The Iceberg at half. Bless.
In this edition of Business Events World, The Iceberg is celebrating its half birthday. We have now been online for six months!
No candle has been lit yet, but a little icing makes a nice change from the actual ice we trudge through here. It also reminds me that the first feature we published was about the World Diabetes Congress.
As The Iceberg marks what Shakespeare called the “mewling and puking” age, it seemed sensible to publish a progress report on one cornerstone of our content: the Joint Meetings Industry Council’s Case Studies. You’ll find Rod Cameron’s thoughts on the value of documenting event outcomes with academic rigour in Features below.
In Opinions the President and CEO of the US Travel Association calls for a rethink on boycotting destinations over political issues, and there are some great ideas about smaller meetings from two corporate experts in the field.
In Research UFI is offering its latest Trade Fair Industry in Asia report, and – free and without charge – the definitive Global Exhibition Barometer, a must-read for everyone in the exhibition sector.
And in News there are new figures on business travel spend in the USA, the UK and elsewhere, and also on the size of the UK events industry. A campaign letter to the White House on US visa policy has been signed by twenty industry organisations – including several Iceberg partners – and the ban on large electronics in passenger cabins has been lifted on the last Middle East or North African airport still proscribed. Queensland and North Carolina are the latest destinations to get new or renovated venues, a medical conference in Melbourne has been denounced as “bogus”, Meet in Ireland has announced a new services and subvention programme, and a meetings and events AV team in London is donating its time and skills to a community project tackling knife crime.
Here’s to the next six months…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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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…
The gleaming new ICC Sydney has just hosted the 2017 Annual Conference of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). As well as being a prime example of what a modern centre should itself be, the entire Darling Harbour redevelopment precinct was also the perfect setting for a theme of “Transformation”. From CIM News Magazine…
The Outdoor Retailer trade show is switching to a three event annual format and coming to Denver and the Colorado Convention Center. The story of its move away from Utah is a tale of politics, proposed legacies in conservation and health, and the tireless campaigning of Colorado’s outdoor recreation chief – and Everest mountaineer – Luis Benitez. From Outside…
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…
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A $20 million renovation of the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has just completed. An existing exhibition hall has been turned into a carpeted ballroom, and major structural, design and technology changes have been made across the venue both inside and out, not the least of which is a new sawtooth roofline. From Meetings & Conventions…
Meet in Ireland has announced new services and subvention – and a new strategy – for business events visiting its shores. The Corporate Supports Programme offers customised assistance – financial subvention included – and facilitates access for organisers to Ireland’s key knowledge sectors. Incentives can even explore film locations and sets seen in Game of Thrones and Star Wars. From Meetpie.com…
The Royal College of Physicians meetings and events AV team is helping create a community legacy in London by assisting a knife crime awareness project. The scheme is creating a sculpture out of knives that have been surrendered to the police and decommissioned, and the AV team is filming a documentary about the project. From Meetpie.com…
A South African dietitian has lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about a “bogus” medical conference she paid a considerable sum to attend. Elizabeth Fourie claims the Obesity and Endocrinology Congress in Melbourne presented research that was not properly analysed, and that nearly half of the speakers failed to turn up. From CIM Magazine…
The Laguna lifestyle development about to be built by George Group and Pointcorp in North Lakes above Brisbane is to feature a convention and events centre. The venue will boast five interconnected spaces and be able to host meetings of up to 720 delegates. The developers say its uniqueness will be as part of the wider Laguna community. From CIM Magazine…
The four month US ban on carrying larger electronic devices in aircraft passenger cabins – a restriction placed on all flights from ten proscribed airports in the Middle East and North Africa – is now completely lifted. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, became the last airport to implement new US security measures. From the Event…
Twenty US travel and meetings industry organisations have signed a letter asking the White House to reconsider a recent Executive Order amendment. In it a target of interviewing 80 percent of temporary visa applicants within three weeks has been abandoned. The signatories – including several Iceberg partners – say the move will have negative economic impact. From Meetings & Conventions…
The UK’s business travel spend in 2016 rose almost 7 percent to £39 billion, according to the Global Business Travel Association Foundation. China had the largest market, growing 9.2 percent to $318 billion (£245 billion), and India the strongest market growth, of 11.4 percent to $33 billion (£25 billion). Global spend was $1.3 trillion (£1 trillion). From Meetpie.com…
The second quarter of 2017 saw the 15th consecutive rise of events budgets in the UK, according to the Q2 IPA Bellwether Report. But the average increase itself is falling. Digital marketing is a new trend – with its demonstrable return on investment – as is increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the UK General Election result. From Meetpie.com…
New figures on what the visible tip of the iceberg contributes to US GDP have been published by the Global Business Travel Association Foundation. In 2016 each percentage point of business travel spend represented 74,000 jobs, $3.3 billion in wages and $1.3 billion in taxes. Last year businesses spent $424 billion on 514.4 million domestic trips. From Meetings & Conventions…
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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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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…
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…
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Small may be beautiful… but it does make economies of scale harder to achieve and is a niche that businesses either overlook or manage on an ad hoc basis. Two corporate meetings chiefs offer their thoughts on how best to think big about small, particularly in regards to the use of technology. From Business Travel News…
With campaigners against Texas’s proposed “bathroom bill” claiming the state has already suffered $66 million of convention business cancellations because of the proposed legislation – the exact figure is the subject of some dispute – US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow says boycotts are the wrong way to campaign however well-intentioned their aim. From Meetings & Conventions…
“Uneasy lies the head of the PCO” to adapt Shakespeare. But what should a PCO’s guiding principles be in designing a conference or exhibition? What works really well and what really does not? Principles 1 – 5 are listed on the article page. Click through issue 7 of the full magazine at the bottom for 6 – 10. From the Event…
Whether it’s all about the cost of the airfare itself or of the transportation from the airport, whether it’s about the pricing of the meeting’s accommodation, food and beverages, Wi-Fi access or off-site venues, views on what constitutes affordability in the meetings industry are as many and varied as are the events themselves. From Successful Meetings…
AI or artificial intelligence is widely perceived as a paradigm shift in computing that will supplant human labour rather than assisting or complementing it. But far from driverless vehicles or robots replacing human workers, it may be in less obvious areas like attendee profile matchmaking that the invisible technology truly comes into its own. From Meetings & Conventions…
Last year the US Department of Labor announced its Fiduciary Conflict of Interest Rule, which was supported by President Obama, then delayed but not repealed by President Trump. Coming into full effect next January, the rule covers compensation – including gifts or trips – to those providing financial advice on retirement planning. The incentives industry is directly affected. From Meetings & Conventions…
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…
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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…
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.
Interested in supporting the creation of a sustainable event industry? Passionate about events and/or sustainability? Register now to join our associate training and become part of a global team of people who believe events should have a positive impact.
Associations @ Work is ASAE’s premier business conference that addresses the interrelated business functions – executive management, finance, development, operations, human resources, and fundraising – in associations. Associations @ Work is designed for association professionals to heighten collaboration and learning exchanges with colleagues by identifying and applying solutions to optimize efficiencies, solve cross functional operational…
In this free webcast moderated by Incentive’s Leo Jakobson, attendees will learn everything they need to know to run an effective internal sales 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.
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.
Are you convinced that the future of the events industry can only be ensured by qualitatively well-trained event buyers and specialists in event technology? As a training company, do you want to contribute and support 100PRO – the training initiative of the event management? 100PRO is voluntary, free and fair…
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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.
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.
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.
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…
One of the most popular events held during IMEX America week, this SITE Foundation event annually attracts over 1200 SITE members, IMEX hosted buyers and suppliers to an exciting Las Vegas venue for an evening of networking and relationship building.
If you influence or manage international or domestic meetings and events, then IMEX America is where you belong. Whether you’re a corporate, association or agency planner you’ll discover fabulous business, education and networking opportunities. This truly is the power source for the meetings industry. Productive appointments. Face time with key players. The knowledge to boost your…
For more than 30 years, DMAI’s Membership Summit has supported the evolving role and the impact of the membership professional. This community of partners, inclusive of both membership and partnership roles, targets discussions about changing trends in the destination marketplace, redefining membership and partnership responsibilities to maximize impact, and recalibrating the sponsorship value proposition, to…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across Arizona in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ, from October 29-31, 2017.
