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MICE

MICE NEWS: Newtech 2019, NZCA venue change, Macao dining event and more

by Kate Webster 19/08/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of events, updates to conferences and more. If you have any MICE news to share, please do get in touch with us.

Novotel Newcastle Beach to host Newtech 2019

Some of the best minds in the digital and technology space to the city will descend on Newcastle as part of NewTech 2019, an inspired one day and one night digital and tech collaboration. Supported by the City of Newcastle, the conference will take place on 6 September at Novotel Newcastle Beach and cover advances in Fintech, Facebook and the rollout of its new digital currency, the importance of data and cyber security, content creation, digital marketing and more. Keynote speakers include Matt Purcell from Mentored with Mark Bouris, Craig Browning from OAS Technology, Michelle Adams from Accor, Mark Shaw from OFX and Duncan Waterman from D-EDGE, and the day will conclude with a forum session for questions and answers. An after-dark networking cocktail event at the iconic Fort Scratchley will round out the day’s theme, ‘we live in the present, with an eye to the future whilst celebrating the past.’ To find out more about NewTech 2019 and to secure a ticket, head to www.novotelnewcastlebeach.com.au. Ticket price is $499 and includes entrance to NewTech 2019’s after-dark networking event at Fort Scratchley.

New Zealand Cruise Association 2019 Conference

The New Zealand Cruise Association 2019 Conference has had a change of venue, now to be held at the Aotea Centre, Queen Street. The conference to be held in Auckland from 22 –23 August, has had a last-minute venue change due to storm damage at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf. The NZCA Conference will begin on the evening of Thursday 22 August with a Welcome Function, with the Conference beginning the following day. Speakers include new Associate Tourism Minister Peeni Henare, senior representatives from international cruise lines, and New Zealand tourism and cruise experts. More details, including how to register, are available at the New Zealand Cruise Association Conference website.

Sands Resorts Macao hosts exceptional dining event

Pictured: Chef Hélène Darroze

As part of its ongoing Celebrity Chef Series, Sands Resorts Macao hosted an exclusive French dining experience at its Chiado restaurant. Attended by VIP guests, food and beverage industry leaders and the media, the event featured cuisine by award-winning chef Hélène Darroze paired with wines from Château de Saint-Cernin, and introduced by renowned global winemaker and consultant Michel Rolland. The dinner menu included carabineros prawns with clams; wild Scottish salmon with Oscietra caviar; and velouté of white coco beans with smoked eel and duck foie gras, all served with No 1 Saint-Cernin Limoux Blanc 2017 (white). This was followed by barbecued Japanese wagyu beef with Australian black truffle, accompanied by No 1 Saint-Cernin Bergerac Rouge 2016 (red) and dessert of raspberries, olive oil cream and sorrel sorbet, with Wessman One Champagne (rosé).

19/08/2019

Daily News Industry News - General MICE

cievents named in two categories as finalists in Australian Event Awards

by TM staff writer 13/08/2019

cievents has been named among the National Finalists in the 2019 Australian Event Awards in the Event Management Company and Young Achiever categories. Entries are judged on all aspects of the achievement including innovation, best practice and sustainability as well as the achievement’s contribution to events and the difficulties encountered in executing it.

It’s a hat trick of accolades for cievents, who are also finalists in the C&IT Awards for Incentive of the Year, to be announced in London on 20 September 2019.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised for our world-class event management services in the Event Management Company category,” says Natalie Simmons, Global General Manager, cievents.

“We’re also ecstatic that cievents Event Manager Lauren Semken has been named finalist in the Young Achiever category. Lauren joined cievents straight from University in 2016 and has worked incredibly hard to become one of our greatest stars.

“Our customers are at the epicenter of everything we do. We are deeply invested in their success, because their success is our success. Being announced as finalists in these prestigious awards is testament to our relationships with our clients.”

Following a rigorous first round of judging by event industry leaders and experts around Australia, cievents place amongst the National Finalists has the weight of the industry behind it.

Winners of the Australian Event Awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 18 September at Optus Stadium, Perth.

13/08/2019

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: One Monte-Carlo, HYDE Paradiso, CINZ registrations and more

by Kate Webster 13/08/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of great MICE offerings, events, awards and more. If you have any MICE news to share, please do get in touch with us.

New Conference Centre opens in the Heart of Monte-Carlo

One Monte-Carlo has opened its doors in a completely revamped neighbourhood located right in the heart of Monaco. With around 1,445 m² dedicated to business tourism and events, the brand-new conference centre, is set to become a major venue for anyone organising an event, conference, seminar, convention or a product launch. The conference centre is part of the new One Monte-Carlo district that covers 60,000 m² of space and is also home to a brand-new luxury shopping promenade, six top-end residential buildings, a new concept-restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin, plenty of greenery and more. Included in the space is a plenary room, the identical reproduction of the legendary 301 m² Salle des Arts Art Deco hall & adjacent multipurpose room, a 154 m² auditorium, three modular rooms and a large foyer, all decked out with the necessary event equipment.

Add a dash of style to your event with Hyde Paradiso

A lively oceanfront lounge, inspired by the L.A. lifestyle, boasting incredible beach views, over-size cocktails, signature sgroppinos, mouthwatering Mediterranean food and DJ soirees on weekends, Hyde Paradiso at Peppers Soul on the Gold Coast is the perfect place for your next event or function. Already an icon in L.A, Vegas & Miami, Hyde’s first Australia location keeps its celebrated style and energy going all day and into the evening in the heart of Gold Coast at the Peppers Soul hotel. Hyde Paradiso – the place to see and be seen, by the sea. The venue has dedicated areas to host events or functions of varying size. Take up the Hyde the Bride package when you book a table and enjoy, 1 complimentary bottle of Champagne per 6 ladies and Hyde the Bride merchandise to wear and share.

MCEC awarded at Australian Food Awards

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) pastry chefs have added nine medals to their ever-growing trophy cabinet, at the 2019 Australian Food Awards. MCEC’s Executive Pastry Chef, Alessandro Bartesaghi said entering the Australian Food Awards enables MCEC to benchmark themselves against other large producers. The MCEC caters for over 1,000 events annually.

CINZ Conference 2019 set to inspire new thinking

The Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Annual Conference and AGM will be held in Queenstown from 29 to 31 October, with registrations now open. This year’s theme of ‘Inspiring New Thinking’ will be backed by a host of speakers, panels and workshops that will tackle topics including incentive events, resilience, leadership, international trends, keeping the pipeline flowing, and sustainability initiatives.

13/08/2019

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: Awards, Events and Hawai’i on show

by Kate Webster 05/08/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of great MICE offerings, events, awards and more. If you have any MICE news to share, please do get in touch with us.

It’s a hat trick – with MCEC named Employer of Choice 2019

The Australian Business Awards 2019 have named the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) ‘Employer of Choice’ for the third year running in. MCEC’s diverse and inclusive culture, wide range of health and wellbeing activities, and variety of career development opportunities were key to its recognition as an Employer of Choice. MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King recognised the role of all employees in contributing to the achievement, saying “This is a tremendous acknowledgement of our employees here at MCEC.” As a winner of the Australian awards, MCEC will again be benchmarked in the international chapter of the program at The World Business Awards.

Metro Mirage Hotel Newport awarded for weddings

Waterfront wedding reception venue Metro Mirage Hotel Newport has won the 2019 Brides Choice Award for the most popular wedding venue on the Northern Beaches. Not only did it take out top place, but was names as a finalist in three separate categories across all service aspects of wedding event delivery, earning it the accolade as ‘Best of the Best’ across all service categories for the Northern Beaches. The awards were voted on by brides who have had a wedding in the last 12 months. Metro Mirage Hotel Newport General Manager, Simon Wanstall said he and his dedicated functions team were thrilled to receive this prestigious award. “Our wedding event team take great pride and are fully committed to delivering an excellent experience to all our wedding couples. Being named the Brides Choice Award winner is testament to their success in delivering an individually tailored event that exceeds each couples’ expectations.”

Kiama to host Bodyboarding World Tour Event

The Kiama Bodyboard King Pro pres. by Stojo can look forward to another year of festival fun and activities when the event lands in Kiama from the August 30 – September 8 at Kiama Surf Beach. The opening weekend of competition will see oceanic events, coaching clinics, music and a farmers market all take place at Surf Beach and Coronation Park. Association of Professional Bodyboarding (APB) CEO, Alex Leon expressed his excitement at seeing so many activities take place in and around the Kiama Bodyboard King Pro. “The weekend of festivities will feature the AirAsia Air Show jetski assisted air show along with the Mike Stewart coaching clinic accompanied by food stalls, music and a vintage bodyboarding arena where the history of the sport will be showcased through former world champions, bodyboards from the ’70s and ’80s and some heritage heats with renowned Hawaiian bodyboarders Pat Caldwell, Mike Stewart, and Jeff Hubbard.”

Hawai‘i’s Get Global 2019

Hawai’i was on show in Sydney as the Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) and key delegates recently attended Get Global 2019. In attendance from the Hawaiian Islands were representatives from Prince Hotels, the Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, Current Affairs Hawai‘i, and Hawaiian Airlines. Australian-based representatives from HTO were also in attendance after completing a successful sales mission week sharing the Aloha spirit across three cities in Australia. The sales mission started with the Pau Hana Evening in Brisbane, client visits in Melbourne, a luncheon with the U.S. Consul General in Sydney and finished with Get Global at the ICC Sydney on 26 July 2019. Kris Phadungkiatipong, MICE and Trade Relationships Manager for Hawai’i Tourism Oceania, said Get Global was a great opportunity for delegates from the Hawaiian Islands to network with Australians interested in meetings, conferences, incentives and events. For more information, contact Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania at [email protected]

Special meeting rate at Angsana Lăng Cô resort in Central Vietnam

Group bookings made before 15 December 2019 for stays between 1 September 2019 and 31 October 2020 will enjoy a number of benefits including a guest room package starting from just USD$110 nett per person on a sharing basis. The rate includes breakfast and taxes per room per night, half board with a 3-course meal from a-la-carte menus.

The Mega Meet and Save offer also includes:

• Complimentary use of small break-out function room for half / full day
• 1 hour cocktail reception (beer, house wine)
• Complimentary use of existing AV equipment in function room
• 20% discount on additional portable equipment
• 30% off Meeting Package rates, half-day or full-day
• 20% discount on team building activities
• 50% off 2-way airport transportation with complimentary wifi on board (scheduled airport shuttle).

Angsana Lăng Cô resort introduces business and leisure guests to the heart of adventure and discovery, amidst the azure-blue waters of the East Sea and the emerald green forests of the Truong Son mountain range at Laguna Lăng Cô. There is access to three amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hoi An Ancient Town, The Imperial Citadel of Hue and My Son Sanctuary. There are plenty of activities with jungle hikes, watersports or a round of golf at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole Laguna Lăng Cô championship course. Guests can also enjoy getting pampered at the award-winning Angsana Spa.

05/08/2019

Daily News Hotels & Resorts MICE

MICE NEWS: Korea’s MICE offering, new Meriton Suites and Winter Pride in NZ

by Kate Webster 29/07/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of great MICE offerings, events, new hotel openings and more. If you have any MICE news to share, please do get in touch with us.

Korea showcases MICE offering to Australia

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted a MICE Luncheon last week at The Establishment Room in Sydney in order to attract incentive travel and corporate meeting groups in Australia and New Zealand. The event attracted over 60 global business incentive groups, meeting planners, journalists, and other industry partners to meet with representatives from Korea Tourism Organization, as well as Seoul Tourism Organization, Busan Tourism Organization, and Destination Marketing Services. The MICE luncheon showcased Korea’s offerings as a top meeting destination to influential Australia & New Zealand buyers – introducing new unique venues, popular tourist attractions, and Korea’s support program for incentive travel and corporate meetings.

Meriton Suites Sussex Street opens

Meriton Suites Sussex Street is the newest offering of luxury apartment-style hotel accommodation, perfect for business travellers, boasting jaw-dropping hotel views, oversized suites, gourmet kitchens, designer bathrooms and five-star service. The hotel reception co-exists with the neighbouring Foley Bros heritage building, separated by a large heritage brick feature wall which is home to a public art concept named ‘Enlightenment’ created by Ross Shephard, which showcases LED lighting designed to reflect Sydney’s CBD. Every space of the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi so you can stay connected to home or get on top of your work emails or daily tasks.

The Rees offers special Winter Pride packages

The Rees Hotel Queenstown is offering two special packages specifically designed for couples or groups going to Queenstown for this year’s LGBTTI+ Winter Pride festival. Held on August 30-September 8, Winter Pride encourages locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate diversity, love, inclusion, community and visibility. The event attracted over 4,500 visitors last year and is popular among local and international visitors. The event will feature music, dance parties, skiing, boarding, and mountain walks.

29/07/2019

Australia Daily News Hotels & Resorts MICE

MICE NEWS: LAX Convention Centre, MICE micro-site, EVENT app and more

by Kate Webster 22/07/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of great MICE locations on offer, FREE conferencing deals and more – the latest news on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events from the travel industry.

Innovative New Technology Revolutionising Conference and Event Sector

EVENT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited (EVENT) has launched its newest development in the conference and event space, Got it Covered, a purpose-built mobile site to enhance conference and event organisation across QT, Rydges and Atura hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand. The new conference and event platform is revolutionising the way hotel and event organisers work across more than 60 hotel properties in the EVENT portfolio. In addition to the Got it Covered mobile site, EVENT have also launched Got it Covered Conference Kits, which package all the little things that are commonly requested by event organisers in one simple pack.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Unveils Dedicated MICE Micro-Site

Grand Hyatt Melbourne has launched a new dedicated events micro-site showcasing why the hotel continues to be one of the industry leaders in delivering spectacular events for any occasion. MICE travel bookers can visit grandhyattmelbevents.com to discover a complete virtual reality tour of the entire hotel as well as a carefully curated program of signature experiences, allowing clients to truly customise their own event with memorable moments delivered with Grand Hyatt flair. With over 33 years of event experience, the passionate events team at Grand Hyatt Melbourne have a reputation for exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks in event offerings with state-of-the-art technology support and innovative culinary menus across 15 unique and flexible event spaces. With a dedicated in-house team from Melbourne’s leading event services company, Encore Event Technologies, the hotel has become a pioneer for new event experiences such a digital mapping, which involves vibrant and immersive stage designs and themes through multimedia delivery.

Los Angeles Convention Center Transformation

An estimated $1.25-billion project will transform the Convention Center and adjacent L.A. LIVE into a fully integrated 100-acre meetings and conventions destination with over 2 million square feet of total event space; 2,240 on-site hotel rooms; 20 restaurants; unique venues and more. The entire campus project is expected to be fully complete and operational by February 2022 for the Super Bowl Fan Fest.

Element Melbourne Richmond adds new meeting spaces

The recently opened 168-room hotel Element Melbourne Richmond has launched an array of meeting and event facilities. The hotel offers four venues totalling 256 sqm of function space, including the 150-pax Skyline 1 room and the 100-pax Skyline 2 room. Both of these rooms can be combined to accommodate 250 people cocktail-style and join the intimate Boardroom space which caters for 22 people, and an outdoor deck space which is ideal for coffee breaks and wrap-up parties.

22/07/2019

Asia Featured Hotels & Resorts MICE NICHE TRAVEL Resources

Another Kafnu space opens – in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

by TM staff writer 16/07/2019

International hospitality company, Next Story Group, has opened Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City, its fifth global property following launches in Taipei, Bengaluru and, most recently, in Alexandria – Sydney, since the brand’s debut in Hong Kong in late 2017. The company currently owns, manages and franchises 37 hotels and resorts in Australia, Laos and Thailand, bearing its brands including Next Hotels, Sage Hotels and LinQ Hotels.

Kafnu spaces are part shared work space, part boutique hotel and part social community. Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City is an 8-storey building located in Saigon Pearl, just minutes from District 1 and 2, and a 30-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam’s largest airport. Members enjoy round the clock access and the use of a range of work spaces including hot desks and private offices, high-speed internet, a soundproof phone booth, and five meeting rooms with video conferencing capabilities.

Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Guest Room

Spanning 2,440 sqm, Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City also has a multi-screened 180 sqm event space where members can host product launches, workshops, and other events for up to 150 guests. There are also eight en-suite hotel rooms that ensure members from out of town get a good night’s rest and wake up to views of the city skyline. Members can also keep fit at the Virtual Fitness Studio which offers over 1,500 classes, socialise at Habitat Cocktail Bar, and enjoy modern Asian cuisine at Soy Restaurant.

Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Sitting Room

“We are excited to be part of Vietnam’s growth story,” said Chris Edwards, General Manager of Kafnu Ho Chi Minh City. “We aim to be a catalyst for success to the entrepreneurs and creative trailblazers who choose to build their enterprises, brands and personal networks in the vibrant economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. To support their endeavours, we are cultivating a warm, welcoming community of like-minded change-makers, delivering targeted programming, and providing unique opportunities for discovery, connection, and growth.”

Kafnu members also have access to other Kafnu properties around Asia Pacific so that they have a base to stay, work and connect with the local community.

16/07/2019

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: Bali, Novotel Vines winter meetings and more

by Kate Webster 01/07/2019

Conference for FREE at Novotel Vines Resort Swan Valley

This winter treat your delegates to a stay at Novotel Vines Resort Swan Valley in the scenic Swan Valley near Perth and it will include the Winter Conference Package for FREE. The ever-popular, luxury resort is the perfect venue for your next conference with varied meeting spaces, leisure facilities and a short drive from the CBD. Delegates can breathe fresh country air in the peaceful surrounds with nature on their doorstep, and refresh their minds, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and relax and unwind to reach their full potential, maximising your time and outlay at your next conference.

Starting from $139 per person twin share or $190 per person single room, the package includes for FREE: Continuous freshly brewed coffee & tea, Morning tea (1 selection), Winter warmer lunch (choose from a hot dish with rice & vegetables or soup & sandwiches), Afternoon tea (1 selection), Venue hire and AV – flip chart or white board & projector screen. This winter wonderful deal is available for conferences Monday – Friday during July and August. To book your winter conference at Novotel Vines Resort Swan Valley, contact the events team by phone on (08) 9297 3000 or email [email protected]

BBTF 2019

Bali’s annual tourism showcase Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2019 has concluded in Nusa Dua, Bali. Organisers welcomed a strong turnout of 303 buyers from 46 countries, an increase over 2018. Sellers on the floor reported strong product interest on the first day from quality buyers, including 21 from Australia. This year’s theme was ‘Journey to Sustainable Tourism’ and followed on from earlier moves to promote 10 new designated tourism destinations of Indonesia that either use Bali as a hub or plan to develop new direct air and sea services over time.

Meet at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali

Inspired by tropical vibes, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali is positioned for business as well as pleasure. It features dedicated meeting, conference and event facilities in the heart of Jimbaran for corporate travellers looking to conduct business in a vibrant lifestyle setting. With a choice of comfortable venues supported by modern equipment, a professional Meetings & Events team is on hand to deliver personalised service and tailor a memorable island experience.

All meeting facilities are strategically located on a designated floor with direct VIP access in and out of the resort. Organisers can choose between several versatile function rooms with natural lighting and a convenient buffet area. A private meeting room is also available for confidential consultations and negotiations. In addition, Akasa Ballroom offers 420 sqm of pillar-less space to host up to 300 guests. This contemporary styled venue can be divided into three breakout rooms, while the three multi-purpose Baga Rooms are all approximately 50 sqm in size. For smaller corporate gatherings, a smart boardroom can accommodate up to 14 delegates. For more information and reservations, please contact the Meetings & Events team at [email protected].

Fullerton brilliant for bleisure

With a slew of spectacular meeting and event spaces, diverse dining options, burgeoning bars, upscale shopping, entertainment and luxury interiors, MICE travellers staying at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore can enjoy more options within The Fullerton Heritage. 2019 Corporate and MICE packages are available for both hotels with value-add deals available for the months of July, August, September and December as well as full-day and half-day meeting packages available on weekdays. Corporate meeting packages at both hotels start at AUD $105 per person and per day, and include two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch catered to international tastes at Town restaurant and access to a LCD projector. All rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, flipcharts and whiteboards. To learn more about MICE packages and offers visit here.

01/07/2019

Daily News MICE

MICE NEWS: Good Food and Wine Show Sydney, MGallery Hong Kong

by Kate Webster 17/06/2019

Meeting spaces at MGallery in Hong Kong, opening end of 2019

Slated to open at the end of this year is The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery, the MGallery brand’s first hotel in Hong Kong. The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery will feature 206 guest rooms, a leafy arrival hall, three dining options and an executive lounge. For the MICE space there is one multipurpose meeting room of 62 m² or 667 ft² and 1 fixed boardroom of 50 m² or 538 ft², that can accommodate up to a maximum of 48 delegates. The meeting rooms boast natural daylight and are equipped with Nespresso coffee machine, TWG tea facilities and high speed internet access. They also offer build in state-of-the-art Audio & Visual equipment all controlled by a touch screen panel.

Macao eats at Sydney Good Food and Wine Show

Taste Macao at the Good Food and Wine Event

Macao and its fabulous fusion food will be one of the star attractions at the prestigious 2019 Good Food and Wine Show, International Convention Centre Sydney, from June 21-23. As a designated UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the Asian centre will have a virtual kitchen at the annual consumer show preparing and serving visitors such traditional Macanese favourites as African Chicken and Minchi along with ever-popular signature dessert, Serradura.

Macanese food is considered one of the world’s earliest forms of fusion cuisine, dating back to the 16th Century when the first Portuguese seafarers settled in this corner of China. Visitors to the Macao stand will also have a chance to win $2000 credit towards flights to Macao through leading online travel agent www.trip.com along with discounts on hotel options. It’s all part of Macao’s 20th Anniversary celebrations as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

17/06/2019

Australia Daily News Hotels & Resorts MICE

Marseille themed event showcases Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s MICE offerings

by TM staff writer 17/06/2019

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour was the venue for a special event on Thursday night to showcase the diverse meeting and events spaces available at the hotel and to provide guests with a preview of the new menu introduced by Executive Chef, Eric Costille.

‘A Night in Marseille’ began with guests wending their way through nine stylish meeting rooms and boardrooms to the Magnifique Ballroom, where they were provided with inspiring design touches showcasing how well-suited the spaces are for hosting any style of event, from haute couture fashion shows to gala dinners and large-scale conferences with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology through to intimate business meetings.

Meeting Room Softiel Sydney Darling Harbour

A point of difference for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will be the new French-inspired menu designed to provide a stylish culinary underpinning for corporate events held at the hotel. In a departure from more traditional menus, guests were given a sneak peak of Chef Costille’s signature dishes including canapés of mini onion pissaladière, mini pan bagna buns, seared red mullet, black olive tapenade on toasted brioche and stuffed baby tomato and zucchini provençale. For something more substantial, a market display style grazing station was set up offering guests a Marseille style traditional bouillabaisse, freshly shucked oysters and cooked tiger prawns with aioli.

MICE Wedding Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Adding to the French Art de Vivre, an indulgent chocolate fountain and a selection of hand-made guimauve (marshmallows) provided the perfect sweet indulgence in the hotel’s elegant Champagne Bar, which can also be booked for events. An assortment of cheese with freshly baked bread and French charcuterie was also a highlight.

To complement the French fare, guests were served Pink Waterlilies (cocktails) prepared by the hotels experienced mixologists and sipped on bubbles. They were also entertained by the dramatic ‘Sabrage’ ceremony – showcasing the art of slicing open a Champagne bottle with a cavalry sabre. This tradition, thought to have started with Madame Clicquot is available regularly at Champagne Bar.

MICE Talk Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

The opportunity to walk through the different styles of guestrooms available at the hotel was also on offer, along with Le Rivage bar adjacent to the hotels’ sparkling infinity pool and the recently re-designed private dining space “The Red Room” in signature restaurant Atelier. The experience concluded at Club Millesime Lounge located on level 35 so guests could take in the breathtaking views of Darling Harbour and the city.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has three special Meetings and Events Packages available to book:

Half Day Delegate Package – $105 per delegate which includes room hire, tea and coffee on arrival, morning tea, lunch, sparkling and still water and notepads with pens.

Full Day Delegate Package – $115 per delegate which includes room hire, tea and coffee on arrival, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, sparkling and still water and notepads with pens.

Winter offer – anyone booking boardroom meeting before end of August 2019 receives complimentary gin trolley service at the end of the function.

Meeting Room 2 Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

17/06/2019

Daily News MICE

MICE NEWS: IPW 2019, HK Dragon Boats, Melbourne Film Festival and more

by Kate Webster 11/06/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot so you don’t need to go hunting for the cheese.

USA held IPW 2019, there are dragon boats racing in Hong Kong and more. This is the latest news on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events from the travel industry.

IPW 2019 Brings Thousands of Buyers, Suppliers and Media to Southern California

This June, more than 6,000 attendees from over 70 countries gathered in Anaheim, CA for this year’s IPW—the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S. IPW gathers travel professionals—including U.S. destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams and transportation companies, and international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world—to meet in one place to help bring the world to America. At this year’s IPW, there were 110,000 prescheduled business appointments between suppliers and buyers, which is estimated to result in $5.5 billion in future international travel to the U.S. over the next three years. This has been revised upward from the $4.7 billion in future international travel to the U.S. estimated in past years. Additionally, more than 500 members of the media attended IPW. These journalists covered the event itself, and also met with business and destination leaders to generate stories encouraging travel to the U.S.

2019 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival

The 2019 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, now in its tenth year, will descend on Hong Kong’s iconic Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour from 14 to 16 June 2019 with an action-packed programme of competitive racing and cultural activities. Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), the 2019 Event will welcome close to 5,000 paddlers representing about 180 teams from 16 countries and regions to Asia’s world city to compete by invitation only.

Melbourne International Film Festival comes to MCEC

The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is an iconic annual Melbourne event showcasing the biggest and most highly anticipated films and cultural experience across Melbourne. This year, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is excited to be named as one of MIFF’s five new venues for 2019. A number of MIFF special events will take place at MCEC including the MIFF 2019 Opening Night Gala, Girlhood + Sampa The Great and Thurston Moore: In Conversation.

The World’s First AI Powered Luxury Travel Festival

TFest, the world’s first AI powered luxury travel festival, is a bold new event concept from Private Luxury Events that waves goodbye to the traditional tradeshow format. On The Palm, Dubai, in February 2020, it will bring together the most influential buyers and sellers in luxury travel in a vibrant festival that uses technology to create an experience that is both large-scale and personal. Throughout the three-day festival, AI matchmaking will help delegates connect with more people than ever before, giving them a personalised experience and a better return on their time and investment. For more information please visit www.travel-fest.com

11/06/2019

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Women in Tourism & Rendez-Vous Canada

by Kate Webster 03/06/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of the news. From new convention centre openings, events and campaigns, this is the latest news on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events from the travel industry.

Minister Opens Sunshine Coast Convention Centre

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has officially opened the $10 million Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

Positioned in the grounds of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, the convention centre has been purpose-built by Shakespeare Property Group, who purchased the Resort in September 2018 for $100 million.

Ms Jones said the 3,300 square metre convention centre, capable of hosting more than 2,700 delegates, would be a game-changer for the region.

The new-build Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, located within Novotel Twin Waters Resort, will offer a choice of six different dynamic meeting and event spaces across 3300sqm. The new Minyama room will cater for 1,500 delegates theatre style, or 1,000 banquet style.

The convention centre has been designed to seamlessly attach to the Wandiny Pavilion, an existing conference space located on the resort site. The Wandiny Pavilion can facilitate up to 1,200 delegates theatre style, or 80 exhibition booths (3×2 metres) making it an extremely versatile business events venue and taking the convention centre’s overall capacity to 2,700 people.

For more information on the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre visit www.novoteltwinwatersresort.com.au/conventioncentre.html

Women in Tourism Event in Sydney

Women in Tourism Sydney is set to host its first ever intensive workshop in combination with the mid-year lunch event.

The Rich Coach, Kait Rich, will run a three-hour workshop on ‘Asking for what you want and getting it’.

The workshop will be followed by the mid-year Women in Tourism Leadership Lunch, including a panel discussion where Kait will be joined by two industry heavyweights, Commercial Deals Negotiator Sam Trattles from The Other of the Table, and Ariane Virtue, Partner at FlexCareers.

The panel discussion will focus on negotiation fundamentals, how employers and employees need to create a new flexible paradigm, and how women (in fact, everyone) can win at creating balance in their lives to relieve the overwhelm that many working people experience.

Speakers will include Kait Rich (@therichcoach), Sam Trattles and Ariane Virtue. The event takes place 9am – 12pm (workshop) and 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch + panel), Friday 5 July, 2019 at Vibe Rushcutters Bay, 100 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay.

Tickets are on sale for $110 for the workshop and lunch and $75 for the lunch only. To book, click here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/87906

Destination Canada Unveils Brand Evolution at Rendez-Vous Canada

Destination Canada revealed its renewed brand at the 43rd annual Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) lasy week, where more than 1500 travel industry professionals convened for Canada’s leading international tourism marketplace.

Speaking to the heart and passion of travel, Destination Canada’s evolved brand taps into what it means to be Canadian, to inspire even more international travellers to visit Canada.

The new tagline, For Glowing Hearts, inspired by the national anthem, and a distinctive heart-shaped logo, rooted in the country’s bold red and white iconography, are elements of an evolved brand architecture designed to create a strong emotional connection with travellers.

The brand evolution follows a five-year period of transformation for Destination Canada in becoming a more digitally focused, data-driven organisation. Extensive market research and industry consultation helped shape the latest journey of the Canada travel brand.

In a competitive global marketplace, Destination Canada is moving Canada from more than a destination on a map to an invitation to connect with Canadians, the land and local culture. In 2018, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 21.1 million international travellers to the country. Of that number, Destination Canada’s work is attributed to 1.39 million arrivals, $1.76 billion in international tourism spending and over 13,000 Canadian jobs.

Destination Canada will roll out the brand in its 10 leisure and five business events markets in the coming months. Leveraging the tagline, logo and concept of transformational travel, inspired by a pride for being Canadian, elements of the brand will be used to inspire Destination Canada’s content across digital and print platforms.

03/06/2019

Daily News Dive MICE NICHE TRAVEL

102 diving doctors descend on the Solomon Islands for ‘underwater’ conference

by TM staff writer 30/05/2019

IMAGE: Divers at Bonegi Beach

This week the Solomon Islands played host to the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society’s (SPUMS) 48th Annual Scientific Meeting. The conference, held at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel in Honiara, attracted just over 100 delegates.

While many came from Australia and nearby Pacific nations, some came from as far away as South Africa, the Middle East, Washington DC and the United Kingdom. The five-day conference included practical underwater sessions each morning, with scientific meetings each afternoon.

Providing conference facilities for 100 delegates is not a challenge for most hotels around the world, even in small Pacific nations such as the Solomon Islands. The challenge for organisers Diveplanit Travel, however, was getting this large group of delegates diving every day – with only one small dive centre in Honiara that has a normal capacity of around 12 divers.

This enormous task was managed by Diveplanit Travel with help from many local businesses. Transportation for divers was provided by Travel Solomons, and dive guides were flown in from Dive Munda to assist the team at local dive centre Tulagi Dive. Help also came in various ways from other dive operators around the Solomon Islands, including Raiders Hotel & Dive, Dive Gizo, the Bilikiki and Solomons PNG Master liveaboards, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Solomon Airlines.

Here are the numbers:

102 – total number of SPUMS delegates
124 – SCUBA tanks filled at Honiara Fire Station each day
68 – divers in the water every day (81 divers in total)
94 – day trips managed by Travel Solomons

According to Diveplanit’s Deborah Dickson-Smith, benefits to the tourism industry are already evident. “Thirty or so delegates chose to extend their time in the Solomon Islands on pre and post-conference trips visiting other dive-rich areas including Tulagi, Munda, Gizo and Uepi Island and many more have enquired about return trips.”

L-R Tourism Solomons Josefa Tuomatu and Fiona Teama, Diveplanit’s Simon Mallender, Permanent Secretary Andrew Nihopara and SPUMS president Professor David Smart

Speaking of the mammoth undertaking, Diveplanit’s Simon Mallender acknowledged the tremendous support received from the Minister for Tourism & Culture and Tourism Solomons.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Tourism Solomons, the Ministry of Tourism & Culture and Solomon Airlines for their unwavering support, and to local business owners for stepping up to the challenge of managing such a large group of divers.”

Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto, said that with tourism – growing in importance as a key economic driver for the Solomon Islands – the opportunity to host the SPUMS event represented a huge opportunity for the country.

“International divers make up a large percentage of the 30,000-odd international visitors we host every year and the positive feedback we know will emanate from our staging of this event will undoubtedly create major awareness of our dive capability within the international dive community.”

Wreck at Honiara

Dickson-Smith says while the SPUMS Annual Scientific Meeting is fairly unique conference, organisations are looking more and more to marine-based activities to compliment conferences and corporate events.

Last month, Diveplanit organised a charter for 100 delegates aboard Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s Reef Endeavour; members of the Sydney Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organisation. The itinerary included three days of island-hopping, early morning yoga sessions, snorkel tours led by marine biologists, Discover SCUBA experiences and shark diving. Diveplanit is now in early planning stages for another similar event in Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon – raising the bar a bit higher, with the challenge of managing 120 divers every day for a week.

30/05/2019

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: Raffles Shenzhen, ICC Campaign, CINZ Meetings and more

by Kate Webster 27/05/2019

This week’s MICE news has been wrapped up in a quick snapshot of the news. From meetings in New Zealand to new MICE offerings in China and beyond, this is the latest news on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events from the travel industry.

Raffles Shenzhen state of art MICE offering

Raffles Shenzhen is the new innovative icon located at One Shenzhen Bay. It is the most prestigious address in Shenzhen. The hotel features 168 luxurious guest rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars and more than 1700 m² of state of the art banquet, convention, and meeting venues.

With a total space area of 1,700 m², including a Grand Ballroom & 8 meeting rooms, we offer a selection of tasteful, luxuriously modern venues to suit all types of meeting and occasions.State-of-the-art technology includes high-definition video conferencing & projection, video & lighting control, surround-sound audio, cutting-edge touch-screen display systems and wireless microphones.

ICC Sydney launches More Than a Venue campaign

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has launched a compelling new multi-platform marketing campaign – More Than a Venue – at leading international business events trade show, IMEX Frankfurt.

The campaign reflects the venue’s growth since its opening two years ago and emergence as a symbol of global excellence, highlighting the unique combination of people, services, partners and features that set ICC Sydney apart from its competitors.

It has been designed to showcase ICC Sydney’s pledge to provide clients with More Than a Venue and deliver a world class Sydney experience – from its Legacy Program, which provides clients with a platform to give back while enriching delegate engagement, to its industry-leading Feeding Your Performance culinary philosophy, its spectacular collection of artworks and its reach into the creative, education and innovation hubs of the city.

New Zealand on show at CINZ Meetings

International business event organisers will be converging on Auckland this week for New Zealand’s biggest showcase of conference and incentive products, on 29 and 30 May at ASB Showgrounds.
CINZ MEETINGS, organised by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand, is the largest annual event for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with New Zealand’s key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities.

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says New Zealand is moving up the ranks of global conference destinations and punching above its weight on the world stage, and interest from international buyers for MEETINGS reflects this.

“We are now number 12 in the Asia Pacific and number 46 in the world on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) listing for 2018, up five places worldwide from 2017. We’re being talked about in the global arena, and it’s great to be bringing many of these of these influential decision-makers here to experience New Zealand for themselves,” Sue Sullivan said.

Gold Coast to host IASP

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has announced the Gold Coast has been selected to host its 31st World Congress in 2021.

The Congress will bring together around 800 mental health professionals, academics, crisis workers, teachers and suicide survivors from around the world. Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said it was the first time the global congress would convene on the Gold Coast.

“Securing this event is a testament to the capabilities of the city to deliver world-class, large-scale business events in the heart of Australia’s playground. It also highlights the appeal of Gold Coast’s growing health and innovation sector,” Annaliese Battista said.

27/05/2019

Asia Daily News Hotels & Resorts MICE

HOTEL REVIEW: Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA

by Kate Webster 24/05/2019

Conveniently located just 10 minutes to the KLIA and klia2 airports, 7 minutes to the Sepang International Circuit and 5 minutes to Mitsui Premium Outlet Park, the 333 rooms Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA offers the perfect stay for a stopover in Kuala Lumpur.

Staying longer is also a great option as the contemporary Kuala Lumpur hotel with Islamic design influences offers great views, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary shuttle transfers to and from the airport at every 2 hours.

The hotel is situated in Sepang district, opposite Mitsui Premium Outlet Park (5-minute drive) and next to it is the architecturally distinctive Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad (KLIA Mosque), the famous Sepang International Circuit is 7 km away. For shopping and sightseeing, take a 25-minute ride to Putrajaya, the Federal Government capital area. It will take another 45 minutes to the shopping haven of Kuala Lumpur.

The property

This hotel and the convenience to the Convention Centre makes it a great choice for business travellers while also offering the facilities required for leisure stays too. Take a quick dip in the swimming pool after a long day of meetings or sightseeing. Get pampered with a massage in the spa, or enjoy a workout in the gym. The open air feel of this hotel makes you feel as though you are in a much larger complex and intimate sitting areas around the property and gardens allow you space from other guests.

The rooms

There are varying room types, from the lead in Superior Room all the way to the Suites. Superior rooms boast size at 36sqm the room, allowing the flexibility of having either a king sized bed or two twins. The bathroom features a luxurious rain shower along with fluffy towels and make-up mirror. Other in-room amenities include a work desk, complementary tea and coffee facilities, minibar and Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms can accommodate 2 adults. All rooms are non-smoking. Interconnecting rooms available on request. The ultimate in indulgence, the 143 sqm Royal Suite offers stunning views over the lush gardens, and features a pantry, dining area and separate living room where guests can entertain family and friends throughout their stay. There are two separate bedroom. The master bedroom has a king bed and ensuite bathroom with bathtub and rainforest shower. The second bedroom has a twin bed. A guest bathroom is provided.

The dining

Savour great food from Malaysia and the wider region in one of the six restaurants and lounges. Explore the wide international food variety at Temasya, and head over to Bara for delicious barbeque kebabs. Order an expertly prepared traditional ‘teh tarik’ and sweet treat at Sira lounge. Unwind in the atmospheric Moorish ambience of Redup lounge. Of course, there is also in room dining on offer 24/7. Do note that there are no bars or alcohol served on site.

Conferencing

The convention centre and meeting rooms make this upscale Sepang hotel ideal for business meeting and all kind of events. The hotel offers direct access to the 2,386 sqm Convention Hall, the 777 sqm Astaka Circular Hall, Mentari ballroom accommodates up to 2800 max (theatre seating) and 1500 max (sit down dinner) when divided into 4 break-up rooms. There are six meeting rooms on first floor ranging from 24.3 sqm until 87.8 sqm (Bintang Room 1 to 6) and 10 Bayu seminar rooms on the first floor sized between 35 sqm and 45 sqm (Bayu 1 to 10). Beranda is the dining outlet at the convention centre, which offers power lunch options, as well as local and western delights.

Booking

Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA, Jalan Masjid KLIA, 64000, Sepang, Malaysia

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +603 8661 8661

Website: www.movenpick.com/en/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/hotel-convention-centre-klia

24/05/2019

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