Global Exhibitions Day 2017 marked around the world.
Once again the business events industry has demonstrated the power of social media to engage and uplift. The stream of group photos pouring in to mark Global Exhibitions Day 2017 was simply stunning.
By the end of June 7th, the UFI team in Paris had logged reports on GED activities in 75 countires and regions. The human chains spelling out the three letters at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India (top left), are The Iceberg‘s particular favourite. Taking the photo alone demonstrates advanced skills in people management.
In this Business Events World, more on GED in our News section. We have updates on the UK general election, the US large electronic devices flight ban, a reverse legacy tale from Texas, a final chapter (hopefully!) for the saga of Visit Florida’s funding, and reports on convention centre expansion projects in San Diego, Las Vegas, Blackpool and Cairns.
We also have our third JMIC Case Study this issue. It details the legacy outcomes for the Malaysian business events industry – in advocacy, marketing, education and conservation – deriving from the 55th ICCA Congress. This was held in November 2016 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
In Opinions, ICC Sydney and AIPC’s Geoff Donaghy describes the stakeholder collaboration needed to keep visitors safe and secure during events. In Features we profile Berlin’s digital disruption conference re:publica. Both stories are from Germany’s tw tagungswirtschaft.
Next year’s GED is June 6th 2018.
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
More global exhibitionists.
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From its annual home in Berlin, re:publica is a sizeable conference celebrating and debating digital disruption in a face-to-face format. The bohemian approach of the 2016 running cemented a ten year track record of legacy influence on regulation and legislation. There are also now sister events in Dublin and Thessaloniki. Photo: Jan Zappner. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
IMEX 2017 in Frankfurt saw the launch of one initiative rather complementary in its aims to what the Joint Meetings Industry Council and The Iceberg are also trying to achieve. ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association – and BestCities Global Alliance announced that associations whose meetings have a great legacy story to tell will be able to apply for…
IMEX 2017 – the largest ever running of the show – officially opened on May 16 with a state of the industry address from IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom. German Convention Bureau Managing Director Matthias Schultze also spoke – in strong support of unfettered movement across borders – and the opening keynote came in the form of a unique city perspective on the…
Vilnius, capital of the Republic of Lithuania in Northern Europe, was the host for CONVENE earlier this year and has long been a leading events destination in the region. Now the new Go Vilnius agency will link up the city’s marketing with its more strategic economic goals of attracting investment and talent. From tmf dialogue marketing…
At PCMA Convening Leaders in Texas, collaborative education by IAPCO (the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) and the event hosts reinforced the need for global association education strategies to be applied locally. Having a professional congress organizer (PCO) that understands the importance of locally-sourced intellectual capital – and that is aligned to the mission of the association – can…
Sarah Fleming Associates has always maintained that in order to successfully engage a potential buyer and to attract conference business to any city or destination, it is important to be able to put forward a strong business case for holding an event or conference in the city. An effective lead generation programme should therefore focus on…
For more than fifty years the Antwerp Zoo Society has used the proceeds of its event spaces to support a very unique CSR undertaking… the operation of one of the oldest and most important zoological facilities in the world. Now, with the opening of the new Flanders Meeting and Convention Center Antwerp (FMCCA), this commitment will be…
In an emerging economy, sometimes the most valuable role a convention centre can play is one that, while essential to its own success, is also a generator of transferrable skills that will support development in many adjacent areas of the local economy. Such is the case with the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching, Sarawak, where…
Under the leadership of its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore became something of an economic miracle for a city-state which only gained independence from Malaysia in 1965. And despite a population of just over five million, the destination has transformed itself from Third World to First World in a single generation. It is now firmly established as a gateway…
Why Sibos and Geneva were the perfect match… The Geneva Convention Bureau has recently restructured its marketing communications and resources in order to align its bids to the city’s growth agenda. It has taken nearly two years to develop the organisational knowledge of – and relations within – the key clusters of industry identified by the Economic Development Office…
Boston has throughout its history been a main gateway for foreign migration into the USA. Now as the treatment of outsiders moves right to the heart of US politics, the President of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce James E Rooney reaffirms the city’s reliance on the innovation that comes with immigration. From Intellectual Capitals…
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The third of a series of high-level academic case studies investigating meetings legacies has been published on The Iceberg and Business Events World. The report has been prepared as part of the Joint Meetings Industry Council’s Case Study Program – see the video below – and adheres to strict academic criteria. It is research-based, includes valid measurable data, and has…
The Cairns Convention Centre – which has twice been named “World’s Best Congress Centre” at the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) APEX Awards – is to receive AU$176m to fund an expansion that will make it a “state-of-the-art international venue”, according to Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt. He called the government money a “catalytic investment”. From CIM News Magazine…
As European Union officials meet to discuss the threat of the US expanding its ban on large electronic devices in certain flight cabins, and as the travel industry says the ban has seen Middle East business drop by 2.8% and cost the sector $198 million, the US Homeland Security chief has clarified US policy on any potential widening. From Meetings & Conventions…
A new conference centre in the UK seaside resort town of Blackpool will be using local suppliers and subcontractors in a bid to support the region’s economy. Work on the £25m project will start later this year, and local construction companies have already been invited to an open day to find out more. From Meetpie.com…
San Diego may be stalling, but the $1.4 billion expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center has just been given the final go-ahead. After state legislators and Governor Brian Sandoval approved the project last year, the board of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has also now given it a green light. From Meetings & Conventions…
San Diego City Council has rejected the call for a special vote this November to increase hotel tax. The revenue generated was to have funded – amongst other things – the previously endorsed expansion of the San Diego Convention Center. The move puts the project on hold, despite the Council acknowledging the economic impact events generate. From Meetings & Conventions…
After more twists and turns in the saga than on any of its legendary theme park rides, Florida’s legislature has in the end voted to restore Visit Florida’s current annual budget of $76 million. This leaves the agency and state once again able to continue breaking visitation records. We can all now retire to Miami! From Meetings & Conventions…
The Iceberg exists to champion the legacies business events bring to destinations. But sometimes the approach is not that of the carrot, but the stick. The American Immigration Lawyers Association is pulling its conference out of Texas after the state passed a law the AILA says “is so blatantly contrary to our mission”. Photo: Phil Roeder. From PCMA…
Reaction from the meetings and events sector to the United Kingdom general election result has been swift and scathing. Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May had called the early vote to win a mandate for herself and strengthen her majority as Britain enters its Brexit negotiations. The gamble failed, leaving the country in yet more uncertainty. From Meetpie.com…
Exhibition industry professionals right around the world joined together to mark the second Global Exhibitions Day, an event spotlighting the sector as a key driver of economic growth. UFI – the global association of the exhibition industry – logged reports during the day from 75 countries and regions on their activities. Photo: HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, India. From Association Meetings International…
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Growing its business events sector is part of Malaysia’s strategy to achieve status as a developed nation by 2020. This case study presents the contribution made by the 55th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress towards developing the business events sector in the country. ICCA’s event engaged political leaders and the local community to raise awareness of the needs…
The Geneva Convention Bureau has adopted a policy of promoting Geneva not only as a destination but also as a center of economic, knowledge and innovation excellence. It does this by marketing meetings and events in relation to local key clusters of industry. As a result, a dynamic and virtuous feedback loop is established between Geneva’s economic or knowledge…
This research by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) demonstrates that business events offer delegates unrestricted exposure to innovative ideas and opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills. Part of the Beyond Tourism Benefits series, the new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Conferences: Catalysts for Thriving Economies – provides further evidence showing that…
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The future belongs to cities. To be specific, the future belongs to cities that can attract the brightest and the best people, and encourage them to thrive. Today cities compete nationally and internationally to attract businesses, skilled migrants, and of course visitors. However, to an increasingly globalised population a city’s postcard views and monuments matter…
The Global Association Hubs Partnership (GAHP) was created by Brussels, Dubai, Singapore, and Washington DC to engage with the international association community as a trusted partner for international growth. A key component of the GAHP strategy is to feed this dialogue with original research-based content and to provide education and networking opportunities for association decision…
The meetings and conventions industry is evolving into a global innovation distribution channel. Over the last decade, convention bureaus have been collaborating more strategically with their local and state governments, economic development agencies, academic and scienti c institutions, and local business improvement districts to better leverage the value of conventions in their cities, especially those aligned…
The Association of AACB’s latest analysis of bids won, bids lost and the bid pipeline highlights that while its members have secured 360 international business events in the Forward Calendar (as at July 2016), 235 bids had been lost for the next decade. This lost business is estimated to be valued at AU$805m in direct…
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The Manchester Arena bombing on May 22nd has highlighted the extreme challenges venue operators face in keeping visitors safe at events. Perhaps the changing threat landscape now demands closer collaboration between venues, events… and their respective communities. Geoff Donaghy is President of AIPC (the International Association of Convention Centres) and CEO of ICC Sydney. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
More on the fight for Brand USA! MPI President and CEO Paul van Deventer has attacked the proposed cutting of its federal funding. He points out that meetings contribute 15% of the overall US travel and tourism dividend. Also campaigning on the grounds of economic contribution, Katie O’Neill of the Power of Travel Coalition. From Meetpie.com…
The fight for Brand USA continues. A loud voice of opposition to the proposed cut to the organisation’s federal funding, US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow, has made a video calling for a rethink and encouraging Congress to keep funding in place. Congress has the final say, and has previously supported Brand USA. From Meetings & Conventions…
How does President Trump’s proposed withdrawal of funding for Brand USA – the Obama-created organisation which promotes the US as a welcoming destination for visitors – square with his commitment to putting American jobs first? Two key president CEOs – the US Travel Association’s Roger Dow and PCMA’s Deborah Sexton – lead the meetings industry call to arms. By David McMillin at PCMA…
The Iceberg prefers to cover travel news directly impacting the meetings industry. But like the story of United Airlines before it, British Airways and its IT outage – which grounded flights around the world and caused chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick airports – is in truth a cautionary tale of crisis and brand mismanagement for all to hear. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The horrific suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester Arena was the deadliest terror attack in the UK for almost twelve years. In weeks to come it will pose tough questions for venue operators and the rest of the industry. But the days immediately following the outrage were for reflection and solidarity. Photo: Tomasz Kozlowski. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
IMEX is now over for another year. The last day may be like Sunday at the Glastonbury Festival – perhaps with slightly less mud – but in amongst the networking frenzy and preparations for a return to reality, take a quiet moment to appreciate IMEX’s spiritual home… the German city of Frankfurt. From the editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
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In this free webcast moderated by Incentive’s Leo Jakobson, attendees will learn everything they need to know to run an effective employee loyalty recognition program. The session will offer a step-by-step guide on how to create the rules structure, promote the program, track participant performance, deliver the awards, and measure the results.
Excellent business opportunities, outstanding networking activities, and great academic program. More than 25 hosted buyers, top leaders of Latin American, Panamerican and Iberoamerican Associations will be present; clients and members will be able to share from the beginning a full social program based in a team-building experience provided by the Local Host Committee. Our academic program…
MPI is proud to present Sunshine Education Summit 2017 (SES), where the business of meetings and events showcases the resources, beauty and energy of Florida. Sunshine Education Summit 2017 will feature cutting-edge industry education that addresses the hottest topics and issues affecting meetings and events professionals—at all levels—through learning styles that range from invigorating keynotes to interactive classes.
Summer School is an unmissable learning opportunity for all professionals working in Convention Bureaux, Tourist Offices, Congress Centres, Airlines, Hotels, DMCs, PCOs & Meeting Planners! The aim is to equip professionals with the latest marketing tools and to help them to develop the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in conference, meetings and event…
This intimate invite-only educational event brings together 25 global planners from top associations and corporations, along with 15 senior-level suppliers from the region, representing convention bureaus and centers. The conference’s goal is for all participants to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available throughout APAC and how to maximize business events in the region.
M&IT offer a number of training webinars which are tailored to the conference, meetings and events industry, for both suppliers and buyers to better understand the market, including Social Media for Events; The Venue Contracts Minefield; Health, Safety & Risk Assessments; The Bribery Act; Data Protection in Events.
Client/Supplier Business Workshops is an intensive and focused two-day networking event between ICCA members (suppliers) and international association clients, offering the opportunity for both to meet face-to-face and discuss future co-operation in a tailor-made Workshop environment. The Workshop has 15 allocations and each participating member each invite an association client to the Workshop to discuss…
Organised by the European Travel Commission, European Cities Marketing & MODUL University Vienna, both events are directed toward managers, academics, as well as consultants and representatives of governments and international organizations dealing with tourism. Participants are invited to register for both days or can choose to participate in just one event.
Access our free library of industry-leading templates and checklists to guide you through every stage of your international conference planning. Read the latest industry trends, opinion pieces and best-practice guides to shaping international events, straight from some of the world’s foremost experts. Read the latest industry trends, opinion pieces and best-practice guides to shaping international events,…
Capturing valuable insights and conversations: Be immersed in engaging live or virtual technologies with MCI proven expertise to be aware of the latest trends. Explore the key topics that affect your business environment through the unique insights of MCI’s industry experts.
Maritz Global Events’ resource library gives industry professionals the latest insights about solving their greatest challenges; experts share their insights on the value of face-to-face meetings and events, the journey to take your event global, and the power of experience design thinking.
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At a macro level, the Asian market continues to hold great promise given her rising affluence, reasonable GDP growth and regional collaborations. With all these factors at play, how has our industry leveraged on opportunities in “our backyard” and engaged our community? At a micro level, the rise of technology is a double-edged sword – improving…
Whether you’re looking for introductory learning on new-to-you topics or are hunting for strategic approaches to current challenges, you’ll find the learning you and your association needs at #ASAE17. Learn about the education curation process!
The ICCA Central European Chapter meeting will take place in Lviv, Ukraine from 17 August – 19 August 2017. This is an annual meeting open to ICCA members and for non-members by invitation only.
Access a world of business opportunities at your fingertips. ibtm china is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet to do business. We unite global suppliers with highly qualified Chinese and international events and meeting planners for two inspirational days of business, networking and education.
ibtm® latin america, part of ibtm® events, is the place where leaders, organizers and specialized suppliers for congresses, conventions, corporate events and incentives meet for business adventures. For suppliers to the industry it’s the place to develop new business leads, increase their sales, and promote their company and brands in the Americas, Latin America and…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Southeast in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at Nobu Hotel Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach from September 10-13, 2017.
The SITE Foundation’s most prestigious fundraising event includes a select group of incentive travel buyers and top industry suppliers that come together for three days of business-networking, education and activities that showcase the destination.
18th EVVC Management Conference. Latest topics of the events industry. Roundtables, workshops, etc.
Experience Caymankind culture on the beautiful Grand Cayman! Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Caribbean in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa from September 17-20, 2017.
Invaluable business connections, targeted education, and unforgettable experiences—all while experiencing the magic of the Hawaiian Islands. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive Magazine—in partnership with Meet Hawaii, Maui Visitors Bureau, and The Wailea Beach Marriott.
A must-attend event for visitor services professionals, this is the foremost opportunity to connect with colleagues to discuss the issues and trends that impact you and the visitors you serve. Explore diverse industry practices and case studies to exemplify what is working, what opportunities to explore, and what management practices to hone.
Established in 1993, IT&CMA is at the forefront of fostering MICE growth opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Its multi-faceted programme engages regional and international industry suppliers and buyers in the realms of business, education and networking. IT&CMA also features dedicated platforms designed around the interests of valuable MICE niche segments, enabling the event to consistently…
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