EventClicks offers web venue service - Oct 00

By Stephanie Roberts HONG KONG Event-Clicks, an online venue-finding service, has been launched in Hong Kong and Singapore. The service, a joint venture between Hong Kong-based e-KONG Group and Singapore-based Chan Brothers Group, will provide a one-stop shop for event and meeting planners to source and book suitable locations and facilities. "EventClicks is the first venue-finding service focused on Asia Pacific," said EventClicks chief executive officer Mr Tom Murphy. "All our staff have a background in the hospitality and travel industry." Clients will also be able to make direct contact with account managers through the service. Mr Murphy said he expected meeting planners using the service could reduce the time to book a venue by 75%. He stressed the role of professional conference organisers and travel agents would not diminish with the emergence of such internet services. "The service can be used by professional conference organisers and travel agents as well as corporate meeting planners," Mr Murphy said. While the main focus of the company will be on the Asia Pacific region, EventClicks will work with clients to book events all over the world. Mr Murphy also emphasised clients would have the opportunity to make site inspections before booking. The company is also offering its clients a loyalty programme. "This programme will be similar to those offered by hotels and airlines," Mr Murphy said. "From every booking made, points will go to a common pool rather than being fragmented property by property."