The event planning portal was launched by Business Events Sydney to support event organisers to access tools, resources, and funding in hosting their business event in Sydney. Designed in consultation with customers who run small events and agents, to address the challenges they are facing during the event planning process. The portal supports all stages of the event planning process including researching, pitching, planning, budgeting, and marketing the event – all in one place.

Tailored to event sector requirements, users are also able to create custom supplier lists based on unique event preferences. The portal is created to be of benefit to smaller events which may not have an events team behind them. It also provides access to the Sydney Meeting Fund which supports business events between 100 to 500 participants or delegates with offers from AUD 40 per person.

There is also on the site a video guide to explain: navigation across the pitching and bidding process; researching and planning; and promoting the event; as well as boosting delegate attendance. Some of those tools have downloadable event marketing toolkits, video and image galleries, Sydney destination guides and presentation templates.

Conference meeting and incentive event owners can create a free account and access online resources here BESydney Event Planning Platform

The landmark partnership agreement sees ICCA recognised as the UN Tourism partner for business events across all UN Tourism platforms and initiatives. This collaboration recognises the influence and transformative potential of the business events industry and puts it, on the map, as a key driver for socio-economic progress across the world.

ICCA acknowledges that it is imperative to strengthen ties between the two organisations, and has worked tirelessly as an organisation for many years with the goal of creating this partnership, for the pivotal role business events play as an accelerator of economic growth, and legacy initiatives worldwide.

“This collaboration with the UN Tourism has been a long-held strategy of ICCA. This is great news not just for our members but for the whole international associations meetings and events industry. We know how intrinsically linked the world of business events and tourism are, but this formal partnership gives us privileged access to each other’s communities,” said Mr. Senthil Gopinath, chief executive officer of ICCA.

Located on a beachfront, overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, the venue is touted to be the largest multi-purpose centre in the region, the Axi Plaza celebrated its grand opening on April 25.

The design of the centre’s building is inspired by the country’s ubiquitous basket boat, with the exterior crisscrossed with wooden lats, expected to last for at least 100 years. By night, the Axi Plaza changes colours in an elaborate lighting display

Among the host of facilities offered by the multi-purpose centre is; a state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, an outdoor beachfront event space, and about 10,000 square metres dedicated to shopping and dining outlets.

The 1,197 square metre conference hall and ballroom area on Axi Plaza’s third floor can accommodate up to 1,000 people, and the hall features a cutting edge 75 square metre LED screen, with a panoramic view of the ocean.

On the fifth floor is the 360-degree rooftop area totaling 1,077 square metres, designed for receptions and company events, with views of Long Beach’s white sands and turquoise waters.

The outdoor event space situated between the basket boat-shaped building and the beach, is underpinned by the capacious lawn that fronts three picture-perfect swimming pools; one saltwater, one chlorine and a kids’ pool supervised by lifeguards.

Situated behind Axi Plaza’s vast second floor entrance and reception area, is the 200 square metre Axi Plaza Lounge overlooking the swimming pools, and serving Vietnamese fare.

Axi Plaza has also dedicated the first floor of the multi-purpose centre to 46 shops, ranging in size from 14 square metres to 239 square metres.

While adjacent to the Axi Plaza is the 12-hectare Anam Cam Ranh, set on a private stretch of beach with 213 rooms, suites and villas. The Anam is a five-star property, that combines a colonial era charm with Vietnamese accents, and sits alongside a contemporary beach resort, with a full-service Aman Spa. To reach the resort it takes a 15-minute ride from the airport, which makes the resort a suitable place to stay for MICE delegates to Axi Plaza.

Leveraging the power of popular searches, digital travel platform Agoda has expanded its partner marketing portfolio and is providing a new way for hotel and accommodation partners to reach consumers through a series of dedicated landing pages to innovatively match with some of travellers’ top themed searches.

Utilising these data insights, Agoda launches the initiative, called ‘Top stays Anywhere’ in Thailand with sixteen distinct themes that resonate with travellers’ preferences.

These themes include a variety of options across travel budgets and traveller interests, including private islands, seaside villas, beach cabanas, family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations, with each dedicated page offering a carefully selected list of accommodations by Agoda’s specialist teams.

This tailored approach enhances the trip-planning process, delivering a customised experience directly to the doorstep of ready-to-travel consumers and an opportunity for hoteliers and accommodation providers to reach travelers with intent.

“Often travellers are looking for very specific types of holiday experiences, so we curated these landing pages to quickly allow travelers with high intent to travel to connect with properties that excel in delivering those experiences, whether that’s pet friendly spots or rooftop hotels in Bangkok.  For partners, it’s an additional way that Agoda is supporting their ambitions to grow their business and optimise their inventory,” said Pierre Honne, senior country director for Thailand at Agoda.

Agoda’s initiative typifies the company’s data-driven approach to supporting its partners to attract more business, harnessing the intel from today’s customer travel search behaviours.

“The initiative not only aligns with travellers’ specific preferences but also opens up new avenues for hotels and accommodation providers to increase their visibility among potential customers. The thematic landing pages act as a bridge, connecting properties with consumers who have a demonstrated interest in particular experiences. With Agoda at the forefront, leveraging robust search analytics, hotels are well-positioned to capitalize on up-to-the-minute travel trends and stay competitive in a dynamic market landscape,” Mr. Honne added.

HotelREZ, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing hotel representation companies, dedicated to connecting independent properties with bookers worldwide and Sabre Hospitality, has renewed its longstanding technology partnership.

This renewal reaffirms HotelREZ and Sabre’s mutual commitment to leveraging both companies’ strengths – combining Sabre Hospitality’s cutting-edge technology with HotelREZ’s representation services.

The agreement marks the continuation of the partnership, utilising Sabre Hospitality’s comprehensive suite of products, including Sabre Global Distribution System, SynXis Booking Engine, and Channel Connect, to enhance HotelREZ’s extensive range of hospitality solutions across more than 2,500 customers. Both companies’ broad portfolio of hospitality solutions empowers hoteliers to create and deliver a unique and differentiating guest experience based on their specific brand.

By leveraging Sabre’s technology solutions, HotelREZ customers will benefit from Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis Platform and distribution technology to promote their content to hundreds of thousands of travel agents globally.

In addition to this, HotelREZ customers will have access to Sabre’s SynXis Booking Engine, which offers a simple booking process to help hotels convert shoppers into guests while maintaining full control of their customer relationships and upselling with merchandising. This collaboration provides hoteliers with solutions that enable them to maximise revenue and operate more efficiently.

The SynXis Platform not only enhances HotelREZ’s own connectivity, as well as other solutions. It enables hotels to distribute their rates and inventory across more than 600 online channels globally. Built on flexible and reliable technology, it allows hotels to control their brand experience and deliver user experience converting shoppers into guests.

Support for sustainable tourism development in the digital age has been growing. The integration of the tourism sector with technology, promises to yield substantial benefits for travellers, the travel trade, and the world. This is particularly significant given the pivotal role tourism plays in the global economy.

Can technology enhance the travel experience? What are the opportunities and potential obstacles that could arise from this integration? Are there any tangible examples of technology propelling sustainability?

These questions and more will be addressed by industry leaders from the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as academics, in a panel discussion scheduled for June at the upcoming ITE Hong Kong. This event has been the city’s premier travel fair for many years. The panel discussion is a crucial component of the ITE2024 Industry Forum on Innovation and Sustainable Tourism.

Titled “Charting the Digital Path: The Intersection of Technology and Sustainable Tourism”, the Forum is organised by Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and co-organised by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., the organiser of ITE. In addition to the panel discussion, there will be a keynote speech and Q&A session.

“ITE has been promoting sustainable tourism, but seldom before from the perspective of technology! We warmly welcome this timely Forum and express our deep appreciation to HKMU for such an excellent programme”, said Mr. KS Tong, managing director of TKS.

ITE Hong Kong 2024, which will take place from June 13 to 16 at Halls 1A to 1E in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), is strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Macao Government Tourism Office and travel and MICE trade associations as supporters.

The first two days of the event are reserved for trade only, while the last two days are open to the public.

For enquiry about the Forum’s programme, please email: ba@hkmu.edu.hk

Details and enquiry about ITE Hong Kong, please visit www.itehk.com or email: travel@tkshk.com

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers such as Adjunct Professor Ms. Lisa Ronson of Deakin Business School and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers adjunct professor of Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

In 2023, the city won a record of 349 bids to host prestigious international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programmes. Driven by Dubai Business Events the city’s official convention bureau, the wins reflected a robust 49 percent increase in successful bids compared to 2022.

Under its business events and delegate boosting strategy, DBE brought an impressive citywide offering to the global market that resonated with the core needs of the business events industry.

Positioning Dubai as the foremost destination for international business events, DBE worked closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to covert interest into confirmed events with some have already taken place in 2023. While others are confirmed for coming years, joining wins from previous years with Dubai’s strong appeal driving a pipeline of impactful events as far as 2029.

Bidding activity and success has continued to accelerate since the global covid-19 pandemic with the number of bid wins in 2023 exceeding the previous record of 295 bids registered in 2019.

The events secured for the city will play a vital role in driving trade, investment and attracting global talent – all critical pillars to build a stronger, more productive, and diverse economy – in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.  Importantly, business events also play a role in creating new advocates for the city further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a leading destination for business events.

Prominent among the most noteworthy successful bids in 2023 are association events such as Critical Communications World 2024 with 3,800 delegates, the WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, with 4,500 delegates, the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, with 10,000 delegates, and the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, with 10,000 delegates.

This is in addition to an impressive line-up of corporate and incentive events coming to the city, including TOKEN2049 andNuskin Elite, both taking place this year with 4,000 and 1,000 delegates, as well as Amway ESAN 2025, which is expected to bring 3,500 visitors to Dubai.

DBE partnered with hotels, venues, professional congress organisers, destination management companies and other service providers across the city to secure these wins, also collaborating with local associations, busines and other entities to develop comprehensive proposals to showcase Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination.

As a result of DBE’s continuous efforts to drive the business events sector, Dubai was voted the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East by Cvent for 2023. Dubai was also named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to working with various service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre to support its mission to build relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai, with 60 percent of delegates set to come to Dubai as a result of bids won for association conferences and congresses.

At the same time, DBE’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme played a critical role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, including doctors, scientists, professors, teachers, government officials and businesspersons, to attract international business events to Dubai in 2023.

Bidding activity and success has continued to accelerate since the global covid-19 pandemic with the number of bid wins in 2023 exceeding the previous record of 295 bids registered in 2019.

The events secured for the city will play a vital role in driving trade, investment and attracting global talent – all critical pillars to build a stronger, more productive, and diverse economy – in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.  Importantly, business events also play a role in creating new advocates for the city further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a leading destination for business events.

Prominent among the most noteworthy successful bids in 2023 are association events such as Critical Communications World 2024 with 3,800 delegates, the WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, with 4,500 delegates, the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, with 10,000 delegates, and the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, with 10,000 delegates.

This is in addition to an impressive line-up of corporate and incentive events coming to the city, including TOKEN2049 andNuskin Elite, both taking place this year with 4,000 and 1,000 delegates respectively, as well as Amway ESAN 2025, which is expected to bring 3,500 visitors to Dubai.

DBE partnered with hotels, venues, professional congress organisers, destination management companies and other service providers across the city to secure these wins, also collaborating with local associations, businesses and other entities to develop comprehensive proposals to showcase Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination.

As a result of DBE’s continuous efforts to drive the business events sector, Dubai was voted the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East by Cvent for 2023. Dubai was also named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to working with various service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) to support its mission to build relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai, with 60% of delegates set to come to Dubai as a result of bid wins visiting for association conferences and congresses.

Additionally, DBE’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme played a critical role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, including doctors, scientists, professors, teachers, government officials and businesspersons, to attract international business events to Dubai in 2023.

Once again AIME will be held in February in Melbourne, Australia.  This year, the event is expected to host more than 600 buyers from around the world and welcome, some 3,500 visitors and buyers with 570 exhibitors.

International destinations attending AIME for the first time since the covid pandemic include Fiji, Korea, Macau, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Maldives, Italy, Malta, Norway, Monaco and United Kingdom and Ireland.

They join countries like Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Africa returning again to the show floor of AIME.

In total, 33 countries will be represented at AIME in 2024.

For the first time at AIME, in 2024 there will be a dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers. The Boutique will showcase more than 20 operators offering bespoke and highly customisable experiences.

Another new zone this year, is the DMC Network will bring together Destination Management Companies from all over the world.

The hotel zone om the other hand, continues to grow in popularity, a testament to the post-covid bounce back of travel, and in 2024 occupies a footprint that is 50 percent larger than AIME 2023.

Other show floor features and activations include the Accor Hosted Buyer Lounge, the Ideas Academy presented by Spice and four new interactive breakout spaces to recharge attendees.

Kicking off the three-day event on Monday 19 February, AIME’s Knowledge Program is themed ‘The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION’ which will explore the relationship between global insights and local nuances with two keynote speakers: award-winning marketing executive Ms. Lisa Ronson; and bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement Mr. Sebastian Terry.

As always, the hugely anticipated AIME Welcome Event will be another highlight of the three-day show.  This exclusive evening is open to hosted buyers, exhibitors, media partners, and VIPs.

For more information or to register to attend AIME visit: aime.com.au