The Marriott commission cut: ten percent down to seven.
Two stories dominate this issue of Business Events World and The Iceberg itself.
Marriott International is lowering the industry-standard ten percent commission paid to group intermediaries in the US and Canada. The move prompted outrage from meeting planners, many of whom rely on commission revenue. It may in time reshape the entire sector: globally as well if replicated elsewhere and by other chains. At Northstar’s Independent Planner Education Conference, a breakfast table card read “Hotel Commissions: WTF?” (meaning “What’s the future?”, we are assured).
In the UK the unpleasant topicality of sexual harassment reached the events industry after a newspaper exposé of the all-male Presidents Club Dinner. The organisation quickly disbanded, and some in the sector were called out for staying silent on the subject. A coming survey will soon present more unwelcome truths to digest and address.
More on these in both News and Opinions (click right). Also in News… the deadly Kabul terror attack at a conference hotel, GDPR non-compliance and Club Liverpool’s new Chair, Colin Sinclair. Manchester Town Hall is closing for a long refurb. In London the QEII Centre may shut to rehouse the House of Lords! CTICC 2 officially opens in Cape Town, and the MGM Grand Conference Center tops out in Vegas.
There’s a healthy outlook for the exhibition sector in UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer. You’ll find the actual report in Research.
And there’s more on The Iceberg itself (click on View all News): Central Hall Westminster’s Green Tourism carbon calculator, Informa and UBM’s merger, and UK corporates still choosing Europe despite Brexit.
In Opinions as well (click right), association meetings and legacies, event greening, more Westminster bubbles, the Puerto Rico Convention Center during Hurricane Maria, and a word from PCMA’s new CEO Sherrif Karamat.
And in Features, the fourth in our video series on ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance’s “Incredible Impacts” grants covers the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. It’s a great video.
Finally, speaking of bad language, how wonderful to see African governments and tourism operators making humorous marketing use of President Trump’s derogatory remarks. “The wise build bridges and the foolish build dams”, says a Nigerian proverb.
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Paul Flackett joined in celebration of the IMEX and business events industry icon at a memorial event generously hosted by London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Comic, emotional, and musical farewells from all corners of the world were delivered in fond remembrance of “the boy from Birmingham”. These included…
In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
Last month the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. According to Czech Statistical Office data, Prague welcomed a total of 4,426 conferences in…
With ICC Wales opening in 2019, and with key strengths in the automotive, aerospace, and marine renewable energy sectors – not to mention life sciences, cyber security and compound semiconductors – how does the land of rugby and song marshall and present its knowledge economy to attract prospective international meetings? From Intellectual Capitals…
The question is often asked: what are the benefits of holding conferences? Often the real answers to the question only emerge years after an event has taken place, when the ideas presented or connections made have become breakthroughs that save lives, change society or redefine best practice and policy. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the…
The city of Mainz in western Germany has just played host to the Third International Cancer lmmunotherapy Conference 2017. It was selected for the 1,500-delegate event not just as a cost-effective destination, but also as a knowledge hub in the sector and home to one of Europe’s leading cancer immunology research centres. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
Once the meetings industry was viewed only in terms of spend during an event: flying in, commuting by taxi, renting venue space, booking accommodation and eating at restaurants. Those days are over. Daniel Waigl, executive director of the Radiological Society of Europe, explains how healthcare association meetings deliver legacies of improved treatment and awareness. From Boardroom…
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…
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The MGM Grand Conference Center expansion in Las Vegas has been topped out, with the last of almost 2,700 steel beams now in place. The $130 million project will complete in December, and add 250,000 square feet, including an outdoor courtyard, two large and three junior ballrooms, and eleven breakout rooms. From Meetings & Conventions…
Men-only business events and ‘decorative hostesses’ should have been “thrown on the scrapheap decades ago”, says the CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association. But Martin Sirk said the recent Presidents Club scandal should not be seen as typical of the sector. The industry had previously been attacked for its response. From Association Meetings International…
Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, is the new Chair of the city region’s conference ambassador programme. An audience of sixty gathered at Liverpool Cathedral to celebrate Club Liverpool, a partnership between the Convention Bureau and ACC Liverpool, and the conferences with an economic value of £3.8 million it has helped secure. From Meetpie.com…
The QEII Centre could be out of action for at least six years after MPs voted for Parliament to relocate during its £3.5 billion refurbishment. They voted by 236 to 220 to support works that could see the House of Lords relocated to the venue. The refit could take six years from 2025. From Meetpie.com…
Marriott International is slashing the industry-standard ten percent commission paid to group intermediaries. From March 31st the rate will be seven percent for hotels sourced in the US and Canada. The move prompted outrage from planners, many of whom rely solely on commission revenue. Iceberg partner Northstar has collated substantial coverage. From Meetings & Conventions…
A survey of female event professionals shows that 61 percent have encountered inappropriate behaviour within the industry. Many said complaints of harassment had been laughed off or they were told not to make a fuss. One answered “I have been told that this kind of thing is just ‘what happens in the industry’”. From Meetpie.com…
The exhibition industry is facing a positive year ahead after strong results in 2017, according to the 20th edition of UFI’s Global Barometer. More than 70 per cent of the sector anticipates revenue growth in 2018. The headline business issues remain the state of the economy in home markets, and global economic development. From CIM News Magazine…
Organisations that break EU General Data Protection Regulation, which soon comes into force, could face fines of up to €20 million. Competitors can report you, since non-compliance is unfair competition. The warning comes from David Chalmers, Senior Marketing Director of Cvent Europe. GDPR will discussed at a SITE event in London on February 7th. From Association Meetings International…
CTICC 2, the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s R900 million expansion, has officially opened for business. The new facility strengthens Cape Town’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top ten long-haul convention destinations. The city holds 71.4 percent of CTICC shares and invested R550 million in the project, which helped regenerate the inner city. From the Event…
The Presidents Club, which hosted an event at the heart of a reported sexual harassment scandal in the UK, has announced that it is closing down. The organisation held a men-only charity fundraiser at which, an undercover report by the Financial Times alleged, young women paid as hostesses were groped and propositioned. From Meetpie.com…
The death toll from a Taliban terror attack on a hotel in Kabul has risen to 20, including 14 foreigners. The victims were shot during a 14-hour rampage at the hotel, which was hosting an IT conference. Afghan security forces were lowered onto the roof and killed the six attackers aided by Norwegian troops. From Meetpie.com…
The 19th century city landmark and event space Manchester Town Hall has closed as part of a £328m refurbishment. The “Our Town Hall” project will take until 2024 to complete. The iconic venue is Grade I listed, 140 years old, and according to a spokesperson for Manchester City Council, “showing its age”. From Meetpie.com…
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London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
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 study is based on a global survey, concluded in January 2018. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 17 specific countries and geographic zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 20th Edition (January 2018)
The United Kingdom is a preferred host for international meetings, conferences and events because of its economic, academic and industry sector strengths. That applies equally to the major gateway cities and the many regional cities spread across every corner of the UK, each with extensive clusters of expertise in advanced and creative industries. This sector…
Positive Impact has marked the end of its campaign during the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism with the launch of a report at IBTM World “Telling the Story of the Power of Events”. The report which has had input from five academics and had a three month period of accepting contributions from across the global…
UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues (November 2017) reveals that the total venue space available for exhibitions has grown 7.4 percent in the last six years, from 32,500,000 to 34,900,000 square metres (gross indoor exhibition space, venues over 5,000 square metres). The fastest growth is in venues offering more than 100,000 square metres, a rise of…
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…
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The Professional Convention Management Association’s new President and CEO is Sherrif Karamat, previously the PCMA COO. In the first of a monthly column he’ll be writing as part of his new post, Sherrif contrasts the legacies of conferences and conventions with the current disruption faced by almost every sector. From PCMA Convene…
Marriott International is cutting to seven percent the standard ten percent commission paid to group intermediaries in the US and Canada. The move prompted fierce reaction from the industry, much collated above in News. But Iceberg partner Northstar has also filmed video interviews with organisers at its Independent Planner Education Conference. From Meetings & Conventions…
After the Presidents Club Dinner, it was the charity sector that took the heat, while meetings and events whistled a tune and looked the other way. Coming research will show that the MI also has a problem. But perhaps the response needs to be proportionate and in context. From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
The word “legacy” is much used, especially in the context of what associations leave behind after their events in any destination. Beyond the idea of a “gift” or “bequest”, an act of love, charity and care, a recent article defines legacy in terms of community engagement, meeting content, and the transfer of skills. From Boardroom…
Only a few weeks ago the Puerto Rico Convention Center was still the main headquarters of the area’s emergency response effort after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The venue’s General Manager Jorge Perez looks back at how his facility was commandeered by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and by local officials. From Successful Meetings…
New Tourism Minister Michael Ellis is keen to develop a positive agenda for the events industry, says Business Visits and Events Partnership Chair Michael Hirst. As discussed in the last “Westminster Bubbles”, the minister was appointed in the January reshuffle, replacing John Glen and resetting government dialogue with the industry. Photo: Chris McAndrew. From Meetpie.com…
It is quite likely you have already heard a lot about meeting and event greening, but how much of what you know is actually true? As with all new things, there can be confusion and misinformation. The Event Greening Forum unpacks some common myths about sector greening and sets the record straight. From the Event…
Associations are increasingly reexamining traditional approaches to creating meeting and event programmes. Delegate numbers are broadly rising, but audiences continue to demand more engagement and specialist content. Organisations need to balance effective continual professional development with giving delegates content curated around their specialities: creating a legacy of knowledge across often global memberships. From Boardroom…
Two past Opinions (“Westminster Bubbles”) have reported the UK meetings industry’s bridge-building with government. Now Prime Minister Theresa May’s January reshuffle has moved tourism minister John Glen (pictured) over to another post. So the industry will therefore have to start the conversation all over again with his successor. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The Iceberg’s very own James Latham presented a session at Convening Leaders 2018 in Nashville called “The Rise of Intellectual Capitalism: The Role of Meetings”. Destinations and conferences which align themselves to knowledge clusters like biotech, fintech or healthcare reap benefits on all sides, he said. Latham was also interviewed by Amanda Marijanovic. From PCMA Convene…
Meetings are always about human contact and interaction, but delegates should also find time to enjoy their destination. At the recent SITE + MPI Global Forum 2018 in Rome, attendees were spoiled by the city’s classical and Renaissance heritage, and also by the facilities and venues hosting the event. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
Hot air ballooning preceded powered flight by over a century. At a session on trends and innovation in event technology at the recent SITE + MPI Global Forum 2018 in Rome, it was not a high but low-tech solution that had participants puffing with excitement: inflatable room dividers that create temporary spaces. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
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Organised by visit.brussels, this annual peer-to-peer education and networking forum has become an unmissable opportunity to share information and knowledge, and network with other international associations. The Summit features educational content delivered by association experts and professionals from various fields. Focusing on practical cases ranging from local issues, governance, member relations or communications and new technologies,…
To keep our Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate recipients up to date on healthcare meeting compliance regulations, cross-border compliance, CMS Open Payments changes and updates, the EFPIA Disclosure Code, and other healthcare trends, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) requires all current HMCCs to attend a refresh webinar on the second anniversary of their class date.
Evolve from ideation to implementation with the help of association leaders at the 2018 Great Ideas Conference. You’ll get inspiration by sharing with others, attending forward-thinking idea labs, and leaving your comfort zone. Bring your ideas to the table March 11–13, 2018.
Creating engaging meeting experiences can be a challenging prospect for meeting professionals, but science is here to help. Learn what happens in the brain when people tune and in pay attention, and why people tune out at your meetings and events. Discover how to use the science of audience engagement as a meeting professional; gain…
Join fellow senior executives in advancing your career to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The CDME program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. Sign up for the following face-to-face courses in Banff, AB, Canada now.
An IAPCO EDGE embraces all sectors of the Meetings Industry. The target audience is PCOs/Meeting Planners; National/International Organisations/Associations; Convention Bureaux/Tourism Bodies; Congress Centres/Conference Hotels; Exhibition Managers; Pharma and Medical Device Companies; DMCs; AMCs; Travel Agencies.
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.
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,…
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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FRESH is the first annual conference, focused exclusively on meeting design. FRESH is a platform for innovation, debate, interaction, experimentation and co-creation around meeting design formats, techniques, tools and technology. FRESH helps meeting planners, designers and producers make meetings and events more effective and productive.
Over the past 13 editions, this conference has been the most important gathering of Asian exhibition industry leaders. This fast-paced, two day event is geared towards providing industry updates and insights from across the region, combined with quality networking and unique cultural experiences.
Organised for European destination marketing members who are looking to attract small conferences to their destination, the participating clients get the opportunity to meet people from other bureaux. They make initial contact with the sales team as well as learn the suitability of the destinations. Bureaux and clients are given a de-briefing session to get valuable…
Join over 1,200 events industry professionals at the BIGGEST and most prestigious event in the year. It is the only independently audited industry awards programme and is attended by key personnel from around the world. Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, the awards event brings together the various sectors of the business to measure market…
It is with great pleasure that Inspiring Denmark invites you to the 2018 ICCA Scandinavian Chapter Meeting, which will take place in Vejle, Southern Denmark, 7-9 March. We look forward to three interactive, informative and inspiring days with new knowledge, network and examples of best practice. (This event is open to ICCA members and for non-members…
The two-day debate will take place at the Belfast Waterfront located in the heart of the city. With around 80 delegates from across the UK and Ireland expected to attend, the annual debate will leverage several venues across the city.
Apply today for the 2nd annual Incentive Live! Recently expanded to include brand name merchandise and gift cards, as well as incentive travel, Incentive Live is your one-stop event to meet with all of the top suppliers throughout the incentive industry. In addition to one-on-one business appointments, you will also experience curated educational sessions from the editorial team at…
World Meetings Forum is a dedicated space open for discussion and analysis of global trends, statics and the path for the Global MICE Industry including business exchange and networking moments. WMF puts all the effort to bring events that helps our industry to educate on all levels.
America’s longest-running series of educational and networking events for meeting planners. Experience innovation that works at Meetings Quest: Appointment-based trade show; Well-established event with an innovative approach; Great mix of destinations, venues and suppliers; Compact format: 1-1/2 day agenda; Experiential activities that allow business networking in a fun and informative environment
The France Benelux Chapter has members across the 5 countries: France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourgh and Monaco including convention bureaux, PCOs, convention centers, media groups and other suppliers in the meeting industry. Most of the professionals you will find in the France-Benelux chapter have been ICCA members for many years, and have extensive experience in hosting…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the state of California in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California, from April 15-18, 2018.
ibtm africa is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Africa. If you do business in Africa, join us in Cape Town on the 19th – 20th April 2018 at the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) where elite meeting planners and buyers will join exhibitors for an exclusive opportunity access quality education and networking events….
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