EVENT PROFESSIONALS ADVISED TO KEEP THEIR TECHNOLOGY SIMPLE AND LOCAL

Entegy Step by Step Process

Entegy, a leading event technology company, discussed with event professionals the importance of keeping technology simple and more importantly in Australia today at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME). 

“Historically, people have always been passionate about buying local produce and we’re now seeing this thinking being applied in the technology sector,” says Graeme Caplen, Director at the Brisbane based company, Entegy.

“Entegy has made the digital and app landscape for events easy to use, manage and understand. However, many organisers could still benefit from and see the return on investment by buying local,” added Graeme.

Entegy is a simple three step process, which lets event organisers build their own technology solution, depending on their event’s needs and what they need to deliver.

Graeme also explains that event professionals need to be aware of the importance of keeping their data in Australia.

“Today, we’re all pretty aware of the importance of data protection, but how good are we at actually ensuring its safety? This is something we’ve considered since day one and we’ve always made sure that our clients’ data stays within the country, on a secure and robust Australian network and complies with the Australian Privacy Act.”

He also adds that using Entegy and having professional support on hand during Australian business hours cannot be underestimated.

Graeme adds: “Event professionals are under enough pressure when running an event; the danger with overseas suppliers is that if something should go wrong or you want to ask questions, there is no one available in your time zone, at that time to provide support.”

Entegy’s online platform is used by some of the leading names in the industry such as Westpac, PWC and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Entegy solution starts with the simple and online platform called Core and gives users the control of their event solution. From there they can then choose their Elements, which are additional software packages, which are managed by the Core and meet the needs of event professionals. Thirdly, and finally, users can choose from Ignite options, which are six specialised services areas to bring their personalised event technology solution to fruition, such as their own standalone event app.

Graeme concludes: “We’ve spent thousands of hours creating this streamlined technology solution, which is specifically tailored for the events industry. It is time saving, flexible and meets all event structures and styles.”

Started in 2000, Entegy was founded by four professionals, who combined their experience in advertising and communications, events, and design to create a simple technology solution for the events industry.

For more information visit www.entegy.com.au

Innsbruck, the Capital of the Alps, to host 2018 UCI Road World Championships

• Excitement guaranteed: Innsbruck to host 2018 UCI Road World Championships

Up to 350,000 spectators and 1,000 riders expected at challenging racing competition

In 2018 the Road World Championships, one of the most spectacular and exciting large-scale sporting events worldwide, will be coming to town! The International Cycling Association (UCI) chose Innsbruck and surroundings primarily because of the region's diverse terrain and challenging routes.

While the details of the championship course have not been finalized yet, the fact that Innsbruck, capital of the Alps and three-time Olympic host, will be setting the stage with its magnificent location and vibrant atmosphere when in September 2018 the world's physically strongest riders with nerves of steel will be competing in a total of twelve races for the title of world champion. The absolute highlight will be a spectacular elite race on a truly demanding circuit featuring an altitude gain of approximately 5,000 metres. Such a course is unprecedented in the history of the Road World Championships. Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Nairo Quintana and also the Austrian 'climbers' will certainly be delighted.

Elite riders and the stars of tomorrow will be battling it out in team competitions, individual time trials and road races. Some 350,000 spectators and around 1,000 riders will all be equally excited and, with the event being broadcast to 150 countries, another 200 million viewers will be sharing amazing images of a fascinating championship. With approximately 1,000 journalists expected to cover the event, Innsbruck and its holiday villages are offered yet another great opportunity to present the region's unique attractions to the world.

Information: Innsbruck Tourismus, tel. +43 512 59 850, office@innsbruck.info, www.innsbruck.info

The Star Sydney Announces Proposed Investment of $1Billion

The Star Sydney - an artist’s impression

The Star Sydney has announced details of the proposed $1 billion development plans set to transform the harbour-side property over the next five years, at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME).

With $500 million already committed to Phase 1 expansion plans which are already well underway, another $500 million will potentially be injected to further develop Sydney’s premier events and entertainment destination with the addition of a new hotel tower and a connected ribbon development. The ribbon development would feature numerous signature food and beverage offerings, as well as additional meeting spaces to support the property’s world-class Event Centre.

John Autelitano, General Manager of Hotels, The Star Sydney, explained that investment was key to ensuring the longevity of Sydney’s thriving tourism and business event industries.

“Continued strong growth in international travel has resulted in new records for Australian tourism; welcoming over 6.6 million international visitors in 2014/15, an increase of 7% on the previous period. For Sydney to remain at the forefront of this tourism boom, more accommodation, facilities and event spaces are required.

“We are seeking various approvals to develop a new hotel tower and ribbon development that would further enliven the Pyrmont precinct and boost The Star’s accommodation offering beyond 1000 rooms. We are planning to develop the project in a joint venture with our successful partners from the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane bid, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. We are also in discussions with The Ritz-Carlton in relation to the branding of the proposed hotel tower and are excited about the prospect of bringing the Ritz-Carlton Hotel brand back to Sydney in order to even further add to the existing experiences on offer at The Star.

“The proposed $1 billion in development works would meet the growing demands of the business and leisure market, ensuring Sydney’s reputation for quality and luxury. This growth in Australia’s offering, in addition to strong international interest has the potential to boost overnight visitor expenditure in Australia to up to $140 billion annually by 2020,” concluded Mr Autelitano.

Phase 1 developments currently underway include the $130 million refurbishment of Astral Tower and Residences, set for completion in 2016, and will offer functional rooms and high end suites, new meeting rooms, and a comprehensive business centre. Plus the introduction of a new executive hotel club lounge to enhance the experience for business travellers.

The Star Sydney - an artist’s impression

The recently completed upgrade of The Darling hotel’s Spa included the addition of a mosaic aromatherapy heated steam room with a salt water Jacuzzi and a state-of-the-art fitness facility with one of Australia’s first Kinesis walls.

Other projects recently completed include an underground carpark upgrade with new wayfinding technology, a parking guidance system and increased directional and digital signage; new international gaming areas and VIP suites; new level 5 event plenary space within the Event Centre; and the refurbished Harvest Buffet restaurant.

Upgrade yourself to a four-star hotel stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia

SpiceRoads Cycle Tours, the leading bicycle tour operator in Asia for more than a decade, is pleased to provide riders who join our five-day Angkor Experience adventure a complimentary upgrade to the four-star property Tara Angkor Hotel. This promotion is for all tours between April 1 and September 30, 2016.

“This stylish hotel is a real treat and the perfect place to relax in after a full day of seeing the sights by bike,” says Struan Robertson, CEO of SpiceRoads Cycle Tours

Tara Angkor Hotel

This luxury hotel is the first four-star hotel built in the mystical land of Angkor and is conveniently located only 6 km from the World Heritage site of Angkor. The hotel interiors are graced with a distinctive and contemporary style which successfully blends Khmer culture with understated elegance and fashion.

For more information, visit Tara Angkor Hotel website.

Angkor Experience

This tour mixes temple experiences with a countryside adventure by bicycle. The tour starts by exploring the iconic temples and learning about the thousands of years of Khmer history. There is a visit to the enigmatic temple of Bayon, known for its many smiling faces, Ta Prohm famous for the filming of Tomb Raider and, of course, the grandest of them all, Angkor Wat. The tour then heads into the countryside to explore local villages, the great sandstone ridge of Phnom Kulen which rises up impressively out of the otherwise flat countryside and a visit to Roluos, home to some of the earlier permanent structures built by the Khmers.

Promotion

This offer is applicable for all tours between April 1 and September 30, 2016.

Costs and tour details

This five day tour costs US$635 and includes three days of riding. Single supplement is US$145. Tours depart every Monday and require a minimum of two riders.

The trip is fully supported and led by expert guides. An air-conditioned bus with a constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit will be on hand to pick up riders in need of a break.

Find out more information about the tour here.
Download tour and hotel photographs here.

SpiceRoads

SpiceRoads is a specialist bicycle tour operator based in Bangkok offering a range of two-wheel tours in 28 destinations worldwide. SpiceRoads tours cater for every level of cyclist and range from day trips to complete country explorations. Participants are invited to join tours with fixed date departures scheduled throughout the year, while private or tailor-made tours can be arranged for groups or individuals on request. The highly professional operation employs experienced cycle guides to lead all tours and has a fleet of well-maintained mountain and road bikes and support vehicles.

Contact: Sujittra Thongbaipo
Telephone: +66 (0) 2 381 7490
Email: sujittra@spiceroads.com
Web: www.spiceroads.com

Traditional festivals listed national intangible cultural heritage

Festivals at the Va temple and Hat Mon temple in the capital city of Ha Noi have been named as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage, Ha Noi Moi newspaper reports.

The Va festival is organised in autumn and spring every year at the Va temple in Trung Hung commune, Son Tay suburban district. It honours the god of Tan Vien Mountain known as Son Tinh, who is respected as one of the immortals in Viet Nam’s folk tale.

The Hat Mon festival at the Hat Mon Temple in Hat Mon commune, Phuc Tho suburban district commemorates the contributions to the nation by the two national heroines, known as the Trung sisters.

The two sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, led their troops on elephant back to repel Chinese invaders for three years. The victory brought the liberation for Dai Viet (an old name for Viet Nam) after 247 years of Chinese domination.

Besides the two festivals, an additional 13 heritages were also listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Decision 246/QD-BVHTTDL.

Here's what you can look forward to today ...

We're sure you'll agree, it was a great first day at AIME 2016! Tomorrow is the last day of AIME 2106, so come along and meet face-to-face with the fabulous exhibitors from Australia and across the globe. Don't miss any of the action!

AIME 2016

Here are just a few things to look forward to tomorrow... 

• Hear the latest trends and find inspiration with the AIME Knowledge Program. Don't miss American Express Meetings & Events Global Meetings Trends 2016, Actions Speak Louder than Words in Asia, Strategy and Measurement: The Bookends that Hold up your Event and Accelerating Productivity under Pressure
• Gain inspiration for your own events by dropping by the A LIST Open House; a dedicated area where you can meet face-to-face with a number of the best event suppliers and boutique venues.
• If you booked your tickets for Saxton's 'Up Close and Personal' sessions you can look forward to hearing from some of Australia's most in-demand speakers covering Entrepreneurship & Technology, The High Performance Team and Courage.
• Tantalise your taste buds at the "Made by MCEC Restaurant" showcasing a number of local flavours plus the "Taste of Malaysia Restaurant" sponsored by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, serving a delicious range of authentic meals.

AIME 2016

Remember to pick up your copy of the AIME Daily to get all the latest exhibitor news and show highlights as well as the catalogue to help guide you around the show.

Plus, don't forget to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest updates, news & stories about AIME 2016. 

AIME 2016

We look forward to seeing you for the final day of AIME 2016 today!

Website: http://www.aime.com.au/

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef guide assists event planning

A two-year calendar of exciting events, sample itineraries and an increased focus on tropical food are among the new additions to the ultimate guide in planning an event in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Meeting & Incentive Planner Guide 2016-2017 was unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne on February 23.

Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Director Rosie Douglas said the guide would be a one-stop shop for domestic and international meeting planners, professional conference organisers (PCOs) and incentive buyers.

“This new edition shows event organisers why Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is the perfect location to stage a successful and memorable event and helps them design a conference or incentive to suit their client,” she said.

“The Planner Guide is a highly visual presentation of our region with great images and infographics designed to assist location choice.

“Key industries are highlighted to promote Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s leadership in tropical areas of expertise and help attract large international conferences specialising in these areas.

“We are promoting a two-year event calendar with a range of major and regional sporting and lifestyle events throughout the year which meeting planners may find worthwhile with the timing of their event.

“Meeting planners will get a concrete understanding of how the region’s diverse activities can work with their event from the sample itineraries suitable for large conference programs, smaller meetings, incentives and high achievers’ retreats.

“Each itinerary focuses on a different group and region including Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Lizard Island.

“We have placed a bigger focus on tropical produce in this edition with a section devoted to Taste of the Tropics which includes the Cairns Convention Centre’s produce map and tropical fruit tasting, plus activity ideas with a food focus.

“The Planner Guide is in modular sections which can be sent separately as soft copies for clients requiring just one section rather than the whole guide.”

Welcome Event Launches AIME 2016

On Monday night, 1,400 + ticket holders were ‘wowed’ with a spectacle at 400 City Road for the AIME Welcome Event.

Attendees were witness to a celebration of One Year in Melbourne in One Night with EMG delivering a quintessential ‘Melbourne’ experience showcasing the incredible produce, locations, multi cultural community and iconic events the city is known for.

The event was a multi media, sensory experience, celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, food and festivals of Melbourne. 

The video projections came to life when the people featured in them danced onto the stage with wow background music.

Highlights included a deconstructed graffiti dessert buffet, noodles and dumplings made to order in front of guests and St Kilda themed fish ’n chips.

The show culminated with Australian opera singer Dimity Shepherd delivering an incredible performance.

The first day of AIME was well attended yesterday with many people exploring the various Australian and overseas exhibition stands displaying the latest offerings in the meetings, conferences and incentives industries.

The second and last day of AIME continues today at the Melbourne International Convention Centre in Southbank.

Website http://www.aime.com.au

CHEEKY REBRAND SHOWCASES BROAD TEAM EVENT OFFERING

Australia’s favourite and original team cooking event company, Cheeky Food Events (previously Cheeky Food Group), is shaking up industry expectations with the launch of their new brand at the Australia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.

The rebrand comes after Managing Director, Leona Watson, recognised a shift in the way businesses operate that meant traditional team building activities no longer delivered the required outcomes. Therefore, Cheeky set about creating a new range of specially formulated events, designed to meet the emerging market – with a name change to match.

‘At Cheeky Food Events, we offer so much more than just team building. Over the last 13 years Cheeky has continued to enjoy strong growth as a result of our creative range of corporate cooking events combined with the endless professionalism of our team.

‘Our new brand represents our unique understanding of the business objective behind each corporate team event. From corporate wellness to business leadership, VIP and client entertainment and keynotes our events provide tailored team experiences for everyone from staff to conference or incentive delegates,’ said Ms Watson.

In addition to the new brand, Cheeky Food Events has restructured their product offering into eight effective Event Options: Team Development, Sales Energisers, Cheeky VIPs, Cheeky Fun, Cheeky Big Events, Cheeky Conferences, Master Cheeky Chef and Christmas Parties.

Each Event Option is fully scalable for groups of 7 to 700+ and is tailored to suit every objective, audience and location across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, from product launches, to conferences and CSR cook-ups.

‘It is a privilege to launch our new brand at AIME. This represents a new chapter for Cheeky Food Events as we continue to push the boundaries for innovative team cooking events and further consolidate our position as Australia’s favourite team cooking provider,’ concluded Ms Watson.

The new brand and website was managed by Zadro, a leading provider of integrated marketing and design within Australia’s meetings and events industry.

Cheeky Food Events’ new website: 

http://www.cheekyfoodevents.com

ICC Sydney is Feeding Your Performance to Drive Innovation and Success

ICC Sydney's Executive
Chef Tony Panetta

Visitors are set to enjoy delectable world class dishes designed to fuel both body and mind across events and key outlets at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), the new premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct in Darling Harbour.

ICC Sydney will embrace an industry-first Feeding Your Performance philosophy to deliver menus comprising fresh, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, expertly combined to drive physical and mental performance.

The venue’s culinary vision was launched to the global business events industry today at the inaugural screening of ‘Ingredients for Success’ as part of an exclusive press conference at AIME. The short film showcased how Executive Chef Tony Panetta and his expert team have been able to unlock the science behind ingredients by working in partnership with nutritionists.

Chief Executive Officer of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy, said the innovative approach to food and beverage will be a core driver for event, visitor and business success.

“Our world class culinary team is committed to feeding innovation and enhancing the delegate and visitor experience. By creating ‘smart’ dishes, ICC Sydney will provide the best possible environment for collaboration and engagement,” said Donaghy.

Available from December 2016 throughout ICC Sydney, the menus will cater for all dietary requirements, including allergens, religious and lifestyle choices.

For more information about the Feeding Your Perfomance philosophy, read the fact sheet here and join the conversation via Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. You can also preview the sumptuous culinary delights of the venue via Instagram.

 For more information about ICC Sydney visit www.iccsydney.com.