The perfect festive feast: turkey, carrot… and the much-maligned Brussels sprout.
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg our lead story is a video recorded at the recent 56th ICCA Congress in Prague. “The Beyond Tourism Impact of Meetings” in Features will be the first of a series based around ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance’s “Incredible Impacts” initiative. It’s a great introduction to the real dividends of holding business and professional events.
Also in Features (click right), and with ICC Wales opening in 2019… Intellectual Capitals’ fascinating profile of that country’s knowledge economy. As they say there, “croeso”.
At this time of year we should all be thinking of those in greater need than ourselves. So in Opinions (click right), PCMA has listed some of the amazing meals that US convention centres served for free to their communities over Thanksgiving… the last time turkey was on the menu. As we keep repeating, the legacies of business events come in all shapes and sizes.
Also in Opinions… SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan continues a session on social media started at IBTM World. He also remembers two industry legends lost in 2017: Paul Flackett and Jane Schuldt. Deborah Sexton explains the timing of her departure from PCMA, the Event rounds up some lessons the industry taught African practitioners in 2017, VisitBritain’s Chairman Steve Ridgway talks Brexit uncertainty, and the thriving Australian convention centre scene shows exactly how the role a major venue needs to play is changing.
In News (click right)… the poster child of Australian convention centres ICC Sydney is publishing a book celebrating its art collection. Yet another creative legacy! Speaking of December birthdays, this star in the East has just celebrated a full year since its opening. I was on the first international site tour in 2015. Its amazing to see what has happened since.
In News as well… a second anniversary progress report from the Global Association Hubs Partnership, the latest on Trump Travel Ban III, the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship winners, MPI partners on a master’s degree in meetings, a change of helm at both the Geneva and Cincinnati convention bureaux, the inaugural Dubai Association Conference takes place, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau welcomes six new conference ambassadors or “Kesatria”, World Forum The Hague reopens after renovation, and the IMEX Politicians Forum gets a rebrand as the IMEX Policy Forum.
IMEX has also been offering up some thoughts on what 2018 will bring us. Humanity is the common theme in the coming year’s trends, and CEO Carina Bauer has circulated five of them.
Security: IMEX America took place in the aftermath of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting.
Anti-tourism, over-tourism and the sharing economy: is it time for the business events sector to pointedly emphasise its distinction from leisure travel?
Women in the industry: will true diversity and equality ever be realised?
The new age of anxiety: work stress and hyper-connected social media frenzies all contributing to poor mental health.
Life 3.0.: what will humanity do when AI and the robots take over?
We’ll have to see whether these themes do indeed shape the coming year for the meetings industry. In the meantime, the warmest greetings of the season from our chilly Iceberg to you all. Deck those exhibition halls with boughs of holly!
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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Last month the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. According to Czech Statistical Office data, Prague welcomed a total of 4,426 conferences in…
With ICC Wales opening in 2019, and with key strengths in the automotive, aerospace, and marine renewable energy sectors – not to mention life sciences, cyber security and compound semiconductors – how does the land of rugby and song marshall and present its knowledge economy to attract prospective international meetings? From Intellectual Capitals…
The question is often asked: what are the benefits of holding conferences? Often the real answers to the question only emerge years after an event has taken place, when the ideas presented or connections made have become breakthroughs that save lives, change society or redefine best practice and policy. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the…
The city of Mainz in western Germany has just played host to the Third International Cancer lmmunotherapy Conference 2017. It was selected for the 1,500-delegate event not just as a cost-effective destination, but also as a knowledge hub in the sector and home to one of Europe’s leading cancer immunology research centres. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
Once the meetings industry was viewed only in terms of spend during an event: flying in, commuting by taxi, renting venue space, booking accommodation and eating at restaurants. Those days are over. Daniel Waigl, executive director of the Radiological Society of Europe, explains how healthcare association meetings deliver legacies of improved treatment and awareness. From Boardroom…
The Iceberg has always tried to shine a light on the benefits of business and professional events that lie hidden beneath the surface and get ignored alongside the visible tip of travel and hospitality spend. Now the Joint Meetings Industry Council is renewing its call for quality storytelling of the legacies the sector delivers.
The annual showcase event for the Asia Pacific meeting and business events sector, IT&CMA, revealed that the region’s destination marketing organisations (DMOs) are adopting the lead set by Australia and Singapore. ‘Clustering’ or focussing efforts on bidding for events from within industry sectors identified in the development frameworks of government is now the priority of…
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…
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The IMEX Group has changed the name of its IMEX Politicians Forum to the IMEX Policy Forum, reflecting a shift in focus and participants. Policymakers and government influencers attend the influential meeting as well as politicians. The 2018 forum is during IMEX itself on May 15 at the InterContinental Frankfurt. From Meetings & Conventions…
World Forum The Hague (formerly World Forum) and the City of The Hague have reopened the Dutch city’s largest venue for conferences and events after years of renovations and an investment of more than €28 million. The work allows the venue to host even larger events in a new 12,000 square metre exhibition hall. From Boardroom…
At a gala evening, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau has welcomed six new “Kesatria” into its ambassador programme. The Kesatria are usually association presidents or industry leaders that are chairing major business events in Malaysia. Since 2012 the programme has contributed 123 meeting leads and attracted 188,317 delegates. From CIM News Magazine…
The first Dubai Association Conference has been held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event focussed on building the association community, skills development for executives and global best practice. Last month it was announced that over 40 licences have been issued for associations to trade and operate in Dubai. From CIM News Magazine…
In yet another example of the creative legacies of business events, ICC Sydney has published a book celebrating its art collection. “ICC Sydney Art Collection: A Curated Collection of Art to Celebrate Sydney” includes commissions both for the new venue and for the first convention and exhibition centre in Darling Harbour. From CIM News Magazine…
Dan Lincoln, President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau for 11 years, is retiring this month on health grounds. While his replacement is sought, COO Mike Laatsch will serve as interim CEO. Under Lincoln, more than 3.3 million convention delegates brought $990 million into the region. From Meetings & Conventions…
Geneva is getting a new convention bureau director. 49-year-old Didier Allaz – a wine, food and golfing enthusiast – will succeed Anja Loetscher, who retires next spring having served in the position since the bureau’s launch in 2007. Allaz’s main aims will be to reinforce national and international activities, and to maintain economic contribution. From Association Meetings International…
Meeting Professionals International has joined with the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University to offer a graduate-level degree course in meeting and event management. The master’s degree will be available in 2019 for mid-level and senior professionals, much of it delivered online. Photo: Lo2013. From Meetings & Conventions…
MPI UK & Ireland has announced that the winners of the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship Award are Delyth Davies from Oxford Brookes University and Holly Steenson from Leeds Beckett University. The pair each receive work placements at Reed Travel Exhibitions. More than 50 entries were received for the award from students studying event management courses. From Meepie.com…
It’s far from the end of the story, but for now the United States Supreme Court is letting President Trump enforce a ban on travel to the US by residents of six mostly Muslim countries. Other legal challenges are still pending, as is the Supreme Court’s expected final ruling. Photo: Matt Wade. From Meetings & Conventions…
The Global Association Hubs Partnership has revealed that its four member-cities – Brussels, Dubai, Singapore and Washington DC – are home to 9.6 percent of association headquarters and regional offices. They’re also enjoying growth of three times the global average. In the past year 35 associations have opened offices in GAHP cities. From Association Meetings International…
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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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Positive Impact has marked the end of its campaign during the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism with the launch of a report at IBTM World “Telling the Story of the Power of Events”. The report which has had input from five academics and had a three month period of accepting contributions from across the global…
UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues (November 2017) reveals that the total venue space available for exhibitions has grown 7.4 percent in the last six years, from 32,500,000 to 34,900,000 square metres (gross indoor exhibition space, venues over 5,000 square metres). The fastest growth is in venues offering more than 100,000 square metres, a rise of…
This report gives an overview of the experience and intentions of exhibitors at trade shows across the world. It aims to give event organisers a deeper understanding of the patterns and trends that drive positive and negative exhibitor experiences and the objectives and behaviours that underlie them. This report has been created in two stages….
With the majority of all U.S. businesses (84%) now using non-cash awards and the majority of top performing businesses (those with the highest revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and employee satisfaction) saying their executives support their non-cash recognition and reward programs as a competitive advantage, the eminent need to understand how to create effective programs becomes…
Attendees are consumers: discerning travelers who may choose to attend conventions & exhibitions… or not. That’s why the mutual goal of both meeting / exhibition professionals and CVBs is generating positive word-of-mouth from attendees, resulting in repeat bookings and increased attendance. This report provides insight from the second Decision to Attend survey conducted in 2017, with…
Drawing on official data from 14 national trade fair bodies who guarantee the quality of the statistics they have provided, UFI’s latest report compiles statistics on 2,590 exhibitions covering a total of 27.4 million square metres of registered rented space in 2016. The report shows a notable increase of 7% in terms of the total…
In today’s highly competitive economy, it is not surprising that businesses are seeking trusted new ways to differentiate themselves and sustain success. As major thought leaders and consultancies point repeatedly to human capital as the prime modern differentiator (even outstripping financial capital), it raises the question: what are truly successful companies now doing differently regarding…
For the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, compliance and regulation are a way of life. In this already complex environment, the ever-changing regulatory landscape has increased the pressure over recent years. These dynamics are having a profound effect on healthcare congresses, which represent the largest segment of educational meetings. The future of these events depends on…
The DestinationNEXT Futures Study identifies the trends and opportunities that will shape the future of destination marketing and management. This Futures Study update, conducted in 2017, is intended to build on the learnings from the 2014 Futures Study, and to determine updated trends and strategies that will keep the thousands of destination organizations around the…
A skills survey of the business events sector, coordinated by Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) in partnership with the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia (EEAA), has found that critical skills gaps are considerably impacting the business events industry. With a significant survey response rate of 39 per…
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) –…
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Today convention centres have to take a broader approach to the meetings sector, offering organisers a gateway to the cities and regions in which they are located. Some are effectively convention bureaux in their own right. Just how the role of major venues is changing is revealed across the thriving Australian scene. From CIM News Magazine…
Despite eighteen months of political and economic turmoil in the UK following 2016’s shock Brexit vote, visitors are still coming, not least because of the weak pound and cheaper air fares. VisitBritain’s Chairman Steve Ridgway has been offering some thoughts on how the UK, including its meetings industry, is coping with Brexit. From Skift…
The holiday season is also a time to remember those who have left us during the past year. Two industry titans familiar to almost the entire sector, including the Iceberg team, passed away in 2017: IMEX Group Managing Director Paul Flackett, and former SITE President Jane E. Schuldt. With recollections of both legends, SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
From politics, security and safety to the dipping of congress statistics and how learning and education is at the forefront of growth, South African thought leaders, association heads and professionals share thoughts and predictions on where the local business events industry is heading. What lessons has 2017 taught, and what will 2018 bring? From the Event…
The holiday season is a time we should all be thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves. So what better story now to tell than the charitable legacies offered by several major US convention centres during Thanksgiving… the last time that turkey was on the menu? Go and do likewise. From PCMA…
Having just announced her imminent departure as leader of the Professional Convention Management Association, Deborah Sexton has offered further thoughts on her time at PCMA, and also the reasons and timing of her exit. Her last major event in the post will be Convening Leaders 2018 in Nashville, and a Guinness World Record attempt. From PCMA…
Pádraic Gilligan of Iceberg partner SoolNua is a expert in social media and its usage across the meetings industry. He often presents on the subject and did so with colleague Aoife McCrum at the recent IBTM World in Barcelona. He continues the session here with the audience’s Sli.do feedback. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The Trump effect on the US’s standing as a destination is much discussed. But what about the actual meeting that helped elect him: the 2016 Republican National Convention? The RNC and its economic impact are at the centre of some thoughts about the real return on investment of face-to-face. From PCMA Convene…
Paris is riding high both on its new convention centre and on hosting the 2024 Olympics. But when one huge event is in town at a major destination, does that cause other large meetings to, erm… bottle out? There’s evidence this is the case, but good reasons why it shouldn’t be. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The opening of the new Paris Convention Centre, the largest venue of its kind in Europe, has shone a spotlight on the French capital’s offering for large meetings. The Viparis launch event showcased not just the centre itself, but also some of the wider knowledge economy Paris can bring to the table. From Boardroom…
The nature of venues and of how organisers use them is changing. If coffee shops are now suitable spaces, why not cinemas? The refurbished Stella in South Dublin – an Art Deco time capsule – is visited in this article, with some Bold ideas for small meetings featured as well. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
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…
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IAPCO EDGE embraces all sectors of the Meetings Industry; an educational programme fit to inspire and advance the best and brightest in the meetings industry. In addition, participants will partake in networking and social activities to further discuss key learning points in one of the most captivating backdrops in the world.
The way people interact has changed, a lot. This includes interactions at meetings and events. In this session attendees will learn how meeting spaces are evolving to adopt to the new collaborative style of learning delivery; Develop a better understanding of how technology can help build multi-way communication in the room and much more.
Awareness of legal issues that may affect your organization is critical for all association professionals, including non-lawyers. This online seminar series provides fundamental, up-to-date information on essential legal topics specifically for non-attorneys whose work encompasses legal tasks.
ICCA Australia Committee and ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Office are pleased to present the International Meetings Seminar (IMS), taking place prior to the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne, Australia. The two-day seminar will feature educational sessions led by industry veterans, which is in line with ICCA Australia’s mission of sharing knowledge in the meetings community.
The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program specifically serving the needs of international convention centre managers! Designed to address the critical need for centres to maintain fully qualified staff in a highly competitive industry, the AIPC Academy provides a targeted, cost effective form of training and development along with the means to…
Clear answers to IT security and practical solutions to comply with the new data protection law will be provided in the compact seminar without in-depth legal and difficult-to-understand IT terminology. As a leader, be familiar with the new IT legal situation in digital event management. With this interactive management seminar, you can find out how to make your…
FRESH is the first annual conference, focused exclusively on meeting design. FRESH is a platform for innovation, debate, interaction, experimentation and co-creation around meeting design formats, techniques, tools and technology. FRESH helps meeting planners, designers and producers make meetings and events more effective and productive.
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,…
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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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.
Qatar Tourism Authority and tmf dialogue marketing invite you to a congress planners’ famtrip to Qatar. Schedule and program are specially designed for Association Representatives and Congress Planners. This project is exclusively for organizers of international congresses of min. 400 attendees, for whom Qatar could be a possible destination.
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.
Join the Destinations International Foundation for a night of inspiration where leaders come together to celebrate the power of destinations and travel. Bringing together tourism industry leaders, the Spirit of Hospitality is a celebration of excellence and raises funds for the Destinations International Foundation to support education, research, advocacy and leadership development initiatives to empower destinations and…
Your event begins and ends with the destination. Join this dynamic one-day event offering meeting professionals the opportunity to easily connect with over 140 destinations, and better understand how CVBs are the key to making your meeting a total success. Get Inspired, Learn, Network.
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.
European Cities Marketing will present a toploaded program for the ECM Spring meeting where Europe’s city marketers and tourism professionals meet industry thought leaders to debate and strategise the new normal in urban travel and tourism.
Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent. Meet 400 highly qualified hosted buyers; Face-to-face meetings with key decision-makers; Targeted business matchmaking (online diary system); Network with industry colleagues across multiple sectors; Launch new product and service offerings;…
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