Record Breaking Tokyo – IAPCO Celebrates highest ever Annual Meeting Attendance

Record Breaking Tokyo – IAPCO Celebrates highest ever Annual Meeting Attendance

IAPCO holds its Annual Meeting, bringing together its members from around the globe. This year is particularly special as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Association and the start of twelve months of celebratory activities. This was kicked off in style, with over 100 members and destination partners from over 32 countries attending, this meeting has broken attendance records to make it the largest IAPCO has ever held!

‘The numbers are in, social media was buzzing and the emails keep coming – the IAPCO Annual Meeting in Tokyo was an all around success. This was in large due to the outstanding organization by our Japanese friends, who took care of every detail and truly captured the “IAPCO spirit” says Mathias Posch, President of IAPCO.Based on participant feedback the meeting scored second highest of all time, narrowly missing the top spot by a mere fraction of a percent.

The successful collaboration between IAPCO and the host, Congress Corporation, in co-operation with other IAPCO members, JCS and JTB, all of whom worked hard to bring the vision for the meeting to life. JNTO and various cities throughout Japan provided valuable support and offered popular fam. trips to various cities, pre and post conference.

The Tokyo Annual Meeting programme was packed full of inspirational keynotes, engaging teamwork exercises, an excellent panel discussion entitled ‘Lost in Translation’ focusing on the cultural nuances that will make all the difference to international clients/PCOs when bringing meetings to Japan alongside a spectacular cultural social programme which allowed for plenty of networking.

IAPCO brand awareness and membership growth in Asia was a key focus of the strategic plan. Holding the Annual Meeting in Tokyo and the excellent relationships this has created has been a big contributing factor to meeting these goals. Jan Tonkin, Immediate Past President of IAPCO said ‘Looking back on my two years as President I am particularly proud of the increased reach IAPCO has achieved in Asia Pacific. It is an incredibly diverse region where the meetings industry continues to grow in strength rapidly. We have welcomed new members from the region, raised our profile at the key industry trade shows and have held educational seminars in Kuala Lumpur, Suzhou and Taipei with more taking place in both Suzhou and Taipei in April.’

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#IAPCO #AnnualMeetinginTokyo #IAPCOspirit #MICEmedia #MICEnews #MICEnetwork

MAGICAL EXPERIENCES FOR GROUPS AND INCENTIVES

MAGICAL EXPERIENCES FOR GROUPS AND INCENTIVES
From the dazzling cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur to the idyllic islands and wild jungles of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia offers the perfect location for meetings and incentives.

Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is affectionately known, boasts excellent transport links and venues with a myriad of recreational and social amenities as additional attractions for visiting delegates. The growing resort destination of Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the main gateway into the island of Borneo with bustling markets, beaches and close to the home of the 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu and is an ideal incentive destination.

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts has a variety of properties set up for meetings and incentives in both KL and KK. Scroll down to discover more about how these properties can host your meeting and or incentive for an experience to remember for your delegates. If you would like further information please get in touch with one of our team.

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#ShangriLa #KualaLumpur #MICEnews

THE KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE IS GOING PLACES!

THE KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE IS GOING PLACES!
Venue Receives Inaugural ‘Best Convention Centre’ Accolade
At Going Places Readers’ Choice Awards 2015

Kuala Lumpur, 4 February 2016 – The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) Director of Sales & Marketing, Angeline Lue (left) is all smiles after accepting the ‘Best Convention Centre’ from Spafax Asia Pacific Managing Director, Geraldine Lee at the inaugural Going Places Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Congratulating Going Places on their first Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 and re-launch of the magazine, Lue also expressed her thanks to the 8,000-plus voters. “Their vote is testimony to our on-going efforts to deliver flexible, innovative and value-added solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs and ensure an enjoyable and successful event for their delegates and guests.”

Organised by Going Places magazine, the Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 identify and honour the industry best travel and lifestyle brands in 16 categories such as Best 5-Star Hotel, Best Beach Resort, Best Eco Resort, Best Shopping Mall and Best Restaurant, to name a few.

For all the latest news and information on the Centre, visit www.klccconventioncentre.com.

Neues Designhotel im Frankfurter Europaviertel

Neues Designhotel im Frankfurter Europaviertel
Frasers Hospitality eröffnet mit Capri by Fraser erste Unterkunft in Deutschland

Capri by Fraser eröffnete am 15. August 2015 sein erstes Haus in Deutschland. Das Boutiquehotel mit Vier-Sterne-Standard befindet sich im Europaviertel, direkt an der Frankfurter Messe, nahe der Innenstadt – perfekt für einen Städtetrip als auch für Geschäftsreisende.

Der gesamten Innenarchitektur und Einrichtung des Hauses liegt ein buntes, urbanes Designkonzept zugrunde. Alle Räume sind mit modernster Technik ausgestattet. Das Hotel richtet sich vor allem an ein junges, vielreisendes Publikum, das auch unterwegs nicht auf moderne Basics wie schnelles Internet verzichten möchte. Die farbenfrohen Zimmer heißen aber ebenso Geschäftsreisende sofort willkommen, die auf der Suche nach einer persönlicheren Unterkunft sind. Die Ausstattung, darunter Küchenzeilen und Kaffeemaschinen auf den Zimmern, sowie das ausgefallene Design unterscheiden Capri by Fraser von klassischen Hotels und lassen es mehr zu einem ansprechenden Zuhause auf Zeit werden. Die lockere Atmosphäre lässt sich auch an der Namensgebung der öffentlichen Räume erkennen: Cocktails gibt es beispielsweise im Drinx, Wäsche kann im Spin & Play-Raum gewaschen werden, und die Geschäftspartner werden im Pow Wow-Konferenzraum überzeugt.
Die 153 geräumigen Studios und Ein-Zimmer-Apartments sind mit 32 bis 47 Quadratmetern größer als andere Zimmer dieser Kategorie und besitzen eine Küchenzeile, eignen sich somit also auch perfekt für längere Aufenthalte. Im gesamten Hotel ist kostenfreies Highspeed W-LAN verfügbar. In den Badezimmern mit Regendusche finden Gäste Produkte von Malin + Goetz aus New York, die aus weitestgehend natürlichen Inhaltsstoffen bestehen. Die Zimmer sind alle mit LED-TV und DVD-Player ausgestattet und besitzen eine Dockingstation für iPods und iPhones. In den Ein-Zimmer-Appartements finden Gäste außerdem Nespresso-Maschinen, die einen schnellen Energieschub morgens und zwischendurch liefern. Geschäftsreisende freuen sich über einen geräumigen Schreibtisch mit Schreibtischstuhl sowie Bügeleisen und Bügelbrett, die in jedem Zimmer vorhanden sind.

Sport treiben können Gäste des Capri by Fraser rund um die Uhr im 24/7 Gym, ausgestattet mit Geräten von Life Fitness. In den Spin & Play-Waschräumen lässt sich die Zeit während des Wäschewaschens mit den bereitliegenden iPads vertreiben. Mit Pow Wow bietet das Hotel außerdem einen Meeting- und Konferenzraum mit modernster Technologie und kostenfreiem Highspeed W-LAN, wie auch im Rest des Hotels.

Das Hotelrestaurant Caprilicious steht nicht nur Hotelgästen offen. In dem modern eingerichteten Restaurant serviert Capri by Fraser in entspannter, informeller Atmosphäre das Frühstück sowie von Montag bis Freitag ein Mittagsmenü und Abendessen à la carte. Samstagabends erwartet Gäste ein Buffet und sonntags bis 14 Uhr Brunch sowie Abendessen. Wählen können Restaurantgäste zwischen westlichen und asiatischen Klassikern. Die F&B-Direktoren der ebenfalls zu Frasers Hospitality gehörenden führenden britischen Boutiquehotels Malmaison haben das Restaurantkonzept entwickelt und bilden das Caprilicous-Team in Frankfurt aus.

Nach dem Essen geht es in die ebenfalls für alle geöffnete, stylishe Drinx-Bar, die täglich von 17 bis 1 Uhr geöffnet ist. Gäste sitzen hier auf großzügigen Sesseln mit bestem Blick auf Messe und die Büros des Europaviertels. Nach Sonnenuntergang, wenn die Bar mit sanftem Umgebungslicht beleuchtet wird, wird das Ambiente noch eleganter und stilvoller. Auf der Getränkekarte stehen neben alkoholfreien Getränken auch Premium Scotch, Wein, Bier, Liköre, Champagner und Cocktails. Außerdem serviert das Drinx Tapas, die von den Chefköchen von Malmaison und Fraser Hospitalitys weiterer Boutiquehotel-Marke, Hotel du Vin, kreiert wurden.

Wer nur wenig Zeit hat, bekommt im Delite-Deli Kaffee, Snacks, Salate und bei großem Hunger auch reichhaltigere Gerichte. Delite ist durchgängig von morgens bis abends geöffnet.

“Millenials repräsentieren bereits heute 20 Prozent der international Reisenden und werden voraussichtlich bis 2021 schnell auf 320 Millionen Menschen heranwachsen. Für diese besondere Gruppe Reisender haben wir unsere intelligente, technisch fortschrittliche und intuitive Hotelmarke Capri by Fraser entwickelt – mit ihr können wir ihnen helfen, dass auf Reisen alle ihre Bedürfnisse erfüllt werden”, beschreibt Choe Peng Sum, CEO von Frasers Hospitality, das Konzept.

Zimmer sind ab sofort zum Eröffnungspreis ab bereits 85 Euro pro Nacht und Person buchbar. Gäste des Hotels können, wie auch in den anderen Unterkünften von Fraser Hospitality, bei ihrem Aufenthalt Punkte im Rahmen des Treueprogramms Fraser World sammeln und diese für exklusive Prämien einlösen.

Das Frankfurter Capri by Fraser ist das sechste seiner Art. Weitere Hotels stehen in Singapur, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Barcelona und Brisbane. Ein weiteres Capri by Fraser-Hotel soll 2016 in Berlin eröffnen, 2018 werden die Fraser Suites Hamburg für Langzeitaufenthalte eröffnet.

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

The Hawaii-based company’s portfolio of beachfront leisure resorts increases its presence across the Pacific, Asia and now the Indian Ocean

The beachfront Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is now open. The Deluxe 181-room, all sea-view resort opened 30 January and is the first in the Indian Ocean belonging to Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the 66-year old Hawaii-based hospitality company which now has 45 properties open or under development in eight countries.

“The expansion of the Outrigger brand into the Indian Ocean is the latest development showing the strategic commitment of Outrigger to open stunning resorts in desirable and iconic warm water beachfront locations around the world,” said Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

“Ownership of the property in Mauritius gives Outrigger the unique opportunity to share the locally-rich sense of place and discovery that guests look for when they go on holiday,” he said. “The wonderful warmth, colour and exotic mixes that characterise Mauritius can now be experienced at the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa,” he added.

The Republic of Mauritius is located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar. In Mauritius the absolute beachfront property has an idyllic location on the southern tip of the island in the Bel Ombre nature reserve, adjacent to the Heritage Golf Club. The new Outrigger resort is surrounded on the landward side by expansive sugar cane plantations.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the property in May 2013 and have completed an extensive refurbishment program.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa General Manager, Frederic Chretien, said: “The Outrigger dream for Mauritius has come true. From today we are delivering our acclaimed Outrigger hospitality that blends the needs of the most discerning traveller with the charm and tradition of an early 17th century Mauritian sugar cane plantation on the island’s southern coast.”

Getting to Mauritius from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa is easy. Direct flights connect Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous other cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a 90-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis.

Outrigger will host an official grand opening ceremony and celebration at the resort on 18 April this year.

For bookings visit http://www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com

For further information contact Mr. Frederick de Marcy Chelin, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Director of Sales and Marketing. Email: dosm.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Tel: +230 6235000; Mobile: +230 4994275; Skype: frederick.de.marcy.chelin
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About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with 66 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn® Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand Vacations. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 45 properties with approximately 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii; Australia; Guam; Fiji; Bali; Thailand; Mauritius; Vietnam; and Hainan Island, China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. For on-line information, log on at http://www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and http://www.outrigger.com.

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Set for Soft Opening

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Set for Soft Opening on 15 January, 2014
Bookings now open with special opening rates 15 January to 15 February, 2014

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa will soft open on 15 January 2014, with the deluxe beachfront hotel now open for booking via its new website www.outriggermauritius.com.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the 181-key beachfront resort in May 2013 and an extensive refurbishment is nearing completion.

All 181 suites and rooms have a sea view, with a number having direct access to the white sand beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Entry-level rooms are a generous 63 square metres.

“I believe the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa at Bel Ombre will quickly establish itself as an iconic and very innovative resort in Mauritius,” said General Manager, Frederic Chretien.

As of 15 January, a variety of services and features will open, including the majority of guest rooms, the relaxed beachfront Edgewater restaurant, the trendy Bar Bleu, and most other public spaces.

“Our suites, rooms and food and beverage options are unique for Mauritius,” said Chretien. “I believe the opening of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa will herald an exciting new era of hospitality in the Mauritius tourism scene.”

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa sits on the southern tip of the Republic of Mauritius located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar.

Getting there is easy. Direct flights connect the island of Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a similar distance from the capital of Port Louis. The resort is surrounded on three sides by the nature reserve of Bel Ombre.

To celebrate the soft opening, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is offering special opening rates in various room categories such as the Deluxe and Family Rooms (pictured). The special rates start from EUR149 (US$202) for a Deluxe Sea View inclusive of breakfast for two. The rates are available for stays between 15 January and 15 February 2014. (The website contains special rates for other room types and value-added promotions for the soft opening period.)

For bookings visit www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com.

AEG OGDEN ANNOUNCES OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE GM

AEG OGDEN ANNOUNCES OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE GM

Internationally respected convention centre executive, Trevor McCartney has been appointed the inaugural General Manager at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Mr. McCartney’s appointment was announced today by Geoff Donaghy, the Director of Convention Centres for AEG Ogden which manages the venue on behalf of Omran, the company established by the Government of Oman to deliver major projects and manage its assets and investments in the tourism sector.

Mr. McCartney was previously the Director of Business Development at the Qatar National Convention Centre, a role he has held since June 2011.

Before his appointment in Qatar, Mr. McCartney was Chief Executive at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Malaysia for three years and Director of International Sales and Operations at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, Thailand for a further three years. He has also been a key member of pre-opening teams at three major UK conference centres.

Mr Donaghy said there was considerable international interest in the position but the internal promotion of Mr. McCartney was an endorsement of the strength and talent within the AEG Ogden network.

“Trevor is an outstanding and experienced convention centre executive who is well respected throughout the industry globally.

“In the past decade, he has developed a strong understanding of the local cultures and managing congress venues in Asia and the Middle East and is suitably qualified to meet the challenges in the highly competitive business events industry,” Mr. Donaghy said.

Mr. McCartney is excited by his new role.

“The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is the new kid on the global conventions block and has tremendous potential.

“We look forward to working closely with Omran, the Ministry of Tourism and the local community to deliver first-class events that showcase the traditional and unique Omani hospitality and in creating extensive local employment opportunities,” Mr. McCartney said.

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is due for completion in December 2016.

Mr. Donaghy said to date, AEG Ogden had been involved in the design and planning of the Centre and was now utilising its experience, extensive worldwide network and expertise in preparing the Centre for opening and competing for its share of the lucrative business events market.

“There are more than 200 convention and exhibition centres competing on the world stage for a slice of the business events pie but research already undertaken has identified international conventions with the potential to be held in Oman as far ahead as 2024,” he said.

Mr. McCartney will commence his new role in early 2014.

About the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
Due for completion in late 2016, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is located in its own fully integrated precinct only four kilometres from Muscat International Airport.

The design of the Centre will ensure a flow of the meetings space to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organisers. It also incorporated expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features.

The Centre will feature an elaborate tiered auditorium to seat 3,200 while the exhibition halls will feature 22,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space. Halls 1 and 2 will have a superior fit out, specialised acoustic treatment, advanced lighting and rigging requirements to act as a multi-purpose space for plenary sessions, concerts, performances, gala events on a larger scale of up to 10,000 seated, theatre-style.

The Centre will also include an additional 14 meeting rooms for 70-360 delegates, two well-appointed ballrooms to seat up to 2,360, VIP Pavilion, a spacious food-court and a multi-storey carpark with capacity for 4,000 vehicles.

The Precinct will provide the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional and local events and for the enjoyment of the community. These include a five star hotel linked to the convention centre, two four star, and a three star hotel and apartments with a combined total of 1,000 rooms. A business park, retail shopping mall surrounded by a nature reserve which will be a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, parklands and wadi (valley) park are also part of this picturesque precinct. http://www.omanconvention.com

About AEG Ogden
AEG Ogden is a joint venture between Australian venue management interests and AEG Facilities of the United States.
AEG Ogden manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific region, including convention centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur, Oman (under construction), Sydney (construction commencing 2014) and the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island (from February 2014); arenas including Sydney’s Allphones Arena, the Sydney Entertainment Centre (from December 2013), the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Perth Arena; Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane; and live theatres including Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, the WA State Theatre Centre, Albany Entertainment Centre, and Subiaco Arts Centre. http://www.aegogden.com

In addition, AEG Facilities was recently announced as operator of both the Los Angeles Convention Centre and Hawaii Convention Centre.

For more information contact:
Greg Adermann
Group Communications Manager, AEG Ogden

GLOBAL RECOGNITION SET TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

GLOBAL RECOGNITION SET TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Global recognition highlighting the beauty and “must-see” aspects of Sultanate of Oman is good news for the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre which is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Speaking at one of Europe’s premier meetings industry trade fairs, IMEX, in Frankfurt, Geoff Donaghy, the Director of Convention Centres for AEG Ogden which manages the Oman Centre, said the importance of international awards could not be understated as a tool to promote venues to prospective customers.

“Oman and its capital city Muscat recently being acknowledged by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic for its range of attractions was very timely.

“Oman has been trading with the world for more than 5,000 years and is an active global community member so it comes as no surprise that our preliminary research and promotional activities has uncovered strong interest in the Sultanate as a destination,” he said.

Mr. Donaghy said Oman’s diverse landscape, natural attractions, pristine coastline and rich heritage and culture had contributed to its emergence as a business events destination and becoming the Arabian Tourism Capital in 2012.

“AEG Ogden has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Oman’s key stakeholders in introducing the world to Oman and as the new hub for major international conventions, meetings and business events. Many international and regional organisations have already expressed a strong desire to hold future or expand events in the sea side city of Muscat.

“Our message to these decision-makers is consider Oman not only for the world class venue that will be there but the diversity of attractions at their disposal. It’s a total package that delegates will be inspired to attend and an experience they won’t forget,” Mr. Donaghy said.

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre will be a world-class venue within a fully integrated precinct housing a five star hotel, two four star and a three star hotel totalling 1,000 rooms, supported by a shopping centre, business park within four kilometres from Muscat International Airport.

The Centre will play an important role in the country’s Vision 2020 strategy to diversify the economy and build employment opportunities for the Omani people and open their country to the world. It will also offer an additional choice to international and regional associations, organisations, institutions and corporations to grow business opportunities, impart knowledge in a destination that has serious delegate appeal.

IMEX is being held in Frankfurt from 22 to 24 May. The Centre will feature on the Oman Ministry of Tourism stand E620. For more information view www.omanconvention.com

About the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is located in the Hayy Al Ifran district only four kilometres from Muscat International Airport.

The design of the Centre will ensure a flow of the meetings space to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organisers. It also incorporated expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features.

The Centre will feature an elaborate tiered auditorium to seat 3,200 while the exhibition halls will feature 22,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space. Halls 1 and 2 will have a superior fit out, specialised acoustic treatment, advanced lighting and rigging requirements to act as a multi-purpose space for plenary sessions, concerts, performances, gala events on a larger scale of up to 10,000 seated, theatre-style.

The Centre will also include an additional 14 meeting rooms for 70-360 delegates, two well-appointed ballrooms to seat up to 2,360, VIP Pavilion, a spacious food-court and a multi-storey carpark with capacity for 4,000 vehicles.

The Precinct will provide the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional and local events and for the enjoyment of the community. These include a five star hotel linked to the convention centre, two four star, and a three star hotel and apartments with a combined total of 1,000 rooms. A business park, retail shopping mall surrounded by a nature reserve which will be a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, parklands and wadi (valley) park are also part of this picturesque precinct. http://www.omanconvention.com

About the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
AEG AEG Ogden is a joint venture between Australian interests and AEG Facilities of the United States.

AEG Ogden manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific region, including the Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur and Qatar convention centres and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (under construction), Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, five live theatres including Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and Subiaco Arts Centre, and a network of arenas including Sydney’s Allphones Arena, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and the Perth Arena (currently under construction). www.aegogden.com

AEG, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, is the leading sports, entertainment and venue operator in the world. AEG Facilities, a stand-alone affiliate of AEG, owns, operates or consults with 100 of the industry’s pre-eminent venues worldwide, across five continents, and works in concert with affiliated AEG entities, including live event producer, AEG Live, AEG Global Partnerships and AEG Development to support the success of AEG venues across the globe. AEG owns, operates or provides services to venues including STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, Calif.), The Home Depot Center (Carson, Calif.), Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (Los Angeles, Calif.), Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario, Calif.), Valley View Casino Center, (San Diego, Calif); Sprint Center (Kansas City, Mo.), XL Center and Rentschler Field (Hartford, Conn) The Rose Garden (Portland, Ore.), KeyArena (Seattle, Wash.), KFC YUM! Center (Louisville, Ky.), American Airlines Arena (Miami, Fla.), AT&T Center (San Antonio, Tx.), Time Warner Cable Arena (Charlotte, N.C.), Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.), Target Center (Minneapolis, Minn.), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), MastercardCenter (Beijing, China), The O2 Arena (London, England), O2 World (Berlin, Germany), O2 World Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany), Ahoy Arena (Rotterdam, Netherlands), Pernambuco Stadium (Recife, Brazil), Allphones Arena, (Sydney Aust), Globe Arenas (Stockholm, Sweden), Turk Telekom Arena (Istanbul, Turkey) and the Qatar National Convention Centre (Doha, Qatar). For more information, visit www.aegworldwide.com.

For more information contact:
Rochelle Uechtritz
Group Manager, Convention Sales Development
AEG Ogden

BEST IN THE WORLD | Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

‘BEST IN THE WORLD’
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Richmond Lim takes
‘Best Book in the World for Food Professionals’ title in World Awards

Kuala Lumpur, 2 April 2012 – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) Executive Chef Richmond Lim made Malaysia proud when his book ‘The Stainless Steel Kitchen’ emerged the top out of 71 finalists to take home the ‘Best Book in the World for Food Professionals’ title at the ‘Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2011’ held in Paris, France, recently.

Launched in August last year (2011), Chef Richmond’s ‘The Stainless Steel Kitchen’ is a detailed guide for professionals in the culinary industry and provides a trove of innovative ideas and tips to tackle banqueting challenges encountered by chefs all over the world.

Chef Richmond represented Malaysia at the ‘Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2012 after ‘The Stainless Steel Kitchen’ took the ‘Best Book for Food Professionals’ in Malaysia title.

“I am extremely happy and humbled to be awarded the ‘Best in the World’ title in the Food Professionals category.  Representing Malaysia at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards’ was already an achievement of which to be proud. This latest win is one I will cherish forever,” said an ecstatic Chef Richmond.

“I would like to thank the Centre, in particular my mentor Datuk Peter Brokenshire for his continuing support, and the Centre’s culinary team for helping me make ‘The Stainless Steel Kitchen’ a reality and, an international award winner!”

The annual ‘Gourmand Best in the World Awards’ see winners from each country compete against other worldwide winners in the same category for the coveted ’Best in the World’ title. Founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau to recognise the best food and wine books, the awards are aimed at  rewarding and honouring those who “cook with words” to help readers find the best out of the average 26,000 foods and wine books produced every year, publishers with international rights to translate and distribute food and wine books, bookstores to find the best books to display, to create opportunities for books originating in other languages to access major markets and, to increase knowledge of, and respect for, food and wine culture.

For further information, please contact:
Datuk Peter Brokenshire                                              Desiree Ann or Charles Chaplin
General Manager                                                           TQPR (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre                             Tel: +603-2092 4300
Tel: +603 2333 2888                                                    Fax: +603-2092 5972
Fax: +603 2333 2882                                                   Email: desireeann@tqpr.com or
Email: info@klccconventioncentre.com                  charlesc@tqpr.com

NOTE TO EDITOR
About the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) is a component of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and is managed and operated by Convex Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture company between KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd and AEG Ogden Pty Ltd, Australia.

A winner of numerous awards including the MICE Report Awards 2012 for ‘Best Convention Centre in Asia’; Business Destinations Travel Awards 2011 for ‘Best Congress & Convention Centre, Asia’; TTG Travel Awards 2011 for ‘Best Convention & Exhibition Centre’; Meeting Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) 2011 for ‘Best Use of Budget (Bronze)’; CEI Industry Award 2009; and TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2007 and 2008 for ‘Best Convention & Exhibition Centre in Asia’;

The Centre is a wholly-owned facility of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Sdn Bhd which in turn, is owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS).

The Centre has ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications, EarthCheck Bronze status (environment) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Certification (HACCP) recognition, the international food safety system for international convention facilities and five-star hotels. It is also the first in Asia; and one of only 12 AIPC centres worldwide, to receive the ‘Gold’ AIPC Quality Standards certification.

The Centre, comprising of two auditoria (seating 3,000 and 500 respectively), 9,710 sq metres of Exhibition Halls, a Grand Ballroom which seats 2,000 diners, a Banquet Hall for 500, a Conference Hall for 1,800 and 20 other meeting rooms, provides 20,059 sq metres of function space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.