AIME Daily 2016 Day 2

A journey of discovery

DAY TWOMelbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre • 23 - 24 February, 2016

If you weren’t familiar with the magic of Melbourne before last night, you are now. Last night’s Welcome Event “One Year in Melbourne in One Night”, hosted by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in collaboration with Australian events agency EMG, took place at 400 City Road, a quintessentially Melbourne event space.

More than 1400 ticket holders celebrated the start of the 24th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) with a quintessential Melbourne experience showcasing the incredible produce, locations, multi-

cultural community and iconic events the city is known for.

The event was a multi-media, sensory experience, celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, food and festivals of Melbourne, culminating with Australian opera singer Dimity Shepherd delivering an incredible performance.

Karen Bolinger, MCB Chief Executive Officer, says Melbourne is a city of discovery so it made sense to hold the event at a venue that is still undiscovered by many locals.

“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,” she says.

“It was vital that our ‘One Year in Melbourne in One Night’ theme incorporated a unique location, as Melbourne is renowned for its diverse event spaces as well as being a city full of surprises.

“Located just on the outskirts of the CBD, 400 City Road is a non-traditional space that is off the beaten track and awaiting discovery.”

For more photos from the night see page 4.

OFFICIALAIMEDAILY24th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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

SYDNEYSHINES.COM.AU

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“It is no surprise that Sydney is a popular incentive destination with its renowned stretches of sand, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, wildlife, big personalities and various fun-filled activities. Sydney can offer plenty of surprises, even to repeat visitors. There is a huge range of thrills to be found in the heart of Sydney’s urban mecca.”

— Azmat Arfin, Manager Sales – MICE and Leisure for FCm Travel Solutions

OF ALL OVERSEAS DELEGATES SAY THEY WILL RETURN TO SYDNEY FOR ANOTHER BUSINESS EVENT. REPEAT BUSINESS IS TESTAMENT TO SYDNEY’S ABILITY TO DELIVER TIME AND TIME AGAIN

EVOLVING SYDNEYBusiness Event Sydney provides you with access to more than 150 organisations that specialise in delivering event products and services in Sydney and regional NSW. A host of solutions is right at your fingertips! Simply submit a Request for Proposal online and we'll match your request with suitable suppliers who will provide you with a tailored proposal.

It’s that easy!

businesseventssydney.com.au/ request-for-proposal

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour

The Star

Image credits: Photos: Ethan Rohloff, courtesy of Destination New South Wales.

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International Convention Centre

Sydney (ICC Sydney)

Opening in December 2016, ICC Sydney will be Australia's premier and first fully-integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. Featuring a striking contemporary design, leading technology and world-class meeting and exhibition spaces.

iccsydney.com

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3 Four Points by Sheraton Sydney,

Darling Harbour

The A$200 million redevelopment of hotel is on track for completion by June 2016 with the new facilities offering a total of 21 flexible spaces, including two pillar-free ballrooms with natural light and views over Sydney’s Darling Harbour. It will also feature 892 guestrooms when the new southern tower is completed in August 2016.

fourpointssydney.com

The Star

The Star is upgrading its Astral Tower and Residences Hotel in a A$130 million refurbishment to meet the growing market demand for five-star accommodation in Sydney. The refurbishment of rooms and suites is set for completion in mid-2016.

star.com.au

ICC Sydney and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

1 & 2 Sydney is ever-changing, always reinventing and renewing. And, we're growing for the future.

Visit the Destination Sydney stand #4632 to discover the endless possibilities for your next international event in Australia's premier convention and incentive city – the meeting place of people, opinions and ideas.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Opening in November 2017, the luxury property features 590 guest rooms with spectacular harbour views, 10 meeting spaces and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 550 theatre-style. The Infinity Pool area has skyline views with function space for 100.

accorconferences.com.au

SYDNEYSHINES.COM.AU

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“It is no surprise that Sydney is a popular incentive destination with its renowned stretches of sand, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, wildlife, big personalities and various fun-filled activities. Sydney can offer plenty of surprises, even to repeat visitors. There is a huge range of thrills to be found in the heart of Sydney’s urban mecca.”

— Azmat Arfin, Manager Sales – MICE and Leisure for FCm Travel Solutions

OF ALL OVERSEAS DELEGATES SAY THEY WILL RETURN TO SYDNEY FOR ANOTHER BUSINESS EVENT. REPEAT BUSINESS IS TESTAMENT TO SYDNEY’S ABILITY TO DELIVER TIME AND TIME AGAIN

EVOLVING SYDNEYBusiness Event Sydney provides you with access to more than 150 organisations that specialise in delivering event products and services in Sydney and regional NSW. A host of solutions is right at your fingertips! Simply submit a Request for Proposal online and we'll match your request with suitable suppliers who will provide you with a tailored proposal.

It’s that easy!

businesseventssydney.com.au/ request-for-proposal

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour

The Star

Image credits: Photos: Ethan Rohloff, courtesy of Destination New South Wales.

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International Convention Centre

Sydney (ICC Sydney)

Opening in December 2016, ICC Sydney will be Australia's premier and first fully-integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. Featuring a striking contemporary design, leading technology and world-class meeting and exhibition spaces.

iccsydney.com

1

2

4

3 Four Points by Sheraton Sydney,

Darling Harbour

The A$200 million redevelopment of hotel is on track for completion by June 2016 with the new facilities offering a total of 21 flexible spaces, including two pillar-free ballrooms with natural light and views over Sydney’s Darling Harbour. It will also feature 892 guestrooms when the new southern tower is completed in August 2016.

fourpointssydney.com

The Star

The Star is upgrading its Astral Tower and Residences Hotel in a A$130 million refurbishment to meet the growing market demand for five-star accommodation in Sydney. The refurbishment of rooms and suites is set for completion in mid-2016.

star.com.au

ICC Sydney and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

1 & 2 Sydney is ever-changing, always reinventing and renewing. And, we're growing for the future.

Visit the Destination Sydney stand #4632 to discover the endless possibilities for your next international event in Australia's premier convention and incentive city – the meeting place of people, opinions and ideas.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Opening in November 2017, the luxury property features 590 guest rooms with spectacular harbour views, 10 meeting spaces and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 550 theatre-style. The Infinity Pool area has skyline views with function space for 100.

accorconferences.com.au

4 AIMEDaily 2016

Tiz Porreca, Ajunjo, and Tim Birley, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Andrew Hiebl, AACB, and Mike Fuller, ShowGizmo.

AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Danielle Hoare, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Annalisa Mattiello, WatervieW Bicentennial Park, and Jessica Heathcote, Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

AIME 2016 Welcome Event

AIMEDaily 2016 5

Business Events Sydney’s Yeefong Wong, Brett Towers, Renee Wilson and Sarah O’Donnell.

Jenifer Dwyer Slee, National Convention Centre, and Gretchen Irvine, Palliative Care Australia.

Alison Conroy, Destination Gippsland, and Annabel Sullivan, AACB.

Yandell McEnroe, Gold Coast Tourism Corp, Craig Mayne, Concentive Communications, Andrew Best, Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre, Jessica O’Gorman, Royal International Convention Centre, and Louise Monk Klint, The Murray.

Marie Gornall, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay, Jenny Quinn, IHG, Gina Demetriou, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, and Lucas Gimenez Polcheira, IHG.

Nerida Worboys, The City of Newcastle, Danny Eather, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, Rebecca Morley, Destination Port Stephens, Richard Stehn, ExpoNet.

www.cimmagazine.com

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Entrepreneurship & Technology

11:30am – 12:30pm

Naomi Simson and Chris Riddell – Interviewed by Kate Mills.

The High Performance Team

2:15pm – 3:15pm

Jerry Grayson and Graeme Joy – interviewed by Margie Warrell.

Courage

3:45pm – 4:45pm

Turia Pitt and Nadine Champion – interviewed by Sara James.

A series of intimate interviews with inspiring personalities from around the globe, produced by Saxton Speakers Bureau,The 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.

Nanette Moulton, Director at Saxton Speakers Bureau, says the

sessions are a unique way for the business events community to get up close and personal with renowned international speakers on topics that really matter.

“Australia’s embodiment of inspiration, Turia Pitt, will share her incredible story of drive, determination and persistence after receiving burns to 65 per cent of her body in 2011 and recovering from more than 200 operations. Her ‘never give up’ motto will inspire change in every visitor,” says Moulton.

Get ‘up close and personal’ for first-hand stories

Today’s Up Close and Personal sessions:

Naomi Simson

Jerry Grayson

Turia Pitt

Chris Riddell

Graeme Joy

Nadine Champion

DISCOVER A ZOOWITHOUT FENCES

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE AUSTRALIA FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT.

PLAN NOW, VISIT AUSTRALIA.COM/BUSINESSEVENTS

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Connect with AIME KnowledgeDesigned to offer tangible solutions in an ever

changing marketplace, the AIME Knowledge

Program will offer a range of best-practice case

studies, technology solutions and future trends.

“Centred on the key themes of innovation,

connection and engagement, the Knowledge

Program draws on experience from members

of all parts of the event community,” says

AIME Event Director Ian Wainwright.

All AIME Knowledge Program sessions are free to attend and easily accessible in new purpose built theatres on the show floor.

Today’s AIME Knowledge sessions:American Express Meetings & Events Global Meetings Trends 2016

Where: Knowledge Theatre 1

When: 10:15 - 11:00am

Speaker: Andrew Roberts, Business Development Manager, American Express Meetings & Events, Australia, will present global meeting trends for 2016, highlighting how to respond to changing circumstances including social media, compliance, technology, BRIC countries and incentives.

Incentives: The Science And The Spectacle – in partnership with the Incentive Association


Where: 1:00 - 1:45pm

Speakers: Peter Gray, General Secretary, The Incentive Association Inc. and Ed Bernacki, Management Committee Member, The Incentive Association Inc. will demystify the science behind putting together an effective incentive programme and suggest some innovations.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words In Asia


When: 1:15 - 2:00pm

Speaker: El Kwang, Managing and Editorial Director, Biz Events Asia will present current behaviour trends of the Asian market, bust myths about working with international clients and offer tips to establish the right relationships.

Strategy And Measurement: The Bookends That Hold Up Your Event


When: 2:30 - 3:15pm

Speaker: Darren Natale, Managing Director, Aesthetic – An Experiential Creative Agency, will take the audience through the two highly important steps that sit at each end of the event life cycle; strategy and measurement.

Accelerating Productivity Under Pressure


When: 3:45 - 4:30pm

Speaker: Michael Licenblat, CEO, Bounce Back Fast will close the program offering solutions of how to cope with the pressures and changes that will challenge you. Attendees will leave the session understanding how to build personal resilience to bounce back from setbacks, pressures and stresses.

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Global playerSamantha Kent has just stepped into the newly created position of Business Development Manager at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Hailing from New Zealand, her industry experience has taken her from Wellington to London and finally Melbourne, She spoke to AIME Daily about her new role.

Tell us about your new role? This is an exciting new role for MCEC which will involve introducing new clients to the award-winning facilities at MCEC with the aim of driving new business opportunities within the national market. MCEC has recently announced an expansion that will offer a range of flexible spaces to meet the changing needs of the business events industry, which presents an opportunity to introduce new business.

How are you targeting businesses? I’ve been in the industry for quite a few years, so I’m looking forward to working with my amazing clients that I currently have

relationships with, as well as targeting Associations and corporate businesses that have a need for event facilities in Australia. I’ll be attending lots of events industry tradeshows as well as travelling to Australia’s main cities so that I can meet with new clients face-to-face and demonstrate how events can be brought to life at MCEC.

Where are Melbourne’s key strengths in the market? Melbourne is widely recognised for its knowledge economy,

researchers, talented arts performers and world-leading organisations. A curfew-free airport is also a great drawcard and Melbourne continues to increase access to new airlines and routes into Asian destinations. From Melbourne’s arts culture and world-famous sporting events, to its renowned laneways with amazing cups of coffee and extraordinary restaurants, the city has such a welcoming and relaxed vibe that is appealing to delegates to travel to as a destination for

a conference.

How important is AIME in showcasing Melbourne? AIME has proven time and time again to be the premier business events showcase in the Australian and Asia-Pacific calendars. Having the ability to showcase Melbourne and MCEC to key decision makers is a great advantage – it is an opportunity to demonstrate how we can turn ideas into successful events.

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On the show floor

Chloe Clanahan, ESRI Australia

This is my first time at AIME, and I am looking forward to meeting with suppliers and immersing in everything the exhibition has to offer.

Zena McManus, ESRI Australia

I am looking forward to networking and reconnecting with people in the industry, as well as to gather ideas for some of our upcoming events.

Hayley Eastham, ASFA

It’s a great networking and reconnecting opportunity, as well as, a chance to familiarise with the latest trends and event space offerings.

Phil Wright, ExpoNet

We are a major contractor for the show as well as an exhibitor. Attending the show is a good way to catch up with existing connections and make new ones.

Lisa Pronesti, Fairfax Events

This is my first AIME and I came for the incredible networking opportunities.

AIME Daily hit the show floor to talk with Hosted Buyers, Attendees and Visitors about what brings them to AIME 2016.

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A nation with the experience and capacity to host great conferences

A nation where the latest architecture and UNESCO world heritage coexist

a nation known for its great hospitalityand thoughtfulness

Korea MICE Bureau: koreaconvention.org [Email: [email protected]]

Korea Tourism Organization Sydney Office: visitkorea.org.au [Email: [email protected]]

Welcome to the Korea Stand 3400

The Appointment Group’s Laura Tucker and Indi Tharmanayagam

This is my ninth year at AIME. It’s such a great opportunity to showcase the whole of the Asia-Pacific market to the team.

Sheri Yu, Phoenix Events International

This is my first time at AIME and I am looking forward to meeting with event suppliers, hotels and people in the tourism industry. This is a great opportunity to study destinations and just today I have managed to get a bit of interest already.

Samantha Brinskele, ASFA

I enjoy catching up with everyone under one roof and it gives us a chance to make business connections without the need to travel far.

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Shining a light on Australia’s A-Class assetsBoasting some of the world’s best produce, venues, tourist attractions and hospitality, it’s not surprising that Australia is one of the most sought after business event destinations in the world.

Not only is it a great place to visit and do business, it provides a transparent and secure business environment for local and international brands. Australia also holds a world leader position in a diverse range of industries, adding to its attractiveness as a destination for many businesses.

In recognition of this, leading Australian events agency EMG – the creative partner of AIME – has spent the last two decades perfecting the way events are delivered in Australia for both

local and global organisations.

EMG’s innovative thinking, state-of-the-art technology and local and international expertise, means each of its clients are guaranteed to have a truly memorable, immersive, and impactful event experiences – no matter where they are headquartered – be it in China, the United States or Sydney.

EMG adopts a strategic, end-to-end approach and delivers a wide range of services including gala dinners, awards nights, special events, conferences, expos, product launches, incentive groups, DMC management, registration, transfer and logistics.

EMG’s director and founder

Peter Jack has spent the last 20 years managing events for some of the largest brand names here in Australia and overseas, and says “Australia is an incredible place to visit and do business”.

“Our venues, accommodation, and industry practices are among the best in the world. We’ve spent the past two decades refining our offering to showcase the best of what Australia has to offer,” he says.

EMG is the only events agency in Australia with internationally recognised ISO Quality Assurance Accreditation, guaranteeing its clients peace of mind with the delivery of their events.

Visit EMG on stand 3946.

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With a long list of one-of-a-kind activities, creative meeting spaces and unique venues, your plan reflects the colour of success when you meet L.A. Visit meetLA.com to learn more.

Meet the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board at AIME Melbourne Convention Center23-24 February 2016 - Booth # 5106T: +61 2 9004 7703 E: [email protected]

Lorem Ipsum 2016 unveils botanical oasisMelbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre has unveiled this year’s theme for its pop-up gala event space Lorem Ipsum.

This year guests will be greeted with a lush organic oasis, bursting with style and waiting to be discovered. With modern furnishings, sophisticated lighting and a lush botanical design complete with a garden wall, Lorem Ipsum 2016 showcases the best of Melbourne.

A contemporary menu highlights the finest organic Victorian produce, which is then paired perfectly with local wines and craft beers. State-of-the-art technology and a skilled team of event planning experts from event agency EMG bring events to life, creating truly memorable experiences for guests.

Available for bookings December 2-23, 2016, this unique space can be customised for gala dinners or lunches from 500 to 1600 people and cocktail functions for up to 2000.

Be the first to experience Lorem Ipsum 2016 on the Melbourne Stand 3630.

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Victoria’s fresh and local offeringsAs part of AIME’s Hosted Buyer program, a group of industry representatives from Poland, Singapore, Australia and the UK experienced a one-day excursion to the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.

The tour gave local and international attendees a chance to experience regional Victoria and its incentive offerings.

The first stop on the agenda was the Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo specialising in native Australian animals that’s located at Healesville.

The attendees encountered some of Australia’s native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, wombats, dingoes and emus.

“My highlight of the day was Healesville

Sanctuary,” says Katherine Eden-Haig, CEO of Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

“I think that’s the place that Commonwealth countries would be very interested in seeing, so we would definitely like to take them there,” she says.

The experience was followed with a visit to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre for an educational session of how the sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife are treated by the local vets.

Once back on board the tour bus, guests were driven to Rayners Orchard to enjoy a light lunch at the Peach Café and participate in a bottling workshop and learn the art of preserving fruit.

With over 450 varieties of fruit grown on the

orchard, the group joined up with farmer Len on a tractor tour to sample nine varieties of fruit.

James Tang, business improvement manager from New Shan Travel Service in Singapore, says that the Rayners Orchard is something that would appeal to the Singaporean market because the produce is “fresh and local”.

The day ended at the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, situated in the Dandenong Ranges.

The attendees hopped on the steam engine train at Menzies Creek and enjoyed a half an hour ride.

The steam journey proved to be a highlight for many of the local attendees, as it brought out their “inner child”, along with a trip down memory lane.

The tour attendees onboard the Puffing Billy.

Peaches at Rayners Orchard.

The wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary.

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What inspires you in your role? Seeing awesome experiences unfold on site. And finding hotels with almond lattes. (Grand Hyatt Melbourne I am thinking of you).

Apart from keeping me buzzing at all hours, it gives me hope that the industry is embracing fresher, healthier ways to keep guests sustained and buzzing.

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Gold CoastB U S I N E S S E V E N T S

N O T H I N G L I K E Y O U E X P E C T E X A C T L Y W H A T Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N G F O R

The Gold Coast is famous for fun, but it’s also a world-class meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition destination. Inspiring, energetic and exciting, the Gold Coast is the perfect destination for any business event, from intimate

meetings to spectacular gala events.

GOLDCOASTBUSINESSEVENTS.COM

V I S I T U S A T S T A N D 1 8 3 2

What are the range of events you organise? My events have included planning high end in-home dinners for 20 guests, international incentives for 200 pax and an inaugural congress for 600 guests. And lots in between!

What’s it like running your own business after working in the corporate events sector? Worlds apart! Shifting mindsets from employee to business owner was the biggest challenge, and not having a team to delegate and share with. And learning how to stay recharged when “days off” become a distant memory.

What brings you to AIME 2016? AIME is like a massive family dinner – a chance to reconnect, hold interesting conversations about the industry, and learn. All with a glass of Pinot Gris in hand (I hope...).

What are the benefits of being a Hosted Buyer? It adds another dimension to the AIME experience. The exclusive events provide an opportunity to flick into “big picture” mode for fresh inspiration and ideas.

What are the must-dos for you over the two days? Apart from

the appointments, the Showcase with unique venues, and also the Tourism Australia Lunch.

How important are the relationships you develop at shows such as AIME? As an event manager and business owner, relationships are everything! AIME helps me build quality relationships, work more closely with suppliers and provides insight into how I can better serve and leverage the industry.

What advice would you give newcomers to the industry? You can’t stop waves but you can learn to surf. This mantra is so relevant to event managers of all levels on a personal and professional level. Constant learning, quick thinking under pressure, fresh ideas, fun and good health are the key ingredients required to forge a successful event management career.

What has been the most memorable event you were involved with? An awards dinner for 500 guests where the client supplied all the beverages and we offered three separate drinks lists with more than 150 options including cocktails!

Grace Hopkins is the Chief Event Operative at Agent Grace Events. AIME Daily spoke with her about coming to AIME for the first time.

5 minutes with a Hosted Buyer

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Virtually climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

L.A. Tourism rolls out red carpetThe Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) is returning to AIME 2016 bigger than ever before, hosting their first standalone exhibit, joined by Universal Studios Hollywood and InterContinental Century City, and aiming to inspire and educate delegates about how they can sprinkle some Hollywood magic over their next business events program.

“We are returning to AIME this year with an independent booth to show our commitment to the local market,” said Craig Gibbons L.A. Tourism Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand.

“This comes at an important time for L.A., following the launch of our dedicated MICE planning tool - www.meetla.com.”

News from the show floor

Be transported to Sydney Harbour with the use of the latest virtual reality (VR) technology.

Visit the Destination Sydney stand 4632 for an experience

that will take you to the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Using Gear VR headsets, get a 360-degree video experience, and find out what’s it’s like to climb Australia’s star attraction.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is launching the 2016 New Zealand Event Planners’ Guide today.

The 2016 New Zealand Event Planners’ Guide is 180 pages and features four page sections for each region of New Zealand, plus a directory of services and a section for luxury products,

venues and services.

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the guide is a valuable resource for planners who will find everything they need to know about meeting in New Zealand in one useful book.

“Our printed guide is easy to navigate and an essential tool for PCOs and meeting and

event planners,” she says.

A highlight of the guide is a venue capacity chart with listings for every venue in the country. The guide also features a supplier directory arranged by types of service.

Copies of the new CINZ guide will be on the 100% Pure New Zealand stand.

New Zealand Event Planners’ Guide launch

A slice of Middle-earth is heading its way to AIME 2016, with New Zealand’s Hobbiton Movie Set and Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre teams exhibiting together.

This will be the first time Hobbiton Movie Set has attended the tradeshow and the fifth time Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre has exhibited.

“The Hamilton and Waikato

region is a destination that hasn’t yet been fully discovered by the international business events market – while many conference delegates have already been to other New Zealand centres like Auckland or Queenstown, our region can offer an entirely new experience for them which is

exciting,” says Wendy Harrison, Claudelands’ Business Development and Sales Manager.

Middle-earth on show

AIMEDaily 2016 17

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Korea goes beyond meetings

MORE WAYS TO MEET WITH THREE RENDEZVOUS HOTELS

Choose from over 1000 guest rooms and 51 event spaces.

Rendezvous Hotel Auckland, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne and Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, where themes and ideas converge.

Book your next meeting or event at [email protected]

Visit the team at AIME: booth 4338 to learn more about TFE Hotels and exciting hotel announcements

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough

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Discover ‘Your Virtual Singapore Experience’Singapore Tourism Board is unveiling its ‘Your Virtual Singapore Experience’ on the YourSingapore stand 3914.

Through immersive, 360-degree technology, experience the sights and sounds of Singapore without even leaving the exhibition hall.

State-of-the art technology offers a third dimensional, flyover experience of various locations and activities throughout Singapore, while a viewing gallery lets you get an up-close-and-personal experience with Singapore’s food, nightlife and culture.

Korea returns to AIME 2016 with the Korea Tourism Organization’s Korea MICE Bureau division on hand along with 13 prominent convention bureaus, destination management companies, hotels, and PCOs from all across Korea.

“AIME has always been a great way for us to spread Korea’s

message of welcome to the Asia-Pacific,” said Min Hong Min, KTO Executive Vice President for International Tourism. “We are really looking forward to meeting this year’s attendees and the opportunity to help them take their first step toward a rewarding experience in Korea.”

1100 reasons to experience TasmaniaThe new Tasmania Meeting and

Incentive Planners Guide 2016 is

being launched today featuring

1100 reasons to visit Tasmania.

“Tasmania offers a unique

and enjoyable experience for

business events between 20-1100

delegates,” says Business Events

Tasmania CEO Stuart Nettlefold.

“Tasmania is not just for small business events. Tasmania is the ideal location for large conferences of up to 1100 people.

“And there are 1100 reasons to host your business event – large or small – in Tasmania.

“The planners guide is a comprehensive resource showcasing all the incredible products and services available to business events within Tasmania. It provides an overview of the regions where events can be held and the resources available to help plan the event.”

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PARKROYAL Parramatta is set to unveil a new guestroom, dining, meeting and event experience in 2016.

“As the corporate sector continues to grow in Parramatta so do the opportunities and the level of service and facilities expected,” said Michael Johnson, General Manager PARKROYAL Parramatta.

“With the introduction of the Club Lounge the PARKROYAL brand will be the first hotel that can offer executives doing business in Parramatta access to the same facilities that CBD

Sydney affords them.”

The current 196 guestrooms and eight meeting and event spaces, will be complemented with a new seven-story tower to open July 2016, with Club Lounge, 40 Club Rooms, 50 Premium Rooms and a gymnasium – totalling 286 guestrooms.

With an additional four meeting rooms to be opened in June 2016, PARKROYAL Parramatta will soon offer a total of 12 event spaces, the highest number in any meetings and events hotel in Parramatta.

Exhibitor news Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced that nine ASEAN member countries have officially agreed to abide by the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS).

Additionally, 100 Thai businesses, running a total event space of 227 rooms, were guaranteed with TMVS in the 2016 financial year. The Bureau is moving fast to implement the second phase for the standardisation of MICE venue standard in accordance with the five-year model scheme.

“The top-priority plan under our urgent implementation is the improvement of MICE venue standard which plays a vital role for it could affect the decision of organisers in the holding of business events in Thailand,” said Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, TCEB President.

Nine ASEAN countries join Thailand’s MICE Venue standard

Lofty ambitions for Western Sydney hotel

The Star Sydney looks to invest $1bnThe Star Sydney has announced details of the proposed $1 billion development plans set to transform the harbour-side property over the next five years.

With $500 million already committed to Phase 1 expansion plans which are already well underway, another $500 million will potentially be injected to further develop a new hotel tower and numerous signature food and beverage offerings, as well as additional meeting spaces to support the property’s Event Centre.

“For Sydney to remain at the forefront of this tourism boom,

more accommodation, facilities and event spaces are required,” said John Autelitano, General Manager Hotels, The Star Sydney.

“We are seeking various approvals to develop a new hotel tower and ribbon development that would further enliven the Pyrmont precinct and boost The Star’s accommodation offering beyond 1000 rooms. We are also in discussions with The Ritz-Carlton in relation to the branding of the proposed hotel tower and are excited about the prospect of bringing the Ritz-Carlton Hotel brand back to Sydney and to even further add to the experiences on offer at The Star.”

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) moved another step closer to reality with the turning of the first sod on the site of the landmark project by Prime Minister John Key.

Key was joined on site by SKYCITY

chief executive Nigel Morrison for the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The landmark NZICC building, and next to it the 5-star, 300-room hotel and laneway with bars and restaurants, is an integral part of this city’s

development; a $700 million investment in much-needed tourism infrastructure in downtown Auckland that will see the Victoria Quarter become an attractive and vibrant part of the city,” said Morrison.

NZICC a step closer

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Official AIME Daily Publisher Alexandra YeomansGeneral Manager Michelle CullenManaging Editor Sheridan Randall Journalist Anastasia PrikhodkoDesign/Production Manager Bin ZhouProduction Co-ordinator Anne EstebanSales & Digital Co-ordinator Grissel RitchieAdministration Assistant Kate Wilcox

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New look for National Convention CentreThe National Convention Centre (NCC) in Canberra is undergoing a refurbishment, marking its first refresh in 10 years.

Stage 1 work is underway with the NCC spending $2.7 million on installing new carpet and furniture in the foyer, refurbishing its reception area, perking up its conference office, adding a designated cloak room, rolling out a major upgrade of bathrooms, and installing digital signage.

All Stage 1 work is expected to be completed by June 30.

Stage 2 work is scheduled for completion by end June 2017.

Stephen Wood, Manager NCC, says several local suppliers, large and small, are being used to ensure the project generates economic benefits here in the capital.

“It’s important for us to be more than just ‘present’ in the community,” said Wood. “We don’t exist in isolation. We’re part of Canberra and are active in the community through strong, local partnerships.”

The Gold Coast has seen a surge in the number of delegates attending meetings and conferences this financial year.

The Gold Coast has recorded a 14 per cent increase in delegate numbers and an 11 per cent increase seen in the overall number of meetings on the Gold Coast.

“It’s a fantastic outcome for the City, and reflects the increasingly strong appeal the Gold Coast has for hosting world-class conferences and meetings,” said Gold Coast Business Events Director Anna Case.

“The appeal of the Gold Coast as a conference and meetings destination

reflects the confidence and

proactive approach of the City

to constantly reinvent itself

with new infrastructure and

developments, as well as an

intimate understanding of what

a destination needs to offer in

terms of venues, experiences

and services.”

Gold Coast sees surge in delegate numbers

Three Asian incentive programs are set to bring almost 8000 international delegates to Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW) in March, April and May this year.

Already a busy period for Asian incentives, the first mega reward trip for this year arrives in March. The leading direct selling company in Taiwan Amway Taiwan will host its Leadership Seminar in Sydney, bringing its top distributors for a five-day program that includes a record-breaking event with over 1000 people climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The incentive’s finale will include taking over one of Sydney’s newest event spaces, the Cutaway at

Barangaroo Headland Park.

The Nu Skin Greater China 2016 Success Trip will reward 4000 of its business partners from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in April. The five-day program includes the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and a performance of Turandot.

The Cathay Life Taiwan Summit, being held in May, will bring 2200 delegates to sample all of what Sydney and regional NSW have to offer. Activities include a visit to Taronga Zoo, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016.

“Asia continues to be a key driver of incentive business into NSW,” said CEO of Business Events Sydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith.

Mega incentive trifecta for Sydney

P&O Cruises has reported a surge in corporate event bookings since the launch of its two latest ships last November, including a marked increase in incentive groups.

P&O’s forward bookings for 2016 already exceed the total it achieved in 2015, putting its target of 12,000 delegates for this year well within reach.

Following recent announcements that a further

two cruise ships will join its fleet in 2017 and 2019, P&O is forecasting more growth next year and beyond.

“Bookings rose solidly throughout 2015 following the launch, and once Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden joined our existing three-ship fleet in November we saw a further surge in interest,” said P&O Director of Sales Ryan Taibel.

Taibel said while 60 per cent of delegates in 2015 and 2016

had been onboard for meetings, the remaining 40 per cent were part of incentive groups. Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden accounted for 70 per cent of delegate bookings in 2016 and 2017.

Rising tide of corporate events at sea

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.

Documents

AIME Daily 2016 Day 2