Lord Evans (second from right) with his hosts at the Sydney Speaker Series lunch.
What a busy time November has already been for the meetings industry…
Over 400 event professionals from more than 50 countries gathered in Johannesburg for the 84th UFI Global Congress. There’s coverage below in News (click to the right), plus take a look at the Event’s piece on UFI’s Next Generation Leader grants. Applications for 2018 are here.
As well as the exhibition sector, the conference and congress community also met up. ICCA welcomed a record number of members to its 56th congress in Prague: almost 1,300, including more than 40 association executives. There’s coverage also in News (click to the right), particularly of the inaugural “Incredible Impacts” winners. Lots more to come as well in future issues.
For me here in London, it was a Sydney Speaker Series lunch (pictured) at the High Commission of Australia. After a fine herb-crusted fillet of lamb (the parmesan wafer with quail’s egg and truffle mayonnaise canapés also deserve a special mention), the former MI5 Director General Jonathan Evans described the security arrangements underpinning the London 2012 Olympics. Lord Evans gave a fascinating and timely keynote: see News and also Opinions (click right again).
In Features, you’ll find a video interview produced by The Iceberg for Boardroom. Daniel Waigl, executive director of the Radiological Society of Europe, explains how healthcare association meetings deliver legacies of improved treatment and awareness. Medical congresses are also prominent in Opinions, along with virtual / hybrid meetings, Nick de Bois of the UK’s Events Industry Board, and a celebration of marketing awards from Pádraic Gilligan. Research has the Preliminary View of UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues.
Finally, congratulations to CAT Publications. At the annual CAT Night during the 56th ICCA Congress this partner of The Iceberg celebrated its 30th anniversary in style. Here’s to the CAT’s next nine lives.
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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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…
The International AIDS Society (IAS) organizes the world’s two most prestigious HIV conferences, each convened biennially in alternating years. The next International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands (23-27 July 2018). Meanwhile, the IAS Conference on HIV Science features the latest HIV science, including basic, clinical and prevention research. It brings…
A landlocked nation offering many opportunities for safari, Botswana is an established incentive destination and growing conference hub in southern Africa. The country sees mostly mining and investment gatherings through its borders, although late last year Botswana also hosted a major ITU meeting: the 14th World Telecommunication / ICT Indicators Symposium. From the Event…
The City of Tshwane, in northern Gauteng Province, is home both to iconic South African historical sites and also several universities. But conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings take place in Tshwane as well, including many government events. It boasts state-of-the-art conference and exhibition venues like the CSIR International Convention Centre. From the Event…
Nantes on the French Atlantic coast – the birthplace of Jules Verne – has recently transformed itself into an innovation hub. The city and region is home to leading international companies like Airbus, and key knowledge industries like health and biotechnology. At the heart of this journey is La Cité Nantes Events Center. From Boardroom…
European Cities Marketing (ECM) and Destinations International (DI) – two leading destination marketing and development associations – have extended their transatlantic collaboration in response to the radical changes in function of destination marketing organisations (DMOs) across both continents. At the annual ECM Summer School held this year in Dresden, ECM president Dieter Hardt-Stremayr explained the…
This ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis) Congress 2017 attracted 9,515 attendees from 110 countries to Messe Berlin. Delegates from countries where haematologists are on low salaries were even assisted with travel allowances. According to the organisation, every significant development in its field has been either presented or enhanced at the event. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
The San Diego Convention Center, in collaboration with food and beverage supplier Centerplate, is playing a major role in boosting its local agricultural economy by sourcing key products and services from across the community. Also part of this supply chain is Moceri Food & Beverage, a local business and now primary produce vendor for the…
Last month the 20th European Symposium on Organic Chemistry took place in Cologne. The choice of destination was due in no small part to the high industrial and academic “chemical” density of the region, as well as the University of Cologne’s reputed chemistry department. A current Nobel chemistry laureate gave the keynote. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
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The Moises Shuster Award, highest honour of the International Congress and Convention Association, was given to IMEX Group Chairman and industry legend Ray Bloom during the 56th ICCA Congress Farewell Dinner in Prague. Bloom follows other luminaries in the win, including his own colleague Paul Flackett, who passed away just before the congress opened. From Meetpie.com…
The inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by the International Congress and Convention Association and BestCities Global Alliance have been announced at an ICCA Congress session called “A celebration of the beyond tourism impact”. The three winning international associations have each made legacy a central part of their thinking and activities. From Association Meetings International…
The Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp has won the prestigious Best Marketing Award at the 56th ICCA Congress in Prague. The FMCCA team won with their “a room with a ZOO” destination campaign. A record number of applications were received by ICCA this year for the award, which was promoted on video. From Meetpie.com…
The International Congress and Convention Association has welcomed a record number of members to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. The destination for the 2020 ICCA Congress was also announced as Kaohsiung, in Chinese Taipei. From Association Meetings International…
IMEX Group Managing Director Paul Flackett, a meetings industry pioneer whose career spanned over three decades, has died after a long illness. Flackett worked with Ray Bloom to found EIBTM in 1987. He worked with Bloom again on the launch of IMEX in 2001, continuing the partnership through to launching IMEX America in 2011. From Association Meetings International…
The head of security for the London 2012 Olympics, former MI5 Director General Lord Jonathan Evans, has given a Sydney Speaker Series keynote at the High Commission of Australia in London. “Collaborative activity between the venue, the event organisers, law enforcement and security authorities is critical”, he said (see also Opinions). From CIM News Magazine…
As the US’s global image as a destination for business travel appears damaged under current politics, so does that of London thanks to Brexit. The Top 100 City Destination Ranking WTM London Edition, by Euromonitor International, claims the UK capital is now under pressure. Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin, Stockholm, Dublin and Amsterdam may stand to gain. From Meetpie.com…
UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues 2017 reveals that the total venue space available for exhibitions has grown 7.4 percent in the last six years. The fastest growth is in venues offering more than 100,000 square metres. Asia now boasts more space than North America, and Europe has the most globally. From CIM News Magazine…
Brisbane has launched a Convention Trailblazer Grant programme. The new initiative will make up to five awards per year, each of AU$5000, to passionate, talented and capable locally-based professionals or researchers. Recipients will use the money to attend the international conference of their choice, and attract those events to the Queensland capital. From CIM News Magazine…
After three strikes at at travel ban, the call to end DACA, and a proposed wall on the US / Mexico border, how seriously has America’s global image as a welcoming destination been damaged? Recent research suggests it is tarnished, with one CEO also now claiming the US’s loss may be Canada’s gain. From PCMA…
The growth of Dubai’s association community and the emirate’s ongoing transition from an oil to a knowledge economy has been presented at an event held in London. Over 40 licences have now been issued for associations to trade and operate in Dubai. $1000 buys a desk and an address in the Dubai Association Centre. From Association Meetings International…
Over 400 event professionals from over 50 countries attended the 84th UFI Global Congress in Johannesburg. Industry success stories were shared at the Best Practices Special Interest Group session, with a focus on education, marketing, operations and service, sustainable development, and technology. The 2017 UFI Award winners are all global leaders in these fields. From the Event…
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Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
Growing its business events sector is part of Malaysia’s strategy to achieve status as a developed nation by 2020. This case study presents the contribution made by the 55th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress towards developing the business events sector in the country. ICCA’s event engaged political leaders and the local community to raise awareness of the needs…
The Geneva Convention Bureau has adopted a policy of promoting Geneva not only as a destination but also as a center of economic, knowledge and innovation excellence. It does this by marketing meetings and events in relation to local key clusters of industry. As a result, a dynamic and virtuous feedback loop is established between Geneva’s economic or knowledge…
This research by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) demonstrates that business events offer delegates unrestricted exposure to innovative ideas and opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills. Part of the Beyond Tourism Benefits series, the new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Conferences: Catalysts for Thriving Economies – provides further evidence showing that…
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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…
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…
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It’s awards time again, and the marketing category of any major ceremony is always hotly contested, as for example at the recent ICCA Congress in Prague (News: “FMCCA Wins Best Marketing Award”). One Iceberg partner, SoolNua, boasts not only the Chairman of Judges of that ceremony, but also a nomination in another. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
Recent years have seen the growth of regulation from European governments, and also from the sector itself in terms of interactions between the pharmaceutical / medical-device industries and healthcare professionals. So where to now for medical associations, their meetings and their revenue streams? By Caroline Mackenzie, Global Association Partners, on behalf of IAPCO, via Boardroom…
The Iceberg previously reported the Business of Events Senior Leadership Forum that recently brought the UK government and its meetings industry together (Opinions: “Westminster Bubbles: A Meeting of Minds”). Now Events Industry Board Chair Nick de Bois, himself a former MP, weighs in with his own view of the session. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The head of security for the London 2012 Olympics, former MI5 Director General Lord Evans, has given the keynote at a Sydney Speaker Series lunch in London. The event was organised by both Business Events Sydney and ICC Sydney, and hosted by the High Commission of Australia. The Iceberg was also invited. If there was any doubt…
Hybrid meetings can be very different experiences for different delegates. Face-to-face attendees discuss topics in session rooms, virtual ones online via chat forums. The two can remain very separate. But at a recent meeting, the American Academy of Ophthalmology debuted a new virtual-meeting ambassador program to create stronger interaction between the different worlds. From PCMA Convene…
At a reception near Parliament ahead of the Business of Events Leadership Forum, UK tourism minister John Glen promised to help the meetings industry work directly with government to win business. And Michael Hirst, chair of the Business Visits and Events Partnership, thinks the sector’s standing with government has never been greater. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
All good destination management companies have a tale or three about how far they have gone in serving their clients’ very specific needs. From Girona to Madrid, here’s an eye-watering tale of a DMC willing to go the extra mile to bring home the bacon. Warning: not for the squeamish! From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
Over the past few months, the need to prepare for unexpected eventualities has become increasingly important. Ken Kelling, MPRCA, Associate Director at meetings and events PR firm Davies Tanner, and a featured speaker at PCMA’s recent Knowledge Exchange in London, offers some essential tips for crafting the right message when a crisis unfolds. From PCMA…
As destinations face pressure and even community backlash over visitor numbers, Rod Cameron, Executive Director of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and the Joint Meetings and Industry Council, examines the effect visitors have on destinations, and how targeting business events can reap real dividends for destination communities. From CIM News Magazine…
The Iceberg has previously reported on the latest Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Index research report. Budgets are still growing and optimism is high, despite global events. Corporate buyers are understanding the effectiveness of incentives. Here’s some further analysis by the man who co-presented the study at IMEX America. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The Event, a partner of The Iceberg, has just produced a five part series of video interviews called “Business Events Insights and Predictions”. These examine Africa’s current meetings industry and its future opportunities from a number of differing industry perspectives. The series includes Gary Grimmer, CEO of The Iceberg partner GainingEdge, on business events as…
As business event planners react to the changing outside factors that can disrupt their meetings, so also industry associations, including some partners of The Iceberg, are themselves considering how to educate and define best practice in risk management for their memberships. The call is being made for a collaborative approach. From Skift…
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When considering events of 150 delegates or less, there are myriad venue types that claim to satisfy smaller meetings. In this webinar, we will explore the pros and cons of different venue categories, including resorts, conference centers, hotels, academic venues and day conference centers, and consider how to discover unique venues that will deliver memorable…
Meeting professionals are so over-taxed in the present, they often forget—or don’t have the time—to look ahead. Take a moment to preview the future based on MPI’s most recent Meetings Outlook research, published quarterly in The Meeting Professional magazine and then discuss the trends that are most affecting you and your peers. Brainstorm ways to…
Held in tandem with the Convention Sales Summit, this new event gathers destination professionals dedicated to designing and enhancing the experience of convention and meeting attendees to share ideas and solutions and explore what’s on the horizon in destination event serivces.
Destination professionals dedicated to developing and nurturing group and meetings business gather at this Summit annually to share ideas and solutions and explore what’s on the horizon in destination sales.
Discover best and next practices for preparing your team for security or safety riskst. Review what aspects you need to consider when conducting your risk assessment. Review several best-in-class, real-life case studies of how meeting professionals and venues have responded to crises. Then, deep dive into several “fire drill” scenarios and work with your peers…
The Symposium for Chief Executive and Chief Elected Officers provides a unique opportunity for you and your volunteer leader to maximize the leadership partnership. Explore how you can best work together to effectively carry out your association’s mission and enhance future success.
For those who are new to the profession or have less than five years experience in the field, Association Management Week is composed of five one-day programs designed to build a strong understanding of the fundamentals and core functions of association management: Essential Practices in Association Management; Membership Development; Effectively Managing Volunteer Committees & Task Forces; Communication and Public…
Organizations and individuals miss critical opportunities to connect with their elusive audiences in powerful and profitable ways because they lack the ability to tell compelling stories. Former sales VP and award-winning storyteller Kindra Hall will share her wisdom on how to harness and sharpen this essential skill for success in a connected economy. Using Kindra’s…
Acts of violence seem to happen more often today than in years past, and in more vulnerable places, especially where people gather. Could the location or venue of your next meeting be a target? What are you doing to make your conferences and meeting safer and more secure? Are you doing it the right way?…
Exceptional Boards is an intensive two-day workshop for CEOs and their elected officers to explore strategies for strengthening their working relationship and enhancing the board’s performance. Designed specifically for leadership teams, it provides an engaging learning environment where CEOs and elected leaders together will gain insight and resources to improve board effectiveness and create a…
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.
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Open to senior international association executives (or AMC on behalf of the associations), the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting an event in a BestCities’ destination, to meet all the partner cities in one stunning location. BestCities is delighted to announce Toyko as the host partner for this year’s event.
Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands, Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings and Incentive, and the Meetings Mean Business Coalition have collaborated to produce the Northstar Meetings Leadership Forum, the premier summit for high-level planner and leaders of the meetings industry. The Northstar Meetings Leadership Forum brings together leaders from all areas of the meetings industry to review,…
ASAE’s Technology Conference & Expo is tailored to the needs of an ever-increasingly technology driven community. CIOs, CEOs, technology professionals, and other professionals with roles or interest in digital and mobile solutions can all find the education, solutions, and connections they’re looking for.
We’re cranking up the volume at 2018 PCMA Convening Leaders. The engagement factor is the most critical piece of connecting with your audience. But we’ve entered the new school of engagement — one where you must navigate around digital distractions and satisfy increased attendee expectations at every turn. At Convening Leaders, you’ll learn how to…
SITE is excited to partner with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to bring you SITE + MPI Global Forum. This event will gather the best and the brightest across the meetings and incentive travel industries to power expanded connections, education and destination exploration. SITE + MPI Global Forum will offer joint sessions and events to increase networking and…
BY INVITATION ONLY. The Global CEO Summit, the GCS, is one of UFI’s most prestigious events and takes place each year in the last week of January. This is an exclusive meeting as only the CEOs or equivalent of global exhibition organizing companies and exhibition venues are permitted to attend.
ibtm arabia is a three day event in Abu Dhabi focused on uniting Middle East and international MICE suppliers with highly qualified meeting and event planners. Join many key industry names travelling far and wide to participate in the 12th edition of the event.
CONVENE is an annual business to business two-day event for the meetings industry for the countries of the Baltic. It is an international show case for the regional meetings industry which accelerates the interest in, and demand for, holding meetings, incentives and conferences in the region.
AIME – Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo – is the leading exhibition for the meetings, incentives and events industry. As the largest international event of its kind in Australia, each year the exhibition unites a community of over 4,000 suppliers and meetings and events planners under one roof in Melbourne. With an exceptional Hosted Buyer® program, AIME welcomes valuable association…
Connect with the top international hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn from February 25-27, 2018.
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