Latest news with #MICE
Independent Singapore
03-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Dezign Format targets IPO in Singapore on strong financial performance
SINGAPORE: Dezign Format Group, a design-and-build specialist firm, is preparing to list on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX). With a niche in experiential design in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector, the company has seen its earnings and revenues grow over the past three year. FY2022 saw it post earnings of S$1.6 million on revenue of S$18.3 million. Its earnings rose to S$3.3 million on revenue of S$26 million in FY2023. And in FY2024, earnings climbed to S$5 million on revenue of S$33.4 million. Experiential design, or experiential marketing, is a strategy for brands to develop emotional resonance with customers through immersing them in experiences that boost brand awareness. The methods used include live events, pop-up stores, virtual experiences, and interactive online campaigns. Cognitive Market Research estimates the global experiential marketing services market was worth US$52.614 billion in 2024. It is forecast to reach US$69.8 billion by 2033 on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%. The Asia Pacific is set to lead global growth, with a CAGR of 10%. End-2024 saw Dezign Format with an outstanding order book worth S$23.89 million. Of this, S$10.47 million is recognised as revenue for the first quarter of FY2025. This indicates a strong pipeline and sustained demand. Dezign Format's business lines include custom environment design and fabrication, project management, festive and seasonal installations, commercial interior fit-outs and location-based entertainment and immersive experiences. Its key business is in offering integrated, turnkey solutions for large-scale projects. Most of its clients are organisations in the commercial, corporate and government sectors. Additionally, the company is capitalising on the growing demand for experiential design. Its plans to list come at a time of strength in Singapore's stock market. Shares are demonstrating resilience to global market uncertainty. The Straits Times Index (STI) breached the 4,000 mark on July 2, the second time it crossed the mark this year and is up 5.9% year-to-date. This outpaces the S&P 500's 5.4% growth. Analysts remain optimistic. UBS recently upgraded Singapore equities from 'neutral' to 'attractive,' citing disciplined capital management and currency strength as key advantages. Meanwhile, the Singapore Equity Strategy Mid-year Outlook released by Morgan Stanley in May notes how the Singapore market has been outperforming global stocks through the year. The share sale signals the company's intent to scale further and explore overseas markets in the region. Investors will be keeping note on Dezign Format to see how it leverages its strong order book and growth momentum in Southeast Asia's evolving experiential space in future quarters.
Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Cambodia Airways launches direct Phnom Penh–Penang flights
GEORGE TOWN, June 26 — The inaugural Cambodia Airways direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang marks a key milestone in strengthening regional ties and enhancing connectivity with Asean neighbours. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the launch was both timely and significant, particularly as Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship this year. 'This route not only creates a new aerial corridor linking Penang with an Asean neighbour, but also highlights Penang's growing strategic role in the regional aviation network,' Wong said in a statement today. He noted that Cambodia is now the sixth Asean country with direct air links to Penang, after Thailand (Bangkok, Don Mueang, Phuket), Indonesia (Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh), Singapore, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and Myanmar (Yangon). Wong said the new route also carries strategic weight for the development of Penang's MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) tourism sector. 'Improved air connectivity not only offers greater convenience for delegates, business travellers and professionals, but also reinforces Penang's position as a regional MICE hub in South-east Asia,' he said. He added that while Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Penang currently lead the Asean MICE market, the regional landscape is evolving. He said cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and Yangon have ramped up investments in convention infrastructure and city branding. 'Therefore, Penang must seize the momentum by strengthening its connectivity with Asean nations and forging strategic partnerships to attract more high-end professional events, ultimately expanding the state's presence in the Asean MICE ecosystem. 'The state will continue to uphold its strategy of 'air connectivity leading, industries flourishing' by actively expanding its network of direct flights and positioning Penang as a more open, diverse and high-quality international tourism destination,' he added. Earlier today, the inaugural flight departed Phnom Penh International Airport at 8.05 am (local time) and landed at Penang International Airport at 10.31 am, where it was welcomed with a traditional water salute. The service will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. Cambodia Airways was welcomed on behalf of the Penang government by Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau director and Kebun Bunga State Assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, representing Wong. Also present were Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn and Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin. Meanwhile, Lee said the agency is actively targeting the incentive travel segment and looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders to position Penang as a top destination for high-impact international business events. 'The launch of this route is expected to boost international arrivals and support Penang's broader tourism and economic development strategies. 'It also gives Penangites greater access to Cambodia's rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and emerging travel experiences,' he added. — Bernama
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Middle East Event Show 2025 concludes on a high, championing excellence in the events industry
More than 5,600 professionals, 100+ exhibitors, and 90+ speakers gathered for MEES 2025, culminating in a spectacular celebration of talent and creativity at the Middle East Event Awards. Dubai, UAE – The 16th edition of the Middle East Event Show (MEES) drew to a powerful close, reinforcing its standing as the region's premier platform for live events, experiences, and MICE innovation. For the first time hosted at Sheikh Maktoum Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, MEES 2025 delivered a dynamic blend of thought leadership, cutting-edge showcases, and unmatched networking, attracting over 5,600 attendees from across the globe. The show officially opened on 17 June, led by Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President – Venue Services Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, with Exhibition Director Amar Daginawala and Alan Kelly, Commercial & Strategy Director at Informa. Together, they set the stage for two days of bold ideas and meaningful exchange. 'This region is entering an ultra-accelerated era of event expansion, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' said Amar Daginawala, Exhibition Director of the Middle East Event Show as the industry gears up for the next chapter in Saudi Arabia from 17 – 18 September 2025 at The Arena Riyadh. This year will mark the launch of the Saudi Event Awards that will recognise the exceptional growth and innovation of the events industry in the Kingdom. 'As the industry rapidly scales, conversations around growing the full ecosystem, talent, infrastructure, and innovation, have never been more important. We need to ensure we're expanding capacity with purpose: building internal capability while attracting the right expertise to help shape the future of events in the region.' His remarks come at a time when the regional events industry is growing rapidly. The GCC events sector, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia is valued at USD 78 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 121 billion by 2029, growing at a rate of 9% each year. Saudi Arabia's event management market is the fastest growing in the region, set to more than double from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 5.4 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 11%. Backed by Vision 2030 and major infrastructure projects, the Kingdom's MICE sector is also gaining momentum and set to grow significantly in the coming years. Where Ideas, Innovation, and Industry Converged Spanning 17–18 June, the exhibition and seminar program brought together trailblazers from more than 40 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, the UK, and the USA. With over 100 exhibitors on the show floor, attendees explored the latest in AV production, logistics, technology, creative services, staffing, and venue capabilities. The content-rich agenda featured 35+ live sessions across two stages, spotlighting insights from leaders at Coca-Cola Arena, DXB LIVE, One World Rental, Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Electra, Ethara, PurpleGlo, and others. Discussions focused on sustainability, culture-led programming, immersive tech, generative AI, and monetization strategies reshaping audience engagement. Buildup Powers Bold Experiences Across the Region As a returning Platinum Sponsor at the Middle East Event Show 2025, Buildup reinforced its position as a driving force in the region's live events and exhibitions industry. With a portfolio spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, Buildup has delivered high-impact projects for global platforms such as ADIPEC, GITEX, IDEX, Cityscape Global, and ATM, partnering with leading organisations including ADNOC, EDGE, Tawazun Council, the Ministry of Interior (KSA), and NHC. Their presence at MEES 2025 reflects not just visibility, but a deeper commitment to shaping the future of experiential events. With over 17 years of regional and international expertise, Buildup continues to expand its services and creative capabilities across new markets. Their approach goes beyond execution, focusing on immersive brand storytelling, market insight, and innovative design. As the region's experience economy evolves at pace, Buildup's long-term vision is clear: to champion purposeful partnerships, deliver meaningful impact, and set a new benchmark for excellence across the events and exhibitions space. A Night of Recognition: The Middle East Event Awards 2025 On 19 June, the spotlight shifted to Madinat Jumeirah for the Middle East Event Award, a glittering celebration of the region's most impactful and visionary achievements. Over 1,000 industry leaders came together to honour excellence across 32 categories, from large-scale productions to rising stars and game-changing innovations. 'The awards are a reminder that every event is a creative and operational triumph, powered by people who dream big and deliver even bigger,' said Naomi Warmington, Senior Sustainability Manager at Informa Global and a Judge at the Middle East Event Awards. 'We're here to celebrate the imagination, resilience, and ambition shaping the future of experiences in the region.' Winners of the Middle East Event Awards 2025: Best Arts and Culture Event – ImaginExperience for Hegra After Dark Best Association / Corporate Meeting – Joe Lewis Company (JLC) for Forbes 30/50 International Womens Day Summit Best Community Event – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Hatta Cultural Nights 2024-2025 Best Employer of the Year (<100 employees) – Pop Up Global & Solas Middle East Best Employer of the Year (>100 employees) – dmg events Best Entertainment Production – People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration Best Event Agency of the Year – People Best Event Logistics Provider of the Year – EFM Global Best Event Marketing Campaign of the Year – Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT Best Event on a Budget – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Dubai Coffee Festival 2024 Best Event Photography & Videography – HH Photoshoot 2025 Best Event Recruitment Agency – ESMOS Recruitment Best Event Space Design & Décor – Designlab Experience for Layali Diriyah 2025 Best Exhibition of the Year (<10,000 sqm) – NAC Fairs for The Baby Expo Dubai Best Exhibition of the Year (>10,000 sqm) – Tahaluf for LEAP Best Festival of the Year – Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi for Kayan Wellness Festival 2025 by LINKVIVA Best Light & Sound Solution – Creative Technology for Harry Potter Best Music Event – Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT Best Social Event – fischerAppelt for 30 Years Anniversary Qatar Foundation Best Sporting Event – BONA FIDE for The Longines Global Champions Tour Final & The Global Champions Arabian Tour 2024 Best Staffing Agency of the Year – eventlab Best Stand Design & Build (<100 sqm) – DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for FujiFilm at Medlab Middle East 2025 & The Collective for MINI at Downtown Design Best Stand Design & Build (>100 sqm) –Buildup for Tawazun Council Stand at IDEX 2025 Best Supplier of the Year – ELECTRA & ShowTex Best Sustainability Initiative – People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration Best Temporary Venue or Structure – ELECTRA for CHANEL Haute Joaillerie Sport Dinner and Exhibition Best Use of New Technology at an Event – The Originals + Dubai Future Foundation for Our Future(s) Best Venue (<10,000 sqm) – Space42 Arena Best Venue (>10,000 sqm) – Etihad Arena Best Video Solution – Creative Technology for LIWA Outstanding Brand Activation Event – Informa for World Health Expo (WHX) Young Achiever of the Year – Ailsa Williamson from Tahaluf The celebrations of the industry do not come to a close yet as the Saudi Event Awards launch in Riyadh on 18 September with 28 award categories. The awards will gather the who's who of the MICE and live industry honouring companies and people who have delivered exceptional projections in the Kingdom. The Future Starts Now As the curtains close on MEES 2025, the energy, momentum, and ambition it sparked will continue to resonate across the region's growing experience economy. The show will return in 2026, with even greater reach, deeper impact, and a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of what live events can achieve. For more information about the Middle East Event Show, please visit the official website: To find out how you can participate in the upcoming Saudi Event Show, visit CONTACT: Tricia Jimenea Email: tricia@ Zyad Mesallati Email: zyad@ About Informa Connect Informa Connect is a division of Informa plc, a global business that is listed on the London Stock Exchange and a member of the FTSE 100. Informa plc. has a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries with 11,000+ colleagues. Informa Connect is a live events and digital platform specialist connecting individuals and professionals with knowledge, ideas and opportunities. Our purpose is to champion the specialist. Through hundreds of powerful brands, we work with businesses and professionals in specialist markets, providing the connections, intelligence and opportunities that help customers grow, do business, make breakthroughs and take better informed decisions. Operating major branded events in Finance, Biotech & Pharma and in a number of other specialist markets and connect communities online year-round.
Travel Weekly
23-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Brickell Travel
2024 sales: $230 million Previous ranking: Not ranked Employees: 52 full-time, 1 part-time 66 W. Flagler St., Eighth Floor Miami, FL 33130 Phone: (305) 865-8889 Website $230 millionNot ranked52 full-time, 1 part-time66 W. Flagler St., Eighth FloorMiami, FL 33130Phone: (305) 865-8889 Executives CO-FOUNDER/CEO: Mitch Rodriguez CO-FOUNDER/CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER: Maikel Rodriguez DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES: Aliette Pico FINANCE DIRECTOR: Erika Morciego DIRECTOR, MARKETING: Carole-Anne Hughs Wood SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS: Ennio Gonzalez DIRECTOR, IC/CONSOLIDATOR OPERATIONS: Yandro Martinez DIRECTOR, LUXURY TRAVEL & PARTNERSHIPS: Stephanie Fisher COMPANY FACTS * Privately held. * Brothers Mitch and Maikel Rodriguez own 49%; Talma Travel Solutions owns 51%. * Traditionally a business travel agency, since the pandemic it has been selling stronger in leisure travel and MICE. * Hosts 41 independent contractors and 40 travel agencies that ticket air. * 30% of sales completed by hosted advisors. * Sales: 60% business, 40% leisure. * A member of Virtuoso and SAP Concur Elite. DEVELOPMENTS * Added Stephanie Fisher, a Virtuoso top-producing independent contractor, as its director of luxury travel and partnerships. In this newly created, hybrid role, Fisher will continue her IC business as a Brickell affiliate and build a hosting division from the ground up to address the needs of multimillion-dollar ICs. * Developed tech innovation Travel BI, an advanced reporting and business intelligence platform built for the industry. It provides profit and business analysis; revenue tracking by client, agent and market; efficiency-boosting tools; expense analysis; and data consolidation. LOOKING AHEAD * Expanding its high-tech business travel solutions to more small-to-midsize enterprise account clients. * Aiming to grow more top-producing ICs ($1 million or more in direct annual sales). * Rolling out Travel BI to existing clients and marketing it to other potential clients. * Anticipating more interest in MICE from existing clients, who historically were not holding such events, and growth from those who traditionally have. * Responding to interest in its in-house-created reporting tool from unaffiliated agencies that recognize this persistent challenge to address client and travel agency pain points. * Finding remedies for top-producing ICs who feel that their concerns are not being heard and needs not being met.
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cultural Experiences Fuel Business Travel, Says Hyatt
LONDON - Hyatt saw more than 147,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in Europe in 2024, an increase of 9.6% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt's UK properties accounted for more than 25,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 22% growth year on year. The UK market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME), reflecting the popularity of Hyatt's UK portfolio amongst business travellers. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical.1 We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting the highest return on investment from business trips. This also means that companies are laser focused on delivering high quality and engaging events that inspire productivity, requiring greater attention on unique and personalised settings, activities and F&B. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME Dialling-up downtime with Together by Hyatt Behind this growth lies Hyatt's world-renowned hotel brands and a strong, long-standing reputation in the corporate travel segment, which alongside its meetings and events platform, Together by Hyatt, allow for the delivery of best-in-class meetings and events. Together by Hyatt guides the way Hyatt properties create experiences and deliver more connected meetings and events, with organisers and guests at its heart. The platform provides event organisers with the tools, resources and support they need to deliver unique and elevated events, prioritising what matters most to them, whether that's wellbeing with waste reduction and thoughtfully sourced food, providing efficiencies through a real time planner portal, or curating unique experiences with bespoke event experience guides. Shaping this growing demand is appetite for unique experiences that bring business travellers closer to the destination, whether that's through food, team building, or learning a new skill. From harvesting honey while learning about the environmental benefits of beekeeping in Jabal Akhdar during a stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar, to truffle hunting in the forests of Hungary while staying at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, or even unwinding with a yoga experience during a stay at Hôtel du Palais Biarritz - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the opportunities to dial-up events via unique experiences are endless when partnering with Together by Hyatt. Business travellers are particularly drawn to authentic lifestyle experiences. We are seeing strong demand for meaningful connections with local surroundings, whether that's through tasting local food, learning a new skill like beekeeping or exploring surrounding heritage. We only see this trend growing as demand for business travel continues on its upwards path, and travellers seek out the types of experiences that transform a business trip into a truly memorable experience. This is why we have ensured that across our brand bar, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to elevating any business trip, from Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency in our Classics collection, to Lifestyle brands like Andaz and The Standard. Gareth Cummings, Regional Vice President EAME, Hyatt Sales Force Bespoke buyouts in stunning locations Pivotal to the evolving corporate travel sector is the growing appetite from larger corporates to privatise entire hotels for MICE purposes. Whether guests are delivering energised sessions in a conference room, practicing meditation under the stars or strengthening connections over an authentic dish, corporates are increasingly recognising the benefits of an exclusive buyout that enables any meeting, conference or event to be elevated. Hyatt is responding to this demand, alongside the desire for increased return on investment from events, by offering greater flexibility for customers to deliver tailored, exclusive events with a full or partial buyout at a Hyatt hotel across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The stunning properties companies can enjoy an exclusive buyout at across Europe, Africa and the Middle East include: Alila Hinu Bay Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Andaz Prague Andaz Vienna am Belvedere Hôtel du Palais Biarritz Hyatt Centric Malta Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Park Hyatt London River Thames Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort La Zambra Resort Magma Santorini Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa Zoëtry Mallorca The term 'Hyatt' is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
