Destination - CIM

[Industry UIA]Asian association summitRobert Norman, Professor for Reproductive and Periconceptual Medicineat the University of Adelaide, reported on convention organisation.“We want continuity and commitment, and for that we need someoneavailable all year round to help us understand the host country in termsof its culture and ethics. I work exclusively with volunteers. 30 per centof our association members don’t pay a subscription.” Marcel Ewals ofthe PCO Kenes Asia added: “Volunteers lack professional understanding,and that starts in the planning phase. Developing a strategic planand a brand is key for association conventions.” He finds it problematicthat associations in Asia represent their country before the associationitself. Regional objectives found in Europe are therefore lacking.For the associations and associated members of UIA the Round TableAsia was a very enriching experience. The UIA Database Workshop metwith great interest. Web & Database Developer Ryan Brubacker andUIA Round Table Coordinator Nancy Carfrae explained how to use theCongress Calendar and International Meetings Statistics Report. Delegatesdiscussed how to track specific inquiries. “We are happy aboutthe great response and are grateful for suggestions on how to optimiseour tool for your needs,” says Carfrae. The UIA Associations Round TableAsia 2014 will be held in Korea. Katharina Brauerwww.uia.orgSingaporeat a glancen Successful. With 150 internationalconventions in 2012, Singapore ledAsia in the ICCA rankings for the 11thtime. Singapore also tops the UIA statistics,with 952 association meetings.The strategic commitment of the SingaporeEconomic Development Boardand Singapore Convention Bureau isbacked-up by investments in spectacularvenues. The Marina Bay Sands ConventionCentre offers capacity for up to11,000 delegates and 150 conferencerooms. This “MICE-led fully integratedresort” is crowned by an open-air eventarea on the 57th floor with magnificentviews of the city state. Renovatedrooms, free Wi-Fi throughout and anLED wall listed as the world’s largest inthe Guinness Book of Records have impressed800,000 guests at 100 eventsheld at the SUNTEC Singapore Convention& Exhibition Centre since it reopenedin June 2013. There is also a newlogo and a new website.Singapore’s event locations areunsurpassed: above all, the FlowerDome in the Gardens by the Bay, withits views of the park’s solar panel-illuminated“Supertrees”, or 1-Altitude,the world’s highest rooftop bar, whichoffers a fabulous panoramic view.www.yoursingapore.comWhole differentvalue chainn CIM: How important is the association marketfor the meetings destination Singapore?Jeannie Lim: Associations represent a whole differentvalue chain of MICE for us. With over 140Head Quarters of Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs), among them World Bank, based here, Singaporeis the top strategic location for associationsin Asia.Why do you support the first UIA Round Table Asia?In 2012, UIA invited me to speak at the UIA Roundtable in Brussels. I was one of the panelists andcould point out the potential of the Asian associationsmarket. The event makes a perfect contributionto travel Rave, Asia’s most influential Travel TradeFestival.What kind of assistance do you offer planners inassociations?Being the first CVB in Asia established in 1979 weare partner of the Best Cities Alliance and annuallyaudited by Lloyd’s Register. We cooperate closelywith the local hosts and help sourcing the rightpartners and offer marketing support. Our sisterentities under the Ministry of Trade and Industryare International Enterprise (IE) Singapore andthe Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board(SPRING) which look after associations as well. KBJeannie Lim,Executive DirectorConventions andMeetings, Exhibitionsand Conferences atSingapore TourismBoard.www.stb.gov.sg58 CIM 6/2013