Latest news with #businessEvents
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Business Events Tasmania: Macquarie Point stadium would give state larger slice of $35 billion conference market
A multi-purpose stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point would help Tasmania claim a larger slice of the $35 billion national business events market, and transform the state into a premier conference destination, the Tasmanian Planning Commission has heard. Presenting the submission of independent membership organisation Business Events Tasmania on the second day of public hearings into the project, chief executive officer Marnie Craig said the stadium's proposed function facilities would allow Tasmanian to compete for larger and more lucrative conferences involving up to 1500 delegates, from both interstate and overseas. Ms Craig told the hearing that the stadium's value proposition for her industry was further enhanced by the planned proximity of the Good Shed, which offered enormous potential as a trade exhibition space. Referring to claims that the stadium could attract an additional 110 conferences to Tasmania each year, TPC panel chair, Paul Turner SC, asked Ms Craig why organisers of professional and industry 'association conferences' would choose the island state over alternative destinations such as Queensland. 'Tasmania is a very strong destination and has a very strong appeal,' Ms Craig replied. 'Anecdotally, conference organisers tell us that in Australia it's the destination where they see the highest number of delegates … because they're bringing family and friends and having a holiday beyond the conference. 'So while we do have that competitive edge in the marketplace, currently many conferences cannot consider Tasmania because we don't have the infrastructure.' Ms Craig told the TPC hearing the location of the proposed Mac Point stadium satisfied the critical issue of having conference venues located in walkable distance from accommodation facilities, claiming Hobart had approximately 4000 hotel rooms that could be reached on foot from the Evans St site. The Business Events Tasmania boss said the local hospitality sector – already a significant beneficiary of the state's existing conference roster – stood to profit handsomely from any increase in the number and frequency of major corporate meet-ups, particularly those held in tourism's off season. 'When we have conferences of 1100 - which is our absolute capacity - everybody sees it and feels it,' she said. 'So restaurants and bars are regularly telling us … about the contribution they make. 'Association conference delegates are high-yielding, spending around three times that of a leisure visitor, and they often travel in between May and September.' The TPC hearings, which are required as part of the independent assessment of the stadium under Project of State Significance legislation, are being held across multiple dates in June and July. Representatives listed to address the panel over coming weeks include the Federal Group, the Glebe Residents' Association, Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania, and Our Place – Hobart. The Australian Football League has made the construction of a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point one of the conditions of its agreement with the state government to add Tasmanian teams to both its men's and women's competitions. The Project of State Significance process, initiated by Premier Jeremy Rockliff in October 2023, is continuing despite subsequent government plans to pass enabling legislation which would effectively halt the TPC's independent assessment of the stadium. Either scenario requires the stadium to be approved by both houses of Tasmania's parliament.
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Israel launches strikes on Iran's nuclear sites
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Malaysia moved up two places to 31st in the global country rankings and 9th in the Asia Pacific region, while Kuala Lumpur jumped six spots to 26th in the World City Rankings. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur continue their upward trajectory in the International Convention & Conference Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings report, strengthening their profile as premier business events destinations in the global marketplace. Malaysia moved up two places to 31st in the global country rankings and 9th in the Asia Pacific region, while Kuala Lumpur jumped six spots to 26th in the World City Rankings. Advertisement In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) said that the rankings were supported by Malaysia hosting 129 international association meetings, with the Centre accommodating some of the city's 78 international association meetings that year. 'To promote the global profile of both Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, the Centre maintains a strong partnership with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) —- an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture —- regularly collaborating at international trade shows to attract business events to the country. 'In the first half of 2025, the Centre was part of MyCEB's delegation at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025 in Melbourne and IMEX in Frankfurt,' it said. Key international trade shows on MyCEB's calendar that the Centre will also participate in later this year include The Meetings Show in London and the Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) in Barcelona. The Centre also said that as global business environments evolve, so too have delegate needs and expectations. It believes that flexibility is essential to meeting these demands, with personalisation and technology being key enablers in delivering effective solutions. Its general manager, John Burke, said the Centre's newly refurbished meeting spaces feature hybrid technology and upgraded audio-visual infrastructure, while a new shared workspace concept has also been launched to support delegates needing a convenient place to catch up on work and life between sessions. He said that with Kuala Lumpur International Airport, served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand. 'On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency, and a favourable exchange rate. 'Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice,' said Burke. The Centre is located in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre precinct, beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. It offers a world-class venue with 34,000 square metres of flexible, purpose-built space with multiple advantages under one roof. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Trade Arabia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Dubai set for strong show at IMEX as city ranks top in meetings
Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, is once again spearheading Dubai's participation at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the most influential trade shows for the global business events industry, joined by key stakeholders. This comes as Dubai continues to earn global recognition, this week being confirmed as #1 globally for highest attendee number per association meeting in 2024, and once again ranking #1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted during the period, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent has this week also confirmed that Dubai maintained its #1 position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The accolades further demonstrate the city's ability to both host prolific events and facilitate event growth for associations, allowing them to tap into the market and increase global access to members. At IMEX, a delegation of 30 stakeholders from across the sector has joined DBE in showcasing Dubai's credentials as a premier global hub for business events. The delegation includes leading hotels, venues, DMCs, airlines and other service providers including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai World Trade Centre, together highlighting Dubai's ability to deliver dynamic world-class events at the intersection of innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'As we engage with the global industry at IMEX Frankfurt, we are reinforcing Dubai's position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Our consistent top rankings from ICCA and Cvent, and growing pipeline of major international events, are the result of a focused and collaborative approach with our stakeholders, as we work collectively to reinforce the emirate's position as a premier global hub for the MICE industry. Business events are integral to our tourism strategy and are increasingly driving progress across key sectors. They are playing a vital role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 - to position Dubai as one of the world's most innovative, inclusive and future-ready cities, as guided and championed by the visionary leadership of the UAE.' Dubai's participation aligns with this year's IMEX theme - Impact 2.0: Activating the Future - emphasising the global events community's responsibility to address major global and community challenges while driving positive change through events, partnerships and initiatives. In line with this vision, Dubai continues to attract business events that not only grow visitation but also support innovation and deeper engagement across its economic sectors. This directly contributes to the D33 economic agenda, which aims to place Dubai among the top three global cities for business and leisure. Dubai's momentum was further underscored by a record 437 successful bids secured in 2024 to host international conferences, congresses and incentive programmes, a 20% year-on-year increase. These events are set to attract over 210,000 delegates to Dubai in the coming years, significantly contributing to the city's business and tourism ecosystem. Among the high-profile events won: Amway ESAN 2025, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums 2025, the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2026, the World Congress on Medical Informatics 2027, ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2027, Forever Living Products Global Rally 2026, the Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research 2028 and The International Conference on Computer Vision 2029. Dubai continues to see strong growth in tourism aligned with its MICE strategy. In 2024, the city welcomed a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors, a 9% year-on-year increase. That momentum has continued into 2025, with 5.31 million international visitors arriving between January and March, marking a 3% increase compared to Q1 2024. Business events have been a key contributor to this sustained growth, generating economic impact across sectors and further strengthening Dubai's global brand. Further enhancing the city's capacity to meet rising demand in the events space, a key development includes an expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. As part of broader urban development initiatives including the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, the project is a strategic investment aimed at reinforcing Dubai's position as a global platform for major conferences and exhibitions, enabling the city to host larger and more complex events that deliver long-term value that meets increasing demand and attendance.
Trade Arabia
01-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Exhibition World Bahrain targets geo-cloning as catalyst for global growth
As the global MICE and Business Events industries rapidly evolve, Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) is embracing geo-cloning — a strategy that replicates successful event brands in new geographic markets — as a key pillar of its growth and global positioning. This forward-thinking approach enables EWB to attract high-profile, large-scale events while strengthening Bahrain's reputation as a dynamic, world-class destination for business tourism, EWB said. By combining innovation, strategic partnerships, and deep insight into international event trends, EWB is redefining its role on the global stage and ensuring long-term relevance in a highly competitive landscape. "Among the most transformative strategies we are actively pursuing is geo-cloning, a model that offers significant potential to enhance EWB's international profile and position the Kingdom of Bahrain as a preferred destination for high-impact, large-scale events," said Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA and Chairman of EWB. The Geo-Cloning Strategy Rather than starting from scratch, geo-cloning involves adapting proven event formats to new audiences and regional dynamics — respecting cultural context while leveraging existing brand equity. At EWB, geo-cloning is not a simple duplication exercise; it is a targeted, data-informed initiative that supports Bahrain's broader economic ambitions under Economic Vision 2030. By identifying high-potential events from mature MICE markets and localising them for the Gulf region, we are accelerating market penetration while ensuring relevance and long-term value, she said. "Collaboration is central to this process. We work closely with global organisers, sector specialists, and industry associations toco-create event models tailored to the needs of regional audiences and aligned with our strategic goals," Buhiji said. Building a Roadmap for Strategic Growth "Our Business Development team is focused on identifying exclusive and commercially viable opportunities for our partners. Through geo-cloning, we are curating a roadmap that supports the introduction of new international events in sectors critical to Bahrain's national development goals—such as healthcare, sustainability, energy, artificial intelligence, tourism, food and beverage, and fintech," Buhiji said. To strengthen this strategy, EWB is also pursuing and working with industry leaders and global event organisers to co-create opportunities backed by attractive incentive programmes. This collaborative approach enhances value for event organisers while targeting a steady pipeline of international content that resonates with diverse audiences. From Bahrain to Frankfurt EWB's participation in globally recognised MICE and Business Events platforms such as IMEX Frankfurt, ATM Dubai, and IBTM Barcelona, allows it to engage directly with key decision-makers, promote EWB's distinctive value proposition, and identify event formats with high geo-cloning potential, she said. "These engagements are key to identifying opportunities and generating productive conversations that materialise into tangible business. Another key element is our active engagement and partnership with leading international MICE associations such as UFI, ICCA, AIPC and others, that enables us to stay attuned to global trends and contribute meaningfully to Bahrain's international positioning in the sector." A Broader Economic Impact The benefits of geo-cloning extend well beyond venue bookings. Each resulting event catalyses activity across local economies — benefiting hotel operators, airlines, retailers, and F&B providers. This ripple effect reinforces the business events sector's role as a key economic enabler and supports national efforts to drive sustainable employment and private sector growth. Every successful replication of a global event enhances Bahrain's credibility as a MICE destination and strengthens its role as a regional hub for collaboration and innovation. Shaping the Future of MICE and Business Events At its core, geo-cloning is not merely a business development tactic — it reflects a broader philosophy of innovation, adaptability, and strategic foresight. "At Exhibition World Bahrain, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our partners and stakeholders by continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in event hosting and management," said Buhiji.
Travel Daily News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
ICCA and IFES announce strategic partnership
IFES and ICCA announce a two-year strategic partnership to advance global collaboration, innovation, education, and sustainability in the business events industry. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) announce a new two-year strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at IMEX Frankfurt this month. Bringing together two globally influential communities, the partnership connects IFES – representing leading providers of exhibition and event services, including design, AV, and technical production – with ICCA, whose network spans the breadth of the international association meetings sector. Together, these organisations operate in over 100 countries and represent thousands of professionals dedicated to delivering quality, driving innovation, and championing sustainability across the business events ecosystem. ICCA's CEO, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, stated: 'This partnership with IFES reflects ICCA's dedication to uniting all facets of the global events industry. Together, we're not only expanding our reach, we're also creating new opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth that will benefit our entire community.' A cornerstone of this alliance is a shared focus on education and professional development, fostering collaboration between the two organisations and spotlighting innovation, sustainability, and emerging trends. ICCA and IFES will also exchange select research and educational resources to further enrich their respective communities. Jörg Zeissig, President of IFES, stated: 'Partnering with ICCA enables us to expand our global reach and takes a significant step forward in our mission to foster global collaboration across the various businesses within the exhibitions and events industry. By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to create innovative educational opportunities and advocate for sustainable practices that benefit our members worldwide.' IFES looks forward to working with ICCA to shape the future of business events through shared knowledge, stronger partnerships, and a commitment to progress.
