Sands Resorts Macao shows instead of tells how to plan epic events

‘Showing, not telling’ was the order of the day at Sands Resorts Macao when it hosted the 'Sands Lifestyle #ReDiscover Macao 2023’ across its three integrated resorts – The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, and The Londoner Macao – from 30 October to 3 November.

This five-day familiarisation event was attended by 200 MICE professionals and media from Greater China and various parts of the world. As a media delegate, I had the opportunity to discover the extensive array of meeting, exhibition, and conference facilities at Sands Resorts Macao.

Experiencing beyond presentations

Rather than the conventional approach of relying on presentations, Sands Resorts Macao opted for an interactive experience to exhibit their MICE offerings. One notable instance was the Chef’s Challenge, where pre-selected attendee groups engaged in a lively cooking competition on stage at The Londoner Macao’s Smart Stage.

What set this apart was the audience's involvement - split into groups, they contributed to the competing teams' scores by answering questions posed by the emcee. Simultaneously, the high-resolution digital screens behind the teams showcased the venue's advanced technological capabilities.

Kimsacha Williams Clarke, director of Global Accounts at Global Cynergies, reflected on this departure from the norm, stating, "I'm used to FAM Trips being a mix of mostly doing hotel and event venue site inspections. That would then possibly be followed up with a one-off event that highlights something about the destination. I prepared myself for that.

“However, the Macao Mega Fam did just the opposite. The primary focus was to explore what the city has to offer and then highlight what we already knew – stunning 5-star hotels with more than enough event spaces."

Catering for what attendees truly want

The event granted attendees the freedom to select activities aligned with their preferences. A standout experience that I got to experience alongside other participants was the team-building Skywalk at Skypark Macau, where we bonded while conquering our fear of heights. Ascending to an elevation of 233 m, we navigated an open-air pathway, securely harnessed to ropes, unveiling a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Macao's skyline.

“The Macao Tower Skywalk was a unique experience to be able to see the city from a bird's eye view,” Clarke shared. “It also felt safe being outdoors, even for people who don't really like heights. This is not an experience that a person gets every day, and to be able to do that in such a unique destination will forever be imprinted on my heart.”

The 'Sands Lifestyle #ReDiscover Macao 2023' also featured diverse activities to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Macao. The #ReDiscover Macao 2023 Forum, held at The Londoner Macao’s Smart Stage, engaged international guests and students from Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM) in discussions focusing on industry innovation, technology, talent retention, and motivation.

The event's Wellness Programme, conducted at teamLab SuperNature Macao, showcased the venue's potential as a unique event space, offering yoga, qigong, and relaxation classes amidst immersive artworks.

Attendees actively engaged in Local Exploration, immersing themselves in tailor-made activities centred on Macao's rich heritage sites and exclusive experiences. The trip further celebrated Macao's culinary delights through meticulously curated gourmet experiences held at diverse locations. These included Taipa Village, offering a range of dining choices from an Argentine steakhouse to a Japanese Yakiniku experience, as well as The Venetian Macao's Colonnade and a Sands Dine Around lunch featuring six distinguished restaurants.

A finale worthy of British royalty

The event culminated in the London Jubilee - The Gala dinner, held at the Londoner Arena, an avant-garde multi-purpose venue equipped with 360-degree LED screens.

We indulged in an exceptional dining affair amidst an illusionary setting, evoking the ambiance of London or a picturesque blooming field. The evening presented an impressive menu showcasing signature dishes from Sands Resorts Macao's acclaimed restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill, Churchill's Table, and The Huaiyang Garden. The top-tier entertainment and cutting-edge production captivated my fellow attendees, eliciting gasps of delight throughout the event.

The 'Sands Lifestyle #ReDiscover Macao 2023' illustrated the shift in priorities from customary venue showcases to a comprehensive exploration of Macao's diverse experiences, resonating deeply with the attendees seeking a deeper understanding of the destination's offerings beyond the conventional, while also providing MICE planners with innovative ideas to integrate unique activities into their upcoming business events.

Watch the highlights of Sands Lifestyle #ReDiscover Macao 2023 on M&C Asia’s Instagram: