The Urban Agricultural Lab atop the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.
In this edition of Business Events World and on The Iceberg our lead in Features is the tale of a remarkable rooftop agricultural laboratory. It’s a legacy created by – and sitting on top of – the Palais des congrès de Montréal. There are 150,000 bees making honey on top of this city roof! Somebody has been watching too many episodes of Elementary.
News includes a convention centre expansion in Yokohama, a fund launched to attract events to Abu Dhabi, and sustainability legacy projects from both Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and also ICC Sydney. The New South Wales capital’s Asian growth is examined as well, and BESydney welcomes seven new ambassadors to advocate for the city.
In Opinions there is operational security at the LA Auto Show, Catalonia’s unrest causing cancelled bookings, best practice in risk management, a five part video series on African events, analysis of the SITE Index report, the importance of the business event visitor, communication with delegates in a crisis, a meeting of minds in the Westminster bubble… oh yes, and a rather eye-watering tale of just how far one DMC had to travel to bring home the bacon.
Last issue we carried a story from partner CIM News Magazine about the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) releasing its latest Forward Calendar of International Business Events. Despite a modest increase of 3 percent in the number of overseas events heading to the country, lost business was up by 7 percent.
It’s a brave approach to spin a broadly positive story in terms of the business and professional events that got away. But that’s what AACB did, and this viewpoint has now been republished and dissected in a number of other reports.
One of these also from CIM News Magazine explains that over the next decade, around 223,000 international delegates are expected to collaborate with 118,000 local attendees at international business events in Australia. But a larger number won’t be coming, as AACB CEO Andrew Hiebl explains. “We are still missing out on these great minds coming to Australia due to lost business, with almost 268,000 international delegates now set to go elsewhere”. This translates to about 460 full Qantas Airbus A380s.
It’s a honest and bracingly competitive admission that highlights the link between the meetings industry and economic development. Let other destinations take note!
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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The Iceberg has always tried to shine a light on the benefits of business and professional events that lie hidden beneath the surface and get ignored alongside the visible tip of travel and hospitality spend. Now the Joint Meetings Industry Council is renewing its call for quality storytelling of the legacies the sector delivers.
The annual showcase event for the Asia Pacific meeting and business events sector, IT&CMA, revealed that the region’s destination marketing organisations (DMOs) are adopting the lead set by Australia and Singapore. ‘Clustering’ or focussing efforts on bidding for events from within industry sectors identified in the development frameworks of government is now the priority of…
The International AIDS Society (IAS) organizes the world’s two most prestigious HIV conferences, each convened biennially in alternating years. The next International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands (23-27 July 2018). Meanwhile, the IAS Conference on HIV Science features the latest HIV science, including basic, clinical and prevention research. It brings…
A landlocked nation offering many opportunities for safari, Botswana is an established incentive destination and growing conference hub in southern Africa. The country sees mostly mining and investment gatherings through its borders, although late last year Botswana also hosted a major ITU meeting: the 14th World Telecommunication / ICT Indicators Symposium. From the Event…
The City of Tshwane, in northern Gauteng Province, is home both to iconic South African historical sites and also several universities. But conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings take place in Tshwane as well, including many government events. It boasts state-of-the-art conference and exhibition venues like the CSIR International Convention Centre. From the Event…
Nantes on the French Atlantic coast – the birthplace of Jules Verne – has recently transformed itself into an innovation hub. The city and region is home to leading international companies like Airbus, and key knowledge industries like health and biotechnology. At the heart of this journey is La Cité Nantes Events Center. From Boardroom…
European Cities Marketing (ECM) and Destinations International (DI) – two leading destination marketing and development associations – have extended their transatlantic collaboration in response to the radical changes in function of destination marketing organisations (DMOs) across both continents. At the annual ECM Summer School held this year in Dresden, ECM president Dieter Hardt-Stremayr explained the…
This ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis) Congress 2017 attracted 9,515 attendees from 110 countries to Messe Berlin. Delegates from countries where haematologists are on low salaries were even assisted with travel allowances. According to the organisation, every significant development in its field has been either presented or enhanced at the event. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
The San Diego Convention Center, in collaboration with food and beverage supplier Centerplate, is playing a major role in boosting its local agricultural economy by sourcing key products and services from across the community. Also part of this supply chain is Moceri Food & Beverage, a local business and now primary produce vendor for the…
Last month the 20th European Symposium on Organic Chemistry took place in Cologne. The choice of destination was due in no small part to the high industrial and academic “chemical” density of the region, as well as the University of Cologne’s reputed chemistry department. A current Nobel chemistry laureate gave the keynote. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
As The Iceberg reaches its half birthday – having launched in January 2017 – perhaps it is time to restate the principle behind the unusual metaphor we appropriated. If you prefer, perhaps it is time to gaze again at the blue sky above The Iceberg. This platform is presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council and emerged not only as a vehicle for industry advocacy in general…
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The world’s biggest gathering of heart specialists, the European Society of Cardiology Congress, is returning to London in 2021. The decision is being seen as a post-Brexit vote of confidence and an endorsement of the city’s standing in the field. In 2015 ESC brought £100m of economic benefit and 32,700 delegates into London. From Association Meetings International…
Professors Nigel Lovell, Emma Johnston and Bill Ledger were among seven new ambassadors BESydney has just welcomed into its programme of business leaders and academics that advocate for bringing meetings and events to the New South Wales capital. Guest speaker at BESydney’s annual Ambassador Dinner was gender equality champion Elizabeth Broderick. From CIM News Magazine…
The Fall 2017 edition of Meeting Professionals International’s Outlook surveyed planners about their contingency plans for emergencies. 46 percent of respondents said they have specific contingency plans for natural disasters, 45 percent for active shooters, 43 percent for bomb threats, 40 percent for general illness/injury/death, and 31 percent for a cyber attack. From Meetings & Conventions…
After the New York City terror attack in which eight people died and eleven were injured, NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon expressed the tourism organisation’s deepest sympathy for the victims. He said it was “thankful and reassured by the swift actions of the NYPD and first responders”. Photo: Gh9449. From Meetings & Conventions…
ICC Sydney says it has prevented the use and discarding of 520,000 plastic bottles during its first ten months by using recyclable glass instead in all meeting rooms. This amounts to saving 6,656 kg of plastic, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 270 tonnes. The scheme is partnered with local supplier Sydney Water. From Meetpie.com…
The Incentive Research Foundation has released “Designing for Successes: Effective Design Patterns for Employee and Sales Programs”. The study highlights the design elements that create effective non-cash recognition and reward schemes. 42 percent of top-performing companies offer a single incentive programme. From Meetings & Conventions…
Belfast Waterfront is hosting nine major international conferences in 2018, generating around 29,000 delegate nights and more than £10 million for the city. The convention centre’s management says £1 billion of investment has just revitalised Belfast’s tourism offering. The city is also attracting visitors as a Game of Thrones location. Photo: William Murphy. From Meetpie.com…
Abu Dhabi has launched a fund to incentivise international, regional and local companies to enhance its events programme. Attracting more meetings is a key goal of the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism. The initial funding is AED10 million, with further tranches being made available as the scheme evolves. From CIM News Magazine…
As ITB Asia took place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with 940 exhibitors attending from 113 countries, Marina Bays Sands and the World Wide Fund for Nature announced a sustainability partnership to improve the responsible procurement of seafood within the resort. The project is also supporting four aquaculture farms in Malaysia. From CIM News Magazine…
The Puerto Rico Convention Center will resume its event schedule in the New Year, according to the island’s convention bureau. The US territory’s hotels, port and airport are now fully operational after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in September. The conference centre has been relief effort command centre since the storm. Photo: Mtmelendez. From Meetpie.com…
An addition to PACIFICO Yokohama will be opening in the spring of 2020: a new multi-function conference centre. With the ability to host 6,000, its column-free 6,300 square metre hall has eight sections which can be configured in different ways. PACIFICO Yokohama itself can be used together with the new centre for larger events. From Boardroom…
Business Events Sydney’s results, announced by new chairman Bruce Baird, show Asia is largely responsible for the destination’s record-breaking wins. The figures also highlight 85 events delivered during the year with an estimated direct spend of AU$170.1 million. Over a decade Asia business has grown by 20 percent every year. From CIM News Magazine…
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Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
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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This report gives an overview of the experience and intentions of exhibitors at trade shows across the world. It aims to give event organisers a deeper understanding of the patterns and trends that drive positive and negative exhibitor experiences and the objectives and behaviours that underlie them. This report has been created in two stages….
With the majority of all U.S. businesses (84%) now using non-cash awards and the majority of top performing businesses (those with the highest revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and employee satisfaction) saying their executives support their non-cash recognition and reward programs as a competitive advantage, the eminent need to understand how to create effective programs becomes…
Attendees are consumers: discerning travelers who may choose to attend conventions & exhibitions… or not. That’s why the mutual goal of both meeting / exhibition professionals and CVBs is generating positive word-of-mouth from attendees, resulting in repeat bookings and increased attendance. This report provides insight from the second Decision to Attend survey conducted in 2017, with…
Drawing on official data from 14 national trade fair bodies who guarantee the quality of the statistics they have provided, UFI’s latest report compiles statistics on 2,590 exhibitions covering a total of 27.4 million square metres of registered rented space in 2016. The report shows a notable increase of 7% in terms of the total…
In today’s highly competitive economy, it is not surprising that businesses are seeking trusted new ways to differentiate themselves and sustain success. As major thought leaders and consultancies point repeatedly to human capital as the prime modern differentiator (even outstripping financial capital), it raises the question: what are truly successful companies now doing differently regarding…
For the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, compliance and regulation are a way of life. In this already complex environment, the ever-changing regulatory landscape has increased the pressure over recent years. These dynamics are having a profound effect on healthcare congresses, which represent the largest segment of educational meetings. The future of these events depends on…
The DestinationNEXT Futures Study identifies the trends and opportunities that will shape the future of destination marketing and management. This Futures Study update, conducted in 2017, is intended to build on the learnings from the 2014 Futures Study, and to determine updated trends and strategies that will keep the thousands of destination organizations around the…
A skills survey of the business events sector, coordinated by Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) in partnership with the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia (EEAA), has found that critical skills gaps are considerably impacting the business events industry. With a significant survey response rate of 39 per…
This study is based on a global survey concluded in July 2017. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 14 specific countries and zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 19th Edition (July 2017)
The latest UFI / Business Strategies Group report on the trade fair industry in Asia has now been published complete with updated statistical information from 2016. Leaflet here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 13th Edition (July 2017) – Leaflet Order form here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 13th Edition (July 2017) –…
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…
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At a reception near Parliament ahead of the Business of Events Leadership Forum, UK tourism minister John Glen promised to help the meetings industry work directly with government to win business. And Michael Hirst, chair of the Business Visits and Events Partnership, thinks the sector’s standing with government has never been greater. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
All good destination management companies have a tale or three about how far they have gone in serving their clients’ very specific needs. From Girona to Madrid, here’s an eye-watering tale of a DMC willing to go the extra mile to bring home the bacon. Warning: not for the squeamish! From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
Over the past few months, the need to prepare for unexpected eventualities has become increasingly important. Ken Kelling, MPRCA, Associate Director at meetings and events PR firm Davies Tanner, and a featured speaker at PCMA’s recent Knowledge Exchange in London, offers some essential tips for crafting the right message when a crisis unfolds. From PCMA…
As destinations face pressure and even community backlash over visitor numbers, Rod Cameron, Executive Director of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and the Joint Meetings and Industry Council, examines the effect visitors have on destinations, and how targeting business events can reap real dividends for destination communities. From CIM News Magazine…
The Iceberg has previously reported on the latest Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Index research report. Budgets are still growing and optimism is high, despite global events. Corporate buyers are understanding the effectiveness of incentives. Here’s some further analysis by the man who co-presented the study at IMEX America. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The Event, a partner of The Iceberg, has just produced a five part series of video interviews called “Business Events Insights and Predictions”. These examine Africa’s current meetings industry and its future opportunities from a number of differing industry perspectives. The series includes Gary Grimmer, CEO of The Iceberg partner GainingEdge, on business events as…
As business event planners react to the changing outside factors that can disrupt their meetings, so also industry associations, including some partners of The Iceberg, are themselves considering how to educate and define best practice in risk management for their memberships. The call is being made for a collaborative approach. From Skift…
The Iceberg has previously reported that ibtm world is proceeding despite the independence referendum tensions in Barcelona. Opinions has also already carried an interview with CVB Director Christoph Tessmar. But now evidence is emerging that Catalonia’s political uncertainty is already costing the region meetings business. Photo: Xfigpower. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
How has trade-show security changed over recent years, and what now goes operationally into keeping exhibitors and visitors at an event safe under the current threat landscape? One of the top five global car exhibitions, the LA Auto Show, lifts the bonnet and reveals just how safety is currently engineered. From PCMA…
In preparing an upcoming feature on Birmingham in the UK, an Iceberg partner has rediscovered a destination marketing masterpiece also well known to the Iceberg team, which itself has reported from the city. It’s a vintage promo gem narrated by TV’s Kojak… Telly Savalas. Birmingham: who loves ya, baby? From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
An experienced attendee puts IMEX America under the spotlight: from the grim realities of the Las Vegas shooting, to SITE Nite at the Brooklyn Bowl, to the changing hues of event design, furniture either with USB ports or made of LEGO, a musical Inspiration Hub, and a statement Irish pavilion. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
Wowing your audience without spending too much is hard. Here’s a guide to doing just that, by using the latest technology, giving away goodies, keeping your agenda energetic but focused, choosing a great venue… and also a destination people want to visit. From Simon Lockwood, creative director at The Brewery in London, and Successful Meetings…
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When considering events of 150 delegates or less, there are myriad venue types that claim to satisfy smaller meetings. In this webinar, we will explore the pros and cons of different venue categories, including resorts, conference centers, hotels, academic venues and day conference centers, and consider how to discover unique venues that will deliver memorable…
Meeting professionals are so over-taxed in the present, they often forget—or don’t have the time—to look ahead. Take a moment to preview the future based on MPI’s most recent Meetings Outlook research, published quarterly in The Meeting Professional magazine and then discuss the trends that are most affecting you and your peers. Brainstorm ways to…
Held in tandem with the Convention Sales Summit, this new event gathers destination professionals dedicated to designing and enhancing the experience of convention and meeting attendees to share ideas and solutions and explore what’s on the horizon in destination event serivces.
Destination professionals dedicated to developing and nurturing group and meetings business gather at this Summit annually to share ideas and solutions and explore what’s on the horizon in destination sales.
Discover best and next practices for preparing your team for security or safety riskst. Review what aspects you need to consider when conducting your risk assessment. Review several best-in-class, real-life case studies of how meeting professionals and venues have responded to crises. Then, deep dive into several “fire drill” scenarios and work with your peers…
Organizations and individuals miss critical opportunities to connect with their elusive audiences in powerful and profitable ways because they lack the ability to tell compelling stories. Former sales VP and award-winning storyteller Kindra Hall will share her wisdom on how to harness and sharpen this essential skill for success in a connected economy. Using Kindra’s…
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,…
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The AIPC Facility Operations Summit is an opportunity for centre staff responsible for key operations functions to share issues and solutions on a global basis while also looking at how essential interactions amongst centre managers can be enhanced in ways that will increase overall centre efficiency and competitiveness.
Incentive travel professionals including SITE members, ibtm world delegates and guests and key industry decision makers connect for an afternoon of education and networking before ibtm world begins.
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Lone Star state in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, TX, from November 27-29, 2017.
The leading global event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, ibtm world delivers three inspirational days of business, networking and education to a community of international suppliers and buyers, helping drive their business into the future. Join over 15,500 industry professionals and enter a world of business opportunities.
Open to senior international association executives (or AMC on behalf of the associations), the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting an event in a BestCities’ destination, to meet all the partner cities in one stunning location. BestCities is delighted to announce Toyko as the host partner for this year’s event.
Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands, Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings and Incentive, and the Meetings Mean Business Coalition have collaborated to produce the Northstar Meetings Leadership Forum, the premier summit for high-level planner and leaders of the meetings industry. The Northstar Meetings Leadership Forum brings together leaders from all areas of the meetings industry to review,…
We’re cranking up the volume at 2018 PCMA Convening Leaders. The engagement factor is the most critical piece of connecting with your audience. But we’ve entered the new school of engagement — one where you must navigate around digital distractions and satisfy increased attendee expectations at every turn. At Convening Leaders, you’ll learn how to…
SITE is excited to partner with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to bring you SITE + MPI Global Forum. This event will gather the best and the brightest across the meetings and incentive travel industries to power expanded connections, education and destination exploration. SITE + MPI Global Forum will offer joint sessions and events to increase networking and…
BY INVITATION ONLY. The Global CEO Summit, the GCS, is one of UFI’s most prestigious events and takes place each year in the last week of January. This is an exclusive meeting as only the CEOs or equivalent of global exhibition organizing companies and exhibition venues are permitted to attend.
ibtm arabia is a three day event in Abu Dhabi focused on uniting Middle East and international MICE suppliers with highly qualified meeting and event planners. Join many key industry names travelling far and wide to participate in the 12th edition of the event.
CONVENE is an annual business to business two-day event for the meetings industry for the countries of the Baltic. It is an international show case for the regional meetings industry which accelerates the interest in, and demand for, holding meetings, incentives and conferences in the region.
AIME – Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo – is the leading exhibition for the meetings, incentives and events industry. As the largest international event of its kind in Australia, each year the exhibition unites a community of over 4,000 suppliers and meetings and events planners under one roof in Melbourne. With an exceptional Hosted Buyer® program, AIME welcomes valuable association…
