Eruption disrupts events from Europe to Borneo
Europe’s no-fly zone because of volcanic ash has hit the international association sector as well as corporate meetings, triggering cancellations, postponements and delegate attendances, a survey of ICCA member companies has revealed. While more than 70 per cent of European events were badly affected, conferences as far distant as Sarawak and the US West Coast experienced delegate cuts and missing keynote speakers. But ICCA members have worked with clients to mitigate the damage: many events have been rebooked at no extra charge; cancellation and attrition clauses have been relaxed; massive efforts have been made to help and communicate with delegates. Smaller events have been replaced by video conferencing and some larger events converted into “hybrid meetings” by way of webcasting. “This is not a time for either party to insist on contractual small print,” says ICCA CEO Martin Sirk. “If there has been one heart-warming aspect from our survey, it was to hear so many stories of collaboration and flexibility.” Meanwhile, a last-minute schedule change amid the 75 free workshops and presentations at IMEX 2010 in Frankfurt this week – the event’s largest-ever educational program – saw Martin Sirk present a session on the impact and implications of the Iceland eruption. Do you have a story to tell? Contact the editor.
Australia has 50th accredited event manager
A Melbourne event producer has been awarded the 50th Certified Event Manager accreditation by the PCO Association. Receiving his CEM, Benjamin Stein of Telstra Enterprise & Government said the accreditation enhanced the credibility and professionalism of PCOs. PCO Association president Rob Henshaw says the response to the accreditation program has been outstanding.
Singapore complex opens doors
With the first phase of the $5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands Resort and The Sands Expo & Convention Centre opening in Singapore yesterday, the first conference (for the Inter-Pacific Bar Association) is set to occupy the convention centre from May 2 to 5. It will be followed by the Sound Light Visual conference and tradeshow from June 16 to 18, then UFI returns to Singapore after a 15-year absence for its annual congress. Staff at the resort worked around the clock to gear up for the preview opening, and simulation exercises involving 2000 guests were run to test out systems. The grand opening will be in June 23. Marina Bay Sands expects to reap the return on its investment within five years, reports Asia Pacific Business Traveller. C&I events are expected to eventually contribute 50 per cent or more to the bottom line, according to MBS president and CEO Thomas Arasi. To date, more than 160 events have been booked at the 120,000sq.m. convention centre.
Flight check-in by phone introduced
Passengers with web-enabled mobile phones can now check in for Qantas and selected QantasLink domestic flights between 24 hours and 45 minutes before leaving. They will received a boarding pass that can be scanned at the departure gate, where they will receive a boarding receipt displaying their name, seat number, frequent flyer information and flight details. The Mobile Check-in is available at Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Gladstone, Hobart, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Newman, Paraburdoo, Perth, Port Lincoln, Rockhampton, Sydney Domestic Terminal and Townsville.
Speakers confirmed for Event Talks program
RSVP Melbourne, at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on May 26 and 27, will have 12 seminars in its Event Talks program. Organiser Georgia Blakeney says confirmed speakers include Adam D’Silva (Coda Bar & Restaurant), Jeremy Garling (Great Southern E-vents), Peter Jack (ID Events), Rob Lawson (iQuantum CEO/founder), Jo-Anne Morgan (The Conference Box), Alex Nihill (Peter Jones Special Events events producer), Tom Rutherford (FNB creative director), Jennifer Trethewey (JT Group managing director) and Karen Webster (L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival director). Limited tickets are available.
Fares on sale six months before new sevice
Tiger Airways will launch daily flights to Cairns from Melbourne (Tullamarine) from September 16, with fares already on sale. “It’s an exciting time of significant growth for Tiger Airways in Australia as we continue to expand our paw print across the nation,” says Australia commercial director Steve Burns.
Focus groups used to develop seminars
In developing the seminar program of Australian Business Events Expo, Meetings & Events Australia ran focus groups and asked meeting planners about the issues and challenges. Full details will soon be announced. Event manager Gabrielle Stephens says a highlight among the exhibitors is a showcase by Four Seasons Sydney of its lobby refurbishment and AV systems for its meeting spaces. Australian Business Events Expo will be held alongside RSVP Sydney at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 22 and 23. Registrations are being accepted.
Savings documented in free library
Sustainable tourism certification program EarthCheck has released a library of free sustainability fact sheets, voluntary carbon offsetting information sheets and case studies that document savings made by hotels and conference venues that have implemented sustainability measures. The reference materials were jointly developed by EarthCheck and the University of Queensland. “We expect these resources to help business managers better understand the benefits of sustainable practices,” says EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore. PDFs.
'Green' DVD released in Australia
An Australian company has introduced a “green” DVD to help combat both global warming and landfill problems. The EcoDisc already has a successful track record in international markets with magazine and newspaper publishers, consumer goods manufacturers, governments and publishers.
Focus on global storytelling
Tamaki Heritage Experience in New Zealand has a new trade website that gives details about the Maori cultural company, its history, its experiences in different segments and its vision for global storytelling.
A lot of wagging on the job....
An international hotel chain is going to the dogs in order to offer special experiences for guests. Selected Fairmont Hotels & Resorts properties have resident dogs known as “canine ambassadors”, the latest addition being chocolate Labrador Zeus at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in California. He will keep an eye on lobby activities, co-lead guest hikes and help in grounds supervision. The dogs meet and greet guests, go on scheduled walks and runs, and serve as community liaisons. Pictured is Beau, a yellow Labrador at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Guests can stay in touch with their four-legged friends, by sending “ani-mail”, and some dogs even have their own Facebook pages.Visit to learn more about the Canine Ambassadors.
Fireworks as resort launched in Hunter Valley
Château Élan, the conference, spa and golf resort in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, welcomed 120 guests from the tourism, government and business sectors for its grand opening, complete with fireworks and entertainment. Founder/chairman Don Panoz flew in from the US for the occasion. The $40 million resort has five conference rooms, a spa with 18 treatment rooms, gourmet dining and accommodation for up to 200 guests overlooking its Greg Norman-designed golf course.
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