INTERNATIONAL speakers gave their insights into how facing up to change can ensure companies and people in Malaysia’s meetings and incentive industry can help shape the future of their businesses and careers.
”Our Future by Design: Embracing Change” was the theme of the fourth Malaysia Business Events Week, which was held at the Genting International Convention Centre by Resorts World Genting, in the highlands of Pahang state.
The conference is an initiative by MyCEB (Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau) to create a platform for industry stakeholders to gather, network and debate issues that impact the future growth and sustainability of the business events industry.
Among the insights shared was Pádraic Gilligan’s seminar on creating a multimillion dollar destination marketing organisation through astute networking, appointments and partnering with credible agencies and suppliers. A key part of Gilligan’s strategy was to create mutual benefit by collaborating with competitors.
In the case of the early days of Ovation, which Gilligan formed with Patrick Delaney, with whom he also co-founded the Dublin-based SoolNua consultancy, it was largely a matter of outlining the unique qualities of Ireland to their target markets.
Tina Altieri (above), managing principal at Media Australasia Xchange, spoke about the importance of understanding people before networking or organising teams.
Former BBC newsreader Roy Sheppard (left) hosted the CEO Deep Dive, a forum of senior executives aimed at heightening their awareness to the challenges of change, particularly when it comes to communicating and how their conferences are organised. The title of Sheppard’s talk the next day was “Everybody Wants Innovation (But No One Wants Change)” and highlighted the themes he pressed home at the CEO Deep Dive.
Effi Setiabudi, chairman of Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association and Chua Wee Phong, chairman of Sphere Exhibits spoke about challenges and opportunities in the digital age.
Take to the hills – explore Malaysia
