Category

2014

MICE Media Familiarisation Trip of Tokyo – Invitation by the Mori Building Company

By | 2014, Press Room

Japan’s most established property management firm, the Mori Building Company, is in the midst of transforming the city of Tokyo. This is through its plan of creating a compact city with super high-rise buildings – a unique concept of vertical land development that makes use of ultra high-rise structures and underground space. Media representatives from Hong Kong (China), Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan were invited for a four-day tour covering the Roppongi area and Toranomon Hills of Tokyo.

On the first night of the trip, media representatives stayed at Grand Hyatt Tokyo Ropponggi and were welcomed with a cocktail and buffet dinner by the hotel. This was followed by on the second day, a tour of the Toranomon Hills, a skyscraper complex project built by Mori Building in Minato, Tokyo, which included a visit to the nearby Ark Mori Building.

Also an opportunity to view downtown Tokyo from the air in a helicopter operated by the Mori Building City Air Services. While the remaining two nights, were hosted by Andaz Tokyo located on Toranomon hills which is the first of such brand hotel in Japan.

Later attended the International Meeting Expo (IME) an annual MICE event held at the Tokyo International Forum exhibition hall. Exhibitors at the expo consists of convention bureaus, hotels and resorts from various parts of Japan offering participants and delegates the opportunity to network for MICE business. The expo also featured academic forums and seminars.

On the last morning of the trip, some media representatives experienced the art of Zazen at the Seisyo-Ji Temple, which requires one to sit on a cushion on the floor, and remain motionless for at least an hour – originates from Zen Buddhism and practiced for deep concentration.

Not to be missed is a bit of retail therapy at the world famous luxurious shopping district of Ginza with its upscale boutiques, numerous department stores, restaurants and coffeehouses.

Media Representatives from Hong Kong (China), Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Mori Building at Raponggi and Toranomon Hills.

Kabuki Performance for MICE events in Japan.

Helicopter ride (operated by Mori Building City Air Services) over Tokyo for an aerial view of the city’s downtown.

The publisher and editorial board of MICE in Asia, would like to thank the Mori Building Company and MICE Japan for organising the media familiarisation trip. Our special thanks to Junji Sato San of MICE Japan for all his help.

Invitation to Lunch at the Chef’s Table of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

By | 2014, Press Room

It is not always that one gets to lunch at the Chef’ table and it is a delight to do so. A small group of media representatives had the opportunity to taste a new food concept created by the Centre’s Executive Chef Richmond Lim, prepared and served by him and his culinary team. An array of seafood bites and an assortment of sweet memories were offered with the highlight on the sharing platter of homemade beef and lamb satay, braised chicken roulade, oriental soy goose, red curry duck stew and venison with bell peppers accompanied with a choice of nasi biryani, nasi kerabu and fried rice.

Each course was expertly paired with a selection of cocktails and mocktails. The theme of the lunch being ‘Looking back, moving forward’, where you get to sample of what’s to come in the latest banquet menu of the Centre.

“The Centre’s newest banqueting offering is about providing choice, but not having to queue up at the buffet station; enjoying a selection of small bites, but not in the traditional stand-up cocktail fashion; recognising the Malaysian heritage of sharing food, but offering it in an elegant manner; exciting palates with taste and texture and, last but not least; transforming banqueting at the Centre into culinary art,” said Executive Chef Richmond Lim.

“Essentially, we are re-inventing the art of eating and creating a new dynamic around the dining table,” shared Lim.

Media representatives were also introduced to the Centre’s state-of-the-art kitchens including the Centre’s 32 COMBI ovens. At the same time participated in an interactive food session on how to prepare house-smoked salmon with pipe creme fraiche and the art of filling vol-au-vents, as well as a crash course in teaspoon chocolate quenelle.

Next year marked the 10th anniversary of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and the venue celebrates the occasion with a year-long offering of special promotional meeting packages and other activities to be shared with their clients.

An interactive food session with chefs of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre at the venue’s state-at-the-art kitchen.

The Chef’s Table Lunch.

Media representatives with the food they prepared.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2005.

MICE in Asia would like to thank the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for inviting the managing editor and photographer to lunch at the Chef’s Table. Our special thanks go to Executive Chef, Richmond Lim and his culinary team, and the gracious hospitality of Simon K Lomas, Deputy General Manager, Angeline Lue, Director of Sales & Marketing and Kuzaimah Idris, Communications Manager.

Images are courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

MICE Media Tour of Seoul – Your Complete Convention City

By | 2014, Press Room

According to the 2013 country and city ranking statistics report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Seoul is ranked 9th place – moving up eight places from the previous year. The city of Seoul (Seoul Metropolitan Government), Seoul Tourism Organization and Seoul Convention Bureau invited media representatives from Australia, China, Czech Republic, Japan, Malaysia and United States for a four-day media tour of Seoul, a city not only known for its preservation of cultural and historical heritage, but fast becoming a preferred destination for meetings and conventions.

First on the agenda of the tour was a press conference with Greta Kohler, senior vice president for Global Development of ASAE (The Centre for Association of Leadership) and Nancy Carfrae, vice president of UIA, in counjunction with the UIA Round Table Asia 2014, hosted by the city of Seoul.

Attended by industry partners from around the world with presentations from invited speakers, the UIA Round Table is aimed at promoting and facilitating the work of international associations through learning and networking opportunities. What the UIA does for the meetings industry is to offer collaboration and partnership with entities in the meetings industry through associate membership, with the main focus in promoting and networking between association and industry bodies.

This was followed by a cultural experience at the Korea House which is designed to showcase traditional local culture to visitors, managed by the government affiliated Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation – a venue offering guests to enjoy traditional Korean royal cuisine, arts and performances.

Next, was a visit to COEX Convention & Exhibition Centre located in the heart of Gangnam, a business district of Seoul. After which a tour of Korea’s first artificially created island, the Some Sevit on the shores of the Hangang River in Southern Seoul, which is actually, a unique venue comprising of three islands that are linked and, has a convention hall, restaurants, shops as well as a floating stage called the Media Art Gallery.

An interview session with Seoul MICE Alliance Members was held at JW Marriott. The SMA members consist of professional conference organisers specialising in the planning and management of international association conferences and conventions, travel and destination managers, professional exhibition organisers, and IT solution providers.

The tour also included a site inspection of Korea’s state-of-the-art convention venue the DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) of a futuristic design that is eco-friendly which opened its doors on March 21. It is a multi-purpose cultural facility with a total floor area of 84,368 square metres, designed by the renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid of United Kingdom.

Media Representatives from America, Australia, China, Europe, Japan and Malaysia

UIA Associations Round Table Asia 2014 Hosted by the City of Seoul

Presentation on MICE Plans for Lotte Hotels & Resorts

Enjoying Korean Cuisine

Learning to Cook Korean Dishes

Interview Session with Seoul MICE Alliance Members at the JW Marriott Seoul

Site Inspection of MICE venues in – Some Sevit, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and COEX Convention & Exhibition Center

Shopping Experience in the Bustling City Centre

Street Scenes in Seoul

Farewell Dinner organised by Seoul Tourism Organization and Seoul Convention Bureau

MICE in Asia would like thank the hosts: Seoul Metropolitan Government; Seoul Tourism Organization; and Seoul Convention Bureau for inviting the managing editor to be among the international media representatives to tour the city of Seoul. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Lotte Hotel Seoul for their kind hospitality and exceptional service. 

IT&CMA & CTW Asia-Pacific 2014 Kicks Off With Larger and Stronger Industry Support

By | 2014, Press Room

This year’s show opened with over 800 exhibiting delegates comprising of loyal returning exhibitors and new destinations such as Cambodia and Switzerland. The Thai pavilion as usual, remains the biggest at the show, with over 30 new local co-exhibitors on board.

Participation of returning exhibitors in terms of booth space was increased by 18 percent. This year also sees one of the show’s largest sponsors hosting delegates to networking luncheons, dinners and coffee breaks.

It was estimated that more than 10,000 business appointments took place over the two-day exhibition, with over 80 business, education and networking sessions.

CTW Asia Pacific delegates had the opportunity to attend several comprehensive educational conferences with topics ranging from data management, best practices and benchmarking, managing travellers across generations to industry updates and outlooks which were offered by an advisory panel of experienced regional travel managers, together with Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE).

At the same time, the two-day Association Days @ IT&CMA was expanded from October 1 to 2 included education forums, destination presentations, business appointments and networking sessions. It was further strengthened by new partnerships with MPI International and World PCO Alliance. While Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (site) joined the supporting association line-up by delivering customised content for the Corporate Performance educational forums.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau hosted the opening ceremony and welcome reception which was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The theme of the evening’s function was ‘Absolute Happiness’.

Welcome reception hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Country exhibitors at the IT&CMA & CTW held at the Bangkok Convention Centre.

Media representatives worldwide attended press conferences and media briefings of the show.

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce Host the 28th CACCI Conference

By | 2014, Press Room

This year, members of Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry or CACCI, are looking beyond 2020 with the region as the engine for sustainable growth. Along this theme, the international gathering of representatives from 20 nations met in Kuala Lumpur for their annual conference, hosted by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce.

CACCI mentioned the president, Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, will be approaching its 50th anniversary in 2016, and with some 26 nations as members, can with some justication claim to be one of the strongest private sector voices in Asia and the Pacific; speaking for the wider business community in a way that governments find difficult. This year, marked the confederation’s 28th annual conference which is jointly hosted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

Topics covered during the three days among others include discovering business opportunities through CACCI, supporting the growth of SME and entrepreneurship, investment opportunites in hydropower and green energy, SME development and women entreprenuership, ensuring food security and the sustainable use of natural resources, the digital economy and empowering of youth in entreprenuership and innovation.

MICE Business in Thailand Returns to Normal – TCEB Organises a Familiarisation Tour of Bangkok and Khon Kaen

By | 2014, Press Room

To quote SekWannamethee, director general of the department of information and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in a press conference, “The situation in Thailand is now peaceful and secure, as reflected in the satisfaction of both ordinary citizens and the business community.”

Taking advantage of the situation of back-to-business for MICE, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and the Rachprasong Square Trade Association invited several members of the media from around the world to get re-acquainted with the country’s foremost MICE destination – its capital Bangkok. This at the same time to introduce Thailand’s newly designated MICE destination in the North, Khon Kaen as a gateway to Indochina and South of China.

The Thailand CONNECT 2014 – ISAN Indulgence Media Familiarisation Trip began from September 6 to 11 with a tour beginning in Bangkok.

Itinerary in Bangkok:

Welcome Reception ‘Bangkok Happiness Extravaganza’ hosted by Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Thailand CONNECT 2014 – Isan Indulgence International media briefing conducted by TCEB, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.

Bangkok Themed Dinner ‘Bangkok Finest’ held at the Issaya Siamese Club hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

Media Briefing by the Airport of Thailand at the CIP Lounge of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Programme in Khon Kaen:

A corporate social responsibility activity ‘Shelves for Child’ was organised for members of the media to assemble do-it-yourself shelves, cupboards and stools for a village school. Books and stationeries were also donated to the school children.

Dinner with the theme ‘A Poem Sacred to the Memory of ISAAN’ held at Suphanniga Home Boutique Hotel and a welcome speech by the deputy governor of Khon Kaen.

A visit was made to a temple and the town’s local museum, the Moon Muang with archeological artefacts and displays related to the history and culture of the people of Khon Kaen.

Return to Bangkok – lunch and cooking class ‘Eat Play Love’ was held at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok.

A presentation held on the National Convention Centre and the production of the Muay Thai show.

Farewell Dinner at Benihana, Japanese restaurant.

Travel by shuttle boat and visit the popular retail and food and beverage venue of Asiatique at The Riverfront. Members of the media watched the spectacular choreographed live performance of the legend of Muay Thai at the Asiatique theatre.

MICE in Asia would like to thank Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and the Rachprasong Square Trade Association for the media familiarisation tour of Bangkok and Khon Kaen. Also our appreciation goes to InterContinental Bangkok and Centara Hotel and Convention Centre Khon Kaen for their hospitality.

China Shenzhen International Tourism Expo 2014

By | 2014, Press Room

The exhibition is scheduled to be held from November 6 to 8 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. It will bring together exhibitors from 60 countries covering Asia, Africa, Europe, United States and the Americas. Also nearly 10,000 professional buyers are expected to participate in the exhibition.

While the expo area itself is set on a 20,000 square-metre space with the exhibition divided into sections on tourism organisation, tourist attractions, outdoor exhibition, exhibition equipment, exhibition facilities and travel service providers.

For more information on the expo, please visit www.szite.com.cn

MICE in Asia is a media partner of the Shenzhen International Tourism Expo 2014.

Strong Support for the 34th ASEAN Tourism Forum to be Hosted in Myanmar Next Year

By | 2014, Press Room

Industry response for next year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) has been positive, with over 350 TRAVEX (travel exchange) booths contracted, and some 550 applications for the Hosted Buyers Programme. The TRAVEX sellers, made up of suppliers of ASEAN travel and tourism products and services, come from the 10 member nations of ASEAN – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – altogether will take up 8,000 square metres of space.

Participation from host country Myanmar is at an all-time high. U Phyoe Wai Yar Zar, Chairman of Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM), said, “The local hoteliers, tour operators and other players in the industry are very much looking forward to next year’s event, this being the first time that ATF is coming to Myanmar. It will be our opportunity to share our country’s rich history and culture with the rest of the world.” MTM is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organisation that functions as the marketing arm of Myanmar Tourism Federation, under the guidance of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Hosted by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the theme adopted for the show is ‘ASEAN – Tourism towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership’.

It has also been confirmed that the official venue for ATF 2015 will be the Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) 1. While the key components of the official ATF 2015 programme such as TRAVEX and ASEAN Tourism Conference, will be held at the newly completed 60,000 square-metre exhibition and convention centre. The venue has hosted numerous national level meetings and international business events, including the recently concluded 24thASEAN Summit.

The ATF 2015 will run from 22 to 29 January in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar,

For more information on ATF 2015, please visit www.atf-2015.com.

Table-Top Format for the Second Installment of the IT&CM India

By | 2014, Press Room

Once again domestic and international corporate travel managers and MICE professionals from around the world were brought together in Delhi for another of the IT&CM series. Exhibitors from Japan were the Sapporo Convention Bureau, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Korea was represented by Busan Metropolitan City, Tourisam New Zealand and India, the ITC Hotels, Taj Group, Creative Travels and Travelite to name a few that participated at the show.

Both exhibitors and buyers had the opportunity to explore business, education and networking opportunities during the three days. Aside from the business-to-business session, the IT&CM education component in collaboration with KW Conferences of the association day opened to a full house of delegates with a series of educational sessions by expert speakers from various industries such as the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, Indian Tea Association, ICCA and Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts. The Euromic member from India, Creative Travels was represented by Rajeev Kohli who introduced the event and destination partnership to the media at a press conference.