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The 2016 RNC and the Real ROI of F2F

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…

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Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Meetings & Events

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…

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A Celebration of Meetings Industry Marketing Trophies

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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Westminster Bubbles: A Voice at the Table

The Iceberg previously reported the Business of Events Senior Leadership Forum that recently brought the UK government and its meetings industry together (Opinions: “Westminster Bubbles: A Meeting of Minds”). Now Events Industry Board Chair Nick de Bois, himself a former MP, weighs in with his own view of the session. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…

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Business Event Security: Lord Evans’ Sydney Keynote

The head of security for the London 2012 Olympics, former MI5 Director General Lord Evans, has given the keynote at a Sydney Speaker Series lunch in London. The event was organised by both Business Events Sydney and ICC Sydney, and hosted by the High Commission of Australia. The Iceberg was also invited. If there was any doubt…

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Westminster Bubbles: A Meeting of Minds

At a reception near Parliament ahead of the Business of Events Leadership Forum, UK tourism minister John Glen promised to help the meetings industry work directly with government to win business. And Michael Hirst, chair of the Business Visits and Events Partnership, thinks the sector’s standing with government has never been greater. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…

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Not All Visitors are the Same

As destinations face pressure and even community backlash over visitor numbers, Rod Cameron, Executive Director of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and the Joint Meetings and Industry Council, examines the effect visitors have on destinations, and how targeting business events can reap real dividends for destination communities. From CIM News Magazine…

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Africa: Business Events Insights and Predictions

The Event, a partner of The Iceberg, has just produced a five part series of video interviews called “Business Events Insights and Predictions”. These examine Africa’s current meetings industry and its future opportunities from a number of differing industry perspectives. The series includes Gary Grimmer, CEO of The Iceberg partner GainingEdge, on business events as…

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Risk: Approaches to Best Practice

As business event planners react to the changing outside factors that can disrupt their meetings, so also industry associations, including some partners of The Iceberg, are themselves considering how to educate and define best practice in risk management for their memberships. The call is being made for a collaborative approach. From Skift…

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Five Takeaways From IMEX America 2017

An experienced attendee puts IMEX America under the spotlight: from the grim realities of the Las Vegas shooting, to SITE Nite at the Brooklyn Bowl, to the changing hues of event design, furniture either with USB ports or made of LEGO, a musical Inspiration Hub, and a statement Irish pavilion. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…

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Big Impact, Low Budget

Wowing your audience without spending too much is hard. Here’s a guide to doing just that, by using the latest technology, giving away goodies, keeping your agenda energetic but focused, choosing a great venue… and also a destination people want to visit. From Simon Lockwood, creative director at The Brewery in London, and Successful Meetings…

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Conferences as Economic Catalysts

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…

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Event Security: The Attendee’s Guide

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…

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Event Security: The Planner’s Guide

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…

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Don’t Ignore the World Outside the Meeting

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…

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Fam Trip: Forbidden Words

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…

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