meetings, incentives, conventions & events · cvent supplier network spans the globe cvent, the...

www.odysseymediagroup.com

December 17, 2009Published by Odyssey Media Group

page 1

Follow us on Twitter at:www.twitter.com/OdysseyMG

page 13

page 5

MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, CONVENTIONS & EVENTS

page 11

page 14

page 11

“European Capital of Culture”: IstanbulThe cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, which for thousands of years has stood as the hub of arts, culture, intellectual and political center of the world, celebrates its status as “European Capital of Culture” in 2010 with a year-round schedule of electrifying events ranging from artist workshops to historical retrospectives. Youthful, vibrant and forward-thinking, Istanbul (left) promises a veritable feast for arts and culture seekers in 2010...

SECC Glasgow Targets EurozoneThe Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (left) is once again capitalising on the fluctuations within the international currency market to target European buyers to Glasgow. Earlier this year the venue was at the forefront in encouraging international visitors to take advantage of the weaker Pound, now the venue is targeting the strong Euro

Eco-Venues Partner In Global Green AllianceThree of the world’s most renowned eco-friendly convention centres have joined forces to create a Global Green Alliance; this initiative was a direct result of relationships forged at the recent ICCA Congress in Florence. Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, Cape Town International Convention Centre (left) and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre are the founder members of the new alliance, which aims to promote industry best-practice for hosting sustainable events.

Visit Chester & Cheshire Announce £1.35million Economic BenefitVisit Chester & Cheshire has welcomed £1.35million in delegate economic benefit in the last three months. The figure is made up of bookings for meetings, conferences and events made through Visit Chester & Cheshire’s business tourism team, between September and November this year.

Perth Convention Exhibition Centre Inducted Into Hall Of FamePerth Convention Exhibition Centre (PCEC) was inducted into the Western Australian Tourism Awards ‘Hall of Fame’ for the Meetings and Business Tourism category at the WA Tourism Council’s Gala Dinner. Admission to the Hall of Fame recognises a nominee who has won the award three times within a five year period.

www.odysseymediagroup.com page 2

Publisher & Managing Editor: Colin J. Holden - [email protected] Editor: Brian Menzies - [email protected] Editor: Edward Lambert - [email protected]

Technology Editor: Marten Streifel - [email protected]. Editor: Deborah Ibsen - [email protected]

Vancouver, Canada - San Francisco, USATelephone: (604) 543-7375

INSIDECvent Supplier Network Spans The Globe page 3ICCA, IMEX and Fast Future Launch of Ground Breaking Global StudyFrommer’s Announces The Top Destinations of 2010

Paul Kennedy To Advise The Slovenian Convention Bureau page 4

Visit Chester & Cheshire Announce £1.35million Economic Benefit page 5Worldwide Demand For IAPCO National SeminarsEventia Board Appointment; ServicePLUS Unveiled

Certain Software’s “Greener Event” Global Initiative page 6

EIBTM 2009 Industry Trends And Market Share Report page 7

AIME: Face-To-Face Business Meetings Still The Best page 8Speaker Added For PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Conference

Largest Ever U.S. Hosted Buyer Program For IMEX America page 9Tokyo Bay Area Brochure For Meetings & Incentives Launched

Luxury Travel Expo Attracts Thousands Of Travel Professionals page 10America Meetings Week: Further AIBTM Details Announced

The Convention Centre Dublin Confirms 200,000+ International Delegate Days page 11Perth Convention Exhibition Centre Inducted Into Hall Of FameThe Brewery Kicks Off World Cup Fever With Events PackagesSECC Glasgow Targets Eurozone

Glasgow’s SECC To Host Olympic Conference page 12An Authentic Swiss Chalet In Central London For Private Parties And MoreAnother Environmental Win For Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Eco-Venues Partner In Global Green Alliance page 13

“European Capital Of Culture”: Istanbul page 14


NEWSCvent Supplier Network Spans The GlobeCvent, the leading provider of meeting management and site selection software for over 20,000 meeting planners and travel procurement professionals across 29 countries, announced that the Cvent Supplier Network now allows planners to source meetings across the entire globe. The Cvent Supplier Network is a free site selection service that includes comprehensive profiles for over 100,000 meeting hotels, conference centers, and special event venues. Meeting planners can sign up for a free account to send electronic Requests for Proposals (eRFPs) to venues for information on group meeting pricing and availability. Cvent has recently added meeting space profiles for venues throughout Africa and Central America, making the Cvent Supplier Network the most comprehensive resource of global meeting venues in the industry. With properties listed in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Oceania, North America, South America, and Central America, the Cvent Supplier Network truly encompasses all the world has to offer for event planners who source globally. Cvent also features more than 125 destinations on the Cvent Destination Guide to help clients plan meetings worldwide, including locations such as Barcelona, London, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Singapore, Seoul, Toronto, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

"Cvent's broad, global depth has been a tremendous benefit to our meeting planners when sourcing global meetings and events," said Dave O'Connor, President of Meeting Connections Inc., who uses the Cvent Supplier Network to select venues from Mexico to the Canary Islands. "We have been very impressed with the speed of responses from suppliers through Cvent. I can research destinations, effectively analyze my options, and book a meeting halfway around the world on the Cvent Supplier Network at a fraction of the time it used to take us. The time savings using this tool is critical. I just send an electronic request for proposal to get bids back from venues regarding my event, and I'm able to compare side-by-side which venue best fits my group's needs."

Cvent's response rate from venues for electronic Requests for Proposals (eRFPs) is over 98% worldwide, ensuring that meeting planners such as those at Meetings Connections can rely on the Cvent Supplier Network to get their responses back in a timely manner.

Cvent will showcase this global site selection tool and its event management software at the 2009 EIBTM Global Meetings & Incentive Exhibition, to be held on December 1-3 in Barcelona, Spain. "In just the month of October 2009, 30,000 group business eRFPs were sent through the Cvent Supplier Network. Outside of the United States, the volume of eRFPs has grown by 204% in just the last month. We look forward to meeting hoteliers and suppliers in Barcelona at EIBTM to show them how they can win additional group business from our Cvent Supplier Network meeting planners," says Bharet Malhotra, Cvent Vice President of Sales. Cvent will be located at EIBTM's Technology Village in stand #P205.

www.cvent.com

Frommer's Announces The Top Destinations of 2010Each year the Frommer's writers and editorial team come up with a list of destinations travelers should consider visiting in the year ahead. Not necessarily "hot spots," these destinations are what we consider up and coming, often overlooked or underestimated - or simply alternatives to nearby overrun tourist traps. This year, the team at Frommer's reached out to readers as well and came up with a Top Destination list that includes a Reader Favourite selection.

After more than 1,200 readers nominated nearly 3,000 destinations around the world and then cast 3,500 ballots, Paris was chosen as the Reader Favourite. The remaining destinations were selected by Frommer's writers and staff as a mix of value picks, spots that are gearing up for a big event, alternative choices to nearby popular and overrun tourist sites, and destinations that are justifiably hyped and should be visited. The contest was sponsored by Viva Wyndham All-Inclusive Resorts, which has locations in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Bahamas.

"We recognize that it's difficult to whittle the world down to just a dozen or so places and that each annual list will inevitably exclude someplace our readers are eager to visit," said Frommers.com Editorial Director David Lytle. "So, this year, we decided to give them the opportunity to nominate and then vote on the place most of them would like to visit in 2010. Everybody has an opinion, and we wanted Frommers.com readers to be able to quantify theirs."

Frommer's Top Destinations 2010

-*Reader Favourite: Paris, France- Santiago de Cuba, Cuba- Florida Panhandle Beaches, USA- Hawaii (the Big Island), USA- Salta Province, Argentina- Mexico City, Mexico- Melbourne, Australia- Hanoi, Vietnam- Kerala, India- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates- Tunisia- Copenhagen, Denmark- Isles of Scilly, England

ICCA, IMEX and Fast Future Launch of Ground Breaking Global StudyThe International Congress and Convention Association, the IMEX Group and Fast Future Research have announced the formal launch of Convention 2020 - a groundbreaking research study looking at the future of live events, venues and meeting destinations. All three organisations have become founder sponsors of the study. Discussions are underway with a number of other potential sponsors.

The study is being conducted by Fast Future Research and will explore the underlying trends and drivers that could shape the industry over the next decade. The aim is to develop a range of models and scenarios for how live meetings might


evolve over that time period. The study will centre on understanding the 'meeting experience' and the changing needs of live event attendees. These insights will help drive new thinking on event design, facilitate innovation in business models and highlight the strategic implications for venues, destinations and industry suppliers.

Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA and Ray Bloom chairman of the IMEX Group - the founding sponsors of the study - explained that "We agreed to support Fast Future's study because of their track record in doing high quality futures work, the innovative and comprehensive nature of the proposed study and their willingness to contribute their own funds to support a study for the benefit of the entire industry."

Sirk went to say that "the research programme is designed to answer very practical questions such as what will attendees want from live events, how will they maximise their learning and how can they ensure a worthwhile return on their investment of time and energy. For event owners, venues and suppliers it will help them consider how events could be funded and the implications for the design, services, technology platforms and business models required for successful meetings and venues.

Finally it will help meeting destinations think through the strategic implications for developing and promoting themselves in a fast changing world."

The study is also designed to ensure that the industry's responds to the current downturn and future shocks in a strategic manner that ensures long term success. Bloom explained that "The economic downturn has highlighted the importance of thinking ahead and preparing for an uncertain future. We all believe in the importance of live meetings - but belief is not a strategy. We need to challenge our assumptions, develop real insight into what the future may hold, and rethink our event designs and business models to help all members of the meetings industry prepare for the decade ahead and ensure they stay competitive."

The study concepts were tested on attendees at the ICCA Congress in Florence on November 9th and 10th 2009. "The Response was phenomenal", said Rohit Talwar- CEO of Fast Future Research - co-sponsors and research leaders of the project. Talwar went on to add that "The interest in becoming a sponsor was overwhelming. Meetings companies, venues, destinations and industry suppliers from around the world all recognised the strategic value of the insights the study would provide. They could also see the benefits to their brand from being associated with such a comprehensive and forward-looking piece of work that would receive global distribution and widespread coverage."

Sirk explained that "We are at a crucial turning point for the meetings industry. The sector faces major challenges and opportunities arising from changing political attitudes to the meetings sector, technological advances, economic power shifts, environmental pressures, a deepening understanding of how we learn and evolving social attitudes. The research is designed to kick start new thinking across the meetings industry and engage people at every level in coming up with strateiges, ideas and solutions that will work in their local markets."

The study will have three main deliverables - a report on a global survey on the future of meetings to be published in January 2010, a report on the 'Future Meeting Experience' to be launched at IMEX in Frankfurt in May 2010 and a final report on 'Tomorrow's Convention Centre' to be launched at the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad India in October 2010.

The study will provide a number of web-based mechanisms to encourage participation and a number of workshops and seminars will be held around the world to provide input. Expert input is also a critical component of the study design. Bloom explained "A key feature of the study is the involvement of a large number of the industry's leading experts in helping to shape the study and ensure

Paul Kennedy To Advise The Slovenian Convention BureauPaul Kennedy MBE, Director of Kennedy Consulting, has been appointed Strategic Advisor to the Slovenian Convention Bureau and its flagship - the Conventa trade show. Miha Kovacic, Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau commented: "Having Paul Kennedy aboard brings international expertise and knowledge to Slovenia. With his support we expect to raise the level of professionalism within the industry and visibility of Slovenia in the market as well."

The Slovenian Convention Bureau aims to promote Slovenia as a meetings industry jewel, only now being discovered by meeting, incentive and event planners. Its largest project in bringing Slovenia to the meetings industry map has been the creation of a meetings and incentive travel trade show specifically designed to showcase South East Europe - Conventa. It links together the countries of Southeast Europe in presenting their impressive meetings industry offer to the global market.

Kennedy said: "Like many in the global industry I knew little about Slovenia and more widely what this wonderful region has to offer planners. The quality of facilities, of service, real price competitiveness, safety and ease of travel is enhanced by the wide choice in the region and the sheer beauty of the countries themselves. Conventa offers the opportunity for the destinations in the region to act boldly and aggressively, to work both independently and in collaboration to make a significant impact on the market share in the meetings industry."

The second edition of Conventa will take place from 21 to 22 January 2010 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

www.conventa.info

the outputs stretch the boundaries of our thinking. We felt it was critical that we combined 'outside-in' thinking with real engagement from professionals and the leading thinkers across the sector. We are delighted that those on the cutting edge of industry thinking in areas such as event design, learning, business models, technology, event strategy and sustainability have all given their full support and commitment to participate."

The intention is to create a 'living and growing' online body of knowledge, case studies and ideas which will continue to expand and develop even after the study completes in October 2010. Talwar added that "The aim is to go beyond traditional forecasting and use a range of highly participative futures methods to engage both event attendees and those in the industry to think imaginatively about the future of the sector in a fast changing world. We will make full use of both traditional futures methods such as trend scanning, scenario planning and expert interviews along with new tools such as social media dialogues and crowdsourcing to generate ideas and stimulate new thinking."


Eventia Board Appointment; ServicePLUS UnveiledEventia, the UK's official trade body for the events and live marketing industry, has appointed Air Partner's newly-promoted Mark Sale to its Board. This means he will sit alongside some of the most influential names in the events industry, providing leadership and representation on important issues to the Government, regulators and the corporate community.

In recognition of the strategic role Mark plays at Air Partner, the international air charter broker recently promoted him from Business Development Team Leader of its London Gatwick-based Commercial Jets division to Business Development Manager.

The Commercial Jets division, the largest in the worldwide Air Partner Group, organises charters on airliners for groups of every size. This sector accounted for 64% per cent of Air Partner's sales in the year ending 31 July, 2009. A new, more descriptive name for its flight enhancement service will be unveiled at EIBTM, the leading meetings and events industry event in Barcelona next month (1-3 December).

ServicePLUS has replaced Logistics as the title of the division's optional bespoke enhancement service, which transforms ordinary conference and incentive flights into exceptional ones and ensures they are memorable for all the right reasons. From personalised check-in to branded aircraft, the ServicePLUS team organises tailored add-on requirements in the air and on the ground, from before take-off to after landing.

The unveiling of the new name at the EIBTM exhibition will be a major talking point at Air Partner's open house meet-and-greet event at its stand F245 on Wednesday 2 December from 16.00 hours.

www.airpartner.com

Visit Chester & Cheshire Announce £1.35million Economic BenefitVisit Chester & Cheshire has welcomed £1.35million in delegate economic benefit in the last three months. The figure is made up of bookings for meetings, conferences and events made through Visit Chester & Cheshire's business tourism team, between September and November this year.

Key events in the region over this period include a number of highly sought after association events including the Association of British Riding Schools' annual conference held at Shrigley Hall Hotel and the Professional Gardener's Guild at Moorside Grange Hotel & Spa.

In addition to this Chester and Cheshire has also hosted an AGM, exhibition and dinner for the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association at Chester Racecourse and an itinerary day as part of the International Garden Centre Association's conference in Manchester including sightseeing in Chester and a visit to Peckforton Castle.

Linda Porter-Cohen from the Association of British Riding Schools comments: "The Business Tourism Team at Visit Chester & Cheshire does exactly as it says on the label! The staff are friendly and reliable, giving good sound advice. Their help in choosing a venue was first class, and was followed by sensible suggestions for all the many other aspects required for the smooth running of a conference. I know our conference would not have been the success it was without the guidance of this team, and I would not hesitate to highly recommend their services."

Fiona Brown, Business Tourism Account Manager at Visit Chester & Cheshire comments: "Our business tourism team is committed to promoting the county as an attractive meetings and events destination. As such, it is fantastic to be able to announce such strong bookings and economic benefit for the area in the last quarter of 2009. With such positive feedback from these events, we look forward to welcoming more associations and businesses to the area in 2010".

The news follows the announcement of a massive £85million investment in Chester and Cheshire's conference and events product in 2009 and a further planned investment of £60million, according to a membership survey from Visit Chester & Cheshire's business tourism team.

www.meetincheshireandcheshire.com

Worldwide Demand For IAPCO National SeminarsIAPCO experienced a record number of requests for national seminars in 2009 and in line with its quality policy, continues to develop its educational programme.

It was an exciting year for training and education starting with Dubai in February where the Dubai Convention Bureau hosted and Net Conference and Conventions organised back to back basic and advanced courses on conference management.

JNTO hosted an IAPCO seminar focusing on Bids and Promotions. Increased competition for international meetings demands a growing need to make sure all key industry players are in tune with the strategies to attract the right congresses. Japan gathered a strong contingent of industry to participate in this seminar.

Macau Tourism attracted a large number of participants from neighbouring countries in Asia to participate in the conference management seminar. The course itself generated a lot of interest as participants new to the industry mixed with many seasoned professionals. Topped off with a performance of Cirque du Soleil at the Venetian Hotel, a welcome and gala dinner it will not be surprising if Macau Tourism is inundated for the 2010 seminar.

The Asian Development Bank is keen on developing their team members who drive the annual meetings for the ADB. This year they hosted their third IAPCO seminar and focused on specialist topics to generate input into aspects of meetings management that are changing. The Team at the ADB is forward thinking and moving with the times.

Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau ran their inaugural IAPCO seminar for a wide spectrum of their industry members. With their new Convention Centre and the hosting of the World Bank and IMF it was opportune to focus on meetings management in their city.

IAPCO provided senior members to conduct these seminars with a focus on the practical aspects of conference management illustrated by case studies and personal examples which paint the picture of real experiences. It is a sharing attitude that IAPCO encourages to lift the standards in our industry and drive the understanding of meetings management to a higher level. Quality

is the goal being driven by IAPCO and as more of these seminars are hosted, the wider the awareness of quality standards is raised.

All the seminars received outstanding comments and the surveys scored


The world’s moving faster but it’s easier to keep up.

IMEX

+44

(0)1

273

2273

11 |

info

@im

ex-f

rank

furt

.com

The pace and change of global business require the sharpest strategies andsolutions in response.

At IMEX you will get the best answers and opportunities to thrive in today’seconomic climate. You’ll meet more top people in the industry at IMEX thananywhere else. You’ll get incisive thinking on the big issues. You’ll benefitfrom new ideas, new contacts and great deals done.

Coming to IMEX 2010 will be the most important business decision youmake in the next 12 months.

The essential worldwide exhibition for meetings and events.

Frankfurt / 25-27 May

pre-register now imex-frankfurt.com

high as the thirst for knowledge and practical experience is appreciated by participants. IAPCO is living up to its international profile by providing their members' expertise to all corners of the globe.

www.iapco.org

Certain Software's "Greener Event" Global InitiativeCertain Software, Inc., a leading provider of event management solutions for the global meetings and events planning industry, has announced the launch of a global initiative to help event organizers improve the sustainability of their meetings and events. With this initiative, Certain Software is offering a free event carbon footprint assessment with any new purchase of Certain Software's products by the end of March 2010.

"As a market leader responsible for registering and tracking over 8 million event attendees annually, our customers look to us for innovative approaches in making their events and meetings more sustainable," said Olivier Delerm, Chief Marketing Officer at Certain Software.

"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions for meetings and events, while at the same time gaining efficiency in planning, organizing, and executing large-scale events, has a positive impact for all of us: reduction of global warming, less waste of our planet's resources, lower total costs of events, and an improved attendee experience. With our Greener Events Initiative, we are applying our wealth of knowledge and successful track record, enabling a variety of

events and meetings, from worldwide events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen to meetings sponsored by corporations, academic institutions, public sector organizations and governments."

The Certain Software initiative enables event organizers and planners to assess areas where they can immediately gain efficiency - such as reducing printing and paper, improving housing and transportation logistics, and understanding their carbon footprint overall. Based on an analysis of different sources of carbon emissions impacted by the software solution, Certain estimates that its software solutions are already reducing carbon emissions by 4,200 metric tons annually.

In partnership with sustainability experts, Certain is providing a customized carbon footprint assessment to identify areas of immediate benefit for a more sustainable event or meeting. By using Certain Software, event organizers will also have the opportunity to allow registrants to voluntarily purchase carbon offset units during their registration.

To accelerate the benefits that can be derived for the planet and the organization hosting the event, Certain Software's initiative will provide a carbon footprint event assessment, free of charge, for new customers purchasing Certain Software solutions before the end of March 2010.

"The term 'carbon footprint' refers to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by an event," explains Dave Rochlin, CEO of ClimatePath, an organization which assists event planners and organizers in measuring and reducing the climate impact of their events. "Everything

from attendee travel to mailings, meals, and paper usage are considered when measuring and determining the overall impact and footprint. While the vast majority of an event's footprint is typically due to travel and hotel stays, we've found that the other associated sources can still generate 25 to 35 pounds of carbon per day per attendee, or as much as 160 tons per day for an event with 10,000 attendees.

This is the carbon emission equivalent of letting 7,000 cars idle all day long outside the meeting venue. Certain Software's initiative is a welcome and forward-looking approach to helping reduce the carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of meetings and events."

Both the corporate world and hotel chains have been driving the market towards more sustainable events. Hotels have ramped up their efforts to offer greener hotels and conference venues, while corporations, associations, and major events organizers have made environmental responsibility a factor in their venue selection process. "Corporations are paying attention to hotelier's green initiatives and values. We have seen a significant increase in meeting planners sourcing more sustainable venues for their events," commented Tim Brown, CEO of Meeting Sites Resource, a leading site selection services organization.

"Today, most venue selections we handle include sustainability criteria. We are glad to see Certain Software taking the lead in helping event planners assess and reduce their impact on the environment."

www.certain.com/greenereventswww.certain.com


EIBTM 2009 Industry Trends And Market Share ReportThe annual EIBTM Industry Trends and Market Share Report was launched (Tuesday 1 December) at EIBTM in Barcelona. The report compiled by Rob Davidson, Senior Lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism at The University of Westminster in London and EIBTM Industry Analyst identifies the key trends for the meeting and incentives markets over the past 12 months.

Rob discloses from the report findings that "in a challenging environment, the winners in 2010 will be those suppliers who offer exceptional value and service and those destinations that target a diversified business base where downturns in one area of the meetings industry can be compensated for with opportunities in other areas.

"The more the industry does to promote itself as excellent value, with no compromise in quality, the more likely it is to emerge stronger than before."

Key Findings

General Economic Context- Convincing signs that the global recovery is now underway, road back to a buoyant economy will be slow and bumpy- Many developed economies have suffered; emerging markets have continued to prosper and grow- Emerging markets in 1999 represented about 20% of global GDP; but should account for closer to 50% by 2010. They account for 80% of the world's population, 70% of global foreign exchange reserves and half of world exports- Economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) have seen a strong and broad-based rebound in business confidence - In Europe, the picture is more mixed. Business confidence has rebounded and many national economies have emerged from the recession, but job losses across the continent are set to continue, particularly in manufacturing- The unemployment rate in the US rose to 10.2% in October - its highest rate since April 1983. Fears of further job losses were compounded by concerns over the burgeoning budget deficit in the US which hit a record US$1.4 trillion in the year to 30 September.

Meetings And Events Trends- Corporate meetings and events, including incentive travel, have been hardest hit- As corporate profits have fallen in most countries, companies have reacted with an array of cost-cutting measures related to their employees' business travel and their participation in meetings and business events.

The Industry Has Seen:- Ever shorter lead times- Clients shopping around more and comparing prices for facilities and services- Greater use of one-day events to reduce the number of overnight stays- Reduction in the number of suppliers they use, to increase the potential for economies of scale.- As supply outstrips demand in most countries, it is clearly a buyers' market - The Association sector has been far less affected than the corporate sector- Demand is buoyant, boosted by the number of new association events created (ICCA database of international association events grew by over 10% this year)- The SMERF market (Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal market) has seen demand growing- Fewer meetings being held in resorts, and more in hotels and in dedicated conference centres.

World Regions- Europe maintains its clear lead where most international association meetings are held, even if this lead is being gradually eroded as a growing number of cities beyond the frontiers of Europe enter the market - international associations it hosts, but overall, 2009 saw shrinking budgets, fewer participants, shorter events and increased cancellations and postponements of meetings- China's potential as an expanding and highly lucrative market for other countries has made it a prime target for the marketing efforts of many destinations beyond it borders- In China, the ongoing march towards equipping the country as a leading international meetings and events destination continues; China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing opened in October 2009 for its originally intended function - providing international standard, purpose-built convention and exhibition facilities.- High-profile wins in Middle East such as the International Bar Association's decision to hold its 2011 annual conference in Dubai's World Trade Centre- On the supply side, investment goes on unabated. Bahrain announced the development of its new Expo City, increasing the size of the existing Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) by around 10 times

Technology Trends- Many corporate buyers have sought a technological solution to help them cut costs- Greater use of alternative meeting methods, including webinars, videoconferencing and web-based learning tools, as a way to control meeting and travel costs- Growing use of social media for meetings; becoming an integral part of making an event successful both from a marketing and networking/learning enhancement perspective and some of the earliest adopters have been associations.

CSR Trends- Corporate Social Responsibility continues to shape the way in which meetings and events are held- Economic downturn has not significantly reduced companies' concern to consider the impacts that all of their operations,


AIME: Face-To-Face Business Meetings Still The BestBuyers who attended AIME 2009, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, have confirmed what many in the meetings and incentive industry know intuitively and what recent surveys have shown: nothing beats face-to-face business meetings.

Dr Yvonne Luxford , Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Royal Australasian College of Physicians said that AIME was incredibly helpful, even though her workplace uses a PCO for conference organisation.

"I think that I learnt more at AIME in 2 days than in years of experience on conference organising committees," Dr Luxford said.

"I love the Internet and tend to conduct all my research online. However, I learnt things at AIME through chatting with people that you simply don't get on a website. These are the kinds of things that only come up in conversation as you meander between subjects. It also allows you to ask questions specific to the needs of your group, and get targeted responses, rather than wading through material that is not relevant. This allows the operators to be flexible in what they can offer you - a service that you simply can't get on a website or in a brochure," she said.

Dorina Martelli, Retail Conference & Events Manager, Bankwest Retail agrees, and says face-to-face contact ensures you find exactly what you are looking for with minimal fuss.

"AIME is the best event you could hope

Speaker Added For PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism ConferenceAnother high profile speaker has been secured for the all-important PATA Conference and Mart in Nepal next February. Jose Dominic MD and CEO of Kerala-based CGH Earth joins an impressive list of industry experts attending the Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart from 1-5 February at the Soaltee Crown Plaza, Kathmandu. For the past

including meetings, have on the environment- An important step towards the adoption of uniform measurable standards of environmental performance in meetings planning was taken in August, when the Convention Industry Council's Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) Panel on Green Meeting and Event Practices released the final draft standards for review and comment by the meetings industry- Growing interest in the potential for industry to leave a social legacy in the destinations it uses

Future Outlook- Trend towards a more positive business outlook- Recovery, and the meetings and events industry will follow- More organisations showing signs of increased bookings in 2010- Organisations will continue to select destinations and venues not considered extravagant or luxurious- Number of business trips projected to move upward in second half of 2010, gathering more momentum in 2011- Continued strong demand for face to face meetings

www.eibtm.comwww.reedtravelexhibitions.com

EVENTSto attend. It beats having to search for information, as it's all there under the one roof and at your fingertips. I find the networking opportunities are one of the best parts of AIME - there are so many opportunities to meet and connect with people in the industry. The better I know someone the more inclined I am to do business with them or others that they recommend," Ms Martelli said.

"It's amazing how many suppliers I have met at networking functions who have put me in touch with other suppliers that I am now doing business with, even though I didn't need their services two years ago. Connecting with people is really achievable at AIME, you just need to grab this opportunity."

Both Dr Luxford and Ms Martelli attended AIME 2009 as part of the event's Hosted Buyer Program. Their comments reflect the findings of recent surveys such as the Harvard Business Review study of 2,300 business leaders in the United States, Europe and Asia, released in September 2009. This study confirmed that face-to-face meetings remain essential to doing business and are preferred by executives over teleconferencing or other alternatives.

Harvard Business Review research editor, Angela Herrin said: "Our survey revealed that what most businesspeople really want is solid human connections. Technology serves as an effective supplement, but face-to face communication is the broadest bandwidth communication you can have in professional life, helping to cement long-term relationships and drive business growth."

AIME is the premier event in the Asia Pacific for people who organise

meetings, conferences, incentives or special events. It attracts more than 850 exhibitors from 50 countries each year and around 3,500 visitors. AIME 2010 is at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2-3 March.

And Some Final Tips From Last Year's Buyers.

"I have two main thoughts for first timers at AIME," says Dr Luxford. "Start each meeting with an honest run down of what your organisation's needs are - this will help the vendor understand what products are best suited to you and then you can get down to useful discussion. The second word of advice is to look carefully at your schedule and ensure that it is realistic."

Ms Martelli says: "Enjoy every moment of AIME, work hard, do your research to get the most out of your pre-scheduled appointments. By grabbing this opportunity with both hands, your future events will be an outstanding success. Make the most of what's going to be a great week and don't forget to have some FUN along the way."


Subscribe To Odyssey eMagazine

Advise your colleagues and clients to follow your lead

Largest Ever U.S.Hosted Buyer Program For IMEX AmericaIMEX America - America's new worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events - will deliver the largest ever hosted buyer program at a US tradeshow. Following the launch of IMEX America, organisers the IMEX Group, confirm that the response from intermediaries around the world has been exceptionally strong.

The new show, taking place in the Sands Expo, Las Vegas, 11 - 13 October 2011, will deliver 1,500 internationally focused hosted buyers representing the association, corporate and agency sectors. The IMEX America hosted buyer program will bring targeted high quality buyers from across the United States and the rest of the world to meet and do business with both domestic as well as international exhibitors. It is forecast that 80% of the hosted buyers will come from all parts of the USA with 20% from other international markets.

Reflecting IMEX's proven pedigree of building business-focused trade shows, association buyers will be a key focus. They will be attracted by the ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) educational event to be run exclusively for association buyers on the day before the show opens; followed by an IMEX America Association Evening. This format is set to mirror the success of Association Day run at the IMEX exhibition in Frankfurt and will ensure that hundreds of top association buyers are present when doors open on October 11 2011.

30 years Jose Dominic has led a group well known for its role as a pioneer in tourism development in Kerala.

The PATA Conference and Mart will create important platforms for discussing and promoting environmental protection and social sustainability.Other speakers include Shannon Stowell, President of the US-based Adventure Trade Association (ATTA); Naranjan Khatri, GM for Environment at ITC Welcome Group in India; Tony Jones, Founding Director of Nepal's Himalayan Encounter and Australia-based Intrepid Travel CEO Darrell Wad

Jose Dominic has served on several national and state advisory panels on tourism including the National Tourism Advisory Council of the Government of India.

www.PATA.org/adventure www.PATA.org

Speaking about the event, John H. Graham IV, CAE, President and CEO of ASAE & The Center said, "We look forward to working together with IMEX America to create an event filled with top notch education sessions. The meetings and hospitality industry is a major player in the economy of the United States and we are excited about partnering with such a distinguished organization."

IMEX America's broad coalition of industry partners will also deliver high level education targeting the corporate and agency markets. For example, IMEX America's Strategic Partner, MPI (Meeting Professionals International) will deliver a range of newly created educational events surrounding the exhibition and Site (the leading association worldwide for incentive travel and motivational events) will hold their annual conference immediately following IMEX America.

Said Bruce MacMillan, MPI's President and CEO, "MPI's strategic partnership with IMEX America will design a uniquely co-created educational experience for buyers and sellers; delivering one of the richest and most provocative meeting and event marketplace gatherings in the world."

The hosted buyer program, the association-led educational events, together with a major US visitor marketing campaign including attractive travel and accommodation packages will bring thousands of key buyers to the show being held in Las Vegas - one of the world's leading destinations for meetings and incentive travel.

Ray Bloom Chairman of the IMEX Group commented, "The hosted buyer program will once again be the backbone of our success with IMEX America. Response and support from exhibitors, associations and hosted buyer intermediaries has been fantastic and we are looking forward to a very exciting run-up to the show. The feedback I have received from across the globe confirms that buyers and exhibitors alike are looking forward to 2011."

www.imexamerica.comwww.imex-frankfurt.com

Tokyo Bay Area Brochure For Meetings & Incentives LaunchedThe three Convention Bureaus surrounding Tokyo Bay; Chiba, Tokyo and Yokohama, have announced the publication of the first collaborative area guide. The brochure provides general information in English on the region as a one-stop destination with the aim of appealing to planners and tour operators based in Europe, America and Asia.

This full-color, 8-page brochure illustrates an exciting array of attractions to visitors as well as an essential information on how best to hold events in Japan. The map and photos show the area's major convention centers and unique venues, and places of interest at a glance.

JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) statistics show that the Tokyo Bay Area hosted around one third of all international conferences held in Japan over the past 10 years. By publishing the brochure together, the three bureaus tries to cooperate in marketing and attract even more conventions in today's keen global competitions.

The brochure will be distributed free of charge to overseas planners as a sales and marketing tool. It is available at JNTO offices in 13 major cities around the world, as well as at leading destination tradeshows (including EIBTM in Barcelona, IME in Tokyo, AIME in Melbourne, IMEX in Frankfurt, MPI-WEC in Vancouver and IT&CMA in Bangkok).

Chiba Convention Bureauwww.ccb.or.jp

Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.tcvb.or.jp/en

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/

convention/eng

www.odysseymediagroup.com


America Meetings Week: Further AIBTM Details AnnouncedAt a press conference at EIBTM - Vanessa Cotton, Chair Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentives Events announced further developments on the company's newest event, AIBTM in Baltimore - tailor made specifically for the North American market. AIBTM joins the company's international meetings portfolio of EIBTM in Barcelona, GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, CIBTM in Beijing and AIME in Melbourne.

AIBTM will provide meeting and event professionals in all sectors - association, corporate, government and third party - with quality interaction with over 300 North American and international exhibitors. It is set to attract 500 Hosted Buyers, of which 100 will come from outside America and around 2,500 trade visitors made up of largely North American based meeting planners with domestic, interstate business.

She outlined what sets AIBTM apart from other events for the industry in North America by saying: "Two key elements set us apart - our reputation in providing best professional education and our location in Baltimore." Expanding on the importance of education and knowledge, she said: "We aim to equip the US buyer and supplier community with the tools to create more effective meetings and events of their own. This will be achieved by the creation of a new, high impact America Meetings Week, initiated by Reed Travel Exhibitions and supported by a wide range of industry organisations including ASAE, PCMA, MPI, SITE and ICCA.

"This dedicated week aims to raise the profile of the meetings and events industry to the wider business market and political community across North America, focussing on the economic contribution which meetings and events make to the economy, the number of jobs supported and the positive benefits which effective meetings and events bring to business development and communication."

America Meetings Week Will Comprise:

- A high profile conference designed for the North American community - A series of industry events which in the past would normally have taken place elsewhere in North America at different times of year but will now run alongside AIBTM in Baltimore- A CEO Summit bringing together the heads of the largest and most influential buyers and suppliers in the marketplace, including domestic and international hotel chains and airlines, to discuss future trends and issues- An Awards programme and presentation ceremony to recognise the most innovative people and practices in the US meetings and events industry today- Concurrent educational sessions, throughout each of the three days, designed specifically for decision makers from all industry sectors- The launch of the findings of a major new research programme.

Explaining the importance of Baltimore as the host location for AIBTM Vanessa Cotton said: "Baltimore is a business focussed city - a choice in tune with the mood of the times. With its proximity and ease of access to the vast eastern seaboard meeting and events community, the city is able to attract an estimated 13,000 meeting buyers located in states within just three hours travelling time.

"States within the three hours include Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania, which means we are hitting key cities such as New York, Washington DC (the hub for associations) and Philadelphia, home to major agencies such as Maritz. Buyers will easily be able to come to AIBTM in a day in the knowledge that they can achieve their business objectives and easy, convenient, low cost travel means that those planners whose organisations will not allow them to accept hospitality will also be able to attend."

She concluded that: "We are confident that anyone in the meetings and events industry in North America will want to be in Baltimore for AIBTM and America Meetings Week, either as an advocate, an event organiser or a participant."

www.eibtm.com - www.aibtm.comwww.reedtravelexhibitions.com

Luxury Travel Expo Attracts Thousands Of Travel ProfessionalsLuxury Travel Expo, produced by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazine, and wholly owned by Questex Media, held their eleventh annual show from December 1-3, 2009 at MGM Grand Conference Center and the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attendance included 2,522 travel agents who participated in three days of education, and visited over 600 exhibiting companies in a globally representative exhibit hall.

"As luxury travel begins to rebound, agents and suppliers found Luxury Travel Expo to be the place to reenergize their business." remarked Alicia Evanko, show director. ""The industry looks to our show to deliver a high quality event much like the products and services they provide for their clients. We are confident that we exceeded expectations and that Luxury Travel Expo is the resource for our industry to connect before, during and after the show.

General session highlights included presentations from Terry Dale, president and chief executive officer, CLIA; Cindy Novotny, managing partner, Master Connection Associates and Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, chief executive officer, Virtuoso.

Attendees enjoyed a sneak preview of the latest entertainment in Las Vegas. The audience was treated to an energetic performance from America's Got Talent winner, Terry Fator and from Viva Elvis, the newest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil production.

A record audience of more than 1,500 travel professionals attended the third annual Luxury After Dark party held on Wednesday night at XS- the Nightclub at Encore. The event included delectable desserts, indulgent cocktails and an evening of non-stop dancing and was sponsored by the LVCVA, Wynn Resorts, The Travel Group and Luxury Travel Expo.

The ninth annual Leaders in Luxury awards were presented on Thursday during Luxury Travel Expo at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Selected by the editors of Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazine, the Leaders in Luxury awards are given to individuals who have exemplified superior leadership in travel. The winners included: Sven Lindblad, president and founder, Lindblad Expeditions (Tour); Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing,


Perth Convention Exhibition Centre Inducted Into Hall Of FamePerth Convention Exhibition Centre (PCEC) was inducted into the Western Australian Tourism Awards 'Hall of Fame' for the Meetings and Business Tourism category at the WA Tourism Council's Gala Dinner.

Admission to the Hall of Fame recognises a nominee who has won

The Brewery Kicks Off World Cup Fever With Events PackagesIn anticipation of the final draw the Brewery is kicking off the World Cup season with the launch of its 2010 World Cup packages. The package encourages groups of work colleagues, business associates or friends who can't make it to South Africa to watch the games in the luxury of a private room at the central London venue.

The package not only takes the stress out of trying to fight your way to finding a spot with a good view of the screen in a bustling pub but also allows for large groups to get together in one location. The package is available for any World Cup game not only England games, and includes viewings of the game on big screens, 2 and a half hours of unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks and a half time feast of gourmet pie and mash.

The package can be booked for between

SECC Glasgow Targets EurozoneThe Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) is once again capitalising on the fluctuations within the international currency market to target European buyers to Glasgow. Earlier this year the venue was at the forefront in encouraging international visitors to take advantage of the weaker Pound, now the venue is targeting the strong Euro.

"There is never a better time for European businesses to come to the UK and Glasgow," comments Ben Goedegebuure, Sales Director, SECC. "Previously some buyers have been put off by the strong pound; however the current environment presents the perfect opportunity for continental businesses to choose Glasgow."

The SECC is also holding rates for European business so they can continue to capitalise from the exchange rates after initial enquiry and right through to contract. The venue introduced a series of pricing and operational offers at the beginning of 2009 to help Eurozone organisers commit to Glasgow.

"Glasgow is seeing a growing volume of international business visitors to the city in line with our growing place as a truly international business centre," comments Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. "This means there is more affinity for continental business events that choose Glasgow and a wealth of potential delegates to tap into within the local, regional and national community."

"This is a fast moving business and despite the tough operating climate there are deals to be had. Buyers are keeping a close eye on currency value and venues need to adapt their pricing to allow procurement to take advantage of the changing trends," concludes Goedegebuure.

Crystal Cruises (Cruise); Andy Pesky, senior vice president, leisure sales and marketing, and Elaine Pesky, senior account executive, Protravel International (Travel Professional) and Vikram Oberoi, joint managing director-operations, The Oberoi Group, LLC (Hotel). The recipients shared their stories of gratitude and success with the audience.

The show announced new packages for 2010 including Luxury Travel Exchange. Luxury Travel Exchange will include pre-arranged appointments between a select group of luxury suppliers and an elite group of pre-qualified travel advisors allowing the ability to maximize time and investment during the trade show. Packages will include print and digital streams, onsite sponsorships

and enhanced exposure on Luxury Travel Expo Connect, the show's virtual tool. The twelfth annual Luxury Travel Expo will take place December 7-9, 2010 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tradeshow will take place on December 8 and 9.

www.luxurytravelexpo.comwww.questex.com

VENUESThe Convention Centre Dublin Confirms 200,000+ International Delegate DaysThe Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) has confirmed over 200,000 international delegate days, which help support Ireland's business tourism goal of €1billion by 2013, based on research by Fáilte Ireland.

"With just under a year to go before The Convention Centre opens its doors, we already have secured over 200,000 delegate days", said Nick Waight, CEO, The Convention Centre Dublin. "This is an extraordinary international vote of confidence in the quality of this world-class facility, and in Dublin itself, despite the economic downturn."

These international delegates to date will bring €62 million to the economy through staying in hotels, taking taxis, dining out and enjoying some of Ireland's many visitor attractions and activities. The CCD, situated in Spencer Dock beside the River Liffey, is Ireland's first world-class, purpose-built convention centre and it will facilitate international conferences, meetings and stand-alone banqueting events for associations and corporate clients across a variety of industries including design, finance, legal, medicine, pharmaceutical, research and technology.

www.theccd.ie

the award three times within a five year period. PCEC successfully won this award in 2008, 2007 and 2005 and took the National award in 2005.

The award recognises conference facilities, and other meetings industry operators, service providers and suppliers who maximise the tourism experience for meetings and business travellers visiting Western Australia.

"Entry to the Hall of Fame is a welcome recognition of the continuous professionalism and standard of service we offer our clients. It also acknowledges our role in supporting Perth, and Western Australia's, position as a tourism and events industry destination." said Dean Lee, General Manager of PCEC.

"This award brings credit to the dedicated team at PCEC and their commitment to excellence in the effort they deliver."

www.pcec.com.au


Glasgow's SECC To Host Olympic ConferenceGlasgow and the SECC has been confirmed as the venue for a world-wide sports and sports science conference, which will be held in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport (ICSEMIS) will welcome 3,000-delegates and take place at the SECC from 19 - 27 July 2012. It is expected the event will generate more than £5 million worth of economic impact for the city in addition to strengthening the Glasgow's credentials for hosting major sporting events in the run up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales at the SECC commented: "The SECC will be playing an integral part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games when they come to Glasgow and this pre-Olympic conference represents further, our continuing commitment to supporting and staging major sporting events. We look forward to welcoming ICSEMIS delegates to Glasgow."

The Brunel ICSEMIS 2012 Consortium - with support from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) made the successful bid to host the conference and Molly Doheny, Head of the Convention Bureau at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau commented, "We have been working with the Brunel Consortium for two years on this bid and it's extremely gratifying to see all our efforts paying off. I visited the convention while it was in Guangzhou last week and China has set the bar extremely high. But we are confident of

An Authentic Swiss Chalet In Central London For Private Parties And MoreSwissôtel The Howard, London has built an authentic Swiss Chalet in its' Garden Courtyard and launched it recently. The chalet is a special venue for private parties and corporate events right in the heart of London. For the first quarter of 2010 Swissôtel The Howard, London offers a 10% rebate on the final bill for all events held in the Swiss Chalet within the month of January, February or March.

Traditional Swiss décors and handcrafted Swiss furniture has been brought to central London from the Alps to create the charm, warm and cozy ambience of a traditional Swiss Alpine Chalet. Situated in a quiet oasis close to London's Embankment, the Swiss Chalet at Swissôtel The Howard, London, has a size of 92 sq/m (990 sq/ft) and will be available for parties and corporate events for up to 250 persons when combined with the adjacent 12 Temple Place Restaurant.

To get a culinary experience of Switzerland, event packages include Swiss delicacies such as cheese fondue, Veal Schnitzel, petits-fours, Orange Brulée or Swiss wines. The Swiss Chalet can be booked as an event venue until 31st March 2010.

Every Tuesday until the end of March 2010 the chalet becomes a separate restaurant within the hotel. During the Swiss Nights traditional Swiss food is being served which includes cheese fondue, sliced cured meats, mixed leaf salad and dessert (apple strudel with custard or cherry cake with Chantilly cream). After dinner, in true après-ski style, guests can perch by the fire with a glass of mulled wine; a scene reminiscent of an evening in native Switzerland.

The chalet will be open for Swiss Nights from 6pm-10pm every Tuesday evening until 31st March 2010 and is £23 per person.

www.swissotel.com

50-800 people and is priced at £60+vat per person.

The Brewery is a multi award winning venue based in the heart of the city offering eight unique event spaces including the Porter Tun, which is one of the largest unobstructed rooms in London, capable of holding up to 800 beneath a King Post timber roof.

Event design and marketing manager at the Brewery, Simon Lockwood commented "Watching the world cup can be a really great opportunity to bond with clients and colleagues, getting into the team spirit whilst admiring some great football. The range of spaces we have at the Brewery coupled with our in house AV facilities mean that we can offer a hassle-free package - recreating the feeling of being at a live match."

www.thebrewery.co.uk

delivering a successful event in Glasgow in 2012."

The ICSEMIS is designed to promote and advance sports medicine and sports science, to the benefit not only of elite athletes, but also to the health and lifestyle of communities around the world.

It is anticipated that delegates to the Glasgow convention will come from all around the world, with financial assistance provided to students from developing countries via a scholarship scheme. Closer to home, the Consortium plans to develop a programme of activities to engage members of the general public - and young people in particular - in the excitement of sport science.

Another Environmental Win For Melbourne Convention & Exhibition CentreThe Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has again been recognised for its environmental attributes, after being named the winner of this year's prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia

(UDIA) Environmental Excellence Award.

The UDIA is the peak body representing all segments of the development industry. A highly respected organisation, the institute has been representing property development in Victoria for over 30 years. In recognising another accolade for the designers Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NH Architecture, the developers Plenary Group and the builders Brookfield Multiplex, MCEC's chief executive Leigh Harry said: 'The UDIA Environmental Excellence Award is the 6th major environmental award for the MCEC over the past 12 months - an amazing achievement and further well-deserved recognition for the architects for the centre's first class environmental design.'

The UDIA Environmental Excellence Award was presented for the centre's exceptional environmental features, particularly the use of radiant slab heating and cooling; solar panelling; a black water treatment facility; the use of low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs); an abundance of natural light; and an extensive waste separation program.

Judges praised the centre saying:


'An environmental and architectural design award of the highest order is appropriate for this state-of-the-art public building.

Eco-Venues Partner In Global Green AllianceThree of the world's most renowned eco-friendly convention centres have joined forces to create a Global Green Alliance; this initiative was a direct result of relationships forged at the recent ICCA Congress in Florence. Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, Cape Town International Convention Centre and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre are the founder members of the new alliance, which aims to promote industry best-practice for hosting sustainable events.

Kerrin MacPhie, Head of Sales at the BT Convention Centre, part of ACC Liverpool, commented: "Event organisers have been under increasing pressure for some time now to meet CSR and sustainability targets. With this new Global Green Alliance, we can not only offer clients an outstanding, eco-friendly venue here in the UK, but can now extend that offer to include partner convention centres across the world that we know will meet their sustainability targets as well as we do at ACC Liverpool."

Esmare Van Tonder, International Sales Manager for Cape Town International Convention Centre added: "There is a lot of hype regarding the green agenda, which makes it difficult for organisers to distinguish veneer policies from tangible deliverables that truly have an impact on improving sustainability targets. With this new alliance, we are setting the bar in terms of eco-venue standards and giving organisers a clear choice of partner organisations that can support their CSR needs."

Anne Jamieson, Director of Sales at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre concluded: "The launch of this new alliance marks an exciting new era for the meetings and events sector, as we collaborate in developing new eco-friendly venue design features and packaged services. We anticipate that event organisers will benefit from a significantly enhanced sustainable offer and the industry as a whole will see best-practice improved across the board."

The alliance will initially focus on developing its combined offer and joint international marketing activities. Over the coming months, the alliance will announce a range of service offerings and other initiatives to further strengthen relationships and share best-practice amongst partner venues.

Green Credentials of Partner Venues:

ACC Liverpool:- Due to ACC Liverpool's environmental measures it produces half the CO2 emissions it would without any and uses 20% less electricity. - The design of the building, along with its insulation and air control system, is inherently efficient and requires significantly less energy than a traditional build would. - Lighting is high efficiency and controlled by motion detection (so a room is dark unless someone is in it). - Five 20 metre low-noise wind turbines contribute to ACC Liverpool's power provision. - Rainwater is collected on the roof of the building, which is then used to flush toilets. The rainwater accounts for approximately 40% of the water used for flushing toilets within the arena.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre:- World's first 6* Star Green Star environmentally rated venue - Displacement ventilation provides effective, high indoor quality air flow at low energy consumption - Solar hot water systems can offset more than 40 per cent of general hot water requirements and can provide 100 per cent of public amenity hot water requirements - Light fittings have been selected and positioned in order to minimise resource and energy consumption - A black water treatment plant collects building wastewater and some stormwater to provide treated water for toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling towers

- "My Tree in Africa" initiative to reduce the centre's carbon footprint by planting trees in disadvantaged communities - Nurture Our World (NOW) campaign which is a call to action and encapsulates the centre's responsibility to address issues such as climate change and the preservation of the environment for future generations. - Range of green conference packages to encourage event "greening" - Dedicated environmental task team - ISO14001 accredited venue - Water conservation via dual-flushing toilets and automated drip system irrigation methods

'The flagship project is the world's first convention centre to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating, making it one of the most efficient

large structures in the world, leading the way in best practice, innovation and sustainability - an outstanding new asset for Melbourne.'

www.mcec.com.au


DESTINATIONS"European Capital of Culture": IstanbulThe cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, which for thousands of years has stood as the hub of arts, culture, intellectual and political center of the world, celebrates its status as "European Capital of Culture" in 2010 with a year-round schedule of electrifying events ranging from artist workshops to historical retrospectives. Youthful, vibrant and forward-thinking, Istanbul promises a veritable feast for arts and culture seekers in 2010 and the following are highlights of some of the "2010 European Capital of Culture" events worth scheduling a trip for:

Istanbul 2010 - The Arts

"Istanbul Goes to The Movies"; January to February 2010 - The highly respected, scriptwriter and director, Safa Önal will present the documentary project "Istanbul Goes to the Movies" which looks into the past, present and future of Istanbul through old Turkish films and present-day features. Önal uses these films to show the changes in the life, appearances and lifestyles of Istanbul. The documentary is created from nearly 7,000 films and images. The project's screenings will be held at Kadirga Art Center.

Kadirga Art Center; January 2010 & September to December 2010 - Seven internationally acclaimed artists who have completed major visual arts projects and advanced universal art in European Union (EU) countries have been invited to Istanbul to exchange ideas and hold workshops for the younger generation of local artists. Artists confirmed to participate include Sophie Calle, the acclaimed French writer, photographer, installation artist, and conceptual artist and Victor Burgin, the Turner-prize nominated, English artist and writer.

The Photograph Parade; January to October 2010 - Everyday life in Istanbul captured with the magic of photography will be on display at the gallery of the Fototrek Photography Center at the Misir Apartment in Istiklal Street, a place known for its collection of cutting-edge galleries and collections in Istanbul. Throughout 2010, a series of exhibitions will be held at Fototrek celebrating the "still life" of Istanbul. Fototrek is a privately owned facility in which exhibitions are held while educational programmes are driven by professionally trained photographers.

International Ballet Competition; July 5 to 10, 2010 - Local and foreign ballet performers will compete in this 2nd annual competition in Istanbul and is a collaboration by the Sutluce Congress and Cultural Center to foster a closer relationship between the local and international ballet communities. Performances will be held at the Sutluce Congress and Cultural Center.

International Istanbul Puppet Festival; March 21 to 26, 2010 - The festival will feature modern and traditional puppet shows from various cultures including playing techniques by Metin Özlen, the shadow-play artist who specializes in traditional Turkish shadow play, popularized during the Ottoman period. The Puppet Festival is organized by the Directorate of Stage and Performing Arts Istanbul. Puppet performances will take place in various cultural centers in the city like the French Cultural Center, Cervantes Cultural Center and various shopping centers. There will also be street performances at public squares such as Taksim Square.

Istanbul 2010 - History & Culture- "Breaking the Stereotype" - A special exhibition that takes a look at the misconceptions surrounding Turkey in the Western world and dispelling the myths surrounding the country. These exhibitions will take place at DEPO, a culture and debate center that supports the collaboration of artists, artist collectives, civic and cultural organizations in Turkey, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Balkans. The "Breaking the Stereotype" exhibition will include the following special displays: - A Story of the City: Constantinople, Istanbul; June 18, 2010 - An original music project that speaks to the cross-cultural interactions among Turkish civilization and other powers throughout history and its impact on Istanbul to this day. This musical journey will feature the "cheng," a Middle-Eastern harp which is famed in the Ottoman-Turkish music tradition. The event takes place at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Concert Hall.- Istanbul Islands Museum; Opening July/August 2010 - This integrated cultural institution in the Büyükada district seeks to highlight the various outlying islands of Turkey, showcasing artifacts, everyday life and history.- The Museum of Innocence; Summer 2010 - The Museum of Innocence, inspired by the novel of the same title by the Turkish Nobel prize winner, Orhan Pamuk, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010 with the support of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture agency. Based on the literary content and the original ideas found in Pamuk's book, this museum will offer a poetic and documentary-style narrative of the culture and the daily life of Istanbul from the 1950's to present day. The Museum of Innocence will be located in the Çukurcuma district. - Traditional Turkish Book Arts & Modern Masters; October 30 to December 31, 2010 - This Istanbul Book Fair at the TÜYAP Fair, Convention and Congress Center reveals the work of the Turkish modern masters working in the field of book arts with a look into calligraphy, ornamentation and "ebru" or paper marbling a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to marble or other stone, hence the name.

Istanbul 2010 - Music- Avro Pärt's "Adam's Lament" for Istanbul; June 7, 2010 - The famed Estonian classical composer, Arvo Pärt, has created a special composition for the city of Istanbul, titled Adam's Lament which will be performed at the Aya Irini Museum on June 7, 2010. Since the late 1970's, Pärt has been working in a minimalist style that employs a self-made compositional technique called tintinnabuli. His music also finds its inspiration and influence from the Gregorian chants.- U2 360? Concert; September 6, 2010 - The legendary rock band U2 will be on stage to help celebrate Istanbul 2010 at the Atatürk Stadium, Turkey's largest arena on September 6, 2010. The concert is organized by LiveNation in collaboration with the Istanbul Foundation for Culture, Arts and Pozitif.

In preparation for 2010, the city also has made major renovations to landmark attractions and opened new museums. These include refurbishing the Atatürk Culture Center and opening the Maslak Cultural Center as a new venue for performing arts; initiating a Frank Gehry-designed opera house; renovating the famous Topkapi Palace museum and one of the world's most famous churches and mosques, Hagia Sophia; and restoration of numerous monuments.

www.istanbul2010.orgwww.tourismturkey.org - www.goturkey.com

meetings, incentives, conventions & events · cvent supplier network spans the globe cvent, the...

Documents