A change of scenery can go a long way to invigorate your association gatherings. And with the range of bookable unique venues available across Asia-Pacific, we round up some inspiring crowd-pleasers for your next event
AUSTRALIA
Opera Point Marquee, Sydney
Selling points
You will not find a better view of the city’s spectacular harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge than at this purpose-built event venue nestled at the base of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if that isn’t enough, it’s catered by ARIA Catering, the brainchild of Matt Moran, one of the nation’s most revered chefs.
For your event needs
Given its grand location and ability to seat up to 250 guests with the inclusion of a dance floor, Opera Point Marquee lends itself perfectly to black tie gala dinners. Its capacity doubles for cocktail functions and the space is a blank canvas, making it such that theming is limited only by your imagination.
Past association events
• XVI International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, welcome reception; September 2015; 1,000 pax
Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda
Selling points
Located in the serene Kuranda National Park, Rainforestation Nature Park is a one-stop-shop Aussie experience. Tropical fruit orchards, a wildlife park with roaming kangaroos and a 650kg croc, and not to mention an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture are just a taste of what’s on offer.
For your event needs
Rainforestation Nature Park is the ultimate venue for a networking event, particularly if you’re entertaining international guests. The park is available for exclusive hire and can cater for up to 2,000 delegates. Jazz up your event with themed food stalls, live music, wildlife interaction and cultural performances for a true festival atmosphere.
Past association events
• Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry 2015 meeting, farewell celebration; August 2015; 900 pax
The Queensland Art Gallery – Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Brisbane
Selling points
From just 38 pictures at its opening in 1895, QAGOMA’s collection now boasts 16,000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art across two adjacent riverside buildings on Brisbane’s South Bank.
What’s more, it’s the only Australian art gallery with purpose-built facilities dedicated to film and was the venue of choice for several events during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2014.
For your event needs
Two cinemas, a roof terrace and a river lounge and balcony are just the start of what’s on offer, with maximum capacity of 1,200 cocktail-style and 250 for a banquet in The Long Gallery. It is a fitting venue for film screenings that lead on to fruitful discussions, a unique and stimulating way to move the association’s agenda forward.
Past association events
• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists World Congress 2015, welcome reception; April 2015; approximately 2,000 delegates
HONG KONG
sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Selling points
Looking out to the Victoria Harbour and the CBD skyline from 393m above sea level, sky100 is branded as Hong Kong’s highest indoor event venue. To top this off, the 1,486m2 scalable space is located in the International Commerce Centre (ICC) of West Kowloon, adjacent to first-class shopping, dining, luxury accommodation and entertainment.
For your event needs
The venue’s soaring ceiling height and pillar-free setup provides a flexible canvas for creating multiple event zones, lending it well to events that involve the concurrent running of activities in different setups – namely gala dinners, exhibitions and conferences.
The space also accommodates events of various scales, with its capacity ranging from 50 (for an intimate dinner) to 1,000 (for a cocktail party).
Past association events
• Asian Racing Conference Social Night, private party; May 6, 2015; over 1,000 pax
• Fuji Xerox Docuworld 2014, exhibition and seminar; November 17 – 19, 2014; over 1,000 pax
• Virtuoso Symposium, networking session and cocktail; April 26, 2015; over 500 pax
Red Hat Forum Hong Kong; November 12, 2015; over 370 pax
• Hong Kong International Entrepreneurs Festival , exhibition and seminar; December 4, 2015; over 1,200 pax
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Selling points
On top of being the longest structure on the Victoria Harbour, this iconic landmark also provides a vantage point for views of Hong Kong Island on one side and Kowloon Peninsula on the other.
For your event needs
With a combined area for up to 3,000 guests, the venue is suitable for large-scale events like symposiums, exhibitions, cocktail parties and concerts. The 25,000m2 outdoor area is big enough for sports events and banquets.
Past association events
• Nike NTC Women Event; March 13, 2015; 2,000 pax
• Virtuoso Symposium by Virtuoso; April 25, 2015; 500 pax
• Omega & Orbis dialogue and screening event; June 16, 2015; 450 pax
Asia Society Hong Kong Centre
Selling points
The architectural excellence and historical significance of the centre easily sets it apart from other event venues. Located on the former Explosives Magazine compound of the old Victoria Barracks in Admiralty, years of work had gone into preserving and revitalising the site before its doors opened to the public in 2012.
For your event needs
Situated in an over-100-year-old heritage building, the Lee Quo Wei Room makes an inspiring space for meetings and discussions. And for more laidback activities to ease delegates into networking, the Joseph Lau and Josephine Lau Roof Garden provides an open rooftop venue and an expansive view of the glittering city at night.
Past association events
• World Association of Editors, opening ceremony; January 1, 2015; 400 pax
• Asia 21 10th Anniversary Celebration and Summit; December 3, 2015; 300 pax
INDONESIA
Bali Theatre in the Park at Bali Safari & Marine Park
Selling points
Bali Theatre in the Park’s – a stop in the Bali Safari not to be missed – boasts the largest indoor stage in South-east Asia, advanced multimedia technology and state-of-art sound and lighting systems. It is also the venue where the grand Bali Agung Show is staged with an extensive cast of 180 Balinese dancers and musicians.
For your event needs
Bali Theatre in the Park’s gold-standard stage can be put to good use for forums, seminars, panel sessions and performing arts events. The theatre foyer also provides an appropriate outdoor setting for a range of events including cocktail receptions.
Past association events
• Bali Mynah International Workshop; October 1-4, 2015; 500 pax
Taman Bhagawan Bali
Selling points
A garden sitting on the front of a white sandy beach, Taman Bhagawan showcases Indonesian heritage, culture and craftsmanship. One of its unique features is the 100-year-old Joglo Agung, a teak structure hand-carved by craftsmen who observe a ritual of fasting before they carry out their prized craft. The property also boasts an impressive capacity for up to 2,000 seated and 4,500 standing.
For your event needs
The venue is conveniently located on the door step of most major hotels and convention facilities in Nusa Dua. Invite your guests to have cocktails with their feet in the beach’s soft white sand followed by dinner on the Rama Shinta Lawn.
Past association events
• Indiana University Asia-Pacific Alumni Conference; May 23, 2015; 323 pax
• 9th Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference, opening dinner; September 14, 2015; 250 pax
• 13th World Chinese Entrepreneur Convention, welcome dinner; September 25, 2015; 1,500 pax
JAPAN
Southeast Botanical Garden, Okinawa
Selling points
The spacious green gardens, dense foliage and ponds with lotus and lily pads make the Southeast Botanical Garden a tranquil and welcoming venue on a perfect Okinawa evening.
For your event needs
Invite your guests for open-air evening receptions beneath the clear, tropical skies of Okinawa. With a capacity for 1,500 standing, stage performances can also be held here.
Past association events
Nil
Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama
Selling points
Standing right on the Yokohama bay, the the Red Brick Warehouse’s old-world charm perfectly complements its picturesque surroundings. A variety of boutique retail and dining options, including the Chano-ma, famous for its breakfast, are on offer. In winter, a skating rink lights up in brilliant colours outside the Red Brick Warehouse.
For your event needs
Smaller, more intimate events fit cosily into the reconditioned warehouse’s spaces. One event space on offer is the 300-seater auditorium, a comfortable setting for fruitful forum events and seminars.
Past association events
• MAST Asia 2015, after party and reception; May 14, 2015; 400 pax
Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome
Selling points
For anyone who is a fan of baseball, the chance to stand on the pitcher’s mound – even if you’re not actually pitching – may be too good to miss. Also, the stadium features Japan’s very first retractable stadium roof so you won’t have to bet on good weather to have a successful event.
For your event needs
The venue is suitable for events that require flexible spaces, ranging from small meeting rooms to larger exhibition spaces. State-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment also make the venue ideal for large-scale conventions and performing arts events.
Past association events
• The 24th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association of Cardivascular Intervention and Therapeutics; July 30, 2015; 3,000 pax
MACAU
Macpro Gallery
Selling points
Conveniently located in the heart of the commercial district in the Macau peninsula and just a few steps away from the Historic Center of Macao, the 465m2 Macpro Gallery features an array of contemporary art and large windows overlooking the surrounding greenery.
For your event needs
Still a well-kept secret in town, the venue offers delegates an inspiring venue and a feeling of novelty and exclusivity for a variety of purposes, including exhibitions, seminars and brainstorming sessions. The venue can be sectioned out or booked as a whole for a range of event scales.
Past association events
None, but Macpro Gallery has hosted several private events such as:
• Zentangle workshop; January 23, 2016; 20 pax
• Hand mudra workshop; October 10, 2015; 20 pax
• Dolce Vita Macau (fashion show and contemporary art fair), May 2014; 80 pax
MALAYSIA
Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
Selling points
Regarded as a living museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village offers live demonstrations of time-honoured crafts unique to the state’s diverse tribes, such as the production of sago and handicrafts. Traditional performances and local cuisine are other enriching cultural activities on offer.
For your event needs
The village’s longhouses provide a communal atmosphere that can encourage guests to loosen up and engage in conversation, making a great choice for ice-breakers and meetings. Cocktail parties and outdoor gala dinners can also be arranged.
Past association events
• Global Network for Higher Music Education Camp, music workshop; January 9 – 18, 2015; 114 participants
Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Selling points
The venue’s key attraction is a gigantic aquarium that showcases a myriad of marine life from Malaysia and around the world. There will be no lack of wow-factor with the mesmerising aquatic display as your event’s backdrop.
For your event needs
The venue is an obvious choice for associations dealing with water, sea or marine life. But it can also work well for planners who would like to have easy conversation-starters on display, or for delegates who are also attending events in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and its vicinity.
Past association events
Nil
Glasshouse at Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur
Selling points
The architecture of Glasshouse at Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur brings nature into the backdrop of any function and ceremony – all within the comfort of a fully air-conditioned venue. The Lawn is the focal point of the space, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass panelling, an elevated stage and a hardwood walkway.
For your event needs
The venue checks many boxes for garden-themed events. In the day, the glasshouse offers sweeping views of hilltop surroundings, shelter from bad weather – something typical outdoor venues cannot guarantee – and natural light to foolproof event photography.
Past association events
• World Diabetes Day’s Healthy Living Starts with Breakfast Event, awareness campaign; November 14, 2015; 200 pax
Five Bedroom Villa by The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
Selling points
The luxurious villa’s prime location on a private beach promises guests a captivating view of the Andaman sea. A spacious dining room, two living areas on separate floors and a separate room boasting a grand piano are some of the superlative luxuries that the villa has to offer.
For your event needs
The villa’s patio provides a scenic setting that is sure to put a unique spin on run-of-the-mill barbecue dinners and wellness workshops. Inside, the villa space is simultaneously spacious and intimate, which perfectly facilitates interaction during social gatherings.
Past association events
Nil
PHILIPPINES
Fort San Pedro, Cebu City
Selling points
A well-maintained heritage site, Fort San Pedro is the oldest military fort in the Philippines dating back to the Spanish colonial period. It offers a perfect combination of history and heritage with a vantage view of the sea and the city.
For your event needs
Enjoy cocktails on the second floor for the best view of sea, stars and the city lights, and dine in the courtyard leading to well-manicured gardens. Event planners can opt for the Spanish colonial theme, which can come complete with security guards dressed as soldiers, servers dressed in full Spanish regalia, Flamenco dance performances and food catered from Hola Espana.
2015 association events
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 9th Transport Ministerial Meeting, welcome reception; October 2015, more than 50 pax
DreamPlay by DreamWorks, City of Dreams Manila
Selling points
Just a year old, this is the most high-tech and interactive educational theme park for children – and adults – in the Philippines. It doesn’t hurt that this is the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired theme park.
For your event needs
Eight of the park’s attractions can be booked – a homerun for associations looking to bring fun, imagination and creativity to their events.
Larger-scale gatherings can also be held in the function rooms, which can accommodate up to 1,200 participants.
Past association events
Nil
Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales
Selling points
Subic Bay Yacht Club has four luxury yachts for rent, each having a capacity for 20 persons. Meals can be served while the yacht sails around Grande Island and beyond.
For your event needs
A relaxing sail off the coasts provides a coveted setting for informal meetings and gatherings. What’s more, delegates can be treated to the club’s facilities, including a spa that appears to belong to the old Roman Empire.
Past association events
Nil
SINGAPORE
ArtScience Museum
Selling points
The iconic ArtScience Museum offers an inspiring and unique venue for intimate and top-flight events. Shaped like an open lotus flower, the landmark building is centrally located in the prestigious Marina Bay district with many of the city’s attractions close at hand.
For your event needs
In addition to hosting international travelling and permanent exhibitions, the museum is also an attractive venue for creative events that wish to escape the confines of conventional meeting rooms. With 6,000m2 of space for special events, the individual museum galleries allow event planners to be as innovative as they want – from hosting cocktail receptions, to after-parties and private product showcases. The museum is also well equipped with in-class audiovisual capabilities and technical expertise.
Past association events
Nil
Gardens by the Bay
Selling points
This sprawling garden in the city provides mesmerising waterfront views across three gardens, spanning over 101ha of reclaimed land. The gardens provide an unorthodox setting amid of nature, something few conventional MICE spaces can offer.
For your event needs
Its various venues are versatile for all types of events – from gala dinners to product launches. Many associations have made Gardens by the Bay their choice venue for networking events as its scenic views naturally eases the delegates into networking mode.
Let your guests dine under a rainbow of lights at the indoor Flower Field Hall, surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, which accommodates 1,100 pax for standing cocktails, 800 pax in theatre seating, and 700 pax for sit-down dinners.
Past association events
The number of guests in attendance ranged between 300 and 1,000
• CPA Australia, International Accountant Day Event; November 5, 2015
• Bus Industry Confederation, gala event; November 9, 2015
• Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association, gala dinner; December 10, 2015
• European Society of Medical Oncology, congress dinner; December 20 2015
Singapore Zoological Gardens
Selling points
Play host against a rainforest backdrop as delegates get to break free from the concrete jungle and literally into the wild in the award-winning zoological gardens.
For your event needs
A range of unique indoor and outdoor venues are available. The indoor Forest Lodge can host 300 pax in a standing cocktail reception, while the ourdoor Pavilion by the Lake with the Reservoir Picnic Site as well as the Palm Park can host 800 pax each in a standing reception.
Enhance your social gathering with the instant photography services – a hit with business event groups – that allow delegates to come up close and personal with the mighty elephants and orang utans, among other animals, for an unforgettable experience.
Past association events
Nil
THAILAND
Jim Thompson House
Selling points
The rustic property was once the living quarters of a well-known American silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared. Today, a catering service, among other activities, operate out of the complex of wooden houses set in serene surroundings. In April 2016 it will be relaunched as a site for business events.
For your event needs
Guests can be treated to the charm of the property’s historical grounds whether they gather in the Thompson Bar (with a capacity for 50) or attend cocktail functions, luncheons and dinners in the larger Ayara Hall (with a capacity for 150).
Past association events
Nil
