HAP16

headquarters Published by Headquarters Magazines PTE Ltd (Singapore) www.headquartersmagazine.com - press@headquartersmagazine.com

Asia-Pacific #

Edition December 2013

UIA Do’s & don’ts of congress organisation

Interview

Kitty Wong Taiwan’s green lady

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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.

> 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

Marcel A.M. VISSERS Editor in Chief

Association Days in Asia Pacific

Every initiative taken in the Asia-Pacific region to promote Association Days is always welcome.

From experience, we know that the European meetings industry has lots of expertise and knowhow in this field. It’s the major AMCs in particular that like to organise these kinds of programmes for trade fair organisers via their Asian offices. There’s nothing wrong with this, considering that Asian trade fair organisers in general are not so familiar with the association world. In Asia, this sector is not so popular but it is growing very fast.

However, this is where the danger may lie. Simply copying the European association education modules would be the easiest and most economical model but it would not be the best way to proceed. It would not only be wrong but also completely out of place. The world of Asian associations is a different world with other characteristics and needs. For example, has anyone every researched the needs of the Malaysian associations? And what about the aspirations of the recently launched associations in Indonesia? We know part of the story, but not all of it. I think the time has come to contact them directly and ask what their precise requirements are. Do they want to recruit members, or are they seeking organisational models that suit their countries’ needs?

Our specialised magazine will contribute with regular reports to keep you up-to-date on the activities of associations in 14 Asia-Pacific countries. We are now working hard to review our database that currently has some 2,500 addresses of headquarters of international and regional associations based in Asia Pacific. In addition, throughout 2014 we will ask them about the major topics that they want to touch upon during their educational process. The initiative by our partner UIA to follow the example of the Brussels Round Table with the same formula in Singapore is a major step ahead. However, it must be an Asian step. » More stories on www.headquartersmagazine.com

Contents GENERAL Edito 3 News 4 Association Portrait 6 IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 13

Cécile Caiati-Koch

Rémi Dévé

Kelvin Lu

COVER INTERVIEW Kitty Wong

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UIA Do’s and don’ts of conference organisation 8 DESTINATIONS The Philippines 15 Macao 17 Thailand 18 Geneva, Switzerland 21 Phuket 22

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> News

Brisbane

World’s leading Melanoma experts to meet in Brisbane

Radisson Blu Announces Experience Meetings

Brisbane has won the right to host up to 1,500 of the world’s leading Melanoma and skin cancer experts. Queensland has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Every year skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers, with medical practitioners providing more than one million patient consultations resulting in a significant burden on the state’s health care system. The 9th World Congress of Melanoma will be held at the Brisbane Convention& Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in October 2017, providing a global platform for the world’s foremost researchers, skin cancer experts and medical professionals. www.bcec.com.au

Radisson Blu announced the rollout of Experience Meetings, launching across the globe in January 2014. Developed as a means to improve the effectiveness of meetings, the program will place a strong emphasis on innovations in food and beverage; changes to the spatial environment as well as advancements in meeting technology. Two of the key components are Brain Food and Brain Box. The former is the culinary component that was a collaboration between chefs and nutritionists, tasked with creating an elevated catering program that increases concentration and reduces fatigue. The latter is the ultimate think tank designed to boost creativity and inspire active engagement based on the four different learning styles: visual, kinesthetic, tactile and auditory. www.radissonblu.com

Singapore Tourism Board launches Sustainability Guidelines The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched Sustainability Guidelines to serve as a reference guide for MICE industry players in Singapore. These Guidelines are referenced from international standards such as ISO 20121 and the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards and geared towards those who are keen to adopt sustainable practices.

Through these guidelines, the STB also hoped to encourage local MICE players to meet global sustainability requirements.

The Sustainability Guidelines cover seven industry categories from across the business events ecosystem, including hotels, venues, event organisers and meeting planners, transportation, food and beverage, as well as audio-visual set-up. www.stb.gov.sg 4

Seoul rolls out MICE master plan for large-scale meetings Seoul Metropolitan Government has produced a master plan for Seoul’s MICE industry in order to strengthen the city’s position internationally as Asia ascends as a meetings destination. Under the master plan, divided into phases, large areas of meetings infrastructure will be developed between 2014 and 2018 to ramp up the city’s meetings capacity. This includes the upcoming launch of Dongdaedmun Design Plaza and a large convention centre next to Seoul Station, set to open in 2014 and 2018 respectively. www.miceseoul.com

Singapore

2014 Meetings Industry Fairs AIME // 18-19 February 2014, Melbourne // www.aime.com.au GIBTM // 24-26 March 2014, Abu Dhabi // www.gibtm.com IMEX // 20-22 May 2014, Frankfurt // www.imex-frankfurt.com AIBTM // 10-12 June 2014, Orlando, USA // www.aibtm.com Global Alliance appoints its first Chair The Global Alliance has appointed JulieMay Ellingson, Chief Executive Officer of Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), as its new Julie-May Ellingson Chair. Global Alliance is an international group of conference and exhibition centres that have joined forces to offer a seamless conference and event experience to international associations and event organisers whose events rotate around the world. Global Alliance members include the Durban International Convention Centre, Adelaide Convention Centre, Centro Banamex in Mexico, Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, and Advantage BOSTON. Ms Ellingson will help to raise the profile of the alliance as a leading provider of highquality convention centre services across multiple continents. www.globalccalliance.com

> Associated Portrait

International Society of Intelligent Unmanned Systems (ISIUS)

A discussion with Dr Agus Budiyono Officially founded in 2010 during the Sixth International Conference on Intelligent Unmanned Systems held in Bali, International Society of Intelligent Unmanned Systems (ISIUS) is an international non-profit scientific organisation that promotes the advancement of technologies relevant to unmanned vehicles in underwater, ground, aerial and space domains. Over the past few years, the society has steadily grown from their founding members of about 400 to nearly 1,500 members from academia, government and relevant industries worldwide.

Interview Katie Lau Agus Budiyono

Dr Agus Budiyono, a Foreign Professor in the Department of Aerospace Information Engineering in Seoul, South Korea, has been newly appointed as Vice President of Operations at ISIUS. He is also an editor of ISIUS’s official journal: “J Unmanned Sys Tech” (JUST). Here the Indonesian-born scientist shares with us more about his organisation and the exciting challenges ahead.

HQ: How has what you do affected our everyday lives?

Dr Agus Budiyono: The advances of robotics science and technology in the last many decades have propelled the human civilization to the unprecedented level. The robotics technology has permeated the very fabric of human life and become an integral and indispensable part of human endeavors from taking care of patients, cleaning the rooms, performing SAR mission, mapping the sea floor all the way to exploring the outer space. It is now within our reach that the same technology can be extended to the nano-scale for targeted drug delivery and in-vivo propulsion and navigation in cancer treatment.

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HQ: Please describe the history and goals of your association.

Dr Agus Budiyono: The International Society of Intelligent Unmanned System (ISIUS)’s history began in its first conference in 2005 in Seoul, South Korea. However, the formal inauguration did not take place until the sixth conference held in Bali in 2010. ISIUS is headquartered in Seoul with satellite offices in Tokyo, Japan and Bandung, Indonesia. The central theme of the society is driving the application of robotics and unmanned systems for the humanitarian mission. Our longterm goal is to develop a reliable unmanned system that can be deployed for managing risk in disaster scenarios anytime and anywhere in the world.

HQ: What is your role in your association?

What are your responsibilities?

Dr Agus Budiyono: As Vice President of Operations, I set up and manage the organisation structure including the membership system and liaise with external organisations. I’m also responsible for the organisation and management of the society’s annual conference (International Conference

on Intelligent Unmanned Systems) and continuing education programmes. Additionally, I coordinate with the cooperating publishers for managing the society’s official journals.

HQ: How does your association operate?

Dr Agus Budiyono: ISIUS is a non-profit scientific organisation. We support our operation through industry sponsors, revenues from events as well as membership fees. We introduce an open and flexible membership system in which members can enter the society on different levels of engagement based on their specific needs and condition. Some members get involved in our conference while others are active in contributing in our journals as authors, reviewers or editors. Basic membership is free. Individual and corporate members who pay the annual fee receive various benefits commensurate with their membership level.

ISIUS is actively collaborating with scientific publishers in managing its digital content and with relevant professional associations in organising co-located conference and professional events.

> Associated Portrait

HQ: What kind of events does your association organise? What destinations do you often choose?

Dr Agus Budiyono: ISIUS organises its annual conference rotating in different venues worldwide. The most preferred venue for ISIUS is an attractive and well-known resort area with the aim to encourage potential participants who are interested in both the conference and the accompanying social/ leisure programme.

ISIUS is keen to collaborate with like-minded international organisations with humanitarian missions including ones within United Nations HQ: What is the process like for selecting a destination and organising an international meeting?

Dr Agus Budiyono: The process starts with the identification of the eligible local host of the conference. The local host of the conference is typically a professor affiliated with a university or scientist with research institute.

In some cases, it could be a combination of both in one team. Experience in organising technical conferences/seminars is definitely desirable. The host is responsible for organising the conference in general. However, ISIUS

will provide assistance in different aspects, including arrangement of post-conference publications (special issue of reputed journals, monograph, etc), database for potential attendees from previous conferences, attracting international funding support, etc.

HQ: What kind of MICE trade shows does your association attend and how has it helped you to choose destinations/ organise your events?

Dr Agus Budiyono: We have been attending various MICE trade shows including IMEX, IT&CM and EIBTM. We consider the trade shows a very relevant event to network with appropriate partners in the meeting industry.

HQ: What challenges does your association face?

Dr Agus Budiyono: As a relatively new organisation, the primary challenge of ISIUS is to maintain its consistent operation in managing its growing members, maintaining quality of its conference and scientific journals.

To achieve its long-term goal, ISIUS also needs to secure strong support from relevant government and industrial sponsors.

HQ: As the Vice President of Operations, could you share what makes the job challenging and interesting?

Dr Agus Budiyono: It’s indeed very challenging to manage a large-scale international organisation. I, however, feel that I’ve been

ICIUS 2011- Japan

privileged to have been able to interact with best minds who are responsible for bringing robotic technology for the benefit of humankind. I find the mission of the society quite noble. Among all the jobs and responsibilities I have taken, this might be the most enriching personally and professionally.

HQ: What are the future plans of your association?

Dr Agus Budiyono: We’re going to endeavor to raise the public awareness of ISIUS mission. ISIUS is keen to collaborate with like-minded international organisations with humanitarian missions including ones within United Nations. We are also envisioning of rotating the annual conference to Europe and Australia in the future. www.isiusys.org

ISIUS’s annual conferences 2005 & 2006: Seoul 2007: Bali, Indonesia 2008: Nanjing,China 2009: Jeju Island, South Korea 2010: Bali, Indonesia 2011: Chiba, Japan 2012: Singapore 2013: Jaipur, India 2014: Montreal, Canada (to be confirmed)

ICIUS 2013, Chairing

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For more info about UIA www.uia.org

Do’s & don’ts in conferencing…

About videoconferencing Advanced preparation and testing is important for the success of a videoconference.

Andrea Guido and Annalisa Trovò, World Mediation Forum, in collaboration with Università di Padova and Prâgmata Politika SRL Mediation Organism Not everyone will be familiar with the video­ conferencing system you use. Send information about the system to your speakers/ presenters and consider making a simple ‘how to’ document on key tasks (accessing the system and your specific conference etc.). Use screen shots to illustrate the necessary steps.

Well in advance of your conference date: schedule a test session so that presenters can test their local computer, camera & speakers and internet connection. This will give them time to identify any issues which might cause problems for their participation.

A managed videoconference is a successful videoconference A videoconferencing platform that allows a coordinator to handle the organizational tasks is important. Such a system leaves the speakers to concentrate on their presentations without having to be concerned with technical issues.

The meeting coordinator will be responsible for designing the session; uploading powerpoint or other documents from presenters; working with presenters to 8

insure their comfort in using the system; insuring that presenters are connected and online 30 minutes before their scheduled presentation; etc.

Have a back up plan Plan for possible problems that can occur.

For example, a speaker might come online and experience problems with their camera or microphone on the conferencing system.

Use Skype, for example, to allow them to complete their presentation. This is only a backup plan if you have tested Skype with them and they know how to use it.

Always have local copies of all documents used in the presentations / sessions – power­ points, slides, handouts. Documents loaded online might not always be available for one reason or another. A USB stick with these files is an inexpensive way to save the day.

Where possible, use the same computer for managing all conferencing sessions.

Test in advance that it is in good working order. Have a laptop designated as a backup computer in case there is a problem with the primary computer.

General points about managing for success All presenters should receive the criteria and formatting requirements for their presentations. These should be strict guidelines on allotted time, number of slides, font style and size, etc. Distributing a template or preformatted document is a good way to insure uniform presentations.

Guidelines on presentation structure should also be given to presenters to assist them in meeting their goals in the time allotted and facilitating the attention of the audience.

Use speakers or students as chairpersons during group sessions which feature presentations. The chairperson will guide the group and strictly adhere to the time limits and scheduling agreed in advance with the presenters. Such guidance insures that the group sessions are able to function smoothly while completing their aims and benefiting from the skills of the assembled speakers and participants.

Meetings are about meeting people: make some time and dedicated space for participants to meet informally with speakers. This could be a breakout room during a coffee break, for example. www.worldmediationforum.org

> UIA

from three angles Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) The view of Ellen Van Ree, Project Manager As an association your strongest assets are your members and the good relationship with industry partners and media. Involve these groups in developing your event, creating brand awareness, composing the conference programme etc.

The objectives of professional event organisers are different than those of associations.

A huge benefit of associations is that they can drive their event on content; professional event organisers are driving their event on revenues.

Make sure you receive all your payments in advance, even though your delegates might have been members for years and are well known to you.

Depending on the size of your event, consider hiring a professional registration organisation. This can save a lot of time.

Brief photographers in detail on which pictures you would like to have; the important moments/persons for them to capture, envision for which purpose you need the pictures (brochures, website, articles etc.).

Do not assume that prices of suppliers will only increase 5% for the next year.

Sometimes there are significant changes.

Check the prices for the next year well in advance.

Keep visitors on-site up to date via a mobile application. Inform your delegates about the app and how to download it before they arrive.

How much catering should you order? * For paid events: 10-15% less than the number of registrations * For free entrance events: 30-40% less than the number of registrations (if on-site registrations is possible than the number will be slightly compensated and you can order 30% less). www.canso.org

International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) The view of Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General The programme must be confirmed well in advance and for promotion the content must be described as much as the speakers.

Be concise but clear. Use bullet points.

For small industries like ours making a surplus on an event will depend on strong sponsorship, not on delegate income. Focus on a strong sponsor proposition and then deliver it and they will stick with you.

Create a detailed event schedule with nothing missed out. On the day this is your lifeline.

Make sure you give the organisers a treat afterwards and tell them how amazing they are. This is what motivates them to do a job which has such pressure over an intense period! www.aiph.org 9

> cover interview

Turtle Island, Yilan County Government, Taiwan

Kitty Wong Concentrating on quality… and green in Taiwan!

Kitty Wong is the proud president of K&A International, a Taipei-based PCO/DMC/AMC, and Expo Union Corporation, which deals with the organisation of exhibitions. A woman of stamina and influence (and the Vice President of the World PCO Alliance), she’s been instrumental in putting Taiwan on the map, as well as showing the added values companies like hers can bring.

Interview Rémi Dévé HQ: Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers who don’t know you?

Kitty Wong: I was born and raised in Taiwan and actually never lived abroad longer than six months. Introducing Taiwan to foreigners, making them actually fall in love with it is my passion. I’m very lucky I can make a living doing so.

When I started working in the industry back in the late eighties/early nineties, very few people knew what a so-called Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) was, how it could help organise events and conventions. That made my job all the more challenging, even if I began in the industry almost by chance.

All throughout my career, I have worked very hard to provide quality service, which is appreciated by all my clients. I am also proud to have introduced ‘green meetings’ in the industry - a fairly new thing in Taiwan and the whole region. Most event organisers view it as a marketing tool only, so I try to educate them and show that it can actually be an added value.

What I hope to do is to let people know that 10

‘cutting down carbon footprints is actually cutting down cost’. By the end of the day, you can contribute to the reduction of global warming.

As a matter of fact, Noor Ahmad Hamid, ICCA Regional Director Asia-Pacific, says I’m the ‘green lady’ of the industry!

Kitty Wong

region. However, we have lately won more and more world/international congresses.

Any meetings or conventions of 50 to 3,000 now have a new option when choosing their next destination - Taiwan!

Recently, association meetings have been booming in Asia Pacific, especially when it comes to conferences related to the ICT and medical sector HQ: Can you tell us about the state of the association market in Taiwan and in AsiaPacific according to you? Where do clients mostly come from?

Kitty Wong: Recently, association meetings have been booming in Asia Pacific, especially when it comes to conferences related to the ICT and medical sector. As to Taiwan, we are a relatively new and safe destination. Almost all of the participants who attended the events that K&A International organised were amazed by the quality of the service we provided. They were also charmed by the friendly Taiwanese hospitality and delicious Chinese cuisine.

Business mainly comes from within the

HQ: How developed is the PCO industry in Taiwan and Asia-Pacific?

Kitty Wong: Professional Congress Organising is a relatively new profession in the Asia Pacific except for Japan. Most people actually get ‘MICE industry’ and ‘exhibition’ mixed up, although the Taiwanese government has done a good job promoting “MEETTAIWAN” globally and raising the profile of the Taiwanese meetings industry on the international scene. Local or national associations still do not understand what kind of services a PCO can provide. They need to learn how to work closely with PCOs - so we still have plenty of work to do!

> cover interview

Aboriginal dance

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

HQ: In all those years that you’ve been working in the meeting industry, how has it changed? What are the noticeable trends of today?

Kitty Wong: I insist on offering added values to my clients and show them how important it is to work together as collaborators. I’m not shy to teach newcomers the core value of a PCO – in the end, they can only benefit from our expertise. For instance, I try to educate them on how to make the most of technology without being overwhelmed by it: sometimes the line between the hi-tech gadgets and the useful tools is a bit of a blur.

Regarding trends, I would say that the behaviour of clients has changed: it seems they now pay us less, give us less time to finish our tasks, have less patience and flexibility. A good PCO should be reliable, reasonable and trustworthy: its standards should be high and constant. In the past, clients had few ways to look at the competition and actually could not find out easily if what you did was right or wrong. Now, everything can be cross-checked, googled

and reviewed: we have to make the most of it and show our loyalty and integrity all the time.

HQ: What are the biggest differences between the West and the East when it comes to the organising of conferences and the organisers themselves?

Kitty Wong: The main difference is a cultural one, as the logic of thinking and the mentality are not the same at all. The Asians believe in harmony when making a decision (it should always be a win-win situation for all parties involved), whereas the Westerners tend to think from a right and wrong point of view, with people winning and people losing. That makes negociations sometimes difficult and organising events as well, but we learn everyday how to get along.

More info on K&A International www.knaintl.com.tw on Expo Union Corporation www.expounion.com.tw

TIGIS

Green meetings don’t cost more!

One of the greatest prides of Kitty Wong is the home-produced TIGIS, Taiwan International Green Industry Show, now in its fourth year. A complete green platform to promote Energy, Environment and Water prospects across Asia, it was created by Kitty herself when she reflected people could not live without water so this kind of show was bound to be successful! It’s in fact the whole scale of sustainability Kitty is interested in: she is committed to raise Taiwan’s profile as a ‘green’ destination, making people and suppliers understand that green meetings actually don’t cost more.

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> Philippines

The Philippines Time to support them We wrote already in our sister magazine MIM Europe that there is a new trend in meetings and incentive travel: international companies and associations are showing more interest in medium to long distance meeting trips. It’s not specifically about distant locations but rather their interest for the culture, nature and economic progress in the countries. And because the Philippines are just recovering from the typhoon that tragically hit the country, it’s time we supported them.

Text Katie Lau The Philippines is multi-faceted: Manila or the beach, you choose!

What about the land of 7,000 islands?

Long overlooked by European organisers, the Philippines is home to a large number of coral-fringed islands rich in biodiversity, such as tropical rainforests, extensive mountain ranges, underwater landscapes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Beyond the bustling capital of Manila, the Philippines boasts culturally diverse regions that showcase a spectrum of stunning beaches and disingenuous cultures. In Boracay, Western Visayas, you will find the Philippines’ answer to Indonesia’s Bali: the iconic White Beach is four kilometres of white, powdery fine sand dotted with resorts, shops, and restaurants. While in Central Visayas, there’s Cebu, the country’s second largest city known for its heritage, multiculturalism and white beaches.

Outdoor ethusiasts would be spoiled for choice in Davao City, known for being the home of Mount Apo, the Philippines’ tallest mountain.

Another famous asset of the Philippines is the hospitality of the people. Despite having to endure more political dramas, social problems and natural disasters than the average country, Filipinos are known to be one of the most resilient, humble and happiest people in the world.

More events With an increase in the number of hosted international meetings (from 33 in 2011 to 48 in 2012 according to a recent ICCA study), the country is expected to keep the uptrend going this year, having hosted the South East Asia Premier Nautical Lifestyle Summer Expo with 4,000 participants in March or the 12th South East Asian Survey Congress attended by 1,000 in June. Upcoming events include the 5th World Eco-Tourism Conference in Cebu in November, the World Economic Forum East Asia Summit next year and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015.

As an emerging MICE destination, the Philippines is spicing up its appeal by

adding more convention venues and luxury hotels, according to a country report by TTGAsia. The Mall of Asia Arena was opened in 2012 with a seating capacity of 16,000, plus other convention centres in Taguig, Davao and other areas. The completion of four integrated resorts at the Entertainment City, located close to Makati and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will provide over 3,200 luxury rooms and extensive MICE facilities, while luxury hotel chains such as Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt, Conrad and Hilton would also come online in the next four years.

The launch of MICE Plus package by the Tourism Promotions Board will also include discounts on accommodation, F&B and venues, complimentary meeting rooms for briefing and transport for MICE delegates.

Dedicated meeting coordinators would also be arranged for hotels and convention centres. www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com 15

> Macao

Five reasons to hold a meeting in Macao Macao was one of the first crossroads of east and west, the meeting point for traders between Europe and Asia. Today, the city remains a point of contact between cultures, a vibrant shopping paradise and, over the past four centuries has evolved into a true blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage that is utterly unique. Here are 5 reasons why you should hold your next meeting in Macao.

1 - World-class infrastructures

3 - Array of post- and preconference possibilities

In Macao, glamorous hotel resorts have been built around the foundations of casinos, the first of which opened its doors in 1962, and Macao is a magnet for thrill seekers.

Through years of evolvement Macao has become an interesting meeting destination, with superb facilities and hotel infrastructure in place. Macao Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre, Cotai Strip, the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel are just a few examples of facilities accommodating thousands of delegates… and more!

Macao is a playground for tourists and a convenient, modern meeting destination for business. After a hard day’s work, groups can enjoy horseracing at Macao Jockey Club, while golf fans won’t want to miss out on the Macao Golf & Country Club, one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia. Spas are also plentiful, with the best being a typical luxury hotel blend on ancient Eastern and modern Western treatments that epitomise Macao as a destination.

2 - Gastronomy, culture & shopping paradise

Several billion people and some of the world’s largest cities are within a five-hour flight of Macao. The Macao International Airport connects Macao to many Asia cities

Whether you would like to sample the local delicacies, be they Chinese Dim Sums, African Chicken or Portuguese egg tarts, walk the cobbled streets along Senado Square in the historic centre, and see the diverse religious monuments such as A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St Paul’s, Macao is the place, featuring a UNESCO Listed World Heritage Site dating from its Portuguese colonial past. A great, walking city, Macao offers cuisines from around the world, while taking pride in its outstanding shopping and nightlife.

4 - Easy access

directly. Just a ferry ride away, the Hong Kong Int’l Airport is one of the world’s global airline hubs connecting to all continents.

Ferries to Hong Kong and several Chinese ports link Macao to some of the world’s most vibrant economic centres.

5 - The Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Program In an effort to promote moderate economic diversification and development of the convention and exhibition industry in Macao, the Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Program aims to provide assistance and support to organisers and planners of conventions and exhibitions held in Macao, with the ultimate goal of sharpening the competitive edge of Macao’s convention and exhibition industry. This support is mainly financial, and conditions apply.

More info www.mice.gov.mo/en/index.aspx

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> Thailand

Thailand CONNECT

Your Global Business Events Connection Every year, more and more delegates attend association meetings in Thailand. As an exotic, hospitable destination, with a growing reputation for hosting exciting, well-run and successful business events, the country offers a vastly different and enjoyable experience.

Easily accessible, with a superb accommodation network and high-class meeting facilities, Thailand is at the top of the list like never before.

Success that Breeds Global Success As the preferred business events destination in Asia for all meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), Thailand is your convenient portal to global success.

Thanks to a winning combination of strategic location, dynamic economy and legendary hospitality, Thailand provides endless opportunities for business expansion. With Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) as your strategic partner, you can be sure of successful collaborations at all levels.

Where Business Mixes with Leisure Thailand’s wide choice of ingredients will undoubtedly make your business event a success and memorable experience. And the country’s world renown service sector can contribute with superior infrastructures:

international airports in every region and 5 MICE cities (along Bangkok and Pattaya, lie Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen, definitely worth a MICE détour) comprising 8 professionally-managed ISO- and TISI- certified venues. The event programs can be creatively customised to make your event experience soar above the ordinary.

Where Growth Spurt Incoming Due to its unique geographical location and outstanding government support, Thailand is a regional hub for industries of all kinds, and an investment magnet. By organising business events there, at the gateway to ASEAN, you will be in an ideal position to enjoy the benefits from the emergent ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), a new market of 600 million. Utilize Thailand’s business opportunities… and you will maximize your own connection growth today.

Where hospitality meets service excellence With decades of high quality experience, Thailand can ensure unmatched levels of coherence and efficiency throughout the country’s MICE personnel. Over the years, staff working in the industry have gained considerable expertise staging well-organised, stylish and popular events. Up-todate with international standards, globally hospitable par excellence, Thailand’s skilled specialists and friendly hosts will surpass expectations when organising any business events. Plan your next business events in Thailand, they can deliver productivity and inspire success!

Connect Thailand.

Asia’s capital for business events connection www.businesseventsthailand.com 19

© Fondation Haute Horlogerie

©Arnaud Childeric-Kalice

> Geneva

Watchmaking or vineyard-walking

Take your pick in Geneva Geneva boasts many treasures worth discovering. Among them lie her magnificent countryside and beautiful vineyards or her art of watchmaking, the legacy of a glorious past, continuously updated and always envied.

Watchmaking expertise Geneva has been home to watchmaking expertise for more than four centuries. Over many generations, the city rose to fame through her love of accuracy, beauty and exclusivity. It made her what she is today: the world symbol of luxury watchmaking. Even the famous Jet d’Eau has its origins in the watch-making past of Geneva. Emblematic sites, museums, galleries, walking tours, workshops, prestigious events and, of course, the most beautiful boutiques, will become a dazzling experience.

The “Geneva Watch Tour” gives the time in thousand and one ways and leads to the shopping paradise of prestige horology. It offers a chance to visit the centre of Geneva while discovering the watch industry through around a hundred boutiques and a dozen historical monuments linked to Geneva’s watchmaking history. It also provides an opportunity to prepare a stay in the city by pinpointing ahead of time various selected brands with a view to making a purchase.

By including some 50 mono-brand boutiques and as many multi-brand retailers, the Watch Tour provides an overview of the Swiss watchmaking panorama, while visiting Geneva’s most symbolic districts - such as the station for a start, followed by the shopping quarter in the centre, the old town with its art and decoration galleries, the banking and cultural institution district, as well as the modern art district which is home to the Patek Philippe Museum.

The longest vineyard walk in Switzerland The magnificent Geneva countryside can be discovered by following three fascinating didactic itineraries combining wine growing, nature and local products.

The vineyard walk criss-crosses Geneva, Switzerland’s third-largest wine producer.

The three itineraries are equipped with information panels introducing Geneva’s grape varieties. The Rive Droite (right bank

of the Rhône) itinerary passes through Switzerland’s largest wine growing village, Satigny. From there, you will enjoy an exceptional view of Mont-Salève. The Entre Arve et Rhône walk introduces the “Champagne” region where a great many restaurants propose local products. Last but not least, the Entre Arve et Lac walk follows the left bank of the Rhône through charming historic villages.

Watchmaking and vineyard-walking are options worth considering for pre- or postcongress tours in Geneva and its surrounding region. Both activities can actually be organised for groups: during watchmaking sessions, you’ll even get to fabricate a part of a watch yourself, while wine-tasting, as well as buffets and cocktails, can be set up in a vineyard after a hard day’s work at a conference. Who said that Geneva is all work and no play? The Swiss city is in fact all yours to discover!

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

> Phuket

Phuket Second to none

As the quest for work-life balance is driving the rising demand for “bleasure” (combining “business” and “leisure”) trips among MICE organisers, resort destinations around the world are striving to upgrade their services and facilities in order to attract more business travellers, especially those seeking more value in their long-haul trips.

Report Katie Lau

Promoted as a high-end MICE destination

by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket is now only second to Bangkok in terms of generating MICE revenue, having hosted more than 780 events last year. With more than 90% of income coming from international MICE activities, Phuket is famous for its beautiful weather, gorgeous resort hotels featuring ideal meeting facilities, and a diverse mix of attractions, some of which were highlighted in a three-day IT&CMA post-show tour in early October.

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on Krabi Road. The heritage house shows that there’s much more to Phuket than just beaches and nightlife.

More than beaches

Built in 1903 by a first-generation Chinese immigrant, the elegantly decorated mansion is an outstanding example of Sino-colonial architecture, much like the Peranakan Mansion in Penang, Malaysia.

The unique architectural style and décor makes it a great place to take photographs and learn about the rich Peranakan culture.

I couldn’t stop admiring the classical Chinese mother-of-pearl furniture, the artifacts and family photos.

Though the weather was less than favourable with frequent thunderstorms, our group was greeted with warm and welcoming hospitality from the organisers and hotel staff upon our arrival. As our chirpy tour guide gave us a lively introduction about the city, we drove past the well preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings in the old town before arriving at the Chinpracha House

Then we visited Phuket’s best resort hotels, including the Westin, Boathouse on Kata Beach, Panwa Beach Resort, Dusit Thani, and JW Marriott, all of which feature gorgeous rooms/suites and conference rooms of different capacity and are located within easy distance of beaches or islands for outdoor adventures.

James Bond Island On the second day, we took a scenic speedboat ride that sailed past a floating Muslim fishing community built on stilts. I’d never seen a mosque in such a setting before. Then we arrived at Phang Nga Bay with the famous “James Bond Island”, and enjoyed kayaking on the turquoise blue waters. After a lunch break in Rang Yai Island, we got to know each other better in a series of physical and intellectual teambuilding games. Pretty good fun!

The last day saw us elephant trekking in the jungle in a nature tour organised by Siam Safari, which provide insights into Thai life and culture with their fun and educational activities like demonstrations on rice farming, Thai cooking, and making rubber mats.

Now with more international airlines providing direct flights to Phuket (e.g. Thai Airways, Qatar and Emirates), it’s now easier than ever to plan your travel to Phuket. If that fails, you can always count on the daily domestic flights from Bangkok.

More info Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau www.tceb.or.th mic@tceb.or.th