ICC Sydney’s End of Year Celebration / 1st Birthday Party.
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg the lead in Features is another video recorded at the 56th ICCA Congress in Prague. “Making a Mark” is again based around ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance’s “Incredible Impacts” initiative, this time with the legacy enthusiasm of BestCities Global Alliance’s Director of International Associations, Jane Cunningham.
In News (click right) there are convention centre refits underway or under threat in Memphis and San Diego. The Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool’s car park went up in flames along with 1,300 vehicles. London’s Kensington Roof Gardens has shuttered after 37 years as an iconic boutique venue. There’s new research on how to present incentive awards, South Korea’s incentive market is also growing, and in the US hundred of government geologists have been prevented from attending a key sector conference by the Interior Department’s strict new quotas.
In Opinions (click right) there are more thoughts on incentives, and how Ernst & Young handled postponing a seminar after the Westminster Terror Attack. GRB Houston relives its 22 days as a Hurricane Harvey mega-shelter, best approaches to introducing golf to your meetings are examined, and there’s a checklist of all you need to do to keep an event safe and secure. Plus three (count ’em!) separate trend predictions for 2018, and even a New Year’s resolution we all should make: to be a better delegate.
But most excitingly we also launch the year with our fifth JMIC Case Study. London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s official promotional agency and one of the week’s founding partners, outlines the benefits the festival brings the city in this fascinating report.
Finally, Happy New Year from all at The Iceberg! Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Surely not in 2018!
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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In November 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. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
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…
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The number of incentive attendees visiting South Korea in 2017, excluding those from China, increased by 25 percent. Business from South East Asia in particular is growing, with numbers up from Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The Korea Tourism Organization says the growth is both from emerging markets and its own efforts to diversify. From Meetpie.com…
Most incentive recipients like to receive rewards from their immediate manager, in a small ceremony attended by co-workers. But how you go about presenting an incentive does depend on who is receiving it. That’s according to a new study from the Incentive Research Foundation: “Reward Presentation and Attraction: A Biometric Experiment.”. From Incentive What Motivates…
Around 450 US Geological Survey researchers typically attend the annual conference of the American Geophysical Union. But ahead of the recent event the Interior Department said no more than 199 could travel to the meeting, and spending could not exceed $399,000. Only 178 attended and 30 abstracts were withdrawn by absent scientists. From Association Meetings International……
Kensington Roof Gardens has closed after 37 years due to rising costs. The party venue’s operator, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, said it was struggling to make a profit at the Grade II listed site, an iconic favourite for London event organisers. 85 staff are being made redundant, and booking deposits are being refunded. Photo: Edwardx. From Meetpie.com…
ACC Liverpool says its events will proceed as planned following a fire which gutted its car park. Fire broke out on New Year’s Eve in the facility, which is adjacent to the BT Convention Centre, Echo Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pullman Liverpool hotel. 1,300 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze. Photo: Merseyside Fire and Rescue. From Meetpie.com…
A $300 million hotel that threatens to scupper the long-awaited expansion of the San Diego Convention Center has reached a key milestone, with the release of its environmental analysis. The Fifth Avenue Landing project sits on a five-acre site coveted by backers of a plan to expand the centre. From The San Diego Union Tribune…
The Memphis Cook Convention Center in Tennessee is getting a $175 million refit. The upgraded venue will boast 52 meeting rooms, glass covered concourses, and outdoor terraces looking over the Mississippi. The city plans to use a hotel / motel tax to fund the project as well as the Downtown Tourism Development Zone. From News Channel 3…
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London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
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)
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In an age of terror attacks, natural disasters and political dissent, event safety and security is at the forefront of every planner’s thinking. But how do you deliver for delegates an environment that is as risk-free as possible? Here are ten tips to keep your meetings safe and secure. From Event Marketer magazine…
2018 already seems much like 2017. But the diary change not only means predicting the coming year’s trends – see three previous Opinions – but also making New Year’s resolutions. Forget drinking less, eating better and going to the gym. How about being a better delegate? From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
Here is yet another set of industry predictions for 2018, this time from a UK perspective. Brexit, mental wellbeing, wellness breaks, using bespoke apps, complying with General Data Protection Regulation, destinations like Malta and Croatia, direct hotel bookings, the role a venue can play, and the importance of quality all feature. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Some consider golf a good walk ruined, but the game has always had its place in corporate culture. During the Trump presidency it might even be due a re-evaluation. Certainly golf can be a great equaliser as part of a meeting or incentive. But how to give attendees an above par experience? From Successful Meetings…
A second set of trend predictions suggest that while the number of meetings held will rise, budgets will tighten and costs rise. Hotel occupancy is high, but multi-event commitment and avoiding beach resorts, also sharing economy options, will mitigate spending. Security and safety, tools and technology, experience and engagement are all key. From Successful Meetings…
The turning of the year means Iceberg editorial partners are now predicting the trends that will shape the meetings and events industry in 2018. For one team, five key areas to watch are: the importance of diversity on stage, AI getting real, better crisis preparedness, cognitive enhancement drugs (!)… and comfortable workwear! From PCMA Convene…
It was 2017’s most memorable meetings industry picture story: the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston repurposed as a mega-shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Over 22 days, the venue became a temporary home to over 10,000 evacuees. Chief Operating Officer Luther Villagomez relives an operation the sector won’t quickly forget. From PCMA Convene…
Event organisers ignore contingency planning at their peril. In March 2017 Ernst & Young’s Future Finance Leaders Spring Seminar had to cope with the ultimate nightmare: postponement at less than 24 hours’ notice after the terror attack on Westminster Bridge in London. The team’s handling of the logistics went on to win an award. From PCMA Convene…
Picking the right motivation for an employee to meet or exceed their target itself requires a targeted approach: understanding who wants what in an incentive. It also means putting reward and recognition right at the heart of attracting and retaining top talent. The Learning Experience and American Fidelity Assurance discuss strategy. From Chief Executive…
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…
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Meeting design is a hot topic; it’s an effective way to make any event or meeting more meaningful and valuable. Discover how a meeting designer thinks through the successful Danish meeting design concept Meetovation, which encompasses the following five design elements: Return on Meeting Objectives; Active Involvement; Creative set-up; Responsible thinking; Local inspiration.
The Bottom Line is designed for non-financially-oriented individuals, employees with new budgeting responsibilities, or people who are just looking to broaden their scope of knowledge. You will start the day by learning or reviewing the basics of financial information and going over key terms and concepts so that the next time someone is talking about…
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…
Evolve from ideation to implementation with the help of association leaders at the 2018 Great Ideas Conference. You’ll get inspiration by sharing with others, attending forward-thinking idea labs, and leaving your comfort zone. Bring your ideas to the table March 11–13, 2018.
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.
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,…
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Invaluable business connections, targeted education, and unforgettable experiences—all with five-star service and conveniently located in National Harbor, MD. Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the country in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay.
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.
The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) is a two day exhibition for those involved in organising business travel, meetings, incentives and events. The event allows industry decision makers from around Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe to meet. Join us at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 21-22 February 2017; where elite…
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.
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.
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;…
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.
Over the past 13 editions, this conference has been the most important gathering of Asian exhibition industry leaders. This fast-paced, two day event is geared towards providing industry updates and insights from across the region, combined with quality networking and unique cultural experiences.
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