Category

2018

Generosity of Cathay Pacific Passengers Make a Difference in Lives of Children around the World

By | 2018

The Cathay Pacific Group and the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF Hong Kong) announced that a total of HKD11.7 million was raised from the Change for Good in flight fundraising programme in 2017.

This partnership according to Judy Chen, chairman of UNICEF Hong Kong, has engaged millions of Cathay Pacific passengers in contributing to UNICEF’s global mission of giving every child a chance to survive and thrive.

Rupert Hogg, Cathay Pacific’s chief executive officer mentioned that he is deeply touched by the overwhelming generosity of the passengers in enabling the airline, to raise nearly HKD190 million over the years of the Change for Good programme.

Since its launch in 1991, the programme has successfully converted spare change from Cathay Pacific passengers into supplies and services to improve the lives of vulnerable children worldwide. The airline has designated HKD2.73 million out of the total donation in 2017 to support UNICEF’s Schools for Asia programme in Myanmar and India.

The thematic programme which aligns with one of the airline’s key community engagement endeavours of promoting youth development aims to; provide quality and sustainable learning for children. A particular focus is on disadvantaged children who are less likely to receive education because of their gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic location or economic circumstance.

Summer of 2019 Cathay Pacific will offer daily a non-stop service to Seattle strengthening the only direct link between Hong Kong and the bustling city on the west coast of the United States.  Flown by the airline’s technologically-advanced Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the Seattle route is Cathay Pacific’s eighth to the United States that follows existing services to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), New York (Newark), San Francisco and Washington DC.

Above:  Rupert Hogg, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Pacific (2nd from right) and Director Customer, Simon Large (2nd from left) with UNICEF Hong Kong Chairman, Judy Chen (centre).
Top left:  Cathay Pacific employees visiting a kindergarten in Guizhou, China.
Top right:  Observing a class of girls attending school in Nepal.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor (KLIM) 2018 Show Fuels Motoring Excitement

By | 2018

The motor show returned this year at a bigger venue of 50,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Malaysia International Trade and Convention Centre over a period of 10 days with more than 300,000 visitors.  This year‘s theme ‘Beyond Mobility’ is the ninth installation of the event which saw new model launches, new automobile concepts, latest power train offerings including futuristic connectivity technology showcased by vehicle manufacturers.

Malaysia’s largest and most significant motor show traditionally KLIM, is a branding show where auto companies showcase their latest product offerings, automotive superiority and engineering visions.  This is in contrast to other motor shows in the region that are more of sales events.

On display were concept cars, new vehicle launches and previews, car shows, automotive product demonstrations, vintage and classic cars, lucky draws and celebrity appearance happened daily at the show.

Also Commercial vehicles made their presence felt with C.A.M, Isuzu, Daihatsu, UD Trucks and TATA Group bringing in an impressive showcase of workhorses.

‘Meet the Expert Talk’ during the show provided with visitors on know-how and technicalities on the workings of a car engine and shared their experiences and tips on the track and on the road.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is the organiser of Kuala Lumpur International Motor (KLIM) Show.

 

 

International Exhibitors Return to AIME 2019

By | 2018, Uncategorized

A series of international exhibitors are returning to showcase at the 2019 event. Leading the comeback are the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Dubai Business Events & Convention Bureau (DBE).

This notable return to AIME comes as a result of the refreshed vision, which has overhauled the way that exhibitors take part in the event – sharpening the focus to a positive return on investment through rigorous curation of the buyer program and format that meetings are delivered.

TCEB is using the 2019 event as a major platform to meet with new and existing clients will maximise networking as well as, launch a global rewards program for event buyers. TCEB Australia Representative, Nicole Tingey from Clockwise Consulting commented: “Australia and the broader APAC region has strong ties with the Kingdom of Thailand, and AIME presents the perfect opportunity to promote Thailand as a key destination for Business Events due to its excellent reputation for service, aviation links, high quality hotels, convention centres and appealing choice of experiences for incentive groups.”

Other international exhibitors attending the 2019 event include Hawaii Tourism Authority, Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau – all set to reveal a new rewards campaign; and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB), who will be showcasing their new Banc of California Stadium and the highly anticipated renovation of the LA Convention Centre.

“The interest that we’ve received from both international and regional exhibitors has been monumental. Whilst they span very different industries, they are all signing up for the same reason – to meet and connect with more quality buyers from across APAC who are ready to do business,” said Matt Pearce, chief executive officer of Talk2 Media & Events.

Only three months to go before the industry event open, AIME 2019 has already confirmed quality buyers from across 32 different countries, with 48 percent having never attended AIME before and 65 percent originating from outside of Australia.

AIME 2019 will run from February 18 to 20 and for more information, please visit aime.com.au.

Banc of California Stadium (left) and Los Angeles Stadium (right) showcase by the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board (LATCB)  at AIME 2019.

Free Independent Travellers Fastest Growing Sector in Asia – Survey by ITE Hong Kong Travel Fair

By | 2018

More wealthy Chinese are now travelling abroad. China’s Xinhua News Agency reported 43 percent of Chinese tourists visiting France are free independent travellers which will rise to 50 percent in 2019 and 70 percent to Australia.

While the Hong Kong’s quality outbound market is big according to the travel fair. The city was named, by UNWTO as the World’s 10th largest market by total outbound spending in 2016 and ranked among the top ten markets by per capita spending in 2017. Hong Kong outbound spending rose 5.8 percent to USD25.5 billion. Hong Kong up-market free independent travellers dominate the city’s outbound market, taking multiple holidays each year.

Launched over 30 years ago, the annual ITE Hong Kong is the city’s only travel fair. Its 2018 survey collected over 3,000 replies found 84 percent of ITE’s 90,000 public visitors are free independent travellers or travel in private tours.

ITE offers exhibitors B2B and B2C programs each with free and optional services which can include: promotions in pre-show e-newsletters; business matching for quick appointments  between buyers and sellers; speaking opportunities; assistance in holding seminars; sponsorships; online and on-site advertising.

www.itehk.com

Melbourne Hosts Business Events Australia Greater China Showcase

By | 2018

Delegates from China visited an array of venues that are quintessentially Melbourne and located in close proximity of the city’s vibrant commercial business district.  Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP), home of the Australian Open were featured during the three day visit.

“Our venues can enhance incentive events for delegates, whilst showcasing the best that our beautiful city has to offer. Guests will be delighted and inspired by our unique venues from intimate dinners to large scale conferences, our attention to detail and bespoke offerings, form the perfect bedrock to build connections and memorable moments,” said Lara Burnes, general manager premier events and experiences of Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

M&OP venues include:  Rod Laver Arena (Centre Court) for hosting intimate gatherings within its exciting open spaces; AAMI Park, the site of the nation’s most historical sporting moments; and Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena – both of which present one of the most exciting large-scale event formats for guests from 200 up to 8500 with flexibility for formal dinners, cocktail-style events, galas and conferences.

Looking to 2022, a new state-of-the-art conference centre will join M&OP’s list of arenas, stadiums and venues with capacity to host 3000 guests. The new development promises to elevate M&OP’s capabilities with bookings available from early 2019.

Lara Burnes can be contacted at lburnes@mopt.vic.gov.au or visit www.melbournepark.com.au

New Infrastructures boost Travel Fair ITE Hong Kong’s Coverage on the Greater Bay Area

By | 2018

The Greater Bay Area which is a Chinese government’s initiative to link cities of Hong Kong, Macau Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Fohsan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing into an integrated economic and business hub, have a cumulative GDP of USD1.69 trillion with a population of 68 million.

Trade show ITE Hong Kong drew in 2018 just from these cities, exhibitors taking nearly 20 stands and some 2,000 buyers and trade visitors.

The new mega bridge across the Pearl River and the new China’s Express Rail extension to Hong Kong, which further cuts down travel time especially for journey between Hong Kong and southwest Guangdong, will greatly enhance linkage and integration of this world class cities cluster, thus likely boost effective coverage of ITE on the Bay and other parts of China.

This year, ITE’s two trade days which required registration for admission drew: 12,460 buyers and visitors (Hong Kong 73 percent, China 21 percent others 6 percent); 6,580 travel agents and 2,567 MICE and corporations; 666 exhibitors (87 percent from abroad and China); 30 official pavilions with China and Japan taking two very large pavilions each consisting of around 90 stands.

Its two public days saw over 90,000 up-market visitors with 84 percent of free and independent travellers that made up of 42 percent who are university educated with 34 percent of post secondary level all of whom are likely English speaking and, take multiple holidays a year.

ITE highlight theme travels, hosted over 30 seminars, events and forums for trade and professionals, and over 100 travel seminars for FIT etc. The show’s B2B program and B2C program included pre-show e-newsletters and onsite advertising, business matching, speaking opportunities, sponsorships and seminars.

Organised by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd, the ITE is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong Tourism Board.  ITE Hong Kong 2019 which will be the 33rd ITE (leisure) and the 14th ITE MICE will be held from June 13 to 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Please visit www.itehk.com for more details and any enquiries contact the organiser TKS Exhibition Services Ltd at travel@tkshk.com, Tel: +852 31550600 or by Wechat: itehongkong QQ: 3171980

Norwegian Jewel Sails to Asian Waters for the Winter

By | 2018

The ship has undergone a complete refurbishment with the most extensive enhancement project undertaken by the Norwegian Cruise line. Norwegian Jewels now offer a seven day cruise from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and Hong Kong before joining the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy in Alaska for the summer of 2019.

What passengers can expect onboard the Norwegian Jewel is a refreshed and updated dining, bar and lounge.

All of Norwegian Jewel’s 1,188 staterooms have been upgraded with new carpet, artwork and furniture.  The Haven by Norwegian has been updated to the courtyard with additional cabanas on the sun deck. There are now two new Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites of nearly 1,200 square feet featuring private Jacuzzis and large balconies.  While the Atrium has been revitalised with a new look, a refurbished shore excursion desk and reception surrounded by a relaxed seating area with a large TV screen.

The refurbishment of Norwegian Jewel is part of The Norwegian Edge  program which reaffirms the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across the fleet.

Buyers Preference Selection is Now Open for AIME

By | 2018

The trade show has announced the launch of its meetings software for the 2019 event, which will carefully match 32 guaranteed pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs) between buyers and exhibitors.

With meeting preferences opening earlier than ever before, the bespoke algorithm, designed for AIME in partnership with Centium Software, matches the preferences of buyers with the services and capabilities of exhibitors through the EventsAir® portal.

Once buyers’ registrations are reference checked and approved, they are able to begin their preference selection which includes a range of criteria questions spanning preferred destinations, capacity, product strengths, buyer types and budgets – all of which will then be used to match the most relevant and mutually beneficial meetings with AIME exhibitors.

Approved hosted buyers and confirmed exhibitors, will be given the opportunity to pre-connect via the buyer zone portal which opens in mid-January or through the AIME app. Both parties can then begin the exchange of relevant business information to ensure the most effective use of time at the event.

Each hosted buyer and exhibitor can expect to have 60 percent of their diary carefully filled with the first round of scheduled matching.  While 40 percent of the diary will be opened up to pre-registered trade buyers and media with all diary holders free, to organise appointments with AIME attendees they are specifically interested in meeting.

The technology will also extend into how appointments roll out on event day taking into consideration, the show’s floor plan and pre-empting travel time between each meeting. This new software also assures buyers that should they missed a meeting their appointment, will be rescheduled automatically.

AIME’s partnership with Centium Software is one of many new elements that are part of its refreshed event strategy, promising more measurable return on investment for exhibitors and buyers alike.

For more details or to submit interest in attending AIME in 2019, please visit aime.com.au.

First Look at AIME 2019 Knowledge Program

By | 2018

The education content of the new program has been elevated to focus on idea sharing that draws the community together to challenge the status quo.  Sponsored by Melbourne Convention Bureau, AIME’s Knowledge Program has been created with the input from the show’s key partners of Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

Also for the first time, both buyers and exhibitors will be able to attend the educational sessions together. The Monday program ensures participants have a connected learning journey focused on a number of topics, including thought-provoking plenary talks designed to challenge thinking and intensive skill based workshops.

Other dynamic sessions are by invitation only Leaders Forum for c-suite executive, to MEA’s two-day event management workshop program opened to students and the broader AIME community. Hosted by the renowned community builder and entrepreneur, Fabian Pfortmüller, who has dedicated his career to understanding communities, believes the open-source framework will help the business event industry from across the Asia Pacific region grow.

ICCA’s integral Business Exchange will now be anchored at AIME, and from the organisation are several sessions debating on a number of topics that touch  which also covers on the role and relevance of professional conference organisers (PCOs). Meanwhile, SITE will present results from its industry-wide survey of the incentive travel industry at the show in 2019.

AIME Knowledge will look at engagement beyond content that is: from ideas on how to challenge the meeting norms and create a culture of innovation; to recognising unconscious biases and building meaningful communities with ongoing connections.

AIME 2019 to Increase International Buyer Attendance – the Refreshed Event to deliver the Largest and Most Diverse Group of Asia Pacific Based Buyers

By | 2018

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) announced its commitment to bringing more quality buyers from across globe, with 60 percent originating outside of Australia. Four months before the industry event commences (February 18 to 20), AIME 2019 has already confirmed over 200 quality buyers from across 32 different countries, with 42 percent having never attended AIME before.

To qualify, all buyers must provide examples of budgets they manage, past events they have organised and details of scheduled events that will take place in the next five years. Additionally, they must pass four compulsory industry reference checks.

“Through rigorous curation, we are committed to bringing buyers and exhibitors from across the whole Asia Pacific so that AIME is reflective of the diversity and depth of the region. It’s about the right people, selling or buying, being on the show floor ready to do business”, said Matt Pearce, chief executive officer of Talk2 Media & Events.

At the same time, the new vetting process has added some flexibility allowing buyers to attend AIME 2019 in two ways either as a Hosted Buyer or as a Pre-Registered Trade Buyer – both providing a clear and measurable return on investment.

Under the Hosted Buyer Program, you will be provided with a return flight and accommodation at four to five-star hotels which is carefully located close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hosted attendees will be required to commit to 32 pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs) and attend all formal networking events as well as, Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Uncover Melbourne Program.

For a moderate fee, pre-registered trade buyers have the option to select the number of pre-scheduled appointments they wish to make, participate in all networking events and, have the choice to attend one, two or three days of AIME 2019.

Submit your interest in attending in AIME 2019 and for more details visit aime.com.au