Showing posts with label Event Venues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Event Venues. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2016

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur - Astor Bar
St Regis Kuala Lumpur
How do you cut through the marketing hype and choose the right venue for your next corporate event? Here are 10 steps, along with insider tips, to help you conduct a successful site inspection.
By Candy Adams of BoothMoms

Choosing a venue for your corporate event is one of the most important and difficult parts of planning an event. How do you distinguish between the rosy picture venues present when they're courting your business and the reality of what your guests will experience?

Once you've determined your event objectives, assessed the needs of your attendees, and narrowed your possible venues to a short list of two or three sites, it often comes down to the all-important site inspection. Follow these 10 tips, and you're far more likely to find a suitable venue without landing yourself in the seventh circle of event-planning hell.

1. Start Off Stealthily
An attendee's first impression of a venue sets the stage for the rest of the event. And it may be very different from your own first impression if you're being picked up at the airport by a limo, skipping standard front-desk check-in, sleeping in an upgraded room, and being pampered with top-end amenities.

The best way to get a realistic idea of what attendees will encounter is to start your site inspection in "stealth mode." Fly in before your scheduled tour and check out the site for yourself first.

When you get to the venue, what is your first impression? Is the main entrance welcoming, with areas for your attendees to meet informally? If it's a hotel property, does someone greet you as you arrive and ask if you need any assistance with your bags? Is the front desk adequately staffed?

As you walk around the property, pay attention to the venue's directional signage. Can you easily find your way around? Also ensure that the venue disabled friendly with accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, braille signage, etc.

Check out the condition of the property – including the cleanliness of the carpets, curtains, and furnishings in the public areas. For hotel venues, pop into rooms that are being cleaned to see if they're on par with your room and the other rooms you'll see on your tour. And regularly check your phone or tablet to see if free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, or if coverage is slow and spotty.

2. Request the Right Guide
When setting up your official tour, ask if the person you'd actually be working with (i.e., the convention services manager or facilities manager) is able to conduct your tour, instead of a salesperson who will tell you anything he or she thinks you want to hear. The person you negotiate the contract with isn't the person who'll follow you through the planning process, and you need to find out if that person is someone with whom you would be comfortable working.

You'll also want to request the credentials and experience levels of the person or people you'll be working with. I've had bad experiences working with unqualified facilities managers, during which I spent all my time teaching them the "language" of the hospitality industry, and hearing "I'll check on that and get back with you."

3. Do a Background Check
When you begin your tour, ask when the last renovations of the public/function areas were completed, and, if applicable, the date of the most recent upgrades to the sleeping-room furnishings and linens. My colleague Margaret Kennedy, CMP, says bedding and mattresses should be changed at least every five years – especially in convention cities with high occupancy – and other décor and cosmetic updates should be done every eight to 10 years, minimum.

Ask about any future plans for construction or refurbishment and if those plans might impact the dates of your event. Is the property currently up for sale or pending sale? Is the property planning on changing management, and if so, when?

Find out what other organizations will be holding functions during your event at the same venue. Can you be notified if other groups contract for adjacent space during your event?

Ask what services are included in the venue package and what the add-ons cost.

4. Picture Your Event
As you tour the function space, imagine your specific event arrangements. Where would you place your registration desk? Which meeting rooms would you use? Where would you set up your exhibit hall, hold hospitality functions, stage entertainment, or serve meals? If any of these functions are being held outside, what would be the backup plan in case of inclement weather? Where would you locate staff offices and green rooms for speakers? Evaluate whether each area is adequate to serve your needs.

Make sure to get accurate floor plans with maximum capacities for various setups (e.g., reception, theater, classroom, rounds, crescents, etc.) and the official fire-code capacities for all rooms, considering the AV equipment and food, class material, or serving stations you'll need.

Does the facility have overflow space if your attendance expands beyond your initial estimates?
Ask plenty of questions regarding Internet access and the cost of wired and wireless Internet connectivity. Get your internal technical team involved if necessary to make sure that you've adequately assessed all Internet and power requirements.

Visit the meeting rooms you would use during your event. Are they on the same level of the facility or distributed on different floors? If elevators are used to get between them, will the number of elevators be adequate for moving your guests during breaks?

Is there adequate signage to direct attendees? Are there sufficient restrooms near the meeting areas? If your guests will be served snacks and meals, what is the proximity between meeting rooms or the exhibit hall and the food-service areas?

Keep an eye on room capabilities as they relate to your AV needs. Consider built-in sound systems, data ports, electrical capacity for AV and attendees' laptops, etc. Check for visual obstructions such as supports or light fixtures and issues with sound bleeding from adjacent rooms, especially if rooms are separated by folding walls.

Temperature always seems to be a "hot button" with attendees. How is temperature in the function and meeting rooms controlled, and is each room on a separate thermostat? If so, who controls it?

5. Go Behind the Scenes
Don't restrict your visit to the areas that the venue wants to show you; ask for an impromptu tour of the "back of house" and look for cleanliness and organization. Depending on the type of meeting, check the access to the property's shipping docks, the proximity and capacity of freight elevators, the facility's freight-receiving and material-handling capabilities, and the location and security of storage.

Ensure the venue's inventory of meeting furnishings, linen, centerpieces, props, etc. is adequate for your event. Make sure the condition of these furnishings meet your standards, as many venues have extended the life of these items to save money.

6. Chow Down
Food quality matters to your attendees, and you don't want bone-dry salmon to be the most memorable part of your event. Consider the venue's standard menus and ask if you can work with the chef or other caterers on custom menus for themed events and for attendees with special dietary requirements. With so many different food requirements these days (e.g., vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant, nuts or seafood allergies, etc.) it's important to find out which accommodations are standard and which may require other arrangements with the kitchen.

Consider setting up a tasting of the items you'd likely be serving to check food quality and presentation. What is the venue's guarantee of food quality? What quantity does it guarantee will be available above the number of estimated guests? By what date does the venue require final attendance figures? Also inquire about minimum charges, either per meal or event, since food and beverage (F&B) is a major source of venues' revenue and will be considered as you negotiate for both sleeping and meeting rooms.

Obtain a list of any additional fees that will be charged, such as administrative fees, staffing fees for bartenders or baristas, buy-out fees for using your own F&B providers, and standard percentages for tips, gratuities, and sales tax. And find out the ratio of servers to guests to assure that staffing will be adequate. Lastly, order room service to test the friendliness of the phone staff, promptness of delivery, and quality of menu offerings.

7. Meet the Staff
Hotels and other venues are squeezing budgets to improve revenue after some lean years, and many have cut back on staffing. So find out the ratio of staffers to guest rooms and the average length of employment of the staff. Compare those numbers to other properties you're considering. Longevity is a good indicator that the staff is treated well and will treat your guests well in turn. It is especially important to find out how long the facility's general manager and department heads have worked there, as they will play crucial roles in your event's success.

Make sure to meet the banquet manager and captain, as well as the people who manage the meeting room furnishings, linens, décor, room setup, and meal service. If other services such as AV and Internet are exclusive, also meet the managers of those areas. They will all be very important points of contact during your event to keep everything running smoothly and on time.

If applicable to your event, ask for a list of local third-party vendors with which the venue has working relationships, such as general service contractors, destination management companies, security providers, and transportation vendors for moving your guests between the airport, hotel, and events.

Find out what restrictions are in place under the venue's union contracts that may impact your ability to complete basic tasks on your own, such as running standard video cables from your laptop to a projector or setting up your own projection screens. Those may seem like tiny details, but they can count up quickly when it comes to your final invoice.

Once, when I brought my own video cable to an event, I was told I couldn't use it. Instead, the venue charged me $50 to rent its cable, and then tacked on labor and service fees, as well as tax. Another time, I held a luncheon at Moscone Center and was charged two five-hour minimums to set up and tear down a simple pop-up projection screen and LCD projector.

Finally, ask if the hotel employees are part of a collective-bargaining agreement (members of a union) and if so, when their current contract is expiring. If their contract expires right before or during your event, there may be an increased likelihood of a labor strike, which could disrupt your event.

8. Do a Safety Check
It's your responsibility as an event professional to make sure that the venue you select is safe for your attendees. Ask about local crime rates, get a copy of the venue's safety and security policies, and inquire about its current security-staffing levels. What types of training have the venue's security officers completed?

Are its security officers trained in CPR or the use of defibrillators (if they're available on site)? How far is the venue located from the closest hospital with an emergency room?

Take note of lighting in the hallways, limited-access doors that are activated by room keys during evening hours, and lighting in parking garages and lots. Also check to see that all fire exits are properly marked and illuminated, and discuss the venue's evacuation procedures.

9. Check References
Ask your sales rep for the contact information of three event planners who have recently held events at the venue. And utilize the industry grapevine online through LinkedIn groups or other forums in the hospitality and event industry to get firsthand knowledge of venues.

If the opportunity arises during your site inspection, introduce yourself to other meeting planners on site who can share their insight into their overall dealings with the venue.

10. Take Good Notes
Make sure you use the same matrix to gather and record information at each venue. I like to make a spreadsheet to compare the different aspects of the venues I'm considering, with plenty of room for jotting down quick notes as I tour. I also analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the venues I tour. And I take loads of photos of each property to help refresh my memory as I move through the decision-making process.

Although your hundreds of questions may leave your tour guide exhausted, careful inspections and a detailed analysis should help you detect any fire and brimstone behind the pearly exteriors of potential venues.

Step-by-Step Inspection
Here's a brief overview of my 10-step approach to site inspections. Use it to help guide your next venue inspection and aid in the process of selecting the best property for your company's corporate events.

1. Start Off Stealthily: Arrive with plenty of time before your scheduled visit and observe how you're treated by hotel employees before they realize you're there to conduct a site inspection.
2. Request the Right Guide: Ask that your on-site guide be the person you'd actually be working with if you book your event at that venue.
3. Do a Background Check: Find out when the hotel last updated its bedding and mattresses. As a general rule, these things should be changed out at least every five years.
4. Picture Your Event: Get accurate floor plans with maximum capacities for various setups and the official fire-code capacities for all rooms, considering any audiovisual or other equipment.
5. Go Behind the Scenes: Ask for an impromptu tour of the "back of house" and look for cleanliness and organization.
6. Chow Down: Arrange a tasting of the items you're considering serving to guests to check food quality and presentation. Also ask for a list of any additional fees that you may incur.
7. Meet the Staff: Make sure to meet the banquet manager and captain, as well as the people who manage the meeting room furnishings, linens, décor, room setup, and meal service.
8. Do a Safety Check: Ask about local crime rates, get a copy of the venue's safety and security policies, and inquire about its current security-staffing levels.
9. Check References: Ask your sales representative for the contact information of three event planners who have recently held events at the venue. Contact those individuals for feedback and insight.
10. Take Good Notes: Make sure you use the same matrix to gather and record information at each venue you visit. And take loads of photos to help refresh your memory after your visit.

Checklist for your Event Site Inspection

St Regis Kuala Lumpur How do you cut through the marketing hype and choose the right venue for your next corporate event? Here are 10 s...

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Lighting, lectern selection, and accessibility are all key components in producing a successful stage setup for speakers.

The lectern and stage setup at the Big Bang Gala at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco in June 2013 allowed easy access for speakers.  Photo: Show Ready Photo
The lectern and stage setup at the Big Bang Gala at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco in June 2013 allowed easy access for speakers. 
Photo: Show Ready Photo

Setting up a stage for speakers and presenters may seem like an uncomplicated matter compared to creating an elaborate performance platform. But the success of a presentation—and of the people delivering their messages—depends on nuanced (and sometimes overlooked) details like size, lighting, and accessibility, as well as the right selection of microphones and lecterns. Industry experts offer their tips for producing stage setups that are operational, effectual, and impactful at meetings and conferences.

Choose the correct height.

Consider attendees’ sight lines and comfort when raising the stage. “For any presentation, I always like to be at least 12 inches high off the ground so that audience members have a good line of sight,” says Jon Retsky, co-owner and lead designer of San Francisco-based event design and production company Got Light. “For larger galas, big stages, bands, big fund-raising events, or fashion shows, we typically go as high as three to four feet off the ground to help elevate the speakers and presentations and give a good line of sight for all guests.”

Use appropriate lighting.

Lighting should be properly situated for all of the individuals who will be standing on the stage at various heights. “This requires research from the event team on who will be on the stage, and working with the lighting designer,” says Todd Hawkins, C.E.O. and founder of Los Angeles production company the Todd Group.
Though it may seem surprising, Retsky says stage lighting is often the most-forgotten element, especially during summer months when organizers assume daylight will be adequate. “Once that sun goes down, your presentation will be in the pitch black,” he says. “Adding a stage wash for basic visibility will make your presentation pop with light, both before and after the sun goes down.”

Make sure audio is loud and clear.

In addition to lighting, quality sound also contributes to the effective communication of target messages and to an overall positive audience experience. “The core of staging design begins with audio,” says Corporate Magic senior creative director Stephen Dahlem. “It may sound simple, but you can add all the … bells and whistles … to a presentation, but first and foremost the audience has to hear. If an audience cannot hear, they will not care. The correct style and amount of audio is key to delivering the fundamental message of any successful event.”

Select microphones based on speakers.

Some speakers may feel more comfortable speaking with a hands-free lavalier microphone, while others may prefer the comfort of a handheld microphone they can raise or lower to their preference. “We try to have both lavalier and handheld microphones available so we have options,” says Stacy Seligman Kravitz, the director of events and stewardship for the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.
Beyond that, she advises having speakers arrive early, when possible, to build comfort with their mics and other details of the setup.

Pick the right lectern.

A lectern may seem like the most basic and ordinary of staging needs for presentations, but selecting the right one is actually a critical task.
“If it’s an acrylic [lectern], ensure it is spotless and clear of scratches. Particularly as the light hits it, any and all imperfections will show,” Hawkins says. “If it’s a custom-built lectern, ensure it’s built correctly to aid and support your presenters.” Additionally, he says, organizers should make sure there is enough space for speaker notes and relevant reference materials to minimize unsightly clutter.
Beyond that, it’s also wise to have a lectern on site, even for those who think they’re unlikely to use it. “[It] can help calm a presenter’s nerves,” Retsky says. “It gives presenters a prop to lean on, to read from, and [to make them] feel more comfortable.”

Keep it simple.

Elaborate stage decor or sets may pose a distraction for speakers, as well as audience members—those watching live or those watching virtually or at a later time.
Hawkins says: “Simple is more. We can go overboard with flashy sets, but in my experience the best staging is when I keep a very simple layout and design, as the more complicated sets don’t always ­translate well in photos or on camera.”
That being said, decor could serve a strategic purpose when necessary. “One need that was specific to one of our esteemed trustees was that she did not want her legs showing through the Lucite lectern,” Kravitz says. “Because I shared photos of it in advance, she was able to share her concern, and we addressed it with a selection of greenery on stage that is not always part of our staging plans.”

Allow easy access.

A stage with insufficient or complicated access can pose a threat to a successful event. “Are there performers who need a special way onto stage or have props that require to be rolled on or can come up steps? Additionally, when I’m producing charity events, there are often surprises where folks come to the stage who might have not originally been written into the script—so it’s important to have a fully accessible stage,” Hawkins says.

Remember: Size matters.

Retsky says the number of speakers will likely dictate the appropriate stage size. “If you only have one speaker at a time, a massive stage will dwarf the speaker and minimize the impact of the speaker or presentation,” he says. “Are there panelists? If so, you’ll want a larger stage and want to think about where to place the lectern, if any, so that the speaker can communicate seamlessly and with the panelists.”

Source: Bizbash

8 Tips for Creating an Effective Presentation Space

Lighting, lectern selection, and accessibility are all key components in producing a successful stage setup for speakers. The lectern...

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Ruang
The nearly limitless potential of an unused warehouse or an open loft can spark an event host’s creativity, but the flip side to that freedom is that raw space can demand much more in terms of logistics, from permitting to scheduling to laying out the space. Above and beyond the usual rundown event and meeting professionals would ask a venue before signing a contract, insiders say there are a number of specific, sometimes surprising questions that need to be asked when it comes to taking over raw space for an event.

1. Are you legally allowed to have events?

It sounds like a no-brainer, but it is a question planners need to ask when considering raw space. “Many raw spaces are not licensed to host events, so the first thing is to ask to see an occupancy certificate and what licenses they have,” says Sean Cannon, owner and C.E.O. of Event Creative in Chicago. “There are too many raw spaces that just decide to rent out for events,” he says, without bothering to verify the legality first.

2. What permits will we need?

Permitting is a topic that should be brought up regardless of where an event is being held, but raw space might have special requirements or considerations. If organizers are running a generator for auxiliary power or need to valet cars from the street, for example, they might need specific permits for those activities. Likewise, “Ask if their loading space requires street closure permits for load in and load out,” says Jeremy Nichols, executive producer at Sonoma, California-based Pix Productions.

3. Will we need to bring a generator?

If the event requires running catering, lights, audiovisual, and production equipment, the power capacity in a raw space might need a boost. “Ask how many dedicated 20-amp circuits they have,” says Merryl Brown, president of Merryl Brown Events in Carpinteria, California. Organizers should find out if there are any disconnects—switches that shut down individual circuits—available in the space, she suggests; while “plug and play” venues have these, raw spaces often don’t, Brown says.

4. If so, where will the generator go?

If the space’s power needs aren’t adequate and a generator is being brought in, planners should find out where they’re allowed to put it (and if it requires a permit). “If it’s in a raw space you may not be able to help it being in earshot of your event,” says Corrine Statia, president of Absolute Events By Corrine in Jersey City, New Jersey. “It’s not always an optimal situation.”

5. What kind of elevator access is there, and is that included in the price?

“If it’s a freight elevator, ask if access is included in the price or if you have to pay extra because it belongs to the building,” says Michael Tardi, C.E.O. of MMEink, an event management company based in New York and California. Tardi also suggests organizers go over exactly what kind of equipment they plan to bring in to ensure that it will fit in the elevator. (Oversize lighting trestles, for instance, might not.) If a freight elevator is shared by other tenants in the building where the raw space is, hosts might be required to list the entire building rather than just the space itself on their insurance, Tardi says.

6. Where and when can we load and unload equipment, and will we require overnight security?

Many spaces have only a single freight elevator, and the event team might have to share that with other tenants or businesses in the building, Statia says. To avoid having a “traffic jam” with vendors, planners should make sure everyone has a separate, specific time slot for loading and unloading—and don’t expect it to all be the same day, she warns, especially if the elevator is a shared space. “There’s a lot more time needed. If you’re in a raw space everything has to come in, rental companies don’t deliver on the morning of your event,” she says. In all likelihood, Statia adds, organizers will need to either supply their own or pay for security services supplied by the vendor to keep everything secure overnight.

7. Can I put tape on the floor?

Whether wires and cords running across the floor need to be secured to give the crew a guide of what goes where, tape is indispensable. But it might not be allowed, Tardi warns. “Some of the modern raw spaces don’t let you use tape on the floor anymore because it pulls up their finish,” he says.

8. What do you have by way of climate control?

“Ask what they do for HVAC,” Nichols says. If heating and cooling infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent, planners should ask if they can bring in gas heaters or swamp coolers, he advises.

9. What kind of kitchen facilities are there?

It’s a good idea to work with a caterer who has experience working with raw spaces, because they’ll have to bring in everything from stove tops to spoons. “Ask if there’s a kitchen facility, and if it has hot and cold running water,” Brown says. If the space is open and loftlike, hosts might need also to factor in the time and expense to cordon off a makeshift kitchen area with screens or pipe and drape. “Ask where you need to take garbage and recycling,” Brown adds, and find out if that will incur an additional fee.

10. What kind of restroom and parking facilities are there?

Don’t expect it to be like a conference center or banquet facility. “They’re very limited,” Tardi says. “You’re not going to find a large number, and it’s usually a coed bathroom,” he says. Organizers can expect maybe four or five units in a typical raw space, he says. Like everything else, if planners need more, they’ll have to bring them in.
Parking space might also be limited so you might have to consider arranging for shuttles from various meet up points.
Source: BizBash

10 Critical Questions You Should Ask When Booking a Raw Space

The nearly limitless potential of an unused warehouse or an open loft can spark an event host’s creativity, but the flip side to that fr...

Monday, October 12, 2015


It has been some time since I went on a break and as the year draws to a close, it's usually the busiest period when it comes to events and recruitment. Two weeks ago, my company (Best Events Services) was invited for a hotel tour at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson and I jumped at the chance to go as it meant just getting out of routine and hopefully away from the heavy haze in Kuala Lumpur city.

No luck with the haze, though. It was equally bad in Port Dickson, one hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Heck, the whole country is badly affected and it does not look like it's going away anytime soon despite the occasional rain.

Google Maps took us there using a longer route, we suspect. Instead of the usual 45-60 minute drive, it took us almost two hours. There was no heavy traffic as we left just before the peak hour. The only other explanation is that we got abducted by aliens along the way.

Anyway, when we reached at 5pm, we were greeted warmly by the Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Sales and Marketing staff when we arrived and were immediately given our room keys and served a welcome drink and a goody bag which consisted of the event agenda, a really huge mug (which is great for soup, too), notebook and pens.


As it was quite a distance away from the main lobby, a buggy took us to our chalet built above the water. The room has a fuchsia coloured wall with two king-sized beds, marble floor adorned with an image of a hibiscus and glass doors that led us to a bathroom cum dressing area. There is a 2' x 3' glass panel in the centre of the bathroom so you can actually see the sea below you. 

Walk a little further and you will step outside where a private pool and sauna room awaits you.

They had me at the two king-sized beds.





We were not due for the hotel presentation until 7.30pm so we did some work on our laptops (it IS a weekday after all) and attempted to watch a movie on the in-built plasma TV.

After freshening up a little, we took a buggy to the ballroom where most of the guests were waiting for the presentation to start. After a dance gambit by their staff, Steve Woon, the Vice President of Sales & Marketing did a slide presentation about the Lexis Port Dickson properties and amenities before the Recreational head enlightened us about the activities that can be held at their hotel. 



We were then ushered for a buffet dinner at Roselle Coffee House. Something we noted when we walked through the hotel is that there is no one theme in terms of decor. Some areas are retro with heavy chandeliers, rose filled vases along walls and velvet furniture while some areas are adorned with jelly fish inspired lighting, wave like wall paneling and carpeting and bright coloured modern furniture. Carpet designs also vary from bold colours to the more subdue earth tones.


Roselle Coffee House's decor is classic and we were served outside where we could have seen the sea on a clear day. I loved the roast lamb, squid with salted egg, satay, fried rice with various dishes that they served generously at the buffet dinner. Desserts were a mix of both Asian and Western cakes, kuih and the must have teh tarik and coffee tarik. 

Lexis-Hibiscus-Port-Dickson-Hotel-resort-pool-bar-overview

The next morning, we had a buffet breakfast at 8.30am before we were shown the meeting rooms, helipad, Panaroma Pool Villa, and Lighthouse with a few floors for dining.










Our tour ended at the Hibiscus Lounge.

Nestled on Port Dickson’s pristine beach and overlooking the fantastic view of turquoise waters from the Straits of Malacca, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson showcases polished contemporary designs by award-winning architects, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that allow natural light to enter. Both spacious bedroom and living areas in their 117 tower rooms and 522 overwater villas are tastefully decorated and complemented with avant-garde amenities.

Fancy a midnight swim? All accommodation rooms are equipped with your own private dip pool and steam room. Live your vision of a tropical getaway, and fall for this exquisite location with its romantic sunsets lulled by the soothing lapping of waves.

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is the epitome of relaxation, inspired by the concept of refined luxury. Enjoy your serene vacation with an added measure of indulgence and high-living.


LEXIS HIBISCUS

12th Mile, Jalan Pantai, 
Pasir Panjang 71250, 
Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan,
Malaysia.
Tel:   +606 - 660 2626
Fax:   +606 - 660 2628
Email:   reservations@lexishibiscuspd.com
Website   :   www.lexishibiscuspd.com

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

It has been some time since I went on a break and as the year draws to a close, it's usually the busiest period when it comes to e...

Monday, April 13, 2015

Exciting times are ahead for Malaysia. With the many hotels opening nationwide, you won't run out of event venue options.

Recently opened in Ipoh, Perak, is The Haven's Resort, operated by Best Western International (BWI) family chain of hotels, the world's largest, under its 'Premier' or five-star status. It is BWI's finest eco-resort in Asia.

The Haven’s centerpiece is an iconic 14-storey high, 280-million-year-old limestone outcrop "Rockhaven". The picturesque ancient hills at the site are home to many beautiful and unique plants and animals.



The tower karst hills at The Haven site are rare geological features only found in a few locations in Southeast Asia. The virgin forest at The Haven site has been deliberately preserved and maintained for your enjoyment.

A natural pristine 4-acre 'constantly-flowing' lake fronts the Haven and gives residents a relaxing environment from each of its lake-fronting rooms.

The Haven is among the first developments in the country to harvest all available renewable energy resources - rainwater harvesting, solar energy and windmill turbine - within a sustainable budget to reduce carbon footprint.

The location is just 5 minutes after exiting from the North-South Highway along a straight Tambun Road to The Haven. This habitat is ideal for de-stressing or unwinding and is a real haven for nature lovers.

The Haven ballroom and outdoor rooftop area respectively sits 200 guests comfortably in a banquet style setting. The garden area is also available for intimate styled weddings and garden parties.



Onsite activities within the resort's natural landscape of more than 20 acres include the Challenge Course, Team Building Programmes and Via Ferrata, one of the only two in Malaysia!

Via Ferrata
A distinct climb up to the top of the 250 feet high (76 metres) 'Mount Haven'. The Via Ferrata is an adventure experience like no other. No climbing experience is necessary, just physical ability and a desire for an outdoor challenge.

In-house Team building activities are also available through the venue or through Best Events CLICK HERE

THE HAVEN
Tel: +605 546 6666 | Hotline: 1700 8 1700 0
www.thehaven.com.my
www.thehavenresorts.com
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Best Western Premier The Haven Ipoh #eventvenues #gardenwedding #corporateevent #malaysia

Exciting times are ahead for Malaysia. With the many hotels opening nationwide, you won't run out of event venue options. Recently op...

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Nestled in the lush enclave of Damansara Heights, away from the hustle of the city, Pietro Ristorante Italiano offers a friendly and casual atmosphere where you can experience a taste of truly authentic Italian dishes with friends, or someone special or entertaining large groups.

Located on the ground floor of the ECM Libra building along Jalan Damansara Endah, Damansara Heights, you can expect a delectable spread of original Italian dishes in a contemporary setting surrounded by artworks.

Pietro’s large two-storey space is divided into the main dining hall, café, private rooms and an outdoor deck. The restaurant makes it an ideal place private parties and functions of between 20 people up to 250 people (standing party for large group).






CONTACT
Tel: +603-2093 6433
Fax: +603-2093 5433
Email: admin@pietro.com.my

Ground Floor, Bangunan ECM Libra
8, Jalan Damansara Endah. Damansara Heights
50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

HOURS
Lunch: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm – 11.00pm

Pietro Ristorante Italiano, Damansara Heights #Dine #KualaLumpur

Nestled in the lush enclave of Damansara Heights, away from the hustle of the city, Pietro Ristorante Italiano offers a friendly and casua...

Monday, March 16, 2015

If you're familiar with driving around Kuala Lumpur, you would be familiar with the Tokio Marine Life Insurance building just opposite the posh Hampshire Residences. Along with chic office space and apartments in this area, you will now find a new venue for your next event.

ROUGEUR by Astelier offers over 12,000 sq. ft. space that can be transformed into any themed event or setting.

Set amidst an industrial warehouse styled ambience, ROUGEUR also comes equipped with full sound & light system, furniture rental facilities, in-house food and beverage operation, complete bar setup and mobile partitions for versatile segregation of space.

The floor is separated into three main areas. As you walk through the main entrance on the first floor, you will first see the bar on your left and just after the bar, a suitable space for Hen's Nights and birthday parties with its funky LED furniture. This area can comfortably seat about 40-50 pax.

 

This area with it's mobile partitioned wall, can be expanded into the main hall which can fit about 30 round tables.



There are a few pillars that will block the view of the stage but LED screens on the walls ensure that your guests don't miss out on the action.

The stage has its own LED screen and the hall is equipped with state of the art sound and lighting system so it is no longer necessary to bring in outside suppliers.

Parking in the building itself is easy enough after office hours but there might be quite a queue to use the ladies and gents.

Creative producers will love this raw space as they can completely transform it into an event venue of their dreams.

Mezzanine Floor, Menara Tokio Marine Life
189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Operation Days & Hours:
Tuesdays to Sundays
11:00am - 12:00am

Please submit all event/venue enquiries to:
booking@rougeur.my
To speak to their Event Team, please contact:
03 - 7781 0009 (HQ)
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Rougeur- The new event venue in Kuala Lumpur

If you're familiar with driving around Kuala Lumpur, you would be familiar with the Tokio Marine Life Insurance building just opposite ...

Friday, December 19, 2014

Ploy is the brainchild of Jared Lim, Asian private equity investor by day, avid food fan by dinner time. Culminating from years of travel, experimentation and unadulterated gluttony, Ploy is a study in modern Asian cuisine. After 6 months of daily food tasting, the results speak for themselves – an entirely built from scratch menu with over 60 offerings, influences that span 4 continents and over 35 new and original sauces. Their dishes cater to taste buds that embrace Asian spices in not-so-Asian dishes. They recommend you always order a variety of dishes and share them within the table Asian style.





G-02, ground floor, Work@Clearwater,
Changkat Semantan, Off Jalan Semantan,
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

For reservation, please contact:
Tel: +603 2095 0999
Fax: +603 2095 9181

OPENING HOURS

MONDAY TO FRIDAY
12.00pm – 3.00pm ; 6.00pm – 12 .00 midnight

SATURDAY
6.00pm – 12 .00 midnight
CLOSE ON SUNDAY

PLOY With Your Food

Ploy is the brainchild of Jared Lim, Asian private equity investor by day, avid food fan by dinner time. Culminating from years of travel, ...

Thursday, November 27, 2014

We have been approached for event venue recommendations before and to help clients find a suitable venue, we have listed them under our Event Venues label in this blog. However, we have been unable to specify the list of services each venue provides.

In comes Venueville, the product created by Y Us Sdn Bhd, which makes venue finding a whole lot easier.

By just typing in your preferred location, and number of guests you are expecting at your event, this website will match the suitable locations along with packages offered by the venue.

It is more suited for indoor events currently and outdoor locations like open spaces for family days and team building have not been included yet.

The system really depends on each venue to update their own details in the website and it is still in its infancy stage so the number of venues is limited to Malaysian venues with the number standing at 392 venues at the moment of writing. It's still a fantastic website which is quite user-friendly and best of all it's free (for now!)

CLICK HERE to explore VenueVille



Location, location, location

We have been approached for event venue recommendations before and to help clients find a suitable venue, we have listed them under our Even...

Thursday, November 20, 2014


CONTACT:

KWC FASHION MALL
8.01, Kompleks Kenanga Wholesale City, No. 2, Jalan Gelugor, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
DID : + 603 9221 8081 / 8086 / 8382 ext 8105

StarXpo KWC Fashion Mall, Kuala Lumour

CONTACT: KWC FASHION MALL 8.01, Kompleks Kenanga Wholesale City, No. 2, Jalan Gelugor, 55200 Kuala Lumpur DID : + 603 9221 8081 / 808...

Monday, November 3, 2014


Away from the busy-ness of Ipoh City yet not far off, lies Adeline’s Villa in Gopeng. Personally attended to by owner Adeline Kuo, who believes in serving great food to affable company, this natural hideaway has all the charms and facilities city-dwellers seek, be it for a holiday or a respite.

The chalets sit amidst cool rainforest greens and aboriginal charms, and are equipped with amenities for comfort. Ranging in sizes suitable for honeymooners’ privacy to families’ coziness, Adeline’s Villa also offers thrilling nature-based activities that include white-water rafting, caving, paintball, and other team sports.

Adeline Kuo’s dream became a reality in 2004 when she set up Rumah Rehat Adeline (Adeline’s Rest House) as an escapade for nature-lovers and eco-tourists. With simple yet comfortable amenities, Adeline’s Rest House soon mushroomed into a nature encampment catering to all numbers of visitors, and receiving accolades and requests from near and far.

In 2010, Adeline took on the challenge of providing up-scale chalets with the comforts of a home in a natural surrounding. Adeline’s Villa is the result. Adeline’s Rest House and Adeline’s Villa are operated side-by-side to meet varying consumer demands. Both are located amidst natural surroundings in Gopeng and share common activities and encourage eco-friendly practises.

Be it for corporate events or family outings, Adeline’s Villa and Adeline’s Rest House enjoy visitors and sojourners from all over the world.

 

Rumah Rehat Adeline's Address:
Lot 13302, Mukim Teja,
Kampung Geruntum,
Sungai Itik,
31600 Gopeng,
Perak, Malaysia.

Office Address:
No 5 & 5A Jalan Taman Bertuah,
(off Jalan Sungai Itek),
31600, Gopeng Perak,
Malaysia.
Office No: +605-359 2833
Mobile No: +6010-366 7113

Mobile phone No. : 
Ian:+6019-556 1113

Email: rumahrehatadeline@yahoo.com
admin@rumahrehatadeline.com
sales@adelineresort.comm

  GPS Coordinates:
  4°27'29.07" N 101°12'29.75" E / Waze - Adeline's Villa

Get back to #Nature at #Adeline's Villa, #Malaysia

Away from the busy-ness of Ipoh City yet not far off, lies Adeline’s Villa in Gopeng. Personally attended to by owner Adeline Kuo, who beli...

Malaysian entrepreneur Sim Choo Kheng has been an “expat” in many corners of the world. He talked to Seamus Murphy about the founding of ESCAPE, his passion for his ‘fun’ business, his vision for the theme parks of the future, and how his chronic itchy feet has made him the ‘uncommon’ Malaysian at home.

I first read about Sim last year in a UK-based leisure magazine while on holiday at home in England. A Malaysian giving his view on the future of global theme park industry. Really? No disrespect, but it seemed a bit like asking a Siberian about tropical island life! Malaysia typically isn’t seen as the hub of the theme park industry. Intrigued by this emerging phenomenon, I did my research and found that Sim is an unusual Malaysian. Like his fellow Penangite, Jimmy Choo, Sim’s work is better known internationally than in his own country: almost all his projects are outside Malaysia, and Sim Leisure’s head office is actually in Dubai. His public statements are unconventional; he’s has a reputation for being a non-conformist. But, on the other hand, he’s worked with big names in the theme park industry. He’s completed more than fifty projects in the last twenty years, with companies like the Jumeirah Group, Lost Paradise, Ski Dubai, Yas Island, Majid Al Futtaim, Universal Studios, and Legoland - all built on the foundation of the Sim Leisure multifaceted motto “….because fun is serious business”. Of late, Sim devotes half of his time re-creating his childhood – ESCAPE in his native Penang, Malaysia.

I managed to get him on the phone when he was home in Penang. “I’ll only be interested if you intend to write something that is real and in-depth. I’m not into bragging pieces or marketing statements that are read only by long-haul airline passengers,” he said in a brisk but friendly tone. “I want to make people see our industry in a radically new way.” I arrived on a Saturday morning at his office at ESCAPE, in the middle of a 44-acre site across the road from Adventureplay which opened to the public in November 2012. At first I thought I had misunderstood his directions. Surely this was a command centre for a military camp complete with long-range cruise missiles and a nuclear bunker? But it was just Sim’s quirky, playful sense of humour. He has repurposed and themed an old waterworks chemical dosing plant into an army field operation centre for his ‘battle’ against conformity and average standards.

ESCAPE is definitely not like any other theme park you may have visited. There are no adult visitors, only ‘Kids’ - Future Kids (0-3), Junior Kids (4-12), Big Kids (13-60) and Super Kids (over 60). Sim jokingly said anyone behaving like an adult will be shown the exit to the park. The hyperactivity of children visiting ESCAPE come from outdoor free-play and self-directed fun, rather than from the consumption of cotton candy and sugar-coated fantasies. Trees have the right of way here and everything has been designed around them, roofs are grassed, toilets are flushed with rainwater and there’s a thought-provoking directional sign at the entrance showing the ‘cure for computer addicts’. The games at ESCAPE all mirror how childhood used to be - but with modern safety equipment. There is a philosophy for the rides being human-powered with little reliance on mechanical assistance. As Sim explained “It’s low tech, high fun.”

Sim walked me to the Serambi, a classroom in a traditional village stilt house. Surrounded by children, he explained why playing outdoors is important. “Many children today simply don’t possess the life skills needed for adulthood. In Asia, many parents and teachers today hijack childhood by loading them with endless ‘tuition’ and insane homework which leave kids no time to play, and yet study after study has shown that play is essential for human development. You need it to develop your social and communication skills, your creative thinking, your agility, fitness, and problem-solving capability. All the electronic games kids are hooked to today aren’t the true form of play. In fact, play is the natural means by which children educate themselves. Play is vital and we need to bring it back into our lives. I see the creation of ESCAPE as part of the Revolution - it’s time to play.”

“Without play, the planet is a miserable and destructive place,” he added. I thought this was an overstatement by a politician seeking re-election. “We need to reconnect the masses to nature, because unless they fall in love with nature, they won’t protect it. And the only way to bring them closer to nature is by creating intense fun in nature. On the social front, have you ever noticed how much fighting there is on this planet and compared this to how little children play together? Sim credits his creativity as a theme park consultant to his rich childhood experiences and the creation of ESCAPE Adventureplay was in part a way of reproducing this for other people. Future phases of ESCAPE will develop this theme with Waterplay and a Treetop Hotel, where you can experience the magic of sleeping out under the stars.


Sim reminds me that the theme parks (originally known as amusement parks) were designed as a fun treat for the masses from their hard toils. Sim’s take on the theme park industry runs contrary to the herd. He’s tired of the parks that are driven purely by technology and not creativity, parks with ever faster, scarier, bigger ‘strapped-in’ rides. “I predict that within my life-time, many of these hard-core extreme rides will become passé, and will find themselves obsolete. There will be more demand for what ESCAPE offers, and theme parks will become human again. Just like health, people are beginning to realise we have been eating too much sugar-coated stuff and we will realise one day the difference between being scared and having fun.” Sim is taking the ESCAPE brand worldwide as he senses that people are becoming far more interested in these sorts of experiences. Sim Leisure has recently signed an agreement to develop ESCAPE in Abu Dhabi.

“Creating ESCAPE was a kind of destiny thing,” he says. “Many of the theme park owners in the region are not even part of the industry, many of them use theme parks as a ‘marketing gimmick’ to help them sell something else. This often explains the reason many of these places look shabby and tired from lack of maintenance and re-investment after the theme parks have served its purpose. This downward spiral effect in turn has created a bad reputation for the industry.” His expression shows what he thinks of such ventures. “How can you run an industry when you’re not passionate about it?” he asked rhetorically.


As one of the great challenges for expats is how to use their overseas experience to the fullest when they return home, I asked Sim for his advice on the subject as he’s a local man with amazing international exposure. He’s lived most of his adult life overseas - working in Armenia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Ireland, the UAE, and Vietnam. “I prefer the term ‘working abroad’ to ‘expat’, which can set you apart. Learn the local language if you can, and live with the locals. In Vietnam, for example, I chose to live in an old plantation cottage and eat in the nearby village. The ‘expats’ thought I was mad not to live in a gated compound with a swimming pool but my experience was far richer because I was able to understand the way the Vietnamese are ‘wired’ so I could relate to them more effectively at work.” He credits his overseas experience with important realisations about growing beyond one’s culture. “It’s too limiting nowadays – we need a global mindset and so we must learn and play with each other and not rely on cultural traditions the way it’s always been done.”

As we walked back to the entrance to the ESCAPE park, Sim explained to me that we’ve lost the art of play as a human species – and very much to our detriment. “Pay attention to your pets, you’ll see they spend a lot of time playing. A person will not become a complete person if there is one part that is missing – a childhood full of play. You can’t jump from your four year- old self, full of wonder, creativity, and curiosity, into the straitjacket of academic goal-chasing. We all need play - and that’s why it’s really time to play!”

Source: The Expat Magazine September 2014

Get back to #Nature at the #ESCAPE Theme Park

Malaysian entrepreneur Sim Choo Kheng has been an “expat” in many corners of the world. He talked to Seamus Murphy about the founding of...

Monday, September 8, 2014

Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival after the Spring Festival in China. It takes its name from the fact that it is always celebrated in the middle of the autumn season. The day is also known as the Moon Festival, as at that time of the year the moon is at its roundest and brightest.

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival ...

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The locations listed below are non-hotels, non-beaches and non-restaurants. They cater for groups of 5- 200 pax. For furniture rentals, transport, catering, AV and decor needs, Best Events would be more than happy to complement what the venues can provide.
1. Puncak Dani in Genting Highlands
Puncak Dani Genting Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful baroque style bungalow as your event venue, look no further than Puncak Dani in Genting Highlands. Located just next to Awana, this hidden gem is perfect for an intimate wedding reception.
For more information: http://alunalunresort.com/
2. Duchess Place in Ampang
Duchess Place Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
Located along Jalan Ampang, this unassuming bungalow opens up to a beautiful marquee that can fit up to 300 guests. The best thing about having your event at Duchess Place is that you don’t have to worry about decorations – they literally have everything and can transform the venue into any theme you dream of.
3. Lakeside Venue in Kelana Jaya
Lakesight Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
Who knew the sterile town of Kelana Jaya would have such a beautiful venue for an intimate event? Located by the lake and with very reasonably priced packages that include food and decorations, this is the place to get your bang for the buck.
For more information: http://www.wedresearch.net/
4. Enderong House in Janda Baik
Enderong House Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
An amazingly picturesque location for your event, Enderong House has both nature and modern amenities harmoniously intertwined. This place is perfect for both small and big events.
For more information: http://enderong.com/
5.  Dani Lodge in Genting
Dani Lodge Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
Basically the younger sister of Puncak Dani, Dani Lodge is a contemporary bungalow in Genting Highlands with an open concept design. Overlooking the Awana Golf Course, it’s perfect for a nice and cool garden wedding right in tropical Malaysia.
For more information: http://alunalunresort.com/
6. Wanaka the Bungalow in Kuala Lumpur
Wanaka Bungalow Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
Wanaka the Bungalow calls itself a white canvas, as in you can transform it into anything that fits the theme of your event. The beautiful design of the bungalow and its surroundings ensure that your wedding will be one photogenic affair.
7. Laman Kayangan in Shah Alam
Laman Kayangan Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
What a deceivingly beautiful venue right in the heart of Shah Alam! The pillar-less, white, marquee setup is just brilliant as even a very simple wedding theme would look amazingly gorgeous here.
For more information: http://www.lamankayangan.com/
8. Banker’s Club in Kuala Lumpur

Photo credit: Benlawstudio.com

The great thing about the Bankers Club is obviously its architecture.  Those rich, luxurious wood panellings and high ceilings are perfect for the couple looking for a timeless and elegant wedding.
For more information: http://www.bankersclub.com.my/
9. KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur

Photo credit: numb9r.com

There are not many things that are better than having your wedding at a magnificent venue that has the birds eye view of Kuala Lumpur. Who needs flowers when you have clouds?
For more information: http://www.menarakl.com.my/
10. Dusun Garden Fairies in Hulu Langat
Dusun Garden Fairies Best non-hotel and non-restaurant wedding venues in Malaysia
Another hidden gem in the cool hills of Hulu Langat.  With a beautiful garden, a treehouse for grown-ups and a spacious pavillion, you will be able to hold your event or wedding of your dreams amidst beautiful nature.
11. Idaman in  Janda Baik
Idaman Janda Baik
Idaman is a wonderful place to go if you have a group of 10 people. At the maximum of RM2100 per night for the entire bungalow, this means it’s only RM210 per person. And the bungalow is so gorgeous!
12 The Dusun – House Sora in Seremban
the dusun
Okay so the House of Sora doesn’t really have a real swimming  pool but taking a dip in the plunge pool is still pretty nice. The beautiful bungalow makes up for the lack of water.
For more information: http://thedusun.com.my/
13 Villa D’oria in Kuala Lumpur
Villa Doria
If you could gather 15 people, you’re looking at paying slightly over RM100 for a whole bungalow with a private pool!
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDOria
14 The Greyhouse Bangsar
Photo
Need a beautiful indoor space and a huge outdoor garden for all your party needs? The Greyhouse Bangsar is for you.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/greycornerhouse
15 Summer Residence at Rainforest Sanctuary
Initially meant for post-natal mother care, the venue now also opens its doors to small groups of people wanting to get together in a peaceful and tranquil environment. 
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Residence-at-Rainforest-Sanctuary
By the way, if you enjoyed this article, please help make our day and like our Facebook page and share this post!
Story credit: We would like to thank lolaloot.com for listing the first 12 venues.

15 Most Unique Event Venues in Malaysia

The locations listed below are non-hotels, non-beaches and non-restaurants. They cater for groups of 5- 200 pax. For furniture rentals, tra...

 

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