PARTNER
PROGRAM
All partner program registrants will attend all 3 of the below activities. Transfers to the activities will be provided along with an English-speaking guide.
The activities will be performed in 2 groups on Thursday 8 May and 4 groups on Friday 9 May. Groups will be allocated during registration on Wednesday 7 May from 12pm – 7pm in the East Room at Ace Hotel.
Thursday 8 May: 9.30am – 4.00pm. Full day all participants
Friday 9 May: 8.30am – 12.30pm. Total activity time will be up to 2.5 hours including return transfers.
Lunch will be available for all partners on Thursday 8 May at the activity venue and on Friday 9 May at the ACE Hotel with delegates.
Dress Code: Conservative casual wear. Enclosed shoes with socks are highly recommended. No spaghetti straps or tank tops.
Activity 1 – IKEBANA LESSON –
THURSDAY 8 MAY
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Keeping within traditional customs, you’ll discover how to not only make a beautiful piece of traditional Japanese art, but you’ll discover the history behind it and what makes ikebana so special. This activity will be held at a Kyto Handicraft Center where you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase traditional Japanese gifts for family and friends. A traditional Japanese lunch will be served here before you move onto your next activity.
Activity 2 – TAIKO DRUMMING –
THURSDAY 8 MAY
Experience Japan’s ancient art of Taiko drumming while visiting the Chion-in Wajun Kaikan temple with time to view the famous Sanmon gate. Learn basic taiko techniques, simple traditional songs, as well as some history and structure of taiko. Following this activity transfers are provided back to the ACE Hotel conference venue.
Activity 3 – KIMONO and tea ceremony experience – FRIDAY 9 MAY
Step into the elegance of Japanese tradition with a private Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience. Begin by dressing in a beautiful Kimono, carefully fitted by expert staff. Once dressed, you’ll take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, a time-honoured ritual that embodies grace, mindfulness, and hospitality. Guided by a tea master, you’ll learn the significance of each movement, savour matcha green tea, and experience the serenity of this ancient practice.
This private experience is set in a traditional Kyoto tea house, offering an intimate and authentic setting to fully embrace Japanese culture.
To view more information on the activities, you can view the fact sheet below.
Conference Business Sessions
Partner registration does not include attendance at any business sessions. If you wish to attend the business sessions, registration as a full delegate will be required and you will not be able to attend the partner activities above.
In the event that an activity is unable to be run due to supplier issues, NECA reserves the right to organise alternate arrangements as close to the original program inclusions as possible.
Information on children attending can be found on the FAQ page of the website. Please advise the secretariat if you are interested in children attending. A registration fee covering the social functions and partner activities will apply.