Connections has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of Connections Luxury Asia Pacific, held from 5-8 October 2025 in Tokyo. The event marked a significant milestone for the global luxury business events community, bringing together 130 senior leaders from across Asia Pacific and beyond for high-level meetings, cultural exchanges and experiential networking.
Delivered in partnership with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), the debut edition provided a platform for senior luxury events and travel buyers from across Asia Pacific to meet international suppliers. The programme fostered strategic relationships designed to influence the future of premium business events across the region.
Delegates experienced some of Tokyo’s most prestigious venues, beginning with a welcome reception at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, followed by business sessions and immersive experiences hosted at the JW Marriott Tokyo – the first event to be held at the newly opened property following its grand opening on 2 October. Evening networking functions took place at Fairmont Tokyo and Happo-en, showcasing the city’s world-class hospitality provision.
Event Partners included: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, JW Marriott Tokyo, Fairmont Tokyo, Happo-en Tokyo, CRIL Privée & Cie., CLIA, Flywire, Marriott International, XO Private, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Maison Kissako.
Delegates also participated in a curated programme of cultural and experiential activities, highlighting Japan’s artistry and heritage. Experiences ranged from sumo demonstrations, kimono dressing and geisha performances to calligraphy, kumiko woodworking, whisky tastings and sushi-making workshops. Experience Partners included JW Marriott Tokyo, Flywire, Manchester City Football Club and Maison Kissako.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Gregory Reeves, Managing Director of Connections, commented “Hosting our first-ever Connections Luxury Asia Pacific in Tokyo has been an exceptional experience. The warm hospitality of our partners and the enthusiasm of the region’s business events and luxury travel professionals have been truly inspiring. This event has established the foundation for a strong and collaborative future across Asia Pacific.”
Looking ahead, Connections announced that the 2026 edition of Connections Luxury Asia Pacific will take place in Osaka, in partnership with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, from 4–7 October 2026. The decision reinforces Japan’s continued rise as a powerhouse destination for luxury and business events and highlights Osaka’s growing global profile as a centre for innovation, gastronomy and culture.
Reeves added, “We are delighted to bring Connections Luxury Asia Pacific to Osaka next year. Our mission is to connect people through meaningful shared experiences, and Osaka – with its vibrant atmosphere and celebrated culinary scene – offers the ideal environment for our community to deepen partnerships and create new business opportunities.”
AloJapan.com