursts - and it’s harder to maintain momentum over a four day period.

social media to live tweet from the side panel sessions, or lost their connection in the main hall and gave up.

Teething problems

Of course, there are important perks to attending conferences. Meeting someone face to face over a coffee is invariably better than communicating virtually. Most of the community-based adaptation conferences involved participants visiting communities and projects to see first-hand how communities are adapting to climate change.

That kind of experience can’t be replicated online.

We produced a web page with highlights from the live blog each day, including social media, comments and web link highlights from the day. The first day I tried to use Scribble live to do this, but found that it only pulled through the first day of social media data. On contacting Scribble live, they said this was a bug they were addressing. So, my experience was that this functionality is still in its infancy. I switched to using Storify, which is built to curate user generated content on the last three days.

Given the number of comments we received, we were under-resourced to respond to all the virtual participants in a timely and meaningful way. Many comments were quite technical in nature, and required responses from researchers. We will need to think this through in more detail before the next ‘virtual’ event.

A major obstacle that we faced in Bangladesh was connectivity. It often dropped out in the main conference hall, which meant that at times the live web cast stopped working for virtual participants

But, the figures show that, despite the obstacles, there was great interest to follow the proceedings and to take part.

But this was an important first step in helping virtual participants take part. And it made me wonder: will we all be virtual participants by 2020?

This blog was first published on IIED: http://www.iied.org/virtual-conferences-notfuture-now. For over 12 years Suzanne Fisher has been telling stories through radio, online and print to bring about positive social change.

With over 12 years communications experience, she’s conceived and managed radio drama series, reported from African countries in the midst of civil war, including Sierra Leone, Burundi and Liberia, and Nigeria. She’s worked as a writer, an editor, a radio producer, a communications manager and researcher and a web editor.

For more info on UIA, visit www.uia.org 13

> Thailand

Thailand

A conversation with TCEB’s new President

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai

Last May, TCEB announced the appointment of Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai as the new president of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Mr. Maythaveekulchai was prompt in unveiling his management vision, a 5-year strategy aiming at enhancing TCEB’s public image so Thailand can attract mega-sized events. During an international media press trip in June, HQ was lucky enough to meet Mr. Maythaveekulchai. Here is what he has to say about Thailand as a meetings destination.

HQ: Mr. President, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai: I am glad and honoured to be the new TCEB president.

I have more than 10 years of experience in managing organisations and feel a strong connection with the MICE industry. I started my career at TOT Public Company Limited (formerly the Telephone Organization of Thailand) and continued to progress from 1983-2013. My latest position was Executive Vice-President of TOT Plc.

HQ: So what is your strategy in order for Thailand to stay on top?

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai: As Asia continues to spiral upwards, Thailand, with the driving force of TCEB, is putting itself on the global map as a top ranked business events destination in the region. We are poised to meet new challenges with Thailand’s unbeatable array of stunning destinations,

In my opinion, MICE is the rising star of all industries, especially in Thailand, with no less than 10-15% growth each year. So far, it has generated over 80,000 million baht annually, and I’m confident we can do better. Furthermore, my past experience can help in terms of coordinating with international organisations to drive Thai MICE to global level. I believe Thailand is the driving force in Asia when it comes to MICE, as we are strong in hosting international mega events in the country.

which serve as the perfect backdrop for business events of every size and format.

Our activities will be coordinated under a new initiative, called THAILAND: Connecting Asia’s Diversity of Dynamic Destinations. This was adopted after our government-backed London Road Show and IMEX in May.

1 - World-class Infrastructure. In Thailand, we never stop investing in new infrastructure, starting from the transportation system, which is fully equipped both intra and interlinkage among the region, the cutting-edge telecommunications system, which offers wireless connectivity wherever you go, and a variety of event venues and a wide choice of accommodation options.

MICE is the rising star of all industries, especially in Thailand, with no less than 10-15% growth each year

HQ: What does this new initiative include? How will you promote it?

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai: The initiative boasts three key features.

2 - Variety if Vibrant Cities. There’s not only Bangkok in Thailand! International associations can go to Pattaya, Chiangmai and Phuket. Other MICE cities we will also actively promote are Khon Kaen and Krabi (more on Krabi page 17). They are all part of Thailand’s five clusters representing the diversity of Thailand as a meetings destination which you can return to over and over for multiple experiences.

3 - Recreation for Business Events. The diversity of Thailand creates vibrant business events, 15

> Thailand

activities and programmes that are creative and carefully designed to provide a unique experience, ranging from history and culture, luxury, adventure, green events and CSR… HQ: You’re confident all these elements will make Thailand even stronger on the international meetings map…

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai: Definitely. My mission concerns the rise of Thai MICE as the industry that generates major revenue for Thailand just after the leisure tourism industry. TCEB has foreseen that the meetings industry will multiply its value to 88,000 million baht in 2013, while numbers of MICE travellers could reach 940,000. However, the growth must not only be regarded from a revenue perspective, the quality of facilities and service, as well as the conservation of natural resources and environment, are also factors which need to be taken into account.

If TCEB is the leading force of the Thai meetings industry, we can’t do it on our own. One of the 5-year plan key elements focuses on the establishment of coordination between public and private sectors in order to drive things forward. Definitely, TCEB is unable to operate at its best without

support from public and private sectors.

For my part, I will concentrate on the teamwork by which members join to attract events to Thailand and help promote Thai MICE. Brainstorming symposiums will be held on a regular basis to pave the way for the development of the MICE industry here.

HQ: Tell us about your personal favorites about Thailand as a meetings destination.

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai: Besides having the most harmonious combination of any ASAEN countries for cultural and bio-diversities, Thailand has a mix of the age-old Chinese and Indian civilisations and cultures. It’s embedded with Buddhism peace and philosophy, and is also the trading between East and West. All this explains why the Thais are so welcoming, why our services comes from the heart, and why Thai smiles are so genuine.

About TCEB Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB is a public organisation established by Royal Decree published in the Royal Gazette on 28th September 2002. TCEB has been in operation since 2004.

TCEB’s main objectives are to promote meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions, known by the acronym MICE, and to strongly develop this collective industry in order to make Thailand a regional hub for MICE events. The Bureau’s successes since its establishment reflect Thailand’s growing stature as a destination of choice for international meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions.

Contact Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) T. +66 2694 6000 F. +66 2658 1411 info@tceb.or.th www.tceb.or.th

Bangkok

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> Thailand

The view from Rayavadee Krabi

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Introducing Krabi Where MICE rhymes with adventure Last June, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) combined two familiarization trips, one for the media and the other for corporate planners. The aim?

Showcasing Krabi as an adventurous MICE destination of the Andaman. I was lucky enough to be part of it and can tell you this much already: if you’re looking for a great post-tour destination after, say, an event in Bangkok, search no more!

Report Rémi Dévé Even though Phuket is nearby, the province of Krabi in southern Thailand is a lot smaller and quieter. Relatively unknown to this day, Krabi is, however, ready to make a name for itself in the meetings industry. That’s what TCEB had in mind when he invited me, along with 70 delegates comprising event planners and international press, in June.

Introduced by TCEB President Nopparat Maythaveekulchai at a press conference in Bangkok, we were told we would ‘see for ourselves how Krabi has developed into an emerging city for global business events offering its unique charm and adventure.’

And needless to say we were not disappointed. Located an hour flight from Bangkok and boasting outstanding natural beauty, Krabi’s landscape comprises virgin beaches fringed with spectacular limestone formations, like impressive natural skyscrapers, and a shallow coastline dotted with secluded

tropical islands coral reefs and bays. Although we were there during the ‘green’ season, the weather was glorious and we could make the most of a fun-packed programme.

Famed for its rock climbing, Krabi is indeed considered an excellent spot for scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking Famed for its rock climbing, Krabi is indeed considered an excellent spot for scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking, all of which we could get a taste of during our stay.

So for incentives, it might be heaven on earth. But Krabi is also an ideal destination for groups between 50 and 500 people.

Even if its infrastructure is not as sophisticated or large-scale as Phuket, you will find everything you need for smaller meetings,

with an array of pre- or post-activities.

Beyond Resort Krabi, for instance, is a luxury 170-room beach resort, located directly on the secluded and scenic Klong Muang Beach.

Surrounded by beautiful cliffs, the facility boasts great sea views from pretty much everywhere you are. As to meetings, its Kanda Hall is a 350m2 pillar-free ballroom with all the amenities you can expect. It accommodates up to 350 people theatre style.

In terms of accommodation, most Krabi’s hotels are resorts or bungalows. But international as well as Thai hotel chains such as Sheraton, Sofitel, the Ritz-Carlton, the Amari and many more are gradually opening properties. I was personally impressed

by Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort and Rayavadee Krabi. Inspired by colonial magnificience, the former is encircled by palm trees silhouetted on an expanse of green lawns and can host groups up to 350 people. The latter sits on the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park, is only accessible by boat, surrounded by lush foliage, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and the emerald waters of the Adaman Sea. Just stunning!

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> Xiamen

Xiamen An emerging laid-back association destination

While most foreigners are tempted to visit traditional cities of China like Beijing and Shanghai, other secondary cities like Chengdu and Kunming are gaining popularity for those interested in a more diverse cultural experience in other parts of China. Xiamen, a small port city on the southeast coast of mainland China, is joining the ranks of these fastest growing MICE destinations with its special combination of urban efficiency and laid-back charm.

Report Katie Lau Located in Fujian province facing Taiwan to the east, Xiamen is a convenient port city with a strong business culture. One of the five Special Economic Zones opened to foreign investment and trade since the early 1980s, Xiamen is now home to about 8,600 enterprises run by companies from about 80 countries, with trade links with Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. On the domestic front, Xiamen is consistently listed in the top ten conference and exhibition cities in China.

In 2012, it was one of the eight cities that won the honour of ‘China’s Most Beautiful Meeting City’ during the fourth China International Conference Industry Festival.

Highly supportive Now with a highly supportive provincial government that has invested heavily in exhibition projects and large-scale business centres as well as introduced a series of incentive policies over the past two years, Xiamen is eager to attract and host foreign delegates. Jeoven Wong, director general of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs who has visited Europe many times to promote the city as a 18

MICE destination, is keen about expanding its appeal beyond Asia.

Indeed, Xiamen has a lot to offer for foreigners who look for a laid-back, culturally diverse experience in China. Given Xiamen’s small size, I expected two days were enough to get a good taste of the city on a recent group tour organized by Xiamen Municipal Bureau. In the end I left Xiamen wishing I’d have more time to explore the city’s attractions and the nearby areas, such as Quanzhou and Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands.

Xiamen is blessed with warm and breezy weather all year round. The city made an instant impression as I looked out of the bus window on my way to the hotel from the modern and efficient Gaoqi international airport. Surrounded by ocean, Xiamen looked more calm and relaxed than other cookie-cutter modern Chinese cities because of its natural coastlines, a relatively small urban population (less than two million), palm trees and easily spotted Mazu statues, named after the Chinese goddess of the sea dated from Song Dynasty.

From soft beaches and golf courses to ancient temples and botanical parks, Xiamen boasts an easy access to nature and a well-preserved cultural heritage. As a tea lover, I was thrilled to discover the city’s vibrant tea-drinking culture; traditional Gongfu tea ceremony is often demonstrated in elegant tea houses and shops.

Other local customs include Nanyin music and Fujian-style puppet theater, which was skillfully performed during a dinner gathering. Food-wise, Xiamen features authentic Fujian-style cuisine, famous for serving extremely fresh seafood.

Xiamen is also where you can view the world’s largest coastal cannon, Hulishan Fortress, a historic coastal defence site located near Xiamen University. Among the highlights are secret passages, castles, and artillery including a 280mm cannon made

by Germany’s Krupp Arsenal, reflecting Xiamen’s important role in resisting foreign aggressors.

My other favourite places to visit include Nanputuo Temple, a famous Buddhist temple site that stretches beyond a small mountain range where visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of the city; and also the vehicle-free Gulanyu Island, an islet located just a 10-minute ferry ride away, perfect for a day trip excursion featuring beautiful beaches, winding streets, interesting architecture and a piano museum!

> Xiamen

The city centre is equally fascinating with a skyline that looks stunning when illuminated at night, which is best viewed from a river cruise. At the heart of the city lies Zhongshan Road Walking Street, a bustling shopping area with a wide spectrum of shops and eateries. Coffee lovers cannot miss Xidi Coffee Street, a European-style trendy spot with good views of Yundang Lake.

Accommodation and meeting facilities When it comes to accommodation and meeting facilities, Xiamen offers a wide spectrum of choices ranging from colonial-style décor to extravagant grandeur to understated elegance. For large-scale meetings, Xiamen International Conference Center fits the bill as a conference hall that can accommodate up to 1,800 people plus other multi-functional meetings rooms that can host between less than 100 and 500 people. The adjoining fourstar hotel also provides 500 guest rooms.

Apart from international hotel chains, Xiamen boasts a number of homegrown hotels that match international standards with local characteristics. Yeohwa Hotel, covering 200,000 m2, is a five-star villa-style green hotel equipped with versatile ballrooms and conference halls that accommodate between 20 and 800 people. Xianglu Grand Hotel, a massive conference hotel located just eight minutes from the airport, features more than 1,500 guest rooms,

a luxuriously decorated atrium garden of 3,000 m2, and exhibition and conference space with a total area of 8,900 m2.

With direct flights to Amsterdam three times a week, Xiamen is a busy travel hub with good connections to other cities in mainland China and countries in East and Southeast Asia. The city also serves as an excellent base to explore nearby areas such as Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands, Quanzhou and Mount Wuyi.

With first-rate accommodation, well developed MICE facilities, an expatriate-friendly business environment and more expansion projects including a new airport slated to open in 2018, Xiamen looks ready to be a major contender in China’s MICE industry in the future.

Contact Jane Lin Liaison Development Department of CIFIT Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs +86-592-2669875 jane@chinafair.org.cn Jeoven Wong Director General, Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs +86 592 2669899 wqw@chinafair.org.cn www.chinafair.org.cn

Xiamen’s hard facts • Famous tourist attractions: Hulishan Fortress, Nanputuo Temple, Gulanyu Island, various scenic beaches, Zhongshan Walking Street, Yundang Lake · Notable festivals: Xiamen International Marathon, China International Piano Competition · Total exhibition area (2010): about 1,085,000 m2 · Total number of meetings hosted (2010): 1396 (388,000 participants) · Conference Centre with biggest capacity: Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Centre (total exhibition area: 100,000 in 2011) with 20 conference rooms, the biggest can accommodated 2,000 guests. · Total number of hotels (2011): 72 starred hotels (11 five-star and 23 four-star) with 12,545 guest rooms/suites · The ‘longest’ hotel in Xiamen (and the world): Xiamen International Seaside Hotel (with a length of 325 metres, with 28 banquet and meeting halls and 208 guest rooms) 19

> Sri Lanka

Colombo City

MICE to Grow in Sri Lanka ‘Mice to Grow in Sri Lanka’ was the message that Mr. Vipula Wanigasekera, manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, at a well-attended press conference at IMEX in Frankfurt this year. Not so many people realise that Sri Lanka has been active in the meetings fndustry for quite some time now, with the country being now the largest island of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Text Marcel A.M. Vissers

Not new in the MICE Industry I still remember when I visited Colombo for the first time and discovered that their convention centre was in fact the oldest centre on the Asian continent. The BMICH, or Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall as its name implies, was built to honor the memory of Mr. S. Bandaranaike, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1959. The centre has re-opened after a thorough makeover and total refurbishment.

As early as 1976, the Government hosted the Non Aligned Conference and 83 world leaders attended the meeting.

The next major conference is CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) with is to be held in November this year. Sri Lanka also won the bid to host the Asian Youth Games which are coming to the island in 2017. This will be the largest sport event ever to be held in Sri Lanka. And our industry also holds some curious events with very special names. This year for example, the 22nd Working Meeting IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Conference is being held. Sri Lanka is also leading the way for contemporary conferences such as 20

the 1st International Conference on BioDiversity. A meetings programme also exists called Meetings in a Cave.

New strategy Sri Lanka’s current tourism strategy is focused more on infrastructure. The hardware is lagging behind due to the ongoing war issues that the country has experienced.

There is fear that construction will be too fast and at the expense of Sri Lanka’s biggest asset: the diversity and beauty of nature.

And can they keep the prices under control?

Quick wins can fade fast if resources are not used intelligently. However, there is no doubt that Sri Lanka is developing a topnotch meetings industry product.

The government has, for instance, taken a timely decision by setting up on a convention centre in Hambantota, in the deep south of the island where the new international airport has begun to operate. For corporate, meetings and incentive travel, the focus is mainly on various boutique type team products. For example, the famous town of Kandy has become a popular venue thanks to the Botanical Garden and a good golf course.

Hambantota

Flying to Sri Lanka SriLankan Airlines is a partner of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in realizing the goals of MICE especially when it comes to international congresses to be held in Sri Lanka.

Headquarters for Europe are located in Frankfurt. SriLankan Airlines operates flights to 64 destinations in 34 countries, of which 6 destinations in India and 9 in the Middle East. In Europe there are flights to Sri Lanka from Paris, Rome, Milan, London, Paris and Frankfurt.

The airline has a separate department for MICE tourism that works with local partners to arrange many types of events. www.srilankan.com

Personally, I think the Spiritual Development effort is one of the most successful projects because Sri Lanka is deeply imbued with Buddhism and spiritual values.

The Institute of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine and Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts (www.instituteofayerveda.org) are leaders in this field. For new post-convention tours, the Cultural Triangle and the city of Galle are the centre of attention.

Contact Sri Lanka Convention Bureau slcb@sltnet.lk www.visitsrilanka.net

Palexpo

Palexpo in Geneva Green is the word According to the often-quoted Brundtland Report Our Common Future, ‘sustainable development is development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Palexpo, the Geneva exhibition and conference centre, has chosen to integrate social, environmental, and economic issues into the company’s management as a whole, becoming the epitome of what can be done in that much-talked-about field.

Sustainable management has been a tenet of Palexpo corporate culture for many years. This has translated into numerous actions and realizations, like the creation of an interdepartmental, multidisciplinary ‘sustainable development’ committee, the setting up of a code of conduct for environmental-friendly behavior, as well as indicators to monitor the company’s performance on economic, social and environmental issues.

Recently, officials even inaugurated the biggest solar panel installation in Switzerland - maybe the most tangible commitment of Palexpo to sustainability. The rooftop photovoltaic system, comprising 15,000 panels, is capable of producing enough electricity for 1,350 households - 4.2 gigawatt-hours per year. Covering 15,000 m2, the solar project is three times bigger than the previous biggest such installation in the country.

‘With a photovoltaic panel surface per resident three times more than the national average, Geneva is positioning itself at the head of Swiss cantons,’ said Pierre Maudet, Geneva cabinet minister responsible for energy. And no doubt this initiative will also strengthen Palexpo’s position at the forefront of sustainable development.

Palexpo, with 108,000 sqm under one roof and 21 conference rooms, is located 10 minutes walk from the international airport and the railway station and 10 minutes by bus to the city centre.

Contact Anja Loetscher, Director Convention Bureau Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation +41 22 909 70 48 gvacb@geneva-tourism.ch www.genevaconventionbureau.ch 21

> Fair

Association Day at IT&CM China

A Tale of Two Cultures

This year, IT&CM China in Shanghai launched its inaugural Association Day on April 18 with a well thought out lineup of speakers who shared their insights on what has shaped and motivated associations in both China and the West over the years, which reflects the cultural, political and ideological differences between mainland China and the Western world.

Report Katie Lau Liu Youqian, CEO of Federation of China Trade Associations and Chambers of Commerce, delivered a keynote address on the evolution of associations in China since 1949 in the face of strict government control and how the subsequent reforms impact their future development, while Nikki Walker, global vice president of Association Management and Consulting at MCI Group, revealed how associations in the West grew from national to international status through concerted dedication and effort over decades of operations and innovations.

Speaking in his native Mandarin to a full audience attended mainly by associations in China, Mr. Liu shed light on how associations started as politically motivated cultural and academic groups well into the late 70s, whereas in the West, associations are created on the principles of freedom by voluntary members who wish to achieve common goals collectively, according to Ms Walker. ‘In China, membership is more ordained. In the West, membership is totally a matter of choice,’ said Walker.

More competition and autonomy After decades of inefficient structure, lack of professionalism and administrative bureaucracy, China has been keen on modernizing associations in recent years. In the late 1990s, legal reforms were introduced by the central government to liberalize the registration of Chinese associations, which greatly increased the number of associations. In order to introduce more competition and 22

give more autonomy to associations, better management and supervision policies came into effect since 2006. Growing from passive to active, Chinese associations have been more collaborative with one another, aspiring to attain international status.

Likewise, associations in the West gain their desired status through years of concerted dedication and strategic planning in different areas like marketing and business management, according to Ms Walker. As the Internet has become a popular medium to reach their target audience, the competition among associations is now intense. ‘But it’s a good thing as it keeps the good ones and eliminates the bad ones,’ she said. As more associations go from regional to international, Walker believed in the future they would be more proactive and seek alliances both from home and abroad.

Liu Youqian

More insights were revealed by the following speaker Maria Tong, China representative of American Society of Association Executives, based on her groundbreaking research on what made successful associations tick.

The event drew to a close with an interactive discussion where participants got to express their opinions on how to run organizations effectively and other practical advice, guided by Simon Pryor of Australasian Society of Association Executives and Ryan Xia of Tenpin Bowling Association of Queensland.

More info: www.itcmchina.com

Nikki Walker