![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/eco_logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
The European Congress on Obesity has been organized since 1988, when it was held in Stockholm. Nowadays, the congress is one of the most important events in this field, which gathers thousands of delegates each year.Sofia is an up-and-coming destination offering good opportunities for investment.\u00a0 In terms of meetings and events, the Sofia Office will be able to support a number of locations in which Kenes operates, as the country is strategically located at the heart of the Balkans. Bulgaria also provides direct access to key markets such as the European Union, CIS, and the Middle East.
\nThe Sofia Office will provide direct support to the Operations HQ in Tel Aviv and assist in serving the Kenes Group clients internationally, as well as the company\u2019s business development, marketing and sales and client management.
\nThe post New Local Office in Sofia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Kenes Group, a leading Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) and Association Management Company (AMC), announced the opening of a new local office in Sofia, Bulgaria. With the high potential available in Sofia, Kenes has recognized Bulgaria as a suitable new point to support their expanding international portfolio of clients.\nSofia is an up-and-coming destination offering good opportunities for investment.\u00a0 In terms of meetings and events, the Sofia Office will be able to support a number of locations in which Kenes operates, as the country is strategically located at the heart of the Balkans. Bulgaria also provides direct access to key markets such as the European Union, CIS, and the Middle East.\nThe Sofia Office will provide direct support to the Operations HQ in Tel Aviv and assist in serving the Kenes Group clients internationally, as well as the company\u2019s business development, marketing and sales and client management.\nThe post New Local Office in Sofia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2017-05-23T14:44:59+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-05-23T14:44:59+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/sofia-za-portal.jpg", "tags": [ "bulgaria", "Kenes Group", "sofia", "NEWS" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/global-event-awards-announce-winners-for-2015/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/global-event-awards-announce-winners-for-2015/", "title": "Global Event Awards Announce Winners for 2015", "content_html": "They come from the UK, USA, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland, India and Australia.
\nThe Event of the Year for 2015 is Microsoft Future Decoded – a grand 2-day event, providing a holistic experience of the \u201cOne Microsoft\u201d proposition. The \u201cun-business business event\u201d created by Momentum – The Total Brand Experience agency – was impressive not only for telling the whole \u2018One Microsoft\u2019 story in one place for the first time but also for letting guests curate their personal Future Decoded experience based on what matters the most to them from the moment of receiving their invitation.
\nThe agency that executed the Event of the Year also became Best Event Agency for 2015. With over 40 offices on 6 continents, Momentum is the trusted partner in creating meaningful experiences by companies like Coca Cola, American Express and Bentley Motors.
\nOverall, all winning events have one thing in common – excellent execution with the attendees interests in mind! See the full list of winners here.
\n\n
Best Event Technology for 2015, as well as Best Event Mobile App is DoubleDutch with more than 1,500 customers, including SAP, UBM, and Urban Land Institute, and 260 +employees around the world in San Francisco, Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong.
\nOver 120 event professionals gathered at a grand ceremony, lead by Masters in Moderation in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Awards night was part of the annual Eventex: a global innovative platform for event professionals who want to know the top industry trends, improve their know-how and network with top industry leaders.
\n\u201cEventex has come to age and deserves the support of the industry for its excellence in execution. I can only see the event growing from strength to strength from here.\u201d – said Elling Hamso, one of the most influential people in the meetings and events industry.
\nDetails on Eventex 2017 will be revealed in late May but if we quote this year\u2019s moderator of the conference and the awards night, Jan-Jaap in der Maur: \u201cIf you take events seriously, you should be at Eventex\u201d.
\nThe post Global Event Awards Announce Winners for 2015 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "The winners in the 6th edition of the Global Event Awards were announced last week at a spectacular gala ceremony during Eventex 2016!\nThey come from the UK, USA, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland, India and Australia.\nThe Event of the Year for 2015 is Microsoft Future Decoded – a grand 2-day event, providing a holistic experience of the \u201cOne Microsoft\u201d proposition. The \u201cun-business business event\u201d created by Momentum – The Total Brand Experience agency – was impressive not only for telling the whole \u2018One Microsoft\u2019 story in one place for the first time but also for letting guests curate their personal Future Decoded experience based on what matters the most to them from the moment of receiving their invitation.\nThe agency that executed the Event of the Year also became Best Event Agency for 2015. With over 40 offices on 6 continents, Momentum is the trusted partner in creating meaningful experiences by companies like Coca Cola, American Express and Bentley Motors.\nOverall, all winning events have one thing in common – excellent execution with the attendees interests in mind! See the full list of winners here.\n\nBest Event Technology for 2015, as well as Best Event Mobile App is DoubleDutch with more than 1,500 customers, including SAP, UBM, and Urban Land Institute, and 260 +employees around the world in San Francisco, Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong.\nOver 120 event professionals gathered at a grand ceremony, lead by Masters in Moderation in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Awards night was part of the annual Eventex: a global innovative platform for event professionals who want to know the top industry trends, improve their know-how and network with top industry leaders.\n\u201cEventex has come to age and deserves the support of the industry for its excellence in execution. I can only see the event growing from strength to strength from here.\u201d – said Elling Hamso, one of the most influential people in the meetings and events industry.\nDetails on Eventex 2017 will be revealed in late May but if we quote this year\u2019s moderator of the conference and the awards night, Jan-Jaap in der Maur: \u201cIf you take events seriously, you should be at Eventex\u201d.\nThe post Global Event Awards Announce Winners for 2015 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-03-23T14:11:46+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-23T11:23:27+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/eventex.jpg", "tags": [ "global event awards", "sofia", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/eventex-2016-offers-a-revolutionary-format-at-a-fantastic-unexplored-location/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/eventex-2016-offers-a-revolutionary-format-at-a-fantastic-unexplored-location/", "title": "Eventex 2016 offers a revolutionary format at a fantastic unexplored location", "content_html": "This year Eventex offers 3 days of exceptional education, premium networking and global industry trends. Moreover, it will award the brightest events, agencies, speakers and event technology solutions from 2015 at a Gala Awards Ceremony on 17th March.
\nThe first two days of Eventex 2016 are dedicated to full day masterclasses on topics like event design, content and experiential marketing, incentive travel and event technology.
\nThe exclusive masterclasses are led by global industry experts like Victor Neyndorff, Elling Hamso, Brand Krueger, Michael Heipel and Rob Davidson. The third day is intended for a non-conventional conference on the holistic approach to events with speakers from Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Canada and India.
\n\u201cThis is our biggest Eventex so far and we are pleased to cooperate with the brightest minds in meetings and events worldwide\u201d – said Ovanes Ovanessian, founder and CEO of the event. The Experiential marketing masterclass is most popular by far, followed by Designing Events for Higher ROI and The Event Canvas masterclass.
\nThe conference on 18th March expects around 350 event professionals from the local and international market and is hosted by Sofia Event Center \u2013 the most progressive event venue in the country!
\nThe post Eventex 2016 offers a revolutionary format at a fantastic unexplored location appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "From\u00a016th to 18th \u00a0March 2016 Sofia, Bulgaria will host the 8th edition of Eventex – the international professional event for event and meeting planners worldwide.\nThis year Eventex offers 3 days of exceptional education, premium networking and global industry trends. Moreover, it will award the brightest events, agencies, speakers and event technology solutions from 2015 at a Gala Awards Ceremony on 17th March.\nThe first two days of Eventex 2016 are dedicated to full day masterclasses on topics like event design, content and experiential marketing, incentive travel and event technology.\nThe exclusive masterclasses are led by global industry experts like Victor Neyndorff, Elling Hamso, Brand Krueger, Michael Heipel and Rob Davidson. The third day is intended for a non-conventional conference on the holistic approach to events with speakers from Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Canada and India.\n\u201cThis is our biggest Eventex so far and we are pleased to cooperate with the brightest minds in meetings and events worldwide\u201d – said Ovanes Ovanessian, founder and CEO of the event. The Experiential marketing masterclass is most popular by far, followed by Designing Events for Higher ROI and The Event Canvas masterclass.\nThe conference on 18th March expects around 350 event professionals from the local and international market and is hosted by Sofia Event Center \u2013 the most progressive event venue in the country!\nThe post Eventex 2016 offers a revolutionary format at a fantastic unexplored location appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-01-27T14:16:30+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-23T12:57:37+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/Copy-of-Eventex-main-logo.jpg", "tags": [ "eventex 2016", "sofia", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/swissotel-sofia-to-open-in-2018-in-bulgaria/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/swissotel-sofia-to-open-in-2018-in-bulgaria/", "title": "Swissotel Sofia to Open in 2018 in Bulgaria", "content_html": "Swissotel Sofia will be located in the Mladost district of Sofia and should open in 2018. It represents\u00a0a new flagship property that is being developed in Bulgaria\u2019s capital.
\nHotel will be located within Grand Kanyon Sofia, a multi-use complex with residences, trade center\u00a0and green areas. It will include 200 rooms as well as 81 serviced residences.
\nThe highlight of the\u00a0residence part will be a two-floor penthouse at the top level of the tower with an incredible view of the city.
\nTogether with accommodation part Swissotel\u00a0Sofia will offer meetings areas, a ballroom, spa and fitness area and restaurants.
\nThe post Swissotel Sofia to Open in 2018 in Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, a leading brand in the FRHI Hotels & Resorts, will open a hotel in Sofia,\u00a0Bulgaria.\nSwissotel Sofia will be located in the Mladost district of Sofia and should open in 2018. It represents\u00a0a new flagship property that is being developed in Bulgaria\u2019s capital.\nHotel will be located within Grand Kanyon Sofia, a multi-use complex with residences, trade center\u00a0and green areas. It will include 200 rooms as well as 81 serviced residences.\nThe highlight of the\u00a0residence part will be a two-floor penthouse at the top level of the tower with an incredible view of the city.\nTogether with accommodation part Swissotel\u00a0Sofia will offer meetings areas, a ballroom, spa and fitness area and restaurants.\nThe post Swissotel Sofia to Open in 2018 in Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-05-19T16:32:08+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-22T09:38:41+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/swissotel-sofia-1.jpg", "tags": [ "hotel", "sofia", "Swissotel Sofia", "New and improved" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/54th-annual-conference-of-ifatca-held-in-bulgaria/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/54th-annual-conference-of-ifatca-held-in-bulgaria/", "title": "54th Annual Conference of IFATCA held in Bulgaria", "content_html": "\nThe motto of the 54th Annual Conference was \u201cAir traffic controllers\u00a0– the heart of the ATM system\u201d. The organization of this\u00a0year conference was given to Bulgarian Air Traffic Controllers\u00a0Association (BULATCA) in Sofia.
\nIFATCA Conferences represents the most appropriate platform\u00a0for direct communication between Member Associations, and\u00a0for the exchange of ideas and experience within the Federation\u00a0on an interregional basis.
\nThe basic purpose of conference is to\u00a0review the activities of the Federation and one of the aims of\u00a0the Federation is to ensure that the profession of the air traffic\u00a0controller is well publicized throughout the world.
\nThe post 54th Annual Conference of IFATCA held in Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "54th Annual Conference of Air Traffic Controllers – IFATCA, was\u00a0held from 20th to 24th of April 2015 in the capital of Bulgaria\u00a0Sofia, at Kempinski Hotel Zografski.\n\nThe motto of the 54th Annual Conference was \u201cAir traffic controllers\u00a0– the heart of the ATM system\u201d. The organization of this\u00a0year conference was given to Bulgarian Air Traffic Controllers\u00a0Association (BULATCA) in Sofia.\nIFATCA Conferences represents the most appropriate platform\u00a0for direct communication between Member Associations, and\u00a0for the exchange of ideas and experience within the Federation\u00a0on an interregional basis.\nThe basic purpose of conference is to\u00a0review the activities of the Federation and one of the aims of\u00a0the Federation is to ensure that the profession of the air traffic\u00a0controller is well publicized throughout the world.\nThe post 54th Annual Conference of IFATCA held in Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-04-25T14:39:20+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-22T10:30:52+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/54th-Annual-Conference-of-IFATCA-1.jpg", "tags": [ "conference", "hotel", "IFATCA", "kempinski hotel zografski", "sofia", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/12th-iassais-sofia-bulgaria/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/12th-iassais-sofia-bulgaria/", "title": "12th IASS/AIS, Sofia, Bulgaria", "content_html": "The organizer of the congress was the Southeast European Center for Semiotic Studies (SEECSS).
\nThe theme of this year congress was “Innovation” and the strategic objective of congress was expansion and reinforcement of the semiotic web.
\nThe congress was preceded by a broad discussion on social media so as to enable participants to select the most interesting topics and facilitators for scientific sessions and round tables.
\nThe post 12th IASS/AIS, Sofia, Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "12th World Congress of the International Association for Semiotic Studies – IASS/AIS was held in period from 16th to 20th September 2014 in Sofia, Bulgaria.\nThe organizer of the congress was the Southeast European Center for Semiotic Studies (SEECSS).\nThe theme of this year congress was “Innovation” and the strategic objective of congress was expansion and reinforcement of the semiotic web.\nThe congress was preceded by a broad discussion on social media so as to enable participants to select the most interesting topics and facilitators for scientific sessions and round tables.\nThe post 12th IASS/AIS, Sofia, Bulgaria appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-10-24T09:05:11+02:00", "date_modified": "2018-01-04T12:15:12+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/IASS-AIS-eng.jpg", "tags": [ "congress", "IASS/AIS congress", "sofia", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/21st-european-congress-on-obesity-eco-2014/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/21st-european-congress-on-obesity-eco-2014/", "title": "21ST EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON OBESITY \u2013 ECO 2014", "content_html": "The European Congress on Obesity has been organized since 1988, when it was held in Stockholm. Nowadays, the congress is one of the most important events in this field, which gathers thousands of delegates each year.
The 21st ECO congress is organized by the European Association for Study of Obesity (EASO) and Bulgarian Association for Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD).
\nIn anticipation of the 21st ECO congress, we had the honour to talk to Professor Svetoslav Handjiev, the President of this year\u2019s congress and the President of Bulgarian Association for Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD), who share with us some current topics from this year\u2019s Congress, as well as criteria for selection of the host destination.
\nIt is expected round 1,000 delegates from all European countries.
\n1. Could you tell us something more about the Congress? What do you expect from this year\u2019s Congress and what are the main objectives?
\nThe number of people who are obese is rising rapidly throughout the world, making obesity one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time. Indeed, the management of obesity and its related disorders is now at the forefront of Government and Public Health initiatives across Europe. There is increasing concern within the European Union and the WHO Regional Office for Europe about obesity and its co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiometabolic Risk and Prevention.
\nThe objectives of the ECO are to provide an annual forum for the dissemination of information about state of the art research in the field of obesity, to foster the identification of innovative preventive and treatment strategies to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its associated burden of diseases and to provide networking opportunities for experts in the field of obesity research and management.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/eco_tabela_1_eng.png\")
2. As you mentioned, obesity has become one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time. Could you tell us more about latest researches done in this field?
At the congress it will be presented the latest researches on obesity from a wide range of fields including discovery and integrative science, nutrition, behavior, activity and environment, childhood and lifelong perspectives, prevention, public health and epidemiology, clinical management and translation and obesity as a gateway to other diseases.
\nResearches gives evidence for the fast increase of overweight in the whole world, and data from tables in this article shows Europe. That is why we are talking for a global pandemia of obesity. This is has huge medical and social impact on our lives as it is also related with the increase frequency of Diabetes II, Arterial Hypertension, Miocardial Stroke, Cerebral Stroke and other cardio-vascular diseases.
\n3. Considering that ECO is the most important annual scientific event on obesity in Europe what is the expected number of delegates and from which countries?
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/eco_tabela_2_eng1.png\")
We expect round 1,000 delegates from all European countries and also from the other continents. I want emphasis that at the Satellyte symposium in Albena that will take place from 1st to 3rd June 2014 and which main theme is childhood obesity will have representatives from 4 continents: Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
4. For the first time, Sofia was chosen to be the host city of Congress. What were the main reasons for choosing Sofia?
\nThat was the decision of the General Assembly of EASO in 2011 at the Congress in Istanbul. Sofia was selected as host of ECO 2014 in the competition with Rome, Porto, Jerusalem and Barcelona. This, of course, is a big recognition for the Bulgarian medicine. In 2015 the host will be Prague and in 2016 Gothenburg. And, of course, SEE region will be still attractive.
\n\nThe post 21ST EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON OBESITY \u2013 ECO 2014 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "The European Congress on Obesity has been organized since 1988, when it was held in Stockholm. Nowadays, the congress is one of the most important events in this field, which gathers thousands of delegates each year.\nThe 21st ECO congress is organized by the European Association for Study of Obesity (EASO) and Bulgarian Association for Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD).\nIn anticipation of the 21st ECO congress, we had the honour to talk to Professor Svetoslav Handjiev, the President of this year\u2019s congress and the President of Bulgarian Association for Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD), who share with us some current topics from this year\u2019s Congress, as well as criteria for selection of the host destination.\n\nIt is expected round 1,000 delegates from all European countries.\n\n1. Could you tell us something more about the Congress? What do you expect from this year\u2019s Congress and what are the main objectives?\nThe number of people who are obese is rising rapidly throughout the world, making obesity one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time. Indeed, the management of obesity and its related disorders is now at the forefront of Government and Public Health initiatives across Europe. There is increasing concern within the European Union and the WHO Regional Office for Europe about obesity and its co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiometabolic Risk and Prevention.\nThe objectives of the ECO are to provide an annual forum for the dissemination of information about state of the art research in the field of obesity, to foster the identification of innovative preventive and treatment strategies to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its associated burden of diseases and to provide networking opportunities for experts in the field of obesity research and management.\n2. As you mentioned, obesity has become one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time. Could you tell us more about latest researches done in this field?\nAt the congress it will be presented the latest researches on obesity from a wide range of fields including discovery and integrative science, nutrition, behavior, activity and environment, childhood and lifelong perspectives, prevention, public health and epidemiology, clinical management and translation and obesity as a gateway to other diseases.\nResearches gives evidence for the fast increase of overweight in the whole world, and data from tables in this article shows Europe. That is why we are talking for a global pandemia of obesity. This is has huge medical and social impact on our lives as it is also related with the increase frequency of Diabetes II, Arterial Hypertension, Miocardial Stroke, Cerebral Stroke and other cardio-vascular diseases.\n3. Considering that ECO is the most important annual scientific event on obesity in Europe what is the expected number of delegates and from which countries?\nWe expect round 1,000 delegates from all European countries and also from the other continents. I want emphasis that at the Satellyte symposium in Albena that will take place from 1st to 3rd June 2014 and which main theme is childhood obesity will have representatives from 4 continents: Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.\n4. For the first time, Sofia was chosen to be the host city of Congress. What were the main reasons for choosing Sofia?\nThat was the decision of the General Assembly of EASO in 2011 at the Congress in Istanbul. Sofia was selected as host of ECO 2014 in the competition with Rome, Porto, Jerusalem and Barcelona. This, of course, is a big recognition for the Bulgarian medicine. In 2015 the host will be Prague and in 2016 Gothenburg. And, of course, SEE region will be still attractive.\nM.J.\nThe post 21ST EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON OBESITY \u2013 ECO 2014 appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-05-23T11:49:29+02:00", "date_modified": "2015-03-26T15:45:34+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/eco_logo.jpg", "tags": [ "eco congress", "sofia", "Hot topics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/sofia-an-attractive-and-green-city/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/sofia-an-attractive-and-green-city/", "title": "SOFIA \u2013 AN ATTRACTIVE AND GREEN CITY", "content_html": "Particularly suitable conditions for meeting industry are offered in Sofia, having in mind numerous hotels with suitable conference halls, as well as congress centers, such as the National Palace of Culture and the Inter Expo & Congress Center Sofia. Almost all of the larger hotels can provide equipment for business meetings and seminars.
\n\u201cSofia has a young and dynamic vibe, like a city waking up after decades of slumber, and is becoming a confident and cosmopolitan European capital.\u201d \u2013 Lonely Planet
\n***
\nIn Greek Sophia means wisdom.
\nSome of the international hotel chains in Sofia are Hilton, Kempinski, Radisson Blu, Starwood etc., offering high quality service for congress organizers.
\nNational Palace of Culture is a multifunctional complex, a synthesis of modern architecture and plastic arts. The NPC contains 15 multifunctional halls, 55 premises for meetings, with total capacity of more than 8,000 seats and more than 15,000 square meters of exhibition area. Among them, Hall 1 is the largest one and the most representative hall in the complex. Its area is 11,000 square meters and its total capacity is 3,692 seats.
\n\n
Inter Expo & Congress Center Sofia provides the business and public with professional conditions for exhibition participation as well as for organizing different types of meetings and forums. It provides 6 exhibition pavilions, open exhibition area, around 7 congress halls, at an area of 42,000 sq. m.![\"National](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/National_Palace_of_Culture_in_Sofia_Bulgaria.jpg\" "\\"National")
In the city there are also many institutions of higher education that also offer facilities for all types of meetings. Additional facilities are available at the Central Army Club, the Boyana Residence, the ![\"Ariana](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/ariana_lake.jpg\" "\\"Ariana")
Universiada Hall, and in the recently completed multifunctional sports hall, the Sofia Armeets Arena. Participants in business meetings can also enjoy the varied possibilities for cultural tourism in the city, and facilities for mountain tourism at Vitosha are practically within the city limits.
Those interested in rural tourism, ecotourism, and golf will also find opportunities almost on their doorstep.
\nThe favorite relax zone of Sofia is the main park, called Borisovata Gradina. It starts at the famous Orlov Most (Eagles Bridge) \u2013 the former Eastern gate of the city. Park has beautiful lily lake and the most interesting feature is a hand-carved wooden house by Racho Angelov. There is also the Ariana Lake, surrounded by modern style cafes and restaurants.
\nMonuments
\nSofia, as the second oldest European city, has lot of monumental venues reminding tourists of city\u2019s history. Among its highlights is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the symbols of Bulgaria, constructed in the late 19th century. It occupies an area of 3,170 square meters and can hold 10,000 people. The golden domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral is one of the most impressive monuments of Orthodox Christianity, and it is one of the biggest in Europe.
\nThe SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library houses the largest national collection of books and documents (1,714,211 books and some 6 million other documents) and is Bulgaria’s oldest cultural institute.
\n***
\nThe cuisine of Bulgaria is very similar to the cuisine of Turkey, and other Mediterranean countries. There is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. A missionary favorite, Shopska Salad, is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and Bulgarian Feta cheese (cirene). Bulgarians love to make jams, jellies and homemade juice from cherries, apples, peaches, apricots and quinces.
\nThe city is also known for the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of three buildings.
\nThe eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be build next to it.
\nThe frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.
\nSofia holds Bulgaria’s largest museum collections, which attract tourists and students for practical studies.
\nThe National Historical Museum in Boyana district has a vast collection of more than 650,000 historical items dating from Prehistory to the modern era, although only 10,000 of them are permanently displayed due to the lack of space.
\nSmaller collections of items related mostly to the history of Sofia are in the National Archaeological Museum, a former mosque located between the edifices of the National Bank and the Presidency.
\nTwo natural sciences museums, the Natural History Museum and the Earth and Man, display minerals, animal species (alive and taxidermic) and rare materials. The Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum of Military History are other places of interest, holding large collections of Bulgarian folk costumes and armaments, respectively.
\nThe post SOFIA – AN ATTRACTIVE AND GREEN CITY appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Sofia is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bulgaria alongside coastal and mountain resorts.\nParticularly suitable conditions for meeting industry are offered in Sofia, having in mind numerous hotels with suitable conference halls, as well as congress centers, such as the National Palace of Culture and the Inter Expo & Congress Center Sofia. Almost all of the larger hotels can provide equipment for business meetings and seminars.\n\n\u201cSofia has a young and dynamic vibe, like a city waking up after decades of slumber, and is becoming a confident and cosmopolitan European capital.\u201d \u2013 Lonely Planet\n***\nIn Greek Sophia means wisdom.\n\nSome of the international hotel chains in Sofia are Hilton, Kempinski, Radisson Blu, Starwood etc., offering high quality service for congress organizers.\nNational Palace of Culture is a multifunctional complex, a synthesis of modern architecture and plastic arts. The NPC contains 15 multifunctional halls, 55 premises for meetings, with total capacity of more than 8,000 seats and more than 15,000 square meters of exhibition area. Among them, Hall 1 is the largest one and the most representative hall in the complex. Its area is 11,000 square meters and its total capacity is 3,692 seats.\n \nInter Expo & Congress Center Sofia provides the business and public with professional conditions for exhibition participation as well as for organizing different types of meetings and forums. It provides 6 exhibition pavilions, open exhibition area, around 7 congress halls, at an area of 42,000 sq. m.\nIn the city there are also many institutions of higher education that also offer facilities for all types of meetings. Additional facilities are available at the Central Army Club, the Boyana Residence, the Universiada Hall, and in the recently completed multifunctional sports hall, the Sofia Armeets Arena. Participants in business meetings can also enjoy the varied possibilities for cultural tourism in the city, and facilities for mountain tourism at Vitosha are practically within the city limits.\nThose interested in rural tourism, ecotourism, and golf will also find opportunities almost on their doorstep.\nThe favorite relax zone of Sofia is the main park, called Borisovata Gradina. It starts at the famous Orlov Most (Eagles Bridge) \u2013 the former Eastern gate of the city. Park has beautiful lily lake and the most interesting feature is a hand-carved wooden house by Racho Angelov. There is also the Ariana Lake, surrounded by modern style cafes and restaurants.\nMonuments\nSofia, as the second oldest European city, has lot of monumental venues reminding tourists of city\u2019s history. Among its highlights is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the symbols of Bulgaria, constructed in the late 19th century. It occupies an area of 3,170 square meters and can hold 10,000 people. The golden domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral is one of the most impressive monuments of Orthodox Christianity, and it is one of the biggest in Europe.\n\nThe SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library houses the largest national collection of books and documents (1,714,211 books and some 6 million other documents) and is Bulgaria’s oldest cultural institute.\n***\nThe cuisine of Bulgaria is very similar to the cuisine of Turkey, and other Mediterranean countries. There is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. A missionary favorite, Shopska Salad, is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and Bulgarian Feta cheese (cirene). Bulgarians love to make jams, jellies and homemade juice from cherries, apples, peaches, apricots and quinces.\n\nThe city is also known for the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of three buildings.\nThe eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be build next to it.\nThe frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.\nSofia holds Bulgaria’s largest museum collections, which attract tourists and students for practical studies.\nThe National Historical Museum in Boyana district has a vast collection of more than 650,000 historical items dating from Prehistory to the modern era, although only 10,000 of them are permanently displayed due to the lack of space.\nSmaller collections of items related mostly to the history of Sofia are in the National Archaeological Museum, a former mosque located between the edifices of the National Bank and the Presidency.\nTwo natural sciences museums, the Natural History Museum and the Earth and Man, display minerals, animal species (alive and taxidermic) and rare materials. The Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum of Military History are other places of interest, holding large collections of Bulgarian folk costumes and armaments, respectively.\nThe post SOFIA – AN ATTRACTIVE AND GREEN CITY appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2013-07-16T08:33:18+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-10-21T16:27:20+02:00", "author": { "name": "koleginica", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/koleginica/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3c6d7cb70cb062fded94d714e3bdf50?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Alexander-Nevsky-Cathedral-Sofia.jpg", "tags": [ "bulgarica", "meetings industry", "MICE", "sofia", "Destinations" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/interview-with-mr-christo-drumev-general-director-of-congress-centre-sofia/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/interview-with-mr-christo-drumev-general-director-of-congress-centre-sofia/", "title": "Interview with Mr Christo Drumev, General Director of Congress Centre-Sofia", "content_html": "1. Congress Centre-Sofia, National Palace of Culture received the 2005 AIPC Apex Award, what does this award really mean? What it means to you as a congress centre?
\nThe Apex award has a special meaning\u00a0for us and it is hard to express how proud we all are to be announced the World’s Best Congress Centre for 2005 by the International Association of Congress\u00a0Centres in Quebec. This win is a real tribute to our great relations with clients, who are the ultimate decision-makers in the APEX Award Program and the basis on which we have been selected.
\nOur achievement is a demonstration of the extent to which great service\u00a0can advance a centre in today’s highly competitive meetings market. Locally, the Apex award will give us the opportunity to convince the appropriate authorities in Bulgaria of the importance of this new branch of tourism, namely, the congress and incentive tourism in order to obtain more governmental and legislative support.
\nInternationally, the quality of our service delivery is expected to lead to an ever growing attention from international buyers, which will undoubtedly help us promote and maintain the highest performance standards in the organization and administration of congresses and conferences in the future.
\n2.\u00a0 How did you manage to strenghten the role of the venue in the development of congress tourism at home?
\n![\"2008](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/2008-EBA-European-Quality-Award_Oxford.jpg\" "\\"2008")
I work with a great team. We do not get a penny in terms of state subsides, yet we proved that we could support ourselves.
\nThe most significant events still take place at the National Palace of Culture. We have a very rich cultural programme. Due to our activity we have managed to save enough money and fully equip three new conference halls.
\nAt the moment, the venue has 15 multifunctional halls and conference areas with modern equipment. Our WCs are probably the best in the whole of Sofia and you know that toilets are an important indicator for the overall condition of a congress centre. Moreover, the venue now offers a wheelchair access to our disabled visitors. Besides, in 2008 we were awarded the \u201cEuropean Quality Award\u201d by the European Business Assembly in Oxford, England. This highest distinction was received for our continuous effort to achieve high quality in accordance with the European standards.
\n3.\u00a0 Is there anything you lack?
\nUnfortunately, the state has offered us no assistance and all of us who are involved in the business sector must manage on our own. Yet the government should take the initiative and offer us tens of millions of leva that we could spend on advertising.
\nOf course the venue does benefit from the organization of international conventions, but others make an even bigger profit. These are, for example, the airline companies that transport passengers, the airports that charge fees, public transportation, hotels, restaurants and shops. In short, it is the country\u2019s economy that benefits.
\n4. Your plans for the future of the congress centre?
\nWe are now headed to the IMEX Exhibition for congress tourism in Frankfurt (25-27 May, 2010), Germany. Our confidence has been boosted. The 2008 EBA Quality Award along with the plaque which says that we were the world\u2019s best congress centre back in 2005 will continue to adorn our stand and helps us win people\u2019s trust. They will know that when they come here there will be no unpleasant surprises.
\nThe venue is a founding member of Sofia Convention Bureau. We have an impressive membership but we are especially proud to have the Bulgarian Academy of Science and the Union of Scientists on that illustrious list. It is a well known fact that we are a nation of intellectually endowed people and our scientists are members of various European and world associations and each year the venue hosts international science conventions.
\nSofia Convention Bureau is a full-time member of European Cities Marketing since 2007. As to the future, we intend to advance our position in the national and international markets and look for an opportunity to reach new levels of recognition within\u00a0the industry.
\nThe post Interview with Mr Christo Drumev, General Director of Congress Centre-Sofia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "1. Congress Centre-Sofia, National Palace of Culture received the 2005 AIPC Apex Award, what does this award really mean? What it means to you as a congress centre?\nThe Apex award has a special meaning\u00a0for us and it is hard to express how proud we all are to be announced the World’s Best Congress Centre for 2005 by the International Association of Congress\u00a0Centres in Quebec. This win is a real tribute to our great relations with clients, who are the ultimate decision-makers in the APEX Award Program and the basis on which we have been selected.\nOur achievement is a demonstration of the extent to which great service\u00a0can advance a centre in today’s highly competitive meetings market. Locally, the Apex award will give us the opportunity to convince the appropriate authorities in Bulgaria of the importance of this new branch of tourism, namely, the congress and incentive tourism in order to obtain more governmental and legislative support.\nInternationally, the quality of our service delivery is expected to lead to an ever growing attention from international buyers, which will undoubtedly help us promote and maintain the highest performance standards in the organization and administration of congresses and conferences in the future.\n2.\u00a0 How did you manage to strenghten the role of the venue in the development of congress tourism at home?\n2008 EBA European Quality Award Oxford\nI work with a great team. We do not get a penny in terms of state subsides, yet we proved that we could support ourselves.\nThe most significant events still take place at the National Palace of Culture. We have a very rich cultural programme. Due to our activity we have managed to save enough money and fully equip three new conference halls.\nAt the moment, the venue has 15 multifunctional halls and conference areas with modern equipment. Our WCs are probably the best in the whole of Sofia and you know that toilets are an important indicator for the overall condition of a congress centre. Moreover, the venue now offers a wheelchair access to our disabled visitors. Besides, in 2008 we were awarded the \u201cEuropean Quality Award\u201d by the European Business Assembly in Oxford, England. This highest distinction was received for our continuous effort to achieve high quality in accordance with the European standards.\n3.\u00a0 Is there anything you lack?\nUnfortunately, the state has offered us no assistance and all of us who are involved in the business sector must manage on our own. Yet the government should take the initiative and offer us tens of millions of leva that we could spend on advertising.\nOf course the venue does benefit from the organization of international conventions, but others make an even bigger profit. These are, for example, the airline companies that transport passengers, the airports that charge fees, public transportation, hotels, restaurants and shops. In short, it is the country\u2019s economy that benefits.\n4. Your plans for the future of the congress centre?\nWe are now headed to the IMEX Exhibition for congress tourism in Frankfurt (25-27 May, 2010), Germany. Our confidence has been boosted. The 2008 EBA Quality Award along with the plaque which says that we were the world\u2019s best congress centre back in 2005 will continue to adorn our stand and helps us win people\u2019s trust. They will know that when they come here there will be no unpleasant surprises.\nThe venue is a founding member of Sofia Convention Bureau. We have an impressive membership but we are especially proud to have the Bulgarian Academy of Science and the Union of Scientists on that illustrious list. It is a well known fact that we are a nation of intellectually endowed people and our scientists are members of various European and world associations and each year the venue hosts international science conventions.\nSofia Convention Bureau is a full-time member of European Cities Marketing since 2007. As to the future, we intend to advance our position in the national and international markets and look for an opportunity to reach new levels of recognition within\u00a0the industry.\nThe post Interview with Mr Christo Drumev, General Director of Congress Centre-Sofia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2010-10-13T11:12:00+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-08T13:36:34+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/Drumev_portrait.jpg", "tags": [ "Congress Centre Sofia", "meeting industry", "MICE", "sofia", "Experts opinions", "MUST READ" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/congress-centre-sofia-national-palace-of-culture/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/congress-centre-sofia-national-palace-of-culture/", "title": "Congress Centre-Sofia, National Palace of Culture", "content_html": "\n
Winner of the 2008 EBA \u201cEuropean Quality\u201d Award and the 2005 AIPC Apex Award for the \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Congress Centre\u201d, Member of ICCA and AIPC, the venue was the host of the 62nd Summer Congress of NATO Reserve Officers 2009, the European Philatelic Exhibition Bulgaria 2009, the Energy Summit \u201cNatural Gas for Europe: Security and Partnership 2009, the World Chess Championship Semi-final 2009, the 2006 Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, the 2004 OSCE Annual Ministerial Council Meeting, the 2002 Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, and many more.
\nThe venue boasts 15 halls with a capacity ranging from 100 to 4000 seats and 55 meeting rooms. Over the years it has become the hub of an active intellectual and cultural life, whose stages have been honored by Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Jose Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, The Bolshoy Theatre, La Scala, The London Symphony Orchestra, The Vienna State Opera and The Royal Swedish Ballet. Vladimir Putin, Pope John Paul II and Bill Clinton are just a few of the dignitaries who have visited the Centre.
\n\n
Remarkable for its architectural, artistic and functional merits, the venue offers the highest level of services sophistication, facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. With no subsidies from the government the venue is entirely self-supported. As part of its social responsibility program, Congress Centre-Sofia has become the largest public establishment in Bulgaria, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs and handicapped visitors. The venue has also implemented discounted rates for pupils, students and pensioners.
\nEVENTS LIST
\n\u2022 62nd Summer Congress of NATO Reserve Officers 2009
\n\u2022 European Philatelic Exhibition Bulgaria 2009
\n\u2022 Energy Summit \u201cNatural Gas for Europe: Security & Partnership 2009
\n\u2022 World Chess Championship Semi-final 2009
\n\u2022 2nd Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental\u00a0 Committee for the
\nPreservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO 2008
\n\u2022 CEI Summit of the Heads of Government 2007
\n\u2022 PES Council 2007
\n\u2022 Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers 2006
\n\u2022 2nd International Congress of Energy Efficiency and
\nRenewable Energy Sources 2006
\n\u2022 3rd Symposium of Dermatology and Venereology 2005
\n\u2022 53rd Liberal International Congress 2005
\n\u2022 South-East Economic Forum 2005
\n\u2022 International Forum of Pain Medicine 2005
\n\u2022 12th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council
\n\u2022 Annual Session of UNICEF
\n\u2022 13th Regional Conference of FAO for Europe
\n\u2022 23rd General Assembly of UNESCO
\n\u2022 General Assembly of the World Tourist Organisation
\n\u2022 80th Conference of Inter-parliamentary Union
\n\u2022 17th Congress of International Federation of Philatelists
\n\u2022 21st World Congress of FIATA
\n\u2022 35th General Assembly of AIPC
\n\u2022 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of EBRD
\n\u2022 11th General Assembly of ICOMOS
\n\u2022 6th World Convocation of Prison Fellowship International
\n\u2022 Spring Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO 2002
\nThe post Congress Centre-Sofia, National Palace of Culture appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": " \nSurrounded by a beautiful leisure park, with a magnificent view of Mount Vitosha in the background, the Congress Centre reflects such a singular personality of Sofia, even in the essence of the building itself.\nWinner of the 2008 EBA \u201cEuropean Quality\u201d Award and the 2005 AIPC Apex Award for the \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Congress Centre\u201d, Member of ICCA and AIPC, the venue was the host of the 62nd Summer Congress of NATO Reserve Officers 2009, the European Philatelic Exhibition Bulgaria 2009, the Energy Summit \u201cNatural Gas for Europe: Security and Partnership 2009, the World Chess Championship Semi-final 2009, the 2006 Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, the 2004 OSCE Annual Ministerial Council Meeting, the 2002 Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, and many more.\nThe venue boasts 15 halls with a capacity ranging from 100 to 4000 seats and 55 meeting rooms. Over the years it has become the hub of an active intellectual and cultural life, whose stages have been honored by Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Jose Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, The Bolshoy Theatre, La Scala, The London Symphony Orchestra, The Vienna State Opera and The Royal Swedish Ballet. Vladimir Putin, Pope John Paul II and Bill Clinton are just a few of the dignitaries who have visited the Centre.\n\nRemarkable for its architectural, artistic and functional merits, the venue offers the highest level of services sophistication, facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. With no subsidies from the government the venue is entirely self-supported. As part of its social responsibility program, Congress Centre-Sofia has become the largest public establishment in Bulgaria, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs and handicapped visitors. The venue has also implemented discounted rates for pupils, students and pensioners.\nEVENTS LIST\n\u2022 62nd Summer Congress of NATO Reserve Officers 2009\n\u2022 European Philatelic Exhibition Bulgaria 2009\n\u2022 Energy Summit \u201cNatural Gas for Europe: Security & Partnership 2009\n\u2022 World Chess Championship Semi-final 2009\n\u2022 2nd Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental\u00a0 Committee for the\nPreservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO 2008\n\u2022 CEI Summit of the Heads of Government 2007\n\u2022 PES Council 2007\n\u2022 Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers 2006\n\u2022 2nd International Congress of Energy Efficiency and\nRenewable Energy Sources 2006\n\u2022 3rd Symposium of Dermatology and Venereology 2005\n\u2022 53rd Liberal International Congress 2005\n\u2022 South-East Economic Forum 2005\n\u2022 International Forum of Pain Medicine 2005\n\u2022 12th Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council\n\u2022 Annual Session of UNICEF\n\u2022 13th Regional Conference of FAO for Europe\n\u2022 23rd General Assembly of UNESCO\n\u2022 General Assembly of the World Tourist Organisation\n\u2022 80th Conference of Inter-parliamentary Union\n\u2022 17th Congress of International Federation of Philatelists\n\u2022 21st World Congress of FIATA\n\u2022 35th General Assembly of AIPC\n\u2022 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of EBRD\n\u2022 11th General Assembly of ICOMOS\n\u2022 6th World Convocation of Prison Fellowship International\n\u2022 Spring Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO 2002\nThe post Congress Centre-Sofia, National Palace of Culture appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2010-10-12T16:02:29+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-23T11:14:56+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/Congress-Centre-Sofia-National-Palace-of-Culture.jpg", "tags": [ "Congress center Sofia", "sofia", "Hotels and venues" ] } ] }