![\"Virtual](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Smile-Happy-Woman-Getting-Expe-182095567.jpg\" "\\"Virtual")
Since there are some perfect selfie spots inside the hotel, the owners hired Debra Barraud, famous blogger, to hold workshops on how the make a perfect photo for this social network. The goal of this booth camp is to train employees to help the guests if asked to take their photo.
\nThe post Unusual Training for Employees of the Kimpton De Witt Hotel appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Hotel\u00a0Kimpton De Witt, based in Amsterdam, decided to teach their employees to take a perfect Instagram photos.\nSince there are some perfect selfie spots inside the hotel, the owners hired Debra Barraud, famous blogger, to hold workshops on how the make a perfect photo for this social network. The goal of this booth camp is to train employees to help the guests if asked to take their photo.\nThe post Unusual Training for Employees of the Kimpton De Witt Hotel appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-02-14T13:40:55+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-02-14T14:30:33+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/selfi.jpg", "tags": [ "amsterdam", "perfect photo", "photo", "training", "OMG... Really?!" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/hello-my-name-is-reality-virtual-reality/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/hello-my-name-is-reality-virtual-reality/", "title": "Hello! My Name is Reality. Virtual Reality.", "content_html": "It has been a subject of interest among the professionals in this field for over a decade. Most of the controversy is over the question of whether live meetings should be replaced by virtual ones. This three \u2013 dimensional environment, which is entirely computer generated and known to us as Virtual Reality, has the ability to change the way we see an event, plan it, discuss it on-site, and participate in it.
\nThe task of virtual reality is to transport the user to a new world where they will be able to experience different situations. It draws the use into a completely new dimension in where everything that is around or that is available is also interactive. Since virtual reality can now be set up thanks to the use of different platforms, it is very important that event planning professionals choose the right platform for their target audience.
\nCorbin Ball, a well-known international lecturer and consultant in the field of applying modern technology at events, last year declared virtual reality to be one of nine incredible trends in the event industry. As more and more applications intended for this purpose emerge on daily basis, people\u2019s interest in virtual reality is skyrocketing. Event planners, because of the nature of the work they do, want to keep up with new technologies and incorporate them into their planning. And as experts and professionals in this field say, VR will soon become one of the main trends in event planning. That is why we have chosen some of the most interesting examples for you. Enjoy the read!
\nIn March this year, the Guinness record in \u201cThe Most People Using Reality Displays at the Same Time\u201d has been broken. All this took place at a Vancouver event, organized by YPO EDGE, which brings together top team leaders from across the world. During his presentation, Ziv Aviram, CEO and co-founder of Mobileye, surprised all 1,867 attendees bygiving them an unforgettable experience \u2013 driving a driverless car in virtual reality.
\nAll participants received their own sets of VR goggles that led them through this experience. When Aviram gave the sign, they all put their goggles on and started the ride. Now imagine almost 2,000 people sitting in their comfortable chairs in an auditorium turning their heads left and right, braking and pressing the horn, laughing and talking. This VR world was almost impossible to distinguish from the real one!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-187534876.jpg\")
Another very interesting example was using VR at a press conference organized by Intel to introduce its latest camera. Throughout the process, the participants were led by Intel CEO Brian Krizanich. The guests were invited to put on the headsets that were waiting for them and the magic began. VR took them high above deserts and showed them what it is like to jump from a helicopter with a parachute! The camera they revealed at the conference was strapped on a professional parachutist\u2019s head, and the headsets that were distributed to the reporters were directly connected with it, so they all had the impression that they were jumping from more than 1,000 meters together with the parachutist.
\nWhile we\u2019re at extreme sports, which are for obvious reasons avoided as team building activities, they just might be based on virtual experience in the future. Place your VR goggles and ski over the most dangerous cliffs, be a Formula 1 driver, dive at great depths or ride a glider, try free climbing or alpinism.
\nThe task of virtual reality is to transport the user to\u00a0a new world where they will be able to experience\u00a0different situations.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Amazed-woman-seated-on-a-beanb-169235492.jpg\")
Pop-Up VenuesHave you ever been to a museum or an art gallery, without any artwork being there? Probably not. Neither have we. But, believe it or not, this is actually possible! Last year Amsterdam, Holland, in the part of the city where the museums are located, saw the
\nMuseum Square emerge where the Access Art event took place. All passers-by who were interested received headsets that displayed the world\u2019s greatest art works in VR – from ancient Greece and humanism and renaissance to pop art and modern works. Works of music were also included!
People were walking around the square with their VR equipment and looked at paintings, sculptures, different pieces, and listened to the most famous compositions. There was also the feature to learn more about each artwork, choosing options related to its history or the historical period in which it was created or searching for more information about the author of the work. This kind of events in the event planning industry is called Pop-Up Venues.
\nDid You Know?\u00a0
\nWomen are not so interested in VR\u00a0comparing to men, show researches.\u00a0And while men want to know\u00a0almost everything concerning\u00a0Virtual Reality, women use VR headsets\u00a0most often just for watching\u00a0music videos and dancing.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-188964037.jpg\")
What if\u2026This story intrigued us, so we started thinking about how sightseeing or visiting certain destinations might look. Is a walk around Paris going to be replaced by a walk in some room with VR goggles on? This certainly brings a lot of advantages \u2013 the distance to be travelled is not a problem anymore, museum working\u00a0 hours become irrelevant, as well as the size of the group that is going \u201csightseeing,\u201d and you can \u201cvisit\u201d even the most inaccessible destinations.
\nAnother of the recent Pop-up Venues was the Soho District of London, where the traditional Cuban bar Casa Havana was revived, and the organizer was Havana Club, one of the world\u2019s leading producers of rum.\u00a0The event itself lasted for two full days, and a special
\nVR tour was designed for visitors. Using virtual reality, the guests were introduced to Mr. Perez, the owner of Casa Havana, and he took them to Cuba, to the other side of the world. There they had the opportunity to see his house, hear about the whole history of the bar and the history of rum, and they learned the ingredients of his most famous cocktail, Silver Pineapple. When the VR tour ended, this cocktail was waiting for them as a welcome on their return to reality.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-179612335.jpg\")
As you have seen, or maybe even anticipated yourself before, the possibilities are countless. Your imagination is the only limit. The prognoses say that it won\u2019t take much longer until virtual reality takes the lead in event planning. And when that happens, it will be the biggest change the event industry has ever seen! The question remains whether the virtual can completely replace the real experience? And if it can, should it? Where should the boundary between virtual and real stand? In any case, cautiousness is advised. Read more about this here.
DID YOU KNOW?
\nWhen VR headsets are used for\u00a0first time, number of people that felt\u00a0sickness and headache is pretty big.\u00a0This happens because they are convinced\u00a0that they are moving around\u00a0instead of sitting or just standing.
\nThe post Hello! My Name is Reality. Virtual Reality. appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "When we talk about the application of modern technologies in event planning, today virtual reality is impossible to avoid (VR).\nIt has been a subject of interest among the professionals in this field for over a decade. Most of the controversy is over the question of whether live meetings should be replaced by virtual ones. This three \u2013 dimensional environment, which is entirely computer generated and known to us as Virtual Reality, has the ability to change the way we see an event, plan it, discuss it on-site, and participate in it.\nThe task of virtual reality is to transport the user to a new world where they will be able to experience different situations. It draws the use into a completely new dimension in where everything that is around or that is available is also interactive. Since virtual reality can now be set up thanks to the use of different platforms, it is very important that event planning professionals choose the right platform for their target audience.\nVirtual drive\nCorbin Ball, a well-known international lecturer and consultant in the field of applying modern technology at events, last year declared virtual reality to be one of nine incredible trends in the event industry. As more and more applications intended for this purpose emerge on daily basis, people\u2019s interest in virtual reality is skyrocketing. Event planners, because of the nature of the work they do, want to keep up with new technologies and incorporate them into their planning. And as experts and professionals in this field say, VR will soon become one of the main trends in event planning. That is why we have chosen some of the most interesting examples for you. Enjoy the read!\nHow to Make an Event More Attractive\nIn March this year, the Guinness record in \u201cThe Most People Using Reality Displays at the Same Time\u201d has been broken. All this took place at a Vancouver event, organized by YPO EDGE, which brings together top team leaders from across the world. During his presentation, Ziv Aviram, CEO and co-founder of Mobileye, surprised all 1,867 attendees bygiving them an unforgettable experience \u2013 driving a driverless car in virtual reality.\nAll participants received their own sets of VR goggles that led them through this experience. When Aviram gave the sign, they all put their goggles on and started the ride. Now imagine almost 2,000 people sitting in their comfortable chairs in an auditorium turning their heads left and right, braking and pressing the horn, laughing and talking. This VR world was almost impossible to distinguish from the real one!\n\n\nAnother very interesting example was using VR at a press conference organized by Intel to introduce its latest camera. Throughout the process, the participants were led by Intel CEO Brian Krizanich. The guests were invited to put on the headsets that were waiting for them and the magic began. VR took them high above deserts and showed them what it is like to jump from a helicopter with a parachute! The camera they revealed at the conference was strapped on a professional parachutist\u2019s head, and the headsets that were distributed to the reporters were directly connected with it, so they all had the impression that they were jumping from more than 1,000 meters together with the parachutist.\nWhile we\u2019re at extreme sports, which are for obvious reasons avoided as team building activities, they just might be based on virtual experience in the future. Place your VR goggles and ski over the most dangerous cliffs, be a Formula 1 driver, dive at great depths or ride a glider, try free climbing or alpinism.\n\nThe task of virtual reality is to transport the user to\u00a0a new world where they will be able to experience\u00a0different situations.\nPop-Up Venues\nHave you ever been to a museum or an art gallery, without any artwork being there? Probably not. Neither have we. But, believe it or not, this is actually possible! Last year Amsterdam, Holland, in the part of the city where the museums are located, saw the\nMuseum Square emerge where the Access Art event took place. All passers-by who were interested received headsets that displayed the world\u2019s greatest art works in VR – from ancient Greece and humanism and renaissance to pop art and modern works. Works of music were also included!\nPeople were walking around the square with their VR equipment and looked at paintings, sculptures, different pieces, and listened to the most famous compositions. There was also the feature to learn more about each artwork, choosing options related to its history or the historical period in which it was created or searching for more information about the author of the work. This kind of events in the event planning industry is called Pop-Up Venues.\nDid You Know?\u00a0\nWomen are not so interested in VR\u00a0comparing to men, show researches.\u00a0And while men want to know\u00a0almost everything concerning\u00a0Virtual Reality, women use VR headsets\u00a0most often just for watching\u00a0music videos and dancing.\nWhat if\u2026\nThis story intrigued us, so we started thinking about how sightseeing or visiting certain destinations might look. Is a walk around Paris going to be replaced by a walk in some room with VR goggles on? This certainly brings a lot of advantages \u2013 the distance to be travelled is not a problem anymore, museum working\u00a0 hours become irrelevant, as well as the size of the group that is going \u201csightseeing,\u201d and you can \u201cvisit\u201d even the most inaccessible destinations.\nAnother of the recent Pop-up Venues was the Soho District of London, where the traditional Cuban bar Casa Havana was revived, and the organizer was Havana Club, one of the world\u2019s leading producers of rum.\u00a0The event itself lasted for two full days, and a special\nVR tour was designed for visitors. Using virtual reality, the guests were introduced to Mr. Perez, the owner of Casa Havana, and he took them to Cuba, to the other side of the world. There they had the opportunity to see his house, hear about the whole history of the bar and the history of rum, and they learned the ingredients of his most famous cocktail, Silver Pineapple. When the VR tour ended, this cocktail was waiting for them as a welcome on their return to reality.\nAs you have seen, or maybe even anticipated yourself before, the possibilities are countless. Your imagination is the only limit. The prognoses say that it won\u2019t take much longer until virtual reality takes the lead in event planning. And when that happens, it will be the biggest change the event industry has ever seen! The question remains whether the virtual can completely replace the real experience? And if it can, should it? Where should the boundary between virtual and real stand? In any case, cautiousness is advised. Read more about this here.\nDID YOU KNOW?\nWhen VR headsets are used for\u00a0first time, number of people that felt\u00a0sickness and headache is pretty big.\u00a0This happens because they are convinced\u00a0that they are moving around\u00a0instead of sitting or just standing.\nThe post Hello! My Name is Reality. Virtual Reality. appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2017-11-23T12:59:24+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T11:51:47+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/naslovna-24.jpg", "tags": [ "amsterdam", "events", "Guinness record", "Holland", "virtual reality", "VR", "Hot topics", "MUST READ" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/21384/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/21384/", "title": "Do you know which the worst hostel in the world is?", "content_html": "The whole story about the worst hostel was devised in cooperation with a marketing agency.
\nThe\u00a0Hostel is known for its ads with slogans like: \u201cCouldn\u2019t be worse but we\u2019ll do our best!\u201d or \u201cNow\u00a0we offer beds in every room!\u201d The management explains the lack of water in the rooms as their\u00a0wish to protect the environment and reduce water consumption, and they advise guests to make\u00a0do without towels by drying themselves with curtains, so both water and towels will be saved to\u00a0the great benefit of the environment.
\nAlso, the hostel\u2019s website warns guests that they are staying\u00a0at their own risk, and the hostel will not accept liability if guests have a nervous breakdown, get food poisoning, etc.
\nThe reverse psychology\u00a0marketing strategy has obviously paid off, since all of the 127 rooms are usually booked. Visitors are mostly younger people from all over the world.\u00a0Besides these guests, there are also those who book a room in the hostel only to take pictures but seek accommodation elsewhere.
\nThe post Do you know which the worst hostel in the world is? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "The world\u2019s worst hostel, offering dirty rooms, without water or towels, where an overnight stay\u00a0costs 25 euro is the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel in Amsterdam.\nThe whole story about the worst hostel was devised in cooperation with a marketing agency.\nThe\u00a0Hostel is known for its ads with slogans like: \u201cCouldn\u2019t be worse but we\u2019ll do our best!\u201d or \u201cNow\u00a0we offer beds in every room!\u201d The management explains the lack of water in the rooms as their\u00a0wish to protect the environment and reduce water consumption, and they advise guests to make\u00a0do without towels by drying themselves with curtains, so both water and towels will be saved to\u00a0the great benefit of the environment.\nAlso, the hostel\u2019s website warns guests that they are staying\u00a0at their own risk, and the hostel will not accept liability if guests have a nervous breakdown, get food poisoning, etc.\nThe reverse psychology\u00a0marketing strategy has obviously paid off, since all of the 127 rooms are usually booked. Visitors are mostly younger people from all over the world.\u00a0Besides these guests, there are also those who book a room in the hostel only to take pictures but seek accommodation elsewhere.\nThe post Do you know which the worst hostel in the world is? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-12-12T09:31:38+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-27T14:54:40+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/najgori-hostel-1.jpg", "tags": [ "amsterdam", "worst hostel", "OMG... Really?!" ] }, { "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" ] } ] }