Macau is taking steps to move away from being a gaming destination, with the government having established the Conventions and Exhibitions and Economic Activities Development Department in August to help drive growth in the MICE industry, an area that was previously under Macau Economic Services.

With the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge slated to open in 2016, after which the journey from Hong Kong to Macau will take a mere 20 minutes, the next few years will be an important time in Macau’s growth to become a sought after destination for meetings and conferences. With the three hotels at Sands Cotai Central that will open at different times throughout 2012 set to join the portfolio of hotels in Macau, there is no shortage of quality meeting space to meet the demand.

Luxury space
Sofitel at Ponte 16 (pictured top) stands out because of its location close to Macau’s Unesco World Heritage sites, and all across the property are venue options that allow event organisers to look beyond the meeting rooms for something different. There is a multi-function room on the sixth floor that has a large outdoor terrace for a scenic pre-function area with sea views, while its Mansion wing has five large suites that can be booked out for events. All five suites feature a different décor and some are split over two floors. The 262sqm Black Galaxy suite, with its plush black and gold interior, is used the most for cocktail functions and coffee breaks for up to 30 people. Its Avant Garde room is split-level and features a contemporary design in muted shades of brown and beige, suitable for intimate meetings and product viewing events. At the ground floor of the Mansion wing is a courtyard surrounding a pond decorated with ornamental glass water lilies, and which can be used for coffee breaks and wine tasting events. Elsewhere, Sofitel at Ponte 16 will be welcoming new developments such as the hotel group’s signature So Spa by mid-2012, as well as a private dining room with a capacity of up to 16 people at its French fine dining restaurant  Prive, which opened late last year.

Creative events
Grand Hyatt Macau introduced ‘Opulence Ball’, a new theme for MICE events that is ideal for annual and gala dinners. Inspired by Europe’s golden era of La Belle Epoque, the theme includes eight-metre high paintings of dancing couples, a lavishly decorated pre-function lounge, artistic images beamed from the Grand Ballroom’s large LCD screen and table settings in gold, silver and burgundy. As befitting the surroundings, there is live music and performances throughout dinner.

New themes
Four Seasons Macau introduced two themed coffee breaks for 2012. The ‘Spa Wellness’ theme includes a 10-minute massage by a therapist from the property’s renowned spa, and healthy offerings such as vegetable crudités, cucumber sandwiches, fruit salad and scented green tea. Fresh fruit shakes are available throughout the meeting for delegates to keep their energy levels up. Alternatively, the Macanese theme allows delegates to sample authentic local specialties such as Portuguese-style egg tarts, almond cookies, Bacalhau fritters made from salted cod fish and serradura, a creamy, vanilla-flavoured dessert.

Attracting associations
Once Sands Cotai Central is completed, it will bring an additional 5,800 rooms to the Cotai Strip. The biggest hotel in the complex will be the 3,863-room Sheraton Macau Hotel, which will also be the biggest Sheraton in the world. There will be some 100,000 sqm of meeting space, including a ballroom that can fit approximately 4,000 people for a banquet. Given the vast amount of meeting space, the property will be focused on MICE and particularly associations. Says Josef Dolp, managing director for Sheraton Macau Hotel: “Associations are an important segment for Macau as a destination and it helps the city move away from being a pure gaming destination.”

There will be approximately 12,000 sqm of poolside area located in various areas across the property that will be available for events, including one on the rooftop. The property also includes a large Sheraton Shine Spa that can be booked out for business groups. F&B outlets at the hotel include the Sheraton group’s signature all-day dining restaurant Feast, an Asian seafood restaurant called Xin and Pane, a casual Italian restaurant with a family-style menu. Delegates will also have access to more dining options at the complex. “Sands Cotai Central will become the hub, where people can walk easily to other parts of the Cotai Strip and enjoy the different shows and shopping options that are available,” says Dolp. “It’s about curating an environment where there are options beyond gambling.”