Africa… a beautiful place for business events.
As Matthew McConaughey – actor, Austin resident and occasional PCMA Convening Leaders star turn (should that be Interstellar turn?) – once put it: “Africa is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been”.
I would very much agree. It has been far too long since my last trip there.
In this Business Events World, The Iceberg has teamed up with the Event to provide a detailed overview of the business events landscape in Africa.
At Meetings Africa 2017 a significant bidding fund was announced by the South African treasury. But subvention should always be carefully linked to economic development and to achieving growth in key knowledge sectors. In Features below there are plenty of interesting voices across the article by Event Editor in Chief Katie Reynolds-Da Silva, and also in the three videos created for the piece by The Iceberg.
Also in Features there are articles on the knowledge hubs of Singapore and Calgary. In Opinions there is one on the metrics that matter in any feedback you ask delegates to provide. All of these come from PCMA Convene.
In News, we have Trump Travel Ban II’s partial reinstatement and the lifting of the large electronics flight cabin ban in lieu of other security measures. The UK now has its first masters degree in business events and is hosting more conferences and meetings than it has since 2008. Korea has topped the Union of International Associations 2016 global rankings. Europe’s venues are upping their prices. Wales, Orlando and Prague are home to this fortnight’s new, expanding or upgrading conference venues. And there are some fascinating figures on event disruption from an Incentive Research Foundation study.
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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At Meetings Africa 2017, South Africa announced a bidding fund to target and win international association conferences and meetings. But subvention can be a mistake if not clearly linked to encouraging growth in key knowledge sectors. A special Event video report – produced in partnership with The Iceberg – explores the role the meetings industry will play in African economic development.
Innovative technology start-ups are now increasingly visible alongside the more established energy sector across Calgary’s business landscape. The destination is home to the largest number of fledgling tech businesses per capita in Canada, and the recently refurbished Calgary TELUS Convention Centre likes to see itself as a facilitator of this entrepreneurial trend. From PCMA Convene…
Already with the world’s fastest Internet connection speed, the city-state of Singapore is making a play to become Asia’s leading start-up incubator and the next silicon valley. The Singapore Tourism Board makes the case that coming investment in R & D, the many ICT events already held there, and an easy business environment all help foster tech success. From PCMA Convene…
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…
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If life throws lemons at you, you make lemonade. Lemon tea is a great alternative. And as any event planner knows, events outside your own control can cause chaos. According to the Incentive Research Foundation’s 2016 Event Disruption study, 59% of planners were thrown lemons in 2015 and 2016 and had to deal with them. From Meetings & Conventions…
Ahead of the ICCA Congress taking place there in November, the Prague Congress Centre’s renovation project has just entered phase two. After works to make the venue more environmentally friendly were finished in early Spring – installing energy-efficient heating and cooling – the focus is now on AV, a new navigation system and Internet connectivity. From Association Meetings International…
The US Department of Homeland Security is lifting the ban on large electronic devices in passenger cabins on flights from ten proscribed Middle East and North African airports. Enhanced security protocols and passenger screening – both technological and canine – on all inbounds flights to the US will be introduced in its place. From Meetings & Conventions…
The US Supreme Court has allowed a limited reinstatement of President Trump’s Travel Ban II. Pending a hearing in October, judges have upheld the ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen where there is no “credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the US”. From Meetings & Conventions…
The UK Conference and Meeting Survey 2017 (UKCAMS) says the UK industry is running its largest number of events for a decade. The report says the industry is worth about £19.4 billion in venue and destination direct spend. But as meetings increase, their average size has decreased, keeping the sector’s value constant. Photo: Martin Pettitt. From Meetpie.com…
A ceremony has taken place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport to break ground on ICC Wales and mark the start of construction. The two year “game-changer” project will cost £83.7 million and create a venue with a 26,000 square metre footprint for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. 5,000 delegate events can be accommodated. From Association Meetings International…
A survey says Europe’s venues are hiking prices to meet rising costs as the continent’s economy recovers. Kap Europa quoted the largest increase at 11.3%, putting the raise down to higher catering costs. Around two thirds of venues show increases, most of less than 5%. Photo: Messe Frankfurt Venue GmbH / Pietro Sutera. From Association Meetings International…
Korea lead the world in global congresses through 2016, according to the new International Meetings Statistics Report released by the Union of International Associations. The country’s meetings in 2016 rose by 11.89% thanks to expanding infrastructure. Projects include a second terminal at Incheon International Airport, new regional convention bureaus and new services from the Korea MICE Bureau. From Boardroom…
A major proposed expansion to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando has been unveiled. The project – to be financed through a tourist development tax – would cost nearly $500,000 and add 800,000 square feet to the centre’s footprint. Officials say it could attract 25 extra events a year and 250,000 people. From Meetings & Conventions…
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) have joined forces to offer the UK’s first master’s degree in business events. The course will accept its initial intake of students this September. ENU has developed the syllabus, and the EICC will provide guest lecturers and make work placements available for students. Photo: Stewart Attwood. From Meetpie.com…
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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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Positive event trajectory, positive event perception, relationship growth, and experience satisfaction. Rather than bombarding delegates with too many feedback questions, these are the meaningful reactions to benchmark. Lisette Sheehan and Lyndsay Merbach, measurement experts at the Sparks agency and 2017 PCMA Education Conference speakers, discuss the metrics that matter to planners in improving their events. From PCMA Convene…
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…
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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.
During the workshop, the participating clients get the opportunity to meet people from a minimum of nine or a maximum of fourteen other venues. They make initial contact with the sales team as well as learn the suitability (or otherwise) of the venues in a way that would otherwise have been time consuming and would…
18th EVVC Management Conference
Meeting Professionals are invited to join us for a unique learning experience that is focused on a well-rounded look at conference management and the changing landscape of our industry. In order to maximize learning outcomes and networking opportunities, this seminar is strictly limited in size and allows for maximum interaction with faculty and industry experts.
In this free webcast moderated by Incentive’s Leo Jakobson, attendees will learn everything they need to know to run an effective dealer network incentive 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.
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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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