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Stephen Gould, General Manager, InterContinental Bangkok
Curating MICE events in Bangkok, Thailand is a seamless process, with the heartfelt hospitality and vibrant entertainment scene adding more value to the events. Whether it’s a grand convention center hotel or a boutique property in the city center, Bangkok offers a plethora of options to cater to the needs of event organisers and attendees alike.
InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok can cater to a diverse array of guest preferences for the perfect event. InterContinental offers Bangkok’s only 4K LED mega screen, state of the art AV technology and high-intensity LED lighting fixtures, setting the stage for mind-blowing entertainment and networking. The event team assists from event enquiry to event completion and beyond. In an interview with TDM, Stephen Gould, General Manager, InterContinental Bangkok shares more about the hotel, hospitality and MICE in Thailand.
Travel Daily Media (TDM): Kindly elaborate for our readers the MICE facilities of InterContinental Bangkok. Which are the major events/ conferences that you have lined up in 2024?
Stephen Gould (SG): InterContinental Bangkok boasts an array of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities designed to cater to various events and gatherings. Additionally, I would like to highlight key points that make InterContinental Bangkok the perfect MICE destination.
Location
Situated in the heart of the city, with walking distance to numerous shopping malls
The BTS Skytrain, specifically Chidlom Station, is conveniently located right in front of the hotel, providing easy transportation options for the guests.
Even though we are located in the prime area, we also have the parking spaces for the buses (maximum of 12 buses), which is unlike other hotels in the prime areas.
Accommodation
Newly renovated rooms, as we reopened on June 1st 2023, following a significant renovation.
Our rooms start from a spacious 45 square meters, offering ample space for guest – a feature that sets us apart from other city hotels.
Our rooms start from the 17th level upwards, ensuring that all guests enjoy stunning high-floor views of the cityscape.
Function Spaces
All of our function spaces are conveniently situated on the same floor, specifically the 4th Rest assured, during the specified period, only your guests will have access to the function area, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for your event.
As an added benefit, we offer complimentary use of a 4K LED Screen in our Grand Ballroom, enhancing the visual experience for your event
Offers a range of meeting rooms suitable for both intimate gatherings and large conferences. These spaces are flexible and can be tailored to accommodate different event needs
Grand Ballroom:
The hotel features a grand ballroom, perfect for hosting gala dinners, conferences, and formal events. With its spacious layout and elegant decor, the grand ballroom provides a sophisticated ambiance for memorable occasions.
Exhibition Spaces:
Pinnacle Hall (consists of 6 function rooms) provides versatile exhibition spaces ideal for trade shows, product launches, and displays. These spaces are designed to facilitate networking and interaction among participants.
Banquet Services:
The hotel offers comprehensive banquet services, including customizable catering options prepared by experienced chefs. From coffee breaks to elaborate banquets, the culinary team ensures that every event is accompanied by delicious cuisine.
TDM: What extra do you offer to make any event exceptionally good in terms of technology, F&B and event planners/specialists?
SG: We have events, meeting and convention facilities at InterContinental Bangkok that are among the city’s most spacious, tech forward and versatile. The hotel offers 19 function rooms, with its largest an elegant Grand Ballroom, accommodating up to 1,000 guests for events, weddings and similar occasions. The hotel’s dedicated exhibition area boasts a spacious hall with capacity for up to 2,000 visitors and exhibitors.
Our fully renovated meeting facilities include Bangkok’s only 4K LED mega screen and state of the art AV technology to compliment the stunning sophisticated design, inspired by Thailand’s famous floating flowers and Phuang Malai traditions. We also have an on-site technical highlight which include a high-intensity LED lighting fixtures with advanced colour mixing technology; video streaming, conferencing and recording capabilities; satellite communications; mobile projection systems; and centrally controlled LCD display screens. Full secretarial services and luxurious VIP suites are available.
Our team of event professionals assist from the enquiry stage to event completion and beyond. Custom-designed menus are expertly handled by our passionate and professional culinary team.
TDM: How do you see the infrastructure available in Bangkok, Thailand for international MICE activities?
SG: Bangkok, Thailand, has established itself as a premier destination for international MICE activities which includes:
Convention Centers: Bangkok is home to several state-of-the-art convention centers, including the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) and the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Equipped with modern facilities and technology.
Hotels: The city features a wide range of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences, many of which offer dedicated meeting and event spaces. Bangkok provides ample options for MICE participants to stay and convene.
Transportation: Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with an extensive network of highways, expressways, and public transportation systems, including the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and an extensive bus network. Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, offers connectivity to major international destinations.
Support Services: The city boasts a range of support services including event management companies, catering services, translation services, and technical support for audiovisual presentations.
Hospitality and Entertainment: Bangkok’s vibrant hospitality and entertainment scene adds to the allure of the city for MICE participants. Attendees can explore cultural attractions, enjoy world-class dining experiences, and unwind in the city’s lively entertainment districts after conference hours, enhancing the overall MICE experience.
TDM: Do the major five-star hotels in Bangkok collaborate for any city-wide major events? Can you shed light on the Hotel rooms capacity of Bangkok for big events/conventions.
SG: Yes, major five-star hotels in Bangkok often collaborate for city-wide major events, particularly large-scale conferences, conventions, and exhibitions. Collaboration among hotels allows them to accommodate the high demand for accommodation and event spaces during peak periods and ensures that visitors have access to a diverse range of options that suit their preferences and budgets.
These collaborations includes:
Room Blocks: Hotels may reserve a certain number of rooms for attendees of a particular event, ensuring that participants have guaranteed accommodation at competitive rates.
Overflow Arrangements: When a single hotel cannot accommodate all attendees, overflow arrangements may be made to allocate guests across multiple properties within close proximity.
Shared Facilities: Hotels may collaborate to provide shared facilities, such as shuttle services between venues, networking spaces, or joint promotional activities to enhance the overall event experience.
Consortium Packages: Some hotels may offer consortium packages or bundled services to event organisers, providing a comprehensive solution for accommodation, meeting spaces, catering, and other event-related services.
Bangkok’s diverse range of accommodations ensures that event organisers have flexibility in selecting venues that align with their budgetary constraints and attendee preferences. Whether it’s a grand convention center hotel or a boutique property in the city center, Bangkok offers a plethora of options to cater to the needs of event organizers and attendees alike.
At our property, you’ll discover a unique fusion of two iconic brands: InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok. This distinctive blend enables us to cater to a diverse array of guest preferences, whether they’re seeking a leisurely retreat or a productive business stay. Additionally, it allows us to accommodate guests with varying budgets, offering the luxury of a 5-star experience at InterContinental Bangkok, as well as the exceptional value of a 4-star stay at Holiday Inn Bangkok. No matter your travel style or budget, we’re committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs.
TDM: What do you think about luxury hospitality in Asia?
SG: One of my key beliefs that I have crystalized over my 20+ years as a luxury hotelier, is the need for genuine heartfelt hospitality. No one does it better than Thailand and it is my mission to amplify this approach. We treat every guest as an individual and embrace their needs and desires. We put the customer first and acknowledge that everyone is unique and to be respectful, we should remember that during every interaction. We bring this to life through our sophisticated approach to managing guest preferences and via our training department, which ensures this approach is universal.
TDM: What are the major challenges of running hotels in Bangkok, Thailand?
SG: Competitive Market: Bangkok’s hotel industry is highly competitive, with numerous properties vying for market share. We must continually differentiate our hotel offerings, innovate service delivery, and adapt to changing market trends to remain competitive.
Staff Recruitment and Training: Recruiting and retaining skilled hospitality professionals can be challenging, particularly in a competitive labor market like Bangkok. It is critical to invest in staff training and development programs to maintain service excellence and employee satisfaction.
Online Reputation Management: In the digital age, online reviews and social media play a significant role in shaping a hotel’s reputation. Managing online reputation, responding to guest feedback, and maintaining a positive presence on review platforms are essential for attracting and retaining guests in Bangkok’s competitive hospitality market.
TDM: What are the current trends in hospitality across Thailand.
SG: Sustainable Practices: Sustainability has become a key focus for hotels across Thailand. Properties are implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as energy-efficient technology, waste reduction, locally sourced ingredients, and community engagement programs to minimize their environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
Wellness Tourism: With growing interest in health and wellness, hotels in Thailand are expanding their offerings to cater to wellness-minded travelers. This includes on-site spas, fitness facilities and healthy dining options tailored to guests’ needs.
Authentic Experiences: Travelers are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that allow them to connect with local culture and communities. Hotels in Thailand are responding by offering cultural activities, culinary experiences, guided tours, and opportunities for interaction with locals to provide guests with a deeper understanding of the destination. At our properties, we are fortunate to have several concierges who hold the prestigious Clef d’Ors designation. They are dedicated to ensuring that guests staying at the hotel enjoy an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Flexible Booking Policies: Hotels in Thailand are offering flexible booking policies, including free cancellations and date changes, to provide guests with peace of mind and flexibility when planning their trips.
Contactless Service: Contactless service has become a priority for hotels in Thailand to enhance safety and hygiene standards in response to the pandemic. This includes digital payments, QR code menus, and touchless amenities to minimize physical contact between guests and staff.
Culinary Diversity: Thailand’s culinary scene continues to evolve, with hotels showcasing a diverse range of dining experiences. At the property we have international cuisine, Thai cuisine, Cantonese cuisine and California cuisine.
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