PUDONG Shangri-La, East Shanghai has rolled out a board meeting package that features three exclusive and luxurious venues, valid from now until February 28, 2014.

Event planners who book at least 10 rooms in the River Wing will have access to either the Chairman’s Room or the President’s Room. Room rates for a night’s stay in the River Wing start from RMB1,688 (US$276) per person.

Alternatively, a booking of at least 10 rooms in the Grand Tower will entitle the event planner to a day’s use of the Summit Room. A night’s stay in the Grand Tower is price from RMB1,988 per person.

The package includes use of the Chairman’s Room, the President’s Room or the Summit Room from 08.00 to 17.00, morning and afternoon coffee breaks with four snacks per break, a reception table with flower arrangement, buffet lunch at Yi Café or a Western set lunch in the function room, standard meeting stationery, use of built-in audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi Internet access.

Rates are subject to a 15 per cent service charge.

THE capital city of China’s Zhejiang province will host the 15^th West Lake International Expo this October, featuring a series of exhibitions, forums and leisure activities for an estimated 10 million visitors including 50,000 businessmen.

Jointly organised by Hangzhou’s municipal government, the General Administration of Sports of China, the China National Tourism Administration and the Zhejiang Provincial Government, the event aims to promote economic and technological development in and around Hangzhou, and advance various key industries such as tourism, IT and real estate.

It has set a target of RMB10 billion (US$1.6 billion) in trade turnover and US$1 billion in foreign direct investment.

The West Lake International Expo debuted in 1929 and has become an annual event since it was re-launched in 2000. From 2000 to 2012, the event achieved an aggregate trade turnover of RMB155 billion, attracted US$11.4 billion in foreign direct investment and was host to 188 million visitors.

It is estimated to contribute approximately 0.5 per cent to Hangzhou’s annual GDP.

SOME 5,480 delegates have confirmed their attendance at The International Dragon Award (IDA) from August 15 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, making it the largest convention to be held in Malaysia in 2013.

The event is organised by IMM International and supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Bearing the theme, Diligence Makes Work Perfect, IDA 2013 will attract international participants from over 16 countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia.

The event will comprise 57 sessions of discussions and presentations from 92 speakers.

IDA’s chairman, Richard Wu, said: “IDA is impressed with the leading role Malaysia plays in the development of the life insurance and financial service industry and the support from the Malaysian government through MyCEB.

“IDA is also honoured to have the event attended by the prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, which is a clear indication of the local government’s support towards business events.”

IMPACT Exhibition Management has landed the management contract from Thailand Post for the 80-year-old Grand Postal Building in Bangkok, marking the first time the Thai company is managing a venue in the city centre outside its own complex in Muang Thong Thani.

Located on Charoen Krung Road in Bangrak district, the recently restored landmark was officially opened on August 4 by Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Grand Postal Building will continue its postal service but also serve as an event venue.

Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of Impact Exhibition Management, said the historic building would serve as a “unique” venue.

“Corporates, the government and private individuals in or near the city centre looking for a ‘different’ experience in a convenient venue location will be targeted. We expect to earn over 100 million baht (US$3.2 million) from managing Grand Postal Building during the first year of operation,” he added.

Impact has earmarked more than 100 million baht over the next few years to enhance technology systems and F&B services at the architectural icon, Paul revealed.

Grand Postal Building provides over 3,000m² in total floor space for meetings, exhibitions and events over two levels. The Postal Heritage Hall on the ground floor comprises a 1,054m² area that can seat a maximum of 576 pax classroom-style and 440 pax banquet-style. The 80-seat Manorah Thai Restaurant, due to launch in 4Q2013 on the building’s ground floor, will also cater for private events.

The third floor features three mid-sized meeting rooms across 2,197m² of floor space. The 245m² Postcard can accommodate a maximum of 207 seats theatre-style, the smaller 144m² Postal Theatre can accommodate a maximum of 120 seats while The Letter seats up to 88 pax within an area of 99m².

An outdoor area of 1,000m² in front of the building is also available for activities and exhibitions. The new venue boasts the latest Wi-Fi technology and ample parking space.

Impact Exhibition Management will also manage a new 20,000m² convention centre on Patong Beach in Phuket when construction of the facility is completed in 2015-2017, according to general manager Loy Joon How.