Northstar

MAR-APR 2018 25 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM Authentic Experiences 15. Unique gala venues More and more, corporate clients are interested in events in creative meeting spaces to excite their attendees. From museums to industrial buildings, event planners turn to non-traditional venues to create that unique, memorable event. When choosing an out-of-the-ordinary venue, it is important to consider accessibility, capacity, and on-site catering support. 16. Eat like a local The PyeongChang Olympics Winter Games has spiked an interest in Korean culture, from music to food. Templestays in Korea provide a taste in the everyday life of Buddhist practitioners in traditional temples. Visitors get to eat and learn to cook Balwoo Gongyang, which is 100 percent vegan temple cuisine. "More and more travellers seek authentic experiences. At all Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia Pacic, hotels have created their own "Meeting of Senses" meeting experience where it embodies the local traditions and culture from every aspect of the meeting including themed coee break, event-up, F&B menu et cetera." Ralph Frehner, vice president, food and beverage, Marriott International Asia Pacic. 17. Cook together, stay together This relationship goal can also apply to corporate teams. Cooking classes can encourage participants to learn new skills, lean on each other's strengths, and overcome challenges as a team. Instead of the usual sit-down dinner, Social Cooking in Auckland came up with a Social Cooking Gala that provides interactive cooking entertainment. Teams take part in exciting food-based challenges such as BBQ MasterChef, Cocktail world championship, and World of Wearable Art Pavlova Decorating. "More and more travellers seek authentic experiences. At all Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia Pacific, hotels have created their own "Meeting of Senses" meeting experience where it embodies the local traditions and culture..." RALPH FREHNER, VICE PRESIDENT, FOOD AND BEVERAGE, MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC 18. Immersive theatrical dining Food is about engaging the senses. With immersive dining, the audience are transported to a dierent world through food, drinks, and entertainment. "Themes are important [in the dining experience] because it's a good way for people to escape reality. We always want to be somewhere else, other than [our] oce, or the same old restaurant," said Emily Png, co- founder, Andsoforth. A social cooking gala for an immersive experience Dining gets theatrical and entertaining

• Cover