It Takes a Spark

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14 18 DESTINATIONS associations GUIDE TO South Korea and New and Singapore accessible stays

it takes MCI (P) 004/05/2020 a spark 2020 April 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 YOUR NAME COULD BE ON THIS TICKET TO BANGKOK 22 – 24 September 2020 BOARDING PASS In Partnership with:

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Organised By Host Country and Strategic Partner Supported By Official Airline Official Venue Editorial Karen Yue Group Editor ([email protected]) S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei ([email protected]) Mimi Hudoyo A test of relevance Editor, Indonesia ([email protected]) Rachel AJ Lee Assistant Editor, TTGmice, TTGassociations ([email protected]) The Covid-19 crisis has upended life as we their dialogues with the Singapore Tourism Therese Tan know it, removing many conveniences we Board. Assistant Editor, TTG Content Labr ([email protected]) have come to take for granted, from things The Thai Hotels Association successfully Pamela Chow as simple as leaving home for a stroll in the lobbied for the government to issue hotel Reporter ([email protected]) Cheryl Ong Sub Editor park to more critical needs like accessing closure orders, without which hospitality ([email protected]) drugs that used to be readily available, such staff would not have been able to access Adelaine Ng Australia ([email protected]) as aspirin and ibuprofen. the country’s social security fund as well Marissa Carruthers For many, their job stability is being threat- as other forms of relief. Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam ([email protected]) ened. The travel and tourism industry has The same was seen in the Philippines, Caroline Boey China & Special Projects been particularly hard hit. People have been where various associations presented fi- ([email protected]) Prudence Lui Hong Kong/Greater China avoiding travel for fear of transmission, and nancial assistance proposals to the Depart- ([email protected]) governments have been discouraging foreign ment of Tourism. Rohit Kaul India ([email protected]) Tiara Maharani, Kurniawan Ulung Indonesia arrivals through tough border controls. While business financing and wage ([email protected]) Several airlines, hotels and tourism compa- support are the most apparent forms of as- ([email protected]) Kathryn Wortley Japan nies have gone into hibernation, forcing staff sistance needed, I hope associations have ([email protected]) to go on furlough or be retrenched. not neglected to provide a guiding light Rosa Ocampo The Philippines ([email protected]) On April 24, the World Travel & Tourism to their members for an often unseen and Feizal Samath Sri Lanka/Maldives ([email protected]) Council (WTTC) estimated that over 100 unspoken problem – mental health. Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong million jobs were at risk in the sector world- Isolation due to new remote working Creative Designers Lina Tan Editorial Assistant wide, revising its figures upwards by 30 per arrangements, fear of redundancy, anxiety cent in just four weeks. from reduced income, loss of long-time col- Sales & Marketing It is often said that leadership is tested leagues to retrenchment, and the tsunami Pierre Quek Publisher and Head Integrated Solutions in crises. For professional associations, these of negative news daily is enough to eat ([email protected]) Chimmy Tsui Publisher and Head brutal times are a real test of their relevance away at anyone’s sanity. Integrated Solutions (China) to the industry they represent. Unfortunately, not all business lead- ([email protected]) Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager Across Asia – the hardest-hit region, where ers are ready to help their staff cope with ([email protected]) WTTC estimated that 63.4 million travel mental stress. In fact, business leaders, Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager ([email protected]) and tourism jobs are at risk – national asso- who are responsible for the livelihood of Seth Leow Business Manager ciations representing the industry have been many people, may be in need of mental ([email protected]) Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager working hard to secure government support care themselves. ([email protected]) for affected workers and businesses. Associations can help by highlighting Jade Ye Marketing Executive ([email protected]) In Singapore, these associations have the critical need for mental care within Delia Ng Digital Marketing Strategist been instrumental in the creation of a hefty member organisations and providing ([email protected]) Cheryl Lim government fund to aid the industry, through guidelines on how to get started. Advertisement Administration Manager ([email protected]) Carol Cheng Manager Administration & Marketing (Hong Kong, [email protected])

Publishing services Jonathan Wan Head, Operational Support Services Kun Swee Qi Publishing Services Executive Nur Hazirah Web Executive Katherine Leong Circulation Executive

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MCI (P) 004/05/2020 Karen Yue Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340 Group Editor 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 News TTGassociations April 2020 • 3 STEER intends to support similar funds By doing so, the ESG aims to help busi- ESG, has urged deputy CEO, Tan, Ted It is also business as usual for the under are commented: “We Tang will continue to contribute and “We Yong: drawing Yong: support from government agencies fund supported under the programme. Associations and the Trade set up by groupings. or industry (TACs) Chambers nesses with the challenges faced amid the pandemic and to continue transformation - efforts in anticipation of economic recov Meng, senior parliamen- Wu said Tan ery, and at the Ministry of Trade tary secretary Committee of Supply speech in Industry’s March. associations and chambers other trade efforts for their to initiate similar relief members. to do business in the new environment. to do business in the new according Community, Travel Corporate director. executive to Benson Tang, the financial have and we Informa Group this turmoil. to pass through strength industry travel unite the global corporate our Shanghai On June 17, 2020, together. Astoria Education Gathering in Waldorf will go ahead as planned.” Among professional associations Among professional in place and we systems have “We 12 and 13, ICCA will host a On May As one of SFIC’s main aims is to assist As one of SFIC’s can tap on the members Additionally, of mem- one year SFIC is also waiving En- supported by efforts are SFIC’s contacted, Noor Ahmad TTGassociations Asia Pacific, director Hamid, regional and Convention International Congress the world Association, said staff all over home. from to work continuing are provide our members, to serve able are (global and also organise and training said Noor. webinars,” regional) that guides participants on how webinar as find business opportunities in new as find business opportunities in new said Yong. markets, and retaining companies in retraining said his team is working Yong employees, a agencies to develop with government for com- Programme Training Resilience full use of the slowdown panies to make or improved to equip staff with new skills. Member Assistance Scheme to pursue digitalisation. and subscription fees for new bership from full and associate members existing July 2020. SG Together (ESG)’s terprise Singapore (STEER) Enhancing Enterprise Resilience ESG will match S$1 to every programme. under STEER. This SFIC by S$4 raised has com- agency means the government mitted to contribute S$225,000 to the S$1.2 million fund. This marks the first

Depending on the length of their SFIC, com- president, Mark Yong, helping The amount will go towards Available from April 1, 2020, to April 1, 2020, from Available The Association of Corporate Travel Travel The Association of Corporate - direc executive An email to ACTE posi- said two a source Meanwhile, could time TTGassociations press At Commenting on the unfolding situ- September 30, 2021, the scheme is set the scheme 2021, September 30, to impact full and associate members this who joined SFIC as at January 31 year. with SFIC, eligible mem- membership S$1,000 between set to receive are bers and S$6,000. set up not mented that the fund was “timely financial a only to provide to tide through for members catalyst” the economic effects of the Covid-19 mem- but also to prepare pandemic, “for the upturn when it comes”. bers business costs, to defray members save business capabilities, improve for staff, as well training provide jobs, Singapore Furniture Industries Council Furniture Singapore out a S$1.2 million (SFIC) has rolled (US$842,000) Member Assistance relief for financial Scheme to provide of its members. some 300 sets up financial help for members up financial help sets Singapore Furniture association association Furniture Singapore

meetings industry associationsindustry meetings Lay-offs ordered in tourism and tourism in ordered Lay-offs By Caroline Boey Caroline By as- industry Some global and regional become victims of the sociations have and with lay-offs pandemic, Covid-19 ordered. being suspension of operations - has suspended opera (ACTE) Executives 2020. May tions through the if verify Leigh Bochicchio, to tor, staff, off its global association is laying automatic reply: the following received of the global impact of the a result “As has suspended ACTE pandemic, Covid-19 2020.” May through operations association, Meetings tions at regional been impacted, have Australia & Events manager and that of the national events manager. the partnerships if the Global Business Travel not verify had to let go of Association (GBTA) of its staff. about one-third - global execu ation, Oscar Cerezales, lot of MCI, said: “A president, vice tive associations and all industries will go especially those it eventually, through that without the right cash positions, etc.” good reserves, 4 • TTGassociations April 2020 News Cameron: peopleat thecentre people toview theconference exhibits. Visitor Vision, to offeranew way for Brisbane Virtual Reality company, refunded. charge. TIckets forthelive event were Paul Bertsch. Queensland chiefscientistprofessor included NineCEOHughMarksand virtually, whilesomelocalspeakers rael were amongthose whotookpart the helpofvirtualreality. attendees tovisitexhibitor boothswith its conference live, aswell asallow its instead ofcancellingthefestival. taken itsevent into thevirtualworld Brisbane, atechnologyconference, has to thepandemic, organisers ofQODE Met withunusualcircumstances due Brisbane delivers first-ever virtual expo their staff. the psychological impactofthecrisison affected staff”whilepaying attentionto and how they canfacilitateaccessfor applicable government supportmeasures to “befullyaware ofthewiderange of through thecrisis. as focusonknowledge sharingtotide to keep asmany jobsaspossible, aswell sociation leaders tomake useofreserves rector, Rod Cameron hasurged fellow as- Industry Council’s (JMIC)executive di- on industryassociations, JointMeetings As theCovid-19 pandemictakes itstoll JMIC chief strategise together: Protect your people, The event alsoteamed upwitha The event was streamed free of Speakers from the USandIs- It partnered withYouTube tostream Identifying andpromoting ongoing He hasadvisedassociationleaders roles thatwillgive staff something staff something moral, enhance useful todo,even at areduced level will help lift their will helplifttheir of engagement, functionality and functionality and ensure they are better able to able to re-engage when when conditions conditions he said. improve, has doneinthepast50 years. sional andsocialdevelopment, justasit global economic, academic, profes- values oftheindustryinsupporting document andcommunicatethediverse exchange, strategy development, andto to provide aforumforinformation of beingpretty cost-effective.” forts now, andithastheaddedbenefit That iswhere we shouldbefocusingef- of acollective isthepower ofsharing. gather anddistributehard information”. by using“thepower ofthecollective to order tocope. ernments orthemembers themselves in policies beingdeveloped eitherby gov- tating theexchange ofstrategies and to continueservingmembers by facili- Cameron saidtrade associationsneeded sible membership feedelinquency, revenues inthecomingyear”. ties inthefaceofpotentiallyreduced of needingtomaintainpriorityactivi- “re-evaluating resources inanticipation ed thatmostwould now befocusedon taking inthisclimate, Cameron suggest- extent ofdamagetrade associationsare said it was fitting that a technology-based traditional setting. to gainaboutapotentialcustomer ina information thanthey mightbeable their interest level, whichisoftenmore booth, thecompany they are from and information aboutwhohasvisited the ing online, anexhibitor canalsoaccess exhibitor booths. from beingabletovirtuallywalk through tor asthey would face-toface”,aside “jump onacalltochatwiththeexhibi- QODE officerJackie Taranto said. tant way toaccessthatmarket,” chief for thoseexhibiting, it’s areally impor- products andinformationavailable, and booths togainfurtherinsightintothe tend conferences istovisittheexhibitor On JMIC’s part,itwillcontinue He explained: “Thegreatest value He suggestedthatthiscouldbedone Hit by zero event revenue andpos- Without specificinformationonthe Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner As aresult oftheprogramme be- She addedthatvisitors couldeven “One ofthekey reasons peopleat- three weeks starting from May 1. Institue, there willbetwo courses that span in partnership withtheAustralian Marketing upgrading theirprofessional knowledge. Built course, designed to aidtrade members in tive Economy hasrolled events outavirtual Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism andCrea- Indonesia offers events virtual training with one-day tours andmeal cards. companions of business events participants The programme also extends its welcome to gramme, butthere willalso befresh options. be acore of part thePLUS SEOUL pro - financial support. will enjoy 10percent more inpre-approved that have beenpostponed withintheyear from 500pax to just 200pax. Conferences ticipants required to access theprogramme, the minimumnumberof international par cover once theCovid-19 situation blows over. help thebusiness events industry inSeoul re- out anew PLUS SEOUL programme to further Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) hasrolled Seoul readies for post-pandemic recovery will focus onAsia,beginningwithSingapore. marketing outreach, slated for later months, marketing effort. The second phase of the was also thecity’s first-ever business events aimed at audiences inAustralia, inwhat March, withabrand awareness campaign Christchurch’s operations hadstarted in meetings to thedestination. the common goal to bringmore international Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, with Tourism New Zealand, ChristchurchNZ and business events partnership comprising Christchurch hasunveiled acollaborative Business Events Christchurch formed { the latesttechnology,” Schrinner said. al event goesaheadthanby embracing better way toensure thisimportant glob- call forinnovative solutionsandwhat proceed. solution would helpQODEBrisbane QODE conference went online Bureau brief “These extraordinary circumstances Customised programmes willcontinue to Part of theimprovement includes lowering The first phase of Business Events } - On the shelves TTGassociations April 2020 • 5

of configurable configurable of 2 . They come with electric cur come . They lounge can host 85 pas host can lounge 2 2 to 129m to 2 The lounge is also equipped with a full is also lounge The Singapore the new the addition of With The lounge boasts contemporary Arabic Arabic contemporary boasts lounge The 700m The - Singa as one of – regarded Lok Wah include all- Other dining establishments Located between the Asok and Phrom the Asok between Located The largest is its Grand Carlton Ballroom, Carlton Grand is its largest The from in size range and suites Guestrooms sengers at any given time. Guests can relax can Guests time. given any at sengers areas seating different seven in the lounge’s spaces semi-private – including sound-proof, a tipple pods – and have as quiet known a dedi- where martini bar, the centrepiece at hand. is at mixologist cated on de- orders food prepare to ready kitchen serving spread is a buffet available mand. Also dishes. international premium five operates the airline now lounge, are others The the globe. across lounges Beirut and Bangkok. Paris, in London, located Qatar Airways has opened a new premium has opened a new Airways Qatar passengers class business serving lounge 1, Changi Airport Terminal Singapore at 02.00. to 07.30 daily from which operates interiors ultra-luxurious elements, design pieces. furniture and customised A Deluxe Room at the new Carlton Hotel Carlton the new at Room A Deluxe Sukhumvit Bangkok IPTV. and in-room and blinds, tains for three restaurants Cantonese finest pore’s as being part of and recognised decades – also in the city-state flagship the Carlton hotel. Bangkok in the has a presence cafe, the Tuxedo Plate, dining restaurant day Cooling Tower. bar and rooftop Qatar opens business Qatar in Singapore lounge class Carlton debuts in debuts Carlton Bangkok Sukhumvit, Singapore’s Carlton Hotel Group has extended has extended Group Hotel Carlton Singapore’s with the open- Thailand, to presence brand its Sukhumvit. Bangkok Hotel Carlton ing of the 338-room stations, Skytrain Phong BTS 1,200m offers hotel luxury event spaces across 10 function rooms. 10 function rooms. across spaces event in theatre 560 guests of which has a capacity is equipped with function room Each seating. LED screen. 220-inch a high-resolution 37m

Kathryn Wortley

Andaman Ballroom 2 - the re to functions will be central Green objectives, Depending on the meeting’s There are also four meeting rooms ranging ranging rooms meeting four also are There the 150- main campus, On the adjacent the 20 hosted OIST 2019, In November and three smaller function rooms. and three property The offering. events business sort’s plastics. all single-use has removed - in corpo participate be able to may delegates initiatives. responsibility social rate International Conference on Systems Biology, Biology, on Systems Conference International 20 countries. from 430 pax by attended building. main within the resort’s housed are the 716m comprise They jector and large screen, power outlets at each at outlets power screen, and large jector equip- interpretation and simultaneous seat, offers auditorium The languages. two for ment can spaces green and nearby a lake, of views Okinawan traditional showcase to be used or music. dance with theatre- 130 pax 30 to from in capacity support to be used which can seating, style boasts also Centre The conferences. satellite meals sessions, poster for lobby a spacious signage. as digital as well break, or a coffee and a Theatre Lecture Brenner Sydney seat on as be tapped can room seminar 60-seat spaces. breakout alternative Similan Ballroom, part of the Outrigger Laguna the Outrigger part of Similan Ballroom, complex event standalone Resort’s Beach Phuket

of space. space. of 2 Tongfah, which can seat up to 90 up to seat which can Tongfah, 2

- with a 4K pro comes that auditorium 2

The efforts form part of Phase II of OIST’s OIST’s II of Phase part of form efforts The approximately – area Tancha the in Located has a 493-seat, Centre Conference OIST’s The remaining three rooms are located located are rooms three remaining The Spanning two storeys, the complex has six the complex storeys, two Spanning Event planners can also make use of the of use make also can planners Event venues meeting other four Meanwhile, Outrigger’s Phuket resort presents new venue new presents resort Phuket Outrigger’s a fifth underway. a fifth underway. rolled out after phase, first The development. assisted 2011, in accreditation the university’s students members, faculty in attracting OIST delegates. events and business Air International Naha from drive an hour’s game is upping its port – the university efforts its as part of events business attract to solutions and innovative talent bring global to campus. modern, leafy its to 605m - and Technol Science of Institute Okinawa The is preparing (OIST) University ogy Graduate and tech-related science- more welcome to with this year, and conventions conferences April 1, and lab on fourth its the opening of University in Okinawa opens up in Okinawa University spaces for science, tech events tech science, for spaces Similan Ballroom. Pillarless, with six-metre- Pillarless, Similan Ballroom. the partition walls, and movable high ceilings theatre-style, guests 350 seat can ballroom setting. in a banquet or 320 Among them, the largest floor. on the second is the 112m Three of the function rooms on the ground the function rooms of Three the 448m form to be combined can level The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – Resort Beach Laguna Phuket Outrigger The and Exhibition Bureau Convention a Thailand venue in La- events business (TCEB)-certified standalone – has opened a new guna Phuket centre. and events meeting 672m to amounting function rooms people theatre-style. The entire complex is complex entire The people theatre-style. - technol audiovisual equipped with the latest high-speed Wi-Fi. ogy and complimentary and a dedicated area pre-function spacious the left of to entrance private The VIP lounge. event by will be appreciated lobby the resort VIP guests. for needing privacy planners 6 • TTGassociations April 2020 On the shelves { Advertorial } Passengers canexplore Manilasanstraffic gridlock the Fitness Center onthe19 skyline views, cocktails andsmallbites, while from 20m bourne Central’s 213rooms andsuites range Exhibition Centre. ride from the Melbourne Convention and 483 keys, andputs guests justtram ashort the MelbourneCBD. and ibisMelbourneCentral under one roof in Accor hasbrought Novotel MelbourneCentral to 150pax features Wi-Fi andpiped-inmusic. in old Manila.The air-conditioned ferry for up a 45-minute rideto theend-point, Escolta, station inbustling Makati, from whichitis and leisure travellers sans thetraffic gridlock. ing another view of thecity for both business old Manila will be launched this month, featur A Pasig River Cruise that showcases new and complimentary Wi-Fi. Melbourne branded hotel in Accor addsdual- Pasig River Cruise Rediscover Manilaon be mixed into classic andcreative cocktails. ing acomprehensive selection of rumthat can andRhumba, a and flair; gathering spot offer cuisine isserved withadashof Asianflavours 49 serviced residence units. are 344hotel rooms andsuites, alongwith neighbourhood. Spread across its two towers horn –hasopenedinBangkok’s Langsuan of Thai-inspired hospitality brand SiamSind- Sindhorn Midtown –theflagship property Bangkok opens Midtown Hotel Sindhorn rooms averaging 18m Central features 270 premium economy guest services andconcierge desk. cess to its InBalance gym,and24-hour guest Occupying levels 20to 35, Novotel Mel- The tower onLittle Lonsdale Street houses The cruise starts from theGuadalupeferry Guestrooms at both properties come with On the18 F&B offerings includeTr.EAT, where local Located onlevels four to 18,ibisMelbourne 2 to 28m th level, theHorizon Pool offers 2 insize. Guests enjoy ac- 2 . th level allows

- and SiamParagon. on to majorshoppingcentres Central World are withinwalking distance. Guests can walk the Erawan ShrineandthePratunam Market Lom andRatchadamri BTS Sky Train stations, seat 9to 23 pax inaboardroom seating. the hotel offers four functionrooms that can guests to stay fit 24/7. For meeting groups, One of thehotel’s 49 serviced residence units Floyd’s Aperitivo Barserves house-cured charcuterie for dinnerat Pretty Boy Italian Steakhouse. cuterie at Floyd’s Aperitivo Bar, before heading Italian cocktails served with house-cured char delegates. ers Place beingthelargest, good for upto 48 within Novotel Melbourne Central, withMey and dinnerexperience. end inPoblacion inMakati, for apubcrawl tively, thetour can begininIntramuros and cal experience of theoldquarters. Alterna- tourists after theriver’s successful cleanup. Manila City Hall. neoclassical buildingwhichonce housed the ner at theAyuntamiento deManila,another era seat of government, Intramuros. until itreaches thefinal stop at theSpanish- oldest –passing through various tourist spots ley) tour of Binondo Chinatown –theworld’s newly-restored Jones Bridge for atranvia (trol- station, after whichtravellers are taken to the modation inthelikes of Fullerton Hotel. War. Itwas once touted to become anaccom- Post Office, rebuilt after the Second World ated inoldManiladistrict San Miguel. is Malacañang –thepresidential palace, situ- houses. Oneof thekey highlights ontheway bourhoods; aswell asSanta Ana’s heritage high-rises; Mandaluyong’s colourful neigh- The hotel’s convenient location means Chit Guests at both hotels can sample classic Three flexible event venues are housed A twilight tour isrecommended for amagi- This marksthefirst Pasig River cruise for The tour isthencapped by aspecialdin- Native snacksawait at theEscolta ferry Also ahighlight alongtheway istheManila Passengers can expect to see Makati CBD’s -

- Talking point TTGassociations April 2020 • 7

ABMLPS and ISID are not ISID are ABMLPS and research to the According online, an event “(Moving) founder Peralta, Octavio - hard Internet connectivity, Soh opined that a “bite-size (pandemic) “The Covid-19 and protect their own com- own their and protect munities.” whosethe only associations impacted by activities were pandemic. the Covid-19 the Internationaldivision of and Convention Congress - as at Feb Association (ICCA), 65 meetings ruary 27, 2020, in scheduled for Asia-Pacific out of a total of 1,058 – 2020 in theassociation meetings had a change of – have region pandem- plans because of the relocated, been have Two ic. - cancelled and 52 post 11 meetings have poned. More been cancelled or postponed since then. alternate, Control, quick shift? The disruption to associa- the tion meetings posed by pandemic begs the question: meetings more aren’t Why for held virtually? If Soh was didn’t why online meetings, the ABMLPS hold its March meetings on the net? especially one that has the scale of a main congress, - the establish require would - ment of supporting infrastruc These specialists. and ture can be a costly undertaking - Further for just one activity. time ... for preparations more, (is needed),” Soh said. Philippine Council & CEO, of Associations and Asso- (PCAAE) ciation Executives Asia-Pacific and president, of Association Federation said (APFAO), Organizations associations hoping to use on- alternative as an line events during this period must be resource-ready. capability and human ware “Unfor- must all be available. been has readiness tunately, said Peralta. wanting,” - – such as convert approach” ing a small seminar into a - re be more – would webinar alistic for associations that are formats, to online event new be would such events “as easier and faster to execute”. is actually a good opportunity for associations that (did) not ... to start online events have International Con- th Another event involving involving Another event It was scheduled initially It was Explaining the decision, from coming in contact with coming from she said. one another,” namely medical professionals, the 19 gress on Infectious Diseases gress postponed for the (ICID), was reasons. same practical in Kuala for this February but will Malaysia, Lumpur, be held in September now at the same venue. 2020 Mendelson, president, Marc International Society for Infec- tious Diseases (ISID), said: of further “The prevention con- and the effective spread is our tainment of Covid-19 The people who top priority. critical to attend the ICID are and the national, regional, to the international response needed at epidemic and are to engage with home in order One of the affected that the deci- Soh explained meetings and activities “All be) challenging. A decision also to postpone an AGM obtained an approval requires our at a meeting. Fortunately, electronic (association) allows communication,” said Soh. ABMLPS meetings in Sin- for scheduled was gapore - The gathering, organ March. with a ised in collaboration some expecting was US entity, attendees. 100 ABMLPS the two sion to axe made only be- meetings was among are cause its members inrespondents line of the first They pandemic. the Covid-19 in the intense lab involved are investigations. ... (in the medical sector) are due to a strict impossible now plan that hospital segregation medical professionals restricts hile Covid-19 hile Covid-19 in has resulted im- negative pacts on daily

“(Due to) the nature of “(Due to) the nature Shirlena Soh, president, As- Shirlena Soh, president,

W A different approach A different being challenged to consider meetingAssociations are as the Covid-19 streams their revenue virtually and diversify Yue writes Karen functions, pandemic continues to upset Associations are seriously considering taking their impacted meetings online meetings their impacted taking seriously considering are Associations sociation of Biomedical Labo- (Singa- Professionals ratory (ABMLPS), which had pore) major meetings to cancel two due to the Covid-19 in 1H2020 - told TTGassocia pandemic, tions that the situation was the right had made they proof decision to consider moving some meetings online. profession, our members’ going (can getting an AGM life and businesses, Asian as- life and businesses, and con- sociation executives regarding specialists are gress the pandemic as an opportu- another nity for them to take are their events look at how conducted and their depend- revenues. on event ency 8 • TTGassociations April 2020 Talking point ICCA: Most affected association meetings have beenpostponed, not cancelled While anonline confer- Not atotal replacement since thepandemicbegan. taneous intrepreting services streaming andremote simul- increase inengagementoflive posed tocomefrom China. of thedelegationwere sup- developments. More thanhalf ing concernsover Covid-19 moved onlineduetomount- Off 2020 event, whichwas for theUSANA Australia Kick ings, usingacloudplatform. ing forlive andonlinemeet- mote simultaneousintrepret- ones “easier toimplement”. event willfindsubsequent their first webinar oronline ganisations thatgetstartedon always thehardest”. new technologyadoption is “the first steptowards any cific &Japan, remarked that manager, Interprefy AsiaPa- a smallnumberofexecutives. held remotely asthey involve board meetings, canalsobe in person. ing forthoseunabletoattend content withsomelive stream- arrangements –face-to-face suggested they considerhybrid sider virtualmeetings, Holmes than others,” shesaid. congresses are more complex entire congress online. Some quite challengingtomove an ingEdge, agrees. “Itcanbe events consultancy Gain- ior manager–Asia,business good times,” shereckoned. ing onlineevents againeven in start, they canconsideradopt- looking intothis. Oncethey Interprefy hasseenan The company was roped in Interprefy specialisesinre- Roocraft explained thator- Richard Roocroft, general Smaller events, suchas Should associationscon- Jane Vong Holmes, sen- whose travel hasbeen who fearinfection and concerned delegates a large numberof added. tual conference,” he that through avir- off. You won’t get and sparksomething thing toeachother people meet,say some- ideas happenbecause social creatures... Many members,” Bitran said. value associationsoffertheir necting peopleisthegreatest if notthemajorgoal.Con- has tobeoneoftheirgoals, their peopletomeet–that the question”. meetings are simply“out of initially determinethatonline Management (ISPIM),to for Professional Innovation tor, International Society Iain Bitran, executive direc- of live interaction thatled Holmes emphasised. not beduplicatedonline,” Holmes. “highly-rated benefit”,said ticipants tomissoutonthis education, willcausepar- and allow forthedelivery of facilitate knowledge exchange she noted. their existing relationships,” contacts and/orstrengthen Participants canmake new opportunities itprovides. vention istheface-to-face live meetings. a completereplacement for emphasised thatitcannotbe challenging times, Holmes fulfil theneedtomeetduring ence may helpassociations Despite losing Despite losing “Human beingsare “Associations needtoget It isprecisely thevalue “The live experience can- Webinars, whileableto “The bestpartofacon- the Covid-19 pandemicalone As such,itwas unlikely that power theirentire operations. revenues orasingleevent to rely entirely onconference enue streams, andfew would need todiversify theirrev- these days are aware ofthe finance its overall operations. activities initsportfolioto survival asthere are other remains confidentinISPIM’s event takings. However, he a virtualmeetingwillaffect conversion oftheevent into Berlin, shared Bitran, andthe Innovation Conference in its incomefrom theannual ISPIM derives 80percent of Impact onrevenue ing inBerlinJune2021. the full-scalephyisical gather- – June7-10 –andreturn with virtual oneonthesamedates tion Conference 2020 witha replace itsthree-day Innova - restrictions onevents. ordered alockdown orplaced around theworld have either and many governments pandemic hasspiralled deeper interview inFebruary, the land’s borders were stillopen. as well asthefactthatThai- time ofthedecision-making, WHO’s announcementsatthe March 1to4thisyear. conference asplanned,from ISPIM ConnectBangkok decided toproceed withthe curtailed, theboard ofISPIM Soh said most associations Soh saidmostassociations In response, ISPIMwill Of course, sincethe The board factored in members greatest value associations offer their Bitran: connecting peopleisthe pean speakers pullingoutof network. Ifyou have Euro- have astrong local orregional ive partners inAsia. call infavours from support- sociation was abletoswiftly Connect Bangkok, buttheas- ers withdrawing from ISPIM led toafew keynote speaking importedexpertise.” and notdependentonsourc - and speakers tobeself-reliant start developing localtalents must allocateresources to lean onwhenhiccupsoccur. partners thatassociations can local orregional speakers and tance ofhaving anetwork of felt itwould betheimpor- meetings, Bitran andPeralta from Covid-19’s impacton If there was onekey takeaway Regional network shines diversify revenue streams. painful reminder forthem to impact onevents willbea the times, thepandemic’s that have yet tomove with events in1H2020. fine” even withtwo cancelled that herassociation“willbe category, saidSoh,adding noted Soh. safeguards inplaceforcrises, stream” andare likely tohave “a sophisticatedrevenue in Europe andtheUS,have associations, typicallyfound of in-houseemployees. Such often have alarge number professional associationsthat year. even withoutmeetingsfora es andcansustainoperations category adaptwell tochang- meetings. Associationsinthis contract PCOstomanage low overheads, andengages ates onapro bonobasis, has to Soh.Thefirst typeoper- main categories, according will threaten theirsurvival. your Asianconference atthe last minute...thenearest replacements are easier to secure, provided there’s he concluded. something initforthem,” “It isalways good senseto Fear ofCovid-19 infections Peralta said:“Associations However, forassociations ABLPS fallsintothefirst The othertypeare the Associations fallintotwo Talking point TTGassociations April 2020 • 9 Ona Li, representative of Ona Li, representative that some of Li shared fight against As China’s Air China enterprise The state-owned to support stepped forward theChina in her fight against flights activating by outbreak much and staff to deliver disasterneeded medical and as as well supplies, relief thousands medical transport staff to Wuhan. theAir China, added that has also waived company 28.1 all costs for delivering andtons of supplies to Japan 16 and on March South Korea 17, as the countries struggled themselves. with the outbreak It also helped to fly medical countries in need. to experts donated the supplies were while the rest Air China, by local companies, came from embassies and organisations, Chinese. overseas The company discovered discovered The company to chart Its’ initiatives associations, identify areas identify areas associations, need of help and in greatest relevant matched them with and services. products to that associations wanted soestablish virtual platforms that assistance and training could be for their members advi- continued, and Covid-19 sory could be disseminated. the impact of the pandemic and to on business events, solutions and initiate provide online discussions relevant caught the attention of Chi- of Commerce, Ministry na’s on the firm’s which reported efforts. ICCA China members ICCA China members resources to help their city, to help their city, resources and country in the province battle against the pandemic. among those who have are - and resil love demonstrated ience in the face of adversity, some of their are and here stories. 31Events that the spread Recognising - of misinformation surround just as was ing Covid-19 damaging to businesses as the virus itself, Shanghai- tech- event based 31Events nology specialist committed that helped itself to surveys including organisers, event s public and gatherings private suspended in are China under strict

Amid their struggle for business survival, many of many business survival, specialists meetings China’s with opted to respond have by compassion and generosity their time and volunteering government orders, along orders, government on domestic and with a freeze in a international transport, fight to curb the desperate of the highly infectious spread - meet China’s virus, Covid-19 found ings industry players stripped of busi- themselves of revenue ness and sources for the immediate future.

Wuhan Eurasia Convention International Hotel stepped in to house medical teams from Guangzhou and Zhejiang that had rushed to help Wuhan battle the outbreak battle help Wuhan to had rushed and Zhejiang that Guangzhou from house medical teams in to stepped Hotel International Convention Eurasia Wuhan A

The Covid-19 pandemic has crippled meetings across China,across meetings has crippled pandemic The Covid-19 tackle the crisis chosen to have stakeholders but industry Teo and Angela Yue finds Karen with kindness, Love in the face of adversity of face the in Love 10 • TTGassociations April 2020 Talking point They provided muchneeded tients andmedicalworkers. health andinterests ofpa- together tosafeguard the the COVCEC teamworked February 17at17.00. facility openeditsdoors and held1,000beds. The pital thatspanned10,000m mission –amakeshift hos - the teamdelivered onthe holiday was noteasy. down andtheSpringFestival task amidWuhan’s lock- and resources neededforthe Bringing togetherthepeople rary hospitalonFebruary 4. hibition hallsintoatempo- to transform three ofitsex- (COVCEC) received anorder tion andExhibitionCentre China OpticsValley Conven- Centre Convention &Exhibition China OpticsValley CODGa_v5-A. qq.com/s/HpFATgI3SqQe- joyed athttps://mp.weixin. through thedifficulttime. all thosewhohelpedChina express theirgratitude for perform asong,Take Off,to together tocomposeand the AirChinafamilycame the outbreak drew toaclose For more than18days, Despite thechallenges, The songcanbeen- 2

Association, aswell askey with theDujiangyan Internet this, itconvened ameeting supplies safely. To achieve tinue togettheirnecessary that residents couldcon- online shoppingnetwork so to establishanon-contact People’s Government sought reduced infectionpotential. carry oneffectively andwith urgent needtoallow lifeto realised thatthere was an local municipalgovernment City, Sichuanprovince, the reared itsheadinDujiangyan As theCovid-19 outbreak People’s Government Dujiangyan Municipal grounds. had beentreated withinits its operations, 875patients makeshift hospitalended transmission. resources andreduced riskof strain onthecity’s medical cases, whichalleviated the were freed upforcritical that actualhospitalbeds hospital. ensure therunningof tion servicesthathelped hospitality andcommunica- ties management,security, project management,facili- Dujiangyan Municipal By March 3,whenthe Their effortsensured sociation tosecure donations, with theHangzhouMICEAs- initiated anurgent fund-raiser ture, Radio, TVandTourism Municipal Bureau ofCul- in late-January, theHangzhou Covid-19 laidsiegetoChina As thehighly-infectious Tourism of Culture, Radio, TVand Hangzhou Municipal Bureau Spring Festival. held inthecityduring was traditionally anevent yan SpringFair Online, which version ofthe2020 Dujiang- ment alsoexecuted anonline Municipal People’s Govern - 777) duringthatperiod. ed RMB2.1million(US$302, commerce platformsgenerat- daily. Five key participatinge- supplies, using214 vehicles deliveries oftake-out foodand the servicerecorded 257,141 January 25andMarch 21, is stillongoingtoday. Between ter aweek ofpreparation, and shopping network tookoffaf- mote thisservice. and socialinstitutionstopro- upon allrelevant departments positively. these stakeholders responded e-commerce enterprises, and In addition,Dujiangyan The non-contactonline The government alsocalled thority to establish critical thority toestablishcritical with thecity’s healthau- transported forsafedisposal. carefully sortedbefore being twice daily, andgarbagewas public spaceswere sanitised conducted twiceaday, temperature screening was created forevery guest, where ahealthdocket was marketing withtheCentre, deputy director ofsales& tablished, revealed LeoLiu, centre anda252-key hotel. exhibition space, a convention transported healthcare personnel for medicalsuppliesand Air Chinadonated cargo services the Centre has140,000m the ChinesecityofNanjing, uniform. protective suitsastheirnew of responsibilities alongwith selves tasked withafresh set facilities, stafffoundthem - city’s pressure forisolation chose tohelpalleviate the Expo Center(NIEC)inChina When NanjingInternational Expo Center Nanjing International Commerce Bureau. vision officers attheDistrict facilities, aswell asby super- to markets andcommunity by frontline staffattending gan, thesupplieswere used Commerce Bureau. InJiang- Customs andJiangganDistrict Hangzhou XiaoshanAirport use, they were channelledto able forprofessional medical group formembers. MICE Association’s Wechat fied through theHangzhou sources formaskswere identi- Charitable Fund, while through theHangzhouMICE day after. RMB 19,515 were secured the shipped outanddonationsof 20,000 worth ofmaskswere 27. ByJanuary29,RMB raiser kicked offonJanuary January 25whilethefund- for masksuppliesbeganon the achievement. Thehunt part ofthebureau –recalled Business Events Hangzhou– of theMICEdepartment essential medicalsupplies. as well asmasksandother NIEC hadtowork closely A system hadtobees- Regarded asalandmarkin As themaskswere notsuit- Donations were obtained Tina Gan,representative

2 of of Talking point TTGassociations April 2020 • 11 To feed medical staff on To Hotel staff contributed their stations, dressing tents, and tents, dressing stations, points were outdoor operating also established. the hotel imple- shift work, meal mented a flexibility service was Breakfast service. one at 05.30 conducted twice, to 08.00 and another at 09.40 A small for instance. to 10.10, on each floor of supermarket - conveni the hotel provided ence for medical staff needing snacks and daily necessities. supplies for time to transport while the the medical teams, called local community was upon to donate items and medical staff. food to resident Chris He, representative of representative Chris He, purpose, its new serve To jiang medical teams that had Wuhan to provide to flocked assistance. explained hotel, the 448-key well was that the property suited to support the medical - teams as it had 17 profes as well sional meeting rooms, as the capability to provide high-quality accommodation, catering and other services. and some of the dining rooms adjusted were guestrooms – such amenities and extra haircut venues, as working salon, table tennis tables services delivery and express added. Disinfection – were - vol Some 40 employees unteered for the programme, for the programme, unteered to pay them which required and home visits to foreigners chat man an online Q&A live also performed They service. such community service, as conducting temperature offering checks for residents, child counselling for families and more. with difficulties, Convention Eurasia Wuhan Hotel International and to pro-bono No stranger Wuhan charity activities, no time hotel wasted Eurasia into its premises in converting accommodation emergency for the Guangzhou and Zhe- To help these foreigners help these foreigners To Liu opined that all the hard Liu opined that all the hard Clockwise from above: A barber above: from Clockwise Wuhan at medical staff to attends International Convention Eurasia at in progress transformation Hotel; & Convention China Optics Valley Shanghai SpringExhibition Centre; on house visits staff Travel make sense of the information make on epidemic and regulation and containment prevention - effort, Shanghai Spring Trav proficient els staff who were languages chipped in foreign in to help with community communications. Shanghai Spring Travels Changning District, where the office of Shanghai Spring is located, is home to Travels living and foreigners many in bustling Shang- working who had returned hai. Many to Shanghai after the Spring had to be under home Festival quarantine. procedures needed to safely procedures of people. isolate hundreds Hotel staff also cooperated personnel, with government the police and healthcare the safe specialists to ensure medical supplies of storage thermometers, such as masks, alcohol, and disinfectants. need it. “We worth was work - to assume social responsibili ty during these unusual times. will continue to provide We assistance to the community should our help be needed.” 12 • TTGassociations April 2020 Talking point CEO, ICCA Senthil Gopinath all have for each other.” highlighting the solidarity we andsupport Together WhileWe Are Far campaign, Apart particular, we have launchedourStand opportunity to each other. support In We are aclose-knit family andhave an a timefor cooperation, not competition. “ICCA isfocused onthefact that now is across Wuhan city, asmedi- rapidly deteriorating situation Shocked andsaddenedby the Culture Co. Wuhan Rayte Exhibition of patients–1,848inall. received thehighestnumber anghan Temporary Hospital from publicfacilities, Ji- hospitals thatwere converted focus ontreating patients. es sothatmedicalstaffcould of itemsdonatedby business - took care ofthedistribution system were working, and ditioning, liftsandthesound They ensured lights, air-con- from February 5toMarch 9. on standby round theclock sponse team,whichremained a luxuryforthecrisisre- three hours aheadofdeadline. han Temporary Hospital– hospital –laternamedJiang- team delivered themakeshift authorities’ requirements. The that ofahospital,tomatch had very different settingsto the exhibition space, which worked theinfrastructure of for 48hours, theteamre- response team. team speedilysetupacrisis tal onFebruary 3,thecentre’s space intoamakeshift hospi- two floors ofits exhibition government order toconvert Centre (WHICEC)received a Convention andExhibition When Wuhan International Centre Convention andExhibition Wuhan International hospitals inWuhan. sets ofbeddingfortemporary contributed more than400 hotels thatwere inneed,and shared donationswithother Of Wuhan’s 16temporary From thenon,rest became Working round theclock Wuhan Eurasia hotelalso assistance toothercountries. is now actively providing tion Culture Co.,thecompany head ofWuhan Rayte Exhibi- families. 40,000 worth offoodtoneedy the company donatedRMB strain ofincomelosses. Thus, city were startingtofeelthe those whoparticipated. full salaryplusrewards toall Exhibition Culture Co.paid a cal workers, Wuhan Rayte call forvolunteer medi- respond tothegovernment’s outbreak. the countrytohelpfight who hadcamefrom allover at Wuhan Seventh Hospital of hotmealstomedicalstaff tals, aswell asafullmonth buns delivered tofive hospi- RMB 40,000worth ofmeat medical staff,withmore than Culture Cohelpedtofeed was halted. when publictransportation work intheirown vehicles send medicalpersonnel to hospitals across thecity. living comfortsfortemporary coffee/tea machinesandother hours, andmattress, quilts, tions tousethewashroom for were unabletoleave theirsta- diapers formedicalstaffwho things donatedwere adult-use tions inneed.Amongthe and communityorganisa- infection suppliestohospitals and directed medicalanddis- 400,000 incashdonations, actions. to reach forachangethrough hibition Culture Co.decided equipment, Wuhan Rayte Ex- without adequateprotective cal stafffoughttheoutbreak According toJeffrey Tao, By March, familiesinthe To encourage staffto Wuhan Rayte Exhibition Staff alsovolunteered to It raised more thanRMB

Wuhan International Convention and Exhibition Centre Radio, TVandTourism sendsadonation to HangzhouCustoms XiaoshanAirport From above: JianghanTemporary Hospital; Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, plies tothelocalcommunity. cleaning andhealthcare sup- gloves, disinfectant andother donated surgical masks, Covid-19, XiamenITG MICE Joining inthefightagainst Xiamen ITG MICE hospitals inCanada. and othermaterialsforthe sociation topurchase masks sity ofToronto AlumniAs- US$1,500 totheYork Univer - He hadpersonally donated achieved.” global industry recovery be in different countries, cana among industryprofessionals laboration andcoordination Only through globalcol- is opportunityinadversity. “We always believe thatthere the frontline inXiamen. single day. These were sentto 25,000 surgical masksina Xiamen ITG MICEtopurchase ICCA family, whichallowed organisations”, includingthe “international friendsand that helpwas sourced from wena CaiandEve Linshared Wuhan. tion effortsandtreatment in paign tohelpfinancepreven- initiated afund-raising cam - medical staff. ten cards tocheeronfrontline residents, aswell ashandwrit- virus brochures toXiamen team thathelpeddeliver anti- It alsoformedavolunteer Cai toldTTGassociations: Company spokespeople Ro- In addition,company staff Profile TTGassociations April 2020 • 13 ), S tability (WCFP tability uala Lumpur last December. December. last uala Lumpur At the time, other parts of the world the world other parts of the time, At Bu- & Exhibition Convention Malaysia in London The MyCEB representative ark You had smaller plans initially – to had smaller You prevention an Asian falls organise on went idea The meeting in Malaysia. on World Congress the first become to S and Postural Falls held in K transpired? What I approached 2017, half of In the first Exhibition & Convention the Malaysia would to ask if they (MyCEB) Bureau consider funding an Asian-based falls meeting. prevention was There holding such meetings. were - and the bien Festival Falls the European Zealand Falls and New nial Australia no was but there Conference, Prevention such platform in Asia. on their did some research (MyCEB) reau the International came across and own Stabil- and Postural on Falls Conference been held successfully which had ity, the British Geriatrics Society in UK by decades. (BGS) for nearly two to meet the publicity arm of BGS went the idea of bringing the and proposed to Malaysia. conference

akes a sp akes

Tan Maw Pin Maw Tan it t She wanted an Asian meeting on falls prevention but her meeting on falls prevention an Asian She wanted World the inaugural to to her becoming chairperson passion led By S Puvaneswary Stability. and Postural On Falls Congress 14 • TTGassociations April 2020 Profile informally ontheeve ofthe18 the Falls andBoneHealthSIGcommittee in 2017. Ipresented thebidproposal to Bone HealthSpecialInterest Group (SIG) dent elect,BGSandchairoftheFalls and in Birmingham2017. Conference onFalls andPostural Stability people across theUK. in thehealthcare ofolder professionals specialising over 3,000,comprising whereas theBGShad had only70 members At thattime, oursociety to organise thecongress. (MSGM) hadthecapacity ety ofGeriatricMedicine that theMalaysian Soci- We hadtoconvince theBGS before they agreed to come onboard? What were theconcerns BGS had materialised. meeting negotiations mediatedby MyCEB,the meeting was longoverdue. Afterfurther and postural stabilityandthatsucha together toholdaworld congress onfalls that itwould beagoodideatowork were tobeheldoverseas. ing supporttoattendtheconference ifit members would notreceive muchfund- ference willnotleave theUKbecauseits Stability andheexplained thatthecon- tional Conference onFalls andPostural fund my attendingthe18 veloped abidproposal andoffered to connections inAsia.MyCEBthende- idea andanopportunitytomake more That’s where ImetTash Masud,presi- However, Masudwent ontosuggest BGS initiallythoughtitwas agood th International International th Interna- for Asianstoshare theirresearch onfalls provided aplatform and SouthKorea. Singapore, Japan came mainlyfrom rest from Asia.They Malaysians andthe half ofwhichwere ed 450 delegates, The WCFPS attract- doubt aboutthat. Yes, there isno from theWCFP Asia hasbenefited they were convinced. tion Centre andafew key hotelsthat the facilitiesatKuala LumpurConven- a siteinspection.Itwas onlyafterseeing assisted by fundingaBGSdelegationfor capabilities toholdthecongress. MyCEB Kuala Lumpurhadthefacilitiesand conversations easier. trusted meandthathelpedmake the young doctorintheUK.Heknew and had worked underhimwhenIwas a The congress We alsohadtoconvinceBGSthat It helpedthatMasudknew measI and postural stability. Thismeant that theworld couldalso come to know thatAsianshave research- ing ontheseareas. advanced technologyto prevent fallssuchasrobots to helppeoplerehabilitate and sensors thatcandetect imminent fallstoprevent We have developed them from happening.The majority of the non-Asian majority ofthenon-Asian S. “I no basis ofage.” trea the p doct On w class citizens. trea older peo ple were as t themand y weredenie ticed tha e tment onthe ted as se ard round ors w What is the future like for theWCFP the healthofourseniorpopulation. work withallstakeholders toenhance dation totheministryonhow we can report isouractionplanand recommen- with theMSGM’s strategic report. This Ministry ofHealthearlierthisyear along age-friendly services. sector aswell assupportin developing tion forcivilservants inthe healthcare in thecivilservice, inadequateremunera- of staffspecialisingingeriatrichealthcare ple thedelegatescouldspeakto. were interested infallsresearch. but everyone whocametotheWCFPS interested intheresearch area offalls, atrics, itcouldbedifficulttofindpeople When you gotoalarge congress ongeri- opinion leaders from allover theworld. career fallspractitioners tomeetkey for earlycareer researchers andearly and theNetherlands. delegates were from Australia, theUK the 2 run, itwas provisionally decidedthat parties willhave tobidforit.At itsfirst congress every three years. Interested It hasbeendecidedthere will beaworld Transforming Cognitive Frailty toLater lead. AGELESS isanacronym for where Iam theoverall programme I aminvolved intheAGELESS Project now? What new projects are you busy with Meeting canbeheldin2021. that anAsianFalls andPostural Stability an AsianFalls Network andwe hope this event. We have plansnow toinitiate ensuring thecontinuityandlongevity of the responsibility asinaugural hostsof initiate suchameetingare notwasted. important toensure thatoureffortsto guidelines forfuture WCFPS. Thisis tee andare intheprocess ofdeveloping tee intendstosetupasteeringcommit- regular meetinginPerth in2022. tion Society, andheldtogetherwiththeir Australia andNew ZealandFalls Preven- alked These issueswere submittedtothe So, itwas very specificgroup ofpeo- The congress provided opportunities The MSGMwilltherefore take on The (Malaysian) organising commit- nd t WCFPS willbehostedby the c

ond s, s,

Malaysia, retention ment hospitalsin cians ingovern- sufficient geriatri- include nothaving ing theWCFPS Issues raised dur- Yes, have. we congress? Malaysia after the Ministry of Health issues to the brought upany Has thesociety S ? Profile TTGassociations April 2020 • 15 - World Congress on Falls on Falls Congress World st Malaysia is unique in that we have have in that we is unique Malaysia well are The MSGM feels that we to bring to like would In addition, we fordable for them, and they will willingly for them, and they fordable our events fees to attend registration pay get for their they the value see if they money. thefor plans M’s the MSG are What future? going to place our attention on are We to an ageing popula- response Malaysia’s as the ageing agenda in tion as well nations. developing - been named a leading retire repeatedly - there are We ment destination globally. we plan carefully confident, that if fore - other countries’ experi and learn from for population ageing, ence in policy our country will be able to ensure we an reaps its dividends from benefits and ageing population. the popula- forward placed in moving with our tion ageing agenda for Malaysia and critical mass of highly motivated passionate members. in live light that most older people now while nearly all the countries, developing occurred have and development research deter- are We countries. in developed mined to shout as loud as possible that matter just as much countries developing and no one should be left behind. Championing the ageing agenda Championing the ageing the 1 of chairperson organising the local was Pin Maw Tan study Falls After the Life for investigator the principal She is currently Malaya. of sity Grant. Research Interdisciplinary Impact-Oriented Malaya of the University funded by medicine platform lifestyle digital of and managing director the founder is also Tan and Centre Care Day Dementia Genting the of director and the medical ACT4Health, Services. Care Aged and Postural Stability 2019, and is the honorary secretary of the Malaysian Society of Society the Malaysian of secretary and is the honorary 2019, Stability and Postural Univer the medicine at in geriatric a professor She is also Medicine (MSGM). Geriatric We hold an annual national confer- hold We to patient wants if my example, For is to raise main role As the society’s af- these events Our job is to make first recognise the benefits of becoming a first member. with members ence which provides sharing sessions and net- knowledge is also a There opportunities. working to post WhatsApp forum for members of the queries about the administration ask advice from ideas, exchange society, issues address and members fellow members. by raised facility in the healthcare to another move I can post a query and quickly country, get information on what is available. for funds M raise does the MSG How promote that programmes outreach issues among health of awareness older people? it is not the but money It sounds strange, most important thing. The most crucial is the hu- part in running programmes man capital. on geriatic medicine and awareness education, our events relevant provide - At and workshops. conferences involve - profession mainly healthcare tendees are to improve to learn about how als keen to older healthcare provide they the way persons.

century means preparing for an century means preparing st As I delved deeper into geriatric medi- As I delved Currently, medical professionals deal professionals medical Currently, Prior to the congress, we hired a pub- hired we Prior to the congress, cine, I realised that saving the world in the world that saving I realised cine, the 21 What events in your life led you to led you life in your events What medicine and geriatric of the area research? in the UK, I worked training When I was on the months as a house officer for two I noticed that older people geriatric ward. to citizens, as second class treated were doctors rounds, ward On put it simply. past them and older people were walked simply on the basis of denied treatment de- were that they was worse What’s age. – a good deserves nied what everybody family by surrounded death at home, I people, most young Like and friends. the world. save to wanted Life Self-Sufficiency. This project also This project Life Self-Sufficiency. other seven from researchers involves RM6 a received We local universities. the from million) grant million (US$1.4 for this Education Malaysia Ministry of aimed which is a study project, five-year in older frailty cognitive at addressing persons. older people in with dementia and frailty to do is to de- want What we separately. frailty early detection of cognitive velop these to address strategies and to develop conditions together. two peaking of pulling people together, pulling people together, of Speaking Why is it so hard? is Why independently-minded very are Doctors fortunate that are we However, people. team players. natural geriatricians are but at the end arguments, have may We still pulls together. everyone of the day, and organising the WCFPS like Events pull will always annual conferences – the saying know You people together. fall. stand, divided we united we M, which was set up in 2012. M, which was the MSG is the society’s say you would What challenge? biggest The main issue is getting people from in geriatrics – such as sectors various - allied health profession geriatricians, in developing als and people interested services for older people – to healthcare together on a common agenda. work attract helped to has the congress members? new who have more many have we Yes, and it has cer- signed up as members of the awareness more tainly created do. we work - media aware to generate licity personnel and its importance. ness on the event must they people to join our society, For You are the founding secretary of of secretary the founding are You ageing population. I made a conscious in this area myself effort to fully immerse life better for older people. to make 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 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 rooftop bar SkyBar, which offers unobstruct- ed views of the hotel’s surroundings. associations Aprilassociations 2020 The hotel’s 240m2 ballroom, which can be divided into two, can host pre- TTG

•

From top: Winter Garden terrace at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank; one of the eight meeting and post-conference functions. Four

16 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 accommodate 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 Holiday Inn Express Operating status Opening April 2020 Opened October 2019 Melbourne South- Hotel features bank, Australia Hotel features Business events are a great platform TTG

Since its revitalisation, port city Yoko- to explore the culture of the host city. 2020 associationsApril 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.

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Sandridge and Walker rooms to house room on the third floor. Food and beverage options at the JW 17 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, sushi and kaiseki, a traditional, multi- Star conveniences course Japanese dinner. The Kahala Hotel Delegates staying at The Kahala Hotel & Spanning 373m2, the Yoshino ballroom 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 Japan which is slated to open in 2Q2020. two. Four meeting rooms, sized between The new convention centre will fea- 41m2 and 76m2, are also available. Operating status ture a 6,337m2 multi-purpose hall – billed

Guide to 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 W Kuala Lumpur, exploring reconstructions of buildings Japanese cuisine provide dining variety 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 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 associations Aprilassociations 2020 delegates in the 2,000-seat ballroom.

TTG There are also 20 meeting rooms, each

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being able to accommodate between 43

18 and 220 attendees. The Westin Desaru Guide to Coast Resort, Malaysia Operating status Opened April 2019

Hotel features The Westin Desaru Coast Resort in Johor’s newest tourism destination offers its own conference facilities amid a re- laxed atmosphere. Featuring 275 luxurious rooms and suites, the resort boasts a wellness focus and delivers on the promise with a full menu of holistic body treatments at the resort spa – perfect for time-strapped professionals who need some rest-and-relax before or after their meetings. Recreation also comes in the form of a 24-hour gym and a pool that comes with cabanas where one can retreat into. The hotel’s signature Prego Italian restaurant and all-day-dining Seasonal Tastes provide private dining variety for programmes. For an after-meeting tipple, head for the MIX lounge or the resort’s beach bar where views of the South China Sea can be appreciated.

Star conveniences The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is slightly over an hour’s drive from the state capital city of Johor Bahru via the new Senai-Desaru Expressway. It is also approximately a two hours’ drive from Singapore. It sits right next to the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, which is managed by the resort. The Centre takes in a grand ballroom with capacity for up to 1,400 guests, divisible into four spaces. Planners using the venue are support- From top: W Kuala Lumpur’s Grand Room, which can host up to 700 guests; a Kahala suite at The Kahala Hotel ed by an in-house business events team. & Resort Yokohama; an outdoor cocktail reception setting at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort TTG associations April 2020 associationsApril

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19 20 • TTGassociations April 2020 South Korea number isstill growing. by SeoulConvention Bureau (SCB). The of participantsatmeetingssupported Muslims currently make up20 percent feel welcome, andwithgoodreason. facilities andresources tohelpMuslims Seoul hasbeensteadilyintroducing their estimateofUS$220 billionfor2020. a projected growth of35percentfrom are expected toreach US$300 billion, 2019. Tourism receipts from thesector by 2026, upfrom 140millionvisitors in lers worldwide willgrow to230 million lieve thatthenumberofMuslimtravel- est growing tourismsectors worldwide”. is billedinthereport as“oneofthefast- Muslim travellers inorder toattract what actively takingintoaccounttheneedsof gapore, ThailandandtheUK–thatare OIC countriesonthelist–suchasSin- ranks ofothertopMuslim-friendly, non- Card andCrescentRating. Global MuslimTravel Indexby Master - Cooperation (OIC)countries inthelatest the top10 non-Organisation ofIslamic S Modern andcultural draws inSeoulare deemedattractive to agrowing community of curiousMuslims but greater awareness ofitshalalfacilitiesandwarm welcome isneeded Adelaine Ngfindsthecityisamong world’s topMuslim-friendly destinations, Seoul plays theright cards SCB’s informal research suggests that As SouthKorea’s businesscapital, MasterCard andCrescentRating be- This meansSouthKorea isjoiningthe country was countedamong travellers. For thefirst time, the tractive destinationforMuslim outh Korea isbecominganat- ened through initiatives like fam trips. cilities inSeoul stillneedstobestrength- such Muslim-friendly resources and fa- team, SCB,believes that awareness of guestrooms forMuslimguests. time clock,theQur’an,anda compass in Seoul Parnas, have includedaprayer Seoul Coex andGrand InterContinental Gramercy. for halalfoodfrom itsin-housecaterer, ness visitors andtheoptionofrequesting step toincludeaprayer room forbusi- ly. Coex, for instance, hastaken thefirst ping uptobecomemore Muslim-friend- dancing experiences. Gangnam, aswell asK-pop singingand MBC World, SMTown Coex Artiumin tour heldby entertainmentcompany such asthebroadcasting theme park activities tailored tofansof theK-Wave, tions. Afterall,ithasattractions and and Malaysian companiesandassocia- them increasingly powerful Indonesian positioned toattract thismarket, among and traditions. hands-on experiences ofKorean culture greater value onunique, authenticand longer thantheaverage visitor, andplace Muslim event attendeestendtostay

Ji-hyun Kim,director, MICEplanning Two ofitshotels, Intercontinental Venues inSeoulhave alsobeen step- This meansthatSeoulisuniquely wizdata/shutterstock Book insummer 3 Bigger numbers are better 2 Financial available support 1 { ism businessestomake the rightmoves. the citywillneedtoengagingmore tour- destination forMuslimsevent delegates, will beamongevent delegation. that isnow enteringtheworkforce and are well-regarded by thisnew generation tourism enterprisesthatwalk thetalk venues andattractions. than justhalalfoodandprayer rooms at looking fordestinationstoprovide more new generation ofMuslimtravellers are cations company TBWA, show thata CrescentRating, aswell ascommuni- traveller market from MasterCard and pertinent, recent reports ontheMuslim ing Muslim-friendlyisbecomingmore provide prayer rooms. could alsoencourage more attractions to prayer direction inrooms, andthecity that Seoulhotelscouldindicatethe asked toremain anonymous, suggested infrastructure andsystems. provement intermsofMuslim-friendly well ashalal-certified restaurants. tions andhotelswithprayer rooms, as the VisitKorea website tobrowse attrac- cess theMuslim-friendlyTravel pageon

For Seoultoshineasawelcoming Eco-friendly, sociallyresponsible While achieving thebasicsinbe- A Jakarta-based event executive, who There isalsostillmuchroom forim- Currently, Muslimdelegatescanac- Need to know at attractions. means that there are also smallercrowds ods for business events. The warm weather August, asthey are generally quieter peri- the summermonths between June and It islikely easier to bookevent venues in venue usage. event venue, andcost for support unique ment costs, outdoor advertising near the coveragepartial of event app/VR develop- more benefits through SCB, including are international participants, can unlock 1,000 participants, of whichat least half International conferences withmore than pandemic that hasaffected event interest. ditions have beenputinplace dueto the planning withsome conditions. Laxer con- that canport assist inallstages of event SCB’s PLUS Seoul programme offers sup- } South Korea TTGassociations April 2020 • 21 Theatre Jeongdong Janggu at drum Korean the traditional play to Learn - The in Jeongdong professionals Janggu from artistic culture. traditional hub for Korea’s atre, leather shaped drum has two hourglass The and has been the ropes, and tension heads The performances. small orchestral of star unique Theatre’s in Jeongdong is taught class and which blends traditional Maru venue, and is equipped with AV modern sensibilities, 60 seated up to for meetings host to systems guests. or 80 standing guests Mosque Central and Itaewon will Itaewon of pot melting cultural The society Seoul’s that perceptions challenge find you’ll Here monocultural. is largely - multicul for district international Seoul’s Mosque, Central and the Seoul cuisine tural and visi- worshippers both which is open to when the are and weekends Evenings tors. and more with foreigners alive comes area find You’ll business. open for restaurants from ranging the world, across from cuisines Pakistani. to French - -

Artium Coex SM Town SM Enter heaven, as K-pop Described an provides complex cultural tainment’s behind the story of experience immersive established most Korea’s South SM Town, complex six-level The artist group. recording and an artist gallery a museum contains worn music albums and outfits comprising VR offers It also popular performers. by complex’s The with SM artists. interactions it the nick earned has also exterior stunning Korea. of Square the Times name of Deoksugung Palace - as a tem created was Deoksugung Palace Palace Gyeongbokgung after palace porary during the Japanese damaged heavily was unique in It is considered 1592. of invasion and engraving modern seal its for Korea The and fountain. garden style western guard the royal changing of Korean-style the of daily in front is performed ceremony except and 15.30, 14.00 11.00, at main gate and depending on the weather. on Mondays -

}

Pre/Post

{ Mall Coex Starfield then don’t priority a are photos If Instagram an open space Library, the Starfield miss The library’s Mall. Coex within Starfield more bookshelf houses massive stunning, across books and magazines than 50,000 that as no surprise It comes storeys. two - instagramma most as Seoul’s this is known larg Asia’s one of mall itself, The ble spot. (K-wave) broadcasting theme park. There There theme park. broadcasting (K-wave) such on offer fun experiences of plenty are a holo- from moves dance as learning the main becoming group, K-pop graphic production, drama an MBC of character reporter or weather newscaster and playing bulletin. a news for features shopping, also underground for est Aquarium. and COEX Museum the Kimchi Park Theme Broadcasting Visitors don’t need to be a fan of Korean Korean of be a fan need to don’t Visitors World, MBC enjoy to productions drama Hallyu first Korea’s as South known World MBC History buffs will enjoy this historic park which tells the story of some 10,000 Catholics who Catholics 10,000 some of the story which tells park this historic will enjoy buffs History The 1801. of persecution during the great especially Dynasty, during the Joseon executed were a flagpole- features that Square Sky and an open-top memorial halls features basement park’s Best and look up. up close get willing to visitors curious for which has a surprise statue like guide. with a tour experienced Park Seosomun Historic 22 • TTGassociations April 2020 Singapore A The EXPO2.0 LaunchFestival marked thelaunchof new hardware andservice offerings at thevenue the chancetogearuponofferings. ByPamela Chow downtime forvenue providers andoperators, itoffers While tighteningmeasures amidCovid-19 mean Gear upindowntime this priortothe latestsetofrestrictions and Suppliers (SACEOS), whoexpressed Convention andExhibitionOrganisers president, Singapore Association of of events, according toAloysius Arlando, that 2H2020 would seea“bunchingup” slated tobeheldinJuly. originally scheduledforMarch. inaugural AsianMediaLeaders Summit, pers andNews Publishers postponedits ment, theWorld AssociationofNewspa- congress inSingapore’s history. June, andmarkthelargest association 20,000 foreign delegatestoSingapore in stricter restrictions. cannot beheldinSingapore amidthe the LionsClubsInternationalConvention Lions ClubsInternational,announcedthat business events industry. country. to restrictions ongatherings withinthe pandemic, from furtherborder controls While there was initial anticipation As atpress time, theevent isstill Before thegovernment’s announce- The event was meant towelcome some On March 20, Jung-Yul Choi,president, The measures meantdowntime forthe amid theprogression ofthe increasingly tightmeasures government hasannounced t press time, theSingapore research anddevelopment capabilities tion kitchen,is now powered with beverage offerings. the venue hasalsosteppedupfoodand tions. opening events andmajor presenta- an impressive 54m-by-5m screen for digital elements, telescopicseatingand hall withcustomisableaudiovisual and ent meetingsizesandrequirements. inscent ofbuildingblockstosuitdiffer- acoustically treated spacesthatare rem- organisers toconfigure sustainableand out room solutionFleX,whichallows venues, introduced modularbreak- poised forrecovery. graded inJanuary, isoneofthevenues its hardware andserviceofferingsup- wing, MAXAtria, having justhadboth age forthetourismindustry. ment’s stabilisationandsupport pack- for training inlinewiththe govern- face future demandandto sendstaff more timetoprimpupits offeringsto recovery onlyin2021 andbeyond. on events, venue operators now expect

Kinetic Kitchen, itscentral produc- Besides updatingitsevent facilities, Also launchedwas ApeX,ahigh-tech SingEx Venues, theoperator of both Singapore EXPOanditsconvention This does, however, allow venues Singapore EXPO, MAX Atria MAX EXPO, Singapore from allover theworld. 2,000 and15,000delegatesrespectively in 2023. can doduringthedowntime venue operators andevent organisers vices branch, toitsportfolio. Xpert, itsin-houseevent planningser- SingEx Venues teamhasalsoadded rean touches. serves upfusioncuisinewithSingapo- newly-open isone77°,abistro caféthat at thenew private diningroom K2.Also 1,000 guestsatatime. and hasthecapacitytohostmore than GIve unique venues achance 3 Distinctively localexperiences 2 for Support sustainability 1 { the 25 Computer-Assisted Intervention. on MedicalImagingComputingand to hosttheInternationalConference uled tobethefirst South-east Asiancity Conference next year. Congress andMillionDollar Round Table welcome theAsia-Pacific LifeInsurance Singapore. years couldprove ahealthy recovery for under control by 2021, thefollowing future venues inadvance. and forthelatter, tostudypotential up onofferingsinthecaseofformer

The events are expected towelcome The venue provider exemplifies what Besides beingavenue provider, the Event organisers canhosttheirVIPs Singapore isalsoscheduled tohost In 2022, Singapore isalready sched- Currently, thecity-stateissetto Should theCovid-19 pandemiccome Need to know theming easier. a funway insight to Singapore andmake Hangar66 andPinball Wizard. They provide ventional venues inSingapore, suchas why not consider some of thenon-con - If you have asmalldelegation to entertain, or more days. Singapore by December 31,2021, for three of 20ormore foreign attendees must visit ing activities. To qualify, corporate groups from thematic tours to uniqueteambuild- 63 complimentary experiences ranging (INSPIRE) programme, whichcomprises STB’s InSingapore Incentives &Rewards Add alocal touch to your event with page. can befound at visitsingapore.com/mice socially responsible suppliers andresources slant, STB’s list of recommended green and If your convention hasasustainability th World Congress ofDermatology – togear } Singapore TTGassociations April 2020 • 23

Drinks of Gin Jaunt, Academy Singapore with meetings of a day after collars Loosen on book found experience this three-hour through On this journey TAB. ing platform gin in the origins of into dive bars, mystery home to be to is said which the city-state, - Partici gin collection. largest the world’s and learn gins neat craft enjoy can pants ingredients the spirit with other pair to how cocktails. a trio of make to Gallery Singapore Singapore UBE Insider Tour, Singapore YOTEL Komyuniti, has launched restaurant Singapore’s YOTEL to a menu with a unique and edgy twist - with unconven fusion cuisine, Singapore’s and tiramisu plant potted like tional dishes Other highlights bread. Hoisin duck flat As’ad mixologist include award-winning pea butterfly the original creations, Isnin’s andKOMpliment cocktail gin flower-infused Mellon Down. cocktail the whisky-based the edible balloon, order also can Groups dessert. an event-exclusive National Picasso, & Matisse between partnership a four-year As part of the Gallery Singapore, and National STB Matisse art exhibition will welcome gallery be will show The 2020. in May & Picasso exhibitionsannual four special of the first being come to with the next the gallery, at 2021. in October Nam June Paik Singapore of Valley Silicon into straight dive to participants Allowing start-up burgeoning Singapore’s the heart of businesses thriving features the tour scene, – one- parks innovation within Singapore’s one-north @ LaunchPad north and the JTC sharing sessions exclusive – and includes entrepreneurs. with successful Changi Experience Studio on level four is a digital attraction attraction is a digital four on level Studio Changi Experience 2 }

Canopy Park boasts seven play areas and creative gardens. Guests can navigate navigate can Guests gardens. and creative areas play seven boasts Park Canopy 2 Pre/Post

Changi Airport Jewel Park, and Canopy Studio Changi Experience andStudio home the Changi Experience now are floors highest two Changi Airport’s Jewel 3,000m The Park. Canopy Sentosa Siloso, at Shores Magical the transforms Siloso at Shores Magical experience multi-sensory in January, Newly-launched of introduction and the effects and mist sound, light, vivid through Beach Siloso of 400m stretch acts, four the art attraction’s as part of 15 minutes, Every art light the sands. on interactive novel, up the lighting projections multi-coloured of flourish a three-minute to will be treated guests 22.00. to 19.30 from night every will run event “instagrammable” The sky. night { through the mirror and hedge mazes, bounce on huge suspended nets, and enjoy the view and enjoy suspended nets, on huge bounce mazes, and hedge the mirror through ground. 23m above Bridge Canopy the glass-floored from featuring a garden that sings and an adrenaline-pumping runway race. One floor up, the One floor up, race. runway and an adrenaline-pumping sings that a garden featuring 14,000m & Tours Travel the Heartland, Oriental Across A Journey a meet to Ang Mo Kio blocks of the residential through groups takes & Tours Travel Oriental - Singa to testaments few among the last cage-maker, bird an old-school club, bird-singing riding on a public bus and visit a mock-up of a taste get Participants traditions. fading pore’s home. a local of 24 • TTGassociations April 2020 Case study – ing committee of two jointly-held events Despite theHongKong protests, theorganis Event brief Resilience amid uncertainty so they could enter into theconference witha of thesecond day of workshops andtutorials, reception at HongKong Disneyland at theend three days. the mainconference, whichwas heldacross days of workshops andtutorials, followed by primarily at AsiaWorld-Expo, comprised two tional linguistics. language processing (NLP)andcomputa- sionals aplatform to share insights onnatural IJCLP isto provide researchers andprofes about 500attendees ayear. The goal of the Processing (AFNLP) Associations, welcomes by The AsianFederation of Natural Language linguistic data. attendees each year whoare interested in ent city each year, draws anaverage of 700 renamed EMNLPin1996. WVLC, whichstarted in1993, was eventually to Natural Language Processing (SIGDAT). Linguistic Data &Corpus-based Approaches Linguistics (ACL)’s SpecialInterest Group on initiated by theAssociation for Computational of Workshops onVery Large Corpora (WVLC), November last year. to holdboth events inthehost city during Language Processing (IJCLP)went ahead nial International Joint Conference onNatural Language Processing (EMNLP)andthebien- Processing conferences shoulderon,drawing 1,900attendees. ByPrudenceLui Despite socialunrest inhost cityHongKong, organisers oftwo Natural Language the annualEmpirical Methods inNatural Delegates were treated to awelcome The five-day EMNLP-IJCNLP 2019, held Meanwhile, theIJCNLP, initiated in2004 Since then,theEMNLP, heldinadiffer The EMNLPwas developed from aseries - - - sidering theirconcerns onwhether itwas safe tive communication, which was con pertinent - Delegates appreciated thecommittee’s proac- Key takeaways transportation advice, amongothers. basis, obtaining information ontraveller and nication withHKTB andCTS onaday-to-day including specialtransport arrangements. ties, thecommitee madecontingency plans, amid uncertainty. Together withthethree par mittee theconfidence to holdthe conference venue operator AsiaWorld-Expo gave thecom- operator ChinaTravel Service (CTS) and fromSupport theHKTB, appointed ground Solutions experience inthehost city. smoothly, delegates’ safety andtheiroverall delegates to andfrom thevenue orhotel ers were how to facilitate themovement of making headlines since June. the protests inHongKong, whichhadbeen tainty andconcerns over safety asaresult of on asplanned.This was in light of theuncer bers discussed whether both events could go heavily involved inthebiddingprocess. as well asvenue andhotel partners, were held asite visitfor theorganising committee, The HongKong Tourism Board (HKTB), which Kong was deemedto beasuitable host city. Following acompetitive biddingprocess, Hong Challenges expectations. 1,900 participants, exceeding theorganisers’ safety, thetwo conferences attracted atotal of plans were put in place. Despite concerns over protests, safety measures andcontingency fresh mind, said theorganisers. The committee maintained close commu - Among thetop concerns of theorganis In September last year, committee mem- Amid concerns over theHongKong - - - Wong. all you needto doitreach outandask,” said the size of theevent. with local authorities andpartners, nomatter ly, heemphasised theimportance of working committed abouttheir attendance. Additional - ity, whichencourages delegates to bemore Hong Kong. ate dean, engineering,Chinese University of chair, local organising committee andassoci - cannot be overstated, noted Kelvin Wong, to travel to HongKong, said thecommittee. “They have alltheknow-hows andinsights, He urged event organisers to provide clar In fact, theimportance of communication Computational Linguistics (ACL) of Natural Language Processing Language Processing (IJCNLP) 2019 Conference onEmpirical Methods inNatural Language AsiaWorld-Expo, HongKong Joint Conference onNatural and theAsianFederation and the9 Number of participants (AFNLP) Associations Processing (EMNLP) November 3-7, 2019 Association of Event date Over 1,900 Organizer Venue Event th International

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