A hidden gem in Saigon

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Just off Saigon’s heaving, teeming Ben Thanh market, up a discreet flights of steps in a pencil-thin precinct reminiscent of apartments in Paris or New York, is a hidden gem: the 21-room Anpha Boutique Hotel.

The Anpha’s rooms have obviously been set up by interior designers with a Francophile’s eye. For The Siteseer on a recent visit, it was a pleasing, good-value incentive option in a beehive of a city renowned for its almost embarrassingly cheap accommodation and food.

For those who find taxi-hunting an annoying chore after a tiring flight, the hotel can arrange airport pick-ups for USD19.

On arrival at the Anpha, a walk up a flight of stairs directly from a main artery, Le Thanh Ton Street, takes visitors into a tiny, airconditioned reception area and cosy waiting room where they’re welcomed with a drink.

The well-appointed rooms are tastefully decorated and uniformly immaculate, a credit to the housekeeping team. Many have balconies and a view over the Ben Thanh market, which occupies an entire block and sells everything from sugared frogs eggs to live fish, shoes, ornaments and underwear.

A plethora of fantastic-value restaurants and spas surround the hotel, which is easy walking distance to major attractions including the Opera House, Saigon Square shopping centre and the clunkily-named War Remnants Museum. The museum is a fascinating showcase of military hardware used in the Vietnam War.

At the hotel’s rooftop (seventh floor) restaurant and bar area guests can take an al-fresco set-menu breakfast, as part of the room deal, while overlooking one of Vietnam’s busiest urban areas.

“We’re aiming to please business and leisure travellers who are looking for secure, clean, pleasing high-end accommodation,” an Anpha spokesperson says.

“And because of our address in the heart of Saigon, they can discover most of the key attractions of the city and still be just minutes away from the city’s busiest financial, cultural and shopping areas.”

The young people manning reception are obliging and willing to arrange day tours for reasonable prices. Arguably the most fascinating of these is a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 60 kilometres from the city, which starts from about AUD 50 per person, including pick up at the hotel and transport in an airconditioned bus. It takes around two hours to get there but it’s worth the effort. The tunnels are a 200-kilometre-long network of underground passageways in which up to 16,000 Viet Cong sheltered during the Vietnam War and from which they launched attacks on US troops and, in earlier years, on French colonists.

Visitors can experience the passageways (and view the hidden kitchens and fiendish traps for enemy soldiers) first-hand, with emergency exits provided for those for whom the claustrophobia proves too much. For westerners who revel in the occasional escape from health and safety rules, there’s a shooting range on site where, for around USD20, anyone of any age can step up to fire some of the legendary weapons from the conflict, including M-16s, AK47s and an old .30-calibre machine gun.

Online from AUD 89

The Anpha Boutique Hotel is 30 minutes from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). All rooms have free wifi, working desk and other amenities you’d expect like a safe and minibar. It has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

For more information visit www.anphaboutiquehotel.com.

It was late, after 11pm, when I arrived at the La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa in Phnom Penh, tired after two long flights. I soon discovered to my dismay that the people at reception weren’t expecting me – I’d given them the wrong dates.

As I wearily began to ponder where else I might stay that night, a receptionist assured me all would be well.

Though the hotel was full, there was a spare room, seldom used, that the evening staff could open and quickly spruce up. Then they’d move me to another, better room the next day. “I’m so sorry sir,” said the staffer.

“It’s not your fault,” I replied. “I’m the one who gave you the wrong dates in the first place; I should be apologising.”

But as I discovered, this kind of obliging service is a hallmark of the 10-roomed La Rose Boutique Hotel, and its five-star sister property a short drive away in the Cambodian capital, the 68-room La Rose Suites. Both represent wonderful value for money for leisure and business visitors.

Because the hotel and its managers feel strongly about corporate social responsibility, it employs hundreds of staff from a local NGO, Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, some of whom are pictured below.

Many of these young people hail from rural areas around Phnom Penh, and the hotel helps them acquire skills and a job. It also donates a portion of its revenue to the La Rose Foundation, which it established to help improve the lives of the poor.

The La Rose properties are owned by a Cambodian businesswoman who’s been involved in the local hospitality industry for over 20 years. Inspired by the architecture of French Indochina and the ancient Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat, she’s responsible for the interior design which features dark woods, white walls and red trim. (She chose the name La Rose because she’s passionate about roses.)

The suites, sized from 45 square metres and upwards, have four-poster beds and guests have access to an outdoor saltwater pool. The 95 square-metre “La Rose Family Suites” have a private balcony while one-bedroom apartments are available with and without private balconies, and there’s a two-bedroom apartment with kitchen, private meeting room and separate swimming pool. The free wifi is quick and reliable.

A dedicated meeting room can seat up to 20, and the two restaurants convert to versatile meeting spaces for 40 to 50 people, says a hotel spokesman. Moreover, as part of the deal, guests receive a free one-hour traditional Khmer massage and free access to the room minibar every day during their stay.

In addition to the array of spa packages available, La Rose Suites offers classes for those who want to take home more than a souvenir.

Guests can educate themselves in the art of massage or take a traditional Khmer cooking class.

As Cambodia emerges from a troubled past, its inbound tourist arrivals are increasing steadily. In 2013, the most recent date for which official figures seem to be available, arrivals grew 17.5% year on year, with business traveller numbers growing 47%.

The La Rose clientele, both leisure and group, is today 90% western, with the balance coming from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, says the spokesman. Most visit the major Phnom Penh attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum and towering Independence Monument, all of which are located nearby.

Nevertheless it’s the friendliness at the heart of Khmer culture today that brings many visitors back, say La Rose staff. This, and effusive hospitality, greeted The Siteseer back in February.

During the serving of a multiple-course Khmer meal in the Suites’ main restaurant, for example, while a staff member performed a traditional Cambodian dance on a small stage, the food kept on coming. A piquant salad of chicken, mint, shaved vegetables and lime juice. Battered fish in coconut milk. Fragrant curries. Noodles and chilli.

When I told one my hosts I was full, he smiled and said: “Our slogan is home away from home, so you’ve got to taste everything! And it’s healthy, worry-free, all made with fresh ingredients; you can eat all this and never put on weight.”

From USD100 per night

To stay at La Rose in peak season, from November to May, the rack rate for a room is around USD100 and for the suites about USD200, which includes breakfast. An a la carte menu is available all day till 10pm.

TripAdvisor reviews overwhelmingly rate the properties as excellent. “We were tired when we arrived after long travel and could only stay one night,” writes one reviewer. “Ohh I wish we could have stayed longer. Fantastic rooms, very service-oriented and friendly staff and the restaurant was really good.”

Amen to that.

More info: www.larose.com.kh.

Email relax@larose.com.kh.

A Chinese banquet for over 2,000 people, an incentive event for 8,000 already done and dusted, and 500 future bookings secured. You could say things are going pretty well for the new International Convention Centre Sydney.

“It’s clear we’re making an impact,” says CEO Geoff Donaghy (pictured below).

Though the ICC (International Convention Centre) Sydney only opened in December, some early successes have pleased organisers and clients. Take the Amway China Leadership Seminar 2017 in January. It was the centre’s first-ever incentive event and it welcomed an astonishing 8,000-plus international delegates.

The local team had the daunting first-up challenge of hosting and catering for this huge audience, some of whom had little English.

They tackled it by planning carefuly, working closely with Amway China’s people to ensure no issue was left unresolved that might potentially cause problems when guests were on site.

Ultimately, over 13 days organisers used many of the spaces, including the 2,500-capacity Darling Harbour Theatre and the convention centre’s meeting rooms (for breakout sessions). Organisers cited great AV equipment, a 10 gigabits-per-second optical fibre backbone, the layout and organisers’ counsel as helping support a “seamless” experience.

The show also offered visitors the chance to explore the broader precinct, with The Hunger Games: The Exhibition and Brickman Wonders of the World Exhibition, held concurrently in the exhibition halls.

“We received terrific feedback on how proactive our team was in advising the best solutions for our venue as well as how responsive they were to changes from the client,” says Geoff.

The Darling Harbour Theatre, which is also a performance space, became the setting for big presentations while staff hosted the banquet in the grand ballroom, set in the convention centre itself.

Associate Director of AV and Events Production of Amway China Bert Li was happy. “Every event comes with its own opportunities and complexities,” he says, “and every detail here was anticipated and delivered to a five-star standard.”

Examples of attention to detail included bilingual signage throughout the venue from theatres and meeting rooms to toilets and lifts, and exclusive routes to ensure large groups could get to sessions quickly and easily. “The team was easy to deal with and quickly addressed our needs” adds Bert.

Memorable feast

According to surveys afterwards, delegates especially appreciated the Chinese banquet. The feast kicked off with prawn and vegetable broth, then moved on to steamed barramundi with ginger and soya, steamed Asian greens, sweet and sour pork with tomato, pineapple and capsicum, braised lamb with stir-fried ginger and spring onions, bok choy, mushrooms, bean curd and fruit.

Delegates arrived in four groups. While in town they sampled Sydney’s attractions and hotels including Luna Park, Sydney BridgeClimb, Sheraton on the Park, The Star, Sydney Tower Restaurant, Captain Cook Cruises and the Opera House.

CEO of Business Events Sydney Lyn Lewis-Smith says it’s clear the centre will boost the city’s reputation as a business meeting destination. Moreover it will inject an estimated $5 billion into the New South Wales economy over the next 25 years.

“As the centrepiece of the AUD3.4 billion, 20-hectare transformation of Darling Harbour it’s generated huge interest from international organisations and played a significant role in Amway China’s decision to return to Sydney for a third time,” Lyn says.

“In the past decade we have seen 20% year-on-year growth from the lucrative Asian incentive market. The centre will drive this further and deliver major cultural and economic benefits.”

Does it represent value for money for events planners? Geoff Donaghy observes that ultimately clients will be the judge of this question. But so far, results speak for themselves. “We’re already receiving return bookings from clients who’ve held events over the past two months, and see this as a strong indication they’re happy with the venue and service.”

For more information, go here. And go here for a virtual tour.

The Philippine low-cost airline Cebu Pacific, the largest carrier in the islands flying to almost all Asian capital cities, is increasingly making a name for itself as a player in the events market, offering competitive discounts for groups of a minimum of 15 people.

And the airline – a subsidiary of JG Summit Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines – is flexible and open to receiving approaches from MICE organisers.

“Any PCO or event manager organising an event in the islands, whether it’s a familiarisation trip, conference or incentive should contact our corporate booking office to discuss their requirements in more detail,” says Atty JR Mantaring (pictured, left), Cebu Pacific’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

“Cebu Pacific stands out in the industry because of our extensive reach, offering low-cost services and a safe and fun travel experience to the widest selection of destinations across the country,” he says. “And we do it more frequently than any other airline, making the Philippines a really accessible gateway.”

Sydney-Manila from AUD 199

The airline works hard to offer low fares all year round, but also has many good ‘ad hoc’ sales. For example a recent deal offered Sydney to Manila flights, all in, for just AUD 199.

As a quick glance at the website confirms, the airline has established a big variety of routes within the Philippines and Asia, connecting airports through its six major hubs: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo and Iloilo. “Having multiple routes and flights allows us to offer the most competitive fares; it lets people save on the flight and splurge on the destination,” says Atty Mantaring.

Like more and more successful enterprises, Cebu Pacific incorporates the use of social media as an intrinsic part of its marketing campaigns. Recently, for instance, it launched its ‘Beach Bum Academy,’ offering prizes of all-expenses-paid holidays by the beach in partnership with the Department of Tourism Philippines, Henann Resort and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

To enter the competition, participants had to post a 30- to 60-second video of themselves on a social platform and share the link via the Cebu Pacific Beach Bums entry form. Atty Mantaring sees this kind of promotion as crucial for almost any business these days. “We understand guests love sharing their views and experiences online,” he says, “so we encourage them to engage with us on multiple platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.”

In other news, Cebu Pacific is adding new ATR 72-600 aircraft (left) to its fleet of 60-plus planes. It offers a better passenger experience thanks to its larger cabin and additional seating capacity to support even lower fares, he says.

“We’ll progressively replace our current fleet of eight ATR 72-500s, configured with 72 seats, with the fleet of 16 new ATR 72-600s which have 78 seats. Deliveries 600s will run through until 2020.”

The airline has just opened an office in Korea, which it believes will strengthen its international appeal in the Asia-Pacific, he adds.

The latest seat sales can be found on Cebu Pacific’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages. For bookings and inquiries, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotline at +612 9119 2956.

Tourism and business events operators should realise that Australia’s first-world facilities, clean environment and friendly people collectively represent a magnificent advantage, says the MD of Tourism Australia.

Siteseer: You’re on record recently as saying that tourism is growing faster than the Australian economy. Does the same apply, in your view, to business tourism and the events industry?

John O’Sullivan: Australian tourism continues to go from strength to strength and is growing three times faster than the Australian economy overall. Our industry has a shared long-term goal to grow overnight visitor expenditure, currently at $97.1 billion, to more than $115 billion annually by the end of the decade as part of the Tourism 2020 plan. Business events are obviously a key contributor to the visitor economy – and for our long-term goals for growth, with the average traveller for business events spending three times as much as a leisure visitor.

All indications from our industry point to robust demand for Australia. In particular we know of a number of large incentive program [organisers] from China who have recently chosen Australia for their events, including NuSkin and Amway.

SS: Are you satisfied that aviation capacity is sufficient to meet demand for inbound business?

JOS: Aviation capacity is vital for an island nation like Australia. In fact it was identified that Australia’s international aviation seat capacity would need to grow by 40% to 50% and domesticwould need a 20% to 30% increase to achieve our Tourism 2020 targets. Already we’ve achieved 66% of the growth needed, tracking 10% ahead of the original forecast growth.

This is a consequence of having a very strong aviation development focus – to increase capacity and services on existing routes and to support the introduction of new routes. We’ve seen significant aviation growth out of a number of markets, notably China, and the opening of new routes such as the recently introduced Singapore-to-Canberra services by Singapore Airlines, which help foster international business to the city.

SS: Do you believe Australian hotels and meetings facilities represent good value for money for local and international events and incentive organisers?

JOS: Yes, an Australian-held business event delivers above and beyond the expectations of planners, time and time again. Our industry’s ability to tailor-make itineraries and events, together with our exceptional facilities, unique wildlife and excellent food and wine combine to provide great value for money for incentive planners.

Alongside this, as part of the Tourism 2020 strategy, there is strong focus attracting tourism investment. Tourism Australia works in partnership with Austrade to this end, to ensure we have adequate accommodation and facilities in Australia to [cater for] the increasing numbers of international visitors to our shores.

SS: What, in relation to the MICE sector specifically, do you regard as some of TA’s most significant recent achievements?

JOS: For the association market we’ve recently been highlighting Australia’s knowledge sectors and innovative people through our content strategy. And we’re seeing some great feedback on this from international buyers. We recently launched Australia Innovates, the magazine which brings these stories together, at IMEX America to strong interest. In the incentive space, we held our Dreamtime showcase in Adelaide in December 2015, hosting over 100 international business events buyers and media and demonstrating why there’s nothing like Australia for business events. The show was a great success, reaching over 25 million people through media coverage, and [generating] several confirmed pieces of business for Australia.

SS: The new International Convention Centre Sydney has been the subject of much publicity. How important is it for the industry and Australia generally?

JOS: The ICC Sydney, on track to open in December 2016, is significant and will assist in attracting future business events to Sydney and Australia. In fact it will be crucial to Australia’s business events future and help us to succeed, with its offering of the largest exhibition space in Australia and an international convention centre that can collectively host more than 12,000 delegates. The entire precinct has been revitalised with new retail and dining facilities, public spaces plus new hotels in the pipeline. That’s also going to generate huge benefit for Australia.

SS: You’re well-known for using social media successfully; how effective has this been, in your view, and what key lessons have you and your colleagues have learned in this respect that might be useful for events organisers?

JOS: We’ve successfully used social media to engage with the leisure travel market through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter along with WeChat and Sina Weibo.

From an events perspective we’ve used social media for delegates to share their experiences of our events such as the Australian Tourism Exchange, for the leisure sector, and Dreamtime, for the business events sector, while also using it to share our news announcements from these events with delegates and a wider audience. LinkedIn, too, has been a great tool for business event [organisers] to share insights and information with stakeholders. The key thing we’ve learned is really about making the content relevant to the audience, and inspiring.

SS: There’s been much publicity recently (such as the hotels.com annual survey) about the stellar growth in China tourism. What do Chinese MICE travellers like best about Australia and what should operators be doing to engage them effectively?

JOS: They enjoy Australia’s beauty, in particular our natural environments and their proximity to urban centres. Australia’s seafood and wine, as well as the quality and variety of our food offering, are highly valued by Chinese travellers. Our wildlife, clear open skies and friendly people also appeal. Relationships are key in the China market. It’s important to invest the time and energy to develop these in order to operate effectively and grow your business.

JOHN INSIGHTS

As Managing Director of the nation’s global tourism marketing agency, John is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to increase demand for Australian tourism experiences and grow the sector. John joined Tourism Australia in March 2014. He was previously Chief Operating Officer of Fox Sports, and has held executive positions with Events Queensland (Chief Executive) and Football Federation Australia (Chief Commercial Officer), as well as with the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee.

More info: www.tourism.australia.com

Arriving at 11pm at the Hotel Santika Siligita in Bali, tired after a long flight, the immediate signs aren’t too appealing: a driveway with security guard off a busy thoroughfare in Nusa Dua, and a tiled lobby mostly deserted. At reception, a woman is complaining loudly to a staff member that a driver had tried to rip her off. Obligingly he orders her another cab.

It’s when I wake next morning and wander down to breakfast that I’m reminded again how pleasant it is to visit southeast Asia, especially Bali.

A large, high-ceilinged breakfast terrace served by smiling staff in traditional Balinese gear looks out over an enormous blue swimming pool surrounded by walled tropical gardens of lawns, frangipani trees and shrubbery. On one side, a sign emblazoned with “Uluwatu Spa” beckons. I could relax here.

Breakfast is a feast with a bewildering choice, from fresh papaya and other local fruits to an omelette station and western fare, with eclectic Asian choices including braised or fried chilli fish, curried chicken, nasi goreng, stuffed cabbage, salads, pastries and much else.

The three-star Hotel Santika Siligita is set near the centre of Nusa Dua, a MICE hub in Bali. It’s 30 minutes’ drive from the airport and about five minutes by free shuttle bus to good beaches and shopping. It has 153 rooms with high-speed wifi connection – something that some higher-priced chains, like Hilton, still, incredibly, don’t offer non-member guests – tea- and coffee-making facilities, safe deposit box, LCD TV and cable channels.

The hotel itself includes six well-equipped meeting rooms, and full banquet facilities are available for larger gatherings and special events.

“We’re part of a strong local company that has over forty very reasonably priced hotels throughout Indonesia,“ says Ni Wayan Yoni (pictured, above), Assistant Sales Manager for the Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa Dua.

“We recently hosted a five-day conference for a business group of 70 people here very successfully, and we can easily accommodate up to 140 people theatre-style.”

The half-day rate including lunches is USD 23, for a full day it’s USD 35, and for full board that includes lunch and dinner it’s USD 40. And even these rates are subject to negotiation, says Wayan Yoni. The online room rate starts from USD 29 a night, including breakfast, which, notwithstanding the value-for-money reputation of many Asian three-star hotels, is reasonable indeed.

Meetings clients are roughly split between local and international groups, with a significant number of MICE visitors from Singapore, Korea, China, Germany and, to a lesser extent, Australia, she says.

The Santika hotel group includes two-star Amaris properties, three-star Santika branded hotels and Santika Premier hotels which incorporate a collection of four-star properties. The Royal Collection is a brand of boutique Villa properties under the Samaya and Kayana brands.

More info: sales@siligitabali.santika.com, and at

http://www.santika.com/indonesia/bali/hotel-santika-siligita-nusa-dua-bali/

With the imminent arrival of the new Ovation of the Seas in Australasian waters, now’s the time for MICE organisers to start planning a memorable event aboard a billion-dollar, 168,000-tonne floating palace.

So says Adam Armstrong (pictured below), Managing Director for Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand. And it’s no mere cliché. At 168,000 tonnes, she’s the equal fourth-largest passenger ship in the world. She has 18 decks, can accommodate 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew and is a jaw-dropping 347 metres long. She’ll make her Australian debut in December, sailing from Sydney, and return for a second Australian summer season in 2017–18.

Royal Caribbean’s five locally based ships – Ovation of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas – offer dedicated, large and small meeting and conference facilities. While the company’s core business area is leisure, the MICE sector is growing in influence, says Adam.

“As the Royal Caribbean brand becomes more familiar to Australian companies we’re seeing enquiries increase,” he says. “Most of our Australian cruises are an average of ten or more nights. Our ships are big enough to host large groups [with a requirement to book at least eight staterooms] and our business is nimble enough to work with event partners on their specific needs.”

Adam adds that one of the parameters for organisers to consider is that the average Royal Caribbean cruise is ten to 11 nights, which suits a certain type of event or incentive. Spaces aboard are “sleek and modern” and can accommodate events ranging from a board retreat for a few to a large-scale national sales meeting. There are also complimentary audio and visual services, Voom – said to be the fastest Internet at sea – plus a dedicated crew member who’ll help ensure everything runs smoothly.

That’s obviously in addition to the other facilities on board like multiple outstanding dining options and entertainment and “incredible features like FlowRider surf machines, a sky-diving experience, rock-climbing walls, ice skating and more”.

Herein lies one of the main attractions for PCOs, says Adam. Everything’s in one place. “That includes conference facilities, accommodation, a la carte dining and entertainment – with great service. Plus guests all have access to the incredible features of the ship outside the conference facilities.”

What about the perception some organisers have that facilities on a ship may lack flexibility? Adam has a clear message here: a prime consideration for a MICE event at sea compared to those on land is to ensure the conference aligns with the itinerary you’ve chosen.

“For example we wouldn’t recommend planning a full day of conference talks while the ship is berthed in an idyllic South Pacific destination,” he says. “In addition the cruise you choose needs to align carefully with staff timings. There’s obviously no ability to embark a day late, or debark early. That said, no other venue in the world can offer such variety of experience as a cruise ship.”

Royal Caribbean offers a small number of two- to three-night sailings every season. They’re popular with new cruisers who want to test the waters and for our repeat guests who might not have time for a longer holiday. It’s also a good option for MICE organisers seeking to limit the amount of time employees spend out of the office.

Competitive cost

Conference costs can vary depending on the style of conference, number of guests, length of cruise, and a range of other factors. Adam suggests discussing this with a trusted travel agent. But a quick scan of the Royal Caribbean International website reveals that an Ovation of the Seas “three-night sampler” cruise departing Sydney on 17 February next year starts at $1,029 per person twin share, for a balcony stateroom. (Cheaper options are already sold out). The five-night “Tasmania sampler” departing Sydney on 23 January 2017 starts at $1,699 per person twin share for a balcony stateroom, with the cheaper options also already sold. That’s just over AUD 300 a day, and it includes meals and entertainment. All up, as experts agree, it will be much less than a similar sojourn at a hotel with comparable facilities, and offering more.

Meantime the excitement for Ovation of the Seas’ arrival has exceeded expectations, says Adam Armstrong. “She’s unlike anything that’s sailed here before. The demand for the ship was so high we extended her maiden season earlier this year with an additional four extra cruises from Sydney, and announced she’ll return for the second summer season. Australians can’t wait for her to arrive.”

More information: Phone 1800 754 500 Groups (in Australia). 866-562-7625 (USA).

Or email Royal Caribbean at this link.

The Chief Executive of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia is one of the most respected personalities in her industry. In this interview with The Siteseer, Joyce DiMascio shares her insights into the business she loves and lessons learned in her long and distinguished career.

Siteseer: What, in your view, are the key issues facing the industry? You’ve praised its resilience in the past: are you optimistic or otherwise now, and why?

Joyce DiMascio: Many issues impact the performance of the exhibition and events industry – in particular, the state of the economy and the performance of industry sectors within it. When business and consumer confidence is up or down, it directly impacts the sector. When technology, food and lifestyle sectors are up, so are the shows. When the industry category, say mining, is down, so are the mining-related events.

Government policy is also a driver. When you have investment in infrastructure, particularly in venues and transport, it sends a strong message to the events industry that the government values the contribution made by those who deliver events.

“There’s no value in squeezing the small suppliers to cut their margins, they’ll simply be put out of business. Organisers, venues and suppliers have to work together for the good of the whole industry.”

At present we’re seeing record investment in venues around the country, and fit-for-purpose infrastructure helps the industry to run outstanding events. With refreshed venues you get more efficient back-of -house and more satisfying front-of -house experiences for partners, exhibitors, delegates and visitors.

I’m optimistic about the future because our sector is very commercial and nimble. Organisers create new shows to replace under-performing ones. They create marketplaces where buyers and sellers can meet, or where enthusiasts can pursue their passion. This is at the heart of the value proposition of expos.

SS: What kind of additional support for the industry in Australia would you like to see?

JD: In Australia we’d like governments to continue to recognise the power of exhibitions to drive the economy, stimulate trade and investment, drive visits and stimulate employment. We’re getting much more traction at a political level and greater awareness of the importance of our sector, but it’s been a slow process. Business events certainly drive tourism, but they do much more [than just that] and we need governments to embrace the opportunity to make more use of trade and consumer expos, meetings, conferences and incentives more.

SS: What will the most successful operators be doing differently in future?

JD: Ultimately the trade or consumer show experience has to be rewarding for customers, whether they’re buyers, visitors or exhibitors. Commercial organisers or association organisers who listen to the customers and evolve their show experience to deliver what they want – they’re the ones who will succeed.

We also need strong partnerships between the organisers, venues and suppliers. All players need to prosper and do well. There’s no value in squeezing the small suppliers to cut their margins, they’ll simply be put out of business. Organisers, venues and suppliers have to work together for the good of the whole industry.

SS: Do Australian venues, generally, represent value for money for inbound business? What have we got that makes us special, and what should we be doing/building to stay a step ahead?

JD: Australian venues are generally very good and we have some outstanding facilities across the states and cities, though some could do with more investment to keep their facilities fit-for-purpose and stay competitive. Venues should consider their food and beverage services, wifi and AV, signage, transport access, back-of-house efficiencies, services, parking, weather-proofing, sound-proofing. These are all basic things fundamental to the operations of a good venue.

Our big convention and exhibition centres are outstanding, and this is recognised globally in the plethora of international awards presented to our venues. We work with them closely and find their capacity to deliver on our requirements to be outstanding. The EEAA holds about 30 events each year around the country. For our meetings and events they’ve all been very good.

SS: You have significant experience in the business, comms and government. What key lessons have you learned along the way that could be useful for PCOs reading this?

JD: I’ve worked in the most extraordinary roles throughout my career – privileged roles. I’ve also worked in a couple of truly awful places. My message is very simple – operate with professionalism always, invest in good staff, communicate openly, understand what’s driving your stakeholders. The thing that drives me most is my love for what I do. I always try to do my personal best every single time. That’s a value I promote with my staff as well. I do my best and I expect my staff to do the same always.

For PCOs and other organisers it’s really important that they build a strong partnership with their clients. They need to demonstrate a much deeper knowledge of the industry sector too. We know PCOs can organise events, but their remit needs to be much deeper. Their knowledge of the industry sector also needs to be outstanding so they can add value for their clients.

SS: There’s a strong need these days, obviously, for venues and business events to embrace CSR and social and environmental credentials. Where’s this trend heading, do you think, and what else should the industry be doing in this respect?

JD: Corporate social responsibility should be in the DNA of all companies; I prefer to call it “responsible business practice”. Australia has a good CSR track record in the business events sector and we continue to recognise its importance. However, we need to keep it on the agenda and not become complacent.

SS: How and why are you enjoying the job?

JD: I’ve been heading up the EEAA for over five years now, and each day is totally energising. I work in an important industry and know the hundreds of events it delivers make a difference to the Australian economy. It’s my job to spread that message. I also love my job because it is difficult. It challenges me always to be looking at new ways to drive outcomes for our members and the industry. But most of all I love it because I feel valued and respected. I work with clever people in a stimulating environment where the future is bright. What more could I ask for?

JOYCE INSIGHTS

Joyce DiMascio has led the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia since May 2011. In February 2014 she was named Industry Person of the Year at the Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo (AIME) for her contribution to the industry and advocating on its behalf. She is former head of Business Events Australia at Tourism Australia and has led the work to position Australia globally as a place for business events.

Earlier in her career, Joyce was press secretary to two New South Wales Premiers and led the development of the tourism industry’s media strategy for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She has extensive experience in major events and was a media manager for around 15 visits to Australia by heads of state and royalty including Charles and Diana and the Pope. She also launched the NSW Government’s foray into major events in the ‘90s, kicking off the first big events in food in Sydney and regional NSW – including Feast of Sydney and the Sydney International Jazz Festival.

She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a councillor on the Board of Business Events Council Australia and a former board member of Trainworks and the Food Media Club of Australia.

ABOUT THE EEAA

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is the peak industry association representing organisers, association organisers, venues and suppliers in the exhibition and event sector who deliver over 500 trade and consumer expos and shows a year.

An Ernst & Young study, The Value of Business Events to Australia, showed that in 2013-14 there were 2,157 exhibitions staged in Australia, attracting 9.3 million visitors and over 65,000 exhibitors. The direct expenditure from exhibitions was $3.1 billion and these events contributed direct “value-add” of $1.5 billion and generated over 21,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

A not-for-profit organisation, the EEAA supports the industry by encouraging high standards, promoting association members and highlighting the business opportunities that exhibitions represent.

Read more about EEAA or view the Power of Exhibitions video.

For more information contact Joyce DiMascio, EEAA Chief Executive, on 02 9413 9520 or 0412 869 229, or Rebecca Ius, Events and Marketing Executive, on 02 9413 9520.

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Reed Gift Fairs

Sydney Boat Show

Mind, Body, Spirit Festival

More and more companies and government agencies seek to meet offsite in well-serviced, smaller venues that offer competitive prices and interesting localities these days, says Kurt Wehinger (below), Area General Manager Oceania for Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour – one of 34 hotels in the group owned or managed by Pan Pacific Hotels Group across Oceania, Asia, North America and Europe – is that kind of venue. And this may be one reason it has been running at almost a hundred percent occupancy during the southern winter, says Kurt.

Moreover the 340 fresh, classy guest rooms and seven meeting facilities at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, set on the western side of the CBD opposite the new Sydney ICC, are reasonably priced compared with many other hotels in Sydney.

“Price and location are definitely factors when you look at our meetings offer,” says Kurt, a thirty-year industry veteran who’s worked in South Africa, Singapore and China.

“We stand up well against some of the big players in Sydney, and we put our money where our mouth is because we offer a great product that is reasonably priced. We’re relatively small [about 400 square metres of meeting space] and don’t have huge ballrooms but frankly we have what companies are looking for.”

Chatting over coffee in the hotel’s executive lounge, Kurt says he’s observed a distinct smaller-is-better trend across the MICE sector in recent times, which has translated into strong repeat business for the hotel, especially for groups of around 50.

“You won’t find many big companies these days that don’t have their own sizeable meeting rooms in house, so with conference calls and AV equipment available you don’t have to travel as much as before or with so many delegates to have a meaningful meeting.

“And we have the technology that allows us to facilitate remote participation for those who want it. Anyone in the industry seeking MICE business these days who does not have the latest tech equipment is likely to lose out.”

While all big hotels talk about good service, the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour’s relatively modest size helps staff deliver a good personal experience, and they focus on helping clients discover the immediate neighbourhood as part of the deal.

“One of our mottoes is to create experiences,” explains Kurt, “so when you come here for an event we can show clients places in the vicinity they won’t find on a tourism map – great bars with no names, the best coffee alleyways, local designer boutiques and similar best-kept secrets to exploring Sydney like a local.”

Clients are increasingly making use of this service, which coincides with what Kurt sees as a new energy in the harbourside city. “There’s something special happening in Sydney right now. There’s an energy, I can feel it, that it’s never had before. Everywhere there’s new infrastructure and new activity.”

An added attraction is his view that Sydney has relatively low rates for meetings and hotel accommodation, compared with many other places like Singapore, London or Hong Kong. “It’s really not that expensive,” he says.

On one hand that’s obviously good news; on the other there’s a problem in relation to where the growing number of future visitors will be accommodated. “If you have 7,000 people coming in for a medical conference, where will they stay? Our group is eager to grow to help meet the demand, while being mindful we don’t want to set prices too high.”

To that end its sister hotel, the 196-room PARKROYAL Parramatta is due to open 90 new rooms in August 2016 following a $25 million-extension. It will be the only hotel with club-lounge facilities in Western Sydney.

From AUD 195

Online room rates start from AUD 195, and a Sunday and Monday day-delegate offer is currently available at AUD 75 per person. This includes free wifi for the meeting, two valet parking spots for the duration of the event, full day catering with a sit-down buffet lunch, room hire, stationery and an onsite paging system linking organisers directly to their conference concierge. (Half day delegate packages are also available.)

The hotel has views of the Darling Harbour precinct and is a short walk from Chinatown, Darling Park, Pitt Street Mall and the King Street Wharf.

More information, click here.

Email events.prsyd@parkroyalhotels.com

The 49 participants in the recent “Cake Me Away” conference of cake decorators in Australia hugely enjoyed their four days of meetings, dining together and networking. Unusually though, the ground seemed to be moving under their feet.

That’s because they were on a ship, P&O’s Pacific Aria, on a four-day voyage from Sydney to Moreton Island, off Queensland, and back. The attendees of what was marketed as Australia’s first “cake cruise” were able to demonstrate their specialised skills, enjoy demonstrations and classes, formal night, themed fun night, trivia sessions, treasure hunt and a day exploring Moreton Island. Some guests chose to bring along their partners, family and friends who joined in the non-conference activities.

Prices for the package included all meals and started off at $1,249 per person twin share.

“The staff on the ship were amazing, nothing was ever a problem for them,” says Blair Olsen, one of the chief organisers.

“There was always someone around to help with whatever we needed. The conference rooms on board [the Bondi and Noosa] and the Torquay theatre were well equipped and in close proximity to the atrium and reception areas, which made access to staff easy.”

Indeed it was so easy to hold the event and everyone enjoyed it so much that the group immediately booked two more floating conferences with P&O – for February and October 2017. And they are now seeking to arrange a similar event for their Kiwi counterparts.

“Cake Me Away Cruises” is the brainchild of Christine Kerr of The Raspberry Butterfly cake-decorating school in Newcastle, New South Wales. Cake decorating cruises have been happening in the US for a few years and Christine was keen to sail off on one. But it was too pricy to travel to the States, so she decided to organise an Australian version, says Blair. Christine approached P&O’s conference people, who helped put the icing on the arrangements.

One scribe penned this on the site’s Facebook page: “Loved every minute of it. Great work by the team to pull it all together so well.” Another said: “I had the best time, learnt heaps, made friends and I will be on the next one, see you then.”

The feedback must be encouraging for P&O in Australia, which last year began to offer conference space and services on the sister ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden in discrete, dedicated conference rooms. With all-in costs of AUD 250 to AUD 300 per person per day – including all meals, the conference venue including AV, and a dedicated groups specialist in Sydney to assist with organisation – demand is reportedly growing strongly.

The cruise line has already doubled its 2015 booking numbers in 2016, with six months of the year remaining, says P&O Corporate Groups Sales Manager Rebecca Mutanen (pictured left).

“Interest for the rest of the year is strong – our challenge is that we need more cruises to offer clients,” she says.

“The Noosa and Bondi rooms have a partition that can be opened up to create a larger space, so the ships can accommodate up to 180 guests for an event,” says Riccardo Garbin, Administration and Revenue Director for P&O who spoke to The Siteseer onboard. “We also cater for many larger incentive groups, which are very popular on all ships.”

More info:

www.pocruises.com.au

mice@pocruises.com.au