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calendar dates for booking new events are limited , PCEB ’ s CEO explained .
PWCC – a watershed moment The 1954 film , On the Waterfront , helped propel a young Marlon Brando to global stardom . When it opens , Penang Waterfront Convention Centre ( PWCC ), a huge , purpose-built venue targeted at the exhibition industry ( i . e . heavy machinery , automation events ) with spectacular views over the Strait of Malacca , promises to be similarly transformative for business events on the island and help plug a key gap in the market – hence Gunasekeran ’ s description of it as a “ game-changer ”.
I donned a hard hat and hi-vis vest for a site tour of the development , which has a total gross floor area of over 330,000sq ft including a c . 80,000 sq ft exhibition hall , hotels ( Hyatt / Galaxy Minyoun JV ) and retail shopping space , and is estimated to cost in the region of RM4.5 billion ($ 1.05bn ), according to the project manager . Whether PWCC becomes the ‘ godfather ’ of large events in Penang , only time will tell of course , but judging by the advance booking interest being shown and the palpable sense of excitement the development has generated among key players in Penang ’ s MICE sector , it looks well
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placed to be a real contender .
5-star ParkRoyal Penang Resort To hear how things are going in terms of conferencing from a hotel ’ s perspective , CMW dropped in at ParkRoyal Penang Resort , a 5-star hotel in Batu Ferringhi in the north-west of the island which hosts conferences and weddings , and has recently opened new event space , the Andaman ballroom which can accommodate up to 300 people , and seven newly renovated function rooms on the first floor . As the hotel ’ s client base is mainly from south-east Asia , the hotel would like to internationalise its client demographic – to get more bookings from Europe , UK and Australia , for example . “ To try and achieve this , we are working closely with PCEB . First we need to sell Penang as a destination , however . Only then can we sell our hotel ,” said Betty Lim , director of sales and marketing . Lim also expressed her excitement at PWCC ’ s impending opening and the potential booking spill-over for the ParkRoyal when events are held at PWCC .
Leisure attractions In terms of delegate down time , I can recommend a guided historical tour by trishaw of the cultural attractions
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Above : PITE delegates sample some of the culinary and heritage delights in Penang |
of George Town , Penang ’ s capital and UNESCO Heritage site ; a trip up to Penang Hill by funicular to the Habitat , a nature reserve with spectacular panoramic views over the city , as well as paying a visit to a Craft Batik workshop and ecotourism attractions , Tropical Spice Garden and Entopia Butterfly Farm , all of which offer event space .
Asked about his experience at PITE 2024 , Johnny Li , managing director of Gateway Group Limited , a Hong Kong-based brand building company , told CMW :
“ The B2B networking session provided ample opportunities to engage with representatives from a range of establishments , including hotels , resorts , local DMCs and attractions . The discussions were rewarding , fostering valuable connections . The SPICE convention centre was an ideal venue to host such an event .
“ I really enjoyed the educational aspect of the event which encompassed visits to Penang Hill , Entopia Butterfly Farm , Tropical Spice Garden and a Craft Batik experience .
“ The farewell dinner party at the Hin Bus Depot in Penang was a real highlight , taking us on a culinary journey to savour the essence of ‘ Truly Asia ’ in Malaysia .” n
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