Travelbeat Business Travel/MICE News Update: September 03, 2010 [3 Stories] Australia Victoria To Host Biotechnology And Aquaculture Events World experts on aquaculture and plant biotechnology will converge on Victoria after the securing of two major international conferences in Melbourne. Melbourne has won the rights to host the International Association for Plant Biotechnology (IAPB) Congress 2014 and the Australasian Aquaculture International Conference and Tradeshow 2012. Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) Sandra Chipchase said these two major, international conferences were expected to attract more than 2500 delegates and inject more than $13-million into the Victorian economy. "The IAPB Congress has never been held in Australia before, but Melbourne's excellent infrastructure and MCVB's innovative bidding strategies have secured this event for 2014," Ms Chipchase said. "The MCVB also worked with the National Aquaculture Council since 2003 to win the Aquaculture Conference." Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosciences Research Executive Director and elected IAPB President, Professor German Spangenberg, said important topics to be discussed at the IAPB Congress included climate change impacts on agriculture, drought, biofuels advances and biosafety. "This Congress will be of great benefit to Australia's agriculture biotechnology sector and will also provide an opportunity to showcase excellent work being undertaken in Victoria," Professor Spangenberg said. (Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau) Australia A Food and Wine Ambassador For SC&EC Australian culinary identity Lyndey Milan has teamed up with the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to showcase its exceptional cuisine as Food and Wine Ambassador. The well-known columnist, broadcaster, chef, teacher and author will work with the Centre's talented Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl to promote Sydney's premier venue for fine dining events. Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said Ms Milan would become a regular face at some of the venue's key food and wine events and would help the venue develop a greater involvement in Sydney's energetic culinary scene. "Lyndey has a very special place in the community and can provide clarity to the fine service, creative cuisine and magnificent wines that give the Centre its place as a world-class venue," Mr van Amerongen said. "We've been honoured to work with Lyndey on some of her other initiatives including the Tasting Success mentoring programme for women chefs, so we're delighted to extend that relationship and introduce her talent and energy to the Centre's identity." Ms Milan said she had long been impressed by the Centre's food and service, particularly at high profile events like the annual Australia Day lunch. "The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre proudly promotes Australian produce and fine wines and is able to showcase them in unique ways," she said. Pictured: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre's new Food and Wine Ambassador Lyndey Milan with Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl. (MG Media Communications) Finland Graffiti At The Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre The Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre has ventured into something completely different from normal fair and congress activities: a team of ten graffiti artists has created a 160m-long painting on the exterior wall of the centre's largest hall. In all, the painting includes nine works of art. Helsinki celebrates the Night of the Arts at the end of August each year. This project was one of 2010's events. The artwork, representing different styles, is on display for the perusal of all visitors to the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre. The opportunity for this legal wall of graffiti arose when, during the expansion of the Centre, a roofed corridor was created between the construction site and the eastern side of the largest hall. Since carefully executed graffiti art is an integral part of urban culture, it is ideal for the setting of the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre. Characteristically, graffiti remains in place for a certain period only, sometimes for a very short while. These paintings will remain on the wall for the coming year, i.e. until the completion of the new 15,000sqm multi-purpose Hall 7 in August 2011. Then, the new hall will be merged with the existing premises. To view pictures of the graffiti, go to mediabank.finnexpo.fi (Search criteria: graffiti). (Finnish Fair Corporation) Update: September 02, 2010 [3 Stories] Australia Mercure Ballarat Celebrates Back To Back Wins Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre has won the coveted Tourism & Events Award at the CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate the success of local industry and business leaders in the Ballarat region with the Tourism & Events Award one of several key category awards announced on the evening. The Mercure was acknowledged with the Food & Beverage award at last year’s ceremony and General Manager, Steven Savic, was extremely proud of the back to back wins. “It’s a great reflection on our team to have won the Tourism & Events Award following our 2009 Food & Beverage Award win - we do events well and work hard to support tourism in Ballarat,” he said. Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre provides services for business, leisure and conference markets with 71 accommodation rooms and a state-of-the-art convention centre with a capacity of 1,000 delegates. It was fitting that the award went to the Mercure, venue of the evening’s award ceremony, with attendees experiencing firsthand the dedication and professionalism of the Mercure team. Attended by over 600 business people and co-hosted by Bruce Roberts from WIN TV and Shane Jacobson of ‘Kenny’ fame, the Mercure Ballarat food and beverage team supported a fantastic event equal to its award ranking. (Accor Asia Pacific) England The Brewery To Benefit From On-site Hotel The Brewery, one of London’s most prolific event spaces is to benefit from a 5-star hotel on its doorstep. The Chiswell Street venue has earned a reputation for hosting some of the capital’s most prestigious society events and corporate conferences. June 2011 will see an exciting development that will add a new dimension to the award winning event space. The Montcalm London City Hotel is set to open its doors to delegates, business travellers and weekenders in the confines of the reputed event space. A discreet transformation of the former site is under way and is set to marry the Grade II listed architecture with an upscale hotel, offering world class service levels with a design-led ethos. The 235-bedroom hotel will be owned and managed by Montcalm Hotels whose premise is to offer boutique design while preserving heritage values. All bedrooms will be of king size proportions with suites designed especially for business travellers and the signature Heritage Brewery Suites providing the ideal bolthole from today’s fast paced city scene with a nod to the building’s 18th century origins. The opening of the hotel will provide additional event space especially designed for intimate boardroom meetings and private dinners meaning the Brewery’s number of available rooms will increase to twelve. An on-site gym and spa will enable delegates to relax and unwind while the all day restaurant will offer menus for today’s educated palate. (Triggerfish Communications) Australia Dynamic F&B Manager For Darwin Convention Centre Darwin Convention Centre General Manager Malu Barrios has announced the appointment of Mr Chanaka Fonseka as Food and Beverage Manager. Chanaka brings with him almost 20-years of food service experience specialising in banqueting and outside catering. Having held senior positions with SkyCity Darwin in the past 4-years and other hotel chains prior to that, Chanaka is well versed in operating in the fast paced environment of a major venue. His extensive F&B background has exposed him to different roles relevant to the position such as public catering, stewarding, fine dining, and restaurant management. Ms Barrios said that Mr Fonseka's appointment will further enhance the Centre's operations, as well as its continuing growth. Mr Fonseka will commence with the Centre on Monday, September 27, 2010. (Darwin Convention Centre) Update: September 01, 2010 [1 Story] Australia SPICE Best Venue Finalist, Second Year Running For the second year running, Port Douglas and the Tropical North is represented in this year's prestigious 2010 Australian Event Awards that were announced this week with Flames of the Forest named one of three finalists in the SPICE Best Venue category. Natalie Johnson, Flames of the Forest Sales Manager for Business, Events and Leisure said the team was thrilled to learn the good news. "I feel that we have already won! To be selected for the second year running and be vying for the title against such amazing venues as Doltone House Darling Island Wharf and Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre speaks volumes. "In 2008 Flames of the Forest moved to a much bigger and more versatile rainforest venue - add to this the hard work and dedication of our team and news like this pays everyone back in spades." Natalie and owner, Amelia Hannaford will attend the national awards in Sydney on October 7. (Pip Miller PR) Update: August 30, 2010 [2 Stories] Poland Study Tours To Gdansk & Region Gdansk Convention Bureau is organizing the first study tour to Gdansk & Region (Poland) for foreign journalists and touroperators, from September 6-8, 2010. Study tours are part of Business tourism promotion as a trademark of Gdansk and Pomerania project, implemented by the Gdansk Tourist Organization / Gdansk Convention Bureau and co-financed by the Regional Operational Programme for Pomorskie voivodship (2007-2013). Gdansk Convention Bureau covers all costs including plane tickets, accommodation in a 4-star hotel, transfers etc. The tour will be directed by Gdansk Convention Bureau and PCO - HORN. During each visit organisers will present the Gdansk & Region (Pomerania) potential as business tourism destination. Forthcoming study tour will bring together a small group of Scandinavian and German journalists, tour operators, event agencies working in the Meetings Industry Sector. The intent is to provide and exchange information about Gdansk & Region, its high quality conference venues, meeting facilities, convention centres, hotels and its possibility to host international corporate events, convention and congresses. As one of the EURO 2012 host cities, Gdansk has gained new multi-functional centres that will make the Region an ideal meeting destination. Till the end of 2011 seven visits are planned with a total number of 42 participants. Each trip will promote Gdansk and Pomerania Region as a top European business destination. (Gdansk Convention Bureau) Malaysia An Appreciation Night for MICE Industry Member The MICE Industry Appreciation Night organized by the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) in early August at Sarawak River Cruise, Kuching, Sarawak was attended by industry members including hoteliers, Professional Conference Organizers, Convention Centre, Destination Management Companies, Government Agencies and Tourism Associations who have been giving their full support to the Sarawak Convention Bureau. This inaugural gave SCB the chance to say "thank you" to industry members, update the sales performance and showcase a new theme party called The Love Boat. Mrs Jill Henry, CEO of Sarawak Convention Bureau, said ... "When we were formed in 2006 as the first bureau in Malaysia it was quite a challenge. But all the hard work has paid off with total of 123 bid won and over RM133-million on estimate total delegate expenditure over the last 4-years. This could not have been achieved alone as in every bid the support of industry members is vital to win the business. "This is a great opportunity to get together in tourism setting while enjoying the beautiful sunset view of Kuching and relaxing after a day hard work," she added. The original idea of the Love Boat came from an industry M.I.C.E training session and was developed by Adeline Teng of AOS Conventions and Events Borneo Sdn Bhd, Brandon Lim of Basaga Holiday Residences, Audrey Dominic of Abacus and other team members. The industry members had a chance to play quirky games like The Best Pick-Up Line, Love at First Sight, The Act of Love and more. On deck, a BBQ dinner awaited and the love tunes from the Perth base crooner, Earl Cole. (Sarawak Convention Bureau) Update: August 27, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Cairns To Host Major Disability Conference In 2011 Cairns will host one of the biggest events on Queensland's disability calendar when the Shared Visions Disability Conference hits town next year. Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk and Cairns Mayor Val Schier said the biennial conference would be held at the Cairns Convention Centre in September 2011. "The Shared Visions Disability Conference is the most important event on Queensland's disability calendar," Ms Palaszczuk said. "It brings together some of the best minds in the State to explore new ways to strengthen disability services. "The conference is all about giving Queenslanders with a disability a voice. It's about listening to their families and carers, and to service providers, to find practical ways to improve people's quality of life." Ms Palaszczuk said some of Far North Queensland's major tourist attractions, including Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, were renowned for their disability access. "Additionally, work is currently underway to make Mossman Gorge more accessible. "I've seen first-hand the difference this can make to people with a disability," she said. Cr Schier said Cairns Regional Council was leading the way when it came to improving disability access and promoting social inclusion. "We've developed an Access and Equity Action Plan to help people with a disability access the services and facilities they need," Cr Schier said. "We're also working with local tourist operators to ensure people with a disability can enjoy Cairns' world class beaches, natural environment and tourist attractions." (Governwent of Queensland) Update: August 25, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia Creole-style Village For Carrick Hill French Festival A Creole-style village staffed by French chefs preparing multicultural food from the French Island of La Reunion will be one of the gastronomic highlights of the French Festival to be held this November 13 & 14, in the gardens of Carrick Hill, South Australia. La Reunion in the Indian Ocean off East Africa will be focus region for the Alliance Francaise’s 7th annual French Festival. With strong backing from the region the 2010 Festival is planning one of the biggest delegations of musicians, dancers and visual artists that the Festival has ever presented. La Reunion directly accessible to Australians with the introduction of direct Air Austral flights to the island from Sydney and on to Paris. Recently a delegation of six French officials from La Reunion Island visited Adelaide to help set up the basis for the Festival and create new links with South Australia in the fields of education, tourism, business and culture. The delegation, comprising Mr Jean Francois Sita, Vice President of the region, and representatives from French cultural, tourism, political and business arenas met with key South Australians including the Governor of South Australia, representatives from The University of Adelaide, TAFE, Office of the Premier, WOMAD, Events SA, Adelaide Festival of Arts, Tandanya, the French Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Tourism SA. Alliance Francaise Director Philippe Marse said the La Reunion delegation was particularly pleased by the warm welcome of South Australians and is looking forward to coming back in November. Future partnerships between key state institutions and the region are also being discussed. Pictured (l-r): H.E. Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia and Mr Jean Francois Sita, vice president of Region Reunion. (Neil Ward Publicity) Australia Corporates Take Flight As Travel Freezes Disappear Business travel is back on the agenda for Australia’s corporate sector. Following the slump of 2008 and part of 2009, business travel volumes are returning to healthier levels as companies across the small to medium and mid to large client market deploy more funds to staff travel. The full story ... Corporates Take Flight As Travel Freezes Disappear (Flight Centre Limited) Update: August 24, 2010 [1 Story] Korea MCI Opens Korean Office To Expand Asia Reach Communication and event management company MCI has opened a new office in Seoul, Korea. MCI now has eleven offices and employs more than 200 professionals in Asia. MCI Korea has been established in joint venture with leading destination management company, Kim’s Travel, whose meeting & events subsidiary, M&C Planners, will be rebranded into MCI Korea. FAMC, the first and only association management company (AMC) in Korea, will become the Association Management division of MCI in Korea. Chun Kim, founder of Kim’s Travel, will serve as CEO of MCI Korea; Peter Lee, current director general of M&C Planners, will become executive director for meetings & events and destination management, while Steve Kim, previously with the Daejeon Convention Bureau & Center, will join the Korean team as executive director for association management & consulting. Chun Kim said ... “MCI is the leading event management company in the world and we believe it is a great step for the Korean meetings industry to have one of the global leaders firmly established in our country. We can see significant new business through this joint venture, which will bring great benefit to all our clients, partners and suppliers.” Robin Lokerman, president of MCI Asia Pacific, added ... “A growing number of our global clients are interested in expanding into Korea, which is also home to many multinationals who can benefit from MCI’s global reach to manage their programmes outside of Korea. "Many international and Asia Pacific associations have leaders from Korea and we look forward to working with them to bring more conferences to Korea.” (Meetpie.com) Update: August 22, 2010 [1 Story] England Olympic Line Up For Decade O Sport Conference Olympic Games experts, Neil Beard (senior operations manager - accommodation, LOCOG), Chris Foy (head of 2012 Games unit, VisitBritain) and David Evans (project director 2012, BSIA) will be among the speakers at the Decade of Sport conference at Event UK. The conference on September 21 will run alongside the Birmingham show, highlighting the business opportunities that will result from forthcoming high profile sporting events coming to Britain over the next decade. These include the 2012 Olympics in London, 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and potentially the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Additional speakers include Len Olender, director, Sportsworld Group; Raymond Chan, assistant deputy minister, Vancouver; professor Chris Kemp, pro-vice chancellor, International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies and representatives from VisitBritain, Visit London, LOCOG and regional bodies. Alison Willis, director for Event UK, said ... “It’s a real opportunity for businesses to learn about the ways in which they can capitalise and benefit from the sporting legacy of the events coming to the UK in the near future. "We hope that the conference will communicate the opportunities that extend past the host cities and out to the regional areas.” (Meetpie.com) Update: August 21, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia New Business Events Head For BECGBR After almost 20-years heading up sales and marketing for some of Tropical North Queensland’s best know hotels, resorts and events, Rosie Douglas has accepted the role of Head of Business Events, with Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef (BECGBR). Rosie was a member of the Cairns Convention Centre pre-opening team, before taking on the role of Conference Sales Manager of Radisson Resorts of Port Douglas and then Director of Sales and Marketing for Radisson Plaza Cairns (now Shangri La at the Marina Cairns). A move out of hotels saw her taking over the over management of the prestigious Cairns Amateurs Race Carnival. After 3-years developing the region’s premier sporting and social event, Rosie took on the role of Director of Sales and Marketing for Vision Hotels and Resorts, incorporating The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa and Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club. Major achievements in 5-years in this role included the re positioning of Paradise Palms Golf Course to a fully integrated 4½-star resort complex with extensive conference, incentive and recreational facilities. As well as a vision to see Tropical North Queensland positioned among Australia’s top business events destinations, Rosie brings a depth of understanding of Tropical North Queensland tourism product, and extensive experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Rob Giason, Chief Executive Officer of TTNQ said business events in Tropical North Queensland is in safe hands. “Rosie will use her skills to stimulate demand, and will work in close collaboration with our business events operators to position and sell this outstanding destination. I know she ’ll make a very valu able contribution at BECGBR.” (Tourism Tropical North Queensland) Australia Milestone For Club Melbourne Ambassadors More than 200 guests gathered at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for an exclusive dinner to mark the 5th-anniversary of the Club Melbourne Ambassadors Programme (CMAP) this week. Starting with just 20 members in 2005, CMAP is an initiative of the MCEC, the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau and the Victorian Government. Members of CMAP are influential Melburnians who are leaders in their respective science, medical, research and business fields and who use their influence and industry knowledge to bring world class business events to Melbourne. The future event bookings figures speak volumes for the program's success. Over the past 5-years the ambassadors have successfully won 33 major international conventions for Melbourne, which will bring over 50,000 delegates to the city injecting millions of dollars into Victoria's economy. The 5th anniversary dinner was also an opportunity to recognise 20 new ambassadors inducted into the program, bringing the total membership to 119. Special guests for the evening were Professor David de Kretser, the Governor of Victoria and CMAP's Patron in Chief, Mrs Jan de Kretser and Tim Holding, Minister for Tourism and Major Events. The Minister praised the ambassadors for their efforts in securing international events for Melbourne ... "Club Melbourne Ambassadors send an extremely powerful message about our city's dedication to the business events industry. "Through their outstanding efforts, industry knowledge and contacts, they ensure Melbourne continues to be recognised and chosen as Australia's business events capital." (Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre) Update: August 20, 2010 [1 Story] China Real Time Educational Evaluation At CIBTM Following the signing of a global agreement with Reed Travel Exhibitions and a successful pilot last year at EIBTM, all educational seminars over the 3-days of CIBTM are to be evaluated using MeetingMetrics’ online survey and reporting tools. MeetingMetrics offers a unique self administered set of sustainable online tools for maximising meeting effectiveness, measuring meeting results and demonstrating value and return on investment. Participants at all the CIBTM education sessions will be able to log on to the system - in Chinese or English - as soon after each educational session ends through PDAs, notebooks and PCs. They will be asked for their comments on speaker and topic content by logging onto www.cibtm.com/surveys. Importantly, comments on the speakers and presentations will be taken into account in the formulation of future education sessions not only at CIBTM, but at other Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Events portfolio shows around the world. Ira Kern, Managing Director MeetingMetrics, said ... “We have created a set of easy to use, professional tools that greatly simplifies, speeds and lowers costs of collecting and reporting participants’ session feedback. "A full selection of key analytical reports including session, speaker, learning effectiveness rating reports plus CEU reports are automatically produced ready to save print or email directly from the system in minutes.” (CUT Communications) Update: August 19, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia Sydney Event Leaders Share their Success Sydney's star appeal came in for high praise at this year's Platform10 seminar for event organisers, as conference chiefs outlined their success in attracting record delegates to the harbour city. Held annually at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in conjunction with Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the Platform seminar allows associations and future event planners to draw from the experience of others who have already held successful events in Sydney. Speakers this year included Chris Johnson, Conference Director of the 9th World Congress of Metropolis, a forum for city planners and political leaders held in Sydney in 2008. Mr Johnson said the event had surpassed targets to attract 650 delegates including representatives of 80 major cities, as well as 350 people at free public events and 800 students in a programme for local schools. Mr Johnson said linking venues like the waterfront Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Opera House by ferry had been a big hit with delegates. "Most of the delegates thought Sydney people only ever travel by water," Mr Johnson said. "You can really exploit that well with an event in Sydney - use the city and the harbour and push off into other locations by water." Guests at Platform10 also heard about this year's International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Congress from its director Paul Harcombe. The Sydney congress drew a record 2,200 participants from around the world, despite concerns the global financial crisis would impact on attendances. Pictured (l-r): Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amergonen; guest speaker and International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Congress Director Paul Harcombe, and Business Events Sydney Chief Executive Officer Jon Hutchison. (MG Media Communications) China The Rise And Rise Of The Meetings Industry It is an exciting time for the development of the meetings industry in China and CIBTM - China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition has become the annual event for the industry. CIBTM, the only industry show officially backed by the national government in China, is co hosted and supported by the China National Tourism Administration and the Beijing Municipal Government. The event has established itself as the place for the industry to gather in order to develop business, to network and for continuing professional development. It has become must attend event in the industry calendar. Last year in 2009, CIBTM attracted almost 5,000 visitors which included 280 exhibitors from 28 countries, 3,328 trade visitors and 280 Hosted Buyers from 25 countries. The 2010 event expects to attract similar numbers. Jeffrey Xu, CIBTM's exhibition manager said ... "CIBTM is one of the major driving forces behind the growth of the meetings industry throughout China. It is set to help China fully realise its potential to attract large-scale international corporate and association events. "China has never seen such a comprehensive and varied meetings industry education programme. Anyone within the industry who has a desire to increase their knowledge and to build and develop their businesses should be at CIBTM. "Attending the sessions alone will justify return on investment and time out of the office." To pre register for the event visit www.cibtm.com (CUT Communications) Update: August 18, 2010 [2 Stories] China Central Government Officially Sponsors CIBTM The China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM), Asia’s largest business travel and meetings industry trade show, has announced the official support and co-hosting by the China National Tourism Administration and the Beijing Municipal Government. CIBTM 2010, to be held in Beijing for its 5th year, from August 31-September 2, at China National Convention Centre, is one of five Reed Travel Exhibitions’ international shows dedicated exclusively to the meetings industry - EIBTM in Barcelona; GIBTM in Abu Dhabi; CIBTM in Beijing; AIBTM in Baltimore, USA and AIME in Melbourne, Australia. “With China being the most dynamic and the fastest-growing economy in the world, as illustrated by many multinational companies with their regional headquarters in Beijing, the country’s capital city is clearly the ideal location to support the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector in Asia.” said Jeffrey Xu, Project Manager, CIBTM. According to an analysis of China's inbound tourism market, issued by China National Tourism Administration, business and meeting travelers account for 39.9% of all tourists. The award winning CIBTM, launched in 2005, is the largest and most established annual trade exhibition dedicated to the meetings sector in China and Asia. CIBTM attracts thousands of buyers and trade visitors from across China and internationally, eager to meet up with exhibitors from regional and intenational meetings and incentive suppliers. CIBTM has established itself as the place for the meetings sector to gather in order to develop business, to network and for continuing professional development. (CUT Communications) Malaysia MyCEB Appoints Senior Manager The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has announced the appointment of two Senior Managers for Corporate Affairs & Communications and Finance & Administration, to support the organisation's strategic growth plans. Helmed by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, MyCEB's staff resource is expected to be increased to 24 by mid-September. The team has also recently moved to a new office located in Kuala Lumpur's central business district. Appointed as the Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Ms Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi will lead efforts to manage MyCEB's strategic relationship with key stakeholders, particularly the government, and to develop corporate branding and communications. Previously Senior Assistant Director with Tourism Malaysia, Ms Nuwal specialised in bidding for association meetings, research and event servicing. Appointed Senior Manager, Finance & Administration, Mr Selvakumar Krishnasamy, a chartered accountant with 10-years of experience, is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of MyCEB's business and financial plan. He will also ensure that adequate and effective resources are in place to support the strategic goals and objectives of the organisation. (Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau) Update: August 17, 2010 [2 Stories] England P&MM's 3-year Sponsorship Of M&IT Industry Awards Leading event agency P&MM will sponsor the Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards for the next 3-years. The deal reflects the commitment to the event Motivcom plc businesses have demonstrated to the event in recent years. It also assists organisers Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine in budgeting for the charity fund-raising event that has raised more than £750,000 for Save The Children projects. P&MM managing director Nigel Cooper, said ... “P&MM are long-standing admirers of the incredible effort from M&IT magazine and CAT Publications in raising over £750,000 for Save The Children. "We are proud to be associated with M&IT’s unparalleled commitment to promote awareness and raise funds for one of the most noble charities by dedicating the industry’s oldest event, the M&IT Awards, to the benefit of Save the Children.” The next M&IT Awards will take place on Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London. (Meetpie.com) Update: August 14, 2010 [2 Stories] USA Sarawak Makes Its Name In Hollywood Sarawak Convention Bureau's Meet in Sarawak Short Film II: Recharge in a New World - Changing Perspectives has won a Silver award in this year's U.S. International Film and Video Festival in Los Angeles, California. The sequel continues the story of a climatic meeting between jaded Western business executives and unique local hosts from the Sarawak Iban community. The original short film positioned Sarawak as a new and vibrant business destination where the traditions of the past are still upheld but followed in a way that is very much a part of today's fast paced business world. The sequel uses the same "tongue in cheek" humorous approach and retains many of the same characters from the original so that it can be used in tandem. The U.S. International Film and Video Festival was founded in 1967 and is one of the world's leading international events devoted exclusively to recognition of outstanding Business, Television, Documentary, Educational, Entertainment, Industrial and Informational productions. Receiving the award, the Honorable Y.B Dato' Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad, Chairman of the Sarawak Convention Bureau, said ... "We are really thrilled to be presented this prestigious award and know that this destination marketing tool will bring in more successful convention bid wins for Sarawak." The short film was also awarded with the EIBTM Best Destination Marketing Campaign 2009 in Barcelona, Spain; The Phoenix Award (Bronze) 2009 at The Asia Film, Video and Digital Media Awards, Singapore and The Silver Award 2010 at The Golden City Gate Film Competition, ITB Berlin, Germany. (Sarawak Convention Bureau) Germany IMEX 2010 Post-show Survey More than 1,000 hosted buyers responded to the IMEX 2010 post-show survey and results show that the award-winning trade show continues to deliver on its promise of high quality exhibitors, outstanding networking and education and, above all, abundant business opportunities. With the majority of buyers (79%) spending over 12-hours on the show floor and nearly a quarter over 16-hours; meetings at IMEX continued to generate the highest possible levels of business between buyers and exhibitors. Survey results showed that hosted buyers placed orders of US$450-million with exhibitors during the exhibition and expect to place over US$2.2-billion of business with IMEX exhibitors in the coming 12 months - an increase of over 20% on last year's estimates. 40% of IMEX hosted buyers confirmed in a separate survey that they have budgets in excess of US$1-million per year. Over one quarter of respondents said that up to 40% of their meetings at the show were with new companies they had not previously done business with. IMEX's unique suite of online tools has proven to have a significant impact on the value of the show for both exhibitors and buyers, with 87% of buyers rating the online diary in particular as 'extremely or very useful' and 73% of exhibitors agreeing that the website tools significantly or somewhat improved their business performance at the exhibition. This resulted in a total of 57,000 business appointments made between buyers and exhibitors before and during IMEX in Frankfurt. The number of diary messages exchanged before and during IMEX also increased by 9% to over 12,000. The next IMEX takes place May 24-26, 2011 at Messe Frankfurt. (IMEX Exhibitions) Update: August 13, 2010 [2 Stories] England Dates Announced For Brighton Unconventional VisitBrighton has announced the dates for the unmissable event in this year’s event organiser’s diary - the 'Brighton Unconventional'. A first for the destination convention bureau, the event will take place in the south coast city from September 24-26. The bureau will host 50 event organisers from across the association, corporate and event sectors during the late September weekend. Launching the event will be a welcome reception hosted at The Lighthouse; one of Brighton’s most sought after event spaces. Guests will have a chance to mingle with various like minded peers and the bureau’s many conference Partners who have worked in collaboration with VisitBrighton to host the event. With complimentary accommodation offered to all guests and their partners over the weekend, guests will be encouraged to discover their very own Brighton with optional sites visits arranged at the city’s various conference Partners. Darren Johnson, Convention Bureau Sales Manager, said ... “Brighton & Hove is a destination that is increasingly competing on the world stage. "We know that when delegates come to the city they have a fantastic time both in and out of their conference venue. "With ‘Brighton Unconventional’ we wanted to provide the same opportunity for event organisers; give them the chance to discover everything the city has to offer to businesses without the hard sell.” (Davies Tanner) Australia Climate Change Conference Harnesses Green Initiatives The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has deployed the best of its industry-leading green initiatives at this week's 6th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference. The 3-day event brings together more than 600 business leaders from across Australia and New Zealand to confront the challenges of climate change. Speakers include scientists and environmental specialists from around the world, as well as political leaders including Australia's Climate Change Minister Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Action Senator Simon Birmingham, Greens Senator Christine Milne and New Zealand Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith. As a sponsor of the conference, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is supplying GreenPower to the event, ensuring electricity is generated from renewable carbon-neutral sources. Under its award-winning EcoWise programme, the Centre is also offering a series of other environmental initiatives including energy efficient lighting, waste separation and recycling systems and water-saving measures. To showcase its sustainable food policies, the Centre's Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl designed a special menu for the Conference gala dinner in which all produce is either organic, carbon-neutral or locally sourced. The Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference, August 10-12, is a carboNZero certified conference, operating with an emission reduction plan, an independent carbon audit and a certified carbon offset. The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre was one of the first two convention centres in the world to receive the international Green Globe benchmark accreditation for its environmental programs and the first Australian venue to achieve a silver Green Globe benchmark. (MG Media Communications) Update: August 12, 2010 [2 Stories] Malaysia Winning Bid to Host 15th International Peat Congress Kuching, Sarawak has secured the hosting of the 15th International Peat Congress in 2016 (IPC2016) after Malaysia won the bid in Jyvaskyla, Finland on June 16, 2010. This 5-day event, scheduled for August 2016 is expected to generate revenue of over RM2.2-million for the local hospitality and tourism sector with some 700 national and international delegates expected to attend. The winning bid is a credit to the collaborative efforts of the Malaysian Peat Society (MPS) and the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB). Dato James Dawos Mamit, President of Malaysian Peat Society and Chairman of IPC2016, said ... "We are very pleased to win this bid for Malaysia since this is the first time for this prestigious convention to be held outside Europe and North America. "In securing this conference so early, we can now draw on a wide international network to assist in the development and sustainability management of peat land and agricultural crops." Mrs.Jill Henry, CEO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau, said ... "Winning this prestigious event will add to the credibility of Sarawak as a preferred MICE destination and also as a new hub for scientists and professional researchers to come together. "The Bureau is very thrilled with this bid win and will continue to assist other organisations that are prepared to bid nationally and internationally." (Sarawak Convention Bureau) Australia Centre On Show For ABEE Trade Show The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre showed off its renowned creative flair at a dinner for special guests and hosted buyers at the recent Australian Business Events Expo. More than 50 guests attended the event, with a dramatic opening performance by the Qantas Choir setting the tone for a remarkable evening. Sydney's skyline provided a glittering backdrop as the Centre's award-winning team of chefs dazzled buyers with a menu of gourmet local produce. As they moved between three separate dining stations especially created for the event, buyers indulged in a smorgasbord of tastes from Oberon truffle risotto with a touch of Pyengana cheddar to torched fig on brioche toast with wasabi sorbet. The creations of Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl were matched with top Australian wines presented by the Centre's Sommelier William Wilson. The team's efforts earnt them a great round of applause from guests, who were overwhelmed with the event. In the words of Forum Group Managing Director Leanne Constantino, it was a great concept. "Food was delicious, chefs were inspirational, wine was amazing and company was lovely," Ms Constantino said. Guests at the July dinner included buyers and organisers from the USA, UK, Asia and Australia. (MG Media Communications) Update: August 11, 2010 [1 Story] The Netherlands Kasteel De Hoogenweerth Joins Maastricht The Maastricht Convention Bureau has a new participant with Kasteel De Hoogenweerth recently joining the foundation, lifting the total number of participants to 45. The Maastricht Convention Bureau is a foundation which promotes Maastricht & surrounding area as a destination for conventions and corporate meetings, both in The Netherlands as well as abroad. Next to that, the foundation offers objective, independent advice and mediation to people who would like to organise their convention, meeting, incentive or event in Maastricht & surrounding area. The Maastricht Convention Bureau is glad to welcome Kasteel De Hoogenweerth said Director Marcel Knols. “We continuously aim at high-quality cooperation with venues and services from Maastricht & surrounding area. "This is very important, not only for meeting bookers, who can make use of our services entirely free of charge, but for our participants as well. "They can more successfully work together and do business with each other, as being participants.” Kasteel De Hoogenweerth - located on a peninsula in Maastricht alongside the river Maas - is surrounded by a very large and beautiful garden. Maximum capacity of Kasteel De Hoogenweerth is 357 people, althoiugh it is possible to extend this capacity by placing large tents in front of and behind the castle. The castle is well known for its old and romantic exterior. (Maastricht Convention Bureau) Update: August 09, 2010 [1 Story] England London’s Latest Delegate Booking Trends HotelMap, the progressive online booking solution for hotels in London, is for the first time releasing statistics exposing the hotel booking patterns of delegates attending conference and events in the nation’s capital. Research taken from the first 6-months of 2010 reveals that 75% of delegates booking through HotelMap opted to book accommodation in a 4-star hotel. 4-star properties booked through HotelMap showed an average room rate of £160 (Up 7% on the second 6-months of 2009). 19% of the bookings were with a 3-star hotel at an average room rate of £110. 6% chose to stay in a 5-star hotel averaging £241 per night (Up 14.5% on the second 6-months of 2010). HotelMap launched 18-months ago was specifically designed for the meetings and events market and has swiftly been adopted by corporate, agency and exhibition organisers as the most efficient way for delegates to book accommodation. The unrivalled mapping interface connects users directly with the reservation system of each hotel allowing users to view live availability, guaranteed lowest rates and to book instantly with the hotel. Figures also show the lead-in times of delegates booking accommodation are far shorter than previously thought, with 36% leaving it till only 2-weeks ahead of the event to book accommodation. 21% booked 2-o to 4-weeks ahead. (Triggerfish Communications) Update: August 07, 2010 [4 Stories] England European Congress On Obesity For Liverpool Liverpool has won its bid to host the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in 2013 which will see around 3,000 delegates attend the 4-day event at ACC Liverpool with an estimated economic benefit to the city of £5-million. Liverpool was up against Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Moscow and Munich in its bid to secure the event. Delegates in attendance will include clinicians, scientists, allied health professionals working in the field of obesity research and education, opinion leaders and advocacy groups. “Having initially found out about the event back in May 2009 through the North West Conference Research Unit (NWCRU), we worked closely with our own Forum Legati conference ambassadors and ACC Liverpool to make our bid as strong as possible.” comments Carol O’Reilly, Liverpool Convention Bureau Manager. “We also featured Liverpool’s Year of Health and Wellbeing - an initiative to promote healthier lifestyles - as well as the range of attractions in the city region. But the real strength of our submission came from our expert scientific community and in particular Professor John Wilding, who is regarded as an expert in the field and gave organisers a compelling reason to bring ECO to the city.” Jacquie Rogers, General Manager BT Convention Centre, part of ACC Liverpool, said ... “We are delighted to be hosting the Association for the Study of Obesity congress. "ACC Liverpool has established an un-rivalled reputation across the medical sector due to our understanding of the demands of these types of events." (Davies Tanner) Singapore Singapore Expo Recognised As A Business Superbrand Asia's pre-eminent meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) centre has garnered the highly-coveted accolade of Business Superbrand in Singapore. Earlier this year, Singex Venues Pte Ltd, the manager and operator of Singapore Expo, was invited to participate in the closed-door evaluation by the Superbrands Singapore panel. Singapore Expo was ultimately assessed to have fulfilled all of the panel’s stringent standards, namely, Achievement, Market Share, Recognition, Reputation, and Social Responsibility, and was therefore awarded the prestigious title. Business Superbrands is an internationally recognised award which pays tribute to the best and most valued business-to-business brands around the world and makes its debut in Singapore this year. Mr Chandran Nair, Deputy General Manager of Singex Venues, said ... “We are truly honoured to be recognised as the top convention and exhibition centre in Singapore. "Receiving this award is a strong testament and glowing tribute to all our team members and their unwavering dedication, hard work and passion. "As the global MICE landscape continues to grow and evolve, this accolade will definitely further encourage all of us to keep innovating, delivering service excellence and reinventing ourselves as a one-stop business event and venue solutions partner. "Ultimately, we see our role as one that seeks to further strengthen Singapore’s position as the preferred business travel and MICE destination.” (Singapore Expo) Australia Boat Show Makes History At SCEC History has been made at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the annual Sydney International Boat Show providing the backdrop for a provisional world record of 415 lifejackets inflated at once in one location. Designed to highlight the need for water safety, the group inflation formed part of the 5-day boat show, which ran from July 29 - August 2. The previous record was set in North America earlier this year when 86 people in Columbus Ohio simultaneously inflated their lifejackets. The Sydney event was presided over by New South Wales Minister for Ports and Waterways Paul McLeay and Australian sailor Jessica Watson, who recently became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted, around the world at the age of 16. The largest boat show in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sydney International Boat Show used all of the Centre's 30,000sqm of exhibition hall space, while a further 226 boats were moored in Cockle Bay adjacent to the Centre, taking the show's footprint to more than 65,000sqm. The Boating Industry Association of NSW said more than 73,000 visitors attended this year's event. Pictured: A provisional world record of 415 inflated life jackets is set in the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre's Ballroom Parkside Foyer. (MG Media Communications) Australia Convention Bureau Provides $93-million Boost To WA The Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) has delivered a $93-million business events boost for the Western Australian economy, said Tourism Minister Liz Constable. Reporting on the bureau’s sales results for the 2009-10 financial year, Dr Constable said the State’s convention marketing organisation had exceeded its annual target by more than 14%. “This is an outstanding performance when you take into account the very strong Australian dollar and uncertainty caused by global economic circumstances and provides an excellent return on the State Government’s increased investment in marketing to secure business events,” she said. “The business events sector, which embraces conventions, exhibitions and incentive travel groups, represents an important part of the tourism industry and we will continue to help maximise WA’s opportunities.” The Minister said the opening of the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre in 2004 had been a key factor in underpinning Perth’s growth as a convention destination. “The State’s capacity to target the bigger conventions that previously we couldn’t adequately accommodate is enhancing Perth’s appeal as a business events destination,” she said. “Next year, WA will welcome the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, which illustrates further the State’s ability to facilitate large and important business or Government events.” The bureau’s managing director, Christine McLean, said the PCB had secured 134 conventions and incentive travel groups in 2009-10, representing an estimated 50,624 delegates and a $93,033,036 delegate spend over the next 3-years. (Government of Western Australia) Update: August 05, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Senior AEG Ogden Appointment AEG Ogden has announced that convention and exhibition industry veteran Frank Mohren will be joining the group in a venue development role. Mr Mohren recently left the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre after 15 years as its Director of Operations and where he oversaw development of the A$350-million convention centre expansion which opened in July 2009. AEG Ogden CEO Mr Harvey Lister said in announcing Mr Mohren’s appointment that he will be involved primarily in assisting with the establishment and start up of the group’s new convention centre projects. “We are currently expanding the number of facilities we have under management across the Asia Pacific region so Frank’s extensive experience in opening and operating major venues and hotels, both in Australia and internationally, makes him a very welcome addition to our specialist management team,” Mr Lister said. Mr Mohren’s initial assignment will be with the AEG Ogden managed Qatar National Convention Centre currently under construction in Doha and due for completion in the second half of 2011. (AEG Ogden) Update: August 04, 2010 [3 Stories] England EIBTM To Launch Most Effective Stand Awards With competition to attract the attention of buyers and visitors increasing at exhibitions worldwide, leading international meetings event, EIBTM, has announced a new Award programme for all exhibitors. The EIBTM Stand Awards 2010 will recognise and acknowledge the brightest, busiest and best stands at this year’s show; those that demonstrate the best in business-to-business exhibition marketing, helping to generate business and interest from those attending the event. Categories ... Best Stand Design Overall Best Stand Design - Shell Scheme Best Stand for Doing Business Best Stand Personnel Best Stand Feature/Attraction Most Innovative stand within the Technology and Event Services Village Sustainability Hosted Buyer voted Best Stand The Awards are open to all EIBTM exhibitors and will be judged on the opening day of EIBTM - Tuesday, November 30 - by an independent judging panel, chaired by Rob Allen, Chief Executive of experiential marketing and live event marketing company, TRO Group. (CUT Communications) USA IMEX America Launches Wild Card Programme Organisers of IMEX America, the new model trade show for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry in the US, intend to offer two free 'Wild Card' places come the show's launch on October 11 next year. As a result, the IMEX Americas Wild Card programme is now open to applications from emerging destinations, or new venues in such destinations, that have not previously attended an international trade show within the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. The programme gives them the chance to win one of two free exhibition places plus a full marketing support package which utilises IMEX's extensive knowledge of the global meetings market. To qualify to enter, destinations from North America, South America or the Caribbean must be able to prove they have both the ambition and sufficient infrastructure to support business from the sector. Winners of the Wild Card places will have the chance to exhibit on a dedicated 'Wild Card' booth at the Las Vegas show. They will also receive a free support package that includes complimentary accommodation, as well as extensive pre-show marketing advice from a dedicated IMEX America advisor and exposure to the market-place. The first IMEX America will take place at the Sands Expo at Venetian/Palazzo, Las Vegas on October 11-13, 2011. The trade show, which will be organised by the IMEX Group, has a unique model built around a programme of 2,000 carefully screened hosted buyers. Destinations or venues from across the United States, South America and the Caribbean are invited to enter the Wild Card programme free of charge using an online application form. See www.imexamerica.com for more information. (IMEX Exhibitions) England ACC Liverpool To Exhibit At ASAE World heritage site and home of the Beatles, Liverpool is making a presence for the first time at this year’s ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Los Angeles. ACC Liverpool will be representing the city at ASAE, engaging with American buyers stateside for the first time and marking the start of a sales initiative focusing on the North American market. ASAE, August 21-24, 2010, is targeted at association event professionals and gives a platform to develop and nurture business relationships with venues, organisers and destinations both in the Americas and across the globe. Home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, ACC Liverpool will be exhibiting with Visit Britain, the UK's national tourism body. Kerrin MacPhie, Head of Sales for BT Convention Centre will be heading Liverpool's charge on the USA market and highlighting the attraction of the city as an international conference destination. Liverpool was awarded European Capital of Culture in 2008 and since then has made a name for itself through awards and high profile events taking place in the city. Subsequently it has resulted in the city being voted as the 2nd best UK city event organisers would choose to host an event outside of London and a place in style savvy travellers’ guide, Condé Nast Traveller. Built as a green venue, ACC Liverpool is continually improving its sustainable offering and setting the standards for other convention centres to follow. (Triggerfish Communications) Back to Front Page