MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Meeting Planners,

We reached the third edition, also the last issue of our Bali International Convention Center's (BICC) e-news for 2000. Time flies! BICC has gone through an exceptional busy third quarter. During this period we have hosted many

prestigious international conferences to satisfaction and we are proud to see the positive signs and resurgence of MICE business in Bali. For this, our heartful thank yo your support!

in this edition, BICC is proud to introduce our new General Manager, Mr. Josef Sorger, who joined us early October. Josep arrives with his many years of experience in the hospitality industry and will be a great asset to lead the team. Also, a new associate member who recently on board is Raymond Tait, Director of Sales & Marketing. Raymond joins us from Sheraton Wuxi, China and holds responsibility to assist any future business leads. Join us to extend a warm welcome to both gentlemen.

Many of you have asked us what can we do to recognize our valuable clients. BICC is pleased to announce the launch of Starwood Preferred Planner (SPP) program, launched by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This loyalty program appreciates meeting planners like yourself with Starpoint which can be exchanged with many travel rewards and benefits. When book for your next meeting at BICC, call us for free enrollment in SPP program.

We wish you a fruitful last quarter and from all the team at BICC, best wishes to you for the coming new year.

Yours sincerely,

Surya Djelantik
Director of Bali International Convention Centre

PROFILE

Introducing Josef Sorger, The new General Manager of Sheraton Nusa Indah Resort and Bali International Convention Center.

Sheraton Nusa Indah Resort and Bali International Convention Center (BICC) is delighted to announce the new appointment of Mr. Josef Sorger as the General Manager replacing Mr. Lothar Pehl who moved on to Sheraton Sapporo in Japan as the General Manager earlier this month.

Josef is responsible for all the operations of this 351-room five star Sheraton Nusa Indah Resort in Nusa Dua and Bali's most extensive convention center, BICC. Definitely not a stranger to the hospitality industry, Josef started his career in this field 27 years ago. His challenges in Asia commenced with his appointment as the Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage Department in one of the most prestigious hotels in Shanghai in 1993. Before Chine, Josef held several different managerial positions in Hotel Food & Beverage Departments in Europe, Middle East and Australia.

Most recently, Josef was the General Manager of the Sheraton Bandara, Jakarta and prior to that, the General manager at the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort in Lombok.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT

9th International Coral Reef Symposium Held at the Bali International Convention Center

The 9th International Coral Reef Symposium held from October 22nd to 27th in Bali, taking place at the Bali International Convention Center. This world summit on coral reef science and issues, held every four years, was sponsored by the International Society for Coral Reef Studies. It is the primary vehicle by experts, including scientists, policy makers, resource managers, and conversations for providing new data and news concerning the state and heath of coral reef ecosystem around the world.

"World Coral Reefs in the New Millennium: Bridging Research and Management for Sustainable Development" was the themed this year's meeting, attended successfully by more than 1000 delegates.

The one-week meeting resulted the following news on:

• Global 200 status report on the state of coral reefs.
• New information on the potential link between global climate change and mass reef bleaching and die-off.
• New insights on mystery diseases killing coral reefs around the world.
• Possible breakthroughs in helping coral reefs ecosystems survive bleaching episodes.
• Cutting edge techniques for establishing effective Marine Protected Areas to reduce and/or eliminate current harmful practices.

THEME EVENTS

A taste of Indonesia and its tropical offerings is a must during any international conference. 'Tropical Masquerade' is amongst all the popular regionally focused themes.

TROPICAL MASQUARADE

Balinese girls, richly attired in colorful outfits and extravagant mask, distribute flower garlands, as guest enter the 'Gates of Magic' into a realm of tradition, colorful pop art, and modern Balinese masks. Tables are set with white tablecloths and beautiful, vibrant colored overlays, complemented by a centerpiece of tropical flowers, and an array of colorful masks. The buffet is a delightful blend of East and West, inviting guests to pick and choose their own favorites - assisted by waiters and waitresses dressed in brightly colored costumes. Guests are entertained by Balinese dancers adorned in masks of their own - there are birds, monkeys, kings and demons enacting rich pageants of theatrical spectaculars. All the mysteries of the Island congregate on this one night especially designed to show the mystical magic of Bali.