January 2021

Event organisers have to think outside the box to create captivating shows and still follow safety measures during these times of covid-19. Bureau Betak, a special events company for luxury fashion designed instead inside a box of glass maze for models to walk through an arrangement of glass cases shaped, in FENDI’s famous double-F monogram.

FENDI’s digital fashion show of its haute couture collection of spring summer 2021 was streamlined live from Palais Brongniart in Paris on January 27.

Images are by Bureau Betak.

The glass labyrinth of the show were designed to look romantic and mysterious. Despite the usual coldness of glass, the designers created an overall warm atmosphere with beds of wildflowers, small trees and the odd bookcase.

Neon lights line both the runway and the tops of the cases, were illuminated with an all-star cast of models. While reflections on the glass added a dreamy and mystical touch of FENDI’s haute couture spring summer 2021 collection.

It was also a show to mark the artistic director Kim Jones’ debut for FENDI haute couture and to reflect, the English fashion designer’s vision of a romantic and mysterious look.

The Principality’s convention bureau had seen some changes in its management just prior to the pandemic, with Christine Barrabino now heading the bureau and Sarah Rico as the deputy manager. Sandrine Camia, the former head of the bureau, has been made Monaco’s deputy director of Monaco Tourism and Convention Authority.

MICE in Asia had the opportunity to talk to Christine Barrabino, on the reopening of the country to visitors, how it will recover from the covid-19 pandemic, and thrive again as a destination for meetings and conferences.

Christine Barrabino, Head of Monaco Convention Bureau (right)  with Sarah Rico, Deputy Manager (left) of the new management team.

Hopes of recovery for Monaco, according to Ms. Barrabino, will come by the second quarter of 2021.   The rebound on travel will start from the local markets of the Principality, namely France and Italy, since most European and international borders are not opened as yet with travel requirements remaining strict.

All sectors in the Principality have resumed their activities, while restaurants, hotels, conference centres and MICE agencies were very much affected by the travel bans.  However, the real estate sector in Monaco has seen an increase in activity despite the pandemic.

Head of the Monaco Convention Bureau further explained that currently all partners of the bureau, from conference centres and hotels, to destination management companies, are rethinking their business model to incorporate security assurances expected by clients and organisers. The Monegasque Government has implemented, since last July; the Monaco Safe certification for hotels, restaurants, conference centres and all other premises opened to the public in the Principality.

The shift now, stated Ms. Barrabino, is to meet the needs of customers through the quality of value exchanged.  It will require, she mentioned, inventiveness, innovation, and a focus on intellectual assets, flexibility and the optimising of transport and spaces with regard to corporate social responsibility policies. This shift in thinking is also crucial she added, for the success of the global events industry.

Last December, the Monaco Convention Bureau launched its new communication campaign with the slogan #Reevent at the IBTM World’s first virtual event. It invites MICE professionals to return to the Principality and organise events. The campaign displays six visuals related to the themes of: safety, value, service, green, medical and connectivity

Monaco is expected to welcome large events again from April 2021, and the Principality’s MICE agenda is packed in the autumn, due to the postponements of events initially scheduled for 2020.

Ms. Barrabino figures that 2022 should bring back mainly European clients and a return to normal by 2023, when intercontinental flights would have regained a decent level of activity.

Image of the view of Monaco is by VisitMonaco.

Image of Christine Barrabino and Sarah Rico © Government Press Office – Manuel Vitali

 Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced today (January 25) that the event, as well as the online in March,  will not take place this year owing to concerns brought about by the covid-19 pandemic. It was scheduled to be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Event organisers Talk2 Media & Events have shared that: the event faced challenges brought about by international and domestic travel restrictions; despite healthy interest for the event from exhibitors and buyers.

“As the past year has shown, it’s difficult to predict if border closures will be required to slow the spread of future outbreaks.  As difficult as it is to cancel, we cannot in good conscience stage an event that devalues the quality of experience or accessibility of AIME in delivering meaningful interactions for exhibitors and visitors, alongside subsequent appointments with our international networks,” said Matt Pearce, chief executive officer of Talk2 Media & Events.

AIME, with the support from Melbourne Convention Bureau has begun, contacting all buyers and exhibitors to update them on the latest development and assist in managing arrangements of the cancellation of the event.  This includes refunding money to those who have already registered.

AIME’s next event will take place on March 21 to 23, 2022 with full details to follow in the coming months. For those with existing bookings and registrations, a Talk2 Media representative will contact them directly and, for any immediate queries, please email info@talk2.media or visit aime.com.au.

The global association for the attractions industry announced the IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 will take place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from August 10 to 13. It was originally planned to be held in Macao in June.  The relocation and date change, are in response to the continued impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing optimism of increased recovery as the year progresses stated the attractions industry global association.

“IAAPA’s role has always been to help members meet, do business, and learn from each other. It is more important than ever we provide such opportunities in a safe manner, at the right time, in the right location. After careful review and with significant input from our team, members, exhibitors, and the IAAPA Board of Directors, the decision has been made to relocate IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 to Shanghai, China,” shared Hal McEvoy, president and chief executive officer of IAAPA.

Plans are also underway to ensure a smooth transition of the show to SNIEC. This year’s expo will begin with a full conference day on Tuesday, August 10 followed by, three days of programming featuring trade show floor, education programs and exclusive special events.

During IAAPA Expo Asia the show, will follow safety guidelines and operational procedures recommended by global and local health authorities as well as, event industry experts.

The property which caught fire twice was said to have started in the kitchen of the resort and spread to the main building.  Fire gutted part of the five-star Andaman Resort in Langkawi. It was reported that all guests and staff, were evacuated from the hotel safely. Flames of the fires were contained after 12 hours by the local fire department, which also saved the centuries old tropical rainforest surrounding the vicinity of the resort from being ravaged by the fire.

Owning company of the resort, Landmarks Bhd confirmed that the fire incident took place on January 12, and that the resort will cease operation for safety reasons as well as, to ascertain the extent of the damage to the property.

“The financial impact of the fire has yet to be fully ascertained. Any property and financial losses arising from this incident are covered by insurance policies taken up by the company,” Landmarks said.

It was also reported that Landmarks Bhd has formed a committee to evaluate the rebuilding of the resort and repositioning plan for The Andaman. Discussions to this effect was said to have begun with renowned luxury hotel designer Jean-Michel Gathy who will advice the owning company.

In the meantime The Andaman Langkawi will remain closed.

The global meeting of top decision makers from business and government to civil society will take place from May 13 to 16 in Singapore which makes it, the second time the forum held its annual meeting outside Switzerland since its establishment in 1971.

In 2002, it was held in New York to show solidarity after the 9/11 attack and this time, due to the pandemic in Europe, the forum has chosen to hold its annual meeting in Singapore. The forum however, will return to its home in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland for the Annual Meeting of 2022.

Considered among the most important meetings in the world, it will be hybrid in nature with most participants joining virtually.  The annual meeting is also the first global event to address worldwide recovery from the pandemic.

In a statement from the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, the WEF will adhere to the city-state’s strict public health protocol and safety measures during the annual meeting where head of states, global business leaders and community activists are expected to attend to solve the world’s challenges.

“A global leadership summit is of crucial importance to address how we can recover together,” said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of World Economic Forum.

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya, has announced English supermodel Naomi Campbell to become Magical Kenya International Ambassador.

In a statement, the Ministry says Campbell, 50, will help promote the marketing of Kenya as an ideal tourism and travel destination to the world. The appointment was agreed upon following a meeting between Campbell and Najib Balala, the Cabinet Secretary of the ministry.

Commenting on her appointment: Campbell commended the government for the improvement of infrastructure at the Coast including the upgrading of Malindi Airport to international standards.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is working on long term collaboration with athletes to position Kenya on top of mind among visitors and investors into the country.

KTB’s chief executive officer Dr Betty Radier stated that athletes have continued to positively profile the country with their sterling performances in international competitions.

“Even at these times of less travel globally as a result of covid-19 pandemic, Kenya continues to be top of mind among travellers and investors alike because of our athletes who excel in international competition,” said Radier.

After an extensive executive search conducted by an external firm, ICCA has announced the following appointments.

Caroline Stanners has taken up the newly created role of chief business development officer. Caroline will lead and support the regional directors, ICCA’s events and marketing and communications activities.

ICCA’s new community engagement manager is Frances van Klaveren. Her role is to develop the Association’s community growth plan.

Joining Caroline is Agnes Maignien as senior event and promotions specialist. Agnes will provide support in the development and delivery of ICCA’s extensive calendar of events including ICCA’s annual Congress.

Three new members to strengthen the administrative team at ICCA’s Amsterdam office are Cindy Karijodikromo Heleen, Natasza Tardio and Dave van der Laarse. Heleen Dijkstra is the junior financial controller reporting to ICCA’s chief finance officer, Cindy Karijodikromo Heleen.

“We are proud to have such incredible talent joining the ICCA Team. I am also delighted to see increased diversity within ICCA with over 60 percent of the ICCA Team women; we will continue to celebrate the diversity that shines through the association meetings industry,” said Senthil Gopinath ICCA’s chief executive officer.