Hamilton: An American Musical in London.
Last month I got to enjoy the shiny new London production of Hamilton: An American Musical. In the second act, and at a moment his life once again hangs in the balance, the titular American statesman asks “What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”.
Well, with all due respect to the record-breaking hip-hop cultural crossover phenomenon, in the meetings world legacy is a garden you DO get to see.
And as The Iceberg moves into its second year, the legacy agenda is becoming increasingly mainstream: the talking point of IMEX through 2018, the central theme at the 10th edition of WOW Awards Asia 2018, and the common thread of the somewhat excellent February Issue of our partner Boardroom.
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, much of that Boardroom content. Montreal and Jerusalem in Features (click right), and the Lampedusa-hosted SIAARTI Academy and World Parkinson Congress in Opinions (also click right). There’s a Meetings Africa 2018 preview and details of South Africa’s incentive and confex landscape. Also in Opinions, the Dubai Frame, a Freudian walk in Vienna, GDPR and the effect of women’s networking events on promotion chances.
In News (click right again), the threat to the QEII Centre rumbles on, the 25th UKCAMS survey is launched, there are figures out from Edinburgh’s EICC, Messukeskus Helsinki, Barcelona’s CCIB, Convening Leaders 2018, London’s ExCeL and Dubai. There’s also IBTM Arabia in Abu Dhabi, an events future for Houston’s Astrodome, an AIME 2018 preview, and the latest trends in incentives, which you’ll find in more detail new in Research. More as well on The Iceberg (click on View all News).
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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Montreal has become Canada’s cultural capital: not quite North American, but not entirely European either. Already home to top-notch researchers in fields like genetics, aging, economics and life sciences, Montreal’s scientific community is building on its international reputation. It is doing this both by winning scientific awards and by attracting large-scale international conventions. From Boardroom…
The longest inhabited city on the globe, Jerusalem is not only holy to three major world religions but also an evolving association destination. Thanks to the presence of 17 academic institutions, the Israeli capital is also a modern-day knowledge hub. It boasts the largest number of start-ups and venture capital investments per capita anywhere. From Boardroom…
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…
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…
Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Paul Flackett joined in celebration of the IMEX and business events industry icon at a memorial event generously hosted by London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Comic, emotional, and musical farewells from all corners of the world were delivered in fond remembrance of “the boy from Birmingham”. These included…
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…
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Dubai’s meetings dominance continued in 2017. The emirate won a record 212 bids and proposals, a 61 percent increase on 2016. Key wins included the Baby Care Annual Incentive, with an expected 1,500 attendance, and the Amway Russia Annual Incentive which will bring in 2,700. Both events will take place in 2018. From CIM News Magazine…
Increasing regulation, rising business optimism, and a growing appetite for wellness: these are some of the things shaping incentive travel, reward and recognition programmes in 2018. So says the Incentive Research Foundation, which has published its annual study highlighting the top incentive trends that will affect organizations in the year ahead. From Meetings & Conventions…
Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo 2018 in Melbourne is set to inspire event professionals with a range of never before seen interactive features. A system blending human connection and technology via touchscreen video platform will welcome delegates on arrival. The automated Selfiebot will interact with them and roam around taking photographs. From CIM News Magazine…
The Harris County Commissioners Court in Texas has unanimously approved a $105 million plan to redevelop the iconic Houston Astrodome into an event space. This allows the project to move forward to the design phase. Plans include two levels of underground parking, with nearly eight acres of column-free exhibition space on top. From Meetings & Conventions…
ExCeL London has seen a strong start to 2018 with a host of new events relocating to the venue. On the conference side, ExCeL will welcome the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and the International Association for Dental Research this year, as well as the return of Diabetes UK. In 2019 Sibos is coming. From Meepie.com…
The 12th edition of IBTM Arabia, which has taken place in Abu Dhabi, has been hailed a success with 2,700 business meetings held between the elite group of event planners and exhibitors. Delegates also attended networking events and education sessions. Several changes were made this year, including enhancements to the hosted buyer programme. From Meetpie.com…
Despite not quite breaking a human guitar world record, the flagship event of the Professional Convention Management Association, Convening Leaders, attracted a record 4,457 delegates last month, up seven percent on 2017. The Nashville meeting also attracted 1,604 attendees who followed proceedings online and 109 in the Asia Pacific who watched on catch-up. From Association Meetings International…
A deadly terror attack and chaotic independence push failed to dent Barcelona’s reputation as a meetings destination in 2017. The Barcelona International Convention Centre hosted 122 events, a nine percent rise and new record. Over 473,200 delegates visited, and its revenue topped €33.3 million, with big medical and scientific meetings dominating. From Association Meetings International…
More than 1.2 million visitors attended meetings and events at the Messukeskus Helsinki in 2017. The eight international congresses hosted by the Messukeskus brought more than 28,000 visitors and more than €40 million to the Helsinki metropolitan area. In addition to international congresses, nearly 2,000 meetings were held at the Messukeskus. From Association Meetings International…
Venues are being urged to get involved with the 2018 UK Conference and Meeting Survey. Now in its 25th year, UKCAMS focuses on the value and volume of the market and the performance of venues. It also highlights market trends. New this year is a section about the targeting and securing of international events. From Meetpie.com…
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has reported a record year in 2017 with delegate numbers up 3,000 year-on-year to 94,000, attending around 200 events at the venue. Operating profits almost doubled year-on-year, while economic impact for the city was up to £55 million in 2017 from £51.6 million the previous year. From Association Meetings International…
MPs have not considered the loss of income to London of the QEII Centre being out of action for six years. That’s according to the chair of the Events Industry Board Nick de Bois. MPs have just voted for a refurbishment that could see the House of Lords occupy the venue from 2025. From Meepie.com…
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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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The IRF 2018 Trends Study highlights ten key trends that will affect organizations, their products and services, and the workforce in 2018. From market optimism to concerns about risk and safety, the study identifies key areas of change and their implications for workforce engagement, incentive travel and recognition. IRF 2018 Trends Study (IRF website version)
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in January 2018. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 17 specific countries and geographic zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 20th Edition (January 2018)
The United Kingdom is a preferred host for international meetings, conferences and events because of its economic, academic and industry sector strengths. That applies equally to the major gateway cities and the many regional cities spread across every corner of the UK, each with extensive clusters of expertise in advanced and creative industries. This sector…
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…
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What makes a good conference? Pádraic Gilligan picks again over the recent SITE + MPI Global Forum in Rome. But he reaches the Eternal City via a Harvard Business Review article about US women’s networking events, and research revealing that those attending were twice as likely to be promoted within a year than the no-shows. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The imminent sledgehammer of the EU’s General Data Protection Requirement (GDPR) has been in the air for some time now. But does the extent to which companies have been ignoring their soon-to-be regulatory responsibilities mean that we should in fact be calling it GDDPR: the General Denial of Data Protection Requirement? From Meetings & Conventions…
Sometimes meeting and destination are truly a perfect fit. In 2023 the World Council for Psychotherapy’s World Congress returns to its inaugural venue, the Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna. With the city being the birthplace of Freud himself, the Vienna Convention Bureau suggested the “crazy idea” of a “Freudian walk”. Photo: Gugerell. From PCMA Convene…
By involving local communities in your meetings you can create a concrete legacy for the host destination. Strategic results can be achieved for everyone. A good example of legacy creation is the SIAARTI Academy 2017, an innovative training event for members of the Italian Society for Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care. From Boardroom…
Exhibitions at conferences, or confexes, provide a wealth of opportunities to improve the delegate experience. South African confexes are on a par with the rest of the world. They share similar trends in the increasing use of technology, in improving conference content, and in a greater focus on networking opportunities. From the Event…
Looking at the country through the eyes of an incentive travel planner reveals there are myriad ways to unpack and repackage the “South African experience”. Requests still come in for the traditional offerings like safaris and beach trips. But planners are all about looking at locations with a fresh eye. From the Event…
Meetings Africa 2018 is about to open its doors, as the travel and tourism trade, plus local and international buyers and media, head for the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. This year’s theme is “shared economies”, meaning the importance of collaboration in destination marketing and boosting development in Africa through business meetings. From the Event…
As reported in News, Dubai’s meetings dominance continued in 2017. The emirate won 212 bids and proposals. Expo 2020 is also nearing. Dubai has always hosted spectacular familiarisation trips, and an Iceberg partner has just enjoyed one, during which the brand new Dubai Frame (pictured) was on the itinerary. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The Iceberg has previously reported how the World Parkinson Congress’ involvement of patients won it one of ICCA and BestCities Global Alliances “Incredible Impacts” awards. Here Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard, Executive Director of the World Parkinson Coalition, describes in further detail her organisation’s approach to creating a patient legacy in its host cities. From Boardroom…
The Professional Convention Management Association’s new President and CEO is Sherrif Karamat, previously the PCMA COO. In the first of a monthly column he’ll be writing as part of his new post, Sherrif contrasts the legacies of conferences and conventions with the current disruption faced by almost every sector. From PCMA Convene…
After the Presidents Club Dinner, it was the charity sector that took the heat, while meetings and events whistled a tune and looked the other way. Coming research will show that the MI also has a problem. But perhaps the response needs to be proportionate and in context. From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
The word “legacy” is much used, especially in the context of what associations leave behind after their events in any destination. Beyond the idea of a “gift” or “bequest”, an act of love, charity and care, a recent article defines legacy in terms of community engagement, meeting content, and the transfer of skills. From Boardroom…
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Does going green have to include red ink? It turns out that planning an earth-friendly event can be good for your organization’s bottom line, while doing the right thing for the planet. Learn which best green practices will make you a cost-conscious star.
Join fellow senior executives in advancing your career to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The CDME program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. Sign up for the following face-to-face courses in Banff, AB, Canada now.
The Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) program provides healthcare meeting compliance stakeholders with the knowledge and experience they need to successfully navigate the increasingly complex pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device regulatory environment. A broad range of healthcare topics including cross-border healthcare compliance, industry trends, global regulations, and compliance, codes, laws and mandates will be covered. Participants of…
In the meeting and event planning world, ineffective communications can obstruct information, hinder collaboration and negatively impact the overall success of an event. In this highly interactive, high-energy presentation, Jan Spence will use her vast knowledge helping companies and individuals take their teamwork, listening, and communication skills to the next level by sharing tips on…
An IAPCO EDGE embraces all sectors of the Meetings Industry. The target audience is PCOs/Meeting Planners; National/International Organisations/Associations; Convention Bureaux/Tourism Bodies; Congress Centres/Conference Hotels; Exhibition Managers; Pharma and Medical Device Companies; DMCs; AMCs; Travel Agencies.
Held in conjunction with the Conference of the Association of Latin American Convention Centres, this full day event brings together a range of sessions and participants to ensure the broadest possible perspective on industry conditions and facilitate strategic development in this rapidly developing region within a global context.
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.
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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America’s longest-running series of educational and networking events for meeting planners. Experience innovation that works at Meetings Quest: Appointment-based trade show; Well-established event with an innovative approach; Great mix of destinations, venues and suppliers; Compact format: 1-1/2 day agenda; Experiential activities that allow business networking in a fun and informative environment
The France Benelux Chapter has members across the 5 countries: France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourgh and Monaco including convention bureaux, PCOs, convention centers, media groups and other suppliers in the meeting industry. Most of the professionals you will find in the France-Benelux chapter have been ICCA members for many years, and have extensive experience in hosting…
The ICCA Iberian Chapter was created in the early 90s after years participating amongst other colleagues in the Mediterranean Chapter. All Spanish and Portuguese ICCA Members at that time thought about joining forces together in order to create an Iberian Chapter that could attract to both countries new business opportunities. Attracting new congresses and events to Spain…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the state of California in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California, from April 15-18, 2018.
ICCA venues each invite a client to the Workshop to discuss their specific meeting requirements. No other event offers the same opportunity for client and supplier to meet face-to-face and discuss future co-operation in a tailor-made Workshop environment. Participating clients get the opportunity to meet people from other venues. They make initial contact with the sales team…
ibtm africa is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Africa. If you do business in Africa, join us in Cape Town on the 19th – 20th April 2018 at the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) where elite meeting planners and buyers will join exhibitors for an exclusive opportunity access quality education and networking events….
In its second year, the PCMA Education Foundation Visionary Awards delivered on its promise to inspire all who attended the sold out event. More than 1,000 leaders in the business events were in attendance at the premier industry recognition event. From the red carpet to the awards program and the swinging after-party, the evening will be…
Our industry’s landscape is shifting – traditional trade shows have become exhibitions, and in recent years have added conference and digital elements to serve their customers’ expanding and changing needs. In parallel, and driven by a need from digital communities to meet in person face to face, hybrid formats have evolved – part festival, past conference,…
AIPC Members, who are exhibiting at IMEX Frankfurt are invited, to attend the IMEX Association Evening on May 14. This event is organised by IMEX in collaboration with AIPC. To register contact secretariat@aipc.org prior to April 10.
Discover 3,500 worldwide exhibitors, the latest trends and hundreds of meeting professionals under one roof. With the largest global array of exhibitors from every sector in the meetings industry, come to IMEX prepared to do a year’s worth of business in just three days. Choose from 150 seminars, including seminars, workshops, campfires and bite-sized show-floor education. Over 200…
The INCON Digital Infrastructure Award rewards venues that invest in their infrastructure to ensure a flawless digital experience for meeting and conference guests. This year, INCON has opened the award to two categories – Convention Centres and Hotel Convention Venues. Winners will be announced at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2018.
The Policy Forum takes the success of its previous incarnation, the Politicians Forum, to the next level, bringing policy makers together with influential industry leaders to engage national and local governments in the advancement of our industry. Part of our strategy to create a positive legacy. Our advocacy partners are AIPC, ECM, ICCA, JMIC, The…
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