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 editor@travelmonitor.com.au
Meetings 2025 applications soon to open
As preparations for MEETINGS 2025 gain momentum, we are looking forward to returning to Auckland on 11 – 12 June 2025 for the first time since 2021. As the largest annual trade show for the business events industry in New Zealand, MEETINGS promises to showcase the BEST of the industry has to offer within an action-packed two-day event. If you are an event professional, planner, or if you manage the corporate events for your company, attending MEETINGS 2025 is a must! Watch this space – the Hosted Buyer Invitation and the application link will be live on Monday 2 December. Mark your calendar and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef celebrates Australia Next Success
Incentive buyers worldwide were captivated by the unique offerings of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, which they discovered first-hand during Tourism Australia’s incentive showcase, Australia Next.
In September, the region’s natural beauty, incredible food, relaxed and welcoming vibe, and outstanding hotels, along with diverse touring products, wowed the 80 business events planners and 15 media in attendance. Program highlights for delegates included repurposed offsite venues The Sugar Shed, Trinity Beach Palace, the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and the Tanks Art Centre.
Wellington wins hydro-environment engineering conference
Wellington’s connection to the water has helped secure the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) Asia Pacific Division Conference for 2028. IAHR brings together specialists in water and environmental engineering to share the latest research and technology contributing to the sustainable management and optimisation of the world’s water resources. The successful bid was made by past chair of IAHR’s Asia Pacific Division, Dr Gregory De Costa from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, in collaboration with Prof Alan Brent of the Faculty of Engineering of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. The bid was supported by Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events. Taking place in October 2028 on the Pipitea campus of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, it is expected to deliver an economic impact of close to $1million to the city.
How major events helped Sunshine Coast tourism shine 2023-24
A diverse portfolio of Sunshine Coast Council-sponsored events has achieved the highest economic windfall on record, reaping an estimated $112.6 million for the region. The outstanding outcome was highlighted in the recently released Sunshine Coast Events Board 2023-24 report. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council’s major event sponsorship program played a crucial role in the success of many events. Cr Landsberg said a number of major events contributed significantly to the Sunshine Coast’s economy and culture in 2024. Council sponsored four successful events through the Emerging Events category introduced to the Major Events Sponsorship Program: the Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, SHOWFEST, The Rangebow Festival and The Australian Wearable Art Festival.
2023-24 Major Events Sponsorship Program in figures
- 72 major events hosted and supported by Council
- $112.6m economic impact with a 1:36 return on investment
- 178,000+ event visitors welcomed to the Sunshine Coast
- Supported 1,250 full-time equivalent jobs
- Gained 52 new local suppliers on industry directory platform EventsConnect
New Zealand’s Leonie Ashford elected to ICCA board
New Zealand’s profile for association events in the Asia Pacific region has been raised with the election of Tourism New Zealand’s Leonie Ashford to the ICCA Board of Directors’ Asia Pacific seat. Ashford was elected to the role at the recent 63rd ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress in Abu Dhabi. It is the first time New Zealand has had a member on the ICCA Board.
“I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the board,” says Ashford. “I can see so many opportunities for further growth for New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific region through collaboration and I’m committed to doing my best to help that happen.”
Ashford has spearheaded business events at Tourism New Zealand over the last 12 years as Business Events Manager. She will transition to a new role for Tourism New Zealand as Special Advisor – Business Events from January 2025. Penelope Ryan, who has taken on the new role of Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events, adds, “Leonie’s election to the ICCA board is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her experience and commitment to the business events industry, but also a great win for New Zealand.
MICE Industry 2025: Trends to Watch
The meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry is gearing up for a transformative year in 2025, with experts predicting key shifts in how events are planned and executed. Hybrid meetings continue to dominate, with advanced technologies like AI enhancing attendee experiences through personalised scheduling and networking tools. At the same time, virtual elements remain vital for organisations balancing global participation with budget constraints.
In-person gatherings are also making a strong comeback, with demand rising for intimate, immersive venues that foster connection and creativity. Health and wellness trends are influencing event menus and activities, while personalisation is becoming a must, with planners tailoring experiences to meet unique client needs. From AI-driven hybrid formats to wellness-focused offerings, the MICE industry is poised for a dynamic and engaging year ahead.
Accor Research: Face-to-Face Meetings Could Boost Revenue by 36 per cent
New research from Accor reveals that in-person meetings remain a powerful driver of business success. Professionals surveyed across nine countries believe their revenue could increase by 36 per cent if all important meetings were conducted face-to-face, with the potential to close 37 per cent more deals. The findings highlight the unique value of in-person interactions in fostering trust, engagement, and commercial outcomes, far surpassing the effectiveness of virtual alternatives.
Despite the growing reliance on digital tools, the study underscores that face-to-face meetings are crucial for high-stakes moments like closing deals and contract negotiations. Respondents even likened the impact of one in-person meeting to that of three virtual ones. As businesses embrace hybrid models, Accor’s Chief Sales Officer Sophie Hulgard emphasises, “The connection, culture, and commercial value of in-person interactions cannot be replaced by technology.” This research suggests that companies prioritising in-person engagements may gain a competitive edge in the evolving business landscape.
Australians and New Zealanders Top Global Rankings for Domestic Business Travel
Australians and New Zealanders are leading the world in domestic business travel, with 37% of ANZ businesses sending employees on weekly work trips, according to a global survey by Flight Centre Travel Group’s Corporate Traveller division. This figure outpaces other regions, including the Americas (31.8%), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (23%), and Asia (21.7%).
Tom Walley, Global Managing Director for Corporate Traveller, attributes this trend to factors such as regional decentralisation, flexible work arrangements, and infrastructure improvements. “Australians and New Zealanders value personal connections, and this extends to business travel,” Walley says. As regional airports and transport links improve, domestic travel continues to be a vital tool for fostering collaboration and engagement, helping ANZ businesses maintain their edge in a post-pandemic world.
