Category:

MICE

MICE NEWS: Social distance kits from Cairns, CINZ recovery plan and more

by Kate Webster 07/04/2020

While travel may be on hold for now, the MICE industry is staying proactive by sending care packages, offering support and more during these unusual times.

Here is the weekly MICE news from Australia and around the world.

Business event planners enjoy taste of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Business event organisers who postponed educational visits to North Queensland due to the COVID-19 restrictions have received social distancing kits with luxurious Cairns & Great Barrier Reef pamper products. Tourism Tropical North Queensland General Manager Rosie Douglas said Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef created the custom care packages so their business associates could enjoy local member products while they were social distancing. “They will be able to relax in a colourful Crystalbrook Collection robe with aromatherapy oils from Pullman Cairns International’s in-house luxury Vie Spa,” Rosie Douglas said. Other inclusions were a delicious bar of Daintree Chocolate, a bottle of native Australian dukkha from Ochre Restaurant and Nu Nu Restaurant’s iconic citrus salt complete the package with a stay-well card from the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef team. Rosie Douglas said the suspension of events during the COVID-19 restrictions would create pent-up demand for business events once Australians were able to travel again.

Director of Sponsorship at ASN Events Nitesh Patel said the little act of kindness by the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef team put a big smile on his face. “I was meant to fly to Cairns for an eight-day holiday prize filled with tours and trips and quite frankly a load of super fun stuff. Unfortunately, the virus put an end to that,” Nitesh Patel said.

CINZ launches recovery plan for business events industry

New Zealand’s business events industry association, CINZ is looking towards post-COVID-19 recovery by launching a new event, BE Reconnected, for December 2020. BE Reconnected will focus on re-engaging and reconnecting vital industry relationships to help kick start business recovery and will be hosted at Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland on 1 December. The event will replace this year’s multi-day MEETINGS exhibition which was due to be held this month in Auckland. The CINZ 2020 Conference and Annual General Meeting will follow on 2 December.

Monaco applies customer-centric cancellation policy

The Principality of Monaco is renowned for offering a tailor-made response to business tourism professionals and given continued consideration of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, the Monaco Convention Bureau and its partners have been mobilised to propose new dates to their clients while guaranteeing the most suitable solutions according to the formats of each event, especially for those that have been organised in Monaco for several years. Considering the dramatic extent of the crisis, all the business tourism partners are fully invested in offering utmost flexibility to their clients making sure they are not penalised for changing their plans. Therefore, most of the hotels and the convention centre, Grimaldi Forum Monaco, have, whenever possible, waived contractual cancellation fees and postponed deposits. This policy has also been extended by most of the hotels of the Principality for individual and group reservations already confirmed for the 2020 Grand Prix, which has been cancelled a few days ago.

07/04/2020

Daily News MICE

MICE NEWS: Sunshine Coast wins big event, Business of Events update and more

by Kate Webster 16/03/2020

This week we have wrapped up the MICE news in the industry in one handy bite size article. Here is the Travel Monitor weekly MICE news.

Sunshine Coast to host the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

The very best of Australia’s tourism industry will visit the Sunshine Coast for the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Next year’s award ceremony will be held in March 2021 at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre and is expected to attract more than 850 award finalists, tourism leaders and industry stakeholders from across the country. Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford described the announcement as a major coup for the region and ‘Team Sunshine Coast’.

“It’s a credit to the Sunshine Coast tourism industry as a whole and the collaborative efforts of the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Sunshine Coast Airport,” Mr Latchford said.

In the year-end September 2019 business and business events travel to the Sunshine Coast increased by a record 34.6 per cent, bringing 379,000 visitors to the region.

Business of Events cancelled

In following the advice issued by the Australian Government, The Business of Events will not proceed on the scheduled date of 19 March, 2020 at Luna Park, Sydney. Effective immediately, ticket sales are now suspended as they carefully working through the next steps to determine potential new dates for the event. Further information regarding the next course of action for ticket holders, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors will be communicated as soon as possible.

Fraser Suites Perth MICE deal

Fraser Suites Perth has released a $65 Day Delegate Package which includes primary room hire, note pads, pens, iced water and mints, morning and afternoon tea, working style lunch with soft drinks and juice, nespresso coffee machine and Aurora French teas, Wi-Fi internet for all delegates and complimentary in-house audio visual equipment. The deal is valid for bookings made before 30 March 2020. Book a minimum of 20 guests and receive a complimentary upgrade to a Hot Buffet Lunch served in Heirloom Restaurant plus continuous tea and Nespresso Coffee. T&C’s apply with minimum numbers. For all bookings and inquiries, contact the Fraser Events Team on [email protected]

16/03/2020

AGENTS Featured MICE TRAVEL Trade

MICE NEWS: IPW still going ahead, Best Western members status and more

by Kate Webster 09/03/2020

Find out which events are still going ahead as scheduled and how one hotel chain is looking after it’s valued members. All this and more in this week’s MICE news wrap up.

IPW still all systems go

IPW general manager, Malcolm Smith, has advised that despite other trade shows cancelling due to COVID-19, IPW is still on track to go ahead. “While IPW is several months away, we’re presently on track to host an outstanding event in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30-June 3. It’s “all systems go” and planning for all scenarios is well underway. Registration is strong from both domestic and international attendees,” Malcom said. The U.S. public health and security officials have been clear in stating that the threat of COVID-19 in the United States remains low and organisers will continue to follow the guidance offered by these leading health authorities and be guided by the most up to date information available. Any alternative decisions will be informed by expert advice.

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts looking after its members

Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) is helping its loyalty members retain their elite status with Best Western Rewards (BWR®) as the Coronavirus continues to impact global travel plans. Effective immediately, all BWR members globally will maintain their current status through to 31 January, 2022 without needing to fulfill the necessary qualifications. Additionally, BWR members who might have already suffered a downgrade as a result of restricted travel and were downgraded a tier at the end of 2019 will be levelled-up to their previous tier and will maintain that status. “The impact of the Coronavirus on the travel industry is far-reaching,” said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer for BWHR. “At BWHR, caring is in our DNA and I am immensely proud that we can demonstrate this spirit of caring by taking steps to protect our valued guests during this time of fear and uncertainty, we very much appreciate their loyalty and business. We are also working diligently to support our hoteliers who have and will continue to experience declines in business as a result of the virus.” For more information on BWR or to sign up, please visit BestWestern.com/Rewards.

SA Tourism position on INDABA

South African Tourism (SAT) currently has no plans to postpone or cancel Africa’s Travel INDABA 2020, scheduled to take place from 12 – 14 May 2020. The tourism board has advised that they are in daily contact with their partners and stakeholders in South Africa as well as the relevant authorities in the travel and health sectors. “The COVID-19 virus presents us with an unprecedented set of circumstances that are changing on a day-to-day basis and we will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, and inform you of any new developments,” SAT has advised. For association meetings and conferences, SAT will continue to work with the health and safety authorities to ensure that we have up to date information provision for organizers to keep them at ease of South Africa’s readiness to host business events. The Grading Council of South Africa is working with our convention venues to continuously enhance their hygiene protocols and ensure that scanning facilities are used for the safe management of our visiting delegates. For regular updates on Coronavirus, visit www.southafrica.net.

Rendez-vous Canada scheduled to take place in May

Rendez-vous Canada, scheduled to take place 5-8 May, is going ahead as planned with continued strong registration from both domestic and international attendees. A significant event for the Canadian tourism sector with lasting contributions into 2021, event organised said “it is crucial that we do everything we can to uphold this esteemed event, while reacting accordingly to the current global situation.” The 2020 Rendez-vous Canada working group (Destination Canada and Tourism Industry Association of Canada) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and taking direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Canada continues to be a safe travel destination and PHAC’s current assessment indicates that the overall risk to Canada remains low. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and Canada’s response to this issue, please visit PHAC’s online resources here. There are currently no entry bans to Canada for citizens from China or other countries affected by COVID-19. Additional screening has been added to help prevent the possible spread of this infectious disease into Canada. “As the World Health Organization has reminded us, we all have a role to play in acting in solidarity and stopping stigma around COVID-19. As we have experienced in the past, overreaction and speculation can lead to negative long-term impacts for our industry, which in turn affects the vital visitor economy that touches businesses large and small. For more information please visit the World Health Organization website,” organisers said.

09/03/2020

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: MCEC goes green, New Caledonia MICE deal and more

by Kate Webster 24/02/2020

From going greener on your next conference to an unprecedented promotion for the Australian MICE industry to New Caledonia, this is the weekly MICE news wrap up.

MCEC makes it easy to be green

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is marching towards achieving its mission of being a leader in delivering environmentally-sustainable events. The organisation recently appointed Samantha (Sam) Ferrier as Sustainability Manager with the intention of cementing MCEC as the number one environmentally friendly venue in Australia. The plan is to seek out best practice in green, eco-friendly options and make it easier and more cost-effective for both customers to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their events. MCEC Sustainability Manager Sam Ferrier said she is excited to have joined a venue who has already implemented so many environmental wins that will have significant flow-on benefits. MCEC has long prided itself on ensuring it has tailored options for events regardless of size or budget. For more information on holding your event at MCEC visit www.mcec.com.au

New Caledonia Tourism MICE promotion for 2020

New Caledonia Tourism is offering an unprecedented promotion for the Australian MICE industry with every 20th person in a meeting, conference or incentive delegation travelling free-of-charge for events booked in New Caledonia before 30 September 2020 and held prior to 31 December 2021. Under the promotion, every 20th person and subsequent 20th person (i.e. five in total for a group of 100 pax) attending a meeting, conference or incentive held in New Caledonia during the promotion dates, will receive the following free-of-charge. Several of the destination’s top hotels and DMCs are getting involved to show their support. New Caledonia’s national airline Aircalin, luxe hotels like Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Noumea Resort & Spa and Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, plus DMCs like Newcal Events and Pop Events are just some of the providers participating.

Las Vegas Convention Center works on transportation system

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently announced that excavation is complete in the first of two vehicular tunnels that will comprise The Boring Company’s Vegas Loop underground transportation system, located beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center campus. The Convention Center Loop was designed to serve as an innovative, fun and quick transportation solution to move thousands of convention attendees throughout the more than 80-hectare campus, with the potential for expansion to ease congestion throughout the Las Vegas resort corridor. The USD$52.5 million underground transportation system will include three passenger stations connecting the existing 297,290 square-metre of convention space with the convention centre’s new West Hall, part of a USD$1.52 billion expansion and renovation. The system will allow convention attendees to be whisked across the sprawling campus in just over one minute, free of charge, in all-electric Tesla vehicles.

24/02/2020

AGENTS Featured MICE TRAVEL Trade

MICE NEWS: Conference in Cairns to help conservation, AIME and more

by Kate Webster 18/02/2020

From conferencing for a cause in Cairns to New Zealand on show at AIME, here is the wrap up of this week’s MICE news from Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef conferences help environment

The Nurturing Nature program is set to aid wildlife and environment conservation charities when conferences are held at one of the five leading Cairns hotels in 2020. The Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Hilton Cairns and Pullman Cairns International would each donate $5 per head per delegate to one of four local charities. Tourism Tropical North Queensland General Manager, Rosie Douglas, said “Nurturing Nature will create a legacy for event delegates and organisers with contributions to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre and North Queensland Wildlife Trust.”

This initiative will be promoted at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) 2020 in Melbourne when the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef team spend two days meeting with Australian and international meeting planners.

“We will also be talking about Tourism Australia’s Event Here This Year campaign encouraging businesses and event planners to hold their meetings, conferences and incentives in Australia. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s new infrastructure will be of enormous interest to planners looking for the latest event space. The upcoming $176 million Cairns Convention Centre upgrade will add new exhibition space to enable larger or concurrent events in addition to refurbishing the award-winning centre with new décor and audio-visual equipment,” Rosie Douglas said.

Additional improvements include an expansion of Cairns airport’s domestic terminal to improve the passenger experience as part of a $55 million upgrade, construction on the Courthouse Hotel to create an arts precinct in the heart of the city, Baillie Lodges is undertaking a $10 million refurbishment of Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree and Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas will soon complete a significant eco-friendly rebuild.

New Zealand launches landmark year at AIME 2020

Starting yesterday, Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) in Melbourne comes at the start of a landmark decade for New Zealand’s business events industry. Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins, who will be meeting delegates at AIME, says 2020 will be a pivotal year for New Zealand as new world-class facilities come online starting with Te Pae Christchurch in October. ”We are launching into an exciting decade of growth, with state-of-the-art infrastructure enabling us to host large-scale events across the country. At AIME, we will be showcasing our leading venues, including three new convention centres in our main cities, and an extensive range of international hotels,” Lisa Hopkins.

New Zealand has been a big supporter of AIME since the show’s inception. From 17 to 19 February, the 100% Pure New Zealand stand will boast a team of 28 industry experts from 11 key organisations, led by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and Tourism New Zealand. Visitors will also be invited to apply for hosted buyer spots at CINZ MEETINGS 2020 in Auckland this April, and they can pick up the newly-released 2020 CINZ New Zealand Event Planners’ Guide on stand.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi wins major award

http://www.accorhotels.com/1555

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been awarded a Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—from Forbes Travel Guide in the independent ratings agency’s assessment of luxury hotels, restaurants and spas in Vietnam. Forbes Travel Guide, established in 1958 (then called “Mobil Travel Guide”), is the oldest travel guide in the United States, and is the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels. The guide’s ratings are among the most highly respected in the hotel industry.

18/02/2020

AGENTS Daily News Incentives MICE TRAVEL Trade

New Caledonia Tourism’s free-of-charge MICE incentive

by TM staff writer 14/02/2020

New Caledonia Tourism is offering the Australian MICE industry a special incentive – every 20th person in a meeting, conference or incentive delegation held in New Caledonia during the special incentive period (for events booked in New Caledonia before 30 September 2020, and held prior to 31 December 2021) will receive:

Under the promotion, every 20th person and subsequent 20th person (i.e. five in total for a group of 100 pax) attending a meeting, conference or incentive held in New Caledonia during the promotion dates, will receive the following free-of-charge*:

Return flights
Accommodation
Day delegate package
Daily breakfast
Airport transfers

For example, in a group of 100 delegates, five of those attendees will receive the free-of-charge deal.

Several of the destination’s top hotels and DMCs are getting involved to show their support. New Caledonia’s national airline Aircalin, luxe hotels like Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Noumea Resort & Spa and Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, plus DMCs like Newcal Events and Pop Events are just some of the providers participating.

Jackie Caldwell, MICE Business Development Manager for New Caledonia Tourism in Australia, said: “New Caledonia’s close proximity to Australia, its stunning natural landscapes, world-class hotels and resorts and modern infrastructure make it the ideal destination for an overseas event, meeting or incentive. Increasing numbers of event planners and organisers are waking up to this, and we are pleased to report continuous growth in the MICE segment over the past ten years. Promotions like this are our way of saying we are ready to welcome even more planners and events over the coming two years.”

Located less than two hours’ flight from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and under four hours from Melbourne, New Caledonia is the closest international destination to Australia’s east coast. It offers a range of unique selling points for incentives and meetings of every size and interest, from an array of hotels, resorts and offsite venues, to gastronomic delights, a melting-pot of cultures, a stunning variety of landscapes and a semi-tropical climate.

For more information contact Jackie Caldwell: [email protected], 0403 89 22 89

*Ts&Cs apply, please contact Jackie Caldwell for more information. Promotion available for the first 20 conference, meeting or incentive groups (up to a maximum of 200 pax).

14/02/2020

Daily News Industry News - General MICE TRAVEL Trade Upcoming Events

AIME delegates get sneak peek at Melbourne’s new CENTREPIECE

by TM staff writer 12/02/2020

When AIME 2020 kicks off in Melbourne on 17 February 2020, attendees will have the opportunity for a sneak peek at the city’s new convention centre at Melbourne Park – CENTREPIECE.

Scheduled for completion in late 2021, CENTREPIECE will have a stand on the AIME floor, or book a visit to the precinct to see its location firsthand.

M&OP General Manager of Premier Events & Experiences, Lara Burnes, said, “With AIME just around the corner we can’t wait to showcase the unique capabilities of CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park and what it means to both national and international planners and their future events.

“Located only minutes away from Melbourne’s lively city, we’re looking forward to guiding delegates on how we can help enhance their event and, more importantly, create unforgettable marvellous moments.”

Currently in the third and final stage of its $972 million redevelopment, the new events centre will span three levels and offer indoor and outdoor function spaces that are suitable for any event.

The venue has the flexibility to cater for 10 to 3000 guests – with the main ballroom capable of being transformed into any configuration for an event, seating up to 1400 guests for a gala dinner and up to 3000 for a cocktail party.

Don’t miss out on your chance to experience CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park at AIME 2020. Limited bookings are available. For expressions of interest or to book an appointment, please contact Lara Burnes at [email protected].

12/02/2020

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: TENCON in Auckland, Gold Coast dominates, QT Perth weddings and more

by Kate Webster 10/02/2020

From around Australia and across the ditch in New Zealand, this is a wrap up of the MICE news this week in handy bite size reads.

Auckland to host premier Asia-Pacific conference in 2021

Auckland has secured another significant conference for 2021, TENCON, the premier international technical conference within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) from Asia-Pacific. The event is the next in the line of already impressive line-up of events that make up the blockbuster year, including the 36th America’s Cup and APEC Leader’s Week. TENCON 2021 will be held in Auckland and is expected to attract more than 600 delegates, creating 2,595 visitor nights and generating more than $1 million for Auckland’s economy. This is the first time the annual conference, held for decades across various locations in the Asia-Pacific region, is to be held in New Zealand.

Gold Coast Dominates Queensland’s Conference Market Share

The Gold Coast continues to dominate Queensland’s business events sector as new data reveals 49 percent of all conferences, meetings and incentives are held in the city. The Queensland Business Events Survey* (QBES) results for the year ending June 2019 show the Gold Coast’s appeal as a global business events destination is on the rise attracting more events and delegates than ever before. Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said the business events sector injected an estimated $570 million into the Gold Coast economy, up six per cent year-on-year. “The Gold Coast’s ever-evolving tourism offering, maturing transport infrastructure and compelling appeal continues to stimulate market interest within Australia and abroad,” said Ms Battista. Destination Gold Coast in collaboration with industry partners has secured 43,220 delegates for upcoming conferences over the next six-months, with forward bookings estimated to deliver $89 million in economic impact.

Arts & Culture Events in Brisbane

Brisbane’s arts scene is in full bloom. There’s something for everybody, from exclusive exhibitions and inspiring theatre productions to local performances, a burgeoning street art scene and intimate galleries. Our venues are as impressive as they are original, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when looking for a pre-show wine or post-gallery boogie. There’s never been a better time to hit the town!

Say ‘I Do’ at QT Perth This Wedding Season

They say choosing the venue can bring out the ‘bridezilla’ in even the calmest; however at QT Perth they make it their policy to take the zilla out of the bride, groom (or mother-in-law). On Sunday 16th February, QT Perth will be taking part in Perth City Wedding Open Day, gathering a haul of the best wedding suppliers from florists to photographer and bridal couture, all in the name of taking the stress out of nuptials. A designer oasis located the heart of the city, with one of the most spectacular views of the CBD and home of WA Good Food Guide’s Best Restaurant; QT is one of the most coveted wedding venues in Perth. From rooftop ceremonies to all out cocktail soirees and seated feasts, all delivered with QT’s signature service and artistic edge. QT Perth’s Wedding Open Day will be held from 10am – 4pm on Sunday 16th February. For more information/to register visit: https://www.qthotels.com/perth/meetings-events/promotions/perth-city-wedding-open-day/

10/02/2020

AGENTS Daily News Industry News - General MICE TRAVEL Trade

AIME study shows face-to-face meetings are tops for business

by TM staff writer 05/02/2020

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has unveiled a new report that shows 93 per cent of business event delegates find human interaction and connections important across business events, with 48 per cent declaring them to be critical.

The new study, conducted by Talk2 Media & Events in the lead-up to AIME 2020, surveyed over 200 buyers and exhibitors from across the Asia Pacific region (87%) and wider world (13%) – looking at industry challenges and the most valued attributes.

The study revealed that the biggest barriers to business when attending an industry trade show were lack of quality buyers and exhibitors (33%), followed by insufficient networking opportunities (24%), poorly organised appointments and meetings (20%), lack of educational opportunities (13%) and poor timing of the industry event (10%).

The study also found that over 60 per cent of buyers and exhibitors continue to find face-to-face connections the most effective way to conduct business, followed by email (32%) and phone call (4%).

The two biggest concerns regarding the digital landscape lay in losing touch with human relationships (48%), followed by online communities replacing physical communities (26%).

Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events said, “This industry report provides real insight into what makes delegates tick – and is another way we’re continuing to listen to the community.

At AIME 2020, expect to be challenged both professionally and personally. We have sharpened our focus on creating more meaningful and human moments, with greater opportunities to drive positive business results.”

When it came to the best time to place business, 37 per cent of buyers and exhibitors stated the first quarter (Jan–Mar) was most important, followed by 23 per cent for the third quarter (Jul–Sep), 25 per cent for the second (Apr–Jun) and 15 per cent for the fourth (Oct–Dec).

Kick-starting the Business Events calendar year, AIME is scheduled to run in Melbourne 17–19 February 2020. With less than a month to go, visit aime.com.au for final registrations.

05/02/2020

AGENTS Featured MICE TRAVEL Trade

MICE NEWS: Monaco hotel buyout, LA Convention Centre and more

by Kate Webster 03/02/2020

Here is the weekly bite size news from the MICE market around the world.

Hotel buyout in Monaco for less than 30,000€ per night

You don’t have to be royalty to have your private hotel experience in the Principality, with the property launching the exclusive buy-out offer for February 2020, allowing groups to take advantage of a full buy-out of the hotel. Rates start from 29,000€* per night including 181 bedrooms and Suites, with buffet breakfast. Often referred to as Monaco’s local gem, the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, a property built originally for the F1 racing drivers by former driver David Coulthard, underwent an extensive renovation program over recent years with the redesigned version of the boutique hotel capturing the essence of discreet modern luxury in Monte-Carlo like no other.

TAG Acquires Entertainment Travel company

TAG has announced the acquisition of the travel management company Leeds Enterprises, the provider of travel management for all sizes of touring and entertainment clients. Leeds Enterprises handles a current portfolio of over 40 bands/artists including some of the largest grossing tours in recent history. The Leeds Enterprises team bring with them over 80 years of touring experience and expertise. Leeds Enterprises has an outstanding reputation for personal service and integrity. The team is highly respected in the touring industry having close working and personal relationships with hotels and airlines worldwide. They are proud to say they still retain many of their original clients to this day. Leeds Enterprises’ extensive client portfolio, exceptional touring knowledge combined with TAG’s extended global reach, bespoke technology and skill set, will provide a compelling service for all bands/artists and their full touring production teams. The combined businesses will trade as TAG Global Touring and will be managed from TAG’s Los Angeles office.

LA Convention Centre slated to open in 2020

Los Angeles Convention Centre is set to open in February 2022. An estimated $1.25-billion project is transforming 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.

03/02/2020

Daily News MICE TRAVEL Trade Upcoming Events

MICE NEWS: IMM USA 2020, meet at Pullman Rotorua and more

by Kate Webster 28/01/2020

Events from around the world, new MICE offerings from Pullman and an auction to assist the bushfire relief in Australia –here is the latest MICE news wrapped up for this week.

TravMedia’s IMM USA 2020 breaks records

More than 1000 media and PR industry representatives attended TravMedia’s fourth annual International Media Marketplace (IMM) USA, in New York on Thursday, January 23, 2020. The networking event connected more than 550 North American media with 456 PR representatives of 342 international travel brands in the River Pavilion, on the top floor of the Jacob K. Javits Center. Collectively they participated in 9,251 pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments – plus 4.5 hours of open networking which took place across multiple catered events. With record breaking numbers, there were 67 destinations, products, hotels and experiences in the ‘Destination Canada Pavilion’, Visit California brought 45 partners, and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) continued their support of IMM for the fourth year in a row, with 21 CLIA Members in their Pavilion.

Snow Aid Australia an auction for Bushfire Relief

The world’s best ski resorts and snow brands have banded together for Snow Aid Australia, organised by the team behind SnowsBest.com and @misssnowitall social platform. The online auction for bushfire relief and wildlife rescue has over $250 000 worth of auction items donated from 100 brands. Aspen Snowmass alone have donated $100 000 worth of accommodation and lift passes and Olympic gold medallist Lydia Lassila, former FIS World Champion Laura Peel and big mountain skier Chris Davenport have also offered items. Bidders can win over 80 auction items for ski and snowboard holidays to Canada, USA, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Add flights with Air Canada to Sun Peaks and Vancouver, the world’s best hotel names, skis and snowboards from the coolest ski brands, outerwear, base layers, action cameras and even a Northwest Territories northern lights safari.

Pullman hotel adds MICE offering to Rotorua

Accor has introduced a new level of MICE offering to the popular North Island destination of Rotorua with the launch of its newest premium hotel, the Pullman Rotorua. Pullman Rotorua provides state-of-the-art conference facilities including four private event spaces for 120 people theatre-style, and a boardroom/private dining room catering to a diverse range of business event needs. The 130-room hotel provides guests with a choice of five accommodation options – superior king rooms, superior twin rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe twin rooms and executive suites and offers panoramic views of the city and lake area and features a vibrant bar, gym plus an indulgent executive lounge experience.

28/01/2020

Daily News MICE TRAVEL Trade

Outback NSW call out for MICE planners to support the bush

by TM staff writer 22/01/2020

Go ‘out the back’ for your next event or meeting – that’s the message from one of the biggest tourism businesses in far west NSW – Out of the Ordinary Outback – with the launch of a new program to attract more social and corporate events to its flagship properties in outback NSW.

Discounted package rates have been released for functions, meetings and conferences for up to 300 people.

Out of the Ordinary Outback owner, Scott Smith, encourages companies, groups and clubs to support remote, regional areas like outback NSW by holding events, meetings or team-bonding programs in the area, with the flow-on effect benefitting the wider community.

“We offer unique, first-rate locations for events and conferences – underground or surrounded by the rugged outback – so not only will guests and delegates enjoy special and enriching experiences, they will also be helping to support the economy in the local community,” Mr Smith said. “Hosting events in the outback also helps builds strong teams and netwoks within businesses, clubs or groups who use our venues for events.”

Activities that can be organised for groups include four-wheel-drive adventures, campfire meals, hikes, indigenous art tours, native cooking or photography classes, space observatory experiences, visits to outback pubs and opal mines and talks by local indigenous identities.

MICE venues include the new Broken Hill Outback Resort and its luxury spa studios overlooking the desert, the famous White Cliffs Underground Motel and Copper City Hotel/Motel in Cobar which will reopen its function and hotel facilities by mid-2020 with a new look.

IMAGE: White Cliffs Underground Motel

22/01/2020

AGENTS Featured MICE TRAVEL Trade

MICE NEWS: Dutch travel show, Sunshine Coast figures, Canberra Beer Festival and more

by Kate Webster 21/01/2020

From travel shows across in Europe, to bringing Europe down under to Australia, this is a wrap up of the past week’s Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events (MICE) news from around the world.

Netherlands travel show Vakantiebeurs

Dutch travel show Vakantiebeurs has wrapped up another successful year after running from 16 – 19 January in Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. The Holiday Fair celebrated a special anniversary in 2020 with its 50th edition. With exhibitors from all over the world, the event opened with the trade day where trade visitors and the press discovered the latest travel trends during one of the many knowledge sessions.

Attending Vakantiebeurs for the 13^th year, Visit Rwanda proved to be a popular stand at the event. With KLM flying from Amsterdam to Kigali direct and flights from Brussels three times a week with flag carrier Rwandair, air accessibility to Rwanda from the Netherlands is easy. According to Visit Rwanda, the Dutch market finds Rwanda attractive as they like to see as much as possible in one trip. Rwanda’s diversity from hiking and cycling to wildlife viewing and self-touring means visitors can see the whole of Africa in one country. Representing Rwanda at the event was tour operators Heritage Safaris, Amahoro Tours, Red Rocks Rwanda, Palast Tours & Travel and Wildlife Tours Rwanda.

New Convention Centre drive record expenditure for Sunshine Coast tourism

Additional flights to Sunshine Coast Airport and the opening of the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre have contributed to significant growth in tourism expenditure in the region for the year to September 2019. Figures announced in the Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) and National Visitor Survey (NVS) revealed the Sunshine Coast achieved record visitor nights and expenditure with Business Visitation at 379,000 visitors (up 34.6% – record). Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford, said “The additional Qantas service from Sydney has helped considerably to attract more corporate and conference travellers, with business travel increasing by 34.6 percent in the year to September 2019.”

Say cheers to a Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Raise you glasses as Canberra will be putting on its cheeriest face for the annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival on Saturday 21st March. Held in the streets surrounding the Mercure Canberra, the Festival showcases the best of Canberra’s craft beers and ciders, along with local foods and entertainment. Interstate breweries will also be on show, with a record 250 brews available for tasting, along with beer/cider food matching sessions, guest speakers and ‘meet the brewers’ sessions. The event is supported by ACT Events and the Schwartz Family Company. The Festival will be supporting two charities in 2020 – the ACT cancer support group Rise Above and the Rural Fire Service. For bookings visit www.mercurecanberra.com.au

Baltic and Nordic Roadshow

Explore the Northern European destinations of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden at the upcoming roadshow travelling around Australia from 30 March to 3 April. In co-operation with Finnair Australia, the event will visit Brisbane, Hobart (NEW), Melbourne and Sydney, where the Nordic delegation will meet with travel agents and workshop. The event is by invitation only, so get in quick to register HERE. The dates are as follows:

Sydney 30.3.2020
Brisbane 31.3.2020
Melbourne 1.4.2020
Hobart 3.4.2020

If any questions, please contact Mr. Kari Halonen, ToolBox Consulting Ltd., [email protected].

21/01/2020

Featured MICE

MICE NEWS: FireAid2020, TravMedia Summit, MICE market in Thailand

by Kate Webster 13/01/2020

This is your weekly snapshot of the updates and news across the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) industry from Australia and across the world.

FireAid2020 Concert to support bushfire victims

Singer/actor and local resident John Waters, has decided to help his community and bring some much needed assistance to those who have lost their homes and livelihood in the Southern Highlands region to the recent bushfires. John has called upon colleagues and mates to come together for a special concert that will raise money and spirits for those in need.

FireAid2020 will be held on Friday, 24th January at The Bong Bong Picnic Racecourse, Bowral. Gates to open at 2pm with the show to start at 3pm. The concert will be hosted by Julia Zemiro and appearing alongside John Waters will be Darryl Braithwaite, John Paul Young, Megan Washington, Jack Jones, Margaret Urlich, Leo Sayer, Stewart D’Arrietta with the songs of Leonard Cohen and more. Justine Clarke will also join in to entertain the kids. More names to be announced soon.

Net proceeds from this event will go to the Red Cross Bushfire Relief and directed to the Southern Highland division to directly assist locals affected by recent bushfires in the Southern Highlands and South Coast region.

This is an all-ages event – tickets $65 per adult, $20 under 16s. TICKETS ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETEK

Last call to register for the Second Annual TravMedia Summit

The Summit will bring together industry heavy weights to share ideas, learn from each other, and improve communications within the travel industry. Hear from CNN’s Travel Editor, Barry Neild, Qantas Media’s Editor in Chief, Kirsten Galliott and Joanna Hunkin, Editor of Gourmet Traveller on what travel editors are looking for and how you can make their jobs easier. Taking place the day before TravMedia’s IMM Australia, at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, you can find a full line-up of speakers and to register your attendance at www.travmedia.com. Any questions around The Summit or IMM please be in touch with Francesca Baldi at [email protected]

TCEB airline partnership targeting APAC MICE Market

TCEB has partnered with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and THAI Smile Airways to launch the APAC MaxiMICE campaign, in order to target the MICE market in the Asia-Pacific region. In an aim to boost the region’s economy the co-operation will offer privileges and special price air tickets to corporate clients and is expected to attract about 10,000 MICE tourists to Thailand. President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said TCEB is collaborating with THAI and THAI Smile on the APAC MaxiMICE campaign to increase sales and MICE tourists into Thailand. This campaign aims to expand the market segment and corporate market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, which is the primary market for the meeting & incentive industry.

The APAC MICE market is an important market that holds the highest segment in the Thai MICE industry. In fiscal year 2019 (October 2018-September 2019), 1,162,170 APAC MICE tourists visited Thailand or 91.22% of the whole MICE market consisting of 1,273,981 tourists. There are 653,459 MICE tourists in the APAC region or 56.23%.

The APAC MaxiMICE campaign consists of three levels of privilege for the meeting & incentive corporate market: Silver, Gold and Platinum, for groups of 40 to 500 tourists who must stay in Thailand for at least two nights in order to receive special privileges. These privileges include special price air tickets, terms and conditions apply. Other privileges include the VIP fast track or MICE lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport and cultural performances. Reservation can be made for travel now until 30 September 2020.

For more information, contact THAI in Australia on 1300 651 960 or email [email protected]

13/01/2020

Australia Daily News Hotels & Resorts MICE

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach repositions itself for MICE

by TM staff writer 13/12/2019

Iconic beachfront Sydney hotel, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach yesterday unveiled its multi million dollar redesign with sights set on repositioning itself as a leading meetings and events hotel.

A purpose-built events centre, 10 new flexible meetings spaces, state-of-the-art technology and new event dining concepts and menus will all feature. Meeting spaces have been refreshed and modernised and provide more than 1,175 sqm of space, ideal for corporate business meetings, executive board meetings, social events, private dinners or cocktail functions up to 400 guests. The rooms will also have the latest in Audio Visual built-in, with multi-room connectivity giving meeting planners the ability to livestream content to all rooms simultaneously.

Area General Manager, Gareth Long, said flexibility was key to matching the demands of the MICE market.

“In terms of location, the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is second to none. What we can now offer guests is much more flexibility when it comes to staying here on business, with upgraded technology, smarter use of our social spaces and responding better to the changing ways in which people do business.

“We’ve been buoyed by the amount of interest and excitement in our new meeting spaces and offerings, and we’re already seeing strong interest coming through for 2020 and beyond.”

On the ground floor, the Oceanic Ballroom is the largest event space at 360sqm, which splits in two for smaller event spaces in the Oceanic East and Oceanic West spaces.

Also on the ground floor is the Studio, a new bookable space for impromptu meetings, collaborative workshops or private dining for 12. Located within the lobby, it can be booked from one hour to one day and offers living room seating, a boardroom table with integrated power sockets for easy connectivity, and a curated library. When not in use, the Studio can be used by hotel guests as a shared work space, library or casual place to meet.

The Business Centre Boardroom, also on the ground floor, is a light-filled intimate space for meetings up to eight people.

The lower ground floor has been completely transformed into a purpose-built dedicated Events Centre with the space dividing into eight separate rooms and an extensive AV fit-out throughout all the conference rooms.

The Centennial Conference Room has been extended to 217sqm including the ability to divide in to three separate rooms. The Coogee Room has also been extended and can divide in to three separate rooms, while the Bronte Room (67sqm) and Clovelly Room (75sqm) have been increased in size.

Artist’s Render – Centennial Room

Also on the lower ground floor is the new Experience Gallery, an integrated and flexible space that aims to inspire guests with a mix of timeless tradition and progressive trends via local art and design. Event planners can use the space as an exhibition and trade area, day or evening catering space or for ad-hoc breakout meetings. Casual integrated seating offers guests a space in which to work or network while waiting for their next meeting.

Culinary offerings by the new Executive Chef of Hotel Events, Alok Jambhore, will ensure the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach stands apart when guests are considering where to host memorable social or business events. Jambhore is also planning to launch a curated collection of Coogee inspired events including a Coogee Corroboree with a menu featuring Australia’s Indigenous Bush Tucker..

The hotel’s existing 209 guest rooms will get a fresh, new look, reflective of the hotel’s seaside location and 10 new guestrooms will be added. The first phase of the projected will be completed in early January 2020 and will include half of the guest rooms, a new lobby and arrival experience and the Studio – an area which can be used either as a private meeting or event space or as social shared work space.

A second culinary space due to open in February 2020 is located below the hotel and, in a new offering for Coogee, will offer guests an array of exciting dining and entertainment options.

Phase Two of the re-design will be completed by September 2020 and includes the remainder of the guestrooms, the hotel exterior and the pool area.

TOP IMAGE: Artist’s Render – STUDIO< ?em>

13/12/2019

Newer Posts

Older Posts