Asia’s MICE market hinges on modernity

Here's why Concorde Hotel Singapore and Putrajaya International Convention Centre lead the way in technology and building efficiency.

Concorde Hotel Singapore has long been a favorite among business travelers for its attentive service, understated elegance and easy access to the airport and key districts. Even more of the C-suite crowd is expected to patronize the hotel as it ramps up technology upgrades and begins booking larger MICE events.

Concorde breaks higher ground with innovations in technology

The focus on the MICE market is a natural evolution for Concorde Hotel Singapore, which has been operating for nearly three decades, initially as Le Meridien Singapore until it was rebranded to its current name in 2008.

Business travelers frequent the hotel for its affordable luxury service hinged on exceptionally gracious staff, reasonable rates, and accessible location in the heart of Singapore’s famous Orchard Road. Executives can quickly reach meetings during the day, then unwind at night with an array of entertainment and shopping options nearby.

Concorde Hotel Singapore is also known for its high standards in security and hospitality, which are highly regarded by business travelers. It won the Hotel Security Excellence Award from the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and crime prevention agencies, and was awarded with the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence in 2013, an accolade given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on the popular site.

Having built a great following among business travelers, Concorde Hotel Singapore aims to become the preferred venue in Singapore for large-scale MICE events by upgrading its technology capabilities.

“Moving forward, we need to maintain and constantly improve our facilities and keep up with technology,” says Kenneth
Looi, Director of Catering.

The hotel plans to ramp up the quality of WiFi access, acquire advanced AV equipment and train more personnel in banquet operations as well as audiovisual technicians to ensure the success of all MICE events. With these technology and training upgrades, Concorde Hotel Singapore seeks to establish a stronger MICE clientele. Already, it has been a host of many successful international conferences including ASEAN meetings from various Government Agencies.

“Our strategic location on Orchard Road makes us a prime venue for conferences and meetings. Concorde Hotel is also located next to the palatial Istana building, which enhances its image as a safe abode,” says Leo Llambi, General Manager of Concorde Hotel Singapore.

Another key attraction for Concorde Hotel is its pillar-less ballroom with a ceiling height of 14.5 feet and a capacity for up to 500 guests (ballroom style), which makes it an ideal plenary venue for conferences. The ballroom is linked to many medium and smaller-sized meeting rooms for break out sessions and small-scale exhibitions.

As Concorde remains to be a hotspot for business travelers in Singapore, Putrajaya International Convention Centre rallies its way to become Malaysia’s most efficient convention center.

Breathtaking PICC boasts energy efficient, state-of-the-art facilities

More than just eye candy, the breathtaking Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) packs state-of-the-art facilities and energy efficient infrastructure that has won over not just Malaysia but a number of award-giving bodies locally and internationally.

“Rising majestically on Putrajaya’s highest point and commanding a panoramic view of the entire Putrajaya Precints, PICC straddles the peak to ensure that the safety and security of its guests are well guarded,” CEO Badlishah Hj. Ahmad says.

The brainchild of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the PICC debuted in 2003 for the 10th Organisation of Isamic Conference (OIC) and has since become an international landmark.

Among the awards it has won are 1st runner-up in the 8th ASEAN Energy Efficient Building 2007 for Best Practices Competition, Congress & Convention Centre in Asia in the 2012 Travel Awards, and Best Brands in Services - Convention Centre by Asia Pacific Brand Foundation (APBF) in the 2013-2014 Brand Laureate Awards.

Since its debut, the PICC has become a premier MICE destination, hosting local and international events. Located 20 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), it is just a stone’s throw away from famous hotel chains such as Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside, Putrajaya Shangri-La, and Marriott Putrajaya. At the same time, PICC may soon have its own hotel to cater to guests attending international conventions.

More can be expected from one of the largest convention centers in Malaysia with the corporatization of the facility. It is now wholly owned by Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation) and headed by chief executive officer (CEO) Badlishah Bin Hj. Ahmad.

Among the basic services provided by the PICC are information kiosks, wireless LAN, simultaneous interpretation system, provision for live television broadcast, holographic rear projection system, videoconferencing facilities, and plasma display/LCD.

Its audiovisual facilities also boast of newly installed Barco projectors that have widescreen displays that show highcontrast and superior quality images while its state-of-the-art kitchen facilities were refurbished to cater to banquets.

Banking on the natural landscape of Putrajaya as a tourist destination, guests of PICC may enjoy the sights by having breakfast at its café or having dinner on a steamboat.