![\"Dusan](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/DusanBorovcanin.jpg\" "\\"Dusan")
Master of Economy,
Teaching Assistant at Singidunum University
The 450-pages book brings together for the first time a complete analysis of all the principal sectors of our industry: corporate meetings, incentive travel, association conferences, political events, awards ceremonies, exhibitions and the important SMERF segment of the market (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal events). Each of these chapters looks in depth at the particular characteristics of each sector and offers expert advice on how such events should be planned in order to ensure their success.
\nThese chapters are followed by others focusing on destination marketing (the role of convention bureaus), sustainability, technology, ethics, education and training for business events. In each chapter, there are detailed case-studies from all over the world, offering examples of best practice and valuable insights from experienced managers working in each type of business event.
\nBusiness Events has been written for managers in all sectors of the MICE industry, as well as for university students taking courses in this subject or considering the MICE industry as a career option. It is Rob Davidson\u2019s fourth book on this subject. The other titles are:
\n* Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events
\n* Winning Meetings and Events for Your Venue
\n* Business Travel
\nRob Davidson said: \u201cIn many ways, this book is my gift to the industry that I have devoted my life to for 20 years. It is based on my own knowledge as well as guidance from respected professionals who are active in each of the sectors covered. This book could not have been written without their valuable advice and support. It is ideal for people seeking new ideas and a fresh overview of this industry \u2013 the \u2018big picture\u2019 of all the opportunities for planning successful business events that achieve their objectives in a sustainable, ethical way, while making full use of the latest developments in information technology. It was fun and fascinating to research and write Business Events, and I hope that those preparing for a career in our industry, as well as those already employed in it, will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it\u201d.
\nThe book is available here.
\nThe post New book for the MICE industry: Business Events, by Dr Rob Davidson appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Business Events, a new book by Dr Rob Davidson, the Managing Director of MICE Knowledge and Professor of MICE Management in four European universities, was launched at IBTM World in Barcelona.\nThe 450-pages book brings together for the first time a complete analysis of all the principal sectors of our industry: corporate meetings, incentive travel, association conferences, political events, awards ceremonies, exhibitions and the important SMERF segment of the market (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal events). Each of these chapters looks in depth at the particular characteristics of each sector and offers expert advice on how such events should be planned in order to ensure their success.\nThese chapters are followed by others focusing on destination marketing (the role of convention bureaus), sustainability, technology, ethics, education and training for business events. In each chapter, there are detailed case-studies from all over the world, offering examples of best practice and valuable insights from experienced managers working in each type of business event.\nBusiness Events has been written for managers in all sectors of the MICE industry, as well as for university students taking courses in this subject or considering the MICE industry as a career option. It is Rob Davidson\u2019s fourth book on this subject. The other titles are:\n* Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events\n* Winning Meetings and Events for Your Venue\n* Business Travel\nRob Davidson said: \u201cIn many ways, this book is my gift to the industry that I have devoted my life to for 20 years. It is based on my own knowledge as well as guidance from respected professionals who are active in each of the sectors covered. This book could not have been written without their valuable advice and support. It is ideal for people seeking new ideas and a fresh overview of this industry \u2013 the \u2018big picture\u2019 of all the opportunities for planning successful business events that achieve their objectives in a sustainable, ethical way, while making full use of the latest developments in information technology. It was fun and fascinating to research and write Business Events, and I hope that those preparing for a career in our industry, as well as those already employed in it, will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it\u201d.\nThe book is available here.\nThe post New book for the MICE industry: Business Events, by Dr Rob Davidson appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-02-18T11:48:34+01:00", "date_modified": "2019-02-18T11:48:34+01:00", "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/COVER-seebtm.com_.jpg", "tags": [ "business events", "mice industry", "new book", "rob davidson", "MUST READ", "NEWS", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/congress-tourism-improves-the-international-reputation-of-serbia/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/congress-tourism-improves-the-international-reputation-of-serbia/", "title": "Congress Tourism Improves the International Reputation of Serbia", "content_html": "Simply said, branding a country is far more complex than branding a certain product or a service. This already complex task is additionally complicated if a country has suffered from some of the very well \u2013 known crises which affect overall tourism activities. Crises can appear in many different forms \u2013 the question is, how to rebuild the reputation of a country
\nthat has suffered from crises? Some countries have tried to build their international image as a perfect place for foreign investments such as the UAE or Qatar. However, unlike other crises that affect country\u2019s image, it is civil conflicts that tend to have long-term consequences for the national brand. The real question is how we can rebuild its image and improve the perception of foreign visitors.
However, a study recently done by Dr Rob Davidson, one of the most distinguished professors and consultants in MICE industry who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at IBTM in Barcelona, and our young academic Dusan Borovcanin from Singidunum
\nUniversity reveals that congress tourism can be part of the solution for improving the image of Belgrade and Serbia as tourism destination. The study involved people who visited Serbia for the first time, and whose primary motivation was to take part in a business event. As it is well-known, business travelers are not the ones who decide which destination they will visit. Usually, it is the organizers of the event that do so.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/grafik-3.jpg\")
For that very reason, the authors of this study were interested in learning what was the perception of participants at business events before they came to Serbia for the first time and comparing it with their perceptions after attending their congress and experiencing
\nthe destination for themselves. The results of the study presented at the annual conference of ATLAS (Association for Tourism and Leisure Education) reveal that the image of Serbia as a conflict destination still exists to some extent. The main source of this perception are mass media such as TV, newspapers and internet.
However, what is encouraging is that the perception of foreign travelers has changed dramatically from the moment they visit the country for the first time. The most dominant factor that affects their perception are \u201cpeople\u201d as they claim, i.e. local population whose friendliness and warmth breaks down the myths of Serbia as a warlike nation. Although \u201cpeople\u201d are on top of the list, they are closely followed by factors such as \u201cgastronomy\u201d and \u201cnice climate\u201d,
\nas well as price competitiveness.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/grafik-4.jpg\")
One of the significant findings is that business travelers, after they had visited the country for business purposes, showed a significant intent to visit Serbia again, only this time for leisure purposes. This research demonstrates the image-changing power of the congress industry. Besides direct and indirect economic impacts it leaves on the country\u2019s economy, the congress industry significantly contributes to the improvement of the international perception of Serbia as a nation. The conclusion from this research is perfectly aligned with the actual trend of business tourism in Serbia. Belgrade jumped from 120th to 51st position on the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) list from 2008 \u2013 2016 and Serbia as a country moved from 55th to 48th place internationally, as well.
\nThis shows that Belgrade and Serbia are rising on the international market as a new, interesting and inspirational destination that can meet the needs of highly demanding business travelers. Finally, it is evident that, as a country, we are earning significantly from congress
\ntourism, but can we use congress industry as one of the key factors for positively branding our country? The authors of this study are certain we can.
Dusan Borovcanin,
\nMaster of Economy,
\nTeaching Assistant at Singidunum University
Dr Rob Davidson,
\nManaging Director at MICE Knowledge
The post Congress Tourism Improves the International Reputation of Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Country and destination branding is the topic that has been attracting interest from tourism professionals for years. Nevertheless, after much research written on this matter we can conclude that there is no universal formula that could be applied in all cases.\nDusan Borovcanin, Master of Economy, Teaching Assistant at Singidunum University\nSimply said, branding a country is far more complex than branding a certain product or a service. This already complex task is additionally complicated if a country has suffered from some of the very well \u2013 known crises which affect overall tourism activities. Crises can appear in many different forms \u2013 the question is, how to rebuild the reputation of a country\nthat has suffered from crises? Some countries have tried to build their international image as a perfect place for foreign investments such as the UAE or Qatar. However, unlike other crises that affect country\u2019s image, it is civil conflicts that tend to have long-term consequences for the national brand. The real question is how we can rebuild its image and improve the perception of foreign visitors. \nHowever, a study recently done by Dr Rob Davidson, one of the most distinguished professors and consultants in MICE industry who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at IBTM in Barcelona, and our young academic Dusan Borovcanin from Singidunum\nUniversity reveals that congress tourism can be part of the solution for improving the image of Belgrade and Serbia as tourism destination. The study involved people who visited Serbia for the first time, and whose primary motivation was to take part in a business event. As it is well-known, business travelers are not the ones who decide which destination they will visit. Usually, it is the organizers of the event that do so.\n\nFor that very reason, the authors of this study were interested in learning what was the perception of participants at business events before they came to Serbia for the first time and comparing it with their perceptions after attending their congress and experiencing\nthe destination for themselves. The results of the study presented at the annual conference of ATLAS (Association for Tourism and Leisure Education) reveal that the image of Serbia as a conflict destination still exists to some extent. The main source of this perception are mass media such as TV, newspapers and internet.\nHowever, what is encouraging is that the perception of foreign travelers has changed dramatically from the moment they visit the country for the first time. The most dominant factor that affects their perception are \u201cpeople\u201d as they claim, i.e. local population whose friendliness and warmth breaks down the myths of Serbia as a warlike nation. Although \u201cpeople\u201d are on top of the list, they are closely followed by factors such as \u201cgastronomy\u201d and \u201cnice climate\u201d,\nas well as price competitiveness.\n\nOne of the significant findings is that business travelers, after they had visited the country for business purposes, showed a significant intent to visit Serbia again, only this time for leisure purposes. This research demonstrates the image-changing power of the congress industry. Besides direct and indirect economic impacts it leaves on the country\u2019s economy, the congress industry significantly contributes to the improvement of the international perception of Serbia as a nation. The conclusion from this research is perfectly aligned with the actual trend of business tourism in Serbia. Belgrade jumped from 120th to 51st position on the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) list from 2008 \u2013 2016 and Serbia as a country moved from 55th to 48th place internationally, as well.\nThis shows that Belgrade and Serbia are rising on the international market as a new, interesting and inspirational destination that can meet the needs of highly demanding business travelers. Finally, it is evident that, as a country, we are earning significantly from congress\ntourism, but can we use congress industry as one of the key factors for positively branding our country? The authors of this study are certain we can.\nDusan Borovcanin,\nMaster of Economy,\nTeaching Assistant at Singidunum University\nDr Rob Davidson,\nManaging Director at MICE Knowledge\nThe post Congress Tourism Improves the International Reputation of Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-05-15T16:14:53+02:00", "date_modified": "2018-05-15T16:14:53+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/Borovcanin-2.jpg", "tags": [ "congress tourism", "research", "rob davidson", "serbia", "study", "RESEARCH" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/new-book-published-on-business-events-marketing/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/new-book-published-on-business-events-marketing/", "title": "New Book Published on Business Events Marketing", "content_html": "[quote_box_center]Meetings industry professionals will benefit greatly from an indispensable new book, ‘Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events’, written by Tony Rogers and Rob Davidson and launched at ibtm world in Barcelona.[/quote_box_center]
\n![\"Rob](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/TonyRob1-2.jpg\" "\\"Rob")
Published by Routledge, this is an entirely updated edition of the highly successful book written by the same authors in 2006 for students of events / tourism / hospitality management as well as for people already employed in convention bureaux and venues of all types.
\nWith its practical, real-life case-studies, contributed by meetings industry colleagues all over the world, the new book will be of immense interest to all marketing professionals who are looking for innovative ideas and techniques that they can use in promoting their destination or venue in today’s highly competitive world.
\nAnd since it also covers basic marketing principles, as applied to the meetings industry, ‘Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events’ will also be a very useful resource for students with an interest in entering a career in destination or venue marketing.
\nThe new book has already been received enthusiastically by both meetings industry practitioners and by many of those professors who are educating the next generation of meetings industry professionals:
\n‘This book provides insights into what shapes the industry today and in the future, seen through the critical lens of Rogers and Davidson, both recognised specialists in the MICE and venues industry. If you want to stay one step ahead of your competitors, then don’t put this book down. It is essential reading for professional development\u2019.\u00a0Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.
\n\u2018An excellent range of international case studies\u2026This book will be an invaluable resource to anyone teaching, researching or studying conferences, conventions and business events.\u2019 \u2013\u00a0Judith Mair, Senior Lecturer in Event Management, School of Business, University of Queensland.
\nThe book is available to purchase online now at https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138852150
\nThe post New Book Published on Business Events Marketing appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "[quote_box_center]Meetings industry professionals will benefit greatly from an indispensable new book, ‘Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events’, written by Tony Rogers and Rob Davidson and launched at ibtm world in Barcelona.[/quote_box_center]\nRob Davidson and Tony Rogers\nPublished by Routledge, this is an entirely updated edition of the highly successful book written by the same authors in 2006 for students of events / tourism / hospitality management as well as for people already employed in convention bureaux and venues of all types.\nThe content of the book has been brought completely up to date, reflecting all of the major contemporary themes and developments in venue and destination marketing, including the use of the social media, brand alignment and content marketing.\nWith its practical, real-life case-studies, contributed by meetings industry colleagues all over the world, the new book will be of immense interest to all marketing professionals who are looking for innovative ideas and techniques that they can use in promoting their destination or venue in today’s highly competitive world.\nAnd since it also covers basic marketing principles, as applied to the meetings industry, ‘Marketing Destinations and Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events’ will also be a very useful resource for students with an interest in entering a career in destination or venue marketing.\nThe new book has already been received enthusiastically by both meetings industry practitioners and by many of those professors who are educating the next generation of meetings industry professionals:\n‘This book provides insights into what shapes the industry today and in the future, seen through the critical lens of Rogers and Davidson, both recognised specialists in the MICE and venues industry. If you want to stay one step ahead of your competitors, then don’t put this book down. It is essential reading for professional development\u2019.\u00a0Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.\n\u2018An excellent range of international case studies\u2026This book will be an invaluable resource to anyone teaching, researching or studying conferences, conventions and business events.\u2019 \u2013\u00a0Judith Mair, Senior Lecturer in Event Management, School of Business, University of Queensland.\nThe book is available to purchase online now at https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138852150\nThe post New Book Published on Business Events Marketing appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-11-23T16:14:28+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-27T15:01:24+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/Book-Cover.jpg", "tags": [ "business events", "conferences", "conventions", "ibtm world", "meeting industry", "MICE", "rob davidson", "Tony Rogers", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/rob-davidson-reveals-key-themes-for-global-industry-trends-watch-report-set-to-be-delivered-at-ibtm-world-2015/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/rob-davidson-reveals-key-themes-for-global-industry-trends-watch-report-set-to-be-delivered-at-ibtm-world-2015/", "title": "Rob Davidson reveals key themes for global industry trends watch report set to be delivered at ibtm world 2015", "content_html": "[quote_box_center]Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge and ibtm world Industry Analyst has revealed some key industry themes ahead of his Trends Watch report session, which will be delivered as part of the ibtm world knowledge programme (www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge).[/quote_box_center]
\nFindings from the full report, which will be presented twice at this year\u2019s show (Tuesday 17th November, 11:30 \u2013 12:30 and Thursday 19th November, 9:00 \u2013 10:00), suggest continued growth and optimism regarding expansion of the meetings and events industry in the year ahead.
\nCommenting on his research, Davidson says, \u201cA number of surveys of meetings industry associations point to ongoing expansion in meetings and events business, with expectations that 2015 will prove to be more prosperous than the previous year.\u201d
\nDavidson\u2019s report will also discuss the changing design of meetings and meeting venues. Davidson continues, \u201cIn 2015, we are seeing radical qualitative changes in the ways in which meetings are designed. And forward-looking venues are adapting their offer to meet the evolving demands of new-generation meeting planners and attendees.\u201d
\nThe impact of the global economy and its uneven recovery across various geographical regions is also set to feature as a key theme in his presentation. Davisdon concludes, \u201cAs the global economy continues to change at an uneven rate, depending upon which world region is under consideration, the outlook for the meetings industry also varies along broad geographical zones.
\n\u201cIn the US, where hotel supply is up, with almost 100,000 new rooms added in 2015, demand for meetings continues to grow at up to quadruple the rate of supply. That means that the US is experiencing a suppliers\u2019 market, with pricing power set to remain in the hands of hoteliers until the second half of 2016.\u201d
\nAll ibtm world delegates are invited to attend the 2015 Trends Watch report session. To register as a trade visitor and to find out more about the benefits of attending ibtm world, please visit:\u00a0www.ibtmworld.com/visit2015
\nThe post Rob Davidson reveals key themes for global industry trends watch report set to be delivered at ibtm world 2015 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "[quote_box_center]Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge and ibtm world Industry Analyst has revealed some key industry themes ahead of his Trends Watch report session, which will be delivered as part of the ibtm world knowledge programme (www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge).[/quote_box_center]\nFindings from the full report, which will be presented twice at this year\u2019s show (Tuesday 17th November, 11:30 \u2013 12:30 and Thursday 19th November, 9:00 \u2013 10:00), suggest continued growth and optimism regarding expansion of the meetings and events industry in the year ahead.\nDavidson identifies that key indicators of the meeting industry\u2019s health, including attendance, budgets, exhibitors, and revenues\u2014continue to remain positive, signalling that the growth trend is set to continue.\nCommenting on his research, Davidson says, \u201cA number of surveys of meetings industry associations point to ongoing expansion in meetings and events business, with expectations that 2015 will prove to be more prosperous than the previous year.\u201d\nDavidson\u2019s report will also discuss the changing design of meetings and meeting venues. Davidson continues, \u201cIn 2015, we are seeing radical qualitative changes in the ways in which meetings are designed. And forward-looking venues are adapting their offer to meet the evolving demands of new-generation meeting planners and attendees.\u201d\nThe impact of the global economy and its uneven recovery across various geographical regions is also set to feature as a key theme in his presentation. Davisdon concludes, \u201cAs the global economy continues to change at an uneven rate, depending upon which world region is under consideration, the outlook for the meetings industry also varies along broad geographical zones.\n\u201cIn the US, where hotel supply is up, with almost 100,000 new rooms added in 2015, demand for meetings continues to grow at up to quadruple the rate of supply. That means that the US is experiencing a suppliers\u2019 market, with pricing power set to remain in the hands of hoteliers until the second half of 2016.\u201d\nAll ibtm world delegates are invited to attend the 2015 Trends Watch report session. To register as a trade visitor and to find out more about the benefits of attending ibtm world, please visit:\u00a0www.ibtmworld.com/visit2015\nThe post Rob Davidson reveals key themes for global industry trends watch report set to be delivered at ibtm world 2015 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-10-21T14:30:53+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-29T11:51:52+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/J7A11222.jpg", "tags": [ "ibtm world 2015", "knowledge programme", "rob davidson", "trend watch report", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/networking/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/networking/", "title": "NETWORKING AT CONFERENCES", "content_html": "BY ROB DAVIDSON
\nLike most people, I picked it up as I went along. And even now, like most people, I still get a little nervous walking into a room of 200 people I don\u2019t know, equipped only with a glass of wine, for the networking session at the end of a day\u2019s conferencing.
\n\n
One of the presentations I enjoy giving the most is: How to Network at Conferences. I talk about how to start a conversation with another delegate, how to meet the people you want to meet, and how to move on from one conversation to another.
\nI wish someone had instructed me in networking techniques all those years ago, when I started going to conferences. Like most people, I picked it up as I went along. And even now, like most people, I still get a little nervous walking into a room of 200 people I don\u2019t know, equipped only with a glass of wine, for the networking session at the end of a day\u2019s conferencing.
\nWill I end up standing alone with my solitary glass of wine, while everyone else is networking successfully all around me? No, I probably won\u2019t – because most of the other delegates are in the same boat, and are very willing to start a conversation with someone else who shares their interests enough to be at the same conference.![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/nuts-bolts.jpg\" "\\"nuts")
With all this talk of virtual conferences, teleconferencing, videoconferencing and so on, networking is the one benefit that only face-to-face events can offer.
\nAnd we know that, for many people, it\u2019s their main motivation for attending conferences \u2013 to make new business contacts during the networking sessions; to find someone to work with on a piece of research for example; or to start recruiting a new member of staff; or even to find a new job \u2013 all of these things can start at a conference\u2019s networking session.
\nAnd that\u2019s why we need to constantly promote the networking element of conferences as our Unique Selling Point. That\u2019s also why we must get more professional and more imaginative when it comes to planning these networking sessions.
\nAs far as I can tell, for now, planning a networking session doesn\u2019t go much further than simply putting a glass of something alcoholic in the delegate\u2019s hand and then ushering them into a room to fend for themselves.
\nThere\u2019s a growing problem with this approach: all the research shows that Generation Y, the most recent cohort of young professionals to enter the workforce, are far less confident than preceding generations at face-to-face communication. Of course, they are all very skilled at electronic communication: blogging, Skype-ing, Tweeting etc, etc with people all over the planet.
\nBut when it comes to face-to-face networking, they need help. They need a bit more structure, in fact. Networking must be turned into a game for them.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/networking-at-conferences.jpg\" "\\"Networking")
For example, here is an idea I came across at a conference in the Netherlands a couple of years ago: at the end of the day\u2019s proceedings, we were all steered into a room for the networking session.
But this time, we were given more than a glass of Pinot Grigio. At the entrance to the room, we were each given either a nut or a bolt. They were all of different sizes and the challenge was to find the person in the room whose bolt fitted your nut (there were prizes for the people who found their \u2018match\u2019).
\nIt was fun and it was an extremely effective way of breaking the ice and encouraging delegates to speak to new people, rather than sticking with those they already knew.
\nI think conference planners need to be more creative in how they organize these networking sessions, from now on. The future of the conference industry may depend on it.
\nThe post NETWORKING AT CONFERENCES appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "BY ROB DAVIDSON\nI wish someone had instructed me in networking techniques all those years ago, when I started going to conferences.\nLike most people, I picked it up as I went along. And even now, like most people, I still get a little nervous walking into a room of 200 people I don\u2019t know, equipped only with a glass of wine, for the networking session at the end of a day\u2019s conferencing.\n\nOne of the presentations I enjoy giving the most is: How to Network at Conferences. I talk about how to start a conversation with another delegate, how to meet the people you want to meet, and how to move on from one conversation to another.\nI wish someone had instructed me in networking techniques all those years ago, when I started going to conferences. Like most people, I picked it up as I went along. And even now, like most people, I still get a little nervous walking into a room of 200 people I don\u2019t know, equipped only with a glass of wine, for the networking session at the end of a day\u2019s conferencing.\nWill I end up standing alone with my solitary glass of wine, while everyone else is networking successfully all around me? No, I probably won\u2019t – because most of the other delegates are in the same boat, and are very willing to start a conversation with someone else who shares their interests enough to be at the same conference.\nWith all this talk of virtual conferences, teleconferencing, videoconferencing and so on, networking is the one benefit that only face-to-face events can offer.\nAnd we know that, for many people, it\u2019s their main motivation for attending conferences \u2013 to make new business contacts during the networking sessions; to find someone to work with on a piece of research for example; or to start recruiting a new member of staff; or even to find a new job \u2013 all of these things can start at a conference\u2019s networking session.\nAnd that\u2019s why we need to constantly promote the networking element of conferences as our Unique Selling Point. That\u2019s also why we must get more professional and more imaginative when it comes to planning these networking sessions.\nAs far as I can tell, for now, planning a networking session doesn\u2019t go much further than simply putting a glass of something alcoholic in the delegate\u2019s hand and then ushering them into a room to fend for themselves.\nThere\u2019s a growing problem with this approach: all the research shows that Generation Y, the most recent cohort of young professionals to enter the workforce, are far less confident than preceding generations at face-to-face communication. Of course, they are all very skilled at electronic communication: blogging, Skype-ing, Tweeting etc, etc with people all over the planet.\nBut when it comes to face-to-face networking, they need help. They need a bit more structure, in fact. Networking must be turned into a game for them.\nFor example, here is an idea I came across at a conference in the Netherlands a couple of years ago: at the end of the day\u2019s proceedings, we were all steered into a room for the networking session.\nBut this time, we were given more than a glass of Pinot Grigio. At the entrance to the room, we were each given either a nut or a bolt. They were all of different sizes and the challenge was to find the person in the room whose bolt fitted your nut (there were prizes for the people who found their \u2018match\u2019).\nIt was fun and it was an extremely effective way of breaking the ice and encouraging delegates to speak to new people, rather than sticking with those they already knew.\nI think conference planners need to be more creative in how they organize these networking sessions, from now on. The future of the conference industry may depend on it.\nThe post NETWORKING AT CONFERENCES appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2011-11-15T14:06:40+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-06T15:06:36+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/RobDavidson1.jpg", "tags": [ "rob davidson", "Hot topics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-venues-use-social-media-as-marketing-tools/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-venues-use-social-media-as-marketing-tools/", "title": "HOW VENUES USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS MARKETING TOOLS", "content_html": "Author: Rob Davidson
\nWithin the past few years, the arsenal of marketing tools available to businesses of all kinds has expanded to include what are known as the social media.
\nPopular networks such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter are increasingly being used by businesses, in additional to the more traditional marketing communications tools such as advertising, public relations and direct marketing
\nMany venues have already embraced the social media as exciting new ways of reaching their customers and potential customers – meetings planners. However, very little is known about how \u2013 and how much \u2013 venues are using these tools in their marketing communications. A survey undertaken by the author in the summer of 2010 was designed to answer these questions.
\nAn online questionnaire was sent to the managers of the twelve UK venues that are members of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC)- a worldwide industry association for professional convention and exhibition centre managers. Membership of the AIPC is open to those venues that have the capacity to host international events, defined as one \u2018having a minimum of 100 participants and which either rotates through or has significant participation from at least three countries\u2019.
\nTen venues responded to the questionnaire: Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre; ACC Liverpool; Edinburgh International Conference Centre; International Convention Centre, Birmingham; Bournemouth International Centre; Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow; and four London venues: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre; Barbican Centre; Central Hall Westminster; and the Royal College of Physicians.
\n![\"Networking](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Networking_Map.jpg\" "\\"Networking")
In response to the question, \u201cHow many of the social media do you use in marketing your venue?\u201d, the venues divided into 3 distinct groups: 3 were \u2018non-users\u2019, not employing any of the social media in this way; four venues were \u2018light-users\u2019, employing 1, 2 or 3 of the social media in their marketing; and 3 venues were \u2018heavy-users\u2019, employing 5 or 6 of the social media for marketing purposes.
Regarding which social media were used most frequently by the venues, the six tools most commonly used by the UK venues were found to be: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Linkedin and Flickr. Linkedin and Twitter were the most extensively-used, already used by 6 out of the 10 venues, with 2 and 1 other venues respectively considering adopting them into their marketing strategies. Facebook was found to be in use by five venues, followed by YouTube, used by three. Blogs and Flickr had been adopted by only two venues, although the former looked set to grow, with three venues reporting that they were considering using it.
\nFor venues in the UK, the use of the social media for marketing purposes appears to be a recent phenomenon. When asked how long they had been using the social media in this way, the most commonly reported period for their use was from 1 \u2013 2 years only.
\nIn terms of how much time venue marketing staff were currently spending on using the social media, there was wide variation in the responses. One venue, a heavy-user, reported that their marketing staff were spending averages of 18 hours on Facebook and 15 hours on Twitter each week, for professional purposes. However, this was atypical of the sample as a whole, and it was found that most venues in the sample were devoting approximately one half-day of manpower per week to their use of the social media as marketing tools.
\nRegarding the venues\u2019 reasons for adopting the social media in the marketing communications, the most common objectives given were to improve: (a) general public relations, (b) brand awareness and reinforcement and (c) customer acquisition and retention. Attracting visitors to the venues\u2019 websites was also given a high priority by some respondents.
\n![\"New](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock_New_Media_Vs_Old_Media.jpg\" "\\"New")
There were many examples given of how the social media were being used creatively and effectively by venue marketing staff. Some venues were posting videos on YouTube showing short testimonials from satisfied meetings planners, filmed just after their conference in the venue.
Many were \u2018tweeting\u2019 items of news about their venues. And others were systematically joining conversations and offering advice on Linkedin, as a way of keeping their venue \u2018top-of-mind\u2019, among meetings planners.
\nIt is clear, even from the small sample used for this study, that the intensity and extent of usage of social media is set to grow among venues, with most of the non-users and light-users considering expanding their use of these tools.
\nThere are, however, a number of concerns that may be expressed at this stage:
\n* Several venues appear to have been introduced to the marketing potential of social media by an individual member of staff with expertise/interest in these tools rather than any deliberate strategic decision to move into this area. The results of the survey suggested that the absence of such a \u2018champion\u2019 for social media could be a reason for a venue not expanding its marketing activities into this domain. Two venues cited the lack of staff interest/expertise as reason for non-adoption.
\n* From the human resources side, another cause for concern may be that only one venue in the sample reported recruiting a new member of staff to work with these tools, others simply moving existing staff into the role or expecting staff to absorb the use of social media into their existing workload
\n* Perhaps most importantly, very little sound evidence was produced by respondents to demonstrate successful return on investment in their use of these tools. This is indicative of a wider problem in the use of the social media in business as a whole.
\nGeneral concern over the need to be able to demonstrate the efficacy of social media used for marketing purposes has been widely highlighted. For instance, the 2010 Social Media Marketing Industry Report (see: www.socialmediaexaminer.com) notes that \u2018One in three marketers indicated that measuring results and identifying the best practices were their top questions when marketing with social media\u2019.
\nBut despite these challenges, it would appear that the use of the social media by venues everywhere is a fast-growing and unstoppable trend. Venue managers are under increasing pressure to win new business \u2013 at a time when competition intensifies with every new conference centre that opens. In the face of such pressure, more and more of them are considering the use of the social media as marketing tools that offer significant potential. It will be interesting to monitor venue marketers\u2019 progress as they expand their adoption of these tools to connect with their markets in dramatically new ways.
\nThe post HOW VENUES USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS MARKETING TOOLS appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Author: Rob Davidson\nIn order to compete successfully in the meetings market, venues must market themselves effectively, using a wide range of promotional techniques.\nWithin the past few years, the arsenal of marketing tools available to businesses of all kinds has expanded to include what are known as the social media.\nPopular networks such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter are increasingly being used by businesses, in additional to the more traditional marketing communications tools such as advertising, public relations and direct marketing\nMany venues have already embraced the social media as exciting new ways of reaching their customers and potential customers – meetings planners. However, very little is known about how \u2013 and how much \u2013 venues are using these tools in their marketing communications. A survey undertaken by the author in the summer of 2010 was designed to answer these questions.\nAn online questionnaire was sent to the managers of the twelve UK venues that are members of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC)- a worldwide industry association for professional convention and exhibition centre managers. Membership of the AIPC is open to those venues that have the capacity to host international events, defined as one \u2018having a minimum of 100 participants and which either rotates through or has significant participation from at least three countries\u2019.\nTen venues responded to the questionnaire: Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre; ACC Liverpool; Edinburgh International Conference Centre; International Convention Centre, Birmingham; Bournemouth International Centre; Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow; and four London venues: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre; Barbican Centre; Central Hall Westminster; and the Royal College of Physicians.\nIn response to the question, \u201cHow many of the social media do you use in marketing your venue?\u201d, the venues divided into 3 distinct groups: 3 were \u2018non-users\u2019, not employing any of the social media in this way; four venues were \u2018light-users\u2019, employing 1, 2 or 3 of the social media in their marketing; and 3 venues were \u2018heavy-users\u2019, employing 5 or 6 of the social media for marketing purposes.\nRegarding which social media were used most frequently by the venues, the six tools most commonly used by the UK venues were found to be: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Linkedin and Flickr. Linkedin and Twitter were the most extensively-used, already used by 6 out of the 10 venues, with 2 and 1 other venues respectively considering adopting them into their marketing strategies. Facebook was found to be in use by five venues, followed by YouTube, used by three. Blogs and Flickr had been adopted by only two venues, although the former looked set to grow, with three venues reporting that they were considering using it.\nFor venues in the UK, the use of the social media for marketing purposes appears to be a recent phenomenon. When asked how long they had been using the social media in this way, the most commonly reported period for their use was from 1 \u2013 2 years only.\nIn terms of how much time venue marketing staff were currently spending on using the social media, there was wide variation in the responses. One venue, a heavy-user, reported that their marketing staff were spending averages of 18 hours on Facebook and 15 hours on Twitter each week, for professional purposes. However, this was atypical of the sample as a whole, and it was found that most venues in the sample were devoting approximately one half-day of manpower per week to their use of the social media as marketing tools.\nRegarding the venues\u2019 reasons for adopting the social media in the marketing communications, the most common objectives given were to improve: (a) general public relations, (b) brand awareness and reinforcement and (c) customer acquisition and retention. Attracting visitors to the venues\u2019 websites was also given a high priority by some respondents.\nThere were many examples given of how the social media were being used creatively and effectively by venue marketing staff. Some venues were posting videos on YouTube showing short testimonials from satisfied meetings planners, filmed just after their conference in the venue.\nMany were \u2018tweeting\u2019 items of news about their venues. And others were systematically joining conversations and offering advice on Linkedin, as a way of keeping their venue \u2018top-of-mind\u2019, among meetings planners.\nIt is clear, even from the small sample used for this study, that the intensity and extent of usage of social media is set to grow among venues, with most of the non-users and light-users considering expanding their use of these tools.\nThere are, however, a number of concerns that may be expressed at this stage:\n* Several venues appear to have been introduced to the marketing potential of social media by an individual member of staff with expertise/interest in these tools rather than any deliberate strategic decision to move into this area. The results of the survey suggested that the absence of such a \u2018champion\u2019 for social media could be a reason for a venue not expanding its marketing activities into this domain. Two venues cited the lack of staff interest/expertise as reason for non-adoption.\n* From the human resources side, another cause for concern may be that only one venue in the sample reported recruiting a new member of staff to work with these tools, others simply moving existing staff into the role or expecting staff to absorb the use of social media into their existing workload\n* Perhaps most importantly, very little sound evidence was produced by respondents to demonstrate successful return on investment in their use of these tools. This is indicative of a wider problem in the use of the social media in business as a whole.\nGeneral concern over the need to be able to demonstrate the efficacy of social media used for marketing purposes has been widely highlighted. For instance, the 2010 Social Media Marketing Industry Report (see: www.socialmediaexaminer.com) notes that \u2018One in three marketers indicated that measuring results and identifying the best practices were their top questions when marketing with social media\u2019.\nBut despite these challenges, it would appear that the use of the social media by venues everywhere is a fast-growing and unstoppable trend. Venue managers are under increasing pressure to win new business \u2013 at a time when competition intensifies with every new conference centre that opens. In the face of such pressure, more and more of them are considering the use of the social media as marketing tools that offer significant potential. It will be interesting to monitor venue marketers\u2019 progress as they expand their adoption of these tools to connect with their markets in dramatically new ways.\nThe post HOW VENUES USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS MARKETING TOOLS appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2011-08-17T09:59:20+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-07T10:20:56+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/J7A11221.jpg", "tags": [ "rob davidson", "twitter", "VENUES", "Hot topics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/the-social-legacy-of-incentive-travel/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/the-social-legacy-of-incentive-travel/", "title": "THE SOCIAL LEGACY OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL", "content_html": "![\"Rob](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/RobDavidson.jpg\" "\\"Rob")
In recent years, a growing number of incentive travel planners have focused their attention on how the programmes that they organize can leave a lasting legacy of community improvements in the destinations which host their incentive trips. This has become known as the \u2018social legacy\u2019 of incentive travel. Two principal factors have driven this trend:
Firstly, the widespread perception that companies must respect the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by ensuring that all of a firm\u2019s activities are carried out with due concern and respect for the 3 Ps: People, Planet and Profit. Social legacy relates to the People aspect of CSR. It involves taking into account how an incentive programme can have a positive impact upon the inhabitants of the destination where the trip takes place.![\"People](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstockphoto_People_Planet_Profit_-_Susta_5211570.jpg\" "\\"People")
Secondly, attitudes of incentive travel participants have changed, concerning the lavishly-funded, extravagant nature of many incentive trips. Incentive travel participants who are members of Generation Y (usually defined as those born between 1977 and 1995) in particular are dissatisfied with the conspicuous consumption that often characterises such events. This is particularly the case when incentive trips take place in close proximity to disadvantaged communities or in developing countries where the luxurious and extravagant experiences enjoyed by the incentive participants strongly contrast with the underprivileged lifestyle of the local inhabitants.
\nBoth of these factors have contributed to the trend of incentive trips being designed in such a way that they can make a difference and give something back to the local people in the destination.
\n![\"Make_A_Difference_Phrase\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstockphoto_Make_A_Difference_Phrase_On_Bl_4067001.jpg\" "\\"Make_A_Difference_Phrase\\"")
At the most basic level, a social legacy initiative for an incentive trip could be raising money for a local charity, for example, at the event\u2019s gala dinner. This is one of the most common, and most straightforward, ways of helping local people. When more time is available in the programme, a more hands-on approach to leaving a social legacy can be used: participants take a day or half-day to work directly on a project. This can range from landscaping the garden of a local retirement home to constructing a library in a village school.
Several of the winners of the 2009 Site Crystal Awards Recognition Program, an annual competition designed to recognize outstanding incentive programs, demonstrated that they had a positive impact on the local community (Site – global network of meeting, travel and event professionals). For example, Terra Nova, the African events company, organized a motivational hike for 160 participants through South Africa\u2019s Drakensberg Mountain Range, for their client Reckitt Benckiser, the household, health and personal care products company. Not only did the event provide the local community with employment opportunities, through the recruiting of 16 guides an![\"TerraNova-award\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/TerraNova-award3c.jpg\" "\\"TerraNova-award\\"")
d 8 translators who accompanies the participants on the hike, but also the experience provided many opportunities for the local people and the visitors to interact and for the participants to give back to the communities they encountered. A donation was made to a local school, and the group of participants also gives football equipment to players on the local team, most of whom had never even owned their own football boots. Reckitt Benckiser was also able to honour the local chief\u2019s wife with the gift of a cow, therefore adding to the wealth of the herd. Overall, the incentive trip succeeded in creating a powerful sense of community between the participants and the local people, with both sides benefiting enormously from the opportunity to interact with people from a different culture.
Another 2009 Crystal Award winner was Carlson Marketing Worldwide, for the 2008 \u2018SunRise\u2019 event they designed for Sun Microsystems. SunRise is Sun Micosystems\u2019 global award and recognition program, held every year to honour the company\u2019s highest achievers. The 3-day event, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, was designed to fit in exactly with Sun Microsystems\u2019 own Corporate Social Responsi![\"Native_Malagasy_People\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstockphoto_Native_Malagasy_People_4555260.jpg\" "\\"Native_Malagasy_People\\"")
bility principles. During the event, every effort was made to respect the principles of sustainability, by minimising the incentive trip\u2019s impact on the natural environment. But the social environment was not forgotten either, and after the SunRise event, many of the materials that it had utilized were donated to local organizations. For example, the furniture purchased for the event was donated to the local YMCA; the 20 chalkboards that had served as menus went to a local school and the plants and flowers used as decoration went to a local retirement home for Hawaiians.
These examples of how incentive trips can leave a social legacy are part of a wider trend towards incentive travel organisers and their clients demonstrating their willingness to use these events to give something back to the underprivileged people who live in the destinations where these trips take place. It is a welcome development, since in any destination, including in European countries, there are worthy charities and organizations that deserve the support of those who are more fortunate than they are.
\nAuthor: Rob Davidson
\nThe post THE SOCIAL LEGACY OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "In recent years, a growing number of incentive travel planners have focused their attention on how the programmes that they organize can leave a lasting legacy of community improvements in the destinations which host their incentive trips. This has become known as the \u2018social legacy\u2019 of incentive travel. Two principal factors have driven this trend:\nFirstly, the widespread perception that companies must respect the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by ensuring that all of a firm\u2019s activities are carried out with due concern and respect for the 3 Ps: People, Planet and Profit. Social legacy relates to the People aspect of CSR. It involves taking into account how an incentive programme can have a positive impact upon the inhabitants of the destination where the trip takes place.\nSecondly, attitudes of incentive travel participants have changed, concerning the lavishly-funded, extravagant nature of many incentive trips. Incentive travel participants who are members of Generation Y (usually defined as those born between 1977 and 1995) in particular are dissatisfied with the conspicuous consumption that often characterises such events. This is particularly the case when incentive trips take place in close proximity to disadvantaged communities or in developing countries where the luxurious and extravagant experiences enjoyed by the incentive participants strongly contrast with the underprivileged lifestyle of the local inhabitants.\nBoth of these factors have contributed to the trend of incentive trips being designed in such a way that they can make a difference and give something back to the local people in the destination.\nAt the most basic level, a social legacy initiative for an incentive trip could be raising money for a local charity, for example, at the event\u2019s gala dinner. This is one of the most common, and most straightforward, ways of helping local people. When more time is available in the programme, a more hands-on approach to leaving a social legacy can be used: participants take a day or half-day to work directly on a project. This can range from landscaping the garden of a local retirement home to constructing a library in a village school.\nSeveral of the winners of the 2009 Site Crystal Awards Recognition Program, an annual competition designed to recognize outstanding incentive programs, demonstrated that they had a positive impact on the local community (Site – global network of meeting, travel and event professionals). For example, Terra Nova, the African events company, organized a motivational hike for 160 participants through South Africa\u2019s Drakensberg Mountain Range, for their client Reckitt Benckiser, the household, health and personal care products company. Not only did the event provide the local community with employment opportunities, through the recruiting of 16 guides and 8 translators who accompanies the participants on the hike, but also the experience provided many opportunities for the local people and the visitors to interact and for the participants to give back to the communities they encountered. A donation was made to a local school, and the group of participants also gives football equipment to players on the local team, most of whom had never even owned their own football boots. Reckitt Benckiser was also able to honour the local chief\u2019s wife with the gift of a cow, therefore adding to the wealth of the herd. Overall, the incentive trip succeeded in creating a powerful sense of community between the participants and the local people, with both sides benefiting enormously from the opportunity to interact with people from a different culture.\nAnother 2009 Crystal Award winner was Carlson Marketing Worldwide, for the 2008 \u2018SunRise\u2019 event they designed for Sun Microsystems. SunRise is Sun Micosystems\u2019 global award and recognition program, held every year to honour the company\u2019s highest achievers. The 3-day event, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, was designed to fit in exactly with Sun Microsystems\u2019 own Corporate Social Responsibility principles. During the event, every effort was made to respect the principles of sustainability, by minimising the incentive trip\u2019s impact on the natural environment. But the social environment was not forgotten either, and after the SunRise event, many of the materials that it had utilized were donated to local organizations. For example, the furniture purchased for the event was donated to the local YMCA; the 20 chalkboards that had served as menus went to a local school and the plants and flowers used as decoration went to a local retirement home for Hawaiians.\nThese examples of how incentive trips can leave a social legacy are part of a wider trend towards incentive travel organisers and their clients demonstrating their willingness to use these events to give something back to the underprivileged people who live in the destinations where these trips take place. It is a welcome development, since in any destination, including in European countries, there are worthy charities and organizations that deserve the support of those who are more fortunate than they are.\nAuthor: Rob Davidson\nThe post THE SOCIAL LEGACY OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2010-11-23T12:48:50+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-10-21T14:38:55+02:00", "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/bigstockphoto_People_Planet_Profit_-_Susta_5211570.jpg", "tags": [ "incentive programme", "rob davidson", "social legacy", "Hot topics" ] } ] }