Daily News & Opinion

New Zealand psychologist Nigel Latta has been announced as a keynote for the CINZ conference 2019, set to take place in October. Raised in Oamaru, Nigel first attended Otago University, where he completed an MSc in Marine Science. He then moved to Auckland where he trained as a clinical psychologist. At the conference, he will speak to the theme ‘inspiring new thinking’ in all facets of our lives, from adopting new habits to dealing with teenagers and integrating emerging trends at work.

Sue Sullivan has resigned as Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive. She will be leaving the association at the end of November to take up a new role in Canterbury as chief executive of Christchurch and Hanmer Attractions. CINZ board chair Tony Gardner said Sue has been outstanding in leading CINZ and has taken the organisation into a new chapter of member-focused industry leadership. The process to find a new chief executive has begun.

CEO of Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (EFT) Gary Daly has announced his intention to retire, effective end of October 2019. Mr Daly has been at the helm of ETF for almost seven years, and has overseen major growth and development of the company with each event in the portfolio growing between 15 and 20 per cent in revenue, visitors and exhibition numbers. Gary previously worked at Luna Park, and before that held senior management and sales positions in media and events.

For the first time in 10 years, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific has completed a full renovation of its conference and event spaces. Enlisting the expertise of interior design company Make Architects, the refurbishment includes an upgraded bar and coffee facilities; carpets and interiors; and the installment of state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. The hotel’s Lord Ashley Bar and Lounge has also undergone a soft refurbishment. The room has been transformed with a fresh pallet to complement its natural light and ocean views.

Tourism Noosa has announced the appointment of experienced Queensland tourism leader Melanie Anderson as CEO. On the appointment, Tourism Noosa chairman Drew Pearson said “Due to Steve McPharlin’s 12 month interim contract coming to completion and following an extensive recruitment process, we are very pleased to appoint Melanie as CEO of Tourism Noosa”. Melanie most recently worked for the Queensland Government as general manager of Tourism Industry Development within the State Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and Commonwealth Games.

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has locked down four ground-breaking events: the University of Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS 2019), the 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum (APUF 7) 2019, the 19th East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Teachers’ Conference (ETC 2021) and the Conference of International Society of Travel Medicine (CISTM 2021). In the first half of this year, MyCEB won 301 business events, which will bring in an estimated RM3.9 billion.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Bali has introduced a cluster initiative for sustainable meetings. InterContinental® Bali Resort, Hotel Indigo Seminyak, Hotel Holiday Inn Benoa and Holiday Inn Baruna are all committed to implementing environmentally sustainable practices into their respective MICE frameworks. The activity options will include a turtle release program, a visit to a hydroponic farm to plant organic vegetables and contributing time to schools around Bali.

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is now home to a 265-room Radisson Blu hotel. Radisson Blu Hangzhou Xintiandi spans 18 storeys and is located in the city’s commercial district. Covering the entire fourth floor, the hotel’s conference and banqueting facilities include a 450-guest grand ballroom and four function rooms, all supported by the latest audio-visual equipment. Special occasions can also be enjoyed at a choice of restaurants and bars, including a classical Chinese restaurant with nine private dining rooms.