ASIA PACIFIC – Hotels and resorts are positioning their video conferencing facilities as ideal avenues to aid online meetings in light of the worldwide curb on travel.

AUSTRALIA - For events professionals, working from home is the new normal and many across the country are now looking to find a fresh routine.

SINGAPORE - Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre has been designated as the second community isolation facility to house Covid-19 patients who have recovered but might still be infectious or have milder symptoms.

USA - As countless meetings have had to move from physical to online form in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it has exposed virtual events of all sizes to a malignant new phenomenon: Zoombombing.

BALI - With a global shortage of face masks, InterContinental Bali Resort has created its own homemade cloth face masks sewn from upcycling the resort’s linen.

HANGZHOU - Since the end of March, the overall pandemic in Hangzhou has subsided and MICE businesses have begun to resume work.

SINGAPORE – The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore has opened an e-form facility for travel agents, and other businesses, who wish to appeal for 50% or 75% co-funding under the enhanced Jobs Support Scheme (JSS).

ASIA – Lockdowns have shifted work and social lives out of the physical realm into the virtual world. This has suddenly opened up an uncomfortable window into many private lives.

ASIA – Virtual meetings pose many challenges and more importantly, dangers, that need to be addressed. A cyber incident that is badly managed can damage a company’s reputation and future income should they lose clients. This is especially so for an industry that is service orientated. With more events and meetings moving towards virtual spaces, cyber risk management will be increasingly at the forefront of organisers’ minds.

WORLDWIDE - Last week, Marriott International announced that some 5.2 million guests’ information may have been accessed using the login credentials of two employees at a franchise property.

AUCKLAND – New Zealand’s business events association, CINZ, has launched a one-day industry event in December to help kickstart business recovery.

SUZHOU - Niccolo Suzhou will be launched in China’s Venice of the East in 2021. Crowning the top floors of Suzhou International Finance Square (IFS), the 215-room hotel and fifth landmark to Wharf group's collection of luxury hotel properties will boast a sky tower reminiscent of a glass fishtail.

ASIA - M&C Asia Stella Awards 2020 is open for voting from 6 April to 19 June. Voice your support for the trailblazers and innovators in the MICE industry. There has never been a more crucial period for the industry to rally together to endorse support for effective leaders in MICE.

HONG KONG - AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), one of the leading exhibition and convention centres in Asia, is introducing “CLeanTech" disinfection installation and advanced air purification technology. It aims to strengthen the confidence of exhibitors and visitors with the use of high performance disinfection initiatives as it prepares for eventual recovery.