“There is something just great about attending a meeting about meetings!”.
Professor Greg Clark, Global Advisor on Cities and IMEX’s opening keynote, said it best. And from standing in to present The Iceberg at the ICCA Association Expert Seminar, to watching the Professor speak, and all the power players with him later that day at the Politicians Forum, it was SO much fun to be back celebrating the sector among industry friends. You don’t know man, you weren’t there! Forgive me… you probably were.
In Features this issue of Business Events World… The Iceberg‘s exclusive video content from IMEX with highlights of the opening ceremony and analysis of Professor Clark’s keynote. This renowned urbanist has a unique city perspective on the meetings industry and its role in economic strategy. We also celebrate the IMEX launch of a sister approach to showcasing the legacies of business events: ICCA & BestCities Global Alliance’s Incredible Impacts.
IMEX fills the News section as well… with Politicians Forum, Gala Dinner / Awards and closing statistics. In Opinions Meetpie.com reflects on the show’s final day and salutes its spiritual home of Frankfurt.
The city theme carries on in Research with a Global Association Hubs Partnership report on the reasons why metropolitan regions can help trade and professional associations to expand.
Also in News… before IMEX even opened ICCA’s 2016 rankings were released. International association meetings continue to double every ten years. The USA is the country holding the most meetings. In very difficult circumstances – rather wonderfully – Paris has reclaimed the top city spot.
My own IMEX 2017 filming highlights included a typically thoughtful interview with the Joint Meeting Industry Council’s Rod Cameron on the value of documenting the legacies of meetings. I last filmed Rod in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australia. IMEX CEO Carina Bauer was also as engaging and enthusiastic as ever at Villa Kennedy about both the show itself and the IMEX Politicians Forum. I last filmed her at a SITE Executive Summit in the desert outside Dubai. With a falcon. And a belly dancer. Oh… and camels.
What an industry! There are worse ways to make a living.
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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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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JMIC Unity Award winner and IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom has called IMEX 2017 “our largest and most innovative show ever”. Close to 9,000 hosted buyers and visitors attended the event in Frankfurt. Total appointments between buyers and the show’s 3,500 exhibitors rose to 68,500. And IMEX took a more experiential approach this year with EduMonday. From Meetpie.com…
Ray Bloom, IMEX Group Chairman (right), won the Joint Meetings Industry Council’s Unity Award at the 15th annual IMEX Gala Dinner. It was presented to him by JMIC President Joachim König. Eleven other IMEX Academy Awards were also given out at the Alte Oper, a concert hall in Frankfurt. From Meetings and Conventions…
As well as in the opening keynote – see “A View of the City” in Features above – the unique perspective of urbanist Professor Greg Clark was also at the heart of the IMEX Politicians Forum. The meeting was attended by almost 30 international government officials and policymakers, as well as by 80 industry leaders. From Successful Meetings…
As previewed by The Iceberg back in January, BestCities Global Alliance – an Iceberg partner – has now officially added Madrid to its roster of eleven other cities. The Madrid Convention Bureau is the first destination to go through BestCities’ revised quality management system. Events recently hosted by the Spanish capital include the World Petroleum Congress. From Meetings & Conventions…
On the eve of IMEX’s opening in Frankfurt, The Iceberg watched live US TV coverage of further hearings into Executive Order 13780, aka Trump Travel Ban II. Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, representing the ban, was quizzed over whether it discriminates against Muslims in the wake of campaign statements made by the president. From Meetings & Conventions…
The International Congress and Convention Association – a partner of The Iceberg – has published its 2016 country and city rankings. Paris – last leading in 2014 – has reclaimed the top city spot. The USA is the country holding the most meetings. International association meetings continue to double every ten years. Fuller data will be released in June. From ICCA…
The first 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…
The fortunes of Visit Florida have reversed again and the agency looks like it will after all lose 67% of its funding. In a last ditch attempt to change the Legislature’s course – its Speaker sees Visit Florida as extravagant and wasteful – Governor Rick Scott is on tour to persuade Floridians to invest in destination marketing. From Orlando Rising…
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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 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…
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in January 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 18th Edition (February 2017)
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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…
US medical conferences are currently braced for impact as a result of changes to the rules under which European medical technology suppliers operate. Not only may delegate numbers be badly hit, the medtech companies themselves may also be less willing to attend and exhibit at events when they can no longer sponsor delegations. From PCMA Convene…
With the UK Prime Minister Theresa May just having called an early general election, a viral BBC interview highlights the electoral fatigue Britain is now feeling after the outcome of its Brexit ballot. But perhaps Brits – including the UK meetings industry – should consider the June poll a second referendum on EU membership… and vote accordingly. From the editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Another view on the United Airlines Flight 3411 debacle tackles the story from a US passenger rights – rather than reputation management – perspective. The Business Travel Coalition’s Kevin Mitchell argues that the legal protections available to passengers need strengthening. He advocates supporting the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights sponsored by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. From Meetings & Conventions…
As lawyers now tuck into the meal United Airlines just made of what should have been an instant and profuse apology, the sorry story of Flight 3411 already merits its own chapter in textbooks of bad brand management. But the carrier has history here: a musical tragedy that became a hit YouTube video. From Martin Lewis at Meetpie.com…
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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.
Can’t make it to PCMA Education Conference in New York City this June? Join us LIVE online for 2 days of education and networking.
The AIPC Annual Conference offers global insights on emerging issues and conditions with the specific experiences and insights of industry experts and member centres to create comprehensive, practical outcomes with both immediate and long term applications.
We carefully select 10 different technologies that will open up the entire scope of technology available today for meeting planners. Each technology gets a whole two hour session to install, set up, execute a mini project, experiment and discuss, and will be presented by an expert in that technology. This training is very much hands on; you experience the technology personally.
The ICCA Africa Client/Supplier Business Workshop 2017 will be held in the CSIR International Convention Centre, Tshwane, South Africa from 19 – 21 July 2017.
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.
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EPEX is tmf India’s industry-defining expo in collaboration with India’s largest MICE, Destination Events and Weddings platform: The WOW Awards and Convention Asia! 2016 saw close to 90 hosted buyers, an additional 60 walk-in buyers, and a networking opportunity with over 1000 industry experts from across MICE, Events, Weddings in India and Asia!
Consult with merchandise and gift card experts in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and insightful educational sessions, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at the Sonesta Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL, from July 10-12, 2017.
In 2017, we continue our promise to educate, inspire and inform as we travel to Montreal, Canada, who will be hosting our conference during the 375th anniversary of this historic city. DMAI’s Annual Convention provides a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from your peers and thought leaders from inside and outside the industry.
Experience the modern way to engage with customers through creative and interactive learning and teamwork. The M&IT Agency Challenge brings together suppliers and senior personnel from leading agencies in M&IT’s interactive mix of work and fun, education and competition, creativity and inspiration.
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across Colorado in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at The Sheraton Denver Downtown from July 23-25, 2017.
The 1-2-1 Asia Business Meet brings together hand-picked buyers and invitation-only suppliers for strategic one-to-one meetings, results driven networking opportunities and dynamic team-building exercises. The 1-2-1 Asia Business Meet focuses on fostering long-term relationships with major Asian MICE players. It aims to bring together pre-qualified buyers from Europe, North America, Asia and leading Asian suppliers of…
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.
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