Welcome to our weekly wrap-up of MICE News, which covers meetings, incentives, conferences, and events across Australia and around the world. If you are in the MICE industry, this is what you need to know as our writers stay on top of the latest developments.
If you have any MICE news, please send it to kate@travelmonitor.com.au
Premium economy bookings soar as businesses prioritise comfort over cost
As Australia strengthens its international trade ties, new data reveals that travellers are increasingly opting for premium economy, valuing comfort, restfulness and productivity over chasing the lowest fare.
New booking data from Corporate Traveller, the flagship SME division of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), reveals premium economy corporate bookings increased 35 per cent year-on-year in the March quarter (Q1 2025), despite the average international return airfare in the cabin rising nine per cent over the same period.
Premium economy sits between standard economy and business class, offering a cost-effective solution for travellers seeking additional comfort. As airfares across premium cabin classes continue to rise, premium economy has emerged as an attractive value option compared to the steeper increases seen in first and business class fares.
SIA and ORA/SOTA Join Forces to Launch Australia’s Largest Snow & Outdoor Trade Event
Snowsports Industries of Australia (SIA) is excited to announce its absorbing of the Snow & Outdoor Trade Association Inc (ORA/SOTA), expanding our community to over 300 member companies.
This unification marks a major step forward for the industry and paves the way for a single, larger, and more dynamic Snow & Outdoor Trade Show in 2025. The event is set for October 14–16, 2025 in Canberra, and will be the most significant trade gathering in more than three decades—bringing together the full spectrum of snow and outdoor professionals under one roof.
Save the date! To ensure you receive an invitation, email us at info@siaaustralia.com.au if you’re not already on our list.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at ‘Noir Noir’ – A Night Of Pinot Noir, Whisky And Stargazing
Marking the Winter Solstice, Tamar Ridge (a leading Tasmanian pinot noir producer) and Turner Stillhouse (a distinguished Tasmanian distillery) are joining forces to host an unforgettable stargazing affair: NOIR NOIR.
This one-night-only event will take place at the Tamar Ridge cellar door on Saturday 21 June from 6:30pm, inviting wine lovers, whisky drinkers and budding astronomers to sip, savour and stargaze under Tasmania’s brilliant winter sky.
The evening promises an immersive experience, blending the dark elegance of pinot noir and the rich warmth of whisky with the celestial magic of the Winter Solstice. Under the breathtaking beauty of the Tasmanian winter night sky, guests will be guided through a captivating stargazing session led by local astronomy expert Chris Arkless.
Tickets and inclusions: Tickets for NOIR NOIR are $45 per person and includes a tasting of all new releases, meet the Tamar Ridge winemaker, live music and stargazing session. Guests can add a cheese and charcutier platter for $35 (for two people). Tickets can be purchased at tamarridge.rezdy.com/709946/noir-noir-winter-solstice.
Large franchise praises resort appeal of Cairns convention
Hungry Jack’s has praised the resort appeal of Cairns and its ease of access for delivering a successful convention for the large franchise. Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has published a case study on the Hungry Jack’s National Convention which was organised by Dreamweavers Event Creators and Producers.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland General Manager of Partnerships and Events Tara Bennett said it had been a coup for Cairns to host the large franchise convention in October 2024 and the subsequent feedback was exceptional.
Read the case study: https://businesseventscairns.org.au/resources/case-studies/
Wellington to host ICCA Business Workshop in 2026
The event enables valuable relationship-building with high-level association executives, as well as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing with other convention bureaus. ICCA Business Workshops offer an informal and dedicated platform for associations and meeting suppliers to interact, with attendance capped at 30 persons (15 ICCA members and 15 accompanying association executives).
Business Events Wellington Manager Irette Ferreira said, “ICCA hosts this event all over the world; it has never been in New Zealand, so we bid for it and were thrilled when ICCA awarded it to us.
For more information and criteria regarding the workshop, please visit: ICCA Business Workshop – International Destination Marketing Sector 2026
