Regional events, compiled by Natasha Cruz

JULY

3-5
BUNDABERG, AUSTRALIA
Wide Bay Australia International Airshow 2009

Catch some serious aviation action at Bundaberg Airport during this head-arching three-day event. On Saturday and Sunday prepare yourself for aerial demonstrations, joy flights and standing displays of some of the finest aircraft to take to the skies. www.widebayairshow.com.au

To 26
SINGAPORE
The Great Singapore Sale

From beauty treatments to IT gear, this sale has most angles covered, with some fun events thrown into the deal. The city’s boutiques, malls and department stores offer dizzying discounts on their wares. www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg/2009

22-28
HONG KONG
Hong Kong Book Fair

Created to instil a strong reading culture, this fair now attracts thousands of visitors annually. In addition to the sale of books and publications, the lit fest features seminars and other literary activities. www.hkbookfair.com

AUGUST

1
DESARU, MALAYSIA
Desaru International Long Distance Triathlon

Held at a beach resort approximately 100km from Johor Bahru, participants from all over the world fly in to compete in this triathlon. Choose between the long distance triathlon (2km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run) and the sprint triathlon (500m swim, 18km cycle and 3km run).

4-6
BALI, INDONESIA: Full Moon

Immerse yourself in Bali’s rich culture with a visit to Amandari as the property celebrates its 20th anniversary. Located in Ubud, the resort is hosting a series of full-moon events (others take place on Sept 3–5 and Oct 2–4). Experience the magic of traditional Balinese dance and music in gorgeously lush surroundings. Take part in a Hindu ceremony and witness the integration of resort and community (Amandari is believed to be sacred ground by the Balinese). Keeping cultural traditions alive, the resort sponsors a dance/music teacher for local children: in colourful costumes, girls as young as 10 perform lengthy sequences with astonishing grace and dexterity. – Rachel Cavenagh

SEPTEMBER

19 Sep-4 Oct
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Auckland Heritage Festival

Celebrate the stories and secrets of Auckland while reflecting on the city’s history, including its art, architecture, fashion and music. Visitors are sure to find something to pique their interest here. www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

25-27
SINGAPORE 2009
Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit is set to once again host Formula One’s famous night race. Petrol heads and tourists gathered at the inaugural floodlit race last year to contribute to its phenomenal success. Renault’s Fernando Alonso made history by becoming the first winner of the night race, while fellow team member Nelson Piquet crashed in the 15th lap. www.singaporegp.sg

13, 14, 20, 27
MACAU
21st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

The night sky glowing in myriad fireworks, accompanied by the cheers of spectators, this annual, 10-team contest celebrates the firecracker industry’s prominent role in shaping Macau’s heritage and economy. www.macautourism.gov.mo

26 Sep-4 Oct
BANGKOK, THAILAND
PTT Thailand Open 2009

“We want the tournament to help boost the country’s image affected by the political and economic problems”, Suwat Liptapanlop, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, told the Bangkok Post. With the confirmed participation of Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal, excited crowds are sure to throng the Impact Arena for this year’s Thailand Open. Incumbent champion, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, also returns to defend his title in what is the first stop for some of the biggest names in tennis. www.thailandopen.org

UPCOMING BUSINESS CONFERENCES ACROSS THE REGION

22 September
2nd Annual China Institutional Investment Forum – Park Hyatt, Beijing
Chinese pension plans, enterprise annuities, regulators and insurance firms’ investment arms will be in attendance to learn the latest global investment- and capital-preservation strategies.

22-23 September
Social Networking World Forum Asia – Grand Hyatt, Singapore
Asia has the fastest growing social networking and social media market on the planet. There are also more mobile internet users within the Asia Pacific region than anywhere else. This event will debate and analyse current trends, market forces and examine how brands and organisations are exploiting this new media to market their products and services.

2-6 November
Oil & Gas Outlook Asia – Singapore
Against the backdrop of a global recession and volatile crude prices, Oil & Gas brings Asian NOCs, global IOCs, bankers, investors and key service providers together to discuss forward business strategies, investment, alternative financing vehicles and opportunities for collaboration.

16–18 November
Real Estate Investment World Australia 2009 – The Westin, Sydney
REIW will bring together hundreds of business leaders in the real estate arena who will discuss the current problems the industry is facing. Besides the threats, industry leaders will also share their views on the opportunities crises like these have to offer.


CWT works with Conference Bay to secure the best price for conference tickets. Conference Bay is an internet company specialised in procuring discounted tickets. To book your conference ticket and travel, or find out about other conferences, email cwtconferences@carlsonwagonlit.com