Launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram, the photo- and video-sharing social networking site, at first was just for iPhone users and was known for its quaint filters. By 2012, however, Instagram's influence had grown so much that Facebook bought it and its 30 million users. That number is now 1 billion active users per month.

Many associations are defined by their meetings.

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is staging five industry-leading events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in early December, including the Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia Forum), HKTDC SmartBiz Expo, Asian E-tailing Summit, HKTDC Hong Kong International Franchising Show, and DesignInspire.

Mixed-style heritage buildings are rising across Asia and finding a new lease of life as galleries, restaurants and event venues.

KUCHING – Fresh from celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has laid on plans for major upgrades next year, including adding state-of the-art audio and visual technology to its repertoire.

KUALA LUMPUR – In conjunction with the fourth BE Forum (BEF) 2019 organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) the first ever Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2019 was handed out.

MANILA – The Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is seen as an opportunity for the country to improve its profile as a destination for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector to further lure more tourists.

BANGKOK – Guests at the renowned Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand are in for an exhilarating ride around the Kingdom’s ancient jungle and beyond, after the hotel introduced new, unique transportation – two Royal Enfield Classic 500 sidecars.

AUCKLAND – Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has announced the appointment of Lisa Hopkins as its new chief executive. She assumes her post on Feb 3, 2020, and will be based in Auckland.

BARCELONA – Using IBTM World as its platform, the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is announcing to the world that South Africa is open for business and geared towards making a greater impact in the business events sector in 2020.

SINGAPORE – With high-tech facilities and trendy entertainment offerings, the cruise ships of today are giant floating cities which offer experiences that rival those on land.

PERTH – The new 431-room Novotel Murray St Perth by Accor & Fragrance Group Limited is slated for a soft opening on Dec 19 in the heart of the Perth central business district.

MUMBAI – In the wake of the Easter bombings in April, Sri Lanka is working to attract tourists back to the island.

CAIRNS – Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef have on Nov 29 launched a new initiative at their annual Sell TNQ event. The new program, named “Nurturing Nature”, sees five Cairns hotels commit to donating A$5 (US$3.40) per delegate to local environmental and wildlife causes for events booked and held in participating hotels next year.