![\"Onorio](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Onorio-Rebecchini.jpg\")
On 4th February 2021, the EU CVB Network hosted a Virtual Happy Hour for a group of Professional Congress Organisers. It was one in a series of virtual networking sessions that the Network has hosted in the last couple of months. It was attended by some of the most influential people in the industry from AIM Group International, Kenes Group, K.I.T. Group and MCI Group.
\n\u2018\u2019I could feel the strong combination of collaboration and knowledge sharing of this new dynamic network. A group of valuable CVBs committed to exploring and enhancing innovation facing the new challenges of PCOs and associations,\u201d says Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, Vice President AIM Group International.
\nThe EU CVB Network consists of seven convention bureaux representing the cities of Florence, Gothenburg, Ljubljana, Lyon, Rotterdam, Salzburg and Val\u00e8ncia.
\n\u00a0Discussions about forming a collaborative convention bureau network started a couple of years ago, between a group of destinations sharing common characteristics. While the destinations sometimes compete for the same meetings, they recognised the benefits of working in collaboration with each other. It was with a community spirit they got together last year, and with a strong belief that by working together and generously sharing knowledge, experiences and best practice, they would all benefit, and so would their clients.
\n\u201cThe EU CVB Network is a great new initiative. Destinations are cooperating rather than competing which can create new opportunities for event planners. The small group allows for personalised interaction and can only add value when looking for future destinations.
\nIt already triggered a couple of opportunities,\u201d says Valerie Thiollet, Team Manager, Specialty Congresses Department, at the European Society of Cardiology.
\nThe Network offers organisers of international meetings the opportunity to get in touch with seven cities at once. The destinations share many common characteristics, not only when it comes to compact city centres and centrally located meeting facilities. They all have a strong collaboration with the local community, a focus on sustainability and innovation and they offer a personal approach and a commitment to engage with associations and PCOs in the process of redesigning meeting solutions in a post-Covid era. Their geographical spread means they can suit a European association\u2019s rotation pattern and be suitable for multi-hub events, as all destinations have invested in the technological infrastructure required to meet the needs of tomorrow.
\n\u201cI was very excited to hear about the new EU CVB Network. It is really fantastic to have such a collaboration between great meetings destinations that can support PCOs in the new norm of our meeting industry,\u2019\u2019 says Ori Lahav, Vice President Client & Operations Kenes Group and President IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organisers.
\nThe Network’s first joint event took place in Brussels in March 2020. It attracted great interest amongst Brussels-based association representatives. With the corona crisis, the collaboration moved online. The destinations share experiences on a regular basis and the Network has been an important support system in a difficult time. Apart from hosting virtual networking events, the Network has held several virtual business leads exchange sessions, with successful outcomes.
\n\u00a0\u2018\u2019The EU CVB Network has provided great opportunities for me to exchange ideas and share experiences with other associations. The Network also opens new ways for me to get to know other locations better, to have a direct contact and built-in trust. It saves me a lot of time and communication in the research to find a suitable destination and venue for our events. The Network builds on experience and the destinations support each other without competing. The CVBs and convention centres are already informed about our association from past events in an EU CVB Network destination and can build their offer on it and, at the same time know what our focus is. For me as an event organiser, that is a big plus,\u2019\u2019 says Melanie Decker, Director Events & Exhibitions at Parenteral Drug Association Europe.
\nLike many others, the EU CVB Network has had to postpone some of its face-to-face activities in 2021, but it is planning to host another joint physical event for associations and join the main MICE events throughout the year. In the meantime, the Network is actively working on future association meetings and to create new business opportunities for international congresses.
\nTo get in touch with the EU CVB Network, please contact one of the convention bureau representatives:
\n\n
The post Collaboration Before Competition \u2013 Meet the EU CVB Network appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "The EU CVB Network introduces itself to the top players of the international meetings industry with a series of virtual events. An opportunity to present the benefits of the collaborative convention bureau network to associations and PCOs.\nOn 4th February 2021, the EU CVB Network hosted a Virtual Happy Hour for a group of Professional Congress Organisers. It was one in a series of virtual networking sessions that the Network has hosted in the last couple of months. It was attended by some of the most influential people in the industry from AIM Group International, Kenes Group, K.I.T. Group and MCI Group.\n\u2018\u2019I could feel the strong combination of collaboration and knowledge sharing of this new dynamic network. A group of valuable CVBs committed to exploring and enhancing innovation facing the new challenges of PCOs and associations,\u201d says Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, Vice President AIM Group International.\nThe EU CVB Network consists of seven convention bureaux representing the cities of Florence, Gothenburg, Ljubljana, Lyon, Rotterdam, Salzburg and Val\u00e8ncia.\n\u00a0Discussions about forming a collaborative convention bureau network started a couple of years ago, between a group of destinations sharing common characteristics. While the destinations sometimes compete for the same meetings, they recognised the benefits of working in collaboration with each other. It was with a community spirit they got together last year, and with a strong belief that by working together and generously sharing knowledge, experiences and best practice, they would all benefit, and so would their clients.\n\u201cThe EU CVB Network is a great new initiative. Destinations are cooperating rather than competing which can create new opportunities for event planners. The small group allows for personalised interaction and can only add value when looking for future destinations.\nIt already triggered a couple of opportunities,\u201d says Valerie Thiollet, Team Manager, Specialty Congresses Department, at the European Society of Cardiology.\nThe Network offers organisers of international meetings the opportunity to get in touch with seven cities at once. The destinations share many common characteristics, not only when it comes to compact city centres and centrally located meeting facilities. They all have a strong collaboration with the local community, a focus on sustainability and innovation and they offer a personal approach and a commitment to engage with associations and PCOs in the process of redesigning meeting solutions in a post-Covid era. Their geographical spread means they can suit a European association\u2019s rotation pattern and be suitable for multi-hub events, as all destinations have invested in the technological infrastructure required to meet the needs of tomorrow.\n\u201cI was very excited to hear about the new EU CVB Network. It is really fantastic to have such a collaboration between great meetings destinations that can support PCOs in the new norm of our meeting industry,\u2019\u2019 says Ori Lahav, Vice President Client & Operations Kenes Group and President IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organisers.\nThe Network’s first joint event took place in Brussels in March 2020. It attracted great interest amongst Brussels-based association representatives. With the corona crisis, the collaboration moved online. The destinations share experiences on a regular basis and the Network has been an important support system in a difficult time. Apart from hosting virtual networking events, the Network has held several virtual business leads exchange sessions, with successful outcomes.\n\u00a0\u2018\u2019The EU CVB Network has provided great opportunities for me to exchange ideas and share experiences with other associations. The Network also opens new ways for me to get to know other locations better, to have a direct contact and built-in trust. It saves me a lot of time and communication in the research to find a suitable destination and venue for our events. The Network builds on experience and the destinations support each other without competing. The CVBs and convention centres are already informed about our association from past events in an EU CVB Network destination and can build their offer on it and, at the same time know what our focus is. For me as an event organiser, that is a big plus,\u2019\u2019 says Melanie Decker, Director Events & Exhibitions at Parenteral Drug Association Europe.\nLike many others, the EU CVB Network has had to postpone some of its face-to-face activities in 2021, but it is planning to host another joint physical event for associations and join the main MICE events throughout the year. In the meantime, the Network is actively working on future association meetings and to create new business opportunities for international congresses.\nTo get in touch with the EU CVB Network, please contact one of the convention bureau representatives:\n\nFirenze Convention Bureau Ilenia Pasi: pasi@conventionbureau.it\nGothenburg Convention Bureau, Ulrika Scoli\u00e8ge: scoliege@goteborg.com\nLjubljana Convention Bureau, Tatjana Radovic: radovic@visitljubljana.com\nLyon Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Faustine Maugat: fmaugat@lyon-france.com \nRotterdam Partners Convention Bureau, Maaike Hamann: Hamann@rotterdampartners.nl\nSalzburg Convention Bureau, Elisabeth Kassanits-Pfoess: pfoess@salzburgcb.com\nValencia Convention Bureau, Manuel Ferris: ferris@visitvalencia.com\n\n \nThe post Collaboration Before Competition \u2013 Meet the EU CVB Network appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2021-02-11T17:01:48+01:00", "date_modified": "2021-02-11T17:01:48+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/EU-CVB-Network-Happy-Hour-PCOs-4.2.2021.jpeg", "tags": [ "convention bureau", "EU CVB network", "meetings industry", "virtual events", "Convention Bureaus", "Hot topics", "MUST READ", "NEWS", "News and events", "WHERE AND WHY" ], "summary": "The EU CVB Network introduces itself to the top players of the international meetings industry with a series of virtual events." }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/convention-bureau-of-rome-and-lazio-at-imex-frankfurt/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/convention-bureau-of-rome-and-lazio-at-imex-frankfurt/", "title": "Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio at IMEX Frankfurt", "content_html": "Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio will be at IMEX Frankfurt 2019 from May 21 to May 23 in the 8th Pavilion, at ENIT\u2019s Stand D/400, dedicated to Italy.
\nIn this great international fair, Convention Bureau of Roma and Lazio will host a Side
\nEvent to meet stakeholders and journalists. The event will take place on May 21 from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm, and will be attended by the president of the CBReL, Onorio Rebecchini.
\n“Technology, wellness, sustainability are the main focuses of this edition of IMEX – states Onorio Rebecchini, president of Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio \u2013 The Eternal City and its Region fully embrace these goals, because digital, interactivity, augmented reality, 4D are becoming more and more a key part of our archaeological and artistic offer”. “As regards to wellness – continues the president – Lazio is rich in thermal springs, often related to MICE market; finally we have a head start on sustainability, as Rome holds the record as Europe\u2019s greenest city with approximately 3000 hectares of parks and gardens\u201d.
\n\u201cThe renewal of our attendance at IMEX Frankfurt as active participants creates an opportunity for us to consolidate the relationships previously established and it opens up to new opportunities\u201d concludes Rebecchini.
\nThe destination will be the focus of CBReL MICE offer, thanks to a full description of our venues, our richness and uniqueness that distinguishes Eternal Rome and its Region. Our offer is enriched with new experiences and new way to live the territory.
\nFurthermore an important new initiative involves the 128 members of Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio and will be launched on IMEX 2019: \u2018CBReL on Sofa\u2019, a small welcoming space available to all members attending the fair. Here they will be able to take advantage of our space to hold quick business meetings. All they must do is reserve a spot through CBReL to meet with their clients freely in the designated area.
\nIMEX in Frankfurt is an essential occasion for those involved in MICE, it represents one of the most important fairs worldwide with about 5,000 buyers from 160 different countries attending. There are several workshop, networking and training events connected with this fair. Among events before the fair, Convention Bureau Roma and Lazio will take part to ICCA Business Exchange. A great opportunity to promote meetings among its global members, to share the program of the hosted events, to spread information, to have a fruitful exchange in order to face in the right way international competitions. Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio will bring the experience gained through these years. Especially our commitment in organizing The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Congress, which is to be held in Rome in 2020.
\nIMEX will also be an opportunity to present current year goals for CBReL. We are promoting in Chinese Market with a new important international mission. We have signed a memorandum with Ctrip, a giant player in Asian tourism in Rome, and as well we plan to expand in North American Market, following up on the recently roadshow in USA and Canada. And more, we will be in IMEX Las Vegas in September.
\nRome is also going to be at the center of major international events: from 5 to 7 July it was chosen by the Italian Chapter of MPI for the annual convention and, from 7 to 9 November, will host the Italy at Hand 2019 edition. This is an event by Convention Bureau Italia. They choose Rome as official promoter of \u201cMade in Italy\u201d through their brand.
\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio
\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio was established as a consortium company with limited liability on June 21, 2017 by members and partners now consisting of 128 operators of the Meeting Industry with support from cultural and transportation operators. Also part of Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio are prestigious international conference centers such as the \u201cNuvola\u201d, exhibition centers such as Fiera di Roma, strategical players like Rome\u2019s airport system, great operators from the sports world, service providers, and business-oriented hotels, PCOs, DMCs and Incentive Housing of international experience.
\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio operates strictly by coordinating with Roma Capitale and Regione Lazio, that backed both the founding of the Convention as well as its activities through an steering committee, giving life to a partnership between public and private entities.
\nThe objective of Convention Bureau is to scout opportunities for congresses and events within Rome and Lazio and to elaborate tailored proposals. Convention Bureau functions through constant interaction with their operators, always in agreement with the institutions and communicating with complete transparency through press and social media, the most effective channels.
\n\n
The post Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio at IMEX Frankfurt appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Convention Bureau Roma & Lazio will attend the great international MICE fair in ENIT Italian stand and will submit his meeting industry offer with an important Side Event on 21 May at 2.00. \u201cWe are here to consolidate our relationships\u201d states the president Onorio Rebecchini.\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio will be at IMEX Frankfurt 2019 from May 21 to May 23 in the 8th Pavilion, at ENIT\u2019s Stand D/400, dedicated to Italy.\nIn this great international fair, Convention Bureau of Roma and Lazio will host a Side\nOnorio Rebecchini, Photo: Stefano Gruppo\nEvent to meet stakeholders and journalists. The event will take place on May 21 from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm, and will be attended by the president of the CBReL, Onorio Rebecchini.\n“Technology, wellness, sustainability are the main focuses of this edition of IMEX – states Onorio Rebecchini, president of Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio \u2013 The Eternal City and its Region fully embrace these goals, because digital, interactivity, augmented reality, 4D are becoming more and more a key part of our archaeological and artistic offer”. “As regards to wellness – continues the president – Lazio is rich in thermal springs, often related to MICE market; finally we have a head start on sustainability, as Rome holds the record as Europe\u2019s greenest city with approximately 3000 hectares of parks and gardens\u201d.\n\u201cThe renewal of our attendance at IMEX Frankfurt as active participants creates an opportunity for us to consolidate the relationships previously established and it opens up to new opportunities\u201d concludes Rebecchini.\nThe destination will be the focus of CBReL MICE offer, thanks to a full description of our venues, our richness and uniqueness that distinguishes Eternal Rome and its Region. Our offer is enriched with new experiences and new way to live the territory.\nFurthermore an important new initiative involves the 128 members of Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio and will be launched on IMEX 2019: \u2018CBReL on Sofa\u2019, a small welcoming space available to all members attending the fair. Here they will be able to take advantage of our space to hold quick business meetings. All they must do is reserve a spot through CBReL to meet with their clients freely in the designated area.\nIMEX in Frankfurt is an essential occasion for those involved in MICE, it represents one of the most important fairs worldwide with about 5,000 buyers from 160 different countries attending. There are several workshop, networking and training events connected with this fair. Among events before the fair, Convention Bureau Roma and Lazio will take part to ICCA Business Exchange. A great opportunity to promote meetings among its global members, to share the program of the hosted events, to spread information, to have a fruitful exchange in order to face in the right way international competitions. Convention Bureau Rome and Lazio will bring the experience gained through these years. Especially our commitment in organizing The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Congress, which is to be held in Rome in 2020.\nIMEX will also be an opportunity to present current year goals for CBReL. We are promoting in Chinese Market with a new important international mission. We have signed a memorandum with Ctrip, a giant player in Asian tourism in Rome, and as well we plan to expand in North American Market, following up on the recently roadshow in USA and Canada. And more, we will be in IMEX Las Vegas in September.\nRome is also going to be at the center of major international events: from 5 to 7 July it was chosen by the Italian Chapter of MPI for the annual convention and, from 7 to 9 November, will host the Italy at Hand 2019 edition. This is an event by Convention Bureau Italia. They choose Rome as official promoter of \u201cMade in Italy\u201d through their brand.\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio \nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio was established as a consortium company with limited liability on June 21, 2017 by members and partners now consisting of 128 operators of the Meeting Industry with support from cultural and transportation operators. Also part of Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio are prestigious international conference centers such as the \u201cNuvola\u201d, exhibition centers such as Fiera di Roma, strategical players like Rome\u2019s airport system, great operators from the sports world, service providers, and business-oriented hotels, PCOs, DMCs and Incentive Housing of international experience.\nConvention Bureau of Rome and Lazio operates strictly by coordinating with Roma Capitale and Regione Lazio, that backed both the founding of the Convention as well as its activities through an steering committee, giving life to a partnership between public and private entities.\nThe objective of Convention Bureau is to scout opportunities for congresses and events within Rome and Lazio and to elaborate tailored proposals. Convention Bureau functions through constant interaction with their operators, always in agreement with the institutions and communicating with complete transparency through press and social media, the most effective channels.\n \nThe post Convention Bureau of Rome and Lazio at IMEX Frankfurt appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-05-20T11:46:41+02:00", "date_modified": "2019-05-20T11:46:41+02:00", "author": { "name": "Milica Novak", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/milicanovak/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Milica-Novak.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/side-event-IMEX-21-magy-2PM.jpg", "tags": [ "Convention Bureau Roma & Lazio", "imex frankfurt", "Convention Bureaus", "WHERE AND WHY" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/las-vegas-the-capital-of-fun/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/las-vegas-the-capital-of-fun/", "title": "Las Vegas \u2013 The Capital of Fun", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Mr.-Chris-Meyer-Vice-President-of-Sales-and-Executive-Director-of-World-Trade-Center-Las-Vegas.jpg\")
It was founded in 1905, and earned status of the city in 1911. The capital of Nevada is Carson City, not Las Vegas, as most people think, but it is the biggest city in this state. The city itself is full of neon signs and lights, but since they are replaced oft\u0006en, the old ones you can
\nfind in Neon museum. You can see the rail in Vegas, but there are no trains and you cannot reach Vegas by train. They are standing to witness the past. Famous sign \u201cWelcome to Fabulous Las Vegas\u201c is actually few kilometers outside the city, in Paradise. And many more\u2026
\nAbout interesti\u0004ng topics for event managers and event organizers, we talked with Mr. Chris Meyer, Vice President of Sales and Execu\u0004ve Director of World Trade Center Las Vegas.
What would be advantages or benefits for meeti\u0005ng planners when they organize an event in Las Vegas?
\nNo other desti\u0004nati\u0004on on earth has evolved to host visitors in the way Las Vegas has. Whether traveling for business or leisure, our industry partners do a phenomenal job crea\u0004ting experiences and memories that won\u2019t be forgo\btten. There are a lot of advantages to holding your mee\u0004ting in Las Vegas. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms and 11.5 million square feet of meeti\u0004ngs and conven\u0004tion space, Las Vegas offers the best group proposi\u0004tion in the world. Research shows that conven\u0004tion a\bttendance increases 8 percent when shows are relocated to Las Vegas, and that att\bendees spend more \u0004time in meeti\u0004ngs and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas.![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Hotel-New-York-New-York-6370016.jpg\")
How many business visitors did you have in 2017? Is the number increased comparing to 2016?
\nLas Vegas welcomed a record-breaking 6.6 million business travelers in 2017. Addi\u0004tionally, the des\u0004tinati\u0004on has been named the No. 1 trade show des\u0004tina\u0004tion in North America for the past 24 consecuti\u0004ve years according Trade Show News Network (TSNN). Approximately 22,000 meeti\u0004ngs and conventi\u0004ons are hosted in the desti\u0004na\u0004tion annually and confidence in the mee\u0004tings and conven\u0004tion industry is strong with mul\u0004tiple resort partners throughout the des\u0004tina\u0004tion developing and renova\u0004tion meeti\u0004ng space.
\nMajority of your business guests are coming from which part of the world/country?
\nLas Vegas welcomed a total of 5.7 million internati\u0004onal visitors in 2016. Top internati\u0004onal markets for business visita\u0004tion include Japan, Brazil, India and China. Top international markets for overall internati\u0004onal visita\u0004tion include Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
\nWhat is the biggest business event that is organized in Las Vegas so far? How many a ettndees were there?
\nLas Vegas is home to 47 of the largest trade shows hosted in the United States according to TSNN. In 2017, CONEXPO-CON/AGG secured the top spot with more than 2.67 million square feet of exhibit space 128,000 att\bendees and 2,375 exhibitors. Coming in at the No. 2
\nspot on the list was the Consumer Technology Association\u2019s CES 2018. The January show spanned 2.6 million net square feet, also at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues in the city, and drew more than 182,000 att\bendees.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Las-Vegas-Nevada-231771358.jpg\")
Please tell us something about strategic plans for this and next year?
\nThe LVCVA is commi\btted to maintaining the des\u0004tina\u0004tion\u2019s reputati\u0004on as the top locati\u0004on for business travel. In October 2016, the Nevada State Legislature approved legislati \u0004on to help fund the expansion and renova\u0004tion of the Las Vegas Conven\u0004tion Center. The Las Vegas Conven\u0004tion Center District (LVCCD) project, which celebrated a groundbreaking in January 2017, will add 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, new mee\u0004ting rooms and other amenities, as well as renovati\u0004ng the enti\u0004re existing property. The project will conti\u0004nue to cement Las Vegas as North America\u2019s premier business desti\u0004nati\u0004on, allowing shows to grow in both square footage and a\bttendance. The expansion is expected to be complete in December 2020, in advance of CES 2021. In addi\u0004tion to the landmark LVCCD project, confidence in this industry sector is supported by more than $15 billion in des\u0004tinati\u0004on-wide investment in renovati\u0004ng and developing over 2.8 million square feet of new mee\u0004ting facili\u0004ties throughout the Las Vegas area. Addi\u0004tionally, we will con\u0004tinue to leverage World Trade Center Las Vegas business brand acti\u0004vi\u0004ties for the benefit of our clients and partners. Our goal is to develop ini\u0004tia\u0004ves that will foster relati\u0004onships and increase par\u0004ticipa\u0004tion in Las Vegas trade show and associa\u0004tion client events.![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Come-Back-Soon-Las-Vegas-Sign-3839741.jpg\")
As cover story of this issue is Personaliza\u0005tion of events, what can be seen and done in Vegas for this purpose?
\nThe sheer magnitude of op\u0004tions in Las Vegas sets us apart from any other des\u0004tina\u0004tion. There is a dazzling array of opti\u0004ons for mee\u0004tings planners, including unique venues and experiences, as well as accommodati\u0004ons for varying budgets. Any group interested in experiencing Las Vegas should certainly contact the LVCVA to be put in contact with a desti\u0004na\u0004tion specialist who can assist in bringing a meeti\u0004ng planner\u2019s vision to life. With more than 11 million square feet of mee\u0004ting space in the des\u0004tinati\u0004on, there is no shortage of opportunity to create events and experiences of all sizes and scopes. In Las Vegas, op\u0004tions are endless. Call or email the LVCVA, because our experts can help and all of our advice is free.
\nThe post Las Vegas \u2013 The Capital of Fun appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Las Vegas, the symbol of fun in the world. Probably you know some facts about Vegas, but here are some that you are maybe not familiar with.\nMr. Chris Meyer, Vice President of Sales and Executive Director of World Trade Center Las Vegas\nIt was founded in 1905, and earned status of the city in 1911. The capital of Nevada is Carson City, not Las Vegas, as most people think, but it is the biggest city in this state. The city itself is full of neon signs and lights, but since they are replaced oft\u0006en, the old ones you can\nfind in Neon museum. You can see the rail in Vegas, but there are no trains and you cannot reach Vegas by train. They are standing to witness the past. Famous sign \u201cWelcome to Fabulous Las Vegas\u201c is actually few kilometers outside the city, in Paradise. And many more\u2026\nAbout interesti\u0004ng topics for event managers and event organizers, we talked with Mr. Chris Meyer, Vice President of Sales and Execu\u0004ve Director of World Trade Center Las Vegas.\nWhat would be advantages or benefits for meeti\u0005ng planners when they organize an event in Las Vegas?\nNo other desti\u0004nati\u0004on on earth has evolved to host visitors in the way Las Vegas has. Whether traveling for business or leisure, our industry partners do a phenomenal job crea\u0004ting experiences and memories that won\u2019t be forgo\btten. There are a lot of advantages to holding your mee\u0004ting in Las Vegas. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms and 11.5 million square feet of meeti\u0004ngs and conven\u0004tion space, Las Vegas offers the best group proposi\u0004tion in the world. Research shows that conven\u0004tion a\bttendance increases 8 percent when shows are relocated to Las Vegas, and that att\bendees spend more \u0004time in meeti\u0004ngs and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas.\nHow many business visitors did you have in 2017? Is the number increased comparing to 2016?\nLas Vegas welcomed a record-breaking 6.6 million business travelers in 2017. Addi\u0004tionally, the des\u0004tinati\u0004on has been named the No. 1 trade show des\u0004tina\u0004tion in North America for the past 24 consecuti\u0004ve years according Trade Show News Network (TSNN). Approximately 22,000 meeti\u0004ngs and conventi\u0004ons are hosted in the desti\u0004na\u0004tion annually and confidence in the mee\u0004tings and conven\u0004tion industry is strong with mul\u0004tiple resort partners throughout the des\u0004tina\u0004tion developing and renova\u0004tion meeti\u0004ng space.\nMajority of your business guests are coming from which part of the world/country?\nLas Vegas welcomed a total of 5.7 million internati\u0004onal visitors in 2016. Top internati\u0004onal markets for business visita\u0004tion include Japan, Brazil, India and China. Top international markets for overall internati\u0004onal visita\u0004tion include Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.\nWhat is the biggest business event that is organized in Las Vegas so far? How many a ettndees were there?\nLas Vegas is home to 47 of the largest trade shows hosted in the United States according to TSNN. In 2017, CONEXPO-CON/AGG secured the top spot with more than 2.67 million square feet of exhibit space 128,000 att\bendees and 2,375 exhibitors. Coming in at the No. 2\nspot on the list was the Consumer Technology Association\u2019s CES 2018. The January show spanned 2.6 million net square feet, also at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues in the city, and drew more than 182,000 att\bendees.\n\nPlease tell us something about strategic plans for this and next year?\nThe LVCVA is commi\btted to maintaining the des\u0004tina\u0004tion\u2019s reputati\u0004on as the top locati\u0004on for business travel. In October 2016, the Nevada State Legislature approved legislati \u0004on to help fund the expansion and renova\u0004tion of the Las Vegas Conven\u0004tion Center. The Las Vegas Conven\u0004tion Center District (LVCCD) project, which celebrated a groundbreaking in January 2017, will add 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, new mee\u0004ting rooms and other amenities, as well as renovati\u0004ng the enti\u0004re existing property. The project will conti\u0004nue to cement Las Vegas as North America\u2019s premier business desti\u0004nati\u0004on, allowing shows to grow in both square footage and a\bttendance. The expansion is expected to be complete in December 2020, in advance of CES 2021. In addi\u0004tion to the landmark LVCCD project, confidence in this industry sector is supported by more than $15 billion in des\u0004tinati\u0004on-wide investment in renovati\u0004ng and developing over 2.8 million square feet of new mee\u0004ting facili\u0004ties throughout the Las Vegas area. Addi\u0004tionally, we will con\u0004tinue to leverage World Trade Center Las Vegas business brand acti\u0004vi\u0004ties for the benefit of our clients and partners. Our goal is to develop ini\u0004tia\u0004ves that will foster relati\u0004onships and increase par\u0004ticipa\u0004tion in Las Vegas trade show and associa\u0004tion client events.\nAs cover story of this issue is Personaliza\u0005tion of events, what can be seen and done in Vegas for this purpose?\nThe sheer magnitude of op\u0004tions in Las Vegas sets us apart from any other des\u0004tina\u0004tion. There is a dazzling array of opti\u0004ons for mee\u0004tings planners, including unique venues and experiences, as well as accommodati\u0004ons for varying budgets. Any group interested in experiencing Las Vegas should certainly contact the LVCVA to be put in contact with a desti\u0004na\u0004tion specialist who can assist in bringing a meeti\u0004ng planner\u2019s vision to life. With more than 11 million square feet of mee\u0004ting space in the des\u0004tinati\u0004on, there is no shortage of opportunity to create events and experiences of all sizes and scopes. In Las Vegas, op\u0004tions are endless. Call or email the LVCVA, because our experts can help and all of our advice is free.\nThe post Las Vegas \u2013 The Capital of Fun appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-07-27T12:44:56+02:00", "date_modified": "2018-07-27T12:44:56+02:00", "author": { "name": "Milica Novak", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/milicanovak/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Milica-Novak.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-204912028.jpg", "tags": [ "convention bureaus", "Las Vegas", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-to-become-a-premier-destination-for-events-meetings-and-conferences/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-to-become-a-premier-destination-for-events-meetings-and-conferences/", "title": "How to become a premier destination for events, meetings and conferences?", "content_html": "Dubai\u2019s hospitality sector welcomed 11.6 million\u00a0guests in 2014, while revenues went up by nearly 10 percent, with total revenues\u00a0reaching $6.5 billion.
\nThe goal of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is to attract\u00a020 millions of visitors until 2020, and to become most visited city in the world.
![\"Mr](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Steen-in-color.jpg\")
On this occasion, we had a pleasure\u00a0to talk to Mr Steen Jakobsen, the director\u00a0of the Dubai Business Events,\u00a0the official convention bureau for\u00a0Dubai.
\nPrior to joining the Dubai Convention\u00a0Bureau, Steen was a director of the\u00a0Copenhagen Convention Bureau for\u00a08 years. Steen is actively engaged in\u00a0the global meeting industry. He has\u00a0served on the Board of Directors of\u00a0International\u00a0Congress & Convention\u00a0Association (ICCA) since 2008.
\nIn 2011, he was Appointed 3rd Vice\u00a0President of ICCA. He has also served\u00a0on the Board of Directors of Green\u00a0Meeting\u00a0Industry Council (GMIC).
\nFrom 2003 \u2013 2007, Steen was chair\u00a0of BestCities Global Alliance and today\u00a0he serves on the Board of Directors\u00a0of BestCities Global Alliance.
1. When you say Dubai, the first thing\u00a0that crosses your mind is – luxury.\u00a0Where is the place of business events\u00a0and meetings in that story?
\nIt\u2019s no secret that Dubai is a destination\u00a0of choice for those seeking luxury\u00a0and glamour, but the city is keen\u00a0to show the world it also offers great\u00a0value to business and leisure tourists\u00a0alike.
\nDubai as a city is ever evolving, and\u00a0is actively moving beyond the superlatives\u00a0to establish itself as a vibrant\u00a0destination with a quality and\u00a0diverse\u00a0tourism offer and a range\u00a0of attractions to suit every type of\u00a0traveler.
\nOur tourism stakeholders\u00a0at present are making a big push to\u00a0build more mid-market hotels and\u00a0attractions in the city, and by doing\u00a0so, Dubai is maturing into its role\u00a0as a global city that is as welcoming\u00a0as it is accessible.
From hotels\u00a0to meetings venues and transport\u00a0options, the emirate is keen to show\u00a0it maintains world-class standards\u00a0in every category that it caters to,\u00a0from seven-star luxury to affordable\u00a0three-star value. In order for Dubai\u00a0to become a truly international city,\u00a0we need to attract more and more\u00a0visitors with a class-leading and wide\u00a0ranging offer for all budgets.
\n![\"Business](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Business-Events_DIFC_Couple-walking-and-talking.jpg\")
At present Dubai\u2019s infrastructure is\u00a0such that doing business in, and from\u00a0the city is easy. There are hundreds\u00a0of hotels which offer a plethora of\u00a0flexible business facilities \u2013 whether\u00a0that\u2019s simply a meeting room for 10\u00a0people or a convention for tens of\u00a0thousands.
\nAnd of course, this is all supported\u00a0with the expansive facilities offered\u00a0at the Dubai World Trade Centre \u00a0–\u00a0the host for over 50 per cent of all exhibitions\u00a0in the Middle East region.
\n2. Do you have strategy for attracting\u00a0meetings and events in a way to make\u00a0it more achievable? What are the main\u00a0markets for Dubai, when we talk about\u00a0it as a meeting destination?
\nAs the city\u2019s official convention bureau,\u00a0Dubai Business Events promotes\u00a0Dubai\u2019s business events offer\u00a0through a number of different activities,\u00a0and most recently began hosting\u00a0large scale study missions that\u00a0regularly bring international decision –\u00a0makers to the city so we can\u00a0showcase everything we offer.
\nThis strategy allows people who are\u00a0well placed to recommend Dubai\u00a0as a destination for major events to\u00a0meet with potential partners from\u00a0the public and private sectors and\u00a0get a feel for the energy in the city.
\nBringing decision makers into Dubai\u00a0and showing them the city first-hand\u00a0is an important part of our strategy\u00a0as it also dispels a lot of misconceptions\u00a0about the emirate quickly and\u00a0effectively, such as worries that Dubai\u00a0is too expensive for delegates or\u00a0that the city is somehow unsafe because\u00a0it is in the Middle East.
\nAnother equally important component\u00a0of our strategy is to go abroad\u00a0to meet decision makers and we do\u00a0this by participating in trade shows,\u00a0sales missions, and client workshops\u00a0in key markets around the world. In\u00a0addition, we have offices in four regions\u00a0\u2013 London, New York, Sao Paulo\u00a0and China \u2013 in Beijing and Shanghai.
\nThese offices are important in\u00a0terms of reaching out to decision makers\u00a0as well. As for where events\u00a0come\u00a0from, it is safe to say they\u00a0come\u00a0from all over the world and\u00a0many are global conferences initiated\u00a0by associations usually based in\u00a0Europe or North America.
In terms of volume, however, the\u00a0majority\u00a0of delegates come from the\u00a0GCC, followed by delegates from India\u00a0and increasingly from Africa.
\n3. What do you consider as main advantages\u00a0of Dubai for events and business\u00a0tourism?
\nIn terms of infrastructure, Dubai has\u00a0excellent air connectivity with two\u00a0international\u00a0airports connecting\u00a0hundreds\u00a0of destinations across six\u00a0continents.
\nHotels abound and meeting\u00a0venues\u00a0range from the cavernous\u00a0halls that\u00a0make up the Dubai World Trade Centre\u00a0(DWTC) to the numerous ballrooms\u00a0and meeting rooms that at\u00a0are present at almost every hotel in\u00a0the city.
\nIn addition, the local transport options\u00a0include the metro, taxis, buses\u00a0and chauffeured cars, as well\u00a0as the recently launched tram network,\u00a0making it extremely easy to\u00a0get around.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_4298.jpg\")
To cater to all kinds of visitors, Dubai\u00a0is increasing its already world-class\u00a0destination offering across attractions, infrastructure and services to\u00a0enhance the overall visitor experience.
\nThe emirate is also working to\u00a0leverage Dubai\u2019s position as the business\u00a0hub of the region and further\u00a0highlight Dubai\u2019s credentials as a\u00a0global business destination.
To do so, it is increasing coordination\u00a0across stakeholders,\u00a0improving\u00a0the current business\u00a0tourism offer\u00a0by grow existing events into mega\u00a0events, creating\u00a0new events in identified\u00a0sector gaps\u00a0and making Dubai a\u00a0dynamic hub for major conventions.
\nFurthermore, Dubai is increasing business\u00a0tourists\u2019 use of leisure touch\u00a0points and is encouraging visitors\u00a0to\u00a0extend the length of their stays and\u00a0return for leisure trips.
\nThe emirate\u2019s philosophy\u00a0in this regard\u00a0is that today\u2019s business visitor\u00a0is tomorrow\u2019s leisure\u00a0tourist.
\nFinally, the city is aiming to maintain\u00a0and increase the amount of independent\u00a0business travelers by adding\u00a0value to their visits, and making sure\u00a0that Dubai is the easiest place to do\u00a0business.
\n4. Can you tell us more about Dubai Association\u00a0Center?
\nDubai Association Centre (DAC) is a legal\u00a0entity which licenses the formation\u00a0of non-profit, professional associations\u00a0and trade bodies in Dubai.
\nIt was founded by Dubai Tourism,\u00a0the Dubai Chamber of Commerce &\u00a0Industry (DCCI), and the Dubai World\u00a0Trade Centre (DWTC) and will help\u00a0drive\u00a0the next stage in the emirate\u2019s\u00a0development as a center for the global\u00a0meetings industry. The establishment\u00a0of DAC is also part of a long\u00a0term plan to attract international\u00a0associations\u00a0to set up shop in the region\u00a0and consequently strengthen\u00a0Dubai\u2019s role as a knowledge hub across\u00a0all economic sectors.
\nWe have\u00a0successfully registered 12\u00a0internationally associations over the\u00a0past one year since the center was\u00a0formed, and are looking forward to\u00a0welcoming dozens more in the coming\u00a0period. Dubai\u2019s aspirations to\u00a0grow from a regional business and\u00a0events hub to an international one\u00a0will be further strengthened by a strong\u00a0knowledge economy which, in\u00a0turn, will naturally bring economic\u00a0benefits to the emirate.
\nDubai\u2019s geographic position between\u00a0cities such as New York or Washington\u00a0in the US, Brussels in Europe and\u00a0Singapore in Asia means it is uniquely\u00a0positioned to offer associations a\u00a0hub to serve Middle Eastern markets\u00a0as well as those in Africa, South Asia\u00a0and the CIS States (Commonwealth\u00a0of Independent States).
\nAll this, of\u00a0course, will steadily add value to the\u00a0emirate\u2019s meetings industry as many\u00a0more international associations with\u00a0offices in Dubai would be willing to\u00a0host their events here once they get\u00a0a feel for everything we have to offer\u00a0as a premier business events hub.
\n5. What was the most challenging\u00a0event for Dubai Business Events so far,\u00a0in terms of bidding and in terms of realization?
\nWe haven\u2019t had a \u201dmost challenging\u201d\u00a0event as such, but do face challenges\u00a0as a destination when bidding for\u00a0events.
\nA key challenge for us is changing potential visitors\u2019 perceptions\u00a0of Dubai.
![\"Metro\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_4376-High.jpg\")
The emirate is known\u00a0globally\u00a0as a world-class destination,\u00a0a place of record breaking firsts,\u00a0where\u00a0anything can happen and where\u00a0it often does.
\nWhat many people who haven\u2019t experienced\u00a0Dubai don\u2019t realize is, that\u00a0beyond the aspirational aspect, how\u00a0accessible it is from a logistical and\u00a0budgetary point of view for both leisure\u00a0and business travelers.
\nAlso, given our location,\u00a0we always\u00a0need to ensure that we are consistently\u00a0relaying what a stable and open\u00a0destination Dubai\u00a0is, with over 200\u00a0na\u00adtionalities living and working in\u00a0the emirate.
\nTo address these\u00a0concerns, all our\u00a0communications, be it direct liaison\u00a0during the bid process to wider communications,\u00a0reflect the diversity\u00a0and depth of our offer and the benefits\u00a0of Dubai as a holistic business\u00a0destination.
\n6. Your favorite dish in Dubai?
\nDubai has an amazing array of restaurants.\u00a0A visiting delegate would be\u00a0hard pressed to see even a small\u00a0fraction\u00a0of the best places this city\u00a0has to offer. With that being said,\u00a0choosing\u00a0a favorite dish is extremely\u00a0hard. La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie\u00a0at Vida Downtown Dubai hotel, however,\u00a0has an incredible breakfast\u00a0menu, which includes a delectable\u00a0scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.
\nThe post How to become a premier destination for events, meetings and conferences? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Dubai is known as a fastest growing destination in the world, running towards\u00a0the future. Tourism is playing very important role, strongly implemented into\u00a0overall economy and lifestyle. \nDubai\u2019s hospitality sector welcomed 11.6 million\u00a0guests in 2014, while revenues went up by nearly 10 percent, with total revenues\u00a0reaching $6.5 billion.\nThe goal of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is to attract\u00a020 millions of visitors until 2020, and to become most visited city in the world.\nMr Steen Jakobsen\nOn this occasion, we had a pleasure\u00a0to talk to Mr Steen Jakobsen, the director\u00a0of the Dubai Business Events,\u00a0the official convention bureau for\u00a0Dubai.\nPrior to joining the Dubai Convention\u00a0Bureau, Steen was a director of the\u00a0Copenhagen Convention Bureau for\u00a08 years. Steen is actively engaged in\u00a0the global meeting industry. He has\u00a0served on the Board of Directors of\u00a0International\u00a0Congress & Convention\u00a0Association (ICCA) since 2008.\nIn 2011, he was Appointed 3rd Vice\u00a0President of ICCA. He has also served\u00a0on the Board of Directors of Green\u00a0Meeting\u00a0Industry Council (GMIC).\nFrom 2003 \u2013 2007, Steen was chair\u00a0of BestCities Global Alliance and today\u00a0he serves on the Board of Directors\u00a0of BestCities Global Alliance.\n1. When you say Dubai, the first thing\u00a0that crosses your mind is – luxury.\u00a0Where is the place of business events\u00a0and meetings in that story?\nIt\u2019s no secret that Dubai is a destination\u00a0of choice for those seeking luxury\u00a0and glamour, but the city is keen\u00a0to show the world it also offers great\u00a0value to business and leisure tourists\u00a0alike.\nThe emirate\u2019s philosophy\u00a0is that today\u2019s business\u00a0visitor is tomorrow\u2019s\u00a0leisure tourist.\nDubai as a city is ever evolving, and\u00a0is actively moving beyond the superlatives\u00a0to establish itself as a vibrant\u00a0destination with a quality and\u00a0diverse\u00a0tourism offer and a range\u00a0of attractions to suit every type of\u00a0traveler.\nOur tourism stakeholders\u00a0at present are making a big push to\u00a0build more mid-market hotels and\u00a0attractions in the city, and by doing\u00a0so, Dubai is maturing into its role\u00a0as a global city that is as welcoming\u00a0as it is accessible. \nFrom hotels\u00a0to meetings venues and transport\u00a0options, the emirate is keen to show\u00a0it maintains world-class standards\u00a0in every category that it caters to,\u00a0from seven-star luxury to affordable\u00a0three-star value. In order for Dubai\u00a0to become a truly international city,\u00a0we need to attract more and more\u00a0visitors with a class-leading and wide\u00a0ranging offer for all budgets.\nBusiness Events\nAt present Dubai\u2019s infrastructure is\u00a0such that doing business in, and from\u00a0the city is easy. There are hundreds\u00a0of hotels which offer a plethora of\u00a0flexible business facilities \u2013 whether\u00a0that\u2019s simply a meeting room for 10\u00a0people or a convention for tens of\u00a0thousands.\nAnd of course, this is all supported\u00a0with the expansive facilities offered\u00a0at the Dubai World Trade Centre \u00a0–\u00a0the host for over 50 per cent of all exhibitions\u00a0in the Middle East region.\n2. Do you have strategy for attracting\u00a0meetings and events in a way to make\u00a0it more achievable? What are the main\u00a0markets for Dubai, when we talk about\u00a0it as a meeting destination?\nAs the city\u2019s official convention bureau,\u00a0Dubai Business Events promotes\u00a0Dubai\u2019s business events offer\u00a0through a number of different activities,\u00a0and most recently began hosting\u00a0large scale study missions that\u00a0regularly bring international decision –\u00a0makers to the city so we can\u00a0showcase everything we offer.\nThis strategy allows people who are\u00a0well placed to recommend Dubai\u00a0as a destination for major events to\u00a0meet with potential partners from\u00a0the public and private sectors and\u00a0get a feel for the energy in the city.\nDubai is maturing into its\u00a0role as a global city that\u00a0is as welcoming as it\u00a0is accessible.\nBringing decision makers into Dubai\u00a0and showing them the city first-hand\u00a0is an important part of our strategy\u00a0as it also dispels a lot of misconceptions\u00a0about the emirate quickly and\u00a0effectively, such as worries that Dubai\u00a0is too expensive for delegates or\u00a0that the city is somehow unsafe because\u00a0it is in the Middle East.\nAnother equally important component\u00a0of our strategy is to go abroad\u00a0to meet decision makers and we do\u00a0this by participating in trade shows,\u00a0sales missions, and client workshops\u00a0in key markets around the world. In\u00a0addition, we have offices in four regions\u00a0\u2013 London, New York, Sao Paulo\u00a0and China \u2013 in Beijing and Shanghai.\nThese offices are important in\u00a0terms of reaching out to decision makers\u00a0as well. As for where events\u00a0come\u00a0from, it is safe to say they\u00a0come\u00a0from all over the world and\u00a0many are global conferences initiated\u00a0by associations usually based in\u00a0Europe or North America.\nIn terms of volume, however, the\u00a0majority\u00a0of delegates come from the\u00a0GCC, followed by delegates from India\u00a0and increasingly from Africa.\n3. What do you consider as main advantages\u00a0of Dubai for events and business\u00a0tourism?\nIn terms of infrastructure, Dubai has\u00a0excellent air connectivity with two\u00a0international\u00a0airports connecting\u00a0hundreds\u00a0of destinations across six\u00a0continents.\nHotels abound and meeting\u00a0venues\u00a0range from the cavernous\u00a0halls that\u00a0make up the Dubai World Trade Centre\u00a0(DWTC) to the numerous ballrooms\u00a0and meeting rooms that at\u00a0are present at almost every hotel in\u00a0the city.\nIn addition, the local transport options\u00a0include the metro, taxis, buses\u00a0and chauffeured cars, as well\u00a0as the recently launched tram network,\u00a0making it extremely easy to\u00a0get around.\n\nTo cater to all kinds of visitors, Dubai\u00a0is increasing its already world-class\u00a0destination offering across attractions, infrastructure and services to\u00a0enhance the overall visitor experience.\nThe emirate is also working to\u00a0leverage Dubai\u2019s position as the business\u00a0hub of the region and further\u00a0highlight Dubai\u2019s credentials as a\u00a0global business destination.\nTo do so, it is increasing coordination\u00a0across stakeholders,\u00a0improving\u00a0the current business\u00a0tourism offer\u00a0by grow existing events into mega\u00a0events, creating\u00a0new events in identified\u00a0sector gaps\u00a0and making Dubai a\u00a0dynamic hub for major conventions.\nFurthermore, Dubai is increasing business\u00a0tourists\u2019 use of leisure touch\u00a0points and is encouraging visitors\u00a0to\u00a0extend the length of their stays and\u00a0return for leisure trips.\nThe emirate\u2019s philosophy\u00a0in this regard\u00a0is that today\u2019s business visitor\u00a0is tomorrow\u2019s leisure\u00a0tourist.\nFinally, the city is aiming to maintain\u00a0and increase the amount of independent\u00a0business travelers by adding\u00a0value to their visits, and making sure\u00a0that Dubai is the easiest place to do\u00a0business.\n4. Can you tell us more about Dubai Association\u00a0Center?\nDubai Association Centre (DAC) is a legal\u00a0entity which licenses the formation\u00a0of non-profit, professional associations\u00a0and trade bodies in Dubai.\nIt was founded by Dubai Tourism,\u00a0the Dubai Chamber of Commerce &\u00a0Industry (DCCI), and the Dubai World\u00a0Trade Centre (DWTC) and will help\u00a0drive\u00a0the next stage in the emirate\u2019s\u00a0development as a center for the global\u00a0meetings industry. The establishment\u00a0of DAC is also part of a long\u00a0term plan to attract international\u00a0associations\u00a0to set up shop in the region\u00a0and consequently strengthen\u00a0Dubai\u2019s role as a knowledge hub across\u00a0all economic sectors.\nWhat many people who\u00a0haven\u2019t experienced Dubai\u00a0don\u2019t realize is, that beyond\u00a0the aspirational aspect,\u00a0how accessible it is from\u00a0a logistical and budgetary\u00a0point of view for both leisure\u00a0and business travelers.\nWe have\u00a0successfully registered 12\u00a0internationally associations over the\u00a0past one year since the center was\u00a0formed, and are looking forward to\u00a0welcoming dozens more in the coming\u00a0period. Dubai\u2019s aspirations to\u00a0grow from a regional business and\u00a0events hub to an international one\u00a0will be further strengthened by a strong\u00a0knowledge economy which, in\u00a0turn, will naturally bring economic\u00a0benefits to the emirate.\nDubai\u2019s geographic position between\u00a0cities such as New York or Washington\u00a0in the US, Brussels in Europe and\u00a0Singapore in Asia means it is uniquely\u00a0positioned to offer associations a\u00a0hub to serve Middle Eastern markets\u00a0as well as those in Africa, South Asia\u00a0and the CIS States (Commonwealth\u00a0of Independent States).\nAll this, of\u00a0course, will steadily add value to the\u00a0emirate\u2019s meetings industry as many\u00a0more international associations with\u00a0offices in Dubai would be willing to\u00a0host their events here once they get\u00a0a feel for everything we have to offer\u00a0as a premier business events hub.\n5. What was the most challenging\u00a0event for Dubai Business Events so far,\u00a0in terms of bidding and in terms of realization?\nWe haven\u2019t had a \u201dmost challenging\u201d\u00a0event as such, but do face challenges\u00a0as a destination when bidding for\u00a0events.\nA key challenge for us is changing potential visitors\u2019 perceptions\u00a0of Dubai.\nMetro\nThe emirate is known\u00a0globally\u00a0as a world-class destination,\u00a0a place of record breaking firsts,\u00a0where\u00a0anything can happen and where\u00a0it often does.\nWhat many people who haven\u2019t experienced\u00a0Dubai don\u2019t realize is, that\u00a0beyond the aspirational aspect, how\u00a0accessible it is from a logistical and\u00a0budgetary point of view for both leisure\u00a0and business travelers.\nAlso, given our location,\u00a0we always\u00a0need to ensure that we are consistently\u00a0relaying what a stable and open\u00a0destination Dubai\u00a0is, with over 200\u00a0na\u00adtionalities living and working in\u00a0the emirate.\nWe have successfully registered\u00a012 internationally\u00a0associations over the past\u00a0one year since the center\u00a0was formed, and are\u00a0looking\u00a0forward to welcoming\u00a0dozens more in the\u00a0coming period.\nTo address these\u00a0concerns, all our\u00a0communications, be it direct liaison\u00a0during the bid process to wider communications,\u00a0reflect the diversity\u00a0and depth of our offer and the benefits\u00a0of Dubai as a holistic business\u00a0destination.\n6. Your favorite dish in Dubai?\nDubai has an amazing array of restaurants.\u00a0A visiting delegate would be\u00a0hard pressed to see even a small\u00a0fraction\u00a0of the best places this city\u00a0has to offer. With that being said,\u00a0choosing\u00a0a favorite dish is extremely\u00a0hard. La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie\u00a0at Vida Downtown Dubai hotel, however,\u00a0has an incredible breakfast\u00a0menu, which includes a delectable\u00a0scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.\nThe post How to become a premier destination for events, meetings and conferences? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-07-10T14:14:44+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-18T13:52:22+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Emirates-Air-Line-3-HI.jpg", "tags": [ "convention buerau", "dubai", "dubai business event", "meetings destination", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/great-transformation-for-undisputable-comeback/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/great-transformation-for-undisputable-comeback/", "title": "Great transformation for undisputable comeback", "content_html": "Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is known as the world\u2019s first\u00a0convention and visitors bureau, which this year celebrates 119th birthday.
\n1. Considering that DMCVB is the world\u2019s\u00a0first convention and visitors bureau\u00a0established, could you tell us more\u00a0about this interesting fact?
\n![\"Mr](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Bill-Bohde_2014.jpg\")
For the destination marketing industry,\u00a0the first step was taken by Detroit based\u00a0Milton Carmichael, who was\u00a0also the first to take to the road to sell\u00a0his city as a convention site in 1896.
\nAnd, like many of our nation\u2019s pioneers,\u00a0Carmichael\u2019s entrepreneurial footsteps\u00a0paved the way for the rest of\u00a0the world.
\nSoon after taking note of Carmichael\u2019s\u00a0success, other aspiring destinations,\u00a0including Denver, Atlanta, St. Louis,\u00a0and others joined the efforts.
\nIn 1914, a handful of representatives,\u00a0soon to be called \u201cconvention secretaries\u201d\u00a0gathered in Detroit for what would\u00a0be the first organizational meeting\u00a0of the International Association\u00a0of Convention Bureaus (IACB).
\nFrom those first meaningful steps, the\u00a0IACB soon began to jog, then sprint\u00a0into history. Railroad and air travel opened\u00a0up new geographies, and funding\u00a0was allocated to boost competition.\u00a0Not long thereafter, tourism was\u00a0recognized as a viable and valuable\u00a0addition to a destination\u2019s formula for\u00a0success.
\nEven with set-backs resulting from\u00a0the Great Depression, World War II\u00a0and civil unrest, the nation\u2019s first destination\u00a0marketers found creative\u00a0ways to thrive, helping advance the\u00a0profession to the multi-billion dollar\u00a0industry it is today.
\n2. Detroit is known as the great comeback\u00a0city. Why?
\nNational and local publications, bloggers,\u00a0captains of industry and proud\u00a0local residents quietly began to refer\u00a0to Detroit as the \u201cnext comeback city\u201d\u00a0and that message has turned into\u00a0a drumbeat that we no longer igonre.
\nThe message grew organically and\u00a0publications ranging from the LA Times\u00a0to Meetings Focus Magazine have\u00a0dubbed Detroit as \u201cthe Comeback\u00a0City\u201d, the \u201cComeback Kid\u201d, a \u201cCity Reimagined\u201d\u00a0in recent articles. The word\u00a0\u201ccomeback\u201d has dual meanings.
\n![\"Detroit](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Detroit-International-Riverfront_Detroit-Riverfront-Conservancy.jpg\")
First, it touts the fact that Detroit is\u00a0undergoing a rapid transformation.\u00a0Secondly, it urges visits to \u201ccome back\u201d\u00a0to the city and the region if they\u00a0have not been or it has been some\u00a0time since their last visit. Evidence of\u00a0Detroit\u2019s Comeback can been seen throughout\u00a0the city.
\nHere are some examples:
\n\u00b7 The M-1 Rail project is underway\u00a0and will provide a catalyst for investment,\u00a0economic development and\u00a0urban renewal that positively impacts\u00a0the entire region through the\u00a0construction of a streetcar circulator\u00a0system running along. The rail\u00a0project is estimated to be complete\u00a0in early 2016.
\n\u00b7 The announcement of \u201cThe District\u201d\u00a0entertainment area spearheaded by\u00a0the Ilitch family. \u201cThe District\u201d will\u00a0be 50 blocks of thriving businesses,\u00a0parks, restaurants, bars and event\u00a0destinations.
\n\u00b7 A multitude of investments by Dan\u00a0Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans\u00a0and Rock Ventures, that included\u00a0moving his Family of Companies into\u00a0Detroit\u2019s central business district\u00a0in 2010 in an effort to help lead the\u00a0transformation of a great American\u00a0city. Since then, he has invested more\u00a0than $1.6 billion to purchase and\u00a0renovate more than 70 commercial\u00a0properties accounting for more than\u00a010 million square\u00a0feet in the city\u2019s\u00a0urban core.
\n3. What do you find as the main adventages\u00a0of Detroit as a meeting destination?
\nDetroit is a well rounded destination\u00a0that offers plenty of options for\u00a0meeting planners. The highlight of\u00a0the region is the new Cobo Center.
\nBuilt by the City of Detroit, it was originally\u00a0opened in 1960 and named\u00a0Cobo Hall in honor of former Detroit Mayor Albert E. Cobo.
\nThe newly remodeled and renovated\u00a0Cobo Center has been transformed\u00a0into a world-class convention and meeting\u00a0facility.
The $279 million expansion adds more\u00a0than 200,000 additional square feet\u00a0of new and reconfigured meeting\u00a0and banquet spaces: 100 breakout spaces\u00a0total. All told, Cobo Center now\u00a0has\u00a0723,000 square feet of exhibition\u00a0space: 623,000 of it contiguous\u00a0and 100,000 more along the Detroit\u00a0River. In addition, its rigging capabilities\u00a0rival those of any North American\u00a0facility.\u00a0Cobo Center now offers\u00a0all the latest technology assets, starting\u00a0with free WiFi via a robust bandwidth\u00a0available throughout the facility.
\n![\"Cobo](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Cobo-Ballroom.jpg\")
The in-house, centrally controlled\u00a0communications system has programmable\u00a0video displays outside every
\nmeeting room. Other assets include\u00a0a new 4,500-square-foot sound stage\u00a0and an on-site video studio with full\u00a0production services and satellite up-link\u00a0capabilities.
Detroit\u2019s connectively to the world\u00a0and our accessibility at Detroit Metro\u00a0Airport is a definite advantage.
\nWith one of the world\u2019s busiest air transportation\u00a0hubs, Detroit offers nonstop\u00a0flights to 150 destinations in the\u00a0world. Downtown Detroit has more\u00a0than 5,000 hotel rooms, including Detroit\u00a0Marriott at the Renaissance Center\u00a0(currently undergoing extensive\u00a0renovations) and Courtyard Detroit\u00a0Downtown Marriott.
\nIn addition, the Atheneum Suite Hotel\u00a0and Conference Center has 174 luxury\u00a0suites and is located near Greektown\u00a0Casino, restaurants, nightclubs and\u00a0more. In total, the Detroit area has\u00a0more than 40,000 hotel rooms.
\nSo whether visitors are looking\u00a0for\u00a0chic and luxurious, quaint and charming,\u00a0or comfortable and affordable,\u00a0they\u2019re sure to find their perfect match.
\nDetroit and its surrounding suburbs\u00a0offer dining options to satisfy\u00a0any appetite along with distinct, dynamic\u00a0attractions, many of which are\u00a0uniquely Detroit. Related to its reign\u00a0as the Motor City are the Ford Rouge\u00a0Factory Tour, Automotive Hall of Fame\u00a0and Woodward Dream Cruise.
\nRegional cultural destinations include\u00a0the Arab American National Museum,\u00a0Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H.\u00a0Wright Museum of African American\u00a0History, Broadway In Detroit and many\u00a0more.
There are three top-notch casinos\u00a0and music plays daily at a variety of indoor\u00a0and outdoor venues, and at the\u00a0Motown Museum, Michigan Opera\u00a0House and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.\u00a0Detroit is home to four professional\u00a0sports teams, great college sports,\u00a0many scenic public golf courses, waterways,\u00a0lakes, parks and outdoor spaces.
\n![\"Campus](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/CampusMartiusTurner09_Paula_Turner.jpg\")
4. According to the ICCA Statistic Report,\u00a0USA is the first in the world by\u00a0the number of held meetings. What\u00a0is your share here? And cooperation\u00a0with neigbouring countries?
\nWhile our share of the international\u00a0meetings market is small in comparision,\u00a0Detroit is making strides become\u00a0more attractive to international\u00a0meeting planners. We have created\u00a0several forgein language videos to expose\u00a0the destination to international\u00a0travelers.
\nThe Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors\u00a0Bureau is currently working with\u00a0the State of Michigan and Brand USA\u00a0to promote the region as a destination\u00a0for leisure travelers, business travelers\u00a0and meeting planners.
\nDetroit is located on the Detroit River\u00a0which acts as an international border\u00a0crossing into Canada. We work very\u00a0closely with our Canadian friends in\u00a0Windsor, ON and have had several\u00a0meeting and convention groups that\u00a0have utilized hotels on both sides of\u00a0the river.
\n![\"Redwingsfan](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/RedwingsfanKid_Dave-Reginek-Detroit-Red-Wings.jpg\")
5. Could you single out the most important\u00a0or biggest event Detroit has\u00a0hosted?
\nHosting the Super Bowl in 2006\u00a0was the most important and biggest\u00a0event that Detroit has had the\u00a0honor to host. Perhaps there was no\u00a0other city in the history of the Super\u00a0Bowl that had more misperceptions\u00a0to overcome than Detroit in hosting\u00a0Super Bowl XL. Yet, when the teams,\u00a0visitors and national media left town,\u00a0nearly 2,000 stories had been written\u00a0and aired with an estimated 90 percent\u00a0of them portraying a positive or\u00a0neutral image of the city and the area\u00a0which played host.
\nThe day after the Super Bowl, Frank\u00a0Supovitz, former Senior Vice President\u00a0of Events for the National Football\u00a0League called Detroit\u2019s performance\u00a0\u201cabsolutely perfect\u201c and stated that\u00a0\u201cexpectations were clearly exceeded.\u201c He said, \u201cThis city has every reason to\u00a0be proud.\u201c
\nThe event attracted 100,000 visitors\u00a0to the region and was viewed by 900\u00a0million sports fans. The economic impact\u00a0generated by hosting Super Bowl\u00a0XL was $261 million.
\nThe post Great transformation for undisputable comeback appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is known as the world\u2019s first\u00a0convention and visitors bureau, which this year celebrates 119th birthday.\nRegarding Detroit, as a meeting destination and its advantages we had the honor\u00a0to talk with Mr. Bill Bohde, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing.\n1. Considering that DMCVB is the world\u2019s\u00a0first convention and visitors bureau\u00a0established, could you tell us more\u00a0about this interesting fact?\nMr Bill Bohde\nFor the destination marketing industry,\u00a0the first step was taken by Detroit based\u00a0Milton Carmichael, who was\u00a0also the first to take to the road to sell\u00a0his city as a convention site in 1896.\nAnd, like many of our nation\u2019s pioneers,\u00a0Carmichael\u2019s entrepreneurial footsteps\u00a0paved the way for the rest of\u00a0the world.\nSoon after taking note of Carmichael\u2019s\u00a0success, other aspiring destinations,\u00a0including Denver, Atlanta, St. Louis,\u00a0and others joined the efforts.\nIn 1914, a handful of representatives,\u00a0soon to be called \u201cconvention secretaries\u201d\u00a0gathered in Detroit for what would\u00a0be the first organizational meeting\u00a0of the International Association\u00a0of Convention Bureaus (IACB).\nFrom those first meaningful steps, the\u00a0IACB soon began to jog, then sprint\u00a0into history. Railroad and air travel opened\u00a0up new geographies, and funding\u00a0was allocated to boost competition.\u00a0Not long thereafter, tourism was\u00a0recognized as a viable and valuable\u00a0addition to a destination\u2019s formula for\u00a0success.\nEven with set-backs resulting from\u00a0the Great Depression, World War II\u00a0and civil unrest, the nation\u2019s first destination\u00a0marketers found creative\u00a0ways to thrive, helping advance the\u00a0profession to the multi-billion dollar\u00a0industry it is today.\n2. Detroit is known as the great comeback\u00a0city. Why?\nNational and local publications, bloggers,\u00a0captains of industry and proud\u00a0local residents quietly began to refer\u00a0to Detroit as the \u201cnext comeback city\u201d\u00a0and that message has turned into\u00a0a drumbeat that we no longer igonre.\nThe message grew organically and\u00a0publications ranging from the LA Times\u00a0to Meetings Focus Magazine have\u00a0dubbed Detroit as \u201cthe Comeback\u00a0City\u201d, the \u201cComeback Kid\u201d, a \u201cCity Reimagined\u201d\u00a0in recent articles. The word\u00a0\u201ccomeback\u201d has dual meanings.\nDetroit International Riverfront – Detroit Riverfront Conservancy\nFirst, it touts the fact that Detroit is\u00a0undergoing a rapid transformation.\u00a0Secondly, it urges visits to \u201ccome back\u201d\u00a0to the city and the region if they\u00a0have not been or it has been some\u00a0time since their last visit. Evidence of\u00a0Detroit\u2019s Comeback can been seen throughout\u00a0the city.\nHere are some examples:\n\u00b7 The M-1 Rail project is underway\u00a0and will provide a catalyst for investment,\u00a0economic development and\u00a0urban renewal that positively impacts\u00a0the entire region through the\u00a0construction of a streetcar circulator\u00a0system running along. The rail\u00a0project is estimated to be complete\u00a0in early 2016.\n\u00b7 The announcement of \u201cThe District\u201d\u00a0entertainment area spearheaded by\u00a0the Ilitch family. \u201cThe District\u201d will\u00a0be 50 blocks of thriving businesses,\u00a0parks, restaurants, bars and event\u00a0destinations.\n\u00b7 A multitude of investments by Dan\u00a0Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans\u00a0and Rock Ventures, that included\u00a0moving his Family of Companies into\u00a0Detroit\u2019s central business district\u00a0in 2010 in an effort to help lead the\u00a0transformation of a great American\u00a0city. Since then, he has invested more\u00a0than $1.6 billion to purchase and\u00a0renovate more than 70 commercial\u00a0properties accounting for more than\u00a010 million square\u00a0feet in the city\u2019s\u00a0urban core.\n3. What do you find as the main adventages\u00a0of Detroit as a meeting destination?\nDetroit is a well rounded destination\u00a0that offers plenty of options for\u00a0meeting planners. The highlight of\u00a0the region is the new Cobo Center.\nBuilt by the City of Detroit, it was originally\u00a0opened in 1960 and named\u00a0Cobo Hall in honor of former Detroit Mayor Albert E. Cobo.\nThe newly remodeled and renovated\u00a0Cobo Center has been transformed\u00a0into a world-class convention and meeting\u00a0facility.\nThe $279 million expansion adds more\u00a0than 200,000 additional square feet\u00a0of new and reconfigured meeting\u00a0and banquet spaces: 100 breakout spaces\u00a0total. All told, Cobo Center now\u00a0has\u00a0723,000 square feet of exhibition\u00a0space: 623,000 of it contiguous\u00a0and 100,000 more along the Detroit\u00a0River. In addition, its rigging capabilities\u00a0rival those of any North American\u00a0facility.\u00a0Cobo Center now offers\u00a0all the latest technology assets, starting\u00a0with free WiFi via a robust bandwidth\u00a0available throughout the facility.\nCobo Center – Ballroom\nThe in-house, centrally controlled\u00a0communications system has programmable\u00a0video displays outside every\nmeeting room. Other assets include\u00a0a new 4,500-square-foot sound stage\u00a0and an on-site video studio with full\u00a0production services and satellite up-link\u00a0capabilities.\nDetroit\u2019s connectively to the world\u00a0and our accessibility at Detroit Metro\u00a0Airport is a definite advantage.\nWith one of the world\u2019s busiest air transportation\u00a0hubs, Detroit offers nonstop\u00a0flights to 150 destinations in the\u00a0world. Downtown Detroit has more\u00a0than 5,000 hotel rooms, including Detroit\u00a0Marriott at the Renaissance Center\u00a0(currently undergoing extensive\u00a0renovations) and Courtyard Detroit\u00a0Downtown Marriott.\nIn addition, the Atheneum Suite Hotel\u00a0and Conference Center has 174 luxury\u00a0suites and is located near Greektown\u00a0Casino, restaurants, nightclubs and\u00a0more. In total, the Detroit area has\u00a0more than 40,000 hotel rooms.\nSo whether visitors are looking\u00a0for\u00a0chic and luxurious, quaint and charming,\u00a0or comfortable and affordable,\u00a0they\u2019re sure to find their perfect match.\nDetroit and its surrounding suburbs\u00a0offer dining options to satisfy\u00a0any appetite along with distinct, dynamic\u00a0attractions, many of which are\u00a0uniquely Detroit. Related to its reign\u00a0as the Motor City are the Ford Rouge\u00a0Factory Tour, Automotive Hall of Fame\u00a0and Woodward Dream Cruise.\nRegional cultural destinations include\u00a0the Arab American National Museum,\u00a0Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H.\u00a0Wright Museum of African American\u00a0History, Broadway In Detroit and many\u00a0more.\nThere are three top-notch casinos\u00a0and music plays daily at a variety of indoor\u00a0and outdoor venues, and at the\u00a0Motown Museum, Michigan Opera\u00a0House and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.\u00a0Detroit is home to four professional\u00a0sports teams, great college sports,\u00a0many scenic public golf courses, waterways,\u00a0lakes, parks and outdoor spaces.\nCampus MartiusTurner\n4. According to the ICCA Statistic Report,\u00a0USA is the first in the world by\u00a0the number of held meetings. What\u00a0is your share here? And cooperation\u00a0with neigbouring countries?\nWhile our share of the international\u00a0meetings market is small in comparision,\u00a0Detroit is making strides become\u00a0more attractive to international\u00a0meeting planners. We have created\u00a0several forgein language videos to expose\u00a0the destination to international\u00a0travelers.\nThe Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors\u00a0Bureau is currently working with\u00a0the State of Michigan and Brand USA\u00a0to promote the region as a destination\u00a0for leisure travelers, business travelers\u00a0and meeting planners.\nDetroit is located on the Detroit River\u00a0which acts as an international border\u00a0crossing into Canada. We work very\u00a0closely with our Canadian friends in\u00a0Windsor, ON and have had several\u00a0meeting and convention groups that\u00a0have utilized hotels on both sides of\u00a0the river.\nRedwingsfan Kid Dave Reginek Detroit Red Wings\n5. Could you single out the most important\u00a0or biggest event Detroit has\u00a0hosted?\nHosting the Super Bowl in 2006\u00a0was the most important and biggest\u00a0event that Detroit has had the\u00a0honor to host. Perhaps there was no\u00a0other city in the history of the Super\u00a0Bowl that had more misperceptions\u00a0to overcome than Detroit in hosting\u00a0Super Bowl XL. Yet, when the teams,\u00a0visitors and national media left town,\u00a0nearly 2,000 stories had been written\u00a0and aired with an estimated 90 percent\u00a0of them portraying a positive or\u00a0neutral image of the city and the area\u00a0which played host.\nThe day after the Super Bowl, Frank\u00a0Supovitz, former Senior Vice President\u00a0of Events for the National Football\u00a0League called Detroit\u2019s performance\u00a0\u201cabsolutely perfect\u201c and stated that\u00a0\u201cexpectations were clearly exceeded.\u201c He said, \u201cThis city has every reason to\u00a0be proud.\u201c\nThe event attracted 100,000 visitors\u00a0to the region and was viewed by 900\u00a0million sports fans. The economic impact\u00a0generated by hosting Super Bowl\u00a0XL was $261 million.\nThe post Great transformation for undisputable comeback appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-04-27T10:44:14+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-22T10:29:49+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Spirit-of-Detroit_Vito-Palmisano.jpg", "tags": [ "comeback city", "detroit", "detroit metro convetion & visitors buerau", "dmcvb", "meetings destination", "motor city", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/zagreb-steadily-growing-in-mice/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/zagreb-steadily-growing-in-mice/", "title": "ZAGREB STEADILY GROWING IN MICE", "content_html": "![\"Zlatan](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/zlatan_muftic-2.jpg\" "\\"Zlatan")
1. Could you present the Zagreb convention offer in three main points?
\nIn the first place, Zagreb has a diversified high-quality offer. Most convention capacities are concentrated in 5- and 4-star hotels, with global brands present as another asset.
\nIt is the very segment where we have a high ranking as a destination.
\nThe international airport Zagreb and its connection to all major European cities and hubs is what makes Zagreb accessible from any part of the world all year long.
\nZagreb is the centre of the economic, academic and scientific life of Croatia, one of the major factors in attracting conventions and other types of meetings. The most important component is no other than people.
\nMany scientists and professors of international stature and careers are a major asset of Croatia\u2019s capital.
\n2. What\u2019s the biggest impression Zagreb made on the event organizers?
\nOpenness and hospitability of their hosts \u2013 from technical staff to citizens of Zagreb who are always willing and glad to assist our city\u2019s guests, as well as the combination of the city\u2019s organizational capacities and its beauty and safety.
\nGuests are enthralled to be able to use breaks from lectures or business arrangements and visit the city\u2019s main attractions in relatively short time. Equally important is the sense of safety that guests feel in our city, which is quite relevant an issue now that safety is in focus.
\n![\"Mimara](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Westin-Hotel-_-Mimara-Museum.jpg\")
3. Zagreb also offers special convention venues. How much has this offer added to attracting event organisers to Zagreb?
Special venues such as museums, theatres, archives or historic halls are becoming more important as part of our convention offer.
\nNamely, most convention organisers wish to organise at least one of their events, either an opening ceremony, gala dinner or a farewell party, outside traditional hotel venues.
\nZagreb has this great advantage to feature in the very city centre \u2013 just a short stroll away from most convention hotels \u2013 a wide choice of such special halls being easily accessible and requiring virtually no transportation at all.
\n4. According to the 2013 ICCA statistics, Zagreb is ranked 79th in the world, that is a leap of 55 places in one year only. What\u2019s your comment on this result?
\n![\"Zagreb](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Zagreb-Panorama.jpg\")
At numerous MICE exchanges and workshops, we are witnessing a growing interest in Zagreb and Croatia, as confirmed by the above data.
ICCA statistics follow the segment of international associations, where Zagreb recorded the mentioned improvement.
\nEqually important though, we recorded a total of 3,793 business meetings or 420 meetings more than in 2012 according to our National Statistics Office. This is indicative of the positive trend we expect to continue, in particular in light of Croatia\u2019s accession to the EU.
\n5. To end by putting together words and pictures, can you please tell us something more about Zagreb-movies.com project?
\nOver time, for promotion purposes we produced a large number of videos, many of which were awarded at international festivals and tourist exchanges. The idea was for the videos to be gathered in one place and made available both, to the general public and to event and travel organizers.
\nThe post ZAGREB STEADILY GROWING IN MICE appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Zlatan Muftic, Head of Zagreb Convention Bureau\n1. Could you present the Zagreb convention offer in three main points?\nIn the first place, Zagreb has a diversified high-quality offer. Most convention capacities are concentrated in 5- and 4-star hotels, with global brands present as another asset.\nZagreb offers the top-quality service and the best price/quality relationship.\nIt is the very segment where we have a high ranking as a destination.\nThe international airport Zagreb and its connection to all major European cities and hubs is what makes Zagreb accessible from any part of the world all year long.\nZagreb is the centre of the economic, academic and scientific life of Croatia, one of the major factors in attracting conventions and other types of meetings. The most important component is no other than people.\nMICE tourism in Zagreb gathers top professionals with specialised agencies (PCO/DMC), hotels and other related activities. \nMany scientists and professors of international stature and careers are a major asset of Croatia\u2019s capital.\n2. What\u2019s the biggest impression Zagreb made on the event organizers?\nOpenness and hospitability of their hosts \u2013 from technical staff to citizens of Zagreb who are always willing and glad to assist our city\u2019s guests, as well as the combination of the city\u2019s organizational capacities and its beauty and safety.\nGuests are enthralled to be able to use breaks from lectures or business arrangements and visit the city\u2019s main attractions in relatively short time. Equally important is the sense of safety that guests feel in our city, which is quite relevant an issue now that safety is in focus.\n3. Zagreb also offers special convention venues. How much has this offer added to attracting event organisers to Zagreb?\nSpecial venues such as museums, theatres, archives or historic halls are becoming more important as part of our convention offer.\nNamely, most convention organisers wish to organise at least one of their events, either an opening ceremony, gala dinner or a farewell party, outside traditional hotel venues.\nZagreb has this great advantage to feature in the very city centre \u2013 just a short stroll away from most convention hotels \u2013 a wide choice of such special halls being easily accessible and requiring virtually no transportation at all.\n4. According to the 2013 ICCA statistics, Zagreb is ranked 79th in the world, that is a leap of 55 places in one year only. What\u2019s your comment on this result?\nAt numerous MICE exchanges and workshops, we are witnessing a growing interest in Zagreb and Croatia, as confirmed by the above data.\nICCA statistics follow the segment of international associations, where Zagreb recorded the mentioned improvement.\nEqually important though, we recorded a total of 3,793 business meetings or 420 meetings more than in 2012 according to our National Statistics Office. This is indicative of the positive trend we expect to continue, in particular in light of Croatia\u2019s accession to the EU.\n5. To end by putting together words and pictures, can you please tell us something more about Zagreb-movies.com project?\nOver time, for promotion purposes we produced a large number of videos, many of which were awarded at international festivals and tourist exchanges. The idea was for the videos to be gathered in one place and made available both, to the general public and to event and travel organizers.\nThe post ZAGREB STEADILY GROWING IN MICE appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-11-21T11:28:27+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-09T15:26:48+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Zagreb-Panorama.jpg", "tags": [ "INTERVIEW", "zagreb", "Zagreb Convention Bureau", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/paris-perfect-stage-for-all-kinds-of-events/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/paris-perfect-stage-for-all-kinds-of-events/", "title": "Paris \u2013 Perfect Stage for all Kinds of Events", "content_html": "![\"Cl\u00e9ment](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/OTCP-portraits-1362-nb-HD.jpg\" "\\"Cl\u00e9ment")
1. First images when thinking about\u00a0Paris are Eiffel Tower and breathtaking\u00a0lights. Could you extract, by your\u00a0choice, more wonders of Paris?
\nParis, the city of light, is regularly voted\u00a0the world\u2019s most coveted and charismatic\u00a0destination by independent\u00a0international survey.
\nBeyond the glamour,\u00a0the destination\u00a0is incredibly\u00a0dynamic, offers cutting –\u00a0edge infrastructures\u00a0and will be the\u00a0perfect stage to showcase an unforgettable\u00a0incentive.
\nTo have a complete experience people\u00a0need to feel the offbeat Paris,\u00a0the underground, the Parisian Paris:\u00a0an exploration\u00a0of the artist\u2019s studio of\u00a0Belleville,\u00a0nearby the P\u00e8re Lachaise,\u00a0a fly with the Ballon de Paris hot air\u00a0balloon in Parc Andr\u00e9 Citro\u00ebn, a spine-\u00a0chilling\u00a0experience in the ossuary\u00a0at The Catacombes, a guided tour with\u00a0Promenade des Sens on the theme\u00a0of gastronomy in Saint-Germain des\u00a0Pr\u00e9s, a visit in a small museum like the\u00a0Mus\u00e9e de la Vie Romantique in the\u00a0New Athens districts \u2013 Paris offers\u00a0all possibilities all choices can be\u00a0fulfilled.
\n2. Paris is world number one city for\u00a0meetings, by ICCA statistics for 2013.\u00a0In your opinion, what was crucial to\u00a0overtake Vienna and other cities?
\nIn 2013, Paris was on top position of\u00a0ICCA ranking. We are of course very\u00a0proud.\u00a0But this ranking only reflects a little\u00a0part of congress sector in Paris. Last\u00a0year, 1,055 congresses were held in\u00a0Paris, 42 more than the previous year.
\nThis constant rise over the years underlines\u00a0the dynamism and appeal of\u00a0Paris for this sector.\u00a0When a congress takes place in Paris,\u00a0there are on average 20% more participants\u00a0than usual thanks to the attractiveness\u00a0of the city.\u00a0Associations also have a wide choice\u00a0of professional suppliers who are ready\u00a0to help them and accompany their\u00a0event to make it a real success.
\nTwizy, electric and ecological two – seated car, visitors can rent and it will guide them to all the hidden, unusual, and authentic corners of Paris.
\nFor unusual sightseeing of Paris, from sky, there are tours by helicopter, by air balloon or even by zeppelin.
\nParis Authentic 2CV is the most legendary French car \u2013 Citro\u00ebn 2CV, and visit of the heart of Paris in it becomes magical, retro and unforgettable.
\n3. What are main advantages when\u00a0choosing Paris as a congress host?
\n4. What kind of meetings are mostly\u00a0organized in Paris?
\nThere are all kind of events in Paris,\u00a0from a seminars gathering 20 people,\u00a0to a big congress with more than\u00a015,000 participants, up to the biggest\u00a0fair with more than 1 million visitors!\u00a0We are able to answer any kind of request.
\n5. Could you single out one or two unique\u00a0incentives in this beautiful city?
\n![\"Gustave](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/gustave1.jpg\" "\\"Gustave")
Backstage tours of our monuments,\u00a0zeppelin\u00a0tours, Sportive challenge,\u00a0Perfume\u00a0creation, Fashion show, Treasure\u00a0hunts, tours aboard the mythical\u00a02CV, cooking or wines spirits learning…
\nParis is re-inventing itself on a daily\u00a0basis\u00a0to deliver the best surprisingly\u00a0multi-faceted-city.
\n6. What can Eiffel Tower offer to event\u00a0organizers?
\nBesides his magic the Eiffel Tower is\u00a0about\u00a0to end a refurbishing, new welcome,\u00a0new impressive glass floor which\u00a0will provide an outstanding access\u00a0to the Gustave Eiffel room, renovated\u00a0in 2013.
\nIt has 180 m\u00b2, convertible in\u00a03 rooms.
\nGustave Eiffel room
\nThe Gustave Eiffel reception room,\u00a0renovated\u00a0in 2013, is located on\u00a0the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower and\u00a0presents\u00a0one of the most attractive\u00a0exhibition\u00a0areas in Paris.\u00a0
\nWhat make it so magnificent is its\u00a0transparent facade (which can be\u00a0hidden\u00a0by curtains), a 6.8 meters high\u00a0ceiling, the most modern equipment,\u00a0its flexible stage and its contemporary\u00a0decor.\u00a0It can host all types of professional\u00a0events \u2013 gala dinners or banquets\u00a0up to 130 persons, conferences or\u00a0presentations\u00a0for 200 persons in\u00a0theatre\u00a0style, cocktails or parties for\u00a0300 persons etc.
\nThe post Paris \u2013 Perfect Stage for all Kinds of Events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Cl\u00e9ment Laloux, Marketing Director of Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau\n1. First images when thinking about\u00a0Paris are Eiffel Tower and breathtaking\u00a0lights. Could you extract, by your\u00a0choice, more wonders of Paris?\nParis, the city of light, is regularly voted\u00a0the world\u2019s most coveted and charismatic\u00a0destination by independent\u00a0international survey.\nBeyond the glamour,\u00a0the destination\u00a0is incredibly\u00a0dynamic, offers cutting –\u00a0edge infrastructures\u00a0and will be the\u00a0perfect stage to showcase an unforgettable\u00a0incentive.\nTo have a complete experience people\u00a0need to feel the offbeat Paris,\u00a0the underground, the Parisian Paris:\u00a0an exploration\u00a0of the artist\u2019s studio of\u00a0Belleville,\u00a0nearby the P\u00e8re Lachaise,\u00a0a fly with the Ballon de Paris hot air\u00a0balloon in Parc Andr\u00e9 Citro\u00ebn, a spine-\u00a0chilling\u00a0experience in the ossuary\u00a0at The Catacombes, a guided tour with\u00a0Promenade des Sens on the theme\u00a0of gastronomy in Saint-Germain des\u00a0Pr\u00e9s, a visit in a small museum like the\u00a0Mus\u00e9e de la Vie Romantique in the\u00a0New Athens districts \u2013 Paris offers\u00a0all possibilities all choices can be\u00a0fulfilled.\n2. Paris is world number one city for\u00a0meetings, by ICCA statistics for 2013.\u00a0In your opinion, what was crucial to\u00a0overtake Vienna and other cities?\nIn 2013, Paris was on top position of\u00a0ICCA ranking. We are of course very\u00a0proud.\u00a0But this ranking only reflects a little\u00a0part of congress sector in Paris. Last\u00a0year, 1,055 congresses were held in\u00a0Paris, 42 more than the previous year.\nThis constant rise over the years underlines\u00a0the dynamism and appeal of\u00a0Paris for this sector.\u00a0When a congress takes place in Paris,\u00a0there are on average 20% more participants\u00a0than usual thanks to the attractiveness\u00a0of the city.\u00a0Associations also have a wide choice\u00a0of professional suppliers who are ready\u00a0to help them and accompany their\u00a0event to make it a real success.\n\nTwizy, electric and ecological two – seated car, visitors can rent and it will guide them to all the hidden, unusual, and authentic corners of Paris.\nFor unusual sightseeing of Paris, from sky, there are tours by helicopter, by air balloon or even by zeppelin.\nParis Authentic 2CV is the most legendary French car \u2013 Citro\u00ebn 2CV, and visit of the heart of Paris in it becomes magical, retro and unforgettable.\n\n3. What are main advantages when\u00a0choosing Paris as a congress host?\n\nParis is well-served by air transport\u00a0and high-speed train. With its two\u00a0international airports, the city has\u00a0daily connections to more than 526\u00a0cities in more than 136 countries.With seven stations in the city itself,\u00a0Paris is at the heart of an exceptionally\u00a0comprehensive and high\u2013performance\u00a0rail network. 425 high\u2013\u00a0speed\u00a0trains connect destinations\u00a0in Europe with the French capital\u00a0every\u00a0day.\n\n\n18 convention and exhibition centers\u00a0with modular surface.\n\n\nWith more than 150,000 bedrooms\u00a0Paris and its region stand out from\u00a0its rivals due to its well-balanced,\u00a0abundant,\u00a0moving and eclectic accommodation\u00a0offer \u2013 from luxury\u00a0palaces\u00a0to small local hotels, from\u00a0big hotel chains to charming design\u00a0hotels.And the city is planning the\u00a0creation of 12,000 hotel bedrooms\u00a0by 2020.\n\n\n25 conference hotels with more than\u00a0300 guest rooms.\n\n\nCombining Heritage and modernity,\u00a0Paris can really impress delegates\u00a0in 1,000 venues and incentives opportunities:\u00a0boats, private mansion,\u00a0museum, palace…\n\n\nA survey of green cities in Europe,\u00a0published in 2009, ranked Paris in\u00a0the top 10 cities with a strong ecological\u00a0conscience.\n\n4. What kind of meetings are mostly\u00a0organized in Paris?\nAbout 1,000 congresses are taking\u00a0place\u00a0every year in Paris, 450 trade\u00a0fairs\u00a0and trade shows attract some\u00a010 million\u00a0visitors and 100,000 exhibiting\u00a0companies.\nThere are all kind of events in Paris,\u00a0from a seminars gathering 20 people,\u00a0to a big congress with more than\u00a015,000 participants, up to the biggest\u00a0fair with more than 1 million visitors!\u00a0We are able to answer any kind of request.\n5. Could you single out one or two unique\u00a0incentives in this beautiful city?\nGustave Eiffel room\nBackstage tours of our monuments,\u00a0zeppelin\u00a0tours, Sportive challenge,\u00a0Perfume\u00a0creation, Fashion show, Treasure\u00a0hunts, tours aboard the mythical\u00a02CV, cooking or wines spirits learning…\nParis is re-inventing itself on a daily\u00a0basis\u00a0to deliver the best surprisingly\u00a0multi-faceted-city.\n6. What can Eiffel Tower offer to event\u00a0organizers?\nBesides his magic the Eiffel Tower is\u00a0about\u00a0to end a refurbishing, new welcome,\u00a0new impressive glass floor which\u00a0will provide an outstanding access\u00a0to the Gustave Eiffel room, renovated\u00a0in 2013.\nIt has 180 m\u00b2, convertible in\u00a03 rooms.\nGustave Eiffel room\nThe Gustave Eiffel reception room,\u00a0renovated\u00a0in 2013, is located on\u00a0the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower and\u00a0presents\u00a0one of the most attractive\u00a0exhibition\u00a0areas in Paris.\u00a0\nWhat make it so magnificent is its\u00a0transparent facade (which can be\u00a0hidden\u00a0by curtains), a 6.8 meters high\u00a0ceiling, the most modern equipment,\u00a0its flexible stage and its contemporary\u00a0decor.\u00a0It can host all types of professional\u00a0events \u2013 gala dinners or banquets\u00a0up to 130 persons, conferences or\u00a0presentations\u00a0for 200 persons in\u00a0theatre\u00a0style, cocktails or parties for\u00a0300 persons etc.\nThe post Paris \u2013 Perfect Stage for all Kinds of Events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-10-27T15:44:39+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-09T16:07:47+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/tour-eiffel.jpg", "tags": [ "Eiffel Tower", "Gustave Eiffel room", "Paris", "Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/madrid-city-that-makes-work-meetings-a-pleasurable-time/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/madrid-city-that-makes-work-meetings-a-pleasurable-time/", "title": "MADRID \u2013 CITY THAT MAKES WORK MEETINGS A PLEASURABLE TIME", "content_html": "For a short period of time Madrid jump in ICCA rankings, from 13th place in 2009 to the 2nd place in 2013, just below Paris.
\n![\"David](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/David-P\u00e9rez.jpg\" "\\"David")
1. City of Madrid is the center of the dynamic country as it is Spain. Could you name three things that make Madrid different?
\nUndoubtedly the sun, the passion of its locals and the wide variety and good quality of its culture and leisure options.
\nAnyone who has been to Madrid will tell you how welcome they\u2019ve felt.
\nMaybe thanks to the city’s 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or perhaps because of its age-old status as a cultural melting-pot and national capital or its strategic location between continents, the fact is Madrid has a fabulous vitality which infects everybody 24/7: visitors and of course locals who show their passion when enjoying their city’s day and night life.
\nThe selection of cuisine, shopping and leisure activities are a faithful reflection of the city’s lust for life, its respect for tradition and its commitment to the avant-garde and sustainability.
\nWith a huge variety of restaurants and shops for all tastes and budgets, an enviable cultural and sporting calendar, and all imaginable options for a great night out, Madrid is one of the most fun cities in the world.
\n![\"Steps](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/monumento_a_alfonso_xii_retiro.jpg\" "\\"Steps")
\n2. What are strengths of Madrid as a meetings destination?
Given its status as the country’s economic centre and home to 90% of large companies operating in Spain, the capital city is a global showcase for presenting products and new proposals.
\nIt has modern facilities for congresses and fairshows like the IFEMA trade fair centre and the Municipal Conferences Centre in the Campo de las Naciones business area or Caja M\u00e1gica in the Manzanares Linear Park. Madrid’s business facilities are complemented by its palaces, stations, theatres and all kinds of other unique buildings available to organizers who wish to surprise their invitees.
\nTravelling to the capital is easy and convenient thanks to its geographical position in the centre of Spain and its excellent access infrastructure: national motorways, high-speed trains and, above all, International Adolfo Su\u00e1rez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
\nOn arriving in the city, visitors will confirm the quality of the capital’s hotel sector, with around 80,000 beds, more than half of which are in four or five star hotels.
\nIn addition, the capital has the experience of the best professionals in the meetings industry. However, if Madrid has a distinguishing feature it is its ability to make work meetings a pleasurable time. In Madrid the line separating business and pleasure blurs, making it possible to hold meetings and close business deals while enjoying the city’s unbeatable entertainment, food and cultural agenda.
\n![\"Grand](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/gran_via_01b.jpg\" "\\"Grand")
3. Are there some weaknesses of Madrid as a meetings destination?
\nIf we keep in mind that the main feature on Madrid\u2019s offer for a meeting planner is the diversity and high level quality of professionals and services, we\u2019ll conclude for sure that everybody will find the most suitable option for their needs in Madrid; so we cannot speak on weaknesses, it would be better to mention the city\u2019s duty of improving MICE tourism market by new developments (congresses centres with more capacity or new and original activities for incentives, for example).
\n4. In your opinion, what is must-have for one destination to be successful in meeting industry?
\nThe transport network is the first one: Madrid has an international airport quite close to the city (12 kilometers), Adolfo Su\u00e1rez Madrid-Barajas, with a wide capacity of 70 million yearly passengers and more than 150 direct destinations; it is the main hub for Latin America, with a large potential growth in that market as well as in Asia.
\nBut if Madrid has a particularity in this sense is its high speed railway system, which connects the capital to all parts of Spain (more than 80 destinations) with more than 300 diary trains.
\nA high quality range of hotels is the second must-have for the meetings industry, and in the case of Madrid, that means more than 80,000 hotel beds (most of them 5, 4 and 3 stars establishments) of which the most relevant characteristic is the excellent value for money. \u00a0\u00a0Cutting-edge facilities and culture and leisure options must complete the meetings tourism destination offer.
\n![\"Prado](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/museo_del_prado.jpg\" "\\"Prado")
5. What are the 5 must-try incentives in the city of Madrid?
\nObviously, as the capital of the city and because of its historic location, Madrid is a melting pot of all different cuisines in Spain and even in the world, but if there is a reason why Madrid is better known it is for its gastronomic specialty called \u201ctapas\u201d: small dishes of Spanish traditions like jam\u00f3n serrano, callos or Spanish omelet served with a drink. One of the favourite activities is the tapas tour in the city centre, from the ancient Market of San Miguel to the centuries-old taverns of Cava Baja street.
\nAnother incentive activity that Madrid has to offer, and it is unique in the world, is to trip to one of the 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can find within one hour driving from the city: Alcal\u00e1 de Henares, El Escorial and Aranjuez in the region and Toledo, \u00c1vila and Segovia in the surroundings, including perfectly preserved architecture, monuments and art from Roman times to our days.
\nMadrid R\u00edo, the new park in the banks of the Manzanares River, offers a wide variety of areas for sports and recreation along its ten kilometers stretch: a Segway tour from Matadero Art Centre to the Pr\u00edncipe P\u00edo Railway Station is one of the most amazing and amusing activities for the incentive trip participants visiting our city.
\n![\"Casa](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/casa_patas.jpg\" "\\"Casa")
Tough Flamenco is always associated with the South of the country, Andalousia, nobody interested in this passionate music and dance should lose the opportunity to attend a Flamenco show in Madrid, where the best \u201ctablaos\u201d (Flamenco dancing bars) in the world are located. And if you want something more original for your clients, try a Flamenco class.
\nOr maybe, combine a private visit to one of our important museums in the \u201cArt Walk\u201d with a shopping day along the Golden Mile, a famous shopping area home of the most prestigious stores in the world and a teambuilding activity in the pitch of Real Madrid football team in its Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu.
\n6. Madrid claimed fast to Top 5 ranking cities at ICCA statistic. What is the secret of your success?
\nThe commitment of institutions and private companies in the sector to promote the city internationally together as a leader destination for big international events.
\n![\"Atocha](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/atocha.jpg\" "\\"Atocha")
This, and a hard work from the Madrid Convention Bureau for making new contacts attending the most relevant events of the industry around the world, strengthening relationships with companies and associations and in summary, trying to be better known as the leader destination we\u2019re confident Madrid is.
\n7. Could you tell us the plans for the future to stay in top meeting destinations in the world?
\nPublic institutions and private companies must walk hand in hand to continue with the implementation of the current meetings tourism strategy, in the same way that Madrid Convention Bureau must keep and even increase its promotional activities, especially in those markets where our growth rate is potentially more interesting, like Asia or the East of Europe.
\nThe post MADRID – CITY THAT MAKES WORK MEETINGS A PLEASURABLE TIME appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "The Madrid Convention Bureau, with 25 years of experience, is promoting Madrid as a city capable of hosting national and international meetings and aiming to enable these events from a technical and institutional viewpoint. It currently groups some 200 members.\nFor a short period of time Madrid jump in ICCA rankings, from 13th place in 2009 to the 2nd place in 2013, just below Paris.\nDavid P\u00e9rez Noack, Director of Madrid Convention Bureau\n1. City of Madrid is the center of the dynamic country as it is Spain. Could you name three things that make Madrid different?\nUndoubtedly the sun, the passion of its locals and the wide variety and good quality of its culture and leisure options.\nAnyone who has been to Madrid will tell you how welcome they\u2019ve felt.\nMaybe thanks to the city’s 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or perhaps because of its age-old status as a cultural melting-pot and national capital or its strategic location between continents, the fact is Madrid has a fabulous vitality which infects everybody 24/7: visitors and of course locals who show their passion when enjoying their city’s day and night life.\nThe selection of cuisine, shopping and leisure activities are a faithful reflection of the city’s lust for life, its respect for tradition and its commitment to the avant-garde and sustainability.\nWith a huge variety of restaurants and shops for all tastes and budgets, an enviable cultural and sporting calendar, and all imaginable options for a great night out, Madrid is one of the most fun cities in the world.\nSteps on the Monument to Alfonso XII, The Retiro Park, \u00a9 Escarabajo Amarillo\n\n2. What are strengths of Madrid as a meetings destination?\nGiven its status as the country’s economic centre and home to 90% of large companies operating in Spain, the capital city is a global showcase for presenting products and new proposals.\nIt has modern facilities for congresses and fairshows like the IFEMA trade fair centre and the Municipal Conferences Centre in the Campo de las Naciones business area or Caja M\u00e1gica in the Manzanares Linear Park. Madrid’s business facilities are complemented by its palaces, stations, theatres and all kinds of other unique buildings available to organizers who wish to surprise their invitees.\nTravelling to the capital is easy and convenient thanks to its geographical position in the centre of Spain and its excellent access infrastructure: national motorways, high-speed trains and, above all, International Adolfo Su\u00e1rez Madrid-Barajas Airport.\nOn arriving in the city, visitors will confirm the quality of the capital’s hotel sector, with around 80,000 beds, more than half of which are in four or five star hotels.\nIn addition, the capital has the experience of the best professionals in the meetings industry. However, if Madrid has a distinguishing feature it is its ability to make work meetings a pleasurable time. In Madrid the line separating business and pleasure blurs, making it possible to hold meetings and close business deals while enjoying the city’s unbeatable entertainment, food and cultural agenda.\nGrand Via, \u00a9 Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau\n3. Are there some weaknesses of Madrid as a meetings destination? \nIf we keep in mind that the main feature on Madrid\u2019s offer for a meeting planner is the diversity and high level quality of professionals and services, we\u2019ll conclude for sure that everybody will find the most suitable option for their needs in Madrid; so we cannot speak on weaknesses, it would be better to mention the city\u2019s duty of improving MICE tourism market by new developments (congresses centres with more capacity or new and original activities for incentives, for example).\n4. In your opinion, what is must-have for one destination to be successful in meeting industry? \nThe transport network is the first one: Madrid has an international airport quite close to the city (12 kilometers), Adolfo Su\u00e1rez Madrid-Barajas, with a wide capacity of 70 million yearly passengers and more than 150 direct destinations; it is the main hub for Latin America, with a large potential growth in that market as well as in Asia.\nBut if Madrid has a particularity in this sense is its high speed railway system, which connects the capital to all parts of Spain (more than 80 destinations) with more than 300 diary trains.\nA high quality range of hotels is the second must-have for the meetings industry, and in the case of Madrid, that means more than 80,000 hotel beds (most of them 5, 4 and 3 stars establishments) of which the most relevant characteristic is the excellent value for money. \u00a0\u00a0Cutting-edge facilities and culture and leisure options must complete the meetings tourism destination offer.\nPrado Museum, \u00a9 Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau\n 5. What are the 5 must-try incentives in the city of Madrid?\nObviously, as the capital of the city and because of its historic location, Madrid is a melting pot of all different cuisines in Spain and even in the world, but if there is a reason why Madrid is better known it is for its gastronomic specialty called \u201ctapas\u201d: small dishes of Spanish traditions like jam\u00f3n serrano, callos or Spanish omelet served with a drink. One of the favourite activities is the tapas tour in the city centre, from the ancient Market of San Miguel to the centuries-old taverns of Cava Baja street.\nAnother incentive activity that Madrid has to offer, and it is unique in the world, is to trip to one of the 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can find within one hour driving from the city: Alcal\u00e1 de Henares, El Escorial and Aranjuez in the region and Toledo, \u00c1vila and Segovia in the surroundings, including perfectly preserved architecture, monuments and art from Roman times to our days.\nMadrid R\u00edo, the new park in the banks of the Manzanares River, offers a wide variety of areas for sports and recreation along its ten kilometers stretch: a Segway tour from Matadero Art Centre to the Pr\u00edncipe P\u00edo Railway Station is one of the most amazing and amusing activities for the incentive trip participants visiting our city.\nCasa Patas (Flamenco in Vivo), \u00a9 Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau\nTough Flamenco is always associated with the South of the country, Andalousia, nobody interested in this passionate music and dance should lose the opportunity to attend a Flamenco show in Madrid, where the best \u201ctablaos\u201d (Flamenco dancing bars) in the world are located. And if you want something more original for your clients, try a Flamenco class.\nOr maybe, combine a private visit to one of our important museums in the \u201cArt Walk\u201d with a shopping day along the Golden Mile, a famous shopping area home of the most prestigious stores in the world and a teambuilding activity in the pitch of Real Madrid football team in its Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu.\n6. Madrid claimed fast to Top 5 ranking cities at ICCA statistic. What is the secret of your success? \nThe commitment of institutions and private companies in the sector to promote the city internationally together as a leader destination for big international events.\nAtocha train station, \u00a9 Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau\nThis, and a hard work from the Madrid Convention Bureau for making new contacts attending the most relevant events of the industry around the world, strengthening relationships with companies and associations and in summary, trying to be better known as the leader destination we\u2019re confident Madrid is.\n7. Could you tell us the plans for the future to stay in top meeting destinations in the world?\nPublic institutions and private companies must walk hand in hand to continue with the implementation of the current meetings tourism strategy, in the same way that Madrid Convention Bureau must keep and even increase its promotional activities, especially in those markets where our growth rate is potentially more interesting, like Asia or the East of Europe.\nThe post MADRID – CITY THAT MAKES WORK MEETINGS A PLEASURABLE TIME appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-06-11T15:00:58+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-09T16:26:59+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/museo_del_prado.jpg", "tags": [ "madrid", "Madrid Convention Bureau", "meetings destination", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/meeting-destination-germany-with-economic-and-scientific-expertise/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/meeting-destination-germany-with-economic-and-scientific-expertise/", "title": "MEETING DESTINATION GERMANY WITH ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE", "content_html": "![\"Mr](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresni_biro_nemacke_1.jpg\" "\\"Mr")
Germany is the leading conference location for international associations in Europe and the second worldwide (according to ICCA). The reasons for Germany\u2019s sustained success as a conference and meeting destination is a combination of several factors.
\nThe country has outstanding infrastructure, an excellent transport network and a wide variety of venues.
\nMany of these venues, in locations such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dresden and Leipzig, are award-winning and leaders in their field.
\nGermany offers superb value for money and local expertise in key economic and scientific sectors.
\nAccording to the Meeting & Event Barometer 2012, 82% of meeting organisers predicted that the availability of industry expertise in the surrounding area will become increasingly important in the future when choosing a conference venue.
\nF![](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresni_biro_nemacke_2.jpg\")
or example, international organisations are increasingly looking for convention locations where their sphere of interest is represented by highly respected companies, research institutes, initiatives and opinion-formers. As well as valuable contacts, this ensures that there is a lively exchange of views and suitable ancillary activities.
In other words, the focus is on conference and convention locations where there is specialist knowledge and industry expertise.
\nThe GCB has identified six main areas of expertise: medicine and healthcare (including fields such as medical technology and the healthcare industry), transport and logistics (including automotive engineering, transport system engineering and aerospace), chemicals and pharmaceuticals (including disciplines such as life sciences and biotechnology), technology and innovation (from mechanical engineering and IT to microelectronics and nanotechnology), energy and the environment and financial services.
\nGermany\u2019s expertise in key industries is a central factor in the country\u2019s high ranking as a meeting and convention destination. These areas of skill enable international meeting planners to maximize the impact and effectiveness of their meetings and conventions by sourcing local relevant speakers or organising site visits.
\nAlmost half of meeting and event organizers now prefer suppliers with a certified sustainability-management system. German suppliers are well-placed to meet the increasing demands with almost 40% of venues in Germany having implanted sustainability-management systems.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/nemacki_kongresni_biro_10.jpg\")
The country has an easily accessible venues, eco-friendly transport and sustainably-run congress centres and hotels. German congress providers integrate climate-friendly measures in their entire preparation, implementation, and follow-up work for events such as eco-friendly travel and accommodation, locally sourced food and much more.
In addition, the GCB has been awarded a grant to train meeting planners in a first-of-its-kind green meeting certification program.
\nThrough a number of initiatives, the GCB and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), are ensuring that the sustainability agenda becomes even more established within the events sector.
\nThis was demonstrated at the second green meetings and events conference, founded by the GCB and EVVC, which has already become an important forum for debate between the events industry and government. One concrete outcome already delivered as a result of the conference is a sustainability code for the events industry, drawn up jointly by the members of the GCB and EVVC and available to download as a brochure at www.fairpflichtet.de.
\nVia this website, \u201csustainable business leaders\u201d can sign up to sustainable economic, ecological and social business practices, with the option of regularly reporting back on their progress in implementing the code. More than 370 businesses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have so far signed up.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresni_biro_nemacke_51.jpg\")
The German Convention Bureau undertook a global meetings study entitled \u201cMeetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry.\u201d The findings indicate technology in work and life, globalisation and other major trends which are transforming the meetings industry.
We envision this megatrends study helping players in the industry develop a future-oriented strategy that can generate business and economic success.
\nThe comprehensive study revealed the following top five megatrends:
\nTechnology in work and life: More than 41.6 % of respondents identified technology in work and life to be very influential in the future of the meetings business.
\nGlobalisation and internationalisation: Approximately 28.6 % felt very strongly that globalisation will have a major impact. Individuals will need to be more aware of nuances among country cultures, preferences and lifestyles as well as speak multiple languages.
\nMobility of the future: Getting to and from events easily and comfortably and with the smallest possible ecological footprint will continue to be an important aspect of event planning.
\nSustainable development: Sustainability will remain a guiding principle to influence all areas of meeting planning, from construction and renovation of venues, to transportation, food and entertainment.
\nDemographic change, feminisation and diversity: Demographic change was cited by 18.2 % of respondents as \u201cvery strong.\u201d As more women travel the meetings circuit, features such as additional security for women traveling alone and child care, among others, will need to be considered.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresni_biro_nemacke_62.jpg\")
5. Future plans and actions?
\nGermany is well placed to meet the needs of the increasing amount of business visitors with a host of new venues and infrastructure in development including Kap Europa Conference center, Messe Frankfurt\u2019s new venue in Frankfurt\u2019s central Europa district set to open later this year.
\nGCB\u2019s Meetings and Conventions 2030 research ensures meeting and event planners are well-equipped to meet the future requirements of business visitors.
\nThe GCB will be showcasing its huge variety of venues and new offerings at IMEX Frankfurt 2014 (20th \u2013 22nd May). As the largest exhibitor at IMEX and strategic partner for the event, the GCB is set to present more than 200 exhibitors on Germany\u2019s stand.
\nThe post MEETING DESTINATION GERMANY WITH ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "1. Could you present us Germany as a meetings destination in few points?\n\nMr Matthias Schultze, Managing Director of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.\nGermany is the leading conference location for international associations in Europe and the second worldwide (according to ICCA). The reasons for Germany\u2019s sustained success as a conference and meeting destination is a combination of several factors.\nThe country has outstanding infrastructure, an excellent transport network and a wide variety of venues.\nMany of these venues, in locations such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dresden and Leipzig, are award-winning and leaders in their field.\nGermany offers superb value for money and local expertise in key economic and scientific sectors. \n2. GCB suggests conference locations according to the industry expertise of the organizers. Could you tell us more about this?\nAccording to the Meeting & Event Barometer 2012, 82% of meeting organisers predicted that the availability of industry expertise in the surrounding area will become increasingly important in the future when choosing a conference venue.\nFor example, international organisations are increasingly looking for convention locations where their sphere of interest is represented by highly respected companies, research institutes, initiatives and opinion-formers. As well as valuable contacts, this ensures that there is a lively exchange of views and suitable ancillary activities.\nIn other words, the focus is on conference and convention locations where there is specialist knowledge and industry expertise.\nThe GCB has identified six main areas of expertise: medicine and healthcare (including fields such as medical technology and the healthcare industry), transport and logistics (including automotive engineering, transport system engineering and aerospace), chemicals and pharmaceuticals (including disciplines such as life sciences and biotechnology), technology and innovation (from mechanical engineering and IT to microelectronics and nanotechnology), energy and the environment and financial services.\nGermany\u2019s expertise in key industries is a central factor in the country\u2019s high ranking as a meeting and convention destination. These areas of skill enable international meeting planners to maximize the impact and effectiveness of their meetings and conventions by sourcing local relevant speakers or organising site visits.\n3. What are the activities of GCB in making Germany also a green destination for meetings?\nAlmost half of meeting and event organizers now prefer suppliers with a certified sustainability-management system. German suppliers are well-placed to meet the increasing demands with almost 40% of venues in Germany having implanted sustainability-management systems.\nThe country has an easily accessible venues, eco-friendly transport and sustainably-run congress centres and hotels. German congress providers integrate climate-friendly measures in their entire preparation, implementation, and follow-up work for events such as eco-friendly travel and accommodation, locally sourced food and much more.\nIn addition, the GCB has been awarded a grant to train meeting planners in a first-of-its-kind green meeting certification program.\nThrough a number of initiatives, the GCB and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), are ensuring that the sustainability agenda becomes even more established within the events sector.\nThis was demonstrated at the second green meetings and events conference, founded by the GCB and EVVC, which has already become an important forum for debate between the events industry and government. One concrete outcome already delivered as a result of the conference is a sustainability code for the events industry, drawn up jointly by the members of the GCB and EVVC and available to download as a brochure at www.fairpflichtet.de.\nVia this website, \u201csustainable business leaders\u201d can sign up to sustainable economic, ecological and social business practices, with the option of regularly reporting back on their progress in implementing the code. More than 370 businesses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have so far signed up.\n4. The GCB did a study of megatrends in field of meetings industry until 2030. Could you share with us some of them?\nThe German Convention Bureau undertook a global meetings study entitled \u201cMeetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry.\u201d The findings indicate technology in work and life, globalisation and other major trends which are transforming the meetings industry.\nWe envision this megatrends study helping players in the industry develop a future-oriented strategy that can generate business and economic success.\nThe comprehensive study revealed the following top five megatrends:\nTechnology in work and life: More than 41.6 % of respondents identified technology in work and life to be very influential in the future of the meetings business.\nGlobalisation and internationalisation: Approximately 28.6 % felt very strongly that globalisation will have a major impact. Individuals will need to be more aware of nuances among country cultures, preferences and lifestyles as well as speak multiple languages.\nMobility of the future: Getting to and from events easily and comfortably and with the smallest possible ecological footprint will continue to be an important aspect of event planning.\nSustainable development: Sustainability will remain a guiding principle to influence all areas of meeting planning, from construction and renovation of venues, to transportation, food and entertainment.\nDemographic change, feminisation and diversity: Demographic change was cited by 18.2 % of respondents as \u201cvery strong.\u201d As more women travel the meetings circuit, features such as additional security for women traveling alone and child care, among others, will need to be considered.\n\n\n5. Future plans and actions?\n\nGermany is well placed to meet the needs of the increasing amount of business visitors with a host of new venues and infrastructure in development including Kap Europa Conference center, Messe Frankfurt\u2019s new venue in Frankfurt\u2019s central Europa district set to open later this year.\nGCB\u2019s Meetings and Conventions 2030 research ensures meeting and event planners are well-equipped to meet the future requirements of business visitors.\nThe GCB will be showcasing its huge variety of venues and new offerings at IMEX Frankfurt 2014 (20th \u2013 22nd May). As the largest exhibitor at IMEX and strategic partner for the event, the GCB is set to present more than 200 exhibitors on Germany\u2019s stand.\nThe post MEETING DESTINATION GERMANY WITH ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-04-02T14:31:16+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-12T16:57:04+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresni_biro_nemacke_2.jpg", "tags": [ "convention bureau", "gcb", "germany", "meetings industry", "Convention Bureaus" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/amsterdam-convention-board-i-amsterdam-approved-guarantee-for-success/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/amsterdam-convention-board-i-amsterdam-approved-guarantee-for-success/", "title": "AMSTERDAM CONVENTION BOARD \u2013 \u201cI AMSTERDAM APPROVED\u201d GUARANTEE FOR SUCCESS", "content_html": "By ICCA ranking for 2012, Amsterdam is once again in top-10 congress cities in the world. About its opportunities and plans for meeting industry, we spoke with Mr Marc Horsmans, Manager of Amsterdam Convention Board.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/amsterdam_8.jpg\")
Amsterdam, a place of many inspiring and surprising faces. No other city mixes cosmopolitan style and relaxed atmosphere quite like Amsterdam, where our hospitable nature attracts an excitingly diverse population.
Dating back to the 13th century, Amsterdam got its start as a trading city. Even in its earliest days, Amsterdammers saw the value of building relationships with other cultures, especially\u00a0when it helped facilitate trade and economic development. Today, Amsterdam retains its character as an open and tolerant society, attracting visitors and new residents from all corners of the globe.
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/history-and-society
\nMelting pot of cultures – In short, it’s no coincidence that Amsterdam has become one of the most multicultural city in the world. The city is now a melting pot of cultures, with residents from 180 different countries. It also embraces a variety of different lifestyles, religions and beliefs. For example, the city is considered\u00a0by many to be the\u00a0gay capital of Europe\u00a0and still has an active\u00a0squatters movement.\u00a0It might seem\u00a0contradictory to outsiders, but the city’s enormous variety of residents\u00a0works by allowing everyone to be who they are and say what they think.
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/aboutamsterdam/history-and-society/society
\nArchitecture – Amsterdam is best known for its luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades, but the city has enough architectural treasures to keep design lovers busy for weeks. From windmills and drawbridges to the Amsterdam School and cutting-edge modern design, learn the stories behind Amsterdam\u2019s most memorable structures.
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/architecture![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/amsterdam_31.jpg\")
Nature – For such a small city, Amsterdam is bursting with green. Discover where to spot wildlife, the best place for a picnic or get to know the city from the water. If you\u2019re up for a short trip out of town, you can hike through the dunes or marvel at the rainbow hues of the flower bulb fields.
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/nature
\nFlowers of Amsterdam – When you think of the Netherlands, a few iconic images immediately spring to mind \u2013 windmills, clogs and tulips. Just like the rest of the country, Amsterdam is famous for flowers, but where can you best see and smell the blooms in this bustling city?
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/nature/flowers-from-amsterdam
\n2013 is a very special year for Amsterdam! In celebration of incredible milestones like the opening of the renovated\u00a0Rijksmuseum\u00a0and the\u00a0Van Gogh Museum\u00a0and 400 years of the Canal Ring, the year will be chock-full of exciting events.
\nThe Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam is a world-class destination. Due to the ease of accessibility of one of Europe\u2019s most modern and efficient airports: Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.\u00a0 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the world\u2019s most modern and efficient airports. Scheduled services fly into Schiphol from at least 128 destinations within Europe and from 108 non – European destinations.
\nHigh quality of local infrastructure: the compact size of Amsterdam means that almost everything is within walking distance of each other. Nevertheless the public transport network of buses, trams and metro is efficient, modern and reliable.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/amsterdam_7.jpg\")
Historic heart – Amsterdam was founded in the Middle Ages near a dam on the River Amstel. The city truly blossomed in the early 17th century, when it became the world\u2019s largest centre for trade and art. The historic heart of the city known as the \u201cGrachtengordel\u201d (Canal ring) has remained beautifully intact to this day. The area is by no means an open-air museum, but rather the warm, friendly and vibrant heart of the city.
Knowledge centre – During the 17th century Amsterdam was a stockpile of trading goods; today knowledge is also being generated. With two highly developed universities and several laboratories, Amsterdam is now firmly on the world map as a centre of knowledge. The city attracts many prominent academics and has become an attractive meeting place for those involved in science and research. Due in part to its central location on the edge of Europe, Amsterdam now offers a new \u201cmarket place\u201d for the free and efficient exchange of ideas and knowledge.
\nBusiness with pleasure – Home to the world\u2019s first multinational company, the Dutch East India Company, Amsterdam is also the new address for Google and AKZO Nobel headquarters. A consistent high score in the European Cities Monitor for companies may be a reason why several international companies have their head office in Amsterdam. Advertising and design firms prefer Amsterdam for its ability to attract creative people. Because of its compact size and excellent infrastructure, Amsterdam combines and does business on the level with other European capitals, but with the ambience of a small town. The city of Amsterdam is in the top ten of the world\u2019s most preferred conference cities.
\nLanguage – The mother tongue is Dutch and English is the second language in Amsterdam. In addition to this, many residents speak additional modern foreign languages.
\nTask Force for Citywide Congresses a collaborative effort between Amsterdam\u2019s large business hotels, the Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam Marketing, amongst others. A great example of a result of this collaboration is a the “I Amsterdam Approved” guarantee.
\nAs of April 2013, Amsterdam Marketing will be able to guarantee organisers of international, city wide congresses the availability of a maximum of 16,000 hotel rooms in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Marketing has also given them permission to offer their customers hotel rooms with the \u201cI Amsterdam Approved\u201d quality seal as part of the package. The congress and the three, four and five star hotels must specify beforehand in a charter how many rooms they can offer the city wide convention organisers. By doing so, the city will be able to field bids for large conference proposals in an efficient and fast way without holding preliminary discussions, and guarantee the availability of a maximum of 16,000 rooms.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/amsterdam_41.jpg\")
This breakthrough was achieved by the Task Force City Wide Congresses, a collaborative effort between Amsterdam\u2019s large business hotels, the Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam Marketing, amongst others. The Alderman of Economic Affairs has also said that cooperation on this front is very important. Over the last three years the hotel capacity in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has increased significantly, from 25,000 to 30,000 rooms. As a result, Amsterdam is better equipped to accommodate large conventions and further extend its position as international congress city. Amsterdam Marketing cooperates closely with all stakeholders in doing that. Large congresses are of great importance to Amsterdam.
\nIn fact, the spectacular 47% growth in the number of participant days in 2011 can be attributed to large congresses. Hotels in the three, four, and five star category will participate in the \u201cI Amsterdam Approved\u201d guarantee. The term city wide congresses\u2019 refers to multiple-day congresses with at least 5,000 international participants.
From 22nd until 24th January 2014, Amsterdam Marketing is organising the MICExperience 2014 especially for the conference and meeting planner. Over these two-and-a-half days you\u2019ll become acquainted with the many special venues, hotels and other parties in Amsterdam that can help you organise a successful event. During the MICExperience 2014, conference and meeting planners will be paired with a partner who knows the city inside and out.
\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/business/meetings/micexperience
\n\nThe post AMSTERDAM CONVENTION BOARD – \u201cI AMSTERDAM APPROVED\u201d GUARANTEE FOR SUCCESS appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "By ICCA ranking for 2012, Amsterdam is once again in top-10 congress cities in the world. About its opportunities and plans for meeting industry, we spoke with Mr Marc Horsmans, Manager of Amsterdam Convention Board.\n1. Amsterdam leaves a unique memories and feeling on everyone. Could you name a few things that makes it so special? \nAmsterdam, a place of many inspiring and surprising faces. No other city mixes cosmopolitan style and relaxed atmosphere quite like Amsterdam, where our hospitable nature attracts an excitingly diverse population.\nDating back to the 13th century, Amsterdam got its start as a trading city. Even in its earliest days, Amsterdammers saw the value of building relationships with other cultures, especially\u00a0when it helped facilitate trade and economic development. Today, Amsterdam retains its character as an open and tolerant society, attracting visitors and new residents from all corners of the globe.\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/history-and-society\nMelting pot of cultures – In short, it’s no coincidence that Amsterdam has become one of the most multicultural city in the world. The city is now a melting pot of cultures, with residents from 180 different countries. It also embraces a variety of different lifestyles, religions and beliefs. For example, the city is considered\u00a0by many to be the\u00a0gay capital of Europe\u00a0and still has an active\u00a0squatters movement.\u00a0It might seem\u00a0contradictory to outsiders, but the city’s enormous variety of residents\u00a0works by allowing everyone to be who they are and say what they think.\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/aboutamsterdam/history-and-society/society\nArchitecture – Amsterdam is best known for its luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades, but the city has enough architectural treasures to keep design lovers busy for weeks. From windmills and drawbridges to the Amsterdam School and cutting-edge modern design, learn the stories behind Amsterdam\u2019s most memorable structures.\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/architecture\nNature – For such a small city, Amsterdam is bursting with green. Discover where to spot wildlife, the best place for a picnic or get to know the city from the water. If you\u2019re up for a short trip out of town, you can hike through the dunes or marvel at the rainbow hues of the flower bulb fields.\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/nature\nFlowers of Amsterdam – When you think of the Netherlands, a few iconic images immediately spring to mind \u2013 windmills, clogs and tulips. Just like the rest of the country, Amsterdam is famous for flowers, but where can you best see and smell the blooms in this bustling city?\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/nature/flowers-from-amsterdam\n2. This year is a very important for Amsterdam as the city celebrates several incredible milestones. Could you tell us more about Amsterdam 2013? \n2013 is a very special year for Amsterdam! In celebration of incredible milestones like the opening of the renovated\u00a0Rijksmuseum\u00a0and the\u00a0Van Gogh Museum\u00a0and 400 years of the Canal Ring, the year will be chock-full of exciting events.\n3. What could hosted buyers and business travelers expect from Amsterdam, in terms of differences from other congress cities?\nThe Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam is a world-class destination. Due to the ease of accessibility of one of Europe\u2019s most modern and efficient airports: Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.\u00a0 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the world\u2019s most modern and efficient airports. Scheduled services fly into Schiphol from at least 128 destinations within Europe and from 108 non – European destinations.\nHigh quality of local infrastructure: the compact size of Amsterdam means that almost everything is within walking distance of each other. Nevertheless the public transport network of buses, trams and metro is efficient, modern and reliable.\nHistoric heart – Amsterdam was founded in the Middle Ages near a dam on the River Amstel. The city truly blossomed in the early 17th century, when it became the world\u2019s largest centre for trade and art. The historic heart of the city known as the \u201cGrachtengordel\u201d (Canal ring) has remained beautifully intact to this day. The area is by no means an open-air museum, but rather the warm, friendly and vibrant heart of the city.\nKnowledge centre – During the 17th century Amsterdam was a stockpile of trading goods; today knowledge is also being generated. With two highly developed universities and several laboratories, Amsterdam is now firmly on the world map as a centre of knowledge. The city attracts many prominent academics and has become an attractive meeting place for those involved in science and research. Due in part to its central location on the edge of Europe, Amsterdam now offers a new \u201cmarket place\u201d for the free and efficient exchange of ideas and knowledge.\nBusiness with pleasure – Home to the world\u2019s first multinational company, the Dutch East India Company, Amsterdam is also the new address for Google and AKZO Nobel headquarters. A consistent high score in the European Cities Monitor for companies may be a reason why several international companies have their head office in Amsterdam. Advertising and design firms prefer Amsterdam for its ability to attract creative people. Because of its compact size and excellent infrastructure, Amsterdam combines and does business on the level with other European capitals, but with the ambience of a small town. The city of Amsterdam is in the top ten of the world\u2019s most preferred conference cities.\nLanguage – The mother tongue is Dutch and English is the second language in Amsterdam. In addition to this, many residents speak additional modern foreign languages.\n4. Convention Board initiated collaboration named Task Force for Citywide Congresses. What it represents and how contributes to Amsterdam\u2019s meetings industry?\nTask Force for Citywide Congresses a collaborative effort between Amsterdam\u2019s large business hotels, the Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam Marketing, amongst others. A great example of a result of this collaboration is a the “I Amsterdam Approved” guarantee.\nAs of April 2013, Amsterdam Marketing will be able to guarantee organisers of international, city wide congresses the availability of a maximum of 16,000 hotel rooms in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Marketing has also given them permission to offer their customers hotel rooms with the \u201cI Amsterdam Approved\u201d quality seal as part of the package. The congress and the three, four and five star hotels must specify beforehand in a charter how many rooms they can offer the city wide convention organisers. By doing so, the city will be able to field bids for large conference proposals in an efficient and fast way without holding preliminary discussions, and guarantee the availability of a maximum of 16,000 rooms.\nThis breakthrough was achieved by the Task Force City Wide Congresses, a collaborative effort between Amsterdam\u2019s large business hotels, the Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam Marketing, amongst others. The Alderman of Economic Affairs has also said that cooperation on this front is very important. Over the last three years the hotel capacity in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has increased significantly, from 25,000 to 30,000 rooms. As a result, Amsterdam is better equipped to accommodate large conventions and further extend its position as international congress city. Amsterdam Marketing cooperates closely with all stakeholders in doing that. Large congresses are of great importance to Amsterdam. \nIn fact, the spectacular 47% growth in the number of participant days in 2011 can be attributed to large congresses. Hotels in the three, four, and five star category will participate in the \u201cI Amsterdam Approved\u201d guarantee. The term city wide congresses\u2019 refers to multiple-day congresses with at least 5,000 international participants.\n5. Amsterdam Marketing is organizing one interested specialized event for meeting planners. Could you tell us more about MICExperience 2014?\nFrom 22nd until 24th January 2014, Amsterdam Marketing is organising the MICExperience 2014 especially for the conference and meeting planner. Over these two-and-a-half days you\u2019ll become acquainted with the many special venues, hotels and other parties in Amsterdam that can help you organise a successful event. During the MICExperience 2014, conference and meeting planners will be paired with a partner who knows the city inside and out.\nMore information: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/business/meetings/micexperience\nS.G.\nThe post AMSTERDAM CONVENTION BOARD – \u201cI AMSTERDAM APPROVED\u201d GUARANTEE FOR SUCCESS appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2013-12-16T16:19:47+01:00", "date_modified": "2015-03-30T11:42:25+02:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/amsterdam_8.jpg", "tags": [ "amsterdam", "convention board", "Convention Bureaus" ] } ] }