New Zealand’s first Park Hyatt hotel, Park Hyatt Auckland, has opened its doors. Set on the waterfront, the hotel offers 195 guest rooms, four restaurants and spas and versatile event spaces. The versatile event spaces span 1200 sqm and include meeting rooms and a rooftop bar called Waka. The hotel also has its own events team that offers personalised planning including customised menus and unique décor options.
Ahhh... I'm missing New Zealand.
This year’s RUOK Day last Thursday marked six months since CEO of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) decided to grow a beard as a daily reminder of the mental health impacts that the pandemic is placing on the people in the tourism and events industries. Andrew’s beard has seen him raise more than $4000 over the last three months for mental health via Beyond Blue, but he’s still got a little way to go before his goal is reached.
To read more about Andrew’s pledge or to make a donation, visit: https://individual-fundraiser-ongoing.everydayhero.com/au/the-covid-beard-must-go
Two negatives can make a positive in maths, but this doesn’t always work in our heads. So, this week, Darren Isenberg has put together a few inspirational quotes to encourage positive thinking. Enjoy the video here: https://www.dipresents.com.au/need-a-smile
There's nothing quite like reading positive quotes to lift the spirits.
ID Events Australia staff undertook a walk for RUOK Day yesterday, including some imagery of iconic local landmarks. ID Events Australia director of sales and events, Karen Livermore, said the concept was not only to show support for those doing it tough but to remind some international clients of the beauty of Australia. Decked out in RUOK t-shirts, ID staff started their walk from the stunning Opera House before taking in the Harbour Bridge and iconic Rocks area.
In terms of their own business, Ms Livermore said ID has written off 2020 and early 2021, however, is seeing strong bookings in 2022 and beyond, including a large five-wave international incentive program.
Hong Kong has been selected as the host city for four international MICE events amid the challenges of COVID-19. Combined, the events are expected to attract around 10,000 high-yield visitors. Some of the events include the 1100-pax Asia Sports Technology Conference, which will happen in the first quarter of 2021; the 1200-pax International Airline Transport Association World Cargo Symposium, which will take place in March 2022; and the Asia Funeral and Cemetery Expo and Conference, which will attract 6400 visitors in 2021, 2023 and 2025.
The delegates better pack their face masks.
Turn of Events; Bringing Business Events back is the name of Arinex’s new hybrid event, which will take place on September 16 online and in convention centres around Australia. The event will feature heavyweights from the business events sector, including Vice President of AIM Group International Patrizia Buongiorno who will discuss world readiness for both face-to-face and hybrid concepts, and chair of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) Dr Vanessa Findlay who will speak on the Australian Recovery and Rebound Framework.
I will be taking part!
The accommodation at Melbourne’s Tabcorp Park will be taken over by Accor and rebranded to Mantra Melbourne Melton. As well as its 41 rooms, the hotel will offer extensive conference and events facilities for functions of all sizes. Accor Pacific chief operating officer Simon McGrath commented: “We are excited to bring the extraordinary Mantra brand to one of Australia’s best race tracks and are confident that the Mantra Melbourne Melton will deliver exceptional accommodation and an outstanding service experience for our valued guests.”
I guess Accor won the race.
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has launched an APAC specific peer-to-peer meeting series. The initiative aims to bring industry members together in groups of 30 to have open conversations and exchange recovery strategies. The series is based on the hugely successful PCMA Community Conversations program in the USA, and the APAC version, titled community connect, is available to both PCMA members and non-members.
Another resource you can use to better your professional self during lockdown.