Unique venues #467: a JSA conference room in the Korean DMZ.
This spartan and uninspiring conference room sits in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is the “truce village” where South Korea comes face-to-face with the North.
As “rocket man” Kim Jong-un fires off yet another missile, as President Trump adds North Korea to Travel Ban III, and as the verbal barbs between them escalate to the point of worrying even those of us not yet born during the Cuban Missile Crisis, surely this unique venue is awaiting a much-needed booking? Some kind of peace accord at which heads can be knocked together to de-escalate hostilities?
If some brave government PCO could only go ahead and organise such a meeting, what an extraordinary legacy that might leave for the region and wider world. It might also pay for some table mats and nicer curtains. Just saying.
In this issue of Business Events World, two Iceberg partners – European Cities Marketing and Destinations International – discuss the changing role of the destination management organisation (DMO) at the recent ECM Summer School in Dresden. Also in Features you’ll find a look back at July’s International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in Berlin.
In Research, UFI’s Euro Fair Statistics 2016 reveal increases last year in both event numbers and space rented. In Opinions we’re discussing conference exercise breaks, meetings insurance and security, familiarisation trips, and the world outside the session door. After this terrible season of hurricanes and earthquakes, Meetings & Conventions asks Mother Nature to “please stop”. And Greg Oates’s full webinar on conferences as economic catalysts is also available.
Missiles permitting, until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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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…
As The Iceberg reaches its half birthday – having launched in January 2017 – perhaps it is time to restate the principle behind the unusual metaphor we appropriated. If you prefer, perhaps it is time to gaze again at the blue sky above The Iceberg. This platform is presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council and emerged not only as a vehicle for industry advocacy in general…
The gleaming new ICC Sydney has just hosted the 2017 Annual Conference of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). As well as being a prime example of what a modern centre should itself be, the entire Darling Harbour redevelopment precinct was also the perfect setting for a theme of “Transformation”. From CIM News Magazine…
The Outdoor Retailer trade show is switching to a three event annual format and coming to Denver and the Colorado Convention Center. The story of its move away from Utah is a tale of politics, proposed legacies in conservation and health, and the tireless campaigning of Colorado’s outdoor recreation chief – and Everest mountaineer – Luis Benitez. From Outside…
At Meetings Africa 2017, South Africa announced a bidding fund to target and win international association conferences and meetings. But subvention can be a mistake if not clearly linked to encouraging growth in key knowledge sectors. A special Event video report – produced in partnership with The Iceberg – explores the role the meetings industry will play in African economic development.
Innovative technology start-ups are now increasingly visible alongside the more established energy sector across Calgary’s business landscape. The destination is home to the largest number of fledgling tech businesses per capita in Canada, and the recently refurbished Calgary TELUS Convention Centre likes to see itself as a facilitator of this entrepreneurial trend. From PCMA Convene…
Already with the world’s fastest Internet connection speed, the city-state of Singapore is making a play to become Asia’s leading start-up incubator and the next silicon valley. The Singapore Tourism Board makes the case that coming investment in R & D, the many ICT events already held there, and an easy business environment all help foster tech success. From PCMA Convene…
From its annual home in Berlin, re:publica is a sizeable conference celebrating and debating digital disruption in a face-to-face format. The bohemian approach of the 2016 running cemented a ten year track record of legacy influence on regulation and legislation. There are also now sister events in Dublin and Thessaloniki. Photo: Jan Zappner. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
IMEX 2017 in Frankfurt saw the launch of one initiative rather complementary in its aims to what the Joint Meetings Industry Council and The Iceberg are also trying to achieve. ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association – and BestCities Global Alliance announced that associations whose meetings have a great legacy story to tell will be able to apply for…
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As his last travel ban expired, President Trump issued a new unlimited order to bar citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and – as hostilities with Kim Jong-un escalate – North Korea. The US is also banning from October 18th some Venezuelan officials and their families. Photo: John Pavelka. From Meetings and Conventions…
With its Convention Bureau struggling to cope after Hurricane Maria, the reality of the storm’s impact on Puerto Rico is grim. After the strongest hurricane in more than eighty years, the US territory is without power and may be so for many months. Photo: Sergeant José Diaz-Ramos, Puerto Rico National Guard. From Meetings and Conventions…
The debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament building is one of the most extraordinary meeting spaces ever constructed. And now the Scottish Government has further recognised the importance of meetings to the country’s economic development by saluting the academic and business ambassadors helping the capital Edinburgh to attract business and professional events. Photo: Colin. From Meetpie.com…
In the US, Democratic lawmakers are introducing a bill to ban federal officials from enjoying taxpayer-funded business travel at properties owned by senior government officials. This would include resorts like President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, where the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, was entertained in April. From Meetings & Conventions…
Less than twelve months after launching, the ICC Sydney has already secured one thousand events and attracted one million visitors. The venue is outperforming both the former Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Sydney Entertainment Centre combined, doing better its first six months than the previous venues in their last. From CIM News Magazine…
ICC Wales – currently under construction at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport – has announced that the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2020 is one of its first confirmed bookings. The two-day event will attract around 500 dementia researchers from across the UK and beyond. The £83.7 million ICC Wales will open in July 2019. From Meetpie.com…
The Bella Center Copenhagen will play host to over 10,000 built environment delegates in 2023 as it stages the World Congress of Architects. The Danish capital was named host city for the event after presenting an ambitious bid that focused on ‘sustainable futures’ at this year’s congress in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: DanNav. From Association Meetings International…
The US Supreme Court has let President Trump’s restrictions on refugees entering the country stand, overruling a lower court. But grandparents and cousins of those already in the US can’t now be excluded. In October SCOTUS will examine the ban on entrants from six mainly Muslim countries, which expires in September. From Meetings and Conventions…
Key resorts and other infrastructure in Orlando have reopened relatively unscathed after Hurricane Irma’s pass. But other areas of Florida and the Caribbean have been more seriously affected with flooding and power outages. These destinations face much longer term issues repairing damaged properties. Luckily September is typically low season for the region. From Meetings and Conventions…
More than 28,000 delegates attended business events last year in Auckland, New Zealand. They contributed NZ$46 million to the region’s economy and also helped attract inward investment. Auckland’s Convention Bureau is part of the city’s economic growth agency – ATEED – and won 58 business events in the last financial year. From Association Meetings International…
Nine in ten Australian millennials have attended a live event in the last twelve months, according to new research from technology platform Eventbrite. Ninety percent of Australians also believe it’s essential for people to meet face-to-face to effect positive change. Eighty percent thought live events offered a wider perspective than online content. From CIM News Magazine…
London’s events industry is facing – and could well be affected by – the “uncertain climate” created by Brexit. The warning comes from Tracy Halliwell, head of business at the city’s promotion agency London & Partners. The organisation launched a “London is Open” campaign last year shortly after the surprise referendum result. From Meetpie.com…
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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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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…
The Global Association Hubs Partnership (GAHP) was created by Brussels, Dubai, Singapore, and Washington DC to engage with the international association community as a trusted partner for international growth. A key component of the GAHP strategy is to feed this dialogue with original research-based content and to provide education and networking opportunities for association decision…
The meetings and conventions industry is evolving into a global innovation distribution channel. Over the last decade, convention bureaus have been collaborating more strategically with their local and state governments, economic development agencies, academic and scienti c institutions, and local business improvement districts to better leverage the value of conventions in their cities, especially those aligned…
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Earlier this year the Iceberg published “Defining Conventions as Urban Innovation and Economic Accelerators”, a Skift research report produced in collaboration with Meetings Mean Business. The study examines how conferences contribute to innovation, industry and the economy. Now author Greg Oates has been discussing these concepts further in a webinar. From Skift / Meetings Mean Business…
Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria have made 2017’s hurricane season one of the grimmest ever. Mexico City is reeling from an earthquake. With meetings cancelled and convention centres becoming mega-shelters, Iceberg partner Northstar has a request for Mother Nature on behalf of these destinations. Please just stop. Photo: Daniel Di Palma. From Meetings & Conventions…
Security and safety considerations are becoming increasingly important for delegates as well as planners to address in attending meetings. But best practice and typical execution here are also rarely the same thing. This attendee’s guide is a checklist of proactive thinking across a meeting’s entire timeline: before arrival, during the event and after. From tmf dialogue marketing…
Security and safety considerations are becoming increasingly important for professional conference and event organisers to address in their meetings. But best practice and typical execution are rarely one and the same thing. This planner’s guide is a checklist of proactive thinking across a meeting’s entire timeline: before the event, during and after. From tmf dialogue marketing…
Too often business travel to events and meetings pays no heed to the wider attractions a destination has to offer. Too often organisers don’t either. From the recent 2017 PCMA Global Professionals Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, here are some thoughts about creating experiences that are engaging, fulfilling and memorable for those attending them. From PCMA…
After the contentious issue of blacklisting freeloaders – and the idea of requiring a charitable donation to attend – it seems there’s a re-evaluation underway of what the familiarisation trip should be. According to a comment from the Site GB Incentives Summit, perhaps it’s time to ban the phrase and coin a new name. From Meetpie.com…
In the wake of the devastation left across the Caribbean and Florida by Hurricane Irma – just after Hurricane Harvey’s in Texas – the industry has been discussing the delicate subject of meetings insurance. Hiscox, which has been insuring against such risks for 30 years, says three quarters of organisers fail to purchase adequate cancellation cover. From Meetpie.com…
It’s a familiar problem. After a great start to the opening session, the room’s energy dips over a couple of hours. The morning break is supposed to revive and refresh, but somehow that initial dynamism never quite seems to return. Perhaps instead of tea or coffee, the secret sauce is an exercise break. From the Event…
After the Barcelona terror attack, the European Society of Cardiology Congress proceeded as planned with great success. Over 31.700 attended from 153 countries. 4,515 abstracts were submitted. Let cynics and terrorists take note of a heart-warming truth: it’s business and professional events that drive world change and improvement. From the editor’s blog at Association Meetings International….
Rather than controversial name and shame blacklists, here’s a rather more creative solution to the problem of discouraging the attendance of FAM trip freeloaders. Charge an appropriate token entry fee… and then donate the proceeds to industry charity Meeting Needs. Some clever thinking at Cliveden House in Berkshire, United Kingdom, from the editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Following an interview with Positive Impact’s Fiona Pelham, Meetpie.com’s editor has been contemplating the volume of waste visible during the average daily commute. But events are now discarding bad practice, and great strides in sustainability are being made and recognised across the sector. Contribute with the hastag #Shareapositiveimpact. From the editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Fiona Pelham – founder of Iceberg partner Positive Impact – says younger industry professionals are spearheading sustainability and making it part of normal practice. Positive Impact is currently promoting events sustainability in tandem with the United Nations Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The sector can get involved by sharing best practice with the hashtag #Shareapositiveimpact. From Meetpie.com…
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In the US alone, more than 12 million people suffer from food allergies. How are you navigating the special dietary needs of your guests? In this webinar, discover tried and true ideas for meal plans from top chefs in the country.
The business of meetings and events has changed, and the contracts associated with them are far more complex than ever before. With a disruptive market and new dynamics, it’s time to take a fresh look at contact clauses, the art and science of negotiation, and, most of all, the relationships between planners and suppliers. Take…
European Cities Marketing, through its TIC Knowledge Group, organises every year an Expert Meeting for Tourist Information Centres managers and staff exclusively, whether they are ECM members or not. Meet and network with colleagues working in Tourist Information Centres all across Europe, share knowledge and best practice with other destinations to stay ahead of the latest market’s…
For those new to CVB sales, this is the perfect course to get you what you need to know to start selling: Hotel Sales vs. Destination/CVB Sales; Understanding Your Product; Sales 101: Prospecting; RFPs and Responding to RFPs; Get to Know Third Party Planners and the Independent Planner; Planning FAMs/Destination Previews; Site Inspections; Working the Tradeshow Floor
Sales Academy 2 has been totally revamped, envisioned and revitalized. Whether you’re a sales professional with a few years of CVB sales under your belt or a seasoned professional, you’ll want to attend this course! We have new facilitators, leading CVB Sales Experts who are currently leading some top destinations in their sales efforts and…
Are you yearning to be treated with more respect at work? All we have to do is what Christy calls, the ‘Strategic Planning Principles’. Learn about her plan which calls for an industry-wide evolution transforming event planners into strategic planners. Learn what that means, when it can happen, why it matters, and how you can…
Sticking to the same old routine may be comforting, but it gets most meeting professionals nowhere. In fact, it stalls progress, creativity and meetings quickly become “busy work” without business results. Inspirational speaker and recognized expert in leadership and personal development, Todd Mitchem, dares you to step outside your comfort zone and disrupt everything to…
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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Experience the beauty of Iceland at the 2nd annual event for incentive buyers in the U.S. and across the EMEA Region, featuring pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments, unique experiential networking events, and a fully hosted, three-night stay in Reykjavik, November 1-3, 2017.
(UFI Members Only.) UFI is the leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry.
THE ICCA CONGRESS: A MUST FOR MEETING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS! We’re committed to line up the largest and strongest ever group of expert speakers from outside the meetings industry, who will be drawn from all regions of the world. There will be a range of new networking experiments introduced to enable delegates to do better business with…
“Addressing hot topics with top notch speakers…” Conclave is the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs. The Conclave is a unique event for CMPs who wish to contribute to their profession, while advancing their own knowledge and skills, and expanding their professional network.
The AIPC Facility Operations Summit is an opportunity for centre staff responsible for key operations functions to share issues and solutions on a global basis while also looking at how essential interactions amongst centre managers can be enhanced in ways that will increase overall centre efficiency and competitiveness.
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Lone Star state in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, TX, from November 27-29, 2017.
Incentive travel professionals including SITE members, ibtm world delegates and guests and key industry decision makers connect for an afternoon of education and networking before ibtm world begins.
The leading global event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, ibtm world delivers three inspirational days of business, networking and education to a community of international suppliers and buyers, helping drive their business into the future. Join over 15,500 industry professionals and enter a world of business opportunities.
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,…
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