![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-1.png\")
A separate survey was done on the trends in event planning for event planners and suppliers was made, with a view to drawing a parallel on this topic. According to hotels, their clients mostly come from the automotive industry, pharmaceutical industry, medicine, IT and telecommunications, and beauty industry (Chart 1).
\n
These are very similar to the data we obtained from event planners. Corporate clients are in ![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-2.png\")
61.5% of cases from the country where the hotel is located, which means that clients are mainly local. Clients from the region\u2019s countries are named in 16% cases, and those from all over Europe (Chart 2) are cutting it close (15.4%). Here the difference is noticed the most with regional clients. To be precise, event planners say that they are mainly \u2013 in 37.5% cases \u2013 organizing their 2019 events in the region, which is at odds compared with 16% that hotels said they have among regional clients. This information tells us that companies are definitely aiming to increase the number of regional events in 2019.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-3.png\")
In addition, the disproportion in these data can also be a result of hotels\u2019 client records, most with companies with head offices in the region\u2019s countries, in which case they record them as local clients. Fifty corporate events are organized every year in most of the hotels that took part in the survey \u2013 53.8% of them. Between 50 and 100 events annually took place in 15.4% of the hotels, while 30.8% of the hotels can say they had more than 200 organized events per year (Chart 3).
The hotel managers are optimistic about 2019 when it comes to the number of events. In ![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-4.png\")
fact, 61.5% of them expect more events than last year, others expect the number to stay the same, while nobody expects the number of events to drop in 2019 \u2014 Chart 4.
Conventions or conferences, trainings, team buildings, and product launches are the types of events that the hotels see most often, same as the event planners reported in the poll. Two-day events are organized in 46.2% of cases, while corporate events of more than three days are the least frequent \u2014 7.7%. Corporate events organized at hotels are mostly
\nmedium-sized, for 50 or 100 participants. Somewhat bigger events for up to 150 people are
\norganized in 15.4% of cases, while large events for up to 300 participants are organized in 23% of cases.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-5.png\")
Mobile apps, live streaming, and 360 camera filming are the technologies that are most commonly used at hotels (Chart 8). Company budgets for events \u2013 according to hotel managers (which corresponds to responses by event planners) \u2013 usually amount to up to EUR 50,000.00 (41.7%), and up to EUR 10,000.00 in 33.3% of cases.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-8.png\")
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-9.png\")
A budget of up to EUR 100,000.00 is spent by 16.7% of corporate clients, while 8.3% spends more than EUR 100,000.00 (Chart 9). Most hotel managers \u2014 close to 60% \u2014 believe that these budgets will remain the same for 2019, while 41.7% of them are very optimistic and believe that budgets will actually grow.
\nThe post Trends in Event Planning from the Supplier\u2019s Perspective appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "At the start of 2019, suppliers in the MICE industry \u2013 primarily hotels \u2013 also took part in the survey conducted by SEEbtm.\nA separate survey was done on the trends in event planning for event planners and suppliers was made, with a view to drawing a parallel on this topic. According to hotels, their clients mostly come from the automotive industry, pharmaceutical industry, medicine, IT and telecommunications, and beauty industry (Chart 1).\n\nThese are very similar to the data we obtained from event planners. Corporate clients are in 61.5% of cases from the country where the hotel is located, which means that clients are mainly local. Clients from the region\u2019s countries are named in 16% cases, and those from all over Europe (Chart 2) are cutting it close (15.4%). Here the difference is noticed the most with regional clients. To be precise, event planners say that they are mainly \u2013 in 37.5% cases \u2013 organizing their 2019 events in the region, which is at odds compared with 16% that hotels said they have among regional clients. This information tells us that companies are definitely aiming to increase the number of regional events in 2019.\nIn addition, the disproportion in these data can also be a result of hotels\u2019 client records, most with companies with head offices in the region\u2019s countries, in which case they record them as local clients. Fifty corporate events are organized every year in most of the hotels that took part in the survey \u2013 53.8% of them. Between 50 and 100 events annually took place in 15.4% of the hotels, while 30.8% of the hotels can say they had more than 200 organized events per year (Chart 3).\nThe hotel managers are optimistic about 2019 when it comes to the number of events. In fact, 61.5% of them expect more events than last year, others expect the number to stay the same, while nobody expects the number of events to drop in 2019 \u2014 Chart 4.\nConventions or conferences, trainings, team buildings, and product launches are the types of events that the hotels see most often, same as the event planners reported in the poll. Two-day events are organized in 46.2% of cases, while corporate events of more than three days are the least frequent \u2014 7.7%. Corporate events organized at hotels are mostly\nmedium-sized, for 50 or 100 participants. Somewhat bigger events for up to 150 people are\norganized in 15.4% of cases, while large events for up to 300 participants are organized in 23% of cases.\n\nMobile apps, live streaming, and 360 camera filming are the technologies that are most commonly used at hotels (Chart 8). Company budgets for events \u2013 according to hotel managers (which corresponds to responses by event planners) \u2013 usually amount to up to EUR 50,000.00 (41.7%), and up to EUR 10,000.00 in 33.3% of cases.\n\nA budget of up to EUR 100,000.00 is spent by 16.7% of corporate clients, while 8.3% spends more than EUR 100,000.00 (Chart 9). Most hotel managers \u2014 close to 60% \u2014 believe that these budgets will remain the same for 2019, while 41.7% of them are very optimistic and believe that budgets will actually grow.\nThe post Trends in Event Planning from the Supplier\u2019s Perspective appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-05-09T14:32:42+02:00", "date_modified": "2019-05-09T14:32:42+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/naslovna-84.jpg", "tags": [ "event organization", "hotels", "MICE", "research", "suppliers", "survay", "TRENDS", "VENUES", "Hot topics", "MUST READ", "RESEARCH" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/wineries-as-special-venues-in-wine-there-is-truth-in-vino-veritas/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/wineries-as-special-venues-in-wine-there-is-truth-in-vino-veritas/", "title": "WINERIES AS SPECIAL VENUES \u2013 IN WINE THERE IS TRUTH (IN VINO VERITAS)", "content_html": "Although wine tourism in Serbia is still in its early phase, progress is evident. With the fundamental requirement satisfied, that is the existence of excellent wineries, further growth in this field of tourism depends on the initiative and mutual cooperation of wineries and on the support of competent institutions and the media.
\nNine wine routes have been outlined and a map of wineries has been charted, and for the biggest one the coordinates have been defined making it easier for tourists to find them with the help of a navigation system.
\nThe main winegrowing regions in Serbia are near the rivers Timok, Nisava, South Morava, West Morava, and Great Morava, near Mt. Cer, and in Srem, along with those on Fruska Gora, in Banat, and around the Subotica-Horgos Sands.
\nIn Croatia, the initiative to upgrade wine tourism came from the winegrowers.They were the ones to see wine as a possible product in tourism, as an attraction that could prompt people to travel. Much has been done in this respect and Croatia continues to develop this idea.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/vinarije_4.jpg\")
A good example is Istria with Vinistra, its largest and most important wine exhibition, which has attracted visitors from all parts of Croatia and abroad for years. The Vinistra project is a prime factor in positioning Istria as a top wine destination.
Also, some of the best Croatian wines are grown on the steep slopes of Hvar and Peljesac in Dalmatia. In these areas and in other parts of Croatia, such as Zagorje, Medjimurje, and Slavonia, wine tourism could grow into one of the foremost segments of the Croatian tourist trade.
\nThe development of wine tourism in Montenegro officially began in mid-2007, evolving through various projects and initiatives. The comparative advantage of wine tourism in Montenegro certainly lies in the vicinity of the sea coast and its tourist centers, in the existing infrastructure of cycling and pedestrian paths in wine regions, and in the already familiar tourist routes around Lake Skadar.
\nMacedonia holds 25th place among the winegrowing countries of the world, with an annual production of 220 million liters and approximately sixty wineries.
\nThis is reason enough to justify investments in wine tourism and visitor attractions, an opportunity this country has recognized and is developing further by launching wine projects, especially in the Tikves area.
\nGrapevines were brought to Slovenia several thousands of years ago by Illyrian and Celtic tribes, while Maribor even boasts the oldest grapevine in the world, which still bears fruit every year without fail. Slovenia is thought to have made the most progress in the region in respect to wine tourism, with twenty wine routes in three regions \u2013 Podravina, Posavina and Primorska.
\nMost visits to winery complexes take place at or close to the place where the wine is actually made. Visitors are usually told about the winery\u2019s history and given an opportunity to see and learn how wine is made, followed by wine tasting.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/vinarije_5.jpg\")
Wine tasting facilities are usually located at a distance from the plantations and vineyards. In this special, appropriately equipped environment and its pleasant atmosphere, wine lovers can enjoy what they appreciate the most. Wine tasting is always accompanied by good food, so these places often incorporate restaurants with local cuisine.
And we mustn\u2019t forget the plantations, unforgettable views of vineyards and landscapes with rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see. A tour of the vineyard is an important part of every visit. Some hosts provide tours by bicycle, in a horse-drawn carriage or simply on foot and in the company of a professional guide.
\nConsidering the fact that a single day is not enough to see, taste, and experience everything a winery can offer, this adventure calls for accommodation facilities. A number of reputable wineries include small hotels or inns but accommodation can generally be found in the vicinity of every winery.
\nThe development of wine tourism has given rise to new, additional activities and ideas. Through a unique mix of these products and services wine tourism can grow to become an extremely strong branch of a country\u2019s industry, in regard to both leisure travel and meeting industry.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/vinarije_6.jpg\")
Event organizers are constantly searching for unique and original places and extraordinary surroundings for their business travels. Following upon this track, South East European countries have great potential and some wineries are already heading the list of top destinations for business and incentive travel.
A winery, as a unique and extraordinary place, can satisfy every requirement as a setting for the organization of a special event. Wine tasting chambers, restaurants, or exhibition halls can be used for business meetings. Culinary delights are ensured by local ingredients, traditional dishes and, needless to say, excellent wine.
\nActivities during and after a business event can be complemented by tours of vineyards, grape picking, participation in wine making, or relaxation in the fresh air, surrounded by the enchanting scenery of the plantations.
\nAccommodation for event participants can be provided in authentic inns, ethno villages or at the homes of the ever-hospitable local hosts.
\nThe post WINERIES AS SPECIAL VENUES – IN WINE THERE IS TRUTH (IN VINO VERITAS) appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Wine tourism is a specific form of vacation, which combines wine tasting in a particular wine growing region with the natural beauty, customs, and cultural and historical landmarks of that area.\nAlthough wine tourism in Serbia is still in its early phase, progress is evident. With the fundamental requirement satisfied, that is the existence of excellent wineries, further growth in this field of tourism depends on the initiative and mutual cooperation of wineries and on the support of competent institutions and the media.\nNine wine routes have been outlined and a map of wineries has been charted, and for the biggest one the coordinates have been defined making it easier for tourists to find them with the help of a navigation system.\nThe main winegrowing regions in Serbia are near the rivers Timok, Nisava, South Morava, West Morava, and Great Morava, near Mt. Cer, and in Srem, along with those on Fruska Gora, in Banat, and around the Subotica-Horgos Sands.\nIn Croatia, the initiative to upgrade wine tourism came from the winegrowers.They were the ones to see wine as a possible product in tourism, as an attraction that could prompt people to travel. Much has been done in this respect and Croatia continues to develop this idea.\nA good example is Istria with Vinistra, its largest and most important wine exhibition, which has attracted visitors from all parts of Croatia and abroad for years. The Vinistra project is a prime factor in positioning Istria as a top wine destination.\nAlso, some of the best Croatian wines are grown on the steep slopes of Hvar and Peljesac in Dalmatia. In these areas and in other parts of Croatia, such as Zagorje, Medjimurje, and Slavonia, wine tourism could grow into one of the foremost segments of the Croatian tourist trade.\nThe development of wine tourism in Montenegro officially began in mid-2007, evolving through various projects and initiatives. The comparative advantage of wine tourism in Montenegro certainly lies in the vicinity of the sea coast and its tourist centers, in the existing infrastructure of cycling and pedestrian paths in wine regions, and in the already familiar tourist routes around Lake Skadar.\n Event organizers are constantly searching for unique and original places and extraordinary surroundings for their business travels. \nMacedonia holds 25th place among the winegrowing countries of the world, with an annual production of 220 million liters and approximately sixty wineries.\nThis is reason enough to justify investments in wine tourism and visitor attractions, an opportunity this country has recognized and is developing further by launching wine projects, especially in the Tikves area.\nGrapevines were brought to Slovenia several thousands of years ago by Illyrian and Celtic tribes, while Maribor even boasts the oldest grapevine in the world, which still bears fruit every year without fail. Slovenia is thought to have made the most progress in the region in respect to wine tourism, with twenty wine routes in three regions \u2013 Podravina, Posavina and Primorska.\nWineries as Extraordinary Venues\n\nMost visits to winery complexes take place at or close to the place where the wine is actually made. Visitors are usually told about the winery\u2019s history and given an opportunity to see and learn how wine is made, followed by wine tasting.\nWine tasting facilities are usually located at a distance from the plantations and vineyards. In this special, appropriately equipped environment and its pleasant atmosphere, wine lovers can enjoy what they appreciate the most. Wine tasting is always accompanied by good food, so these places often incorporate restaurants with local cuisine.\nAnd we mustn\u2019t forget the plantations, unforgettable views of vineyards and landscapes with rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see. A tour of the vineyard is an important part of every visit. Some hosts provide tours by bicycle, in a horse-drawn carriage or simply on foot and in the company of a professional guide.\nConsidering the fact that a single day is not enough to see, taste, and experience everything a winery can offer, this adventure calls for accommodation facilities. A number of reputable wineries include small hotels or inns but accommodation can generally be found in the vicinity of every winery.\nThe development of wine tourism has given rise to new, additional activities and ideas. Through a unique mix of these products and services wine tourism can grow to become an extremely strong branch of a country\u2019s industry, in regard to both leisure travel and meeting industry.\nEvent organizers are constantly searching for unique and original places and extraordinary surroundings for their business travels. Following upon this track, South East European countries have great potential and some wineries are already heading the list of top destinations for business and incentive travel.\nA winery, as a unique and extraordinary place, can satisfy every requirement as a setting for the organization of a special event. Wine tasting chambers, restaurants, or exhibition halls can be used for business meetings. Culinary delights are ensured by local ingredients, traditional dishes and, needless to say, excellent wine.\nActivities during and after a business event can be complemented by tours of vineyards, grape picking, participation in wine making, or relaxation in the fresh air, surrounded by the enchanting scenery of the plantations.\nAccommodation for event participants can be provided in authentic inns, ethno villages or at the homes of the ever-hospitable local hosts.\nThe post WINERIES AS SPECIAL VENUES – IN WINE THERE IS TRUTH (IN VINO VERITAS) appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-03-20T13:17:59+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-20T14:35:36+01:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/vinarije_1.jpg", "tags": [ "events", "VENUES", "wineries", "Hotels and venues" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-are-planners-looking-for-when-choosing-venue/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-are-planners-looking-for-when-choosing-venue/", "title": "WHAT ARE PLANNERS LOOKING FOR WHEN CHOOSING A VENUE?", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/rob_davidson.jpg\")
By Rob Davidson
Before answering that question, it is worth reminding ourselves about the characteristics of the corporate meetings market and why corporate organisations invest their money in holding meetings. Corporate meetings may be defined as gatherings of employees or other stakeholders of commercial organisations. Usually the employees\u2019 attendance is compulsory and the travel, accommodation and catering expenses are funded by their employer.
\nCompanies – large and small – have a number of reasons for organising meetings, but all are in some way linked to their need to operate effectively in the field of business.
\nTwo types of corporate meeting may be identified:
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Internal meetings \u2013 for employees
\nFor example, meetings held for the purpose of training staff in the skills and techniques that they need in order to perform well in the workplace \u2013 selling skills, customer relations skills, information technology skills and so on, depending on the nature of the company\u2019s business.
\nOther types of corporate meetings may be arranged with the objective of giving managers the opportunity to discuss the company\u2019s future strategies \u2013 for marketing, expansion, crisis management and so on. Most such meetings are comparatively small (ranging from a handful of employees to several dozen) and last one or two days on average.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 External meetings \u2013 for other stakeholders of the company
\nFor example, shareholders\u2019 meetings, product presentations, press conferences \u2013 where those attending are not direct employees of the company. These may last for only an hour or two.
\nAn alternative method of classifying corporate events is to categorize them according to the primary objective for which the event is being held. Accordingly, the three principal categories are:
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Legal/constitutional: Internal or external meetings held for the purpose of, for instance, electing company directors or voting on business strategies.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Commercial: Events designed directly to boost sales of the company\u2019s products or services. For example, new product presentations to clients or potential clients; or training sessions for members of the company\u2019s sales-force.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Social: Events held with the aim of strengthening bonds between staff members or between representatives of the company and its key clients. For example, management retreats, team-building events and corporate hospitality days.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/venues_for_corporate_events.jpg\")
However they are classified, corporate events generally have three principal objectives: to educate; to inspire; and to provide the participants with opportunities for networking with each other.
\nSometimes, corporate meetings are held in the companies\u2019 own offices, with no need for an external venue of any kind. However, most companies recognise that in the main there are many compelling reasons for holding their meetings off-site. These are:
\n– a lack of seating capacity or technical equipment in their own premises (few company offices have facilities and the necessary audio-visual equipment for large meetings)
\n– the need to give staff a break from their normal working environment (to help them to focus on the meeting by setting them free from day-to-day work-related distractions; to help them think more creatively, in a different setting)
\n– the wish to motivate staff by holding the meeting in an attractive venue, possibly with leisure elements, such as golf or a spa, added
\n– the need to keep proceedings confidential, when, for example, sensitive topics, such as redundancies, are under discussion
\n– the need to meet on \u2018neutral\u2019 grounds, as, for instance, when representatives from two companies are meeting to discuss a merger or the acquisition of one company by the other.
\nWe know that they are increasingly choosing venues on the basis of which ones make the most strategic sense for their events. That means that they are thinking in terms of what advantages venues can bring to their meetings. Meeting planners are increasingly expecting venues not only to accommodate their events, but also to enhance them in some way, through their design, architecture, atmosphere or history, for example.
\nThe strategic approach to booking venues for corporate events means that a growing number of corporate meeting planners are taking into account the extent to which venues can reinforce their own organisation\u2019s brand.
\nBrands are precious to organisations because they can deliver customers\u2019 preference for their products or services, thus increasing sales; they can help attract the best employees; and they can help to build the overall value of the company.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/venues_for_corporate_events_2.jpg\")
Everything that a company does should be consistent with the clear, positive brand that it is trying to project to its customers, staff and other stakeholders: its products, its recruitment, all of its marketing activities from advertising to sponsorship, and \u2026 the venues it chooses for the meetings and events it holds.
The choice of the wrong type of venue can confuse the company\u2019s brand. For example, an information technology company wishing to project a brand that is young, contemporary and cutting-edge would be unlikely to choose a historic property as a venue for its events, as this would confuse its brand. On the other hand, a company such as a bank, wishing to project a brand that is based on tradition, strength, and security may select a castle as a venue, for example, in order to reinforce its distinctive brand values.
\nCompanies with any kind of \u2018green\u2019 brand will seek to reinforce their public image by choosing venues that clearly display their sustainability credentials to meetings participants, through for example obvious recycling and energy conservation actions.
\nIn the future, those people who are responsible for marketing all types of venues will have to understand the growing importance of brand values and how they can affect corporate meeting planners\u2019 choice of venue. This is something that they will have to integrate into their conversations and negotiations with corporate meeting planners.
\nThe post WHAT ARE PLANNERS LOOKING FOR WHEN CHOOSING A VENUE? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "By Rob Davidson\nHow do corporate meeting planners choose the venues where their events are held?\nBefore answering that question, it is worth reminding ourselves about the characteristics of the corporate meetings market and why corporate organisations invest their money in holding meetings. Corporate meetings may be defined as gatherings of employees or other stakeholders of commercial organisations. Usually the employees\u2019 attendance is compulsory and the travel, accommodation and catering expenses are funded by their employer.\nCompanies – large and small – have a number of reasons for organising meetings, but all are in some way linked to their need to operate effectively in the field of business.\nTypes of corporate meetings\nTwo types of corporate meeting may be identified:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Internal meetings \u2013 for employees\nFor example, meetings held for the purpose of training staff in the skills and techniques that they need in order to perform well in the workplace \u2013 selling skills, customer relations skills, information technology skills and so on, depending on the nature of the company\u2019s business.\nOther types of corporate meetings may be arranged with the objective of giving managers the opportunity to discuss the company\u2019s future strategies \u2013 for marketing, expansion, crisis management and so on. Most such meetings are comparatively small (ranging from a handful of employees to several dozen) and last one or two days on average.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 External meetings \u2013 for other stakeholders of the company\nFor example, shareholders\u2019 meetings, product presentations, press conferences \u2013 where those attending are not direct employees of the company. These may last for only an hour or two.\nAn alternative method of classifying corporate events is to categorize them according to the primary objective for which the event is being held. Accordingly, the three principal categories are:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Legal/constitutional: Internal or external meetings held for the purpose of, for instance, electing company directors or voting on business strategies.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Commercial: Events designed directly to boost sales of the company\u2019s products or services. For example, new product presentations to clients or potential clients; or training sessions for members of the company\u2019s sales-force.\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Social: Events held with the aim of strengthening bonds between staff members or between representatives of the company and its key clients. For example, management retreats, team-building events and corporate hospitality days.\n\n\nWhy holding meetings off-site?\nHowever they are classified, corporate events generally have three principal objectives: to educate; to inspire; and to provide the participants with opportunities for networking with each other.\nSometimes, corporate meetings are held in the companies\u2019 own offices, with no need for an external venue of any kind. However, most companies recognise that in the main there are many compelling reasons for holding their meetings off-site. These are:\n– a lack of seating capacity or technical equipment in their own premises (few company offices have facilities and the necessary audio-visual equipment for large meetings)\n– the need to give staff a break from their normal working environment (to help them to focus on the meeting by setting them free from day-to-day work-related distractions; to help them think more creatively, in a different setting)\n– the wish to motivate staff by holding the meeting in an attractive venue, possibly with leisure elements, such as golf or a spa, added\n– the need to keep proceedings confidential, when, for example, sensitive topics, such as redundancies, are under discussion\n– the need to meet on \u2018neutral\u2019 grounds, as, for instance, when representatives from two companies are meeting to discuss a merger or the acquisition of one company by the other.\nSo, what are corporate meetings planners looking for when they select venues for their events? \nWe know that they are increasingly choosing venues on the basis of which ones make the most strategic sense for their events. That means that they are thinking in terms of what advantages venues can bring to their meetings. Meeting planners are increasingly expecting venues not only to accommodate their events, but also to enhance them in some way, through their design, architecture, atmosphere or history, for example.\nThe strategic approach to booking venues for corporate events means that a growing number of corporate meeting planners are taking into account the extent to which venues can reinforce their own organisation\u2019s brand.\nBrands are precious to organisations because they can deliver customers\u2019 preference for their products or services, thus increasing sales; they can help attract the best employees; and they can help to build the overall value of the company.\nEverything that a company does should be consistent with the clear, positive brand that it is trying to project to its customers, staff and other stakeholders: its products, its recruitment, all of its marketing activities from advertising to sponsorship, and \u2026 the venues it chooses for the meetings and events it holds.\nThe choice of the wrong type of venue can confuse the company\u2019s brand. For example, an information technology company wishing to project a brand that is young, contemporary and cutting-edge would be unlikely to choose a historic property as a venue for its events, as this would confuse its brand. On the other hand, a company such as a bank, wishing to project a brand that is based on tradition, strength, and security may select a castle as a venue, for example, in order to reinforce its distinctive brand values.\nCompanies with any kind of \u2018green\u2019 brand will seek to reinforce their public image by choosing venues that clearly display their sustainability credentials to meetings participants, through for example obvious recycling and energy conservation actions.\nIn the future, those people who are responsible for marketing all types of venues will have to understand the growing importance of brand values and how they can affect corporate meeting planners\u2019 choice of venue. This is something that they will have to integrate into their conversations and negotiations with corporate meeting planners.\nThe post WHAT ARE PLANNERS LOOKING FOR WHEN CHOOSING A VENUE? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-03-17T13:51:35+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T11:36:12+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/venues_for_corporate_events_2.jpg", "tags": [ "CORPORATE MEETINGS", "EVENT ORGANIZER", "VENUES", "Experts opinions" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/castles-and-unusual-places-no-rarity-in-slovenia/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/castles-and-unusual-places-no-rarity-in-slovenia/", "title": "Castles and unusual places no rarity in Slovenia", "content_html": "\n
![\"Postojna](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/postojnska-jama.jpg\" "\\"Postojna")
POSTOJNA CAVE – In order to organize some event and make of it special experience, something more than what is offered as part of standard range of products and services, Postojna Cave can come up with best options and create a tailor – made private or business celebration, social event or meeting.
\nAll types of events – special events for individuals, groups, institutions and companies can be organized in Postojna Cave.
\nThe Jamski dvorec Mansion is renowned as a top – notch event and culinary centre in a wonderful setting right in front of the entrance to the Postojna Cave. It accommodates several conference halls and restaurants, a terrace and all the necessary equipment.
\nGuest\u2019s experience of the mansion can be made even more interesting if they take advantage of tours and other services in the caves, at the Predjama Castle or anywhere else within the destination. www.postojnska-jama.si
\n![\"Ljubljana](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ljubljana-Castle-Pallatium.jpg\" "\\"Ljubljana")
LJUBLJANA CASTLE – The medieval Ljubljana Castle has served to many different purposes in the past – it was first a fortress, then residence to the provincial governor, a barracks and even a prison.
\nIn newer times, we can add to its many roles that of a major tourist attraction and city landmark.
\nThe exterior shell, as it now appears, is predominantly from the mid-16th and the following century.
\nThe extensive renovation over the more recent years, which is now being concluded, has provided this splendid location with modern meeting and banqueting facilities, thus transforming it into a unique venue for smaller business meetings and, especially, social functions.
\nThe Castle features seven indoor function spaces, which can, for standing receptions, welcome a maximum of 400 guests in the largest one, while the spacious courtyard offers the capacity for up to 800 guests.
\nThe latest novelty in 2009 are two function rooms, Friedrick 1 and 2, adjacent to the Palatium and the Estates Hall. www.ljubljanacastle.si
\n![\"Auersperg](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Auersperg-Palace.jpg\" "\\"Auersperg")
AUERSPERG PALACE – The City museum, is becoming an increasingly popular special venue for the organisation of receptions, banquets, smaller conferences or seminars, as well as cultural and other events.
\nThe Museum\u2019s atrium or the heart of the renaissance palace, is distinguished for its pure elegance and functionality.
\nThe white marble, glass galleries and solid stone columns and arches, which offer a view of the open inner courtyard, lend it a special atmosphere that is a perfect frame for various social functions.
\nThe atrium can welcome up to 200 guests (or 400 joined if joined with the courtyard) at receptions and up to 80 guests for a banquet /seated dinner.
\nThe Museum’s premises offer other original function areas, including the 81-seater Projection room, which is a conference room suitable for smaller conferences, lectures, panels, round tables presentations, in which 30 more seats can be added.
\nThe so-called Mayor’s Room is most suitable for protocol receptions, award-giving ceremonies and formal social functions, with space for 60 guests standing or up to 45 seats. It captures the visitors’ hearts with its red and golden glow and its selection of the most precious symbols of the city. www.mgml.si
\n![\"Bled](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Bled-Castle.jpg\" "\\"Bled")
BLED CASTLE – According to written sources, Bled castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, first mentioned in a 1011 donation deed as castellum Veldes.
\nPerched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia – Bled Castle.
\nThe image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and the church on it has earned the resort worldwide recognition through the centuries.
\nCastle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the De\u017eela area with Lesce and Radovljica and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps.
\nOwing to its strategic geographic location, Bled has always been an important venue of high – level political and other official meetings. Its castle has been visited by a number of high-ranking statesmen who enjoyed the breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
\nCastle can host events such as: political and corporate events, business meetings, medieval shows and events, weddings, concerts, culture events. www.blejski-grad.si
\nThe post Castles and unusual places no rarity in Slovenia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": " \nPostojna cave\nPOSTOJNA CAVE – In order to organize some event and make of it special experience, something more than what is offered as part of standard range of products and services, Postojna Cave can come up with best options and create a tailor – made private or business celebration, social event or meeting.\nAll types of events – special events for individuals, groups, institutions and companies can be organized in Postojna Cave.\nThe Jamski dvorec Mansion is renowned as a top – notch event and culinary centre in a wonderful setting right in front of the entrance to the Postojna Cave. It accommodates several conference halls and restaurants, a terrace and all the necessary equipment.\nGuest\u2019s experience of the mansion can be made even more interesting if they take advantage of tours and other services in the caves, at the Predjama Castle or anywhere else within the destination. www.postojnska-jama.si\nLjubljana Castle, Pallatium hall\nLJUBLJANA CASTLE – The medieval Ljubljana Castle has served to many different purposes in the past – it was first a fortress, then residence to the provincial governor, a barracks and even a prison.\nIn newer times, we can add to its many roles that of a major tourist attraction and city landmark.\nThe exterior shell, as it now appears, is predominantly from the mid-16th and the following century.\nThe extensive renovation over the more recent years, which is now being concluded, has provided this splendid location with modern meeting and banqueting facilities, thus transforming it into a unique venue for smaller business meetings and, especially, social functions.\nThe Castle features seven indoor function spaces, which can, for standing receptions, welcome a maximum of 400 guests in the largest one, while the spacious courtyard offers the capacity for up to 800 guests.\nThe latest novelty in 2009 are two function rooms, Friedrick 1 and 2, adjacent to the Palatium and the Estates Hall. www.ljubljanacastle.si\nAuersperg Palace\nAUERSPERG PALACE – The City museum, is becoming an increasingly popular special venue for the organisation of receptions, banquets, smaller conferences or seminars, as well as cultural and other events.\nThe Museum\u2019s atrium or the heart of the renaissance palace, is distinguished for its pure elegance and functionality.\nThe white marble, glass galleries and solid stone columns and arches, which offer a view of the open inner courtyard, lend it a special atmosphere that is a perfect frame for various social functions.\nThe atrium can welcome up to 200 guests (or 400 joined if joined with the courtyard) at receptions and up to 80 guests for a banquet /seated dinner.\nThe Museum’s premises offer other original function areas, including the 81-seater Projection room, which is a conference room suitable for smaller conferences, lectures, panels, round tables presentations, in which 30 more seats can be added.\nThe so-called Mayor’s Room is most suitable for protocol receptions, award-giving ceremonies and formal social functions, with space for 60 guests standing or up to 45 seats. It captures the visitors’ hearts with its red and golden glow and its selection of the most precious symbols of the city. www.mgml.si\nBled Castle\nBLED CASTLE – According to written sources, Bled castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, first mentioned in a 1011 donation deed as castellum Veldes.\nPerched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia – Bled Castle.\nThe image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and the church on it has earned the resort worldwide recognition through the centuries.\nCastle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the De\u017eela area with Lesce and Radovljica and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps.\nOwing to its strategic geographic location, Bled has always been an important venue of high – level political and other official meetings. Its castle has been visited by a number of high-ranking statesmen who enjoyed the breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding nature.\nCastle can host events such as: political and corporate events, business meetings, medieval shows and events, weddings, concerts, culture events. www.blejski-grad.si\nThe post Castles and unusual places no rarity in Slovenia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2011-12-20T14:04:18+01:00", "date_modified": "2015-07-09T11:53:47+02:00", "author": { "name": "Svetlana Gavric", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/ceca/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Ceca.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Bled-Castle.jpg", "tags": [ "castles", "slovenia", "unusual places", "VENUES", "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" ] } ] }