Marina Bay Sands

MARINA Bay Sands, which has transformed Singapore's skyline since its opening in 2010 and is home to multiple unique and first-to-Singapore attractions as an integrated resort, is one of the two winners of the Business Event Venue of the Year award.

"From breathtaking hotel rooms, to extensive and highly flexible event spaces, world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping, guests are able to enjoy the best we have to offer in a single destination," says Benny Zin, COO of Marina Bay Sands and VP of conventions and exhibitions. "No other business event venue in Singapore can offer a truly seamless experience that combines work and play all under one roof."

The iconic Marina Bay Sands has established itself as a leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment in Asia. Located in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, it offers state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities along with a luxury hotel, the world's first ArtScience Museum, two theatres, world-class entertainment as well as the best shopping and dining in the region. The hotel is also home to celebrity chef restaurants such as Adrift by David Myers, the newly opened Spago by Wolfgang Puck and Sky on 57 by Justin Quek, as well as Singapore's only Banyan Tree Spa.

"Marina Bay Sands prides itself as a thought leader in the MICE industry, and is proud to have hosted many first-to-Singapore shows since opening. Marketing the Singapore narrative, alongside Marina Bay Sands' unique offering, is integral in convincing international event organisers to hold their events here," says Mr Zin.

"Hence, we actively participate in education and outreach programmes, as well as partnerships with key international associations to bring about greater awareness of Singapore as a key MICE destination."

Marina Bay Sands' strength lies in being part of a larger integrated resort story. Not many hotels or MICE venues in Singapore can claim to being seamlessly integrated to a world-class shopping mall, theatres, a museum, and celebrity chef restaurants - all accessible within minutes of walking. This also gives rise to many creative venues for business meetings or networking sessions, beyond the conventional ballroom.

"Marina Bay Sands encapsulates Singapore's dynamism, innovative and can-do spirit through our unique approach to hosting world-class meetings and conventions," says Mr Zin.

"We are capable of showcasing the multicultural aspects of Singapore through the food we serve, the shopping tours we extend to delegates, as well as collaborating with other attractions such as Gardens by the Bay to offer group packages. We are proud to play a part in shaping the guests' experience and promoting Singapore wherever we can."

As Singapore's largest hotel, Marina Bay Sands says that it is committed to creating the best experiences for guests through outstanding service. Being a labour intensive integrated resort, it hires over 9,500 full-time staff. Apart from putting Singapore on the world map, the tourism activity generated by Marina Bay Sands also fuels the growth of many Singapore-based enterprises.

"Last year, 90 per cent of our purchasing of goods and services were done locally. Thus Marina Bay Sands is able to spur other organisations to grow with us and share in the economic prosperity that we are bringing to the market," says Mr Zin.