Event Michelin Services Malaysia Dealers’ Convention
Organiser CITP Malaysia
Venue Mira Hotel, Hong Kong
Group size 235 top Michelin dealers
Dates June 4-7, 2009




The brief
Michelin wanted a movie star theme for its 2009 Malaysian Dealers' Convention. The client also requested a five-star hotel that could cater for a convention during the day and a cocktail reception and gala dinner at night.

Challenges
Ensuring delegates were brought safely and easily from their original destinations within Malaysia to Hong Kong was a key challenge for organiser CITP.

“We had very tight organization and there are good flight links from Malaysia to Hong Kong, which helped,” says CITP managing director David Lee.

Using an experienced ground operator for transportation and the five-star Mira Hotel eased any further concerns.

Execution
Destinations such as Beijing, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong were considered. Hong Kong was chosen as the host city as it provided the ideal opportunity for attendees to visit the Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. This is modelled on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and therefore fitted well with the overall theme.

During the first evening, guests were taken to the Avenue of the Stars followed by a cocktail reception and canapés at Blues by the Bay. The bar and promenade has panaoramic views of Victoria Harbour and attendees could take in the laser light show as the evening went on.

The dealers' convention took place in the Mira Hotel ballroom on the following day. Following this, attendees were given the chance to explore Lantau Island and travelled up to view the Big Buddha via Ngong Ping 360’s cable cars.

During this time, the hotel’s ballroom was transformed for the evening’s ‘Michelin Shining Stars Hong Kong 2009’ gala dinner.

At the beginning of the evening, guests were welcomed with a drink and had their photograph taken on the red carpet. Following dinner, attendees participated in party games, including guessing another persons ‘star’ identity.

To round off the evening, guests were entertained by renowned singer, actress and chef Maria Cordero, otherwise known as ‘Fat Mama’.


Comment
Michelin Services Malaysia marketing and distribution manager Brian Choong says: “The event was definitely a success. Based on a survey of participants after the event, it was the best they had ever attended. Mira Hotel has an excellent hotel crew who were very responsive and attentive to our needs.

“Hong Kong is always a good choice for an event as it has activities and attractions that cater for all; it’s never going to be boring for groups. The hotel’s location was also a key factor to the success of the event as it was conveniently close to Hong Kong’s local food and shopping areas.”