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The first-ever Dubai Association Conference, held last month at the Dubai World Trade Centre, reinforced the role associations are playing in the emirate’s economic development and transition to a knowledge economy. The event brought together association executives, government representatives and university faculties, as well as professionals from around the world interested in forming associations. From Boardroom…
Made up of twelve convention bureaux partnering to help associations achieve success through their events, the BestCities Global Alliance has just run its second BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo. The conference’s four day programme included much talk of the beyond tourism benefits of meetings, including the “Incredible Impacts” grants BestCities has just co-presented. From Boardroom…
Artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, wearables, telemedicine: the convergence of healthcare and technology is reaching an inflection point at a time when other pressures are putting the squeeze on medical meetings. How can they stay relevant if the entire structure of healthcare is about to fundamentally change? From PCMA Convene…
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…
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…
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