Tokyo Unique Venues Showcases New Locations from Their Ever-Expanding Catalog
On February 8, TCVB organized a showcase event introducing two new sites from the Tokyo Unique Venues portfolio- the Tokyo Cruise Terminal and Small Worlds Tokyo. The online event showcased the ingenious ways the venues can be used for business events and unique performances to integrate into the event programs.
This year's focus—small scale decentralized events
Based on the new business events trend of smaller scale and decentralized events brought to the forefront by the pandemic, this year's event was held at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal and Small Worlds Tokyo. Ariake Arena and Ariake Gymnastics Stadium, legacy facilities of the exciting Tokyo 2020 Games last summer, were connected via live stream to broadcast exciting performances.
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, which opened last year in the Tokyo waterfront subcenter, is a facility that can accommodate large cruise ships and offers an excellent location with a view of Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji in the distance. The main area on the third floor overlooks the beautiful Tokyo Bay. Meeting planners can use the 3,000 sqm space for various events such as international conferences, exhibitions, and fashion shows. An extensive LED screen system measuring 4.5 meters in height and 15 meters in width is installed, and the screen can be used free of charge by those who rent the space. For this event, "interactive art" covered the floor. The art synchronizes images with the movements of people who enter the projections, giving participants the wow factor of being in a world of colorful illustrations.
Small Worlds Tokyo, which can accommodate 2,000 visitors, is one of the world's largest indoor miniature theme parks. Tiny theme parks such as the "Space Center" and "World City" are elaborately recreated at a scale of 1/80 by engineers from major Japanese manufacturers. The facility is the culmination of "JAPAN PRIDE" and "Japanese manufacturing technology," providing exciting learning opportunities to event participants. Examples of sustainable initiatives are displayed throughout the miniatures, and placards in the park are based on universal design. It has become a popular place to learn about SDGs, and more than 3,000 people from student groups and private companies visit the park every month for training purposes, even during the pandemic.
The online event started with an acrobatics performance delivered by the group PADMA at Small Worlds Tokyo. Impressive performances of BMX, MTB, Double Dutch, and jump ropes set the stage for an exciting showcase event. Their dynamic performances have become a popular attraction at parties and other events in Tokyo. PADMA later gave a second performance at the Ariake Arena and Ariake Gymnastics Stadium, wrapped up with a final show at the Tokyo Cruise Terminal.
A beautiful evening view from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal and a rocket launch scene in the Space Center at Small Worlds Tokyo were live-streamed during the showcase event. It made for a lively event that seamlessly switched between venues for interactive communication, contributing immensely to the increased engagement of online participants.
Sustainability and Technology Showcase
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for business events. For the showcase event, electricity used at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal and Small Worlds Tokyo was generated from renewable energy sources that do not emit CO2. Event organizers may announce the achievement of "Zero CO2 MICE" and receive a "Renewable Energy Certificate" after the event to further promote the event on their media channels.
The event introduced how catering can be sustainable. Finger foods, sandwiches, and creative Temari sushi made from "Tokyo Edo vegetables" and meat produced in Tokyo were displayed. Using locally grown ingredients reduce CO2 emissions from transportation. Environmentally friendly containers were also presented, introducing how food can be served in containers made from plant-based raw materials such as "falcata wood" and "bagasse." These materials are biodegradable thus can be buried, providing nutrients to the soil.
"Smago," a high-tech smart garbage can, was also showcased. It measures the accumulation of garbage in real-time and automatically compresses the trash to about 1/6 of its original size when it is at capacity, improving collection efficiency and reducing costs. In addition, the system operates on solar power, reducing the carbon footprint.
In addition, robots were deployed at the main venue to ensure strict hygiene measures. These robots use cameras to detect people's movements and may call out for temperature checks and hand sanitization. The robots can also provide tourist information and are one example of how technology is applied to Tokyo' business events.
The Unique Venues Showcase event introduced a new format of events and various initiatives needed for business events in the future. Tokyo has many fascinating unique venues that organizers can choose from. The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau will continue to introduce new, attractive, and sustainable styles of business events to organizers and planners seeking to hold their next event in Tokyo.