CEMS Joins the Harrah's, Keppel Singapore Team

LAS VEGAS -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Singapore-based conference and exhibition organizer CEMS (Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd.) has joined Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) and Keppel Land in their effort to develop integrated resorts in the Republic of Singapore. CEMS will serve as a strategic adviser to Harrah's and Keppel on the conventions component of their proposals, bringing its 25 years' worth of experience and connections in the convention industry in the Pacific Rim and South Asia.

This strategic relationship follows the recent alliances with SMG, the global leader in conventions marketing and management, and Paris-based Centre Pompidou, one of the world's leading cultural institutions. Harrah's and Keppel are assembling an elite team of partners in hopes of securing the right to develop a world-class integrated resort in Singapore's Marina Bayfront district.

"The convention element is a central component of our proposal, as we believe it will draw large numbers of affluent business and convention travellers to Singapore," said Richard Mirman, senior vice president of business development for Harrah's Entertainment. "CEMS and SMG give us the knowledge and the connections we need to build a strong convention business quickly, something we believe will make our proposal particularly compelling to Singapore officials."

"Through our longstanding industry experience, our excellent reputation and strong network of relationships, there is a lot of value we can bring to enhance the Harrah's and Keppel bid," said Edward Liu, founder and managing director of CEMS. "We are very pleased to be able to work with Harrah's, Keppel and SMG on this distinguished project, as it signals by far the most significant leap for the convention industry in Singapore and the whole region."

With business activities spanning many Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, China, India and Pakistan, CEMS is a leading player in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions industry in Asia. Established in 1980, CEMS has vast knowledge and experience in organizing and managing exhibitions, conferences and other special events for government agencies, associations and private enterprises. Organizations CEMS has worked or partnered with include: the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), IE Singapore, National Science & Technology Board and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Singapore; Messe Munich and Nuremberg Global Fairs in Germany; and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in the United States.