Our CEO's Message

Economic Winds Turning (But Hold Onto Your Hat)

After a turbulent few years, early signs point upward. The Australian Institute of Company Directors' latest index shows director sentiment climbing for the first time since 2021. That’s a big deal – a 9.7 point lift off the post-pandemic low.  

 

Yet let’s not break out the champagne just yet: sentiment is still in negative territory, weighed down by global storm clouds. Boardrooms are wary of everything from inflation to trade tussles. In fact, 90% of Australian directors say escalating trade tensions threaten both Australia and the world’s outlook. Oxford Economics echoes this caution, forecasting slower growth and “more stubborn inflation” in Asia than many expect in 2025.  

The message? We’re optimistic but sober. Businesses should plan for resilience: lower inflation is on the horizon in countries like Australia, supporting growth, but supply chains and prices may stay volatile. The economic winds are improving – just don’t throw away your umbrella.  

 

Elections: A Vote for Stability

Recent elections in our region have been surprisingly drama-free – and that’s a good thing. In Australia, the federal contest that many assumed would hinge on punishing the incumbents over cost-of-living delivered, instead, a resounding victory for continuity. Voters, it seems, decided that easing inflation and the first RBA interest rate cut in years gave a decent chance of a soft landing, so the worst may be over. That optimism kept the government in charge, bucking the trend of angry “kick-them-out” electorates seen in 2024.  

 

Meanwhile in Singapore, the ruling party won an “unexpected landslide” in May 2025 with 65.6% of the vote. Much like their Aussie counterparts, Singaporeans voted for political stability and economic safety amidst global uncertainty.  

 

The takeaway for business? Policy landscapes in both countries are steady as she goes. Australia’s government now has a mandate to stay the course on initiatives from climate action to infrastructure, providing clarity for at least the next three years. Singapore’s leadership transition has been smoothly affirmed, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s team focusing on digital transformation and sustainability without missing a beat.  

In short, don’t expect any wild policy lurches – and in uncertain times, that stability is as refreshing as a cool breeze at an outdoor summer strategy retreat.  

 

Offsite is On Point: The Rise of the Great Offsite

One trend I’m seeing across the APAC corporate world: the offsite is making a comeback. After years of on-again, off-again office attendance, companies are rediscovering the power of gathering teams in one place, outside the daily grind.  

 

There’s solid reasoning behind this. Research out of Harvard and Stanford finds remote and hybrid work has made it significantly harder for employees to build meaningful connections. We’ve all felt it – those spontaneous chats and cross-team bonds are tougher over Zoom.  

 

A leading Stanford economist notes that about 70% of firms are embracing hybrid schedules, typically asking staff to spend three days in-office for larger meetings, training, and social events. Why? Because in-person collaboration is still king for brainstorming, culture-building and complex problem-solving.  

 

The implication for leaders is clear: we need to be deliberate in creating those face-to-face moments.  

 

Enter the offsite event. Company offsites, whether a half-day strategy huddle or a week-long innovation workshop, give teams the chance to collaborate without the distractions of daily office life. People often bond better over coffee and whiteboards at a fresh venue than over a hundredth video call. Sometimes you have to literally leave the building to think outside the box.  

 

I’ve seen firms run breakthrough planning sessions at Cliftons venues across Asia-Pacific – getting managers from Sydney, Hong Kong, Auckland and beyond together to solve big problems in one room.  

 

Offsites today are focused, purposeful get-togethers. From continuing professional development (CPD) seminars to major project kick-offs, an offsite creates a dedicated space to learn and collaborate.  

 

And for high-stakes professional exams and certifications, offsite centers (like Cliftons) provide the controlled, tech-equipped environments needed to administer learning and tests securely and efficiently.  

 

In an era of skills shortages – 83% of Australian directors say there’s still a skills shortfall in the workforce – investing in people through training and credentials has never been more critical. Offsite training sessions and exam intensives are helping close that gap by upskilling staff in a focused setting. Simply put, getting out of the office is very much in.  

 

Tech, AV Excellence, and the New F&B

The content of corporate events is evolving, and so is the experience. Today’s audiences won’t tolerate sleepy slideshows or sputtering Zoom links. The push for AV excellence at events is real. It’s not about shiny gadgets, but ensuring every participant (in-person or remote) can fully engage. Hybrid setups with crisp audio, multiple cameras, and interactive screens are standard. Industry reports show meeting planners eagerly adopting AI, automation, and even robotics to streamline events.

 

Live polls, AR demos, AI-assisted networking – yesterday’s sci-fi is finding its way into the conference room. High production values aren’t frivolous; they signal respect for attendees’ time and attention. After all, if we expect people to put phones down and tune in, we’d better put on a good show. The good news: the technology to wow audiences is more accessible than ever, and venues are upping their game to provide robust connectivity and support. The only glitch we’re prepared to accept is the one in our virtual video background, not in our audio feed or connectivity.

 

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite conference topic: food & beverage. Yes, even the corporate world runs on its stomach. The days of curling sandwiches and lukewarm coffee urns are (hopefully) a distant memory. In their place, we’re seeing barista-grade coffee carts, antioxidant-packed smoothies for morning sessions, and menus that cater to diverse diets.

 

A major trend is sustainability on the menu. We’re not just feeding people; we’re aligning with values. Sustainable, locally sourced and plant-forward catering is on the rise, driven by both conscience and good business sense. Researchers at the University of Sydney remind us that food production accounts for over one-third of global greenhouse emissions – so cutting down on carbon-intensive ingredients is one way to walk the talk on climate. Offering a delicious vegetarian spread is an environmental statement (with food production accounting for 37% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions).

 

Wine and dine culture is also evolving. Don’t worry – the wine is very much still invited to the party (networking just isn’t the same without a glass in hand), but even here sustainability is key. According to Wine Australia’s market insights, nearly two-thirds of regular wine drinkers globally are concerned about climate change and trying to reduce their own impact. Attendees appreciate efforts like organic wines, recyclable glassware, and low-mileage vintages. I’ve noticed event planners curating wine lists with a story – perhaps a biodynamic Aussie Shiraz or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from a zero-carbon winery – to give that evening reception an extra pinch of purpose.

 

It turns out you can have your wine and drink it too, sustainably. And for those who skip the alcohol, the rise of craft mocktails and specialty teas at events ensures everyone’s included in the toast.

 

The overarching point: great food and AV may seem like luxuries, but they’re central to attendee satisfaction. They set the mood and underscore quality, whether you’re hosting a board strategy day or a multi-nation conference. In FY2026, experience matters – from the pixels on the big screen to the provenance of the pinot noir.

 

Global Currents and Local Opportunities

Big-picture trends are the backdrop to all of this. Geopolitically, we’re navigating a fragmenting world. Protectionist winds have picked up – a “more mercantilist era” as some call it – which means businesses are diversifying supply chains and fortifying against shocks. The Asia-Pacific remains a growth engine, but with caveats: China’s economic challenges persist (prompting talk of stimulus on the way), and trade policy from major powers keeps everyone on their toes.

 

On the flip side, Southeast Asia and India are hotspots of opportunity, with young demographics and digital revolutions underway. There’s a clear economic power shift toward our region; by 2030, two-thirds of the global middle class will reside in APAC. That means new consumers, new ideas, and yes, more demand for education and events.

 

Companies in our part of the world are riding this wave by investing in innovation and talent. It’s no coincidence that Singapore’s government, freshly re-elected, is doubling down on upskilling initiatives and tech adoption, or that Australia’s policy agenda now firmly ties sustainability to industry strategy. For corporate event planners and professional development folks, these trends translate into themes for content: ESG, AI, resilience, and cultural agility are high on the agenda at conferences and training sessions.

 

Executives are seeking insight on everything from navigating carbon markets to leveraging artificial intelligence ethically. If you’re planning learning programs, aligning topics with these strategic priorities is a smart move. The best and busiest events I’ve seen lately are those helping professionals grasp what’s next – be it a CFO forum on climate risk or a workshop on AI tools. Our region’s hunger for knowledge is palpable. Continuing education is booming, but interestingly, so is the demand for human experiences around learning. The more digital we get, the more value people place on live interaction to exchange ideas and build networks.

Sources

AICD: Director Sentiment Index Oxford Economics: Asia Key Themes 2025 AICD: The Economics of the Election The Bower Group Asia: Singapore Election 2025 Harvard Business Review: Why Offsites Work Stanford (SIEPR): Hybrid is the Future of Work The University of Sydney: How Food Choices Can Help the Planet Wine Australia: How Consumers Are Responding to Sustainability The University of Sydney Business School: Economic Power Shift