New ways to do business

PREVIEW

OFFICIALAIMEDAILY24th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

M E L B O U R N E 2 0 1 6

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre • 23-24 February, 2016

A new Welcome Event, hosted by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), a new Hosted Buyer program and a new face to lead the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME). Under the helm of Event Director Ian Wainwright, AIME is set to hit refresh this year, delivering new ideas, new ways to do business, new ways to network and new ways to find inspiration.

Owned by MCB, the 24th annual AIME will connect a global community of over 4000 people for two powerful days of networking, education and business. Visitors will be able to engage with more than 500 exhibitors who will be showcasing the best the events industry has to offer, plus attend a series of dedicated networking events and be inspired by the line-up of internationally renowned industry speakers.

This year AIME has also partnered with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) offering Hosted Buyers unprecedented education sessions.

Karen Bolinger, MCB’s Chief Executive Officer,

says the new partnership is based on feedback from last year’s Hosted Buyers who were keen to explore education opportunities, but were kept busy with site inspections and exhibitor appointments.

“So for the first time, Hosted Buyers will enjoy a dedicated education program the day prior to AIME powered by PCMA,” says Bolinger.

The Hosted Buyer appointment system has also been refreshed with a transition to Reed Travel Exhibitions’ tried and tested platform, which will be complemented by webinars and manuals for Exhibitors to maximise use of the appointment system, alongside a new pro-active customer concierge service.

AIME Knowledge will be even more accessible with its new home within lecture theatres on the show floor, and will include relevant content for buyers and exhibitors, while Saxton “up close and personal” sessions will provide visitors with in-depth knowledge and first-hand accounts of international business, the meaning of courage, entrepreneurship and technology, connectivity in the world, small

business innovation and the high performance team.

A Networking Hour will take place on the show floor between 4:45-6pm on Tuesday, while the Community Hub returns, offering an inspiring environment in the middle of the show floor for show-goers to meet, share and connect.

Kicking it all off on Monday night, the AIME Welcome Event hosted by MCB, in collaboration with Australian events agency EMG, will showcase “One Year in Melbourne in One Night” with an immersive “Made in Melbourne” experience not to be missed.

Having attended AIME a number of times over its history, Wainwright says he is excited to be leading the region’s top business event show in its 24th year.

“I’m delighted and proud to now be at the helm; leading a talented and passionate team and working in tandem with the MCB to deliver a show that’s integral to doing business in the events industry,” he says.

2 AIMEPreview 2016

AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

The highly anticipated and hugely popular Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) Welcome Event hosted by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is back by popular demand, with Australian events agency EMG tasked with packing “One Year in Melbourne in One Night”.

MCB Chief Executive Officer Karen Bolinger says the AIME Welcome Event is looking set to be one of the best yet.

“As the events capital of Australia Melburnians know how to put on a show and we are looking forward to showcasing the best of Melbourne to our international,

The AIME Welcome Event hosted by MCB will take place on Monday, February 22, at 7pm and will be located within five minutes of the CBD.

Tickets are $150 and available to purchase here.

MCB and Reed Travel Exhibitions, which has been extended until 2018, AIME 2016 will have a range of new elements all of which ensure that it continues to provide a forum for all industry members to network, do business and share industry knowledge.

“AIME is entering a new era, one that will see collaboration and inspiration re-invigorate the whole experience for attendees and stakeholders, and one made possible in part by the knowledge and history brought to the table by the team at Reed,” says Bolinger.

“Reed is a global leader in running business event tradeshows and bring to the table

“The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) is still as relevant today as it was 24 years ago,” says Karen Bolinger, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).

“However it needs to continually evolve to capture the new trends, issues and opportunities that exist within the business events industry. The brand direction of ‘where inspiration begins’ captures this evolution and we have changed the way we deliver the expo with the idea of AIME being the showcase business event that provides inspiration to all who attend.”

Continuing the strong partnership between

considerable experience that we can leverage to deliver a successful show for attendees.”

With a number of new initiatives and old favourites returning this year, Bolinger says she is excited by the return of the Welcome Event on Monday night.

“The event is open to anyone in the industry who has pre-registered to attend and will be an action packed evening of wow moments as well as provide a fantastic opportunity to network with industry,” she says.

“The Community Hub will be reinvigorated as a destination to be inspired, meet, share and connect. The AIME Knowledge sessions will run over two days on the show floor and held in shorter bite sized sessions making them more accessible for visitors.”

Inspiration is the theme for AIME 2016, something Bolinger is passionate about.

“I’m inspired on a regular basis by attending events and having the opportunity to network with not only our industry but outside it to gather ideas and be challenged in a different mindset,” she says.

“The dedication of my team and their unwavering work ethic to secure and deliver business events for Victoria is a daily source of inspiration.”

A new era

domestic and local guests,” she says.

“Melbourne is renowned for its unique culture, world-class food and wine and bustling major events calendar so we wanted to give our guests a taste of this over the course of the evening.

“The AIME Welcome Event is the ideal platform to network with industry associates in a casual and entertaining setting before the hard work begins the following day as the two-day tradeshow commences.”

EMG director Peter Jack says guests will encounter a sensory experience, with EMG recreating Melbourne’s most heralded attributes over three-hours.

“EMG has focused exclusively on Melbourne’s cultural icons to create a truly immersive ‘only in Melbourne’ experience,” he says.

“Guests will be led through themed culinary pockets, dedicated to the region’s fresh produce, culminating in a performance that celebrates all that is uniquely Melbourne.”

While the location and agenda is being kept firmly under wraps, Melbourne-born fashion designer Linda Britten and Australian opera singer Dimity Shepherd are both playing a

starring role at the event, as is Melbourne’s iconic food scene.

“EMG is bringing a quintessential ‘Melbourne’ experience to international and local visitors, showcasing the incredible produce, locations, multi-cultural community and iconic events we are known for,” Jack says.

“The Welcome Event will comprise a multi-media, sensory experience, celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, food, cafe life and festivals of which the City is renowned.

“The food scene has exploded in Melbourne and that’s due to Victoria’s brilliant fresh produce. Attendees will experience theatrical food demonstrations, energetic interactions with the culinary experts themselves, and every type of morsel from St Kilda’s fish ’n chips, to China Town inspired nibbles.”

A welcome return

AIMEPreview 2016 3

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The top 10 things to do at AIME 2016

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 24

Where: Show floor

A LIST Open House is a dedicated area where Visitors and Hosted Buyers can meet with new event suppliers and boutique venues to gain inspiration.

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday February 24.

Where: Show floor

Take your taste buds on a journey of discovery at this year’s two exclusive restaurant. ‘A Taste of Malaysia’ Restaurant sponsored by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau will serve a delicious range of authentic meals. While the ‘Made by MCEC’ Restaurant will showcase a number of local flavours to keep you satisfied and your energy levels up.

Globe restaurant Refuel with delicious delights6

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 24.

Where: The Knowledge Lounge

Saxton “up close and personal” sessions with some of Australia’s most well-known personalities. Enjoy first-hand accounts of international business, the meaning of courage, entrepreneurship and technology, connectivity in the world, small business innovation and the high performance team from an inspirational line-up of speakers.

When: Anytime

Find out why Melbourne has been voted the most liveable city so many times. Gritty laneways, shopping meccas and Federation Square are all walking distance from the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Explore Melbourne city and surrounds10

2016 AIME Welcome Event ‘One Year in Melbourne in One Night’

1

When: Monday, February 22, at 7pm.

Where: Secret location five minutes from CBD.

2016 AIME Welcome Event, hosted by Melbourne Convention Bureau. Everything that makes Melbourne a world-class city, in three hours.

AIME Knowledge Program

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 24.

Where: The Knowledge Lounge

A range of innovative, creative and cutting-edge sessions delivered by industry experts. Brush up on those areas best suited to your business and get the lowdown on what is happening in the global industry.

Saxton ‘up close and personal’ sessions3

4 Hosted Buyer Education Program powered by PCMA

When: Monday, February 22.

Where: Clarendon Auditorium, Melbourne

Convention & Exhibition Centre

Dedicated Hosted Buyer Education Program powered by Professional Convention Man-agement Association (PCMA). Credible and relevant sessions designed to produce tangi-ble results. Sherrif Karamat, Chief Operating Officer at PCMA, will give the opening keynote presentation.

5 Travel the world

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 24.

Where: Show floor

More than 500 national and international exhibitors are coming from across the world including the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Korea Tourism Organisation, Japan Tourism Organisation, Sabah Tourism, New Zealand, San Francisco Travel Association and the Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism.

7 Networking Hour

When: Tuesday, February 23, 4:45pm-6:00pm

Where: Show floor

Enjoy informal networking drinks and nibbles with Exhibitors on their stands. This is the perfect opportunity to make connections with new business leads and follow up with colleagues and existing suppliers.

When: Tuesday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 24.

Where: Show floor

The AIME Community Hub returns, offering an inspring environment in the middle of the show floor for show-goers to meet, share and connect.

8 Community Hub

9 A List Open House

The #AIMEinspo hashtag has been introduced for AIME 2016 to provide a forum for exhibitors, buyers, visitors, suppliers and media to share their inspiration. AIME has a community of more than 4000 members all working in the events industry, with stories, tips, ideas and information to share.

2

Hashtag inspiration

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On the menu

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Executive Chef Peter Haycroft took over the helm of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest commercial kitchen last year, with this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo his first.

Q: How has the perception of the convention centre culinary offering changed over your career?

A: I’ve seen a large shift away from the more conservative, safe catering approach, to a more experimental menu offering due to both improvements in equipment and cooking techniques. Event attendees now expect the best, rather than anticipating the worse, and due to the competitive nature of the industry these days convention centres can’t afford to offer anything less than their very best.

Q: What’s an average day for you at the Centre?

A: My day always begins with a strong coffee, while assessing what’s on for the day and week ahead. Key parts of my day are focused on ensuring our chefs and the wider team have everything they need to

succeed in their job, including produce and equipment. Menu development and research is taking up a large majority of my time at present, as we prepare to launch our new 2016 menu at AIME. Customer menu tastings are also a regular occurrence, along with supplier meetings. I also oversee and partake in service for any events taking place on the day.

Q: Do you get to roll up your sleeves and get hands on in the kitchen at all?

A: Every day! Menu development is a huge part of my role and requires me to be hands on in the kitchen, trialling new recipes and techniques while encouraging the team to do the same. It’s important that I am active and have a profile in the kitchen, so that I am accessible to my team, aware of what is happening and can provide assistance where

needed.

Q: The focus on regional fresh produce is key to the Centre’s high reputation – how hard is that to achieve on such a large scale?

A: We work very closely with our suppliers, in particular our smaller boutique growers, to make sure they will be able to meet our order requirements. This takes a lot of forward planning and in many instances requires them to grow to order. The key to delivering consistent fresh produce is to make sure the menu is tailored to the local seasonal offering. This way we are able to source large volumes without compromising on quality.

Q: Victoria is blessed with some great producers – any favourites?

A: Koo Wee Rup Asparagus, Sher Wagyu, Tarago Olives and Glenora Heritage Produce just to

name a few. There are so many terrific suppliers – the diversity and quality available in Victoria is honestly some of the best in the world.

Q: Who are your culinary heroes?

A: My parents owned a local pub in North Melbourne when I was growing up. Our head chef, Wally Wu was the person who inspired my love of cooking and encouraged me to take up an apprenticeship. World-renowned French chef Paul Bocuse also had a major influence on me during my early years. He was the “Mick Jagger” of cooking with his innovative approach to cuisines and passion for fresh, quality produce.

Q: What can attendees to AIME expect from the Centre is terms of the food offering this year?

A: Our “Made” Restaurant on the exhibition floor will be serving up an array of cuisines for delegates to enjoy. We’ll be taking advantage of our incredible smoking equipment to serve up American BBQ styles, with smoked, slow roasted and brined meats on offer with house-made slaw and sauces. We’ll also be utilising our pastry team’s skills to plate up a range of house-made bakery treats, including the old-fashioned Aussie meat pie.

Q: Is AIME a good showcase for the Centre’s food philosophy?

A: AIME is always the perfect opportunity for us to launch our new menu, which strongly focusses on our food philosophy. It’s also a great opportunity for our chefs to have a presence on the show floor, share their passion and showcase what they do best!

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: My family and friends inspire me every day, and I also draw a lot from my travels. The young, talented chefs I have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis also play a key a role – they teach me as much as I teach them.

Crown Towers Perth – Opening Soon

Experience unparalleled luxury with 500 exquisitely appointed guest rooms boasting

magnificent views, in addition to state of the art resort facilities and events space.

For more information, visit crowntowersperth.com.au

Meet the team at booth 3928 during AIME and enquire about hosting your next

event at this six star property.

AIMEPreview 2016 5

AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA www.cimmagazine.com

Crown Towers Perth – Opening Soon

Experience unparalleled luxury with 500 exquisitely appointed guest rooms boasting

magnificent views, in addition to state of the art resort facilities and events space.

For more information, visit crowntowersperth.com.au

Meet the team at booth 3928 during AIME and enquire about hosting your next

event at this six star property.

AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA www.cimmagazine.com

6 AIMEPreview 2016

Q: You come from an event organiser background and have been to AIME as a buyer seven times – how different does it feel being on the other side of the fence this year?

A: Having attended AIME a number of times over its long history and witnessing the many stages of transformation, I feel it’s an exciting challenge to deliver the pinnacle event for a passionate events community. I’m also delighted and proud to be leading a talented and passionate team, and working in tandem with Melbourne Convention Bureau to deliver

the 24th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in 2016.

From my conversations with the industry, I’ve found people love AIME for many different reasons – whether it’s the Welcome Event they remember, a key speaker who left an impression, or that feeling as visitors walk through the exhibition of being part of a huge creative industry; it’s this vibrancy and variety that makes AIME a worthy investment for exhibitors, visitors and hosted buyers year on year.

Q: What are you most looking

The new face of AIME

Join us for canapés & drinks to launch the Inspire Association

Award 2016. Win $5000 to attend an

international conference of your choice!

Tuesday 23rd February4:30 - 6:00pm

Western Australia Stand 3932

For further informationplease contact:

Caitlin CraigDirector Community Relationsccraig@pcb.com.au08 9218 2903

Event Director Ian Wainwright hit the ground running when he took on the role late last year. He talks about what he’s most looking forward to over the course of the show.

forward to this year?

A: I’m very much looking forward to connecting with the AIME community. AIME is ultimately about doing business and gaining inspiration from all areas within the show. Seeing new exhibitors and welcoming new buyers and visitors on the show floor is hugely important and keeping abreast of industry trends is vital.

I’m also excited to experience the revamped AIME Knowledge Program, a series of education seminars, which draws inspiration from our global ibtm events portfolio and will deliver the highest quality information and global intelligence. The up close and personal sessions with inspiring speakers from Saxton Speaker Bureau will also join the line-up in 2016. These educational seminars will take place in the new purpose built Knowledge Lounge, located for the first time on the buzzing show floor.

Inspiration and learning is a key component of AIME and the entire AIME Knowledge Program is accessible free of charge for all attendees.

Q: The Welcome Event is back – how important is that to the show?

A: We’re very excited to bring

the AIME Welcome Event back! Melbourne Convention Bureau has been working hard to create a truly memorable and unique experience by showcasing ‘One Year in Melbourne in One Night’. It will provide the highly anticipated once-a-year social and business networking environment that is unique to AIME. This is one Melbourne event not to be missed!

Q: What will you be doing on the show floor over the two days?

A: Talking with exhibitors, introducing hosted buyers to new connections, exploring the Community Hub, leading media and VIPs on tours of the show floor, connecting with our partners and sponsors of the show and popping into the education sessions.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: Other than my family and friends, I often find inspiration from meeting with people in the industry, whether they are the newcomers with fresh ideas or the pioneers who have learnt the tricks of the trade and continue to think outside the box. I’m also fortunate to work with an extremely passionate group of individuals who inspire me every day.

Watch video here

AIMEPreview 2016 7

AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA www.cimmagazine.com

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MEETINGS | INCENTIVES | CONFERENCES | CHARTERS | EXECUTIVE RETREATS

The business of doing international business at AIMEWith a large contingent of international buyers attending this year’s AIME, understanding the key motivations that inspire them to book Australia is important to making the most out of these appointments.

As Australia’s dedicated international destination marketing agency, Tourism Australia works across the globe to promote Australia as a business events and leisure destination, and regularly conducts research in key international markets. The recent Consumer Demand Research project for example, which gathered intelligence from over 10 target markets, highlighted that while rational factors such as safety and security and quality accommodation are important,

the greater influence on final destination choice can sometimes be more emotive.

The availability of exclusive experiences in spectacular natural settings, good quality food and wine, and friendly welcoming people are three key triggers to choosing a destination for example, and as Australia scores highly for international business events buyers in these areas, it provides plenty of opportunities for Australian industry.

Also looking for these key experiences, but with a much greater understanding of the Australian business events offer is the New Zealand market. Tourism Australia’s research into the incentive opportunity in New Zealand showed that whilst Kiwis are well aware of Australia’s beauty and our industry’s capabilities, they are constantly looking for the latest news and ‘next big thing’ for incentives. Effectively communicating what differentiates your product to that

of competitors, and giving them new ideas on how to customise your offer to their needs will see you make the most of your appointments with NZ buyers.

The CDP highlighted Australia’s ease of flight connections and proximity as competitive advantages for the South East Asia market, but with many buyers familiar with Australia, they are looking for new inspiration for their next itinerary. Once again experiences that provide spectacular access to nature – whale watching, dining under the stars, hot air ballooning, or cuddling koalas – are highly sought after, as are added value benefits they can pass this onto their clients.

For Greater China, personal relationships and taking the time and effort to build these over time are very important and can assist to deliver business in the future. Buyers from this market are also looking for businesses that can cater specifically to

their needs, therefore highlight anything specific you offer – in language experiences or guides, special menus or amenities, etc. Insights from the CDP also note that as the China market matures, business events planners will increasingly seek out new experiences, such as surfing lessons, museum visits, and regional destinations.

Wildlife, enjoying food and wine and visiting our cities are all on the list for many American planners according to the CDP, but for those who haven’t been here before a mixture of information and inspiration is key. Help them visualise an itinerary that includes your product by providing logistical information such as where exactly you’re located, the distance between your product and key infrastructure such as the international airport or hotels, and what they will experience of Australian culture, people or landscapes.

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With health, wellbeing and sustainability increasingly top of mind for clients, AccorHotels have introduced Mindful Meetings by Mercure - a new signature offering. Designed to deliver richer, more meaningful meeting experiences, Mindful Meetings by Mercure drive better outcomes for clients and are more fun and engaging for delegates.

Mercure’s Mindful Meetings packages remove the hard work for clients, with meeting spaces dressed to inspire collaboration, food and beverage options designed to promote concentration and a suite of creative interventions, ranging from meditation to energy boosting activities, to ensure the mood and energy of delegates is maintained throughout the day.

Meeting rooms are styled to cultivate attention and to drive

Introducing Mindful Meetings by Mercure

productivity by making delegates feel good. By using indoor plants to improve indoor air quality and diffusers to create a calm relaxed environment, rooms are also arranged to make the most of natural light and fresh air where possible.

Delegates stay fuelled and alert with a mouth-watering menu designed with clean, whole food ingredients by qualified

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Mindful Meetings by Mercure are carbon neutral with a commitment to making the world a better place through AccorHotels’ Planet 21 program. Mercure follows AccorHotels global environmental charter with 21 priority actions identified to reduce energy and water

consumption and improve waste

management and recycling.

By funding renewable energy

sources through the Carbon

Reduction Institute, AccorHotels

fund the cost of the offsets and

do not pass them onto clients.

To book your next tailored

Mindful Meeting by Mercure,

visit accorconferences.com.au/

mercure.

With an unmatched portfolio of brands, covering all sectors of the market – from luxury to economy – AccorHotels is the answer for business event organisers.

Featuring the largest network of business event hotels across Australia, with over 170 properties, organisers can obtain quotes across multiple brands at ease all on the one site at AccorHotels’ meetings and events website (www.accorconferences.com.au). The multi-functional meeting and conference website also features in-depth destination information, making research and decision-making easier for

business event organisers.

With Le Club AccorHotels Meeting Planner program, organisers are rewarded for every event held. Once a member, organisers can earn points and enjoy exclusive privileges redeemable at more than 2000 meeting venues around the world, including Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis Styles hotels.

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Meeting Planner not only earn points for holding an event, they also gain recognition at any AccorHotels property in the network, as well as priority check-in and a range of personalised services. With four membership card levels available (Classic, Silver, Gold and Platinum), members can access exclusive privileges that enhance their stay, including free internet, room upgrades, VIP treatment and more. In essence, Le Club

AccorHotels Meeting Planner rewards people that bring people together.

Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific, Simon McGrath, says “Loyalty counts and is an integral feature of our obsessive approach to guest recognition and delivering the ultimate customer experience. As the AccorHotels network continues to rapidly expand in Australia, so too does the benefits for members’ belonging to our Le Club AccorHotels Meeting Planner loyalty program.”

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EXHIBITOR NEWS

AccorHotels the answer for business event organisers

AIMEPreview 2016 9

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An improved venue standard program for hotels and meeting venues is aimed at elevating MICE services and standards for operators in Thailand and Asia Pacific.

An initiative by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the standardisation will serve as a guideline for investments, operations and management and marketing support.

“To develop the competitiveness of Thailand’s

MICE standard, Thailand’s MICE Venue Standard or TMVS has been developed under cooperation with all related parties in the MICE industry, including academics, operators, organisers, service providers, and customers,” said Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, TCEB president.

Following the launch of TMVS in 2013, there are 80 MICE venue operators participating in the project, of which 42 passed the criteria and have been certified.

WE’RE CHANGING THE WAY YOU GET REWARDED

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Enjoy complimentary accommodation rooms, day delegate packages or internet, plus the chance to win TFE Hotels credit towards your next event.

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Korea plans to make a big impression at AIME 2016 with a large contingent of MICE experts joining the main Korea Tourism Organization pavilion. Eleven co-exhibitors will travel to AIME to promote their services on the Korea pavilion (stand 3400) including Golden Tour Korea DMC, Plaza 21 Plus Travel, Jane Tour & DMC, Holiday Planners Co., US Tour & Travel, Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau, Busan Tourism Organization, Bosuk Tours, Kims Travel Service, Seoul Tourism Organization and JW Marriott Seoul.

Korea has made a big jump in hosting international events in recent years with an increase from just 164 international meetings in 2004 to 636 meetings held in 2014.

According to UIA statistics,

Korea ranked 4th in global

rankings in 2014 with a total of

636 international meetings and

Seoul city was ranked 5th with

249 meetings held.

This year is set to be a big year

as well with Korea hosting the

Rotary International Convention

with 22,000 international

delegates expected to

descend on the KINTEX (Korea

International Exhibition Centre)

in Gyeonggi province, not far

from Incheon International

Airport, the main gateway to

Korea.

Korea is also gearing up to

host the 2018 Pyeongchang

Winter Olympics, a major event

expected to draw interest

worldwide in Korea’s potential

as a ski destination.

Korea set to make a big impressionThailand sets the Venue Standard

TFE Hotels opened the doors to its newest New Zealand hotel, the Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart at end of 2015. This is the first Adina Apartment Hotel to enter the New Zealand market.

The opening comes at an ideal time for Auckland’s stretched hospitality sector, with New Zealand visitor numbers surpassing the three-million mark for the first time, up 7 per cent on last year.

“We recognise the fantastic opportunity that exists in Auckland with the significant growth in tourist arrivals, and Auckland’s position as an Asia-Pacific hub,” said CEO of TFE Hotels, Rachel Argaman.

P&O Cruises Australia will make history by becoming the first cruise line to build a new ship specifically for the Australian market.

The cruise line said the 135,500-tonne ship would be the biggest cruise ship ever to be based fulltime in Australia, carrying more than 4200 guests.

To be launched in 2019, the new ship will have double the capacity of the biggest cruise vessel currently homeporting year round in this market, with

2100 guest rooms.

Built specifically for modern Australia, it will offer itineraries from three to 10 days duration.

“The much anticipated first newbuild cruise ship is a huge vote of confidence in the Australian cruise market with much of the 20 per cent year-on-year passenger growth over the past decade driven by P&O Cruises’ dynamic industry leadership,” said Carnival Australia executive chairman Ann Sherry.

P&O Cruises to build new cruise ship for Australia

PCB out in force at AIME

Crown Perth’s luxury hotel development Crown Towers is on track for a 2016 December opening, with a recent “topping off” ceremony held in front of a select audience including local politicians, members of the business community, key tourism stakeholders and other guests.

Crown Towers comprises 500 new luxury rooms made up of larger than standard hotel rooms, suites and villas and brings the total number of rooms at the resort to just under 1200. In addition to luxurious hotel accommodation, a 9800sqm resort pool with various private VIP facilities,

cabanas, gardens and private pools is set to become a major attraction for Perth. Restaurants, bars, retail outlets, a new spa and increased convention space which will integrate with existing facilities are set to make the Resort and major drawcard for both international and intrastate visitors.

“More than 9 million visitors come to Crown each year and we continue to develop our world-class entertainment facility and experience, supporting our commitment to the tourism industry in Western Australia” said Barry Felstead, chief executive at Crown Australian Resorts.

Adina brand debuts in NZ

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Official AIME Preview

The Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) will be attending the annual Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) with 13 of its members ranging from hotels and resorts to audio-visual companies and exhibitions specialists.

PCB will be launching a brand new look for the Western Australia stand, designed and constructed by local WA exhibition and event company

PERTHEXPO. The new stand will be a fresh, open plan destination booth with a focus on promoting the vibrancy of Perth and Western Australia.

PCB will also be launching the latest edition of the Meeting Planners Guide 2016-2018. Visit the Western Australia stand (3932) to pick up a copy of the new Meeting Planners Guide and sample wines from noon until 2.00pm daily.

Crown Towers Perth counts down