End your search for special venues that can accommodate large gatherings. TTGassociations reporters in the region put on their searchlights and come up with this list of large unique venues that will enable you to show off the destination and your hospitality in style
SINGAPORE
Name of venue: Universal Studios Singapore
Seating capacity: Up to 3,500 pax
Background: The theme park opened in March 2010 and is one of the key attractions at Resorts World Sentosa.
Why it’s unique: This is South-east Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. Event organisers have a wide variety of venues to choose from.
Some of the more popular venues include New York Street, where companies can conduct an evening function at a fully covered space that uses the streetscape of 1950s and 1960s nostalgic New York as backdrop and seats 1,500 pax banquet-style.
The WaterWorld Stunt Show Amphitheatre seats 3,500 pax and is suitable for welcome events.
Who’s been there: Chung Shan Association’s opening ceremony, 2014
Ways to use the venue: The venue has been used by associations for welcome speeches and opening ceremonies. To accommodate the large group sizes, the WaterWorld Stunt Show Amphitheatre is ideal as a gathering point. From there, delegates can have access to a park buy-out encompassing different rides, shows and attractions tailored to the organiser’s needs and budgets. Organisers can also choose from an assortment of restaurants and food carts offering various cuisine types.
– Paige Lee Pei Qi
HONG KONG
Name of venue: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Seating capacity: Up to 3,000 pax, seated, in each of four indoor venues; 960 pax in an additional on-site banquet facility
Background: The cruise terminal is operated by Worldwide Cruise Terminals. It first received cruise ships and held events in 2013, and its construction was fully completed in 2014. Apart from an on-site production kitchen, other F&B venues include a Chinese dim sum restaurant, Hong Kong-style café, western cafe and champagne bar. Events at the Terminal have featured both live and DJ musical performances.
There are 40 weather-protected coach parking bays, 30 lay-bys as well as an indoor parking lot. Valet parking is available. The terminal can also provide a large ferry for over 500 pax to/from Hong Kong Island or elsewhere. Public transportation consists of frequent minibuses to/from Kowloon Bay MTR daily, and weekend/holiday double-decker buses.
Why it’s unique: Located on the runway of the former Kai Tak Airport, the terminal offers 360-degree views of Victoria Harbour. Its unique architecture helps set the stage for any event. Bringing guests to the cruise terminal by ferry will provide an unforgettable experience for association delegates.
Who’s been there: Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific reception, 2014
Ways to use the venue: The venue is very flexible and has hosted a wide variety of events, including banquets, tradeshows, product launches and fun runs. It can thus be used for association meetings as well.
Name of venue: sky100 Events
Seating capacity: 50-1,000 pax
Background: Developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties, this adaptable venue is ideal for both small intimate gatherings and large corporate events. It has hosted corporate events since 2012, although the brand, sky100 Events, was established in 2014.
Why it’s unique: Located on the 100th floor within the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, the venue is close to first-class shopping, dining, luxurious accommodation and entertainment venues, with convenient transportation access like the MTR and Airport Express. Apart from being the city’s highest venue with a 360-degree view of Hong Kong, its huge space boasts a high ceiling and is pillarless. Flexible canvas dividers allow multiple zoning for a wide range of activities happening at the same time. Clients are also provided with a wide variety of catering options from the venue’s various partners, such as the Ritz Carlton.
Who’s been there: The cocktail reception of the 35th Asian Racing Conference organised by the Asian Racing Federation, 2014
Ways to use the venue: The venue’s unobstructed space can be divided into four different zones, such as a product display area in the north, cocktail party in the east, press conference in the west and gala dinner in the south. It awes delegates with the use of digital devices to create an amazing journey from the lobby all the way up to the 100th floor.
– Prudence Lui
VIETNAM
Name of venue: Vinpearl Resort Phu Quoc
Seating capacity: Up to 1,500 pax from six meeting venues; 700 pax at the biggest ballroom
Background: Opened in November 2014, the resort is operated by Vinpearl, one of Vietnam’s largest hospitality companies with properties in Nha Trang and Danang. It is located on Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand, a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City or 2.5-hour speedboat transfer from Rach Gia.
The integrated resort has 750 rooms for up to 2,000 pax, from the 46m2 entry-level Deluxe rooms to the 144 opulent 615m2 Ocean View Villas. There are six F&B outlets, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, 27-hole golf course, on-site amusement park featuring a water park, underwater world and shopping street, as well as recreational activities ranging from trekking in the national park to squid fishing to visits to fish sauce factories on the island.
Why it’s unique: The newest addition to Phu Quoc’s fledging tourism and hospitality scene, the resort is also the largest five-star hotel on the island.
Since March 10, 2014, Phu Quoc Island is the only destination in Vietnam that foreigners can visit for up to 30 days without a visa, a move likely to reduce hassles for big association groups with international delegates.
Air access to this up-and-coming destination is also improving, which saw the launch of direct flights from Singapore and Siem Reap by Vietnam Airlines in 4Q14. Furthermore, the Vietnamese government has announced that a new international cruise terminal will be built at the southern end of Phu Quoc Island, potentially linking the destination to the regional cruise circuit, and paving for corporate incentives.
Who’ been there: Information unavailable at press time
Ways to use the venue: Big association meetings can make use of the 870m2 Sunrise Ballroom, which can fit up to 700 pax theatre-style, or the 210m2 Grand Studio for up to 150 pax, in addition to a 750m2 pre-function area. As well, there are five 40-70m2 meeting rooms, with capacity for 20-40 pax.
– Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
SOUTH KOREA
Name of venue: Busan Cinema Center
Seating capacity: Up to 4,000 pax in the biggest theatre
Background: Opened on September 29, 2011, the Busan Cinema Center is owned by Busan Metropolitan City and run by the centre itself. It comprises three buildings.
The outdoor BIFF Theatre, where the Busan International Film Festival’s Opening and Closing ceremonies are held, has 4,000 seats and can stage film screenings, shows and other events.
Cinemountain houses the 841-seat Haneulyeon Theatre that occupies the building’s first to fifth floors, while the seventh to eighth floor is home to Cinema I with 413 seats, Cinema II with 212, and Cinematheque with 212.
Double Cone offers a café, visitor centre and information centre on the first floor, while the rest of the building is occupied by restaurants and bars.
Why it’s unique: The centre plays host to the prestigious Busan International Film Festival every October, where the brightest starts of international cinema gather to pay homage to the industry. Planners can choose from the range of theatres, cinemas and restaurants for their events.
Who’s been there: 15th Busan Film Critics Association Awards ceremony, 2014
Ways to use the venue: The BIFF Theatre is equipped with technology that allows live, simultaneous telecast to the Haneulyeon Theatre and three other cinemas. Association meetings with more than 4,000 delegates can ensure that the same content is broadcast to all members for congresses.
– Hannah Koh
JAPAN
Name of venue: Tycoon
Seating capacity: 300 pax seated; 500 pax for standing buffet
Background: This seafood restaurant opened in July 1989 and is operated by Yokohama Skhole Co. It specialises in Oriental cuisine.
Why it’s unique: The building was converted from a warehouse. It features an outdoor terrace where BBQ events can be held in summer. It also has its own pier attached to the restaurant, so guests can enjoy cruising the port of Yokohama.
Who’s been there: 4th World Union of Wound Healing Societies, 2012
Ways to use the venue: On top of easy access to the restaurant, convention delegates can enjoy a 20-minute cruise ride from the pier just next to the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center.
– Kathy Neo
PHILIPPINES
Name of venue:The Forum
Seating capacity: Up to 1,000 pax
Background: Opened end-2014, The Forum is a 2,000m2 MICE venue in the Sky Tower of Solaire Resort and Casino (in Entertainment City, Manila), the flagship property of Philippine-listed firm Bloomberry Resorts Corp. It comprises a column-free ballroom for 1,000 pax (table seating), flexible pre-function area, eight meeting rooms and two boardrooms.
Sky Tower also boasts 312 all-suite hotel tower; 1,760-seat Lyric Theater for concerts and other performances; 2,500m2 luxurious spa and beauty salon; additional VIP gaming areas; and two gaily bedecked restaurants, Waterside Restobar serving Mediterranean and Latin American fares and Oasis Garden Cafe overlooking two waterfalls.
Why it’s unique: The venue is brand new, plush and opulent, with luxury at all corners, including quality table linens, crystals, cutlery and lots of flowers. Novelties include gold-plated ceiling accents, giant chandeliers, art displays and a quirky design.
Solaire’s 11 restaurants are fast gaining popularity for their wide array of gastronomic delights, including a chocolate dessert topped by 24 carat gold leaf.
Who’s been there: Philippine Paediatric Dental Society’s 22nd Annual Convention & Induction Ceremony, 2015
Ways to use the venue: The Forum’s main ballroom has a seating capacity for 1,000 and cocktail-style for 1,200. Since it is column free, it can easily be divided into five sections for breakout sessions, smaller functions and simultaneous meetings and workshops.
The ballroom’s opulence and grandeur can be a theme in itself. Full banquet and catering facilities and 11 F&B outlets in the resort means a wide array of food choices for planners.
– Rosa Ocampo
TAIWAN
Name of venue: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei
Seating capacity: Up to 2,000 pax
Background: Huashan 1914 is a multi-purpose park with a renovated building that originally was one of Taiwan’s most significant wine factories. It is a new cultural events platform where many large-scale exhibitions, installations, theatre productions and performances have been held.
Why it’s unique: While it is located in the centre of Taipei City, it has been lauded as a ‘secret base’ for a quiet escape from the busy city with its offer of huge spaces in the warehouses. These bookable spaces find a following with planners of art events, concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
Who’s been there: The International Committee for the Industrial Heritage Congress, 2012
Ways to use the venue: The remodelled, spacious warehouses offer a setting that is both retro and chic, and can fit up to 2,000 pax for associations’ congresses, an ideal breakaway from conventional hotels and meeting centres.
– Paige Lee Pei Qi
INDIA
Name of venue: Lavasa International Convention Centre (LICC), Maharashtra
Seating capacity: 1,200-1,500 pax theatre-style
Background: The 3,174m2 LICC started operations in May 2010 and is managed by Accor India. It offers technologically advanced equipment like Cisco Telepresence, multi-language interpretation, built-in high-definition cameras for web casting and ceiling-mounted drop down screens accessible at the touch of a button. F&B offerings range from gourmet cuisines by world-class chefs to local delicacies like the Maharashtrian thali.
Why it’s unique: The centre is situated in the first planned hill city of India, Lavasa, spread over 10,000ha of land and designed with the needs of the MICE segment in mind. Within Lavasa, there are various categories of accommodation to fit different budgets, ranging from one-star to serviced apartments to luxurious five stars.
The venue is situated in serene natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its glass façade, apart from offering natural light, also offers uninterrupted scenic views of Lavasa. Conference organisers get an option to brand the entire city for the event, starting from the gate of the hill city to other strategic locations within Lavasa.
Who’s been there: World Congress on IVF Technologies
Ways to use the venue: The venue offers small and large halls, outdoor areas and other spaces for meetings, dinner and entertainment. It also has an attached exhibition area. Possible seating arrangements include classroom, cluster, theatre and auditorium-style.
– Rohit Kaul
CHINA
Name of venue: Society Hill Hotels & Conventions, Tianjin (2015 grand opening date to be confirmed)
Seating capacity: Up to 3,600 pax
Background: Society Hill, adjacent to the Tianjin South Railway Station, is a 250,000m2 tourism and MICE project being developed by Tianjin National Real Estate Development. It will feature five hotels and a major lifestyle complex comprising a large convention centre with more than 10,000m2 of meeting space.
Two hotels will open in the grand opening phase – International Convention Centre Hotel Society Hill Tianjin, where 708 of the 1,500 rooms are ready; and the 400-room dusitD2 Society Hill which is looking at 67 per cent group business (MICE).
Why it’s unique: The venue’s proximity to Tianjin South Railway Station means Beijing and Shanghai are 30 minutes and five hours away respectively by high-speed rail.
The International Convention Centre Hotel Society Hill Tianjin is a large meeting facility that can accommodate up to 3,600 people. It features a 4,000m2 banquet hall, a 4,000m2 pillarless conference hall and 50 meeting spaces of varying sizes, with the smallest measuring 36m2.
Seafood restaurant Roman seats 700 while South-east Asian-themed Bali Bali Restaurant accommodates 160.
There is a 20,000m2 Northern Song Dynasty-themed spa and hot springs.
Ways to use the venue: It is well equipped and spacious enough for hosting large association meetings.
– Caroline Boey
MALAYSIA
Name of venue: Simba Hill Gourmet Hall at Bukit Gambang Resort City in Gambang, Pahang
Seating capacity: Up to 750 pax in round seating
Background: The venue opened in May 2013 and is operated by Sentoria Themeparks and Resorts. It serves western and local delights as well as vegetarian food.
Why it’s unique: Simba Hill Gourmet Hall is a safari-themed restaurant. A glass wall separates the restaurant from a lions’ enclosure, giving diners a close-up view of three white lions. This is the only place in the east coast region where visitors can view these magnificent rare creatures.
Who’s been there: Information unavailable at press time
Ways to use the venue: The venue can be used for meetings, with a combination of round and oblong tables for up to 750 pax. A stage can also be set up for speeches, presentations and performances. Clients can also request for audio-visual equipment.
– S Puvaneswary
AUSTRALIA
Name of venue: Carriageworks, Sydney
Seating capacity: 100-800 pax
Background: Opened officially in 2007 but not used to full capacity until recently, Carriageworks offers five unique function spaces each with an urban industrial feel.
Bay 17 is a theatre space for corporate presentations and seats up to 800 pax theatre-style or 1,000 standing for dinner. Bay 19 is for smaller-scale exhibitions, screenings or workshops, with standing capacity of 120. Bay 20 is a contemporary theatre space for live music, screenings, performances, workshops and corporate presentations, seating up to 270. Tracks 8 & 12 are for private dinners, cocktail parties and corporate training, both featuring natural light, high ceilings and large double doors. Capacity here is up to 150 theatre-style for Track 8 and 100 for Track 12.
Fresh Catering is behind the venue’s Cornerstone Bar and Food, designed with two suspended gardens hanging from 10-ton gantry cranes. The restaurant seats 280 pax, and offers casual lunch and dinner menus featuring shared plates and daily specials. The company also handles catering across all Carriageworks spaces.
Why it’s unique: Carriageworks is housed in the old Eveleigh Rail Yards within the emerging Redfern Waterloo precinct, and is developed by the NSW State Government through Arts NSW. The distinctive 19th-century industrial atmosphere of the former railway carriage and blacksmith workshops have been retained, with many heritage iron and brick details.
Who’s been there: ACGA Inaugural Conference, 2013
Ways to use the venue: Because there are five different spaces of varying sizes, Carriageworks is ideal for ‘progressive’ events. Large groups can be split up into five, with events/workshops/dinner courses rotating between differently themed spaces.
– Natasha Dragun
