Starwood opens first TelePresence room in Asia-Pacific

The TelePresence meeting suites in Sheraton on the Park Sydney can seat only six people around the broad table, although more could join in at the back of the room. Rental fees are at A$500 (US$435) per hour.

When asked if having a TelePresence facility would cause meeting planners to do away with residential meetings, a spokesperson with the chain said: "No, this is a facility to compliment residential meetings. If an attendee could not make it, a breakout session could be had with a key speaker, etc. People will always still need to meet face to face, to network and interact. This is just an additional facility (for businessmen) to have quick meetings and still actively participate."

(Sources: Karen Yue, Singapore, TTGAsia)