Travelbeat
Business Travel/MICE News
Update: March 11, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
AIME 2010 Sets The Pace
Positive reports from the 18th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) are flowing in from exhibitors and buyers with promising expectations for business in 2010.
Strong written business, requests for quotes and the quality of buyers are just some of the positive outcomes reported with many saying that 2010’s event has been their best ever.
Circulations Audit Bureau although it can be reported that AIME 2010 attracted 513 hosted buyers from 33 countries at the 2-day event last week, up on 467 hosted buyers last year from 25 countries, representing an increase of 7%.
“Last year, many companies were advising that events had been reduced or cut and there was a lot more ‘information gathering’. This year - everyone seemed to be reinstating events and there were several pieces that we have been asked to quote on,” said Sue Gaddes from Staging Connections.
“The calibre of buyers - especially from the corporate sector were very good and it was encouraging to see the show supported by many of the well established PCOs and event agencies, as well as some of the newer ones from all the states and New Zealand,” said Gaddes.
Reed Travel Exhibitions reports that the AIME pre-scheduled appointment system had been well utilized this year with 19% more buyers going online to book meetings compared to 2009.
AIME, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, is the premier event in the region and the largest exhibition in Australia for the business travel, incentives and meetings industries.
AIME 2011 will be held from February 14-15, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
(GTI Tourism)
Australia
Business Travellers More Discerning
The La Loft Apartments are a new entry into the accommodation industry in South Australia but have experienced significant growth since its inception 8-years ago.
La Loft operates 50 Executive apartments in the CBD and Inner CBD of Adelaide.
"La Loft opened its doors 2-years ago and within 6-months we experienced the Global and National Financial Crisis," said Mr Simon O'Callaghan, General Manager - La Loft Apartments.
"However, in the face of adversity we adapted by listening to our clients and have experienced significant growth as a result.
"La Loft is unique in that each guest is recieves personal customer services manager. Upon check in they are met at the apartment, given a tour, provided with a personal mobile number and offered 24-hour support.
"We don't offer any of the normal amenities associated with business hotel travel but for a comparable price, we offer apartment accommodation, larger floor space, 5 star appointed fixtures and better than normal customer service, as judged by our customers," he said.
"In our estimation, the hotel accommodation business is going to change significantly and dramatically over the next 12-months as the sifting and changing occurs."
La Loft Apartments was recently announced as one of the top South Australian 'fast movers' in 2009 ranking first in the Accommodation Sector and 4th overall amongst a pool of 25 leading South Australian Companies.
(AAP Medianet))
Update: March 10, 2010 [2 Stories]
Germany
GCB Supports Creation Of ISO Standard 20121
As part of its campaign for a greener meetings and conventions industry the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. now also supports a new project of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The introduction of the new ISO standard 20121 for sustainable event management is to be completed by the time the 2012 Olympic Games kick off in London.
The submissions for the second ISO meeting from April 26-28, 2010 in Paris were discussed in today's meeting of the German Standards Committee Sustainable Event Management in Berlin.
"We very much welcome that there will soon be a uniform international standard to measure the sustainability of planning and implementing events," said Anke Pruust, Deputy Managing Director of the GCB.
"As the association of German meeting and convention providers, we attach great importance to this and we represent the interests of our 250 members in the German Standards Committee Sustainable Event Management.
"Among our members there are many businesses that are pioneers and set a good example for 'green meetings'.
"Their commitment will be confirmed by an international standard, as this will not only give them valuable encouragement but will also allow them to benefit from the transparency enabled by the new environment standard world-wide," said a convinced Pruust.
Around 30 states support the standard-creating ISO/PC 250 Committee actively or as observers.
(GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.)
England
Congrex UK MD Joins The IAPCO Council
The Congrex Group has announced that Sarah Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Congrex UK, at the recent General Assembly in Athens, was elected to the IAPCO council.
APCO is the international association for professional organisers and meeting planners and aims to promote the professionalism of the meetings industry through continuing education.
Sarah will join the other newly elected members of the Council and President, Philippe Fournier, as Chair of the Quality Committee, to help serve the IAPCO members in 2010 and 2011.
The Council also works to promote IAPCO as the leading authority on professional congress organisation worldwide and to maintain the quality standards within the industry.
“I am really excited to join the IAPCO Council as this is such an important Association in the meetings industry,” said Sarah Fitzpatrick.
“It will be a great challenge for me personally, but I am sure that I can contribute to helping IAPCO meet its targets and goals for the coming years,” Sarah added.
“On behalf of IAPCO, I am pleased to welcome the newly elected members onto the council,” said IAPCO President Philippe Fournier.
(Congrex Group)
Update: March 06, 2010 [2 Stories]
England
Convention 2020 Initial Survey Findings
Fast Future Research has launched the findings of the 'Future Meetings Experience' online survey.
The research was conducted as part of phase 1 of the Convention 2020 study on the future of meetings, venues and destinations.
Fast Future also welcomed the latest platinum sponsors to sign up to the study – Seoul Tourism Organisation, Athens Convention Bureau and Congrex.
The founding sponsors for the study are ICCA - the International Congress and Convention Association, IMEX the leading industry trade show and Fast Future Research.
The other platinum sponsors are The Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Conference Centre London, Visit London, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Qatar National Convention Centre, and BestCities Global Alliance (Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan, Singapore and Vancouver).
Kenes are the first gold sponsor. The Technology partners are Meetings:Review and TrendWiki.
A total of 1125 respondents from 76 countries completed the global online survey which ran from November 2009 to January 2010.
The full report is available for download from www.convention-2020.com where delegates can and also share their views on the future of the industry and sign up to receive regular project updates.
(Fast Future, Research and Consulting)
Scotland
SECC Awards Its Second Champion
The International Craft and Hobby Fair (ICHF) has celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC), with the show’s Managing Director, David Bennett crowned the second of the venue’s ‘Champions’.
Since the SECC first opened its doors in 1985, ICHF has held four annual exhibitions on the Clyde, attracting more than 600,000 visitors to Glasgow and making it one of the longest-standing residents at the SECC.
SECC Director of Sales, Ben Goedegebuure, said ... “The ICHF events are a true success story, both for the organisers, for Glasgow and for us as they demonstrate how an event can stay fresh and attract a new audience not just for years, but for decades.
“While we don’t favour any of our clients over others, it is definitely a special occasion for us to celebrate with an organisation that has supported us from day one.”
Twenty three more Champions will be recognised throughout 2010 as part of the venue’s wish to acknowledge the contributions of key people and organisations to the success of the SECC over the last 25-years.
(Davies Tanner)
Update: March 05, 2010 [1 Story]
Singapore
Sentosa And Suntec In Cross-selling Deal
Suntec Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa are to cross-sell each other to international meeting planners.
The agreement allows event planners to offer their clients the opportunity to conduct their exhibitions and day meetings within the Central Business District in Suntec Singapore, then continue with after-hours social functions at Resorts World Sentosa.
Suntec Singapore is one of the foremost leaders in the meetings industry while Resorts World Sentosa is an integrated destination which includes its Compass Ballroom - Asia’s biggest, column-free ballroom - Universal Studios Singapore, a casino and top-class entertainment acts.
Together, the two heavyweights will cross-sell venues through joint sales calls, customised proposals and event concepts to international meeting planners, whose guests and delegates could enjoy seamless transfers between the two venues.
The partnership is an industry milestone that augments the commitment of both players to develop new offerings to grow Singapore’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions and tourism market.
“Together, we hold the experience of the guests paramount and are committed to giving business and leisure visitors the best of both worlds, providing them with a true Singapore experience,” said Ong Wee Min, Director of Sales and Client Services of Suntec Singapore.
(Suntec Singapore)
Update: March 04, 2010 [4 Stories]
USA
CMP Exam To Be Held At ICCA Congress In India
The Convention Industry Council (CIC), in their continued focus on the globalization of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, is pleased to announce that a CMP exam will be held in conjunction with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) at the 49th Annual ICCA Congress in Hyderabad, India on Saturday, October 23, 2010.
"Over the past few years CIC has made significant progress in its efforts to expand globally," said Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, Chief Operating Officer for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and CMP Board Chair.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for meeting professionals and we are thrilled that we now have a direct presence in India and are extremely proud to partner with ICCA."
"We're delighted that CIC has agreed to run a CMP exam linked to this year's ICCA Congress in Hyderabad.
"We're big supporters of CMP as the only professional accreditation programme with global credibility and our Congress education programmes have been earning CMP credits for delegates for a number of years, but this is a big step forward to communicate the importance of CMP to a global audience." said Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA.
More information on the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad can be found at: www.iccaworld.com/dbs/congress2010.
(International Congress & Convention Association)
Greece
France Wins presidency Of IAPCO For First Time!
At the recent General Assembly held in Athens, Philippe Fournier, of MCI, was unanimously elected as IAPCO’s President.
Philippe took over the office immediately and was delighted to receive the vote of confidence.
“It is a tremendous honour to become president of our prestigious institution and to serve our profession," said Phillipe.
"I would like to thank all of you for your confidence and count on you and the new council members to continue improving the professionalism of our industry.
"In these challenging times where the meetings sector requires the attention of all stakeholders, IAPCO has an important role to play as a Quality driven association.
"With the implementation of our Quality programme, we can now go a step further and continue with education, commitment to produce events and meetings that are environmentally and socially responsible, branding and other involvement for the development of our members.
"My goal is to prepare the members to be ready and get adapted to the changes. Let’s lead to change by leading the trend!” he said.
Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno steps down as President to take up the post of Chairman of the Committee of Ethics, yet a further endorsement of IAPCO’s Quality Programme.
(International Association of Professional Congress Organisers)
England
Southport Bursts Into Spring With Conference Wins
Southport Conferences has enjoyed a bumper quarter and has confirmed a series of large conference wins that will see an estimated £10-million plus of economic impact generated for the resort over the next 6-years.
Following a joint collaboration between the Southport Conferences and one of the largest conference venues on Merseyside; the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC) the International Dance Teachers Association has once again chosen the area to host its annual 3-day Congress. Confirmed until 2015, the event will bring an estimated 1,000 delegates to the resort each summer.
In addition to this, from May 2011, the Prison Officers Association has confirmed its annual conference to take place at the STCC, bringing with it an estimated 400 delegates to the resort each year until 2016.
Tony Corfield, Assistant Director of Leisure & Tourism for Sefton Council, said ... “These wins are a real testament to the work of the STCC, the Southport business tourism team and everyone else involved in the bid. The commitment for them to return year after year, really highlights particularly in an uncertain economic climate, the strength of the destination and its offering for delegates.
“The wins are not only a welcome reward for us as a team, but through the spend that each delegate will bring to the local area whilst staying in hotels and using the local facilities etc, it also equates to a significant economic benefit to Southport.”
(Davies Tanner)
Scotland
Creative Exhibition Celebrates 25-years At SECC
The International Craft and Hobby Fair (ICHF) is celebrating its 25th-anniversary alongside the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) this week, with the show’s Managing Director, David Bennett set to be crowned the second of the venue’s ‘Champions’.
Since the SECC first opened its doors in 1985, ICHF has held four annual exhibitions on the Clyde, attracting more than 600,000 visitors to Glasgow and making it one of the longest-standing residents at the SECC.
SECC Director of Sales, Ben Goedegebuure, said ... “The ICHF events are a true success story, both for the organisers, for Glasgow and for us as they demonstrate how an event can stay fresh and attract a new audience not just for years, but for decades.
“While we don’t favour any of our clients over others, it is definitely a special occasion for us to celebrate with an organisation that has supported us from day one.”
ICHF will bring Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts to the SECC on March 4-7, 2010. Both shows are expected to draw in approximately 15,000 visitors.
Twenty three more Champions will be recognised throughout 2010 as part of the venue’s wish to acknowledge the contributions of key people and organisations to the success of the SECC over the last 25-years.
For more information on the exhibitions, please visit www.ichf.co.uk.
(Davies Tanner)
Update: March 03, 2010 [2 Stories]
.
USA
HPN Global Officially Launched
HPN Global, North America's fastest growing site selection and meeting procurement company, officially launched an International group on March 1, from its Scottsdale headquarters.
HPN Global's International group is the result of a joint venture between Meetings International and HPN.
Collectively providing 19-years of site selection and meeting procurement services to corporations, associations, government and non-profit organizations.
With over 4,000 clients, meetings have ranged from smaller board meetings to events with over 8,500 attendees.
Ian Quartermaine, CEO International, for HPN Global said ... "This is an exciting milestone as we officially launch and market our global services to the MICE industry.
"We are especially thrilled to announce the fact that we are truly global with a significantly larger global footprint than our closest competitor, in fact by over a third.
"We cover the world not just in the number of countries but in the quality of our fast growing team of talented associates.
"We have added four senior local leadership executives in Europe and in Asia Pacific that, between them, have over 125-years in hospitality.
"In addition, the number of applicants wishing to join our HPN Global team is impressive by both number and quality. We are powered by passion."
(LDH Consulting)
England
First Timers For Technology & Event Services Village
Following the introduction 2-years ago at Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) of the Technology & Event Services Village, the event has attracted new exhibitors recognising the business opportunities of interacting directly with Gulf buyers and planners.
Visitors to the 2010 event will come face-to-face with a dedicated area featuring the latest technology and support services and products for the meetings and incentives industry.
New timers at the show, taking place from March 29-31, 2010 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), include USA based Cvent Inc and Dubai based Matrix Party & Audio Visual Services LLC.
Returning to GIBTM, on the back of a successful 2009 include Ungerboeck Systems InternationaL and London Speaker Bureau.
Complementing the Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM will be a dedicated Professional Education Programme, divided into three distinct themes - Event Planning Day on Monday, March 29; Industry Research Day on Tuesday, March 30 and Industry Trends Day on Wednesday, March 31.
All 3-days will feature discussions on future technological developments and how to use technology cost-effectively.
(CUT Communications)
Update: March 01, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Business Events Must Set New Path To Prosper
Australia's lucrative business events industry has reached a fork in the road in its bid for broad-based recognition and needs a new direction to regain the global standing it enjoyed earlier this decade, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) said today.
BECA Chairman Geoff Donaghy told the 18th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne that business events had to be assessed on their total contribution to the nation's wellbeing rather than just what they produced in tourism dollars.
The full story ... Business Events Must Set New Path To Prosper
(MG Media Communications)
Update: February 27, 2010 [3 Stories]
England
SECC Stands Tall In Front of UK Industry
The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) continued its 25th anniversary celebrations in style this week in London, dominating conference and event exhibition International Confex.
The iconic venue launched a new marketing creative outside the exhibition venue at Earls Court whilst, inside the show, the SECC stood out with a raft of new sales leads that will bring further economic benefit to Glasgow.
“International Confex is the leading exhibition for UK buyers of conferences and events, so it is an important source of business for us,” said Ben Goedegebuure, Sales Director of Sales at the SECC.
“In our 25th-Anniversary year we wanted to really make an impact and I doubt there are many people that left the show uncertain about our ambitions for the SECC and for Glasgow.”
During International Confex, the venue showcased its new marketing creatives with a selection of marketing and sponsorship arrangements that dominated the show floor.
Glasgow City Marketing Bureau Chief Executive Scott Taylor, said ... “It’s been a fantastic week at International Confex for Glasgow and the SECC; I truly believe that our joint, Team Glasgow approach has helped make the city an obvious choice for conferences and meetings.”
(Davies Tanner)
England
New Branding And Strategy
Wednesday, February 24 saw the official launch of Liverpool Convention Bureau and its new branding at International Confex 2010, as part of a commitment to highlight Liverpool’s business tourism offering.
“Liverpool has undergone so much change in the last few years and continues to evolve and we have needed to develop our services and branding to match,“ said Carol O’Reilly, Convention Bureau Manager, Liverpool Convention Bureau.
“We are in a fantastic position to open up the city and its attractions to event organisers.
"The re-launched Liverpool Convention Bureau will be able to point organisers in the right direction and help them to secure venues, suppliers and even room nights across the city’s diverse portfolio.
“Our new modern branding is the final part in positioning Liverpool as a contemporary brand that can breathe new life into events and we are looking forward to an exciting future.”
Liverpool Convention Bureau is committed to driving business tourism in the city and anticipates 14,000 new jobs and £2-billion visitor spend by 2020, as part of the renewed focus on events business.
New developments for the city include the opening of major hotel brands such as Novotel and Hilton hotels (November 2009).
A third Hilton hotel; Hampton by Hilton, is scheduled to launch in April 2010 which will have 160 rooms.
The new projects will bring the total number of hotel rooms in Liverpool city centre to nearly 5,000 by the end of 2010.
(Davies Tanner)
Germany
First With International Sustainability Certification
Leipziger Messe is Germany's first major trade fair company to have committed itself to sustainability as its principle for responsible business management activity.
This sustainable approach has now been acknowledged with the Green Globe Certificate which is recognised worldwide for the tourism and event sector.
At the same time, Leipziger Messe is launching a sustainability process for the company headlined "Growth in Balance", setting the pace for the German trade fairs and exhibitions industry.
"We are the first major German trade fair company to have successfully undergone the Green Globe sustainability audit," said the Managing Director of Leipziger Messe GmbH, Martin Buhl-Wagner.
"This means that we are transparent and measurable in our sustainability management."
(Leipziger Messe GmbH)
Update: February 26, 2010 [1 Story]
USA
Waikiki A Hot Spot For PCO’s!
Hawaiian Airlines and the Sheraton Waikiki recently hosted a group of professional conference organisers on a visit to Honolulu, to experience the hotel’s revamped conference facilities - and some of the top spots to rejuvenate afterwards!
The Sheraton Waikiki now has the largest hotel ballroom area in Waikiki, the newly renovated Hawaii Ballroom, plus 16 individual Meeting Rooms, and a Business Centre.
The group also sampled some of the best dining options in Waikiki, a unique seaborne function venue called the Catamaran Experience, then enjoyed a relaxing treatment at Spa Khakara, a spot of shopping at Ala Moana and a fun surfing session.
Pictured outside the Sheraton Waikiki from left:
Philippa Margan - Next Stage Events,
Mary Karagiannis - Hawaiian Airlines,
Jodie Haylock - Solterbeck,
Kristina Jeney - Events With More,
Joanne Mahoney - Leading Edge Conferences,
Gladys Arraj - Nationwide Travel and
Josie Armao - Starwood Hotels.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: February 25, 2010 [4 Stories]
England
Home Of Cricket Creates Inspiring Occasions
Marylebone Cricket Club, owner of Lord’s Cricket Ground in England, is opening its exclusive facilities for corporate and private events.
MCC was established in and moved to the Club’s present site in 1814 and has subsequently prided itself on quintessential etiquette and traditions married with the iconic architecture synonymous with the Media Centre.
Alfresco events and receptions can now take place on the Pavilion Roof Terrace, Mound Stand Terrace or the tranquil surroundings of the Harris Garden.
Upscale dinners take place in the Pavilion at Lord’s, allowing a behind-the-scenes view of the world-famous Ground, one of the most revered private members clubs in the world.
Simon Swift, an Assistant Secretary of MCC, said ... “We are delighted to widen the scope of Lord’s. For over 200-years Members of MCC have enjoyed the Club’s great traditions; the time has now come to invite others to try our world class-service and cooking.
"Above all, Lord’s provides one of the finest and most memorable views in the capital and what better way to make your guests feel valued than giving them a personalised message on the super-sized scoreboards.”
(Triggerfish Communications)
England
ACC Liverpool Awarded ISO 14001 Status
ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, has again boosted its status as one of the world’s leading convention centres by adding ISO 14001 to its exemplary set of green credentials.
Achieving ISO 14001 accreditation means the venue is now part of an elite collective within Europe.
The ISO 14001 represents a series of international standards on environmental management and applies to those environmental aspects which an organisation, such as ACC Liverpool, has control over and can be expected to influence.
The ISO 14001 mark will be regularly monitored and built upon with the venue being audited by the United Registrar of Systems (URS) every 12-months and internal audits throughout the year.
ACC Liverpool’s social responsibilities are overseen by the in-house Green Dream Team, driving the venue’s achievement ‘zero waste to landfill’ status as of Octobe 1, 2009.
In addition, an Energy Saving Task force has reduced the energy used across the organisation by contributing to significant changes including changing the lighting throughout the building in order to save energy.
This collection of initiatives confirms ACC Liverpool’s commitment to implementing strategies to help protect the environment.
(Triggerfish Communications)
England
MPI And ICCA Join Forces With GIBTM
Leading meetings industry associations MPI and ICCA have joined forces with GIBTM for “Meetings Reality & Potential in the Gulf Region – The Market Knowledge Exchange”.
Taking place between 14.00 and 17.30 on Sunday, March 28 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, the interactive session launches Gulf Meetings Week and is open to all.
Key topics for discussion and debate include the ‘mood of the market’; challenges and opportunities; occupancy rates and pricing; training and how the region can attract more association events, corporate conferences and incentives.
Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA said ... “This session offers meetings industry professionals a rare chance to share inside knowledge, the latest frontline market intelligence, and their individual viewpoints on where future business is going to come from.
“The Gulf region has been so dynamic and difficult to read over the last couple of years, with extensive supply-side developments still coming on stream despite the global economic turmoil, ambitious strategic planning by the region’s rulers, and extremes of market segment volatility and unpredictable client behaviour - hopefully after this frank exchange of views, we’ll all be that little bit clearer about what’s going on and what practical steps can be taken to win more meetings business.”
(CUT Communications)
Australia
Teamwork Approach To Special Events In Paradise
An experienced wedding co ordinator - Angelique Schesser - and event manager - Kylie Sansom - have been appointed to the helm of special events at Paradise Palms Resort and Club, Cairns, Queensland
For the past 5-years, Angelique (Angie) Schesser (top photo) has worked in the tropical north - making dreams come true as a professional wedding coordinator for her own business (Dynamic Weddings) as well as Thala Beach Lodge and Angsana Resort and Spa.
In her 12-year career she has worked extensively in event management both in Australia and her home nation, South Africa.
With roles spanning the management of international gatherings, business conventions and trade exhibitions she is a dynamic professionals whose abilities are perfectly matched by another newcomer, Kylie Sansom (2nd photo).
Having worked previously with Angie in a coordinating role for Dynamic Weddings, Kylie’s capacity for team work and aptitude to staging professional events is already second to none.
A qualified event manager with administrative and financial services training, she has also worked in hospitality as well as fundraising for Warnervale Rural Fire Brigade in NSW and various clerical roles for WorkCover Authority Information Centre between 2004 and 2007.
While both girls work together to manage Paradise Palms special events, Angie will specialize in the big business of weddings while Kylie takes care of all other Clubhouse events, business meetings and conventions and children’s parties in the newly opened Pelicans in Paradise.
(Pip Miller PR)
Update: February 24, 2010 [1 Story]
USA
IMEX America Increases Hosted Buyer Programme
Strong demand from US and international associations, hotel groups and agencies to bring their top buyers to IMEX America when it launches in October 2011 has led organisers, the IMEX Group, to announce an increase in expected hosted buyer numbers.
The announcement comes just 4-months after the show was launched.
On February 22, Chairman, Ray Bloom, announced that 2,000 qualified buyers will be hosted at the Las Vegas trade show for the meetings, incentive travel and events industry - an increase of just over 30% on the figure at launch.
80% of these buyers will come from North America, with the balance attending from around the world
"Our previous figures were confident but conservative. Recent discussions with our partners and other new business alliances make it clear that that there is pent-up demand," said Bloom.
"I'm confident we will see 2,000 hosted buyers at IMEX America. The IMEX hosted buyer programme is set to be the largest of its kind for any such US trade show and unique in this regard."
IMEX America is set to follow a completely different model to any other trade show of its kind in the US due to the scale of the hosted programme.
Qualification for places on the programme will follow the strict guidelines that have been used to build the authority and credibility of IMEX in Frankfurt.
The programme will bring top quality association, corporate and agency buyers from every corner of the meetings and events industry onto the show floor to do business with exhibitors.
(Regent Exhibitions Ltd)
Update: February 22, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Maid Taxis + Mum Set Scene For Pearl Resorts' Lunch
Traditional Tahitian cuisine set off by Mai Tai cocktails and Mum champagne provided guests from Melbourne's top incentive houses with a taste of Tahiti and her islands at the city's stylish Bistro Guillaume recently.
South Pacific Management Hotels, Resorts and Spa, operators of Tahiti's luxurious Pearl Resorts staged the elegant 'Dejeuner Tahitian' to promote Tahiti's magnificent lagoons, stunning beaches and romantic overwater bungalows.
Co-hosts Tahiti Tourism and Atout France also flew in Miss Tahiti Finalist Teuravahineifareata and a troupe of elegant Tahitian dancers to provide added piquancy and highlight the islands' striking charm and beauty.
Sydney cardiac surgeon and Pearl Resorts' aficionado Dr Ross Walker presented the manifest health benefits of a stopover in one of SPM's seven luxury Tahiti resorts and door prizes of black Tahitian pearls and 7-nights accommodation in the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa and Manava Suite Hotel Tahiti had guests reaching for their business cards.
Pictured: Miss Tahiti 2006, Teuravahineifareata, with Atout France Director for Australia, Patrick Benhamou, at Melbourne's Bistro Guillaume.
(MG Media Communications)
Update: February 21, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
Tour Down Under Continues To Grow
The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under was the biggest and best in thje event's history.
South Australian Premier Mike Rann said the race - held from January 17-24 - attracted record crowds, record visitors and record income for the State's economy.
Preliminary economic impact and research figures show the event attracted ...
* 770,500 spectators compared to 760,500 in 2009;
* 43,700 visitors to the State who attended the event compared to 42,500 in 2009;
* 39,700 event specific visitors from interstate and overseas compared to 36,200 in 2009;
* $41.5-million in economic impact compared to $39-million in 2009.
The Mutual Community Challenge Tour also set a new record of 8,099 participants - with a record 30% travelling from interstate and overseas - compared to 7,127 the previous year.
"Every aspect of the race has grown," Premier Rann said.
"We always knew that joining the UCI ProTour circuit in 2008 and Lance Amrstrong's comeback in Adelaide at the 2009 event would generate huge interest.
"We're absolutely delighted that this year's event - which fielded the strongest group of riders in its history - proved to be even bigger and better.
"It demonstrates that the Santos Tour Down Under is now a premium tourist event in Australia."
(Government of South Australia)
England
Business Booms For BT Convention Centre Liverpool
Corporate demand for BT Convention Centre Liverpool is buoyant, said Head of Sales, Kerrin MacPhie.
The BT Convention Centre, part of ACC Liverpool, has, within the last 4-months, hosted 13 corporate events, bringing in over 9,000 delegates reflecting an increase in demand from corporate organisations of 140% year on year.
2010 has already seen conferences, exhibitions and staff events from Lyreco, Molson Coors and Bunzl being hosted at the North West landmark venue.
These globally recognised names have seen the benefit of Liverpool as a conference destination and have invested their trust in BT Convention Centre Liverpool after just only 2-years in operation.
Whilst the demand has increased, lead in time for events has retracted allowing many of the events to capitalise on BT Convention Centre Liverpool’s shoulder days.
Kerrin MacPhie said ... “We have noted a change in business patterns as FTSE-100 companies and other large corporates consolidate their traditional programme of events into one all encompassing event.
"Traditionally they would have looked for various mid-sized venues across the UK; however they are now opting for one upscale venue at the heart of the UK’s infrastructure”.
BT Convention Centre Liverpool’s demand is reflected in feedback from the UK’s leading association for venue finding agencies who have seen a five fold increase in demand.
The HBAA noticed that business confirmed in January, transacting in the future, is up 39% compared to January 2009 with event sizes which seem to have increased.
(Triggerfish Communications)
Update: February 19, 2010 [1 Story]
England
Brighton Bags Four Association Wins
Brighton has won four major association conferences in 2010 to date, expected to be worth a combined economic benefit of more than £4.6-milion to the city and involving nearly 3,000 delegates.
Hosting the conferences will be the Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront (British Association of Supported Employment - September 2010), De Vere Grand (British Society of Rheumatology - April 2011) and Hilton Brighton Metropole (British Accounting Association, April 2011; Royal College of Physicians, July 2011; British Society of Rheumatology, April 2011).
Darren Johnson, Convention Bureau Manager, VisitBrighton, said ... “These are really significant wins for Brighton as it shows that our business product matches and reflects the needs of this kind of business. We have the rooms, support services and an outstanding social agenda.”
VisitBrighton recently announced a new marketing campaign ‘Seeing Brighton Through Business Eyes’ aimed at underlining the city’s outstanding business product as well as its leisure offering.
(Meetpie.com)
Update: February 17, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
Brisbane Promises Strong Showing At AIME
Brisbane - Australia’s new world city - is promising a strong showing at this year’s AIME with 18 partners joining Brisbane Marketing to appear on the Team Brisbane stand.
The stand - crowned as 2009’s Most Creative Stand Design - will offer delegates effortless access to some of Brisbane best business events operators.
Brisbane Marketing’s Director, Convention Bureau, Ms Annabel Sullivan, said she was excited about the depth and diversity of product to be showcased on this year’s Team Brisbane stand.
“We’ve got a great mix of partners that includes industry icons such as the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Sofitel Brisbane Grand Central, along with several AIME first-timers like the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge Spa & Vineyard and Novotel Brisbane Airport,” she said.
“The Team Brisbane partners are a real reflection of Brisbane’s unique new world city assets and ability to deliver business events of all shapes and sizes.”
Ms Sullivan said AIME also represented the ideal opportunity for delegates to meet one-on-one with Brisbane Marketing staff, register for a familiarisation and collect copies of the new Brisbane Meeting Planners’ and Unique Venues Guides.
(Brisbane Marketing)
USA
HPN Global Largest Ever Presence At IMEX
Hospitality Performance Network (HPN), North America’s fastest growing site selection and meeting procurement company announced that 50 hosted buyers from around the world will attend IMEX, Frankfurt, May 25-27.
Ian Quartermaine, (CEO International, for HPN Global effective March 1st 2010) said ... “IMEX is a significant event on our calendar and our executive team has supported this event from its inception.
"The newly branded HPN Global will have a dominant presence at IMEX to show the meetings world the quality of international buyers and what makes HPN Global different to the competition.
"As the fastest growing site selection and meeting procurement company we shall represent the world at this event with hosted buyers from every major continent.
"In addition our senior executives will be present in force to cement relationships with key industry customers and suppliers.”
Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group added ... “We are delighted to see this strong support for IMEX with an impressive attendance from HPN Global.
"This once again demonstrates that our industry is robust and growing and reconfirms key indicators that 2010 business is on the rise and that IMEX in Frankfurt is the place to be.”
(South PR)
Update: February 16, 2010 [1 Story]
England
ACC Liverpool Pushes Forward £45m Project
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool is to put proposals for a new £45-million exhibition centre to its owners, the city council.
ACC Liverpool has concluded an initial feasibility study on the King’s Dock site and the board is ready to take the project to the next stage.
The level of events business “has encouraged ACC Liverpool to investigate options for continued expansion to widen the venue’s scope, attracting additional business and revenue to the region,” the venue says.
ACC Liverpool Chief Executive Bob Prattey said ... “Options for expanding ACC Liverpool’s capacity are being discussed and the initial feasibility study has encouraged us to move to the next phase of exploring funding options.”
The development is expected to include three, 2,700sqm exhibition halls.
Prattey said the size of the development would allow bigger conferences and events to be staged and open the doors to the stand-alone exhibition market.
The company expects to have provided around 200 conference centre event days, with more than 71,500 delegates in attendance, by its year end in March 2010.
On the Arena side of the business the number of attendees is estimated at 615,000 for the year.
(Conference News UK)
Update: February 15, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Famil Success For Brisbane
Brisbane is proving to be a popular drawcard for meeting and event planners, with Brisbane Marketing’s latest famil campaign generating positive praise from all quarters of the industry.
The fact is, this is Brisbane campaign - launched in July 2009 - has already seen a broad range of clients visit the city and get the first hand experience of some of Brisbane’s best business events product.
Brisbane Marketing’s Director, Convention Bureau, Ms Annabel Sullivan, said a further five familiarisations were scheduled for the new year and this was the ideal time for meeting planners and event organisers to experience Australia’s new world city.
“Almost 30 local business events operators have partnered with Brisbane Marketing to deliver this famil campaign and they’ve all embraced the opportunity to engage with participants in imaginative and inventive ways,” said Ms Sullivan.
“It seems as though there’s no end to the creativity of Brisbane operators.
“Across the course of this famil campaign we’ve seen Buttons the miniature pony accompany clients on a site inspection of the Brisbane Racing Club and Moreton Hire create a unique party venue in the storage carrier of a semi-trailer.
“We’ve seen Caxton Street Catering create a sushi-making class in the middle of the City Botanic Gardens and the Stamford Plaza team lead a morning yoga session by the river.
“Not surprisingly, we’ve had exceptional feedback about the variety of experiences and venues showcased,” said Ms Sullivan.
(Brisbane Marketing)
Update: February 14, 2010 [1 Story]
England
No Joy For THA Group Creditors
No money will be available to compensate unsecured creditors or former employees of THA Group, an administrators’ progress report has confirmed.
The report also states that RBS bank, the company’s only secured creditor, will face a ‘significant shortfall’ against its indebtedness of £1.69-million.
THA Group went into administration in July 2009 with debts of £6.3-million.
Administrators KPMG were able to claw back just £50,000 by selling THA assets to BI Worldwide and £275,000 through the sale of sister company Quorn Business Travel (QBT) as a going concern.
THA and QBT had trade debtors of £535,000 and £963,000 respectively, but KPMG could only recover £40,000 and £512,000. It hopes to recover a further £65,000 within QBT but expects nothing more within THA.
“A number of customer counter claims have impacted on debtor collections,” it said.
The result is bad news for former THA employees who are owed £101,000 in holiday pay, accrued wages and salaries and will not receive any payout due to insufficient funds.
Unsecured creditors will also be left out of pocket. Under the Insolvency Act some money must be put aside for unsecured creditors - the maximum being £600,000 - but KPMG has stated that in this case it is "likely to be significantly less."
KPMG’s costs are £318,000.
(Meetpie.com)
Update: February 13, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
FCm Targets Asia As Key Driver Of Future Growth
Asia-Pacific based FCm Travel Solutions is set to further develop its business across the Asia region, which is expected to be one of the strongest drivers in the company’s worldwide growth over the next 3-years.
The Asia network of the global travel management consultancy, which is headquartered in Australia, is anticipating a substantial increase in demand from the corporate travel sector over the next 12- to 24-months.
It is also expecting corporates in Asia to become more ‘mature’ in their approach to travel management, with greater focus on consolidation strategies in response to the downturn of 2008/09.
FCm’s Executive Ggeneral Manager for Asia, Rob Flint, said the company cemented its 3-year strategy at its regional meeting held in Bangkok recently, which was attended by senior leaders and decision-makers from FCm’s partner travel companies across Asia.
“Our long-term plan for Asia is all about developing our business to meet the rapid growth we anticipate in this regional market. Asian airlines recovered at nearly twice the global rate late last year, so we believe we are looking ahead to a steady and continued resumption of business travel activity in this region,” he said.
Mr Flint said FCm’s key strategies for Asia included expansion into additional countries, organic growth of clients, additional team resources to meet demand and improved travel reporting capabilities.
“FCm’s expansion over the next few years will be primarily client driven. As well as growing more of our clients organically, we will consider expanding our operations and resources into new Asian countries if clients need us to be in those countries."
(Flight Centre Limited)
Australia
AIME Supports Just a Drop’s Haiti Appeal
AIME’s (Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) charity partner, Just a Drop, a charity initiative of Reed Travel Exhibitions, is appealing to the travel and tourism industry to raise funds to supply clean safe water to Haiti following the recent disaster.
As emergency relief agencies attempt to get the essential supplies through that are needed in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Just a Drop is calling for donations to provide ongoing support for villages and communities.
Just a Drop will send in teams as soon as the initial relief period is over to help rebuild water and sanitation infrastructure and encourage displaced communities back to their villages and homes.
AIME Event Director Rosemarie Sama said there will be a number of initiatives launched at AIME, which takes place in Melbourne on March 2-3, to help fundraise and ensure clean water is accessible to communities in Haiti.
“The earthquake and the scale of the devastation in Haiti means the effort to rebuild homes, infrastructure and communities will require ongoing commitment. At AIME we will work to spread the message that Haiti needs our help and that it’s easy to make a difference,” Rosemarie said.
“A silent auction will be the cornerstone of AIME’s Just Help Haiti Appeal and we will also be collecting spare change in coin donation bins, and selling Just a Drop pedometers at the show.
"We are also inviting exhibitors to donate for the silent auction and encouraging them to launch their own fundraising appeals at AIME to support this important cause.”
AIME exhibitors wishing to donate to the auction should email christina.rea@reedexhibitions.com.au by February 19.
(GTI Tourism)
Update: February 12, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Cultural Mix Celebrated At AIME Welcome
From tap and stomp to chilling out in an urban garden retreat, this year’s Welcome Reception for the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) promises to stimulate the senses, and capture the essence of Melbourne.
The event will be held at The Goods Shed South - once a landmark public transport building - which will transform into a series of unique spaces presenting Melbourne’s diversity, from established cultural experiences to emerging subcultures.
According to Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), the event is centred around city life from a local’s perspective.
“This year’s AIME Welcome Reception will provide a microcosm of Melbourne local life in 2010, bringing together various nightlife, culinary and entertainment experiences from throughout Melbourne into the one exciting space.
“Whilst one space reflects the outdoor garden typical of Melbourne’s famed rooftop bars, another showcases the city’s streetwise edge, complete with industrial decor, DJ and urban dance," Ms Chipchase said.
“Melbourne’s multiculturalism will also be highlighted throughout the event, particularly through showcasing the diverse culinary styles and traditions which Melbourne has embraced from around the world.
“These include Mediterranean, Pacific Island and Oriental cuisines, each of which will be complemented by unique art installations to capture Melbourne’s multicultural essence."
AIME will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, March 2 & 3, 2010.
(GTI Tourism)
Back to Front Page
|
|
