Daily News & Opinion

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has appointed career-long events and digital technology expert, Claudia Sagripanti, as chief executive. Following an extensive executive search, Ms Sagripanti was appointed by the EEAA board and will commence her new role on February 17, 2020. Claudia has worked in events and exhibitions, and more recently in media and digital technology. She was the CEO of Publishers Australia, and managed the events and awards of the Australian Data-Driven Marketing Association (ADMA).

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced its voco brand is coming to Auckland in mid-2021 following the signing of a franchise agreement between IHG and Pro-invest.   voco Auckland City Centre will incorporate all the elements of the voco life, including 200 guest rooms that are designed around the ‘Me Time’ concept with premium beds for a quality sleep experience, superior showers, innovative lighting and user-friendly technology. Beyond guest rooms, the hotel will feature an all-day restaurant and bar, and guest gym.

More than 115 companies have promised to hold multi-day events in regional Victorian areas affected by the recent bushfires within the next six months. The initiative was this week announced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula. Business Events Victoria executive officer, Chris Porter, welcomed the concept.

Meri Took and David Comer, owners of Staging Rentals & Construction, have announced they are closing the Sydney branch of the business effective April 2020. Founder, Meri Took, who has owned the business for 30 years said: “This is a heartfelt decision which has been made after a lot of consideration.” SRC Melbourne will continue to operate and provide full custom-construction services and SRC’s full line of rental products.  

Destination tourism specialist – Jo Prothero – has been appointed to the key role of head of marketing at Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC). Ms Prothero has extensive experience in the tourism industry, most recently as director of marketing and communications at Falls Creek Resort in Victoria. VSC CEO Simon Latchford welcomed Ms Prothero’s appointment. “Jo’s experience in destination marketing and events tourism makes her a natural fit for Visit Sunshine Coast”, he said.

An 80-room Mercure property has opened on the Nghinh Phong Cape in Southern Vietnam. Mercure Vung Tau Resort is the first Mercure property to open in Southern Vietnam, and boasts an all-day dining restaurant, two bars, a fitness centre and a swimming pool. The location offers scenic views and is just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

With the Sunshine Coast earmarked as a major growth hotspot, and the region braces for the population to climb from 350,000 to 500,000 by 2031, Accor is wasting no time jostling for prime position. Accor, together with hotel owners, Stay Centro GC, has announced that the Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Waters has been rebranded to Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, under a franchise agreement. Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters is located in Lake Kawana, offering 81 suites and two function rooms.

Hilton has launched Tempo by Hilton, an approachable lifestyle brand curated to serve the growing segment of ‘modern achievers’ who seek a hotel experience that reflects their ambition. Some features of the hotels will include relaxing guest rooms, shared spaces and amenities, culinary journeys and a focus on sustainability. There are more than 30 individual commitments to date with properties confirmed in several prime markets across the US, including New York, Maui, Boston, Los Angeles, Lexington, Nashville, San Diego and Charlotte.