It takes a spark - TTG Asia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TTG associations
14 18
DESTINATIONS
GUIDE TO South Korea and
New and Singapore
accessible
stays
it takes
a spark
MCI (P) 004/05/2020
April 2020
She wanted an Asian meeting on falls prevention but
her passion led to her becoming chairperson to the
inaugural World Congress On Falls and Postural Stability
COUL D BE ON
YOUR NAME OK
IS TICKET TO BA N G K
TH
ber 2020
SS 22 – 24 Septem
B O A R D I N G PA ith:
In Partnership w
FROM
TO
GATE
NAME SEAT
DATE
JOB TITLE FLIGHT
N
ORGANISATIO
EMAIL
event!
a picture and pick your st.
Fill in your details, take
QR code below to indicate your intere
event
us the image O R scan your selected
Send
Hosted Buyer
Privileges
flights, accommodation and mo
re for qualified MICE, Associatio
n and Corporate Buyers
20% Off
Buyer Engagement Buyer Procurement
Registration Fees Specialised Tracks
Activities Showcase
Applicable to all buyers who For Different Buyer
Interactive ice breaker, For MICE, Association
confirm their participation by
brand showcase
Segments
end April. Also stand a chance and Corporate buyers to
presentations, exhibition Featuring freshly curated
share their procurement
to enhance your presence
walk-abouts, meet-the- highlights to meet MICE, FRO
through our publicity features requirements with relevant TO
corporates and more Association and Corporate
and interested destination
NAME objectives GA
and supplier leads
SE
JOB TITLE DA
Exhibitors | MICE
Buyers | MICE | Association Sponsors FL
EMAIL
Media | MICE & Association Corporate Buyers
s
Conference Delegates
N
www.itcma.com ORGANISATIO Media | Corporate Travel
buyers.itcma@ttgasia.co www.corporatetravelworl
m d.com/apac
ctm.ctwapac@ttgasia.co
m
Organised By Host Country and Strategic Partner Supported By Official Airline Official Venue
PROFILE 13 Tan Maw Pin She wanted an Asian meeting on falls prevention but her passion led to her becoaming chairperson to the inaugural World Congress On Falls and Postural Stability. By S Puvaneswary GUIDE TO 16 New and accessible stays For time-strapped meeting delegates, hotels located within walking distance of the event venue are a dream come true. Here are some of the newest accessible hotels to have opened in the region DESTINATIONS 20 22 South Korea // Seoul plays the right cards Singapore // Gear up in downtime Adelaine Ng finds the city is among the world’s While tightening measures amid Covid-19 mean top Muslim-friendly destinations, but greater downtime for venue providers and operators, awareness of its halal facilities and warm it offers the chance to gear up on offerings. By welcome is needed Pamela Chow DEPARTMENTS 1 To our readers 3 News 7 Talking point 2 Contents 5 On the shelves 24 Case study
Kathryn Wortley
On the shelves
A Deluxe Room at the new Carlton Hotel
Bangkok Sukhumvit
Carlton debuts in
Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Singapore’s Carlton Hotel Group has extended
its brand presence to Thailand, with the open-
ing of Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Located between the Asok and Phrom
Phong BTS Skytrain stations, the 338-room
University in Okinawa opens up luxury hotel offers 1,200m2 of configurable
event spaces across 10 function rooms.
spaces for science, tech events The largest is its Grand Carlton Ballroom,
which has a capacity of 560 guests in theatre
seating. Each function room is equipped with
a high-resolution 220-inch LED screen.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technol- jector and large screen, power outlets at each
Guestrooms and suites range in size from
ogy Graduate University (OIST) is preparing seat, and simultaneous interpretation equip-
37m2 to 129m2. They come with electric cur-
to welcome more science- and tech-related ment for two languages. The auditorium offers
tains and blinds, and in-room IPTV.
conferences and conventions this year, with views of a lake, and nearby green spaces can
Wah Lok – regarded as one of Singa-
the opening of its fourth lab on April 1, and be used to showcase traditional Okinawan
pore’s finest Cantonese restaurants for three
a fifth underway. dance or music.
decades and recognised as being part of
The efforts form part of Phase II of OIST’s There are also four meeting rooms ranging
the Carlton flagship in the city-state – also
development. The first phase, rolled out after in capacity from 30 to 130 pax with theatre-
has a presence in the Bangkok hotel.
the university’s accreditation in 2011, assisted style seating, which can be used to support
Other dining establishments include all-
OIST in attracting faculty members, students satellite conferences. The Centre also boasts
day dining restaurant Plate, the Tuxedo cafe,
and business events delegates. a spacious lobby for poster sessions, meals
and rooftop bar Cooling Tower.
Located in the Tancha area – approximately or a coffee break, as well as digital signage.
an hour’s drive from Naha International Air- On the adjacent main campus, the 150-
port – the university is upping its game seat Sydney Brenner Lecture Theatre and a
to attract business events as part of its efforts 60-seat seminar room can be tapped on as
to bring global talent and innovative solutions alternative breakout spaces.
to its modern, leafy campus. In November 2019, OIST hosted the 20th
OIST’s Conference Centre has a 493-seat, International Conference on Systems Biology,
605m2 auditorium that comes with a 4K pro- attended by 430 pax from 20 countries.
Outrigger’s Phuket resort presents new venue
The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – are housed within the resort’s main building. Qatar opens business
a Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau They comprise the 716m2 Andaman Ballroom class lounge in Singapore
(TCEB)-certified business events venue in La- and three smaller function rooms.
guna Phuket – has opened a new standalone Green functions will be central to the re- Qatar Airways has opened a new premium
meeting and events centre. sort’s business events offering. The property lounge serving business class passengers
Spanning two storeys, the complex has six has removed all single-use plastics. at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1,
function rooms amounting to 672m2 of space. Depending on the meeting’s objectives, which operates daily from 07.30 to 02.00.
Three of the function rooms on the ground delegates may be able to participate in corpo- The lounge boasts contemporary Arabic
level can be combined to form the 448m2 rate social responsibility initiatives. design elements, ultra-luxurious interiors
Similan Ballroom. Pillarless, with six-metre- and customised furniture pieces.
high ceilings and movable partition walls, the The 700m2 lounge can host 85 pas-
ballroom can seat 350 guests theatre-style, sengers at any given time. Guests can relax
or 320 in a banquet setting. in the lounge’s seven different seating areas
TTGassociations April 2020 • 5
The remaining three rooms are located – including sound-proof, semi-private spaces
on the second floor. Among them, the largest known as quiet pods – and have a tipple
is the 112m2 Tongfah, which can seat up to 90 at the centrepiece martini bar, where a dedi-
people theatre-style. The entire complex is cated mixologist is at hand.
equipped with the latest audiovisual technol- The lounge is also equipped with a full
ogy and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. kitchen ready to prepare food orders on de-
Event planners can also make use of the mand. Also available is a buffet spread serving
spacious pre-function area and a dedicated international dishes.
VIP lounge. The private entrance to the left of With the addition of the new Singapore
the resort lobby will be appreciated by event lounge, the airline now operates five premium
planners needing privacy for VIP guests. Similan Ballroom, part of the Outrigger Laguna lounges across the globe. The others are
Meanwhile, four other meeting venues Phuket Beach Resort’s standalone event complex located in London, Paris, Beirut and Bangkok.
{ Advertorial }
Sindhorn
Midtown Hotel
On the shelves
Bangkok opens
Sindhorn Midtown – the flagship property
of Thai-inspired hospitality brand Siam Sind-
horn – has opened in Bangkok’s Langsuan
neighbourhood. Spread across its two towers One of the hotel’s 49 serviced residence units
are 344 hotel rooms and suites, along with
49 serviced residence units. guests to stay fit 24/7. For meeting groups,
F&B offerings include Tr.EAT, where local the hotel offers four function rooms that can
cuisine is served with a dash of Asian flavours seat 9 to 23 pax in a boardroom seating.
and flair; and Rhumba, a gathering spot offer- The hotel’s convenient location means Chit
ing a comprehensive selection of rum that can Lom and Ratchadamri BTS Sky Train stations,
be mixed into classic and creative cocktails. the Erawan Shrine and the Pratunam Market
On the 18th level, the Horizon Pool offers are within walking distance. Guests can walk
skyline views, cocktails and small bites, while on to major shopping centres Central World
the Fitness Center on the 19th level allows and Siam Paragon.
Passengers can expect to see Makati CBD’s
high-rises; Mandaluyong’s colourful neigh-
bourhoods; as well as Santa Ana’s heritage
houses. One of the key highlights on the way
is Malacañang – the presidential palace, situ-
ated in old Manila district San Miguel.
Also a highlight along the way is the Manila
Post Office, rebuilt after the Second World
War. It was once touted to become an accom-
modation in the likes of Fullerton Hotel.
Native snacks await at the Escolta ferry
station, after which travellers are taken to the
newly-restored Jones Bridge for a tranvia (trol-
Passengers can explore Manila sans traffic gridlock ley) tour of Binondo Chinatown – the world’s
oldest – passing through various tourist spots
Rediscover Manila on until it reaches the final stop at the Spanish-
era seat of government, Intramuros.
Pasig River Cruise The tour is then capped by a special din-
ner at the Ayuntamiento de Manila, another
A Pasig River Cruise that showcases new and neoclassical building which once housed the
old Manila will be launched this month, featur- Manila City Hall.
ing another view of the city for both business This marks the first Pasig River cruise for
and leisure travellers sans the traffic gridlock. tourists after the river’s successful cleanup.
The cruise starts from the Guadalupe ferry A twilight tour is recommended for a magi-
station in bustling Makati, from which it is cal experience of the old quarters. Alterna-
a 45-minute ride to the end-point, Escolta, tively, the tour can begin in Intramuros and
in old Manila. The air-conditioned ferry for up end in Poblacion in Makati, for a pub crawl
to 150 pax features Wi-Fi and piped-in music. and dinner experience.
Accor adds dual-
branded hotel in
Melbourne
Accor has brought Novotel Melbourne Central
and ibis Melbourne Central under one roof in
the Melbourne CBD.
The tower on Little Lonsdale Street houses
483 keys, and puts guests just a short tram
6 • TTGassociations April 2020
ride from the Melbourne Convention and
Exhibition Centre.
Occupying levels 20 to 35, Novotel Mel- Floyd’s Aperitivo Bar serves house-cured charcuterie
bourne Central’s 213 rooms and suites range
from 20m2 to 28m2 in size. Guests enjoy ac- Three flexible event venues are housed
cess to its InBalance gym, and 24-hour guest within Novotel Melbourne Central, with Mey-
services and concierge desk. ers Place being the largest, good for up to 48
Located on levels four to 18, ibis Melbourne delegates.
Central features 270 premium economy guest Guests at both hotels can sample classic
rooms averaging 18m2. Italian cocktails served with house-cured char-
Guestrooms at both properties come with cuterie at Floyd’s Aperitivo Bar, before heading
complimentary Wi-Fi. for dinner at Pretty Boy Italian Steakhouse.
and protect their own com-
munities.”
Talking point
ABMLPS and ISID are not
the only associations whose
activities were impacted by
the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the research
division of the International
Congress and Convention
Association (ICCA), as at Feb-
ruary 27, 2020, 65 meetings
scheduled for Asia-Pacific in
2020 – out of a total of 1,058
association meetings in the
region – have had a change of
plans because of the pandem-
ic. Two have been relocated,
11 cancelled and 52 post-
poned. More meetings have
been cancelled or postponed
since then.
Control, alternate,
quick shift?
The disruption to associa-
tion meetings posed by the
pandemic begs the question:
Why aren’t more meetings
held virtually? If Soh was for
online meetings, why didn’t
Associations are seriously considering taking their impacted meetings online the ABMLPS hold its March
meetings on the net?
“(Moving) an event online,
A different approach
especially one that has the
scale of a main congress,
would require the establish-
ment of supporting infrastruc-
ture and specialists. These
Associations are being challenged to consider meeting can be a costly undertaking
virtually and diversify their revenue streams as the Covid-19 for just one activity. Further-
more, time ... for preparations
pandemic continues to upset functions, writes Karen Yue (is needed),” Soh said.
Octavio Peralta, founder
W
& CEO, Philippine Council
hile Covid-19 be) challenging. A decision from coming in contact with of Associations and Asso-
has resulted in to postpone an AGM also one another,” she said. ciation Executives (PCAAE)
negative im- requires an approval obtained Another event involving and president, Asia-Pacific
pacts on daily at a meeting. Fortunately, our medical professionals, namely Federation of Association
life and businesses, Asian as- (association) allows electronic the 19th International Con- Organizations (APFAO), said
sociation executives and con- communication,” said Soh. gress on Infectious Diseases associations hoping to use on-
gress specialists are regarding One of the affected (ICID), was postponed for the line events as an alternative
the pandemic as an opportu- ABMLPS meetings in Sin- same practical reasons. during this period must be
nity for them to take another gapore was scheduled for It was scheduled initially resource-ready.
look at how their events are March. The gathering, organ- for this February in Kuala Internet connectivity, hard-
conducted and their depend- ised in collaboration with a Lumpur, Malaysia, but will ware and human capability
ency on event revenues. US entity, was expecting some now be held in September must all be available. “Unfor-
Shirlena Soh, president, As- 100 attendees. 2020 at the same venue. tunately, readiness has been
sociation of Biomedical Labo- Soh explained that the deci- Explaining the decision, wanting,” said Peralta.
ratory Professionals (Singa- sion to axe the two ABMLPS Marc Mendelson, president, Soh opined that a “bite-size
TTGassociations April 2020 • 7
pore) (ABMLPS), which had meetings was made only be- International Society for Infec- approach” – such as convert-
to cancel two major meetings cause its members are among tious Diseases (ISID), said: ing a small seminar into a
in 1H2020 due to the Covid-19 the first line of respondents in “The prevention of further webinar – would be more re-
pandemic, told TTGassocia- the Covid-19 pandemic. They spread and the effective con- alistic for associations that are
tions that the situation was are involved in the intense lab tainment of Covid-19 is our new to online event formats,
proof they had made the right investigations. top priority. The people who “as such events would be
decision to consider moving “All meetings and activities attend the ICID are critical to easier and faster to execute”.
some meetings online. (in the medical sector) are ... the national, regional, and “The Covid-19 (pandemic)
“(Due to) the nature of impossible now due to a strict international response to the is actually a good opportunity
our members’ profession, hospital segregation plan that epidemic and are needed at for associations that (did) not
getting an AGM going (can restricts medical professionals home in order to engage with have online events ... to start
looking into this. Once they ence may help associations curtailed, the board of ISPIM will threaten their survival.
start, they can consider adopt- fulfil the need to meet during decided to proceed with the Associations fall into two
ing online events again even in challenging times, Holmes ISPIM Connect Bangkok main categories, according
Talking point
good times,” she reckoned. emphasised that it cannot be conference as planned, from to Soh. The first type oper-
Jane Vong Holmes, sen- a complete replacement for March 1 to 4 this year. ates on a pro bono basis, has
ior manager–Asia, business live meetings. The board factored in low overheads, and engages
events consultancy Gain- “The best part of a con- WHO’s announcements at the contract PCOs to manage
ingEdge, agrees. “It can be vention is the face-to-face time of the decision-making, meetings. Associations in this
quite challenging to move an opportunities it provides. as well as the fact that Thai- category adapt well to chang-
entire congress online. Some Participants can make new land’s borders were still open. es and can sustain operations
congresses are more complex contacts and/or strengthen Of course, since the even without meetings for a
than others,” she said. their existing relationships,” interview in February, the year.
Should associations con- she noted. pandemic has spiralled deeper The other type are the
sider virtual meetings, Holmes Webinars, while able to and many governments professional associations that
suggested they consider hybrid facilitate knowledge exchange around the world have either often have a large number
arrangements – face-to-face and allow for the delivery of ordered a lockdown or placed of in-house employees. Such
content with some live stream- education, will cause par- restrictions on events. associations, typically found
ing for those unable to attend ticipants to miss out on this In response, ISPIM will in Europe and the US, have
in person. “highly-rated benefit”, said replace its three-day Innova- “a sophisticated revenue
Smaller events, such as Holmes. tion Conference 2020 with a stream” and are likely to have
board meetings, can also be “The live experience can- virtual one on the same dates safeguards in place for crises,
held remotely as they involve not be duplicated online,” – June 7-10 – and return with noted Soh.
a small number of executives. Holmes emphasised. the full-scale phyisical gather- ABLPS falls into the first
Richard Roocroft, general It is precisely the value ing in Berlin in June 2021. category, said Soh, adding
manager, Interprefy Asia Pa- of live interaction that led that her association “will be
Impact on revenue fine” even with two cancelled
ISPIM derives 80 per cent of events in 1H2020.
its income from the annual However, for associations
Innovation Conference in that have yet to move with
Berlin, shared Bitran, and the the times, the pandemic’s
conversion of the event into impact on events will be a
a virtual meeting will affect painful reminder for them to
event takings. However, he diversify revenue streams.
remains confident in ISPIM’s
survival as there are other Regional network shines
activities in its portfolio to If there was one key takeaway
finance its overall operations. from Covid-19’s impact on
Soh said most associations meetings, Bitran and Peralta
these days are aware of the felt it would be the impor-
ICCA: Most affected association meetings have been postponed, not cancelled
need to diversify their rev- tance of having a network of
enue streams, and few would local or regional speakers and
cific & Japan, remarked that Iain Bitran, executive direc- rely entirely on conference partners that associations can
“the first step towards any tor, International Society revenues or a single event to lean on when hiccups occur.
new technology adoption is for Professional Innovation power their entire operations. Peralta said: “Associations
always the hardest”. Management (ISPIM), to As such, it was unlikely that must allocate resources to
Roocraft explained that or- initially determine that online the Covid-19 pandemic alone start developing local talents
ganisations that get started on meetings are simply “out of and speakers to be self-reliant
their first webinar or online the question”. and not dependent on sourc-
event will find subsequent “Associations need to get ing imported expertise.”
ones “easier to implement”. their people to meet – that Fear of Covid-19 infections
Interprefy specialises in re- has to be one of their goals, led to a few keynote speak-
mote simultaneous intrepret- if not the major goal. Con- ers withdrawing from ISPIM
ing for live and online meet- necting people is the greatest Connect Bangkok, but the as-
ings, using a cloud platform. value associations offer their sociation was able to swiftly
The company was roped in members,” Bitran said. call in favours from support-
for the USANA Australia Kick “Human beings are ive partners in Asia.
Off 2020 event, which was social creatures... Many “It is always good sense to
moved online due to mount- ideas happen because have a strong local or regional
ing concerns over Covid-19 people meet, say some- network. If you have Euro-
8 • TTGassociations April 2020
developments. More than half thing to each other pean speakers pulling out of
of the delegation were sup- and spark something your Asian conference at the
posed to come from China. off. You won’t get last minute ... the nearest
Interprefy has seen an that through a vir- replacements are easier to
increase in engagement of live tual conference,” he secure, provided there’s
streaming and remote simul- added. something in it for them,”
taneous intrepreting services Despite losing he concluded.
since the pandemic began. a large number of
concerned delegates Bitran: connecting people is the
Not a total replacement who fear infection and greatest value associations offer their
While an online confer- whose travel has been members
Love in the face of adversity
Talking point
The Covid-19 pandemic has crippled meetings across China, Air China
The state-owned enterprise
but industry stakeholders have chosen to tackle the crisis stepped forward to support
China in her fight against the
with kindness, finds Karen Yue and Angela Teo outbreak by activating flights
and staff to deliver much
A
needed medical and disaster
s public and resources to help their city, associations, identify areas relief supplies, as well as
private gatherings province and country in the in greatest need of help and transport thousands medical
are suspended in battle against the pandemic. matched them with relevant staff to Wuhan.
China under strict ICCA China members products and services. Ona Li, representative of
government orders, along are among those who have The company discovered Air China, added that the
with a freeze on domestic and demonstrated love and resil- that associations wanted to company has also waived
international transport, in a ience in the face of adversity, establish virtual platforms so all costs for delivering 28.1
desperate fight to curb the and here are some of their that assistance and training tons of supplies to Japan and
spread of the highly infectious stories. for their members could be South Korea on March 16 and
Covid-19 virus, China’s meet- continued, and Covid-19 advi- 17, as the countries struggled
ings industry players found 31Events sory could be disseminated. with the outbreak themselves.
themselves stripped of busi- Recognising that the spread Its’ initiatives to chart It also helped to fly medical
ness and sources of revenue of misinformation surround- the impact of the pandemic experts to countries in need.
for the immediate future. ing Covid-19 was just as on business events, and to Li shared that some of
Amid their struggle for damaging to businesses as provide solutions and initiate the supplies were donated
business survival, many of the virus itself, Shanghai- relevant online discussions by Air China, while the rest
China’s meetings specialists based 31Events event tech- caught the attention of Chi- came from local companies,
have opted to respond with nology specialist committed na’s Ministry of Commerce, organisations, embassies and
compassion and generosity by itself to surveys that helped which reported on the firm’s overseas Chinese.
volunteering their time and event organisers, including efforts. As China’s fight against
TTGassociations April 2020 • 9
Wuhan Eurasia Convention International Hotel stepped in to house medical teams from Guangzhou and Zhejiang that had rushed to help Wuhan battle the outbreak
the outbreak drew to a close project management, facili- e-commerce enterprises, and as well as masks and other
the Air China family came ties management, security, these stakeholders responded essential medical supplies.
together to compose and hospitality and communica- positively. Tina Gan, representative
Talking point
perform a song, Take Off, to tion services that helped The government also called of the MICE department of
express their gratitude for ensure the running of the upon all relevant departments Business Events Hangzhou –
all those who helped China hospital. and social institutions to pro- part of the bureau – recalled
through the difficult time. Their efforts ensured mote this service. the achievement. The hunt
The song can be en- that actual hospital beds The non-contact online for mask supplies began on
joyed at https://mp.weixin. were freed up for critical shopping network took off af- January 25 while the fund-
qq.com/s/HpFATgI3SqQe- cases, which alleviated the ter a week of preparation, and raiser kicked off on January
CODGa_v5-A. strain on the city’s medical is still ongoing today. Between 27. By January 29, RMB
resources and reduced risk of January 25 and March 21, 20,000 worth of masks were
China Optics Valley transmission. the service recorded 257,141 shipped out and donations of
Convention & Exhibition By March 3, when the deliveries of take-out food and RMB 19,515 were secured the
Centre makeshift hospital ended supplies, using 214 vehicles day after.
China Optics Valley Conven- its operations, 875 patients daily. Five key participating e- Donations were obtained
tion and Exhibition Centre had been treated within its commerce platforms generat- through the Hangzhou MICE
(COVCEC) received an order grounds. ed RMB 2.1 million (US$302, Charitable Fund, while
to transform three of its ex- 777) during that period. sources for masks were identi-
hibition halls into a tempo- Dujiangyan Municipal In addition, Dujiangyan fied through the Hangzhou
rary hospital on February 4. People’s Government Municipal People’s Govern- MICE Association’s Wechat
Bringing together the people As the Covid-19 outbreak ment also executed an online group for members.
and resources needed for the reared its head in Dujiangyan version of the 2020 Dujiang- As the masks were not suit-
task amid Wuhan’s lock- City, Sichuan province, the yan Spring Fair Online, which able for professional medical
down and the Spring Festival local municipal government was traditionally an event use, they were channelled to
holiday was not easy. realised that there was an held in the city during the Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
Despite the challenges, urgent need to allow life to Spring Festival. Customs and Jianggan District
the team delivered on the carry on effectively and with Commerce Bureau. In Jiang-
mission – a makeshift hos- reduced infection potential. Hangzhou Municipal Bureau gan, the supplies were used
pital that spanned 10,000m2 Dujiangyan Municipal of Culture, Radio, TV and by frontline staff attending
and held 1,000 beds. The People’s Government sought Tourism to markets and community
facility opened its doors to establish a non-contact As the highly-infectious facilities, as well as by super-
February 17 at 17.00. online shopping network so Covid-19 laid siege to China vision officers at the District
For more than 18 days, that residents could con- in late-January, the Hangzhou Commerce Bureau.
the COVCEC team worked tinue to get their necessary Municipal Bureau of Cul-
together to safeguard the supplies safely. To achieve ture, Radio, TV and Tourism Nanjing International
health and interests of pa- this, it convened a meeting initiated an urgent fund-raiser Expo Center
tients and medical workers. with the Dujiangyan Internet with the Hangzhou MICE As- When Nanjing International
They provided much needed Association, as well as key sociation to secure donations, Expo Center (NIEC) in China
chose to help alleviate the
city’s pressure for isolation
facilities, staff found them-
selves tasked with a fresh set
of responsibilities along with
protective suits as their new
uniform.
Regarded as a landmark in
the Chinese city of Nanjing,
the Centre has 140,000m2 of
exhibition space, a convention
centre and a 252-key hotel.
A system had to be es-
tablished, revealed Leo Liu,
deputy director of sales &
marketing with the Centre,
where a health docket was
created for every guest,
temperature screening was
conducted twice a day,
10 • TTGassociations April 2020
public spaces were sanitised
twice daily, and garbage was
carefully sorted before being
transported for safe disposal.
NIEC had to work closely
with the city’s health au-
thority to establish critical
Air China donated cargo services
for medical supplies and
transported healthcare personnel
Talking point
Clockwise from above: A barber
attends to medical staff at Wuhan
Eurasia Convention International
Hotel; transformation in progress at
China Optics Valley Convention &
Exhibition Centre; Shanghai Spring
Travel staff on house visits
procedures needed to safely
isolate hundreds of people.
Hotel staff also cooperated
with government personnel,
the police and healthcare
specialists to ensure the safe
storage of medical supplies
such as masks, thermometers,
alcohol, and disinfectants.
Liu opined that all the hard
work was worth it. “We need
to assume social responsibili-
ty during these unusual times.
We will continue to provide
assistance to the community
should our help be needed.”
Some 40 employees vol- jiang medical teams that had stations, dressing tents, and
Shanghai Spring Travels unteered for the programme, flocked to Wuhan to provide outdoor operating points were
Changning District, where which required them to pay assistance. also established.
the office of Shanghai Spring home visits to foreigners and Chris He, representative of To feed medical staff on
Travels is located, is home to man an online Q&A live chat the 448-key hotel, explained shift work, the hotel imple-
many foreigners living and service. They also performed that the property was well mented a flexibility meal
working in bustling Shang- community service, such suited to support the medical service. Breakfast service was
hai. Many who had returned as conducting temperature teams as it had 17 profes- conducted twice, one at 05.30
to Shanghai after the Spring checks for residents, offering sional meeting rooms, as well to 08.00 and another at 09.40
TTGassociations April 2020 • 11
Festival had to be under home child counselling for families as the capability to provide to 10.10, for instance. A small
quarantine. with difficulties, and more. high-quality accommodation, supermarket on each floor of
To help these foreigners catering and other services. the hotel provided conveni-
make sense of the information Wuhan Eurasia Convention To serve its new purpose, ence for medical staff needing
and regulation on epidemic International Hotel some of the dining rooms and snacks and daily necessities.
prevention and containment No stranger to pro-bono and guestrooms were adjusted Hotel staff contributed their
effort, Shanghai Spring Trav- charity activities, Wuhan and extra amenities – such time to transport supplies for
els staff who were proficient Eurasia hotel wasted no time as working venues, haircut the medical teams, while the
in foreign languages chipped in converting its premises into salon, table tennis tables local community was called
in to help with community emergency accommodation and express delivery services upon to donate items and
communications. for the Guangzhou and Zhe- – were added. Disinfection food to resident medical staff.Wuhan Eurasia hotel also cal staff fought the outbreak
Wuhan International Convention and Exhibition Centre
shared donations with other without adequate protective
hotels that were in need, and equipment, Wuhan Rayte Ex-
Talking point
contributed more than 400 hibition Culture Co. decided
sets of bedding for temporary to reach for a change through
hospitals in Wuhan. actions.
It raised more than RMB
Wuhan International 400,000 in cash donations,
Convention and Exhibition and directed medical and dis-
Centre infection supplies to hospitals
When Wuhan International and community organisa-
Convention and Exhibition tions in need. Among the
Centre (WHICEC) received a things donated were adult-use
government order to convert diapers for medical staff who
two floors of its exhibition were unable to leave their sta-
space into a makeshift hospi- tions to use the washroom for
tal on February 3, the centre’s hours, and mattress, quilts,
team speedily set up a crisis coffee/tea machines and other
response team. living comforts for temporary
Working round the clock hospitals across the city.
for 48 hours, the team re- Staff also volunteered to
worked the infrastructure of send medical personnel to
the exhibition space, which work in their own vehicles
had very different settings to when public transportation
that of a hospital, to match was halted.
authorities’ requirements. The Wuhan Rayte Exhibition
team delivered the makeshift Culture Co helped to feed
hospital – later named Jiang- medical staff, with more than
han Temporary Hospital – RMB 40,000 worth of meat
three hours ahead of deadline. buns delivered to five hospi-
From then on, rest became tals, as well as a full month
a luxury for the crisis re- of hot meals to medical staff
sponse team, which remained at Wuhan Seventh Hospital
on standby round the clock who had came from all over
from February 5 to March 9. the country to help fight the
They ensured lights, air-con- outbreak.
ditioning, lifts and the sound To encourage staff to From above: Jianghan Temporary Hospital; Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture,
system were working, and respond to the government’s Radio, TV and Tourism sends a donation to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Customs
took care of the distribution call for volunteer medi-
of items donated by business- cal workers, Wuhan Rayte
es so that medical staff could Exhibition Culture Co. paid a He had personally donated It also formed a volunteer
focus on treating patients. full salary plus rewards to all US$1,500 to the York Univer- team that helped deliver anti-
Of Wuhan’s 16 temporary those who participated. sity of Toronto Alumni As- virus brochures to Xiamen
hospitals that were converted By March, families in the sociation to purchase masks residents, as well as handwrit-
from public facilities, Ji- city were starting to feel the and other materials for the ten cards to cheer on frontline
anghan Temporary Hospital strain of income losses. Thus, hospitals in Canada. medical staff.
received the highest number the company donated RMB In addition, company staff
of patients – 1,848 in all. 40,000 worth of food to needy Xiamen ITG MICE initiated a fund-raising cam-
families. Joining in the fight against paign to help finance preven-
Wuhan Rayte Exhibition According to Jeffrey Tao, Covid-19, Xiamen ITG MICE tion efforts and treatment in
Culture Co. head of Wuhan Rayte Exhibi- donated surgical masks, Wuhan.
Shocked and saddened by the tion Culture Co., the company gloves, disinfectant and other Company spokespeople Ro-
rapidly deteriorating situation is now actively providing cleaning and healthcare sup- wena Cai and Eve Lin shared
across Wuhan city, as medi- assistance to other countries. plies to the local community. that help was sourced from
“international friends and
organisations”, including the
ICCA family, which allowed
“ICCA is focused on the fact that now is Xiamen ITG MICE to purchase
a time for cooperation, not competition. 25,000 surgical masks in a
12 • TTGassociations April 2020
We are a close-knit family and have an single day. These were sent to
the frontline in Xiamen.
opportunity to support each other. In Cai told TTGassociations:
particular, we have launched our Stand “We always believe that there
Together While We Are Far Apart campaign, is opportunity in adversity.
Only through global col-
highlighting the solidarity and support we laboration and coordination
all have for each other.” among industry professionals
in different countries, can a
Senthil Gopinath global industry recovery be
CEO, ICCA achieved.”Profile
Tan Maw Pin
it takes a spark
She wanted an Asian meeting on falls prevention but her
passion led to her becoming chairperson to the inaugural World
Congress On Falls and Postural Stability. By S Puvaneswary
You had smaller plans initially – to
organise an Asian falls prevention
meeting in Malaysia. The idea went on
to become the first World Congress on
Falls and Postural Stability (WCFPS),
held in Kuala Lumpur last December.
What transpired?
In the first half of 2017, I approached
the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition
Bureau (MyCEB) to ask if they would
consider funding an Asian-based falls
prevention meeting.
At the time, other parts of the world
were holding such meetings. There was
the European Falls Festival and the bien-
nial Australia and New Zealand Falls
Prevention Conference, but there was no
such platform in Asia.
Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bu-
reau (MyCEB) did some research on their
own and came across the International
Conference on Falls and Postural Stabil-
ity, which had been held successfully
in UK by the British Geriatrics Society
(BGS) for nearly two decades.
The MyCEB representative in London
went to meet the publicity arm of BGS
and proposed the idea of bringing the
conference to Malaysia.
TTGassociations April 2020 • 13BGS initially thought it was a good It helped that Masud knew me as I delegates were from Australia, the UK
idea and an opportunity to make more had worked under him when I was a and the Netherlands.
connections in Asia. MyCEB then de- young doctor in the UK. He knew and The congress provided opportunities
Profile
veloped a bid proposal and offered to trusted me and that helped make the for early career researchers and early
fund my attending the 18th International conversations easier. career falls practitioners to meet key
Conference on Falls and Postural Stability We also had to convince BGS that opinion leaders from all over the world.
in Birmingham in 2017. Kuala Lumpur had the facilities and When you go to a large congress on geri-
That’s where I met Tash Masud, presi- capabilities to hold the congress. MyCEB atrics, it could be difficult to find people
dent elect, BGS and chair of the Falls and assisted by funding a BGS delegation for interested in the research area of falls,
Bone Health Special Interest Group (SIG) a site inspection. It was only after seeing but everyone who came to the WCFPS
in 2017. I presented the bid proposal to the facilities at Kuala Lumpur Conven- were interested in falls research.
the Falls and Bone Health SIG committee tion Centre and a few key hotels that So, it was very specific group of peo-
informally on the eve of the 18th Interna- they were convinced. ple the delegates could speak to.
tional Conference on Falls and Postural
Stability and he explained that the con- Asia has benefited “I noticed that Has the society
ference will not leave the UK because its
members would not receive much fund-
from the WCFPS.
Yes, there is no
older people were brought up any
issues to the
ing support to attend the conference if it doubt about that. treated as second Ministry of Health
were to be held overseas. The WCFPS attract- class citizens. Malaysia after the
However, Masud went on to suggest ed 450 delegates, On ward rounds, congress?
that it would be a good idea to work
together to hold a world congress on falls
half of which were
Malaysians and the
doctors walked Yes, we have.
Issues raised dur-
and postural stability and that such a rest from Asia. They past them and ing the WCFPS
meeting was long overdue. After further came mainly from they were denied include not having
negotiations mediated by MyCEB, the Singapore, Japan treatment on the sufficient geriatri-
meeting materialised. and South Korea.
The congress
basis of age.” cians in govern-
ment hospitals in
What were the concerns BGS had provided a platform Malaysia, retention
before they agreed to come onboard? for Asians to share their research on falls of staff specialising in geriatric healthcare
We had to convince the BGS and postural stability. This meant in the civil service, inadequate remunera-
that the Malaysian Soci- that the world could also come to tion for civil servants in the healthcare
ety of Geriatric Medicine know that Asians have research- sector as well as support in developing
(MSGM) had the capacity ing on these areas. age-friendly services.
to organise the congress. We have developed These issues were submitted to the
At that time, our society advanced technology to Ministry of Health earlier this year along
had only 70 members prevent falls such as robots with the MSGM’s strategic report. This
whereas the BGS had to help people rehabilitate report is our action plan and recommen-
over 3,000, comprising and sensors that can detect dation to the ministry on how we can
professionals specialising imminent falls to prevent work with all stakeholders to enhance
in the healthcare of older them from happening. The the health of our senior population.
people across the UK. majority of the non-Asian
What is the future like for the WCFPS?
It has been decided there will be a world
congress every three years. Interested
parties will have to bid for it. At its first
run, it was provisionally decided that
the 2nd WCFPS will be hosted by the
Australia and New Zealand Falls Preven-
tion Society, and held together with their
regular meeting in Perth in 2022.
The (Malaysian) organising commit-
tee intends to set up a steering commit-
tee and are in the process of developing
guidelines for future WCFPS. This is
important to ensure that our efforts to
initiate such a meeting are not wasted.
The MSGM will therefore take on
the responsibility as inaugural hosts of
ensuring the continuity and longevity of
14 • TTGassociations April 2020
this event. We have plans now to initiate
an Asian Falls Network and we hope
that an Asian Falls and Postural Stability
Meeting can be held in 2021.
What new projects are you busy with
now?
I am involved in the AGELESS Project
where I am the overall programme
lead. AGELESS is an acronym for
Transforming Cognitive Frailty to LaterLife Self-Sufficiency. This project also
involves researchers from seven other
Profile
local universities. We received a RM6
million (US$1.4 million) grant from the
Ministry of Education Malaysia for this
five-year project, which is a study aimed
at addressing cognitive frailty in older
persons.
Currently, medical professionals deal
with dementia and frailty in older people
separately. What we want to do is to de-
velop early detection of cognitive frailty
and to develop strategies to address these
two conditions together.
What events in your life led you to
the area of geriatric medicine and
research?
When I was training in the UK, I worked
for two months as a house officer on the
geriatric ward. I noticed that older people
were treated as second class citizens, to
put it simply. On ward rounds, doctors
walked past them and older people were
denied treatment simply on the basis of
Championing the ageing agenda
age. What’s worse was that they were de-
nied what everybody deserves – a good
death at home, surrounded by family
Tan Maw Pin was the local organising chairperson of the 1st World Congress on Falls
and friends. Like most young people, I and Postural Stability 2019, and is the honorary secretary of the Malaysian Society of
wanted to save the world. Geriatric Medicine (MSGM). She is also a professor in geriatric medicine at the Univer-
As I delved deeper into geriatric medi- sity of Malaya. She is currently the principal investigator for the Life After Falls study
cine, I realised that saving the world in funded by the University of Malaya Impact-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant.
the 21st century means preparing for an Tan is also the founder and managing director of digital lifestyle medicine platform
ageing population. I made a conscious ACT4Health, and the medical director of the Genting Dementia Day Care Centre and
effort to fully immerse myself in this area Aged Care Services.
to make life better for older people.
You are the founding secretary of first recognise the benefits of becoming a fordable for them, and they will willingly
the MSGM, which was set up in 2012. member. pay registration fees to attend our events
What would you say is the society’s We hold an annual national confer- if they see the value they get for their
biggest challenge? ence which provides members with money.
The main issue is getting people from knowledge sharing sessions and net-
various sectors in geriatrics – such as working opportunities. There is also a What are the MSGM’s plans for the
geriatricians, allied health profession- WhatsApp forum for members to post future?
als and people interested in developing queries about the administration of the We are going to place our attention on
healthcare services for older people – to society, exchange ideas, ask advice from Malaysia’s response to an ageing popula-
work together on a common agenda. fellow members and address issues tion as well as the ageing agenda in
raised by members. developing nations.
Why is it so hard? For example, if my patient wants to Malaysia is unique in that we have
Doctors are very independently-minded move to another healthcare facility in the repeatedly been named a leading retire-
people. However, we are fortunate that country, I can post a query and quickly ment destination globally. We are there-
geriatricians are natural team players. get information on what is available. fore confident, that if we plan carefully
We may have arguments, but at the end and learn from other countries’ experi-
of the day, everyone still pulls together. How does the MSGM raise funds for ence in policy for population ageing,
Events like the WCFPS and organising outreach programmes that promote we will be able to ensure our country
annual conferences will always pull awareness of health issues among benefits and reaps its dividends from an
people together. You know the saying – older people? ageing population.
united we stand, divided we fall. It sounds strange, but money it is not the The MSGM feels that we are well
most important thing. The most crucial placed in moving forward the popula-
TTGassociations April 2020 • 15
Speaking of pulling people together, part in running programmes is the hu- tion ageing agenda for Malaysia with our
has the congress helped to attract man capital. critical mass of highly motivated and
new members? As the society’s main role is to raise passionate members.
Yes, we have many more who have awareness on geriatic medicine and In addition, we would like to bring to
signed up as members and it has cer- provide relevant education, our events light that most older people now live in
tainly created more awareness of the involve conferences and workshops. At- developing countries, while nearly all the
work we do. tendees are mainly healthcare profession- research and development have occurred
Prior to the congress, we hired a pub- als keen to learn about how to improve in developed countries. We are deter-
licity personnel to generate media aware- the way they provide healthcare to older mined to shout as loud as possible that
ness on the event and its importance. persons. developing countries matter just as much
For people to join our society, they must Our job is to make these events af- and no one should be left behind.Guide to
New and accessible stays
For time-strapped meeting delegates, hotels located within walking
distance of the event venue are a dream come true. Here are some of the
newest accessible hotels to have opened in the region
Amari SPICE Penang,
Malaysia
Operating status
Opening September 2020
Hotel feaures
Hosting a large group of delegates in
one accommodation nearby a massive
convention centre will become a reality
once the 453-key Amari SPICE Penang is
completed.
Not only is the hotel set to be located
within the area of the Setia SPICE Con-
vention Centre, it is minutes’ drive away
16 • TTGassociations April 2020
from the Penang International Airport.
Between sessions, delegates can take
their pick from Amari SPICE Penang’s
four F&B outlets, including all-day dining
restaurant Amaya Food Gallery and roof-
top bar SkyBar, which offers unobstruct-
ed views of the hotel’s surroundings.
The hotel’s 240m2 ballroom, which
can be divided into two, can host pre-
From top: Winter Garden terrace at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank; one of the eight meeting and post-conference functions. Four
spaces at the Grand Dafam Signature Surabaya breakout rooms are also available.Star conveniences
Delegates can access the Setia SPICE
Guide to
Convention Centre – and the Setia SPICE
Complex on which it sits – via two
connections on the hotel’s ground and
fourth floors.
Billed as the world’s first hybrid solar-
powered events venue, the Setia SPICE
Convention Centre houses a 4,060m2
pillarless ballroom, which can accom-
modate up to 8,000 pax in a theatre-style
setting.
Meanwhile, the state’s only champi-
onship golf course is also a short drive
away at the Penang Golf Club.
Grand Dafam
Signature Surabaya,
indonesia
An artist’s impression of the Executive Lounge at the soon-to-open Amari SPICE Penang
Operating status
Opened June 2019
Hotel features egates in the Festival Space, which has portunity to experience Yokohama’s
The 172-key Grand Dafam Signature a capacity of up to 120 pax theatre-style. east-meets-west culture at The Larboard
Surabaya does not only provide con- The hotel’s most unique venue is its Restaurant & Bar. Its menu is specially
venient access to a convention venue, it Winter Terrace, a choice venue for alfres- crafted to showcase the city’s Japanese-
boasts meeting facilities, most of which co cocktail receptions of up to 60 pax. European fusion cuisine, known as
come with sizeable capacities. All guests enjoy free hot buffet break- yõshoku.
Besides its grand ballroom, which fast daily from The Great Room Bar and
seats up to 920 pax, it offers a less Restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi in Star conveniences
conventional venue in the Previere 21 rooms. A short drive away is the PACIFICO
Bar & Lounge. Located on the top floor, Yokohama convention complex, with the
the lounge can be bought out for private Star conveniences 5,000-seater National Convention Hall as
events with up to 150 standing guests. Nestled within the heart of Melbourne’s its centrepiece. Also located within the
While Grand Dafam Signature Sura- Southbank, the Holiday Inn Express sits complex are a conference centre with
baya does not have an events team, within walking distance of the Mel- a 1,000-seater main hall and 50 meeting
event organisers can get support from the bourne Convention and Exhibition Cen- rooms, including four that can be com-
hotel banquet sales and F&B staff. tre and the Crown Conference Centre. bined to seat up to almost 1,400 pax.
From the hotel, it takes only a short Both InterContinental Yokohama Pier
Star conveniences stroll to hit the city’s restaurants, shops 8 and PACIFICO Yokohama are a short
Located within walking distance is the and attractions, including the National drive away from the city’s well-known
Grand City Mall and Convex Surabaya – Gallery of Victoria, the Arts Centre Mel- attractions, such as the Cup Noodles
home to a sizeable convention hall that bourne as well as the Eureka Skydeck, Museum and the historic Yokohama Red
can seat up to 5,000 pax in theatre-style, which offers sweeping views of the city’s Brick Warehouses.
as well as an expansive exhibition centre skyline.
spanning 4,100m2.
According to Grand Dafam Signature
Surabaya, the hotel provides a compli- JW Marriott Hotel
mentary shuttle service for guests when InterContinental Nara,
there is an event at the Grand City. Yokohama Pier 8, Japan
japan Operating status
Operating status Opening April 2020
Holiday Inn Express Opened October 2019
Melbourne South- Hotel features
Hotel features Business events are a great platform
bank, Australia
TTGassociations April 2020 • 17
Since its revitalisation, port city Yoko- to explore the culture of the host city.
Operating status hama has been a key up-and-coming Nara, Japan’s first capital, offers just
Opened January 2020 destination in Japan. that opportunity. Located near the heart
The second InterContinental-branded of Nara City is the 158-key JW Marriott
Hotel features hotel to open in the city offers upscale Hotel Nara, billed as the first interna-
One of the larger properties on this list, facilities with a local touch, making it tional luxury hotel in the area. The hotel
the 345-key hotel comes with five func- a choice business event accommodation. also sits adjacent to the Nara Prefectural
tion rooms. The 173-key InterContinental Yokohama Convention Centre, the prefecture’s larg-
Organisers can choose to combine the Pier 8 also features a 138m2 banquet est convention hall.
Sandridge and Walker rooms to house room on the third floor. Food and beverage options at the JW
36 pax in boardroom-style, or host del- Delegates will appreciate the op- Marriott Hotel Nara include Silk Road,a multi-cuisine restaurant that lives up to famed Nara Park, where deers roam programme can be hosted at the hotel’s
its name. There is also Japanese restau- freely. 407m2 ballroom.
rant Azekura, which serves teppanyaki,
Guide to
sushi and kaiseki, a traditional, multi- Star conveniences
course Japanese dinner. Delegates staying at The Kahala Hotel &
Spanning 373m2, the Yoshino ballroom
The Kahala Hotel Resort Yokohama will be within walking
can seat between 150 to 220 pax, with & Resort Yokohama, distance of PACIFICO Yokohama North,
the option to divide the ballroom into which is slated to open in 2Q2020.
two. Four meeting rooms, sized between
Japan The new convention centre will fea-
41m2 and 76m2, are also available. Operating status ture a 6,337m2 multi-purpose hall – billed
Opening June 2020 as one of the largest in Japan – with
Star conveniences the ability to accommodate up to 5,948
Next door is the two-level Nara Prefectur- Hotel features guests in theatre seating. Additionally,
al Convention Centre, which opened in Located along the Yokohama waterfront PACIFICO Yokohama North houses 42
April 2020. Besides the 2,100m2 conven- is the 146-key The Kahala Hotel & Resort meeting rooms that can house between
tion hall – designed to host up to 2,000 Yokohama. The property is set to bring 38 to 288 pax in a classroom setting.
guests in theatre-style, the centre features the brand’s signature Hawaiian hospi- Delegates can also easily access exist-
14 meeting rooms as well as indoor and tality to Japan’s shores – and outside ing buildings in the complex – such as
outdoor function spaces. Hawaiian shores for the first time. the 20,000m2 Exhibition Hall and the
Meeting rooms can seat between 45 Delegates can enjoy panaromic views 1,350m2 Annex Hall – through an out-
and 270 pax in a theatre setting. Selected of the revitalised Minato Mirai seaside door pedestrian deck. The Annex Hall,
meeting rooms can hold up to 156 pax in district from selected rooms and suites, suitable for up to 1,300 pax, makes for a
a classroom setting. and perhaps weave in some leisure time suitable venue for closing celebrations.
The centre’s location near the Former at the spa which comes with an indoor
Site of the Hejio Imperial Palace means bath.
delegates can spend their free time Three restaurants serving Italian and
exploring reconstructions of buildings Japanese cuisine provide dining variety
W Kuala Lumpur,
at what was once the heart of Japan’s for meeting planners. Malaysia
oldest royal capital. Also nearby is the Social functions during the official
Operating status
September 2018
Hotel features
The 150-key W Kuala Lumpur has an
in-house events team on hand to provide
planners with support in hosting up
to 700 guests in the 1,022m2 ballroom.
Named the Great Room, it is said to be
one of the largest ballrooms in the city
centre.
Besides an outdoor pool that makes
for a great vantage point from which to
view the famed Petronas Twin Towers,
hotel guests can enjoy the hotel’s 24-
hour gym and dine at its five restaurants
that offering a range of cuisines, from
Cantonese to French fare. Complimentary
Wi-Fi is available.
From above: InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8’s Club Lounge; a deluxe room at JW Marriott Hotel Nara
Star conveniences
W Kuala Lumpur is located in the busiest
part of the Malaysian capital. Just a
short walk away is the Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre, where 33,000m2 of
flexible function space is available for
association events. Options include two
auditoriums, namely the 3,000-seater
Plenary Hall and the 500-seater Plenary
Theatre. With tiered seating over two
levels, the Plenary Hall is perfect for
18 • TTGassociations April 2020
opening ceremonies and keynote
addresses.
Additionally, the Centre offers eight
exhibition halls spanning 33,659m2
and a conference hall that can take in
1,800 pax or be divided into three small
venues. For banquets, planners can host
delegates in the 2,000-seat ballroom.
There are also 20 meeting rooms, each
being able to accommodate between 43
and 220 attendees.You can also read
