New spaces and places for hybrid events in Singapore

Immersive recording studios opening across the Lion City, while hotels reimagine meeting packages for offline and online audiences.

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As live events gradually return, event planners are experimenting with new hybrid event format — bridging the gap between the online and offline worlds.

Singapore has already hosted a number of hybrid test events and Marina Bay Sands made waves in August when it revealed its new Hybrid Broadcasting Studio at the Sands Convention & Expo Centre. Since then, a number of similar spaces have sprouted across the island, providing event planners with options to suit a range of budgets and client needs.

Aux Immersive Studio — stage-worthy livestream visuals

Imagine a livestream set coming alive with CGI animations, data overlay as well as graphical tracking and presentation aids/cues that the presenter can interact with. Talk about the future of events. Aux Media Group is making it happen with its new studio decked out in Extended Reality (XR) equipment motion trackers, multi-cameras, as well as modern live streaming capabilities.

The Aux Immersive Studio is powered by homegrown Aux Media Group’s partnership with Disguise — the UK-based company behind the headline-making XR graphics used in Katy Perry’s American Idol finale performance of Daisies — as well as Yamaha and Panasonic.

If you’re looking to stand out from the many others doing virtual events today, this is the vendor for you. With XR technology, Aux Media Group aims to help take your live-stream sets beyond “archaic green-screen technology or static LED backdrops” and create new possibilities for immersive learning, virtual merchandising and events, audience interaction and brand activation.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront — small-scale value

Not all virtual meetings happen on a scale that requires extensive on-site support. For your clients’ day-to-day work and meeting needs, Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s new co-working packages offer great value with all the relevant inclusions. Having repurposed its all-day-dining restaurant, the hotel last month rolled out co-working packages complete with high-speed Internet, and even complimentary meeting room access at the highest tier.

The Millennium I package (S$16/day) entitles guests to use of co-working space, high-speed Internet, 30 pieces of black-and-white A4 printing, mail and storage service. Guests can also enjoy 20% off meeting spaces. The hotel is also throwing in free (by-appointment) gym access and meals for those opting for the Millennium II offer ($35/day).

For one-hour use of private meeting space, guests can go for the Grand Millenium package (S$88/month).

The Gym NeoTM
The Gym a co-working space and virtual broadcast events studio in Rochor.

The Gym — A gamified approach to content

Local event entrepreneur Neo Yong Aik is the driving force behind Neo.TM, an ever-evolving business that began as an AV supplier and, in recent years, has developed into a full-service event company with operations in China.

Earlier this year, Neo expanded into the realm of esports and once the pandemic hit, he converted his e-sports centre, known as The Gym, into a co-working space and virtual broadcast events studio.

Already equipped with technical gear (including an impressive collection of 4k cameras and LED screens) and know-how, this was an obvious move for Neo. The Gym is centrally located on Jalan Besar in Rochor, while an additional studio space is available in Ang Mo Kio.

Beyond hardware, Neo and his team also design interactive content that can be used for virtual MICE events — think 360-degree virtual tours of physical spaces and 3D renders of virtual worlds (inspired by the world of e-sports) that can be custom-built for corporate clients.

JW Connect — bringing back shared experiences

JW Marriott Singapore South Beach is bringing social connections back to business events as part of the JW Connects on-site and off-site meeting solutions.

By offering event-planners menu options and delivering meals to participants in different locations, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach hopes to help create a sense of connection among business partners, event attendees or teams.

And for companies looking to uplift employee morale, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach offers virtual team-building activities including cocktail/mocktail and sushi making masterclasses.

JW Connects also provides on-site solutions for hybrid events with packages for either Webinars or Simulcasts.

Grand Hyatt Singapore — multiple global venues, one rate, one bill

Grand Hyatt Singapore is one of 30 Hyatt hotels in the growing HY-brid Meetings network, allowing for global meetings to take place simultaneously at multiple venues around the world, all while being neatly bundled and centrally billed.

To enhance the sense of connectedness for off-site participants, Hyatt can arrange for food or even a cocktail kit to be delivered to them as long as they’re in locations where Hyatt has hotels.

HY-brid Meetings hotels leverage the expertise and technology of Hyatt’s existing AV partner, Encore, but also welcome clients who have a preferred vendor in mind.

Fairmont Singapore — solutions for a range of event needs

Fairmont Singapore scores high on thoughtful technology integration for different event types.

Chime Live is a web-based platform that provides high-quality video streaming for engaging and insightful meetings. It is suitable for Investor Meetings and Advisory Boards.

For a big audience, Fairmont brings to the table its Webcasting solution, which creates broadcast quality video experience, making it especially suited to Award Ceremonies and Annual General Meetings.

Another product in Fairmont’s suite of virtual meeting solutions is Managed Webinar, which provides the tools you need for a polished and interactive event. This is ideal for Seminars and Board Meetings.

Finally, there is Content1 Virtual, which delivers a vibrant web presence to virtual attendees. Speakers and presenters will have a platform to share content, with options to record audio tracks to bring information to life. This platform works well for Conventions and Trade Shows.

If that’s not enough, Fairmont Singapore is planning to roll out more interactive products and solutions to enhance the entire events experience for clients.