Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the venue for the International Outsourcing Summit (IOS), announced yesterday that it will resume operations Monday, October 10. An IOS welcome reception for international delegates will take place that evening. The summit proper begins with registration at 7:30 am the following morning, October 11. The lower level of the hotel was damaged two weeks ago when a two-decade old seawall gave way during typhoon Pedring (international call sign Nesat).
“This opening date was determined based on the pre-condition that Sofitel’s standards of quality, safety, and security will be 100 percent achieved,” Sofitel Philippine Plaza general manager Goran Aleks said in a statement. IOS 2011 organizers visited the hotel yesterday, Monday October 3, to observe the condition of the hotel and to receive a briefing on preparations for the resumption of operations.
The ballroom and function rooms located on the second level where IOS 2011 will take place were not affected by the flooding, according to Raymond Lacdao, who is executive director for industry affairs for the Business Processing Association of the Philippines. Mr. Lacdao is overseeing IOS 2011. He was accompanied by executives of TeamAsia, the agency engaged to manage and execute the conference.
The tents located outside the hotel on the hotel’s sprawling grounds were affected by the flooding, but are expected to be ready to host the gala dinners that take will place each night of IOS 2011. There remains some possibility that the galas will be moved next door to the Philippine International Convention Center; however, hotel executives believe that is unlikely at this point.
Delegates will receive further updates on the first day of the conference. For questions about the conference, please contact Rona Castillo at rccastillo@teamasia.com or +63 2 757 3500 Ext 311.
