HAP9

HEADQUARTERS A S I A- PAC I F I C

the Asia-Pacific Magazine for Association Executives Supported by UIA, Union of International Associations, Brussels

09

Headquarters Magazines Meetings Industry Publishers (Singapore) Published 4 times a year Edition April 2012

Interview

Ping LIu

Pioneering the Chinese meetings industry

UIA The Eventful Life Of Association Executives

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HQ > c o n te n ts

Colophon Headquarters Asia-Pacific or HAP is a niche publication for local, regional and international associations based in the Asia-Pacific region dealing with the organization of worldwide congresses.

Published 4 times a year. Circulation: 2,500 copies in 14 different countries.

Subscriptions Subscriptions amount to 85 euros (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 Design Wallrus, Kortrijk - Belgium T: +32 (0)56 24 94 44 info@wallrus.be Print The Neu Print PTE Ltd - Singapore neuprint@singnet.com.sg Supported by UIA, Union of International Associations

marcel’s comment

My Chinese Dream I actually didn’t dream myself when I say ‘my Chinese dream’, although I saw a Chinese dream unfolding before my very eyes during my latest travels in China, with the rapid growth in all areas, including the Chinese meetings industry. “My Chinese Dream” is the title of a book written by a lady who did more than her part in the amazing growth of the Chinese meetings industry: Ping Liu. The subtitle of the book is also of great importance: ‘From Red Guard to CEO’. Ping Liu holds the reins of one of the leading DMC/PCO businesses in China, headquartered in Beijing. The company’s name is very appropriate: China Star Limited. I would not call Liu a ‘star’,

but she’s a woman loved by many around the world, not to say highly praised. Last year, I received a copy of the book’s limited edition, meant only for her good friends, colleagues and family. On the first page she wrote: ‘You’ll know me

and my motherland better after you read this book.’ I started to read and was amazed at the book’s detailed structure. There are stories of hard labor in Kaiyang Phoshate Mine, of teaching at university, of economic reform and opening-up to the outside world, of interpreting for the chemical mining industry. Ping Liu describes all these different lives with the same precision and perfection she manages her company. But what fascinated me

Marcel A.M. Vissers Editor in Chief

the most is the cover page. Look at that little smiling girl with the two pony tails! Ping Liu is a pioneer to me: a lady I will always respect!

Address Headquarters Magazines PTE Ltd 1 Scotts Road #21-07 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208 Responsible Publisher Headquarters Magazines PTE Ltd - Singapore Marcel A.M. Vissers marcel@headquartersmagazine.com

» Read more on www.headquartersmagazine.com

CONTENTS General News association Portrait

4 10

Cécile Caiati-Koch

7

RESEARCH The eventful life of association executives

14 16

Destinations

Cover interview Ping Liu, CEO of China Star Limited

management skills are the key the dynamics of association executives

12

adelaide Melbourne MalaysIa South Africa Macau Japan

18 22 24 27 28 30

Rémi Dévé

HEADQUARTERS 3

HQ

> headquarters n e w s

BCEC ON GREY STREET OFFICIALLY OPENED The newly opened BCEC on Grey Street, the five level expansion of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), has changed the Australian landscape for meetings and events and is already making an impact on the global business events market. Boutique in concept, dramatic in architecture and already successfully attracting an increased share of international and national conference events, BCEC on Grey Street is the latest showpiece of convention infrastructure in Australia. Delivering a new dimension to the industry’s offering in Australia, BCEC on Grey Street was designed to meet an evolving market for smaller and medium sized meetings with two auditoria for 400 and 600 with accompanying foyer space, speakers’ facilities and private boardrooms, allowing delegates to ‘own’ the floor for their conference. www.bcec.com.au

BCEC On Grey Street - Plaza Auditorium Foyer and Atrium

TAIWAN MICE MOBILE APP PLATFORM TAKES OFF Last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) successfully developed the Taiwan Meetings and Exhibitions Mobile Applications Platform, integrating smart phone apps developed to meet industry needs through government agencies.

Beginning this year, all of these apps can be fully promoted to PCOs and international meeting and exhibition organizers to realize the essential spirit of green conferencing and to boost the core IT capabilities of domestic vendors. To ensure that the application platform can be widely adopted in various international conventions and exhibitions, three ‘Taiwan Meetings and Exhibitions Mobile Applications Platform Seminars’ will be held by the Trade Bureau this year. The seminar in January attracted a strong advance registration response and a high attendance rate. www.meettaiwan.com

HEADQUARTERS 4

STAR ALLIANCE CONVENTIONS PLUS GOES ONLINE Star Alliance, the way the Earth connects, has become the first global airline alliance to offer online booking and ticketing to convention delegates. The new booking tool allows the convention organisers to direct their participants to a dedicated online booking and ticketing site for all air travel contracted under Star Alliance Conventions Plus. It complements the existing traditional fulfilment channels. Organisers can use the new tool to inform the delegates of travel options offered by the participating airlines for the selected convention.

Delegates can then check real time availability and fares for their required itinerary, book the appropriate flights, and purchase the corresponding ticket. www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE GLOWS WITH GOLD 2012 started well for the team at the Darwin Convention Centre - it was awarded by the AIPC with Gold Certification, the highest possible achievement in its Quality Standards Program.

Darwin Convention Centre successfully completed a rigorous external audit, joining a select group of only 18 AIPC convention facilities to have successfully achieved this certification to date.

The Program is notable in that it is an industry-specific certification addressing the unique factors that distinguish convention centre operations. www.darwinconvention.com.au

Darwin Convention Centre

> headquarters n e w s

AMANDA KOTZE-NHLAPO TO HEAD UP SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU South Africa Tourism has announced the appointment of Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo to the position of Executive Manager: ConvenAmanda tions Bureau.

Kotze-Nhiapo She joins SA Tourism after her successful tenure as Head: Convention Bureau and Events at Cape Town Routes Unlimited and will be responsible for heading up the newly-established National Convention Bureau (NCB) at SA Tourism. The NCB will enhance South Africa’s business tourism capacity and continue to grow the country’s status as a world-class destination for international conventions, exhibitions, incentives and events. www.southafrica.net

HKCEC WELCOMES 35 NEW EXHIBITIONS AND MAJOR CONFERENCES IN 2012 The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is celebrating an excellent start to 2012, having scheduled five new exhibitions and 30 major conferences for the coming year.

This is on top of the around 100 annually recurring anchor exhibitions it will once again host, including 11 which are the largest of their kind in the world or in Asia. The 30 major conferences are expected to bring over 30,000 delegates, experts and government officials from all over the world to Hong Kong and the

HKCEC

HKCEC. They cover a diverse range of topics, from medical science, dentistry, clinical pharmacy and yoga to bridge and tunnel construction, acoustics, finance and engineering. Of the total, 15 are international conferences and six are new to the HKCEC. www.hkcec.com

SARAWAK WELCOMES NEW BUREAU CHIEF This April, the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) will welcome Mike Cannon as Managing Director of the Bureau.

Currently the Executive Director Mike of the AssociaCannon tion of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), Mike has worked with Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) in Papua New Guinea, and later spent time with Qantas, then Dalgety Travel, before starting his own destination management firm, AFIT-Specialist Tours. He was a founding board member of the National Tourism Alliance (NTA) of Australia, has served on the board of ITOA (now ATEC - the Australian Tourism Export Council), and was an integral part of The Australian Tourism Minister’s Advisory Council. A current councillor with the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), Mike Cannon has also served on various advisory boards and action groups. www.sarawakcb.com

SENDAI, JAPAN, ENTERS THE MEETINGS WORLD Soon after Sendai was changed forever by the 2011 tsunami, it started on its journey of recovery, and hasn’t looked back. ‘The city of Sendai also known as “City of Trees,” has long hosted international conventions and groups - we are very accessible, have great venues, a fascinating local culture, beautiful nature

and an excellent tradition of service - but until recently, our region of Japan was little known in the wider world,’ explained Yumiko Nakao, of Sendai Convention Bureau. The city works closely with academics at Tohoku University to attract international association meetings. This year, among others, Sendai will host the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists Conference and the 6th International Congress of Asian Society of Toxicology - ASIATOX. www.stcb.or.jp

Sendai

2011-2012 Meetings Industry Fairs Worldwide: Make Your Choice!

IT&CM China // 17-19 April 2012, Shanghai // www.itcmchina.com IMEX // 22-24 May 2012, Frankfurt // www.imex-frankfurt.com AIBTM // 19-21 June 2012, Baltimore // www.aibtm.com CIBTM // 12-14 September 2012, Beijing // www.cibtm.com IMEX America // 9-11 October 2012, Las Vegas // www.imexamerica.com EIBTM // 27-29 November 2012, Barcelona // www.eibtm.com

HEADQUARTERS 5

HQ

> C OV E R I N T E R V I E W

Ping Liu

PIONEERING THE CHINESE MEETINGS INDUSTRY A real pioneer, a humble woman and and very seasoned professional, Ping Liu has haD many lives before becoming the CEO of China Star Limited. She even wrote a book about it. Here she tells us all about the way she sees the Chinese meetings industry and its relation to the global state of the industry in general.

INTERVIEW Marcel A.M. Vissers

HQ: Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Ping Liu: I was born in Liaoning Province in northeast China and raised in Guizhou Province in southwest China. When the Proletarian Cultural Revolution started in 1966, I was not even 11 and became a Red Guard of the Mao Zedong Thought Performing Arts Propaganda Team. Then I worked as a physical laborer in Kaiyang Phosphate Mine when I was only 15. I attended university after two years of hard work as an explosive maker and underground electrician, and became a middle school teacher after graduated from university. When China started to

carry out its economic reform, I worked as an English interpreter for the chemical mining industry. I later became the chief interpreter for the ministers of the Ministry of Chemical Industry.

In 1992, I got a job in a large state-owned travel enterprise in China. I decided to create my own business when China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001.

I am now the CEO of China Star Limited, which owns three companies, including China Star Beijing, China Star Shanghai and China Star Hong Kong. China Star Ltd. is a Professional Conference

Organizer, a Destination Management Company and also a travel company focusing on all kinds of high-end travel programs.

I am active in several international associations and am currently serving on the Site (the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives) International Board of Directors and am one of the founders of the World PCO Alliance. However, my favorite job is to work out event programs with my creativities. I just had my book “My Chinese Dream - From Red Guard to CEO� published by China Books, a publisher based in San Francisco of USA.

HEADQUARTERS 7

> C OV E R I N T E R V I E W HQ: People told us you’re the mother of the Chinese meetings industry because of your experience and knowledge.

Do you agree with that?

Ping Liu: I prefer ‘pioneer of the Chinese meetings industry’. I am actually an uprising star in spite of the fact that I am already a middle-aged woman. In China, there are a lot of people, who are in Chinese associations or government departments and who have been involved in meetings for many years. They have handled the meetings with Chinese characteristics without too much competition because that in China the government has controlled the international conferences and only the authorized associations or government departments are

industry is because we never stop learning and investing in education. We are active in the international industrial associations such as ICCA, MPI and Site and are moving forward with the international trends and updated knowledge and skills in the meetings industry.

We are even one of the seven founders of WPCOA (World PCO Alliance ) when PCO is still a new concept in China. We also try to tell people why professional standards should be followed and the difference between professional and unprofessional operations. With all above actions, China Star has become more and more influential in the China meetings industry.

HQ: Associations are not obvious in China, though their number

Chengdu, the hometown of pandas

allowed to handle the conferences.

So those association or government people have accumulated experiences and have learned from practices by handling the meetings themselves.

They are experienced but not necessary professional.

The situation has gradually changed especially when international PCOs like MCI and Kenes started to develop their business in China. Handling international conferences with professional standards have gained more attention by the Chinese hosts because that they have learned from the international meetings they have attended abroad. The reason that people call me or China Star the pioneer of the Chinese meetings

HEADQUARTERS 8

is growing. How do you see the evolution of the association market in China?

Ping Liu: There are about 410,000 associations who have been registered by the Ministry of Civil Affairs or the Civil Affairs Departments of the provincial level in China. Among which there are about 1,800 associations with the names beginning with CHINA. The associations in China are under the leadership of the government.

For example, the famous China Association of Science and Technology (CAST) is directly under the central government and manages 198 associations and societies with about 350,000 members. There are about 306

associations managed by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), over 100 under the Ministry of Health, among which China Medical Association (CMA) is the most famous one, and over 100 under the Ministry of Education and so on.

Big associations such as CAST and CMA have their own conference centres that also serve as PCOs. They have monopolized the international conferences of their sectors for many years because of the approval policy, which means holding an international conference in China needs to get permission from the government. Only the authorized associations such as CAST and CMA or government departments have the privilege to deliver such permits.

Xiamen

But now there are Chinese meeting professionals and people come from the ‘outside’ world. So, the conference centres of the concerned associations start to feel the pressure of competition, which is now gradually encouraged by the government.

HQ: Can you give a brief overview of the meetings regions/ facilities in China? We all know about Shanghai, Beijing... what about the rest of the country?

Ping Liu: Some other cities, such as Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast China, and Hongzhou in east China and Chengdu and Guiyang in southwest China are very active in promoting their cities as meeting destinations.

> C OV E R I N T E R V I E W There is a huge market for domestic corporate and association meetings, but all these destinations are also eager to welcome international conferences. The four cities have the following in common: they are all beautiful green cities, all have people who like to learn and are active to promote their cities, all have newly-built conference and exhibition venues and all have very supportive governments.

HQ: What kind of challenges have you had to face over the years?

Ping Liu: As a PCO in China, the biggest challenge we are facing is the Chinese administrative system.

One needs to get permission from

department and tried to convince them to give us an opportunity to bid. Without the ICCA database, it would have been really difficult for us to get the necessary information. However, quite often before the local host invites public bidding, an internal decision has already been made and someone or some company or an organization with some kind of special relation with the local host is appointed to work for the conference.

Many Chinese conference hosts and organizers tend to break down the service into pieces, keep the easy and profitable jobs to themselves and subcontract the difficult ones with limited profit to meeting

Hangzhou

the government to run international conferences in China, like I explained earlier. For many years, some associations have monopolized some sectors of the international conference business in China, for example, the CMA and the CAST have almost completely monopolized all the international medical conferences and those related to science and technology held in China.

The second challenge is unfair competition. Not so long ago, when we heard about a conference through researching the ICCA database, we immediately contacted the local host, a Chinese association, a university or a government

companies. When we are chosen to work for a conference, we are prepared to help the local host to solve problems whenever they are in need. Not being professionals, they are not able to foresee problems that might emerge. But they wouldn’t admit this or wouldn’t entirely trust the professionals.

Sometimes, the organizers are required to give in to the personal will of the decision-maker. In this situation, we are not able to force them to accept our ideas; we have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to ‘educate’ them with facts. As a PCO in China we never complain about how little the business is, but be patient and at the

local hosts’ disposal to help them solve the problems at any time.

As a PCO in China, the biggest challenge we are facing is the Chinese administrative system

Another even bigger challenge is to coordinate a healthy relationship among different parties.

To run meetings, especially those in which the government is so involved,

Guiyang

we have to coordinate with so many different departments, especially if it’s an outdoor event! For any event over 1,000 attendees, we have to request the permit from the Large-scale Events Management Office of the district where the event will be held. Recently we found that the international associations could play an important role in the healthy development of the meeting industry in China.

An international association told the Chinese local host, who originally wanted to do the international conference by itself, that its conference in China had to be managed by a ‘real PCO’.

HEADQUARTERS 9

HQ

> A ss o ciati o n P o rtrait

The challenges of the

Commonwealth Association of Public Sector Lawyers

mainly employees of Government agencies. However, CAPSL has, for some years, included private sector lawyers who work for the Government and public sector field, as opposed simply to being employed by Government. CAPSL might best be described as one of a number of specialist satellite groups of the CLA, Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

HQ: What kind of challenges has it overcome in recent years? What do you find most challenging to achieve?

Gregory Ross: The tyranny of distance and cost of travel to meet and or postage to members around the world were initial hurdles, as was the perception, by some, that government work was somehow less important than other legal work. Email and the like has considerably reduced postage costs and facilitated exchange of material between CAPSL executive members and CAPSL members. Now, rather than post newsletters, material is posted to the CAPSL website.

Based in Sydney, the Commonwealth Association of Public Sector Lawyers (CAPSL) was created to seek to raise the profile of Government and public sector legal work Gregory Ross

and the lawyers who work in the field. In doing so,

CAPSL recognises that Government lawyers, of all kinds, all have a role in the all important task of defending the Rule of Law. Gregory Ross, Acting Chair and Secretary, tells us about the challenges and the developments of the organization.

HQ: Could you briefly present your Association?

Gregory Ross: CAPSL (Commonwealth Association of Public Sector Lawyers) arose in the early 1990’s from a shared recognition amongst a number of ‘government’ lawyers from a number of Commonwealth Nations, who met regularly at Commonwealth Law Conferences

HEADQUARTERS 10

(CLCs), that ‘government’ and public sector related work related work were not properly recognised within the broader legal profession, despite government lawyers being a significant proportion of the Profession and the importance of that work to society.

Initially, its members were originally

In many countries, provision of legal services to Government and the Public Sector now involves a lot of outsourcing to private firms. That presents challenges to CAPSL in accommodating the needs and wants of both in house and external lawyers involved in provision of legal services to Government and the Public sector.

Whilst it will involve decisions by its members and the securing of ongoing funding, in time, I hope to see CAPSL providing some form of on line mentoring under which experienced practitioners in various countries can offer support and ideas (not amounting to practising or advising on the law of another country) to practitioners in other Commonwealth jurisdictions and facilitating an exchange of ideas on how issues can be dealt with.

The possibility of CAPSL facilitating seconding of public sector lawyers from one jurisdiction to another is another long-term vision.

> A ss o ciati o n P o rtrait

HQ: What kind of events do you organize?

Gregory Ross: CAPSL seeks to hold its general meetings in conjunction with the biennial Commonwealth Law Conferences and, at that time, to hold a seminar session or two on some topic or topics particularly tailored to the government and public sector lawyer’s professional needs.

of the CAPSL executive, who liaise with CLA and its conference organisers.

As CAPSL conferences are held in conjunction with CLCs, organisation involves liaison with the CLA, the organising committee in the host CLC jurisdiction, its external conference organise as well as senior members of CAPSL and those intended to speak at the CAPSL event.

Webinars and the like are becoming more common, but are not yet a substitute for meetings from time to time.

CAPSL has excellent relations with and is working ever more closely with CLA. The idea is that a senior public sector lawyer in the next CLC host jurisdiction acts as organiser of speakers for any CAPSL seminar held additionally to the CAPSL general meeting and collaterally to the CLC. CAPSL is regularly invited by the Commonwealth Secretariat to participate in forums, usually in London, on issued of relevance to the Commonwealth of Nations and the Rule of Law.

HQ: How would you summarize new trends in the association congress world? What is the ‘market’ like in the Asia-Pacific?

Gregory Ross: CAPSL is not restricted to the Asia Pacific, but many of its members are from the region, and government legal problems, of course, reflect the political and economic situation of nations. Government legal services are almost always short of funds. CAPSL seeks to aid in the more efficient provision of legal services by

sharing ideas, including how certain legal issues can be dealt with more efficiently. On a side note, webinars and the like are becoming more common, but are not yet a substitute for meetings from time to time.

HQ: Any memorable destination for one of your events?

Gregory Ross: Perhaps the most memorable meeting was in 1996 in Vancouver, which is a stunningly beautiful city.

As I recall, there were about 3000 people attending. The natural beauty of Vancouver and the warm hearted welcome by our Canadian hosts was a convivial background to my becoming involved in CAPSL and the CLA. The ability to exchange experiences and idea with lawyers from many nations was and remains a remarkable experience which can be of benefit not simply to lawyers who attend but also to the communities serviced by those lawyers. www.capsl.org

Gregory Ross is a partner of Sydney Law firm Eakin McCaffery Cox - www.eakin.com.au

In 2011, the Commonwealth law Ministers meeting was held in Sydney.

I attended aspects of that meeting, partly representing CAPSL and partly as a member of the Ugandan delegation to the Conference.

HQ: What is the association’s decision process concerning the organization of your annual meeting?

Gregory Ross: Meetings, when held, are held in the same city as the Commonwealth Law Conference venues for which have, over the years, included Nicosia Cyprus, Vancouver - Canada, Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia, Melbourne - Australia, London - England, Nairobi - Kenya, Hong Kong China (SAR) and Hyderabad - India.

Organisation is implemented by members

A world map of the member states of the Commonwealth of Nations as of 2 March 2011 (in blue, member states, in red, former member states)

HEADQUARTERS 11

UIA ı Union of International Associations

The Eventful Life Of Association Executives Monday morning. 7.33am. Time for all good association executives to get up and face another eventful week of saving the world, defending the down-trodden, raising professional standards, restoring democracy to Belarus, combating human trafficking, publishing yet another book on civil society, drafting a long-overdue Convention on Ombudsmen, or organizing a congress for 10,147 surgeons, of whom 1.2% will be female. Oh, and not to forget, this is also the week for preventing the extinction of the Antarctic whale.

Text Cyril Ritchie, Vice President UAI, MTC (Master of Tongue in Cheek)

g nin n pla

yse analorts rep

org meetanize ings

financial reports & strategy

That's it, my friends: a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.

So let's get on with contemplating MY eventful week ahead. I have an appointment to see that uncultured banker who simply won’t understand that our worthy goals speak for themselves, and speak millions, whereas he only wants Cyril Ritchie

HEADQUARTERS 12

to talk about audits and spreadsheets and risk insurance and salary caps.

What world does he live in??

Then there's that meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee that the Board imposed on me. Well at least it’s 11.8% female so boy are we making progress on the gender-equality front.

These scientific advisors - none of whom I would have picked if anybody has asked my opinion - think they know

everything about everything and even come with their own ideas instead of listening to mine. To finally get my views across, the energy I deploy would drive a wind-farm, except that these advisers include people who know all about wind-farms and hint that I am just about wind.

Later there’s this ICT specialist coming in for an interview following our job advertisement in the FAZ.

Of course to stay on the cutting edge we desperately need to fill this position, but she’d better not start off by showing that she knows more than I do. I’d better read her CV again to find out where the gaps are. That’ll keep her on her mettle. Ah but the week will get better when we have the general staff meeting, because after all those people HAVE to listen to me. Thank goodness I hand-picked them, which means that half of them actually know what they are talking about.

And then there’s the really good part of the week, when the reports from the field are analysed: grass-roots community development in Kiribati (memo to Cynthia: when can I fit in a visit to Kiribati?); new X-ray machines delivered to Mauritius (memo to Cynthia: can I do Mauritius on the way to Kiribati?);

some unprepared remarks ready just in case. Of course in the midst of all this heavy scheduling I have to find time to finish off these far-too-detailed strategy and financial reports that members and donors always seem to want yesterday. Can’t they just have confidence in my leadership? After all, the staff does…

Well that more or less takes care of this week, because on Thursday evening I have to go to some ten-day UN Conference in Estonia with a title three lines long (memo to Cynthia: make sure I get the working papers for this jaunt no later than Thursday lunchtime; second memo to Cynthia: can you arrange for me to nip over from Estonia to St. Petersburg for a cultural weekend with all the usual trimmings?).

Since its foundation in 1907, the UIA is a leading provider of information about international non-profit organizations and a premium networking platform between international organizations and the meeting industry worldwide

a parliamentary hearing in Uzbekistan on farmers’ cooperatives (memo to Cynthia: if we have the money, see if Simon can go to that one).

Then, fortunately, comes a real highlight: attending a course on CSR as practiced in the convention industry.

These chaps (some chapesses) really know what they’re talking about.

Funny, though, they haven’t actually asked me to speak, but I shall have

Oh and one of these days soon I’d better give a call to the Board Chairman, just to make sure I didn’t misunderstand him when he made some obscure remark about advance planning for when my current contract expires.

Footnote from the author: Any resemblance to any association executive you know is purely fortuitous.

After all, the great majority do an excellent job, even if they sometimes have to say so themselves.

What’s the Union of International Associations (UIA)?

The Union of International Associations - UIA - is a non-profit, independent, apolitical, and non-governmental institution in the service of international associations.

Since its foundation in 1907, the UIA is a leading provider of information about international non-profit organizations and a premium networking platform between international organizations and the meeting industry worldwide.

Main activities: + Yearbook of International Organizations - contains information on over 64,000 international organizations active in all fields of human endeavour, in all corners of the world, and over centuries of history. Available online and in book form. + International Congress Calendar - with information on over 350,000 international meetings. Available online, in pdf, and on paper. + Annual Associations Round Table features both open-space / networking and discussion oriented sessions as well as practical skills training sessions for associations.

See www.uia.be/roundtable Who can use the UIA’s research and networking platform? Everyone with an interest in international associations and cooperation: international associations, the businesses which provide services to them, media and press, research centres, universities, libraries, government offices.

Associate Members have quick access to first quality material to benefit their business. To join, see www.uia.be/associate-members.

For more information, please contact uia@uia.org

HEADQUARTERS 13

HQ > R esearch

Association Executives Management Skills are the Key Big or small, associations need good leadership to grow and sustain their existence. So what are the traits needed to fill the role of the association executive?

The ability to manage a diverse range of masters! A membership organisation’s management is not an easy task and requires the skill of a diplomat and the strategy of a politician. A personality whom members like is a major asset but just as important is the ability to manage.

However a number of association executives who may not be the most personable character may offer skills such as strong marketing, finance and lobbying skills or bring relevant and much needed experience that compensate for the lack of charismatic character.

It depends on the association and its raison d'ĂŞtre. All associations convene to benefit members but different requirements exist to serve members. These include but are not limited to lobbying to government for legislation or support;

HEADQUARTERS 14

education/accreditation /recognition of skills; standards; public relations to promote the best interest of an industry or profession; networking opportunities at seminars or conferences; matching buyers and sellers either through exhibition or publications; publishing to communicate both externally or within an industry, trade or profession or promote scientific achievement.

Bring success So how does the association executive bring success to their role? An association is often a cesspool of ideas therefore it takes wisdom to determine paths to bring useful ideas to fruition. Guiding members to direct their enthusiasm, energy and effort down a path to success is the key. Not too fast and not too slow in order to produce

outcomes to please the majority and not the private agenda of the self-serving individual.

One of the many challenges of running an association is that each member owns the organisation and some think they can lay personal claim to harness the organisation to their own ends but alas this does not sit well with others and can generate a lot of anxiety if not steered in the right direction. Some egos need to be dealt with but it doesn’t stop there, there are some aggressive go getters, some who think their idea is a top priority and those who want to be heard but not necessarily do too much, just enough to gain a good reputation.

All these types present their own challenges.

Favourite association executives are those who can manage. Management means delegation and careful overseeing. The term manage is a much overrated word because the lack of this skill seems to be on the increase.

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It is a pleasure to work with those association executives who are skilled in their tasks that advance the association and appreciate and praise those who support them. It is not always wise to grow all services in a head office but spread the goodwill among members who can contribute and take active involvement within the association and outsource to a range of services that bring their own expertise to enhance the development of the association.

Favourite association executives are those who can manage.

Management means delegation and careful overseeing

Conflict with the Honorary President or Board is not desirable hence the ability to manage difficult personalities or those who are time poor is imperative. In today’s age there is the information overload factor that is chipping away detrimentally at all associations. The ability to get the communication right, meaningful and succinct, and of the ideal frequency (but not so much that is it of nuisance value), will become more of a determining factor in judging an association executive’s success.

Tying together the ideas and passions of the succession of volunteers in the honorary positions on boards and committees takes vision and strategic planning. Dealing with the ebbs and flows of the tidal change of volunteers whilst encountering the periodic king tide and still keeping the organisation on track for growth requires a strong hand on the steering wheel and expert navigation.

Good leader A good leader credits those who perform well but doesn’t tolerate nonsense. One gets the best out of people by recognising

their worthwhile contribution. More than just diplomacy, direct communication is the secret to informing members or staff of their strengths and positive contributions or their weaknesses or failures but it must be done in a business-like manner. Just because an outspoken and demanding person is a member is not a good reason to tolerate poor outcomes or unacceptable behaviour - a strong association executive will deal with such instances and not sweep issues under the carpet. This is a vote winner because members and staff know where they stand and admire this strength to care for the good of the association and not pander to bullies.

A strong business-like stance on all matters financial adhering to the policies, rules and guidelines makes everyone understand that there are no favours and the practice is fair for everyone plus the staff are not confused, they can do their jobs efficiently. Where there is vacillation there is discontent because those who do the right thing do not like the allowances given to those who haven’t. This is a common trait in association management where the association executive turns a blind eye when they should be more responsible looking after the best interests of the association. Clubs or clicks within an association should not build a territorial reputation or prevent others from giving input.

theme in this story is management ability.

It’s a fallacy to think an expertise in the subject matter will make the best association executive because it is management skills inherent in the role of the association executive that is paramount for success. In many (but not all) cases the person from within the profession or trade lacks the skills of association management which in today’s environment is a specialist expertise. Too often an association is held back when one of their own takes the role and the Peter Principle (meaning to be promoted to a position at which they cannot work competently) comes into play. This may seem unkind but readers will recognise examples of such appointments.

Providing the skills are proven to manage effectively, a fresh approach from an outsider cross fertilising experiences and methodologies from other associations and industries if done strategically and not radically will build a stronger and healthier association.

This article was provided by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, author Roslyn McLeod, arinex pty limited, Australia. IAPCO represents today more than 115 professional organisers, meeting planners and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events from 41 countries. info@iacpo.org / www.iapco.org

Growing the next generation is imperative and the source of growth despite the challenges and must be a priority for strategically planning the activities of the association. Increasingly rising generations are not as inclined to join associations so the association executive has to find ways to overcome the resistance.

So should the association executive be an expert in the subject matter of the association?

Not necessarily. The common

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The dynamics and evolution of association executives

Keren Deront

Milagros Mostaza-Corral

Bob Lewis

At Interel Association Management in Brussels, Milagros Mostaza-Corral, Managing Director, Bob Lewis, Chairman, and Keren Deront, Account Director, discuss about leadership, the day-to-day tasks of association executives and what has changed in the last few years.

HQ: What is it like to be an association management executive?

Milagros Mostaza Corral: Although it sounds like a cliché, it is in truth very rewarding.

For me, the human factor remains the most gratifying component. It’s great to work with people who are passionate and believe in their cause, whatever that may be.

It’s also an intense exchange and learning process for both sides. Personally, I have had the privilege of working with a variety of industry sector professionals and have thoroughly enjoyed each experience.

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I guess once again this shows the diversity of the role and the organisations we work with.

HQ: What does a typical day look like for an association management executive?

Keren Deront: I think the typical day is that there is no typical day. Of course, I turn my computer on and check my voice and emails like the majority of us, but the typical day ends there. There is such a variety in the scope of work and daily

activities that I would prefer to talk about the characteristics and skills used daily rather than tasks performed. I would say that first and foremost, the skill required in association management is multi-tasking.

No day goes by where we do the same thing all day - it just doesn’t exist in association management.

A broad skill set and innovative problem solving seem to be popular among daily tool box items - there are many unique situations in association management.

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Additionally, for an association management executive, it is fundamental to dedicate adequate time to team and project management. An open door policy is great but it does not take away from the need to communicate and share as a team via weekly or bi-monthly meetings. There is also the need for flexibility, especially when working with various time zones.

So for example, a 4 AM conference call from time to time is part and parcel when working with international societies.

In general association staff are never bored and the work is intense. So finding time for lighter activities are usually welcome by all, whether it be via a brainstorming session, team training or other pursuits. These mini breaks provide change of pace and serve as a great platform for energizing everyone’s batteries, and should not be overlooked when planning your time.

HQ: Have the economic challenges of the past 3 years impacted the not-for-profit sector and if so, how has this impacted the way you or your clients manage their associations?

Bob Lewis: In general I would say yes. In many ways it’s forced the not-for-profit sector to become far more focused on the efficiency of its operations just as it has in the for profit sector. It has also forced the sector to pay far more attention to the question of value both in terms of what it delivers to members and the value of the services (such as education, certification) it provides more widely within its industry or profession.

What we are finding now is that associations are beginning to think much more closely about how to get the most out of every dollar or Euro spent and that in turn has interestingly led more associations to look at outsourcing certain activities where they can buy in professional expertise in a more cost effective manner.

HQ: In your experience, what value does a diverse leadership bring to the culture of an association?

Milagros Mostaza Corral: If I had to answer this in one word, I would say vision. I think there is significant value in having a diverse leadership because of the extended vision this brings.

The success of an association is founded on people and ideas. The perception of one group may not be the same of another. So a diverse leadership stretches boundaries and reduces gaps. Leadership can then set their strategic objectives knowing that numerous voices and perspectives are shared and addressed.

There is significant value in having a diverse leadership because of the extended vision this brings I have always found that participating in a board meeting composed of a diverse group, guarantees a dynamic and productive exchange because they have tapped into these human resources to achieve their goals.

HQ: Is diversity more important in the not-for-profit sector than in the for profit sector?

Keren Deront: Because of the diverse nature of the not-for-profit sector, I would tend to think that it is. Associations seek change and look to make a social impact. To achieve this, they should consider the importance of being inclusive in their reflection, vision and actions to ensure that the society’s mission caters to global diverse needs.

Understanding various factors (role within the organisation, demographics, gender, culture, etc.) from diverse groups, strengthens an organisation’s workforce and positioning for the future.

HQ: Do you specifically recruit for diversity?

Bob Lewis: Yes inasmuch as we always look to build teams with a balanced mix of skills, backgrounds and personalities.

Cultural diversity is also something we look at. While we don’t specifically apply quotas we are always conscious when hiring of trying to ensure we maintain an optimum balance in our teams. That also applies at the leadership level.

If you look at our leadership team, we are one male and two female from British, Canadian/Indian and Spanish background as well as having a mix of corporate, not-for-profit and government sector experience. That creates a great dynamic which our clients benefit from.

HQ: After over 15 years as an association management executive, what still surprises you?

Milagros Mostaza Corral: After all these years, I remain both surprised and inspired by the level of dedication and involvement from association leadership.

The majority of the individuals that make up the numerous boards I have had the privilege to work with have other professional responsibilities as well as families, but they still find time to work benevolently and passionately for their respective associations. They put in so many hours… I wonder when they sleep.

I’m also amazed to see the dynamics and evolution of relationships between association staff and leadership. It’s nice to see how this grows and strengthens with time, bringing with it, mutual trust and personal satisfaction.

About Interel - Interel is an independent international consulting group specialising in public affairs, strategic communications and association management. Headquartered in Brussels, the firm has own offices and partners in all major cities in Europe and internationally. For more information, please visit www.interelgroup.com and www.interelamc.com.

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HQ > A de l aide

Adelaide

Adelaide Convention Centre today

Adelaide Strong in every way Adelaide, South Australia is envied for its easy-going lifestyle - the wide open spaces, the beautiful beaches, fine wine and wonderful food make it a highly desirable habitat. With this in mind I was curious to see its offering to the MICE industry and I’m happy to report that its wonderful way of life transcends into the way in which it conducts business. It is easy to work in yet remains as highly professional as any big metropolis.

Not only is Adelaide a remarkable, engaging destination, with a handson approach, but it’s also got so many projects in the pipeline that it will be even stronger in the future.

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First an impression. With its wide streets, spacious parklands, big blue sky (it of course helped a lot I was there in the middle of the scorching-hot summer!) and laid-back atmosphere, Adelaide is certainly apart from other Australian destinations. The feeling that you feel wandering the streets is a refined one, as if history, culture, sports, shopping, you name it, have all been combined to create a one-of-a-kind destination.

Branded ‘the 20 minute city’, it’s indeed true that everything seems to be a quick walk, a few tram stops or a short cab ride away. Adelaide has a compact core and the beaches are only 20 minutes from the centre. The city is also known for the numerous festivals taking place all year round: the bi-annual Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Fringe (which I was lucky enough to experience personally), Feast Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival,

Adelaide Festival of Ideas and Adelaide Convention Centre - Cellar Door Wine Festival. Adelaide is also the traditional home of the Kaurna people and today offers visitors an opportunity to experience their rich culture and traditions. Talk about vibrancy! And I don’t even mention the various world-class sporting events…

VIBRANT MEETINGS This vibrancy is also present in Adelaide’s capability in hosting association meetings.

My hosts at Adelaide Convention Bureau often insisted on the collective, collaborative approach of everybody involved in the local industry. ‘Team Adelaide’, as they call themselves, is the epitome of the commitment to securing major conventions and events, with a unified effort. From client site inspections to bid presentations and even marketing support, Team Adelaide ensures conferences are welcomed by the city as a whole.

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Glenelg

Wine Barrels

Where else in the world can delegates arrive at an airport, take a 15-minute ride to a 5-star hotel, be adjacent to an internationally acclaimed convention centre and just a few minutes from beautiful beaches and wineries?

Adelaide Convention Bureau has put together a Conventions Adelaide Program, which has proved to be very successful in winning conventions. Based on the foundation of aligning Adelaide’s convention bids with South Australia’s primary areas of industry and research, it also works across the state’s education institutions, research organisations, corporations and government departments and engages South Australian industry leaders to secure association conventions from across their national and global networks. A key component of the program is the Conventions Adelaide Ambassador Group which consists of 65 industry leading specialists who assist in the promotion of Adelaide as a convention city. Elizabeth English, of the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists is a Conventions Adelaide Ambassador and won the WCET Congress in her role as an Ambassador (see sidebar).

with breath-taking views of Adelaide, next-door to the Centre, and, just across the street, is a range of other convenient accommodation options including the budget-friendly Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide and the 5 star boutique style Sebel Playford Adelaide.

AWARD-WINNING

Damien Kitto, CEO of Adelaide Convention Bureau, puts it like this: ‘In this evercompetitive global climate, where the cost of winning business has augmented, where meetings are heavily incentivized, we have to stand out as a destination.

Our ‘Team Adelaide’ approach enables us to offer hands-on experiences to association delegates. I believe we can provide them with a unique package found nowhere else.’

The symbol of Adelaide’s proactive meetings industry might well be, in addition to Team Adelaide, the Adelaide Convention Centre, the first purpose-built centre in Australia. The multi award-winning venue enjoys a global reputation for excellence and is consistently ranked among the world’s top convention centres. Located right on the River Torrens, in the city centre, with a variety of hotels for all kinds of budget at walking distance, it enjoyed a record year in 2011. But despite this, the ACC has still lost out on some of the larger international and national business because of the Centre’s capacity restraints.

And indeed where else in the world can conference delegates arrive at an airport, take a 15-minute ride to a 5-star hotel, be adjacent to an internationally acclaimed convention centre and just a few minutes from beautiful beaches and wineries?

Although I was not a delegate in the strict sense, that was my personal experience and Adelaide’s marketing talks speak the truth and only the truth. The hotel where I stayed was the beautiful InterContinental,

The good news is that they have decided to do something about it and an ambitious expansion plan has just started. The two-stage redevelopment will significantly increase capacity and flexibility, with the end result being three distinct interlinked buildings. The first stage is underway - and they of course made sure they could run ‘business as usual’ throughout the expansion period which is due for completion in 2014. Stage two will be complete by 2017.

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Adelaide Convention Centre, the hard facts Today + Plenary Hall seating up to 3,500 delegates + 10,400 m2 of pillarless exhibition space + 14 serviced meeting rooms for up to 200 people + state-of-the-art technological capabilities including conference ‘apps’ and FREE wifi for delegates In 2017

+ Total area: 20,000 m2 + New plenary hall of approximately

3,500 pax

+ Over 20 new meeting rooms + Venue can be subdivided and

configured within minutes as pre-function space, ballroom, exhibition or plenary space + Highly advanced technological capabilities designed around the delegate of the future

Wine and Food

provide larger and more multi-purpose space with the latest in facility quality and service.’

link between fundamental biology, clinical care delivery and policy. And those are just 2 examples of what will be going on!

EVEN BETTER

THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE

The even better news is that the redevelopment of the ACC is part of a bigger, unprecedented amount of development and investment in infrastructure, most of which will enhance the city’s functionality and services to the events industry and most of which will take place all around Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct, in and out the ACC.

What really makes the Adelaide experience enjoyable is that you really feel like you taste Australia as a whole when you’re there. Whether it be in town or out of the city, it’s like Australia has come to you and just for you.

Alec Gilbert, CEO of Adelaide Convention Centre, says: ‘Expansion and redevelopment of the Centre will re-establish Adelaide as one of the premier conference destinations and ensure its continued competitiveness in national and international markets.

Over the past two decades, the Centre has generated over $1 billion in direct economic benefits to the State from delegate spend and associated tourism. Notwithstanding its success to date, the ACC operates in a highly competitive global convention and exhibition industry which is required to

Adelaide Oval, one of the city’s iconic sports venue, is part of the project: it’s about to undergo a major renovation due for completion in 2014. The new $600 million design will offer some flexible support options to a main convention at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and importantly a new footbridge will link the two venues. There will also be the brandnew SAHMRI, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, which will enhance Adelaide’s reputation in health and medical research, ensuring a strong

Wine and Food

Intercontinental Adelaide

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The Louise

Adelaide is indeed a gateway to distinctive and genuinely ‘Australian’ experiences. Of course I could not taste them all during my (way too short) trip - and my host kept saying: ‘I guess you’ll have to come back’ and I definitely will! - but I could get a good glimpse on what Adelaide can offer, in an array of various entertainment possibilities, cultural discoveries, breathtaking scenery or diverse wildlife.

Downtown Adelaide, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural institute is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal owned and managed arts centre and exhibits the work of both established and emerging indigenous arts.

The Louise

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Case Study 19th WCET BiennIal Congress

Jacob’s Creek

As a visitor to Tandanya, you can meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, walk through diverse and exciting exhibitions, watch cultural presentation and yidaki (didgeridoo) or dance performance. The 147 tiered seated Tandanya Theatre often hosts theatre, dance and film events - and why not a small conference, right before a cocktail which can take place in the galleries.

One of my personal favorites was the National Wine Centre of Australia, which showcases the nation’s wine industry and is the perfect starting point for a great South Australian wine journey. Covering all aspects of wine-making, it’s all a very ‘design’ place that caters for smaller gatherings, a very flexible function venue for 10 to 1,000 guests with natural lighting and spectacular architecture. The complex also features outdoor terrace areas with nice views of the Centre’s vineyard and Botanic Gardens!

Talking about wine, many would know that Adelaide is the heart of South Autralia’s booming wine industry. Renowned wine regions such as the Barossa Valley are a short transfer from the city and home to big brands like Jacobs Creek for example.

Most of the wineries can serve as meetings venues as well. In Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, wine-themed activities or conference groups include vineyard tours, wine masterclasses, wine or food matching lunches. Catering for group lunches or gala dinners for up to 300 people is also possible. Australia’s largest Château, Château Tanunda is another valuable option. With its grand blue stone building

and beautifully kept surrounding gardens, it’s a truly awe-inspiring place to visit, and available for use for functions for up to 470 people.

And if you’re looking for a nice hotel to stay at in the Barossa Valley, search no more! The boutique Louise is the high-end very exclusive place, with one of the most refined restaurants in South Australia, while Novotel Barossa Valley Resort offers a dedicated conference centre, including ten function rooms, for up to 340 delegates.

If you feel like relaxing and unwinding, just hop on the tram and 25 minutes later you can lay on a pristine beach. My intense itinerary included a 45-minute beach experience (consisting mostly of sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear water) in Glenelg, the popular beachside suburb of Adelaide. There the Stamford Grand Adelaide rises on the coastline like a big ship at sea. Reminiscent of an Art Deco building, boasting panoramic views of the ocean, city and Adelaide Hills, it features impressive function facilities, including a Grand Ballroom for up to 500 people and thirteen function rooms.

Martin Radcliffe Director of Sales & Marketing Adelaide Convention Bureau martin@adelaideconvention.com.au +61 (0)8 8237 0129 www.adelaideconvention.com.au

For over 30 years the biennial WCET Congress has played an important role in the development of the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists. It indeed enables the WCET to address membership needs by providing an international venue for Enterostomal Therapy Nurses and other health care professionals to present and discuss clinical issues, new treatments, procedures and products.

Since 1982, the WCET has held a congress biennially. The event has been held in a variety of locations across the globe, always with the intent of providing access to the WCET in surroundings that provide an environment for discussion, debate and education. The 19th Congress will take place in Adelaide, 19-23 April 2012, and the city is the ideal setting to do so.

Elizabeth English, ex-World President of the Council, explains: ‘So far the Congress had never taken place in the Southern hemisphere. And as an international organization, we can’t only get together in the Northern hemisphere! Adelaide seemed to be the natural choice: it is a beautiful city with exceptional food and wine, grand buildings, parklands on all sides with the River Torrens running right through the centre.

There is a wide variety of accommodation in the direct vinicity of the convention centre, where our event will take place, and Adelaide Convention Bureau has been incredibly supportive of our efforts to win the bid.’

Fiona Bolton, Congress Convenor, adds: ‘We have been lucky enough to have a very active local hosting committee here in Adelaide. And with the help of Team Adelaide, we’ve been able to get strong, financial help to get our Congress out there, through diverse marketing and promotion efforts. It’s fair to say we expect the event to be one of our most successful so far, with more or less 1000 delegates expected.’ www.wcetn.org

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HQ > Me l b o ur n e

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Melbourne

bets on intelligence Attending AIME in February was

INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

quite an eye-opener concerning the

Meeting Karen Bolinger, MCVB’s new CEO, during AIME, it was clear that the emphasis is laid on Melbourne’s capabilities as an ‘Intellectual Capital’. So, from a purely desitination point of view, the marketing efforts seem to have shifted to the academic, research, scientific capabilities of the capital of Victoria.

way Australia caters to international associations. In my humble opinion, Melbourne, for example, has a unique, intelligent approach.

Of course, the destination has the relevant infrastructure to accommodate association meetings of any size. But what’s its added value?

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The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau’s (MCVB) new campaign is called ‘Melbourne IQ: The Intelligent Choice for Conferences’ and is designed to promote the city’s expertise and track record in a diverse range of academic, scientific and professional endeavours.

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Karen said: ‘Of course, Melbourne boasts superior business events infrastructure, economic stability, excellent accessibility, safety and leisure attractions. But that’s Karen Bolinger not just what sets us apart. Our greatest assets lie in our intellectual capabilities and industry strengths. Our economy is driven by

knowledge-based industries in education, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and design and the city is also recognised as a centre of excellence for research and development in the medical, science, business and financial industries.’

So, for all those associations looking for links with destination in which to hold their conference, Melbourne may be a natural and attractive option: this way, they could maximise attendance, be close to emerging markets in Asia, and be able to draw delegates from a rich pool of local talent. As Karen puts it: ‘Delegates are keen to know ‘what’s in it for them’, what they can extract from the conference and apply to their job. In Melbourne, we can help them do precisely that.’

To do so, MCVB works closely with locallybased associations and the wider academic community, specifically through the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, a collaborative strategy supported by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, MCVB and the State Government of Victoria, when working to attract a business event to Melbourne. With no less than 134 ambassadors, they can surely engage people and make sure the city stays on the map as a great convention destination.

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CLEAR SYNERGY What also sets the destination apart from its competitors is clearly the synergy that there is between MCVB and the Mebourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). This ‘working hand in hand’ approach was already there when Sandra Chipchase, former CEO of MCVB, and Leigh Harry, fomer CEO of MCEC, were present - and I was glad to realize it wasn’t lost in the midst of the appointment of Karen Bolinger and Peter King,

earlier: ‘MCEC is an outstanding facility and I’m looking forward to making sure we deliver a world class event experience to our clients and visitors nationally and internationally, ensuring the business events industry continues to innovate. Karen and I think quite similarly, and I’m sure MCEC and MCVB will continue to have a collaborative approach so associations get the best of Melbourne and the MCEC alike.’

Melbourne’s greatest assets lie in its intellectual capabilities and industry strengths. Its economy is driven by knowledge-based industries in education, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and design MCEC’s new Chief Executive. Of course it helps the two worked together in the past at Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), one of the Peter King largest event and venue management organisations in Australia.

Meeting Peter King, I could only get a confirmation of what Karen told me

If Peter King agrees Melbourne boasts all the assets meeting planners look for in a destination, he’s also clearly aware of the MCEC’s limitations in terms of exhibition space.

The good news is that the MCEC is currently lobbying the Victorian government to approve a 12,500 square metre expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Peter explains: ‘Attracting expos, exhibitions and business events is vitally important to Victoria’s economy and expanding the Melbourne Exhibition Centre will help us stay ahead

AIME goes stronger and stronger Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, AIME, the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, has gone from strength to strength over the years. Owned by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau but managed by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the show has seen more than 7,800 exhibitors attend from more than 50 countries, hosting close to 28,000 visitors, as well as over 4,000 Hosted Buyers since 2002. 2012 was one of the most successful years so far: almost 780 exhibitors and 500 Hosted Buyers were in attendance, with visitor numbers reaching up to 3,384. www.aime.com.au

of our competitors. Right now our exhibition space availability has almost reached capacity and in the future we will miss out on new business and larger exhibitions if we don’t do something about it.’

The MCEC is located right in the heart of the city and majestically rises on the edge of the Yarra River. Thanks to its stunning 18-metre tall glass façade, you can basically see Melbourne from any place inside the building - the MCEC seems to have achieved the right balance between leading edge design and functionality. The most popular feature of the venue is the state-of-the-art 5,500+ seat plenary that can be divided into three self-contained, acoustically separate theatres in a matter of minutes.

This also can serve as a great place for high-end gala dinners - just push a button and the seats will disappear into the floor!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

On Melbourne www.mcvb.com.au On Melbourne convention and exhibition centre www.mcec.com.au Melbourne

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HQ > Ma l a y sia

Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak

Malaysia: A hub for business events There are many reasons why Malaysia is heralded by the world as the crossroads of Asia. Its strategic location at the centre of Southeast Asia between the booming economies of India, China and the Middle East, its multi-racial and multi-ethnic identity, rich natural resources and boasting upscale world-class modern infrastructures next to inner-city heritage communities are just some of the traits that makes this country unique and exciting.

Magnet Malaysia has been a magnet for adventurers and commerce for centuries.

Celebrated explorers as diverse as Admiral Zheng He, Douglas Fairbanks, Herman Hesse, Alfred Russel Wallace, Jacque Cousteau, Somerset Maugham, Alawiyeen Families and Ferdinand Magellan were drawn here by the need to trade and engage with Asia, develop ideas and later perform deeds that had a huge impact on the world.

Already in 1821, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in his Introduction to the Malay Annals, argued: ‘When we consider the extent of this unparalleled Archipelago; the infinity of its resources; its contiguity to China and Japan, the most populous regions of the earth; and the extraordinary facilities it affords to commerce, from the smoothness of its seas, the number and excellence of its harbours, and the regularity of its monsoons, it would be vain to assign limits, or to say how far and wide the tide of commerce might not have flowed or how great the progress of civilization might not have

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been…’ This is the inspiration behind Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s (MyCEB) new branding direction which positions Malaysia as the nexus that has brought the world together for business and trade for over 600 years. The concept communicates Malaysia’s pre-eminence as the preferred destination for visitors seeking to trade and conduct business, and its strength in engaging with new and emerging economic centres in the East while simultaneously enhancing ties with the West.

year 2020 and is designed to support Tourism Malaysia’s world renowned tagline, ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’.

Formed in 2009, MyCEB has been committed to fulfilling its role to further strengthen Malaysia’s brand and position for the international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.

Kuala Lumpur Connvention Centre

Port of call As reflected in the newly coined tagline, ‘Malaysia - Asia’s Business Events Hub’, it communicates Malaysia’s proposition as a gateway to Asia for meetings. Owing to its stature as an Asian microcosm, Malaysia is increasingly becoming a first port of call for international meetings and associations wanting to engage with Asia - the world’s largest and fastest growing economic region. The new branding is part of MyCEB’s progressive approach towards achieving its mission to be Asia Pacific’s top five meeting destination by

Chinatown theme dinner, Khoo Kongsi

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Langkawi Island, Kedah

A selection of major conventions recently held in Malaysia

Event Year Attendees 70th Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference* 2011 3,000 18th Asian Pacific Congress of Cardiology 2011 2,000 22nd Pacific Science Congress 2011 1,500 18th World Congress of Accountants* 2010 6,000 8th Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2010 2000 14th Asia Oceania Congress of Endocrinology 2010 1,500 4th Global Bio Herbs Economic Forum 2010 6,000 14th International Conference on Thinking 2009 2,000 11th Asian Pacific Congress of Nephrology 2009 2,000 6th World Chambers Congress 2009 1,000 Four Seasons, Langkawi Island

Malaysia’s growing profile in bidding for and staging international association meetings with record attendances underscores MyCEB and its industry partners’ expertise, experience and strong teamwork in ensuring successful business events are hosted in the country.

As reflected in the newly coined tagline, ‘Malaysia Asia’s Business Events Hub’, it communicates Malaysia’s proposition as a gateway to Asia for meetings MyCEB can facilitate bids for regional and international conventions, advise and assist event planners on availability of local products and services, provide government liaison and contacts, assist with site inspections, help with event promotion advice and assistance, and provide promotional materials. You just need to ask, it’s free of charge!

Infrastructure From the small very special venue to the big-shot conference centre, from the budget hotel to the five-star hotel, Malaysia can cater to any need the demanding meeting planners might have.

Home to many modern convention and exhibition centres, the country indeed

*World Record Attendance

accommodates a wide range of budgets and requirements. Among them are the awardwinning Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, for up to 6,000 people reception style, at the heart of over 12,000 hotel rooms, extensive shopping and entertainment facilities, and convenient transport connections. And only an hour and a half's flight away is the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), which is located in the eco-friendly state of Sarawak, East Malaysia, which accommodates up to 3,500 delegates.

Malaysia is also one of the world’s best value-for-money destinations when it comes to accommodation ranging from budget-friendly to luxury 5-star hotels and resorts. Being ranked 3rd Most Price Competitive Country in the World for Travel 2011 by the Travel & Tourism Competitive Index, it offers excellent value for money for meeting planners. According to the UBS Price and Earnings Report 2009 the average price for a double en-suite with breakfast in a first-class hotel was USD140 against the global average of USD310.

Event planners will find a wide range of international hotels such as Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Le Meridien, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Novotel, Park Royal, Shangri-la, Sheraton, Renaissance and Traders. Examples of national branded hotels include Sunway Resort & Spa, Royale Chulan, Pangkor Laut, Tanjung Jara,

Impiana and Swiss Garden Hotels.

Malaysia’s largest city Kuala Lumpur has ample accommodation for large scale conventions with over 36,000 rooms and a number of new properties under development. Likewise other key destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, Mallaca, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching (state of Borneo) also provide a wide selection of accommodation options. Not to forget the 130 million-year-old lush tropical rainforests, abundant wildlife, UNESCO World Heritage Cities, and some of the world’s best resorts and beaches.

There are boundless opportunities for global associations to leverage on Malaysia’s attraction as Asia’s business events hub. Contact MyCEB now on +603 2024 2090 or email info@myceb.com.my for further enquiries and learn how you too could be a part of Malaysia’s history.

Contact Ms Ho Yoke Ping General Manager, Sales & Marketing Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau T. +603 2034 2090 F. +603 2034 2091 E. pingho@myceb.com.my www.myceb.com.my

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HQ

> S o uth A frica Game Reserve Conference

South Africa

Conferencing in the Eastern Cape It seems there are meeting gems popping up everywhere we turn in South Africa! The new International Convention Centre in East London is attracting international business tourists to a province with endless white beaches and many adventure activities. In Port Elizabeth, fondly referred to as ‘the friendly city’, facilities are also available at hotels, guest houses and educational institutions.

The Eastern Cape is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and home to the Xhosa nation. Its Addo Elephant National Park, the only Big 7 game reserve in South Africa, and Shamwari Game Reserve are malaria-free reserves that are great Eastern Cape meetings locations offering opportunities for gatherings for up to 50 people. Near Port Elizabeth, in adddition to rather classical meeting centre, you’ll find the Lalibela Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big 5 reserve with conference facilities for 110 guests.

East London ICC

The only beachfront convention centre in South Africa, the new East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) is becoming a sought-after venue for international conferences. The convention centre offers high-tech meeting venues and world-class accommodation facilities that include the new 4-star 261-room Premier Hotel ELICC and the adjacent 175-room Premier Hotel Regent.

The ELICC is located within the Marine Park Complex on East London’s Esplanade with great views of the Indian

+ Big 7 Game Reserves and long stretches of beach + Nelson Mandela Museum - tribute to a South African icon + The Addo Elephant National Park + Bloukrans Bungee - highest bungee jump in the world + The Garden Route National Park + The Sunshine or the Wild Coast sun, sand, sea and loads of fun + The Valley of Desolation - lunar-like landscapes + A combination of bush and beach experiences

Ocean and is just 15 minutes from East London Airport. State-of-the art technology has been used in the convention centre’s meeting rooms that include a 600-seater auditorium, an exhibition floor with space for 90 stands, a hall that seats 850 delegates ballroom-style and 2,200 cinema-style.

To unwind after a hard day’s work, East London’s coastal nature parks offer fishing, diving, hiking, cycling and swimming adventures. Further inland is the historical town of Graaff Reinet with its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture.

Graaff-Reinet also offers a good selection of quality conference and meeting venues. One example is The Palms on the banks of the Sundays River, which can accommodate 150 delegates.

Contact South Africa Tourism Eric Lewanavanua, Business Tourism Manager Asia & Australasia eric@southafricantourism.com.au www.southafrica.net

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© Nelson Mandela Bay

Eastern Cape highlights at a glance

HQ > M ACAO

Senado Square

Sands Cotai Macao

Introducing Sands Cotai Macao International meetings are continuing their ever-upward progression, and research findings show more regularly occurring and rotating events than ever before. Sands Cotai

Cotai Central; Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central and Four Seasons Hotel Macao.

With a total of 120,000 m2 of flexible and versatile meeting and exhibition space including 274 breakout rooms, Sands Cotai Macao can cater for every type of event, large or small.

Macao offers a one-stop shop for meeting planners, with one contact person covering all logistics and infrastructure options to ease the event planning process. In addition, being located on the doorstep of China offers unprecedented business opportunities for a meeting planner.

As Asia’s ultimate meetings destination, Sands Cotai Macao provides an unbeatable range of 10,000 guestrooms from five international hotel brands: The Venetian® Macao; Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; Conrad® Macao,

In addition to its world-class convention and exhibition facilities, Sands Cotai Macao brings to the table not only its wealth of expertise and experience in the meetings industry, but also its unrivalled entertainment options such as exciting Streetmosphere™ performers to wow delegates. With over 60 international restaurants and lounges and a fleet of over 150 ferries, coaches and cars with connections to air, land and ferry hubs, this integrated city is truly an all-inclusive destination for meeting planners.

Macao’s rich Sino-Portuguese history and beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites provide the perfect backdrop for any event.

It is in the unique position of being the meeting point of East and West in Asia.

Located at the tip of southern China and only 45 minutes from Hong Kong

With a total of 120,000 m2 of flexible space including 274 breakout rooms, Sands Cotai Macao can cater for every type of event by high-speed ferry, Macao is an ideal location for international delegates with free visa entry for nationals from more than 75 countries and a local population that speaks Putonghua, Cantonese, English and/or Portuguese.

CONTACT Natasha Tome Executive Director of Marketing Sands Cotai Macao Tel: +853 81182208 / +853 6679 9874 natasha.tome@venetian.com.mo

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There’s nothing like A ustralia to inspire the world’s grea te st minds

This year we chose Australia for our global congress. It was an easy choice, as Australia’s proximity to Asia gave us the opportunity to attract many new delegates.

The program was one of the best in years.

New Australian developments in our field attracted a lot of interest and strong international research partnerships were established.

Australia is on everyone’s list to visit, and it lured our highest number of delegates yet.

There’s no doubt they’ll be talking about this convention for years to come.

Dr Louise Wong International Board Member Visit businessevents.australia.com/associations for everything you need to plan your Australian event.