MICEtalk

Rs. 100

Volume III Issue 12 December 2012 64 pages A DDP Publication

Selecting a Convention Venue

Opportunities at Fairmont South Africa

Mix Business with Pleasure

DDP Publications Private Limited New Delhi: 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi 110001, India Tel: +91-11-23731971, 23710793, 23716318, Fax: +91-11-23351503 E-mail: micetalk@ddppl.com Mumbai: 504 Marine Chambers, 43 New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 020 Tel: +91-22-22070129, 22070130 Fax: +91-22-22070131 E-mail: mumbai@ddppl.com UAE: P.O. Box: 9348, Sharjah, UAE Tel: +971-6-5573508, Fax: +971-6-5573509 E-mail: uae@ddppl.com All information in MICEtalk is derived from sources, which we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The contents of this publication contain views of authors and are not the views of DDP Publications.

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Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Centre Vienna, Austria

Publisher

SanJeet

Editorial Director

Rupali Narasimhan

Editor

Deepa Sethi

DELHI: Associate Editor

Ipshita Sengupta Nag

Desk Editor

Neelam Singh

Sub Editor

Ramya J.S. D’Rozario

Design

Alpana Khare Neeraj Aggarwal

Advertising

Gunjan Sabikhi Shovan Kanungo Gaurav Sharma Prem Sagar Shailendra Shukla Udit Pandey

Production Manager

Anil Kharbanda

Circulation Manager

Ashok Rana

MUMBAI: Advertising

Harshal Ashar

MICEtalk December 2012

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reader’s

page

Dear Reader, You will notice a minor change in MICEtalk from this issue‌ actually it already started in a small way in the November issue.

We have had requests from our readers to include discussions and ideas of tour operators and destination management companies dealing in MICE and business travel, so that they can learn from their experience.

In this issue we have first talked to Heads of various convention centres to find out the impact on them due to the economic state of affairs in the world today. Second, we talked to travel experts on how important the marketing of a destination is for it to be selected for MICE and third, we asked industry professionals why overseas destinations are more popular than domestic ones in India, despite the economic crunch. Read the very interesting feedback we received and more in this issue of MICEtalk.

At the same time, continue to enjoy the regular articles on international and domestic destinations like Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, France and Canada; on hotels catering to MICE, a success story and a glossary of technology terms used for online events to help you stay up-to-date.

We look forward to hearing about your opinion on the new sections and receiving your comments and experiences to share with our readers.

Deepa Sethi Editor

to the editor...

Micetalk has now become an addiction and I really look forward to the start of a month for every new issue. such expectancy has been built up by your fabulous coverage put together so professionally by your team.

Congratulations and please continue to keep us updated and informed. I know I look forward to the content because every issue of micetalk is an education. You have gone beyond the needs of corporate event planners and travellers.

Each issue is such a pleasure to behold because of the stories, new and interesting places, fantastic pictures and always something(s) for me to learn.

Brig. Trigunesh Mukherjee Co-founder Exper Executive Education Pvt. Ltd.

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MICEtalk December 2012

contents 15 14 Cover Story

Choosing a Convention Venue

8 FACTS 20 MICE COUNTRY Sri Lanka

26 Expert Talk

MICE Specialists on Destination Branding

24

28 Success Story Kesari MICE

31 Quote Unquote

MICE Agents on the Preference for Overseas MICE

32 MICE CITY

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Saint Tropez, France

36 MICE VENUE

Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara Falls, Canada

40 MICE Hotel

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort Durban, South Africa

46 BOOKED FOR MICE Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra

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48 Domestic MICE Odisha

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56 Let’s Talk

Convention Centres on the Economic Scenario

58 Technology

Glossary of Online/Hybrid Events

59 Movements 60 Checklist 62 Events

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facts

PCB guarantees free Wi-Fi

QNCC An environmentfriendly venue

facts

Prague Convention Bureau (PCB) guarantees free Wi-Fi internet access to event organisers in most Prague hotel/venue members of the Bureau. The move is aimed at boosting congress tourism. The clients can find the names of Prague suppliers offering free Wi-Fi highlighted by a special logo on the PCB website under each member´s profile.

In a recent survey conducted by PCB, 50 per cent of respondents mentioned free Wi-Fi for delegates as ‘very important’. Now, 90 per cent of PCB member hotels offer free Wi-Fi internet for conference attendees and some provide free Wi-Fi in the entire hotel including guest rooms, reception, lobby bar and restaurants.

Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) hosted one of the largest conferences of the world – the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change 2012 (COP18/CMP8). The conference was held from November 26 to December 7 with an estimated 17,000 participants attending the Doha round of talks.

One of the most environmentally-friendly large scale event venues of its kind in the world, QNCC is harnessing the power of solar energy to help power the crucial COP18/CMP8 climate talks.

The centre’s design includes 3,500 sqm of solar panelling which will provide up to 12.5 per cent of the centre’s energy needs across the complex each day during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP18/CMP8). The roof ’s impressive solar energy system produces 1,225 MWh of electricity and offsets 1,140 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This equates to an impressive 40.8 MWh of electricity produced during the 12 days of the event.

QNCC is built to achieve Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). As a result, the building is designed to be 32 per cent more efficient than buildings of similar size, scope and usage.

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MICEtalk December 2012

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre goes mobile

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre launched its mobile application (mobile app) and went ‘live’ in November 2012. This further expands the Centre’s technology spectrum to allow users to access its website from smartphone users, anytime, anywhere.

To tap into the growing interest in the social media arena, a QR (quick response) code has been developed to provide instant access to the website within seconds from the mobile phone. The code will be featured extensively across the Centre’s collateral as an additional marketing platform.

In addition to the content-rich information on the current website, the mobile app also features an interactive locator that provides directions and displays a map to the Centre from the user’s location. Users can also access the daily weather in Kuala Lumpur.

facts

The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, India has introduced a new facility for collection of visa applications and delivery service with the appointment of VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions and governments worldwide. VFS Global will operate the new Chinese Visa Application Service Centre at Salt Lake in Kolkata.

The key features of this centre will be longer operating hours, dedicated website for easy access, visa information including visa types, applicable fees and professional and responsive staff dedicated to handle visa queries, dedicated call centre unit and email support.

Greece opens visa application centres in 8 Indian cities

SeaDream Yacht Club plans golfing in the Caribbean

facts

Chinese visa application service centre in Kolkata

The Embassy of Greece in New Delhi is offering the facility for collection of visa applications and delivery process to eight new Indian cities, with the appointment of VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments worldwide. The new visa application services will be provided in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Puducherry. Applicants seeking the Schengen visa for Greece can avail of similar services offered at VFS Global-operated Joint Visa Application Centres at the abovementioned eight cities.

The key features of the centre will be longer operating hours, a website for easy access, visa information including visa types, applicable fees, a professional and responsive staff to handle visa queries, a call centre unit and an e-mail facility.

Twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I & SeaDream II are now crossing the Atlantic on their way to the Caribbean, where they’ll stay through the end of April 2013. The Caribbean has been an ideal destination for these intimate vessels since SeaDream Yacht Club was founded in 2001.

Teaming up with a dozen great golf courses throughout the islands, SeaDream expects to draw guests who want both a warm water vacation and the opportunity to play great golf courses. The Caribbean has some beautiful and challenging golf courses designed by big names like George and Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, Greg Norman and Pete Dye.

Monaco targets MICE segment of India

The Monaco Tourism and Convention Authority, the department for the promotion of tourism to the Principality of Monaco, aims to tap luxury and MICE segments from India to Monaco.

In order to project Monaco as an affordable destination, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority has recently introduced ‘The Passport to Monaco’ programme in India for travel agents catering to FITs. It consists of a folder of special offer coupons that can be widely used. It offers free entry to the Principality’s main attractions and museums, such as the Exotic Garden, the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince of Monaco’s Collection of Antique Cars… as well as useful information for discovering the Principality and its best places, shops and restaurants.

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facts

Legal Advice for MICE at ITB Berlin

HHI Select – new destination for business travellers

Hotel Hindusthan International (HHI) forayed in Karnataka with the launch of its property in Bengaluru under the brand, The HHI Select.

The property, originally known as The Emilion, was taken over by the HHI group and has been re-modeled to be a business hotel with modern amenities and affordable pricing. This is the first hotel under the HHI Select brand. Located in the posh J P Nagar, HHI Select Bengaluru is a 59room property with a gym, rest-o-bar and two banquet halls. Stylish and boutique in design, the hotel offers a dedicated business centre for the business traveller. Guests can look forward to HHI’s unique offerings in Bengaluru with this expansion in brand presence.

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MICEtalk December 2012

Sarovar Hotels’ 3rd property in East Africa

facts

On March 6, 2013 at the ITB MICE Day, participants can take a look behind the scenes of organising events and gain an overview of the event industry’s many different rules, as well as their finer points. Increasingly, the principle underlying events and incentives is ‘law and order’. However, calls for compliance, event security and data protection are creating uncertainty among event organisers. For some, it is hard to know what content and formats will be allowed in the future.

At ITB Berlin 2013, leading experts will show how, despite the many rules, it is possible to hold successful events. In mid-December, details of the ITB MICE Day programme will be available at www.itb-kongress.de/businesstravel.

Sarovar Hotels opened The Heron Portico in Nairobi - Kenya. This is Company’s third hotel in East Africa after Ole-Sereni (also in Nairobi) and New Africa Hotel in Dar-Es-Salaam - Tanzania. With the opening of this 108-room hotel, Sarovar Hotels has strengthened its connection with this region.

The hotel is located close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and is near Nairobi’s business district and tourist spots such as Nairobi National Park, Nyayo Monument, National Museum of Kenya and Giraffe Center making it an ideal MICE destination as well.

The hotel features an international cuisine restaurant, bar, banquets for conferences and events, business centre, fitness centre, swimming pool, sauna and a souvenir shop. The hotel has a conference hall apt for small meeting to large conference up to 125 pax.

ILTM Japan launched by Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions has announced the launch of ILTM Japan to be held in Kyoto, Japan from March 11 – 13, 2013.

ILTM Japan is a niche event created to give international exhibitors the opportunity to meet high-end luxury travel agents, planners and tour operators in order to reach high-spending Japanese luxury travellers. Each of the buyers and suppliers invited to attend ILTM Japan must be accredited for participation: approximately 50 of each at this specialist event, as pre-scheduled appointments will be arranged on a strictly oneto-one ratio. Japan is noted for being one of Asia’s largest outbound travel markets, spending US$ 27 billion in 2011.

facts

Promoting Abu Dhabi in India

Kerala to host International Conference on Travel Technology

Air India revises Domestic Group Booking Policy

facts

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority will conduct road shows in five cities of India as part of its efforts to create awareness about the destination in 2013. The road show programme (next November) will be take place in five cities, including Ahmedabad, from which Etihad Airways started daily flights from November 2012 onwards.

In a bid to increase awareness about technology used in the travel industry, the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India (ATTOI) will organise its maiden conference ‘International Conference on Travel Technology’ (ICTT).

The conference is scheduled to be held at the Rajiv Gandhi Convention Centre, The Leela Kovalam in Kerala from June 7-9, 2013. It aims to prepare the travel and tourism partners in India and neighbouring countries in using resources available online to drive business, get inputs in adapting to the changing technology and acquiring skills to beat competition.

The Air India Domestic Group Policy has been announced and it will be effective from December 1, 2012. As per the new policy, tour operators, travel agents and individuals will have to send written requests to regional group/station manager’s office for group bookings. According to a circular by Air India, while a minimum group booking size has been pegged at 10 passengers, there is no maximum limit size for the group bookings. Furthermore, infant discount is not applicable on group fare.

Also, for the purpose of collecting Confirmation Deposit/Additional Deposit/ Balance Payment, fare will be defined as Gross Fare. The prevailing fares/taxes/charges will be applicable at the time of ticketing.

Etihad rolls out BusinessConnect globally

Etihad Airways has launched its BusinessConnect loyalty programme in Bangladesh, Belgium, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. BusinessConnect is the airline’s free-to-join mileage earning programme for companies with 2 - 50 business travellers, which do not have an airline corporate contract. It is built on the same platform as Etihad Guest, allowing registered BusinessConnect customers to earn Etihad Guest miles every time one of their employees takes a flight.

Benefits of BusinessConnect include the traveller earning Etihad Guest miles for themselves as normal, and in addition, his/her company earning a percentage of those miles as a bonus. Etihad Guest miles can be earned on all Etihad Airways tickets, and there are no blackout periods when redeeming miles against upgrades, free flights, or the thousands of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

Stop! Look! Go! When choosing a convention venue Neha Oberoi

Capacity

Capacity or size of the venue and the nature of the event matter a lot when it comes to finalising a venue for a meeting.

What is it that meeting planners are looking at whilst narrowing down on a venue? Is it the location, proximity to the city centre or transport? MICEtalk moved within the industry to understand what criterion is most important for tour operators while going over the options available.

The venue sets the tone of the event. With a horde of business destinations mushrooming across the globe, there are plenty of options to pick from that suit distinctive needs.

Amit Gupta, Associate Director – Meeting & Events, Leisure, Carlson Wagonlit “The size of the group and the purpose of the meeting are the main factors to keep in mind while picking a venue. If it’s a product launch then we’re looking at a theatre style seating with a stage for a dais and podium.

That greatly limits the options for choosing a venue. If it’s a sales review, then there’s no dearth of the meeting rooms or conference centres available. Yes, the size of the conference would be the first factor to look into while picking out the venue. Working with a client well before the event helps us understand what we’re working towards achieving and then helps pinpoint the right venue.”

Vikram Bajaj, Group Head, G2Rams, reiterates on the brief received from the client and what they want to showcase. “We believe in helping the client achieve their objective.” He recalled an incident when a client informed them about hosting a 1,200-people event in Udaipur which involved creating a venue on an airstrip since no single venue in Udaipur could accommodate the sheer size and scale of this event. “That’s how far a brief can take you,” he shared.

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MICEtalk December 2012

Venue Location

cover story

Nihaluddin, Vice-President, MICE & Outbound Travel, Trailblazers, shares his opinion, “The location of the venue should be able to offer something for everyone. There should be activities for all, attendees and spouses alike. Thus, proximity of the venue to recreational activities is definitely researched while narrowing down the options. Also, to make the stay simpler for our clients, we prefer more travel friendly destinations especially when using the transportation network, a well linked city, signages, maps and announcements in English, subway systems to avoid areas of traffic congestion, and taxis with English speaking drivers.”

Smriti Maggon, Director Sales & marketing, DeTours “The presence of such services, like guided tours, golf courses and a spa and options for a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, serve as an asset for the venue.”

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Leisure Activities

Cover story cover

A large number of convention venues cater to activities of leisure that can be participated in post the business meetings for the day. Exceptional dining facilities, eclectic nightlife, a vibrant culture and friendly people are all the right mix to enjoy a MICE event.

Smriti Maggon, Director, Sales & marketing, DeTours opines, “Creating the right experience for the attendees and representing the various options available to indulge their senses so they may come back with their families and friends, are some main points to be considered while picking a venue. Many venues, especially hotels, work hand in glove with destination marketing firms to enable them to create a stronger marketing image and promote extensively the activities specific to the destination. The presence of such services, like guided tours, golf courses and a spa and options for a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, serve as an asset for the venue. Such hotels/ resorts are perfect for corporates on an incentive trip, with the resort also offering upscale amenities.�

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MICEtalk December 2012

Ancillary services

cover story

Conferences don’t end just because the meeting is over! Business tourism needs a wide scope of ancillary services such as: audio-visual contractors, telecommunications companies, interpreters and translators, video-conferencing specialists and so on. And of course ‘Technology at its best’ with desk spaces allocated with Internet connectivity. Food also plays a pivotal role.

Business tourism needs a wide scope of ancillary services such as: audiovisual contractors, telecommunications companies, interpreters and translators, video-conferencing specialists and so on.

Nihaluddin highlights the role of cuisine. Indians are more finicky when it comes to their food than international travellers due to religious sentiments. Our clients are emphatic about the need for Indian cuisine. We have had cases where tandoors have been flown in, we’ve negotiated deals with properties for the option of outside catering and even chefs being transferred to the venue.

Properties that are geared up to cater to the specific requirements of Indian travellers are preferred.”

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MICEtalk December 2012

It has been seen that most of the time, business travellers prefer to keep their movement simple and economical and within the city. The choice of venue should be ascertained with due thought on the number of outstation and international delegates joining the meet, distance from the airport and the hotel they are staying in.

MICE country

visa Availing a Sri Lankan visa is very convenient and paperwork free. One needs to log on to www.eta.gov.lk and follow the simple instructions given on the website.

Visa charges are $10 and will be issued within 24 hours of applying.

Ayubowan Sri Lanka!

India’s neighbour in the South presents great MICE options Dency Mathew

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MICEtalk December 2012

MICE country

Sri Lanka is defined by its unprecedented coastline, evergreen landscape, urban yet rustic markets and the charming and humble locals. The cultural, economic and political capital city, Colombo is a haven for MICE activities.

MICEtalk finds out how the country fares on the MICE report.

connectivity Sri Lankan Airlines has several connections from India to Colombo International Airport. Air India and Jet airways are some of the other carriers that have direct connections to Sri Lanka.

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MICE country

S Vipula Wanigasekara General Manager Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

ri Lanka is one of the closest countries from India, and using this advantage to the fullest, the country is promoting itself to host MICE events from India. “Due to the proximity and the comparative price advantage, we find that business from the Indian market is growing. We are targeting upscale, high end tourists from India who are interested in MICE. There is a range of activities that one can indulge in while in Sri Lanka, and we are adding more destinations and products to explore around the country,” says Vipula Wanigasekara, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. With several 5-star and branded hotels providing accommodation, the city can offer a luxurious stay for its tourists.

Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre

Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall

Conventions/Event venues

Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), located in Colombo, is custom-built and is the only facility in the country that could accommodate a large number of people under one roof, in one area, at the same time. Strategically situated near the serene Beira Lake, SLECC is only a short walk from the leading hotels, and the commercial & financial district and facilitates easy access to the general visitor. With it’s totally column-

english vinglish Though the official language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, tourists will hardly face any language barrier in Colombo as English is widely understood by locals. There is also a huge population of Tamils living in the city.

Most of the road signs and hoardings in the city are also in English.

free layout of 4,000 sqm, it can accommodate 3,000 guests in classroom or cocktail style and 4,000 in theatre style. The key feature of SLECC is the ability to transform into any experience or requirement anticipated by an organiser.

For more information visit www.slecc.com The Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall (BMICH) is known for its high-quality specialised conference facilities and personalised customer service. This centre enjoys its status as South Asia’s top exhibition complex and is one of Asia’s most modern forum. A multifunctional complex comprising four buildings, the 37-acre BMICH is a complete venue for events. The Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre – the latest addition to the BMICH, is the perfect location for international trade shows, exhibitions, conventions and has a 4,500 sqm of floor area, which consists of two exhibition halls, lobby, dining room, lounge, kitchen and other amenities.

For more information visit http://www.bmich.lk/ Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts

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MICEtalk December 2012

MICE country

accommodation Sri Lanka boasts of several world class hotels and new brands are making their presence felt in the country. Among the popular ones that already exist in the country are Taj Hotels and Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Amaya Resorts and Spas and the Hilton.

The UNESCO world heritage site of Sigiriya in Matale district is a major tourist attraction

Places of Interest

As an incentive destination, Sri Lanka has several religious and historical monuments to visit, besides pristine beaches and hill stations. For beach lovers, Beruwala (near Colombo) is a lovely place to relax and those who enjoy revisiting the past, the UNESCO world heritage site of Sigiriya in Matale district is the perfect stop. The Buddist temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, situated about 6 miles from Colombo, is one of the most sacred places since it is a site Lord Buddha had visited. Kandy is also a popular destination to visit as it is a beautiful and serene hill station.

Shopping and Nightlife

The best part about shopping in Sri Lanka is that the Indian Rupee is stronger than the Lankan Rupee. Thus, any purchase in Sri Lanka costs half its value in Indian Rupees. If you are looking for cheap yet value–formoney shopping, then ‘House of Fashion’ is the place to visit in Colombo. For the more affluent traveller, Odel Unlimited is the mall to raid. And if you want to take home some authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs and handicrafts, then Laksala should not be given a miss.

The nightlife of Sri Lanka is restricted to big cities like Colombo, with numerous places to visit and the city is relatively safe too at night.

mementos from Sri Lanka Pick up some of the batik clothes available in Laksala along with the authentic Sri Lankan artefacts.

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MICEtalk December 2012

expert talk

Marketing a Does the branding of a destination affect the choice of corporates and event organisers? Let’s hear it from the experts...

Madan Kak

Sanyog Gupta

Minar Travels

“Branding of destinations plays a significant role in order to quickly finalise a MICE destination with delegates. Also it helps in creating a clear picture of the places among delegates before visiting.

So in my opinion, branding of destinations is a must, so that delegates should be aware of their USPs and specialty before going for their MICE function.”

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MICEtalk December 2012

SG Voyages

Manoj Mishra Zenith Holidays

“Branding of a destination creates an image in the mind of the customer. It enables the destination to differentiate itself from other MICE destinations.”

Branding plays a vital role in picking any destination.

Nowadays, buyers are constantly focussing on a brand to learn about what’s new to offer. For example, till a couple of years back, India was nowhere on the global map and now with the ‘Incredible India campaign’, it is shining.

expert talk

Destination Amit Jain

Concord Travels

Om Prakash

Director, Ex-Chairman TAAI (WR), Inorbit Tours Pvt. Ltd The branding image of the destination certainly helps considerably for the conference organisers in selecting the destination, namely for the following reasons: 1. It creates an unbiased publicity 2. Provides an extensive coverage and mostly pictorial 3. Provides authentic information supported by the Country’s Tourism Board

Branding/Image of the destination indeed helps in selecting the destination for a conference. In today’s world, every person is brand conscious and everybody likes to be associated with a brand. Some of the examples of brand image that comes to my mind immediately are ‘Malaysia – Truly Asia’, ‘Uniquely Singapore’, ‘Amazing Thailand’, ‘Incredible India’, etc. A destination which is promoted in an appropriate manner definitely attracts people’s attention. Every corporate, in order to promote sales, looks for newer destinations.

success story

Singapore Twinkles with Kesari MICE Ipshita Sengupta Nag

Kesari MICE, a division of Kesari Tours, recently brought together 350 artists, associated with Marathi film and theatre in Singapore. The occasion was the Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards (MIFTA), an initiative by noted actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar, to honour the best performers over the year.

MICEtalk spoke to Zelam Chaubal, Director, Kesari Tours regarding all that went into organising the event.

Travel details

The group travelled from Mumbai to Singapore on Singapore airlines, Jet Airways and Indigo airlines.

Since the number of travellers was big, no single airline could accommodate all.

Accommodation

The awards night included performances by celebrity participants. MIFTA had also made provision for the screening of a Marathi film, Balak Palak by Ravi Jadhav, that is yet to be released in India. The event witnessed a huge gathering of Maharashtrians staying in Singapore, finding a global outreach for Marathi cinema.

Support Services

venue

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore Zelam Chaubal Director Kesari Tours

MIFTA Awards

Nine members from the Kesari MICE team, led

by Chaubal, travelled with the group to ensure the smooth running of the entire operation.

Kallang Theatre, Singapore, can accommodate 1,200 people

The MIFTA awards night had ‘Asha Night’ as its theme, with singers and dancers performing on songs sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle, who was also awarded with the ‘Pride of Maharashtra Award’ on the same night.

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Gala Dinner

The dinner was held in the Ballroom of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. It was designed to ensure complete entertainment with music and appetising food and drinks.

Fun and Team Building

Two celebrity cricket matches were organised at the Indian Cricket Association Ground; one between the MIFTA participants and the other between them and Indians settled in Singapore. The meal for the event was organised close to the venue.

MIFTA itinerary Day 01: Mumbai - Singapore

Arrive in Singapore. City tour includes the statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Parliament House, Suntec City, Fountain of Wealth, City Hall, Orchard Road and Swiss - the tallest hotel in Singapore.

Lunch at the Indian Restaurant. Proceed to the Cricket Ground to enjoy a match. Check-in the hotel, Dinner at another Indian restaurant.

Day 02: Singapore

Breakfast in the hotel. Proceed to full-day visit to Universal Studios at Resorts World, Sentosa.

Transfer to auditorium for play. Proceed for dinner.

Day 03: Singapore

Breakfast in the hotel. Free time for relaxation.

Proceed to Kallang Venue for MIFTA Awards.

Later, transfers to hotel for Gala Dinner at Hotel Grand Copthrone.

Day 04: Departure from Singapore - Mumbai

Breakfast in the hotel. Free time for shopping.

Lunch at the Indian Restaurant. Proceed to the airport to board the flight back. Tour concludes on arrival in Mumbai.

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success story

Overcoming Challenges

Below: Veena Patil, MD, Kesari Tours with Swanand Kirkire

• Kesari MICE ensured that the required documents arrived on time for the visa processing and also that the cancellation charges for any kind of last minute changes could be kept to the minimum.

• Upon arrival in Singapore, it was learnt that they would have to immediately proceed to the cruise terminal for the prescheduled tour organised by Zee TV, the media partners for the event.The flight of one group of participants was to arrive very close to the departure of the cruise, and Kesari MICE had to intervene at this point.

Kesari MICE organised the return tickets according to the specific requirements of individual travellers, as some wanted to return via Bali or Macau and some wanted to extend their stay to go for a Singapore Cruise • The awards ceremony was expected to continue till late hours. Therefore, special permission was sought for the late night Gala Dinner.

• Some of the participants and filmmakers, wanted to take this opportunity to schedule their shooting in Singapore. Kesari MICE arranged permission for such requests.

• Kesari MICE ensured that nothing was repeated on the menu of official meals.

• Kesari MICE ensured that each of the hotels they chose for the group meals gave them a splendid view of the Singapore skyline.

feedback We had organised MIFTA Awards in London and Dubai in the previous years. It is our first interaction with Kesari MICE, a division of Kesari Tours Pvt Ltd for MIFTA travel arrangements in Singapore. We had heard about their professionalism and we are glad to say that they delivered what was promised to us. All the guests were happy and gave us excellent feedback of the travel arrangements which made us proud. Great job Zelam and Kesari MICE team! Keep it up!

Mahesh Manjrekar Promoter MIFTA

Dear Kesarians!

I must thank you all from the bottom of my heart and applaud your professionalism. With leaders like Himanshu and Zelam, who are not only efficient but extremely amicable, there is little scope for anything to go wrong. Many many thanks to Veenatai and Sudhirbhau and the whole Kesari Clan! I am sure the bonding between us is permanent.

Rahul Ranade Singer, Composer

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Picture courtesy: MIFTA

quote unquote

Why go overseas for MICE? In recent years, organising meetings and conferences in foreign destinations has become a common trend. MICEtalk asked the tour operators what prompts them to select an overseas location for MICE. There are a number of elements involved when a company decides to hold an event overseas.

They range from reasonably priced air fares to competitive hotel rates. Destinations such as Macau, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Thailand, Turkey are amongst those destinations that are uppermost on the mind of the corporates. Many of these destinations have shows and entertainment which are not available in India. We do not have large convention hotels with a room inventory of over say 1,000 rooms or hotels within the vicinity. Secondly, the entertainment factor is missing, something that we get overseas.

Ajay Seth Vice President Outbound MICE, Cox & Kings Ltd.

Travelling abroad is a major attraction and added to this are the affordable airfares. Taking a group of 30-40 people to Thailand, for instance, is more economical, in terms of affordable hotels which offer great services, alongside the banquet facilities. Infrastructure is the main reason why overseas destinations steal a march over their counterparts in India. Destinations like Bangkok or Singapore are more popular, but people are also willing to visit far off destinations for sheer experience like Portugal and South America.

In the case of India, destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa are popular but there are not too many choices as far as entertainment is concerned, which is an important criterion for both meetings and incentive groups.

Aparna Chaturvedi BasuMallik CEO Club7 Holidays Ltd.

An outbound destination is typically preferred as the perceived value of an international trip is much higher than a domestic destination. While most Indians traditionally travel within the country for their summer and Diwali vacations, when it comes to MICE trips, an international destination has become almost de rigueur! Also, with infrastructural bottle necks, soaring air fares-high hotel rates coupled with a capacity crunch, an outbound destination actually works out favourably vis-a-vis a domestic option.

Rajeev Kale Chief Operating Officer - MICE, Domestic Cruises & Sports Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

MICEtalk December 2012

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MICE city

Mix Business with Pleasure in Saint-Tropez, France Harshal Ashar

An idyllic destination for those who crave the seaside, art, history and heritage, the scenic town of Saint-Tropez is sure to leave you breathless. Exuding the charm of a Provencal village, enjoy the fine white sand beaches, historical remnants and magnificent vineyards.

MICEtalk brings out the intricacies of this picturesque French town.

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MICE city

Location

Situated on the French Riviera in the Var Region of Southeastern France, Saint-Tropez enjoys a privileged spot, just 104 km from Marseille, at the end of the Saint-Tropez Peninsula.

Connectivity

There is no direct flight to Saint Tropez but it is within the reach of La Mole, Toulon, Cannes, Nice and Marseille city airports for international and domestic flights, and is near Le Cannet des Maures and Le Muy motorway junctions, as well as the railway stations of Saint -Raphael, Les Arcs or Toulon.

Food

There are numerous cuisines available in the many restaurants across Saint-Tropez. Vegetarian food is easily available, as are Indian restaurants.

hotels with MICE facilities • • • •

The Chateau de la Messardiere Hotel Byblos Hotel de Paris - due to open in February 2013 Kube Hotel

accommodation From luxury hotels to rooms-on-rent… Saint-Tropez offers a rich and varied choice to suit all tastes. Some of the 5-star hotels have been mentioned below: Byblos: offers 91 rooms, 50 suites Chateau Hotel de la Messardiere: 118 rooms, 45 suites La Bastide de Saint-Tropez: 26 rooms, 5 suites, 5 apartments Hotel de Paris: 90 rooms, 38 suites La Tartane Saint Amour: 28 rooms, 9 suites Hotel Palais Pan Dei: 12 rooms, 2 suites Hotel Kube: 41 rooms, 2 suites

local convention bureau The Local Convention Bureau assists with services like free tours of the village with a guide and an iPod-guided tour visit to explore the city on your own.

The Bureau could also arrange coffee at a private lounge at the airport for the group. Smaller groups can be facilitated out of the airport faster. They could even assist with a recce of the venue and a meeting with the local suppliers for the event organiser.

MICE facilities

Amongst its varied offerings, the famous town boasts of high quality and outstanding services, exclusive amenities and opportunities to host unique and successful events. The town offers a capacity of 2,000 rooms on the peninsula and over 1,000 rooms, rated 4 and 5 stars, as accommodation for groups coming here.

The meeting venues are close to the harbour, and provide a beautiful setting for relaxed meetings.

The Salle Jean Despas Meeting Place can accommodate medium to large-sized groups. There are two meeting rooms which can seat up to 300 people.

Besides this standalone convention venue, SaintTropez has a number of hotels where conventions, meetings and seminars can be held.

MICE city

Polo Club Saint-Tropez The venue can be hired for customised events. The restaurant at the property has a capacity of up to 80 people inside and the terrace can be used as a venue for 200 people. The 450 sqm ballroom with its magnificent green scenery and 200 sqm terrace offers a unique space for conventions. It can seat 380 guests and up to a maximum of 500 for a standing cocktail. A specially organised match of Polo can be included in your MICE itinerary or a private area can be reserved for your guests during an international tournament.

Post-event activities

Claude Maniscalco, Director Saint-Tropez Tourism Office, informed that there are many opportunities for exclusive post-event activities for the group, which can be customised as per the varying budgets and interests of a corporate group.

• Join the Saint Tropez Magical Multimedia Tour, followed by lunch; • Enjoy nautical sports and regattas, as well as boat trips in the bay;

• Try your hand at the Petanque - the local and traditional sport; • Organise a shopping spree, along with a fashion show at a boutique for smaller groups or visit Place des Lices, where a typical village market has been set up; • Three 18-hole golf courses, karting and polo facilities are available for outdoor fun • Visit the many museums and exhibitions that display the vibrant art scene of the town. The ‘L Annonciade Museum’ showcases a collection of paintings and sculptures, and one can observe a distinct and unique style of painting – the Pointilist style, which truly intrigued many artists and art lovers.

• Groups to Saint Tropez can enjoy excellent Indian cuisine at the Gandhi restaurant.

Shopping Options

The USP for shopping at Saint-Tropez is that they have near 600 shops all within walking distance with the most renowned international brands.

past events

wine tasting Plan a wine tasting session for your employees in the midst of the vineyards.

For example, groups can visit the Les Maitres Vignerons, and attend the presentation of AOC Cotes de Provence wines of the Saint-Tropez Peninsula. They can observe different processes of the production of wine and enjoy a tasting session thereafter.

Saint-Tropez has previously hosted MICE groups from India too. A group of 100 had visited the port city for a meeting at the Mercedes Lounge at the Polo Club Saint-Tropez grounds where they watched a polo match, and some of them even played. A grand gala dinner with fireworks was also organised, and the Convention Bureau had assisted with a direct transfer from Nice Airport to the polo grounds. The club has also hosted many prestigious corporate events like product launches, gala dinners, meetings, exhibitions and fashion shows - stamping it with the distinction of being a superlative hospitality venue.

Pictures courtesy: JL Chaix-Saint Tropez

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MICE venue

accommodation Groups coming to the venue for their meetings and conventions have access to 5,000 rooms and suites in the vicinity and this includes major hospitality brands like the Marriott, Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson and Holiday Inn.

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Explore MICE in Canada Scotiabank Convention Centre

Niagara Falls Ipshita Sengupta Nag

MICEtalk decided to visit one of the most picturesque nooks of the world – the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, or the Niagra Falls as it is popularly called. What is not known to many is that this region also provides the perfect ambience for meetings and conventions. Situated just 500 mt from the Niagara Falls, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls (SCNN), offers impressive support to events.

The venue does not provide pure vegetarian meals for groups. Instead they can avail of the same from a local vendor after consultation with the event management team at the venue MICEtalk December 2012

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MICE venue

facilities at a glance The 2,88,000 sqft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Level designed facility features: • 82,000 sqft Free Span Exhibition Hall to accommodate over 400 – 10ft x 10ft display booths; • A distinctive 17,000 sqft Ballroom; • 26,000 sqft of Flexible Meeting & Breakout Space; • An intimate 1,000 seat Theatre

offering live entertainment and stage productions; and • Seasonal and regional field-totable food offerings, designed and created by Centerplate (the Centre’s exclusive Food & Beverage provider), in partnership with the Centre’s endorsing celebrity Chef Anna Olson (Food Network Canada TV host & author).

wi-fi Availability of Wi-Fi access is subject to the contract from event to event.

mechanical facilities. The event management team here is available round-the-clock to assist groups who come here for their meetings and conventions.

Exclusive Service

meeting/convention space The SCCN offers 8,360 sqft of flexible Meeting Room Space for corporate travellers and the highlight of this is the 16,955 sqft Peller Estates Ballroom.

The total area of the exhibition hall is 81,140 sqft and it can be divided into three areas for smaller exhibitions. For groups who want to conduct special shows here, particularly live entertainment, SCCN has a theatre, Fallsview Theatre, which can accommodate 1,000 people. Showtech and AVW Telav are the onsite exclusive power, lighting and audio-visual suppliers to the Centre.

Getting Around

The SCCN does not have an in-house transportation service, however, numerous regional transportation services can be availed for pick-up and drop-off right at the convention centre.

Suppliers

SCCN works exclusively with its own coterie of suppliers for services, which includes food and beverage as well as electrical, production and

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JPdL Niagara - the centre’s preferred destination management company - can provide a fully managed turn-key airport arrival and departure scenario at any of the four airports in the area, namely, Buffalo, Toronto Pearson, Toronto Billy Bishop and Hamilton, which includes the guests’ flight coordination, meet and greet services at the airport, managed transportation from the airport to the convention centre or respective hotel. They can also assist groups in case of unexpected occurrences, like loss of luggage, etc.

The theatre at the Scotiabank Convention Centre is accessible by wheelchair and provides for assisted hearing for the impaired

MICE venue

JPdL Airport Operations staff works closely with United States and Canadian border officials to ensure an easy transition for the guests over the land crossing. For instance, for an arrival at Toronto Pearson, they can let the guests know, in advance, what is expected of them through the immigration process so that they are aware of the procedure once they disembark the plane and are ready with the required documents. Groups should note that while JPdL can make the immigration procedure easier, in terms of providing information and/or onsite assistance, they cannot direct the CBSA to put a certain group through immigration faster or assure for similar services.

Parking

The venue offers 900 parking spaces, is fully automated and easily accessed. Attendants are present to assist guests at the pay stations and the entry/exit points during special events or shows.

don’t miss the Icewine fest January is the best time to experience the Icewine Festival that takes place annually for 3 weeks. This spectacular event showcases wines from over 30 Ontario wineries and features Canada’s largest tasting of internationally acclaimed VQA Icewine and table wines.

Groups coming to the Scotiabank Convention Centre during this time can avail of the passport programme which runs on January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 with different winefests. For this, they can buy passports, either online or at the participating wineries, and travel from one winery to the other, tasting the best Icewines accompanied by matching appetisers prepared by talented chefs. This choice of wines is aplenty; ranging from sweet icewine to festive sparkling wines to the sensational VQA red and white wines. Group discounts are available for groups of twenty-five and above. www.niagarawinefestival.com

Green Practices

The venue is committed to ‘Green’ meetings and conventions and has been following green practices right from the time of construction. This includes using recycled, locally procured material for the building and the usage of various energy saving devices and measures to save water. It also follows strict norms to ensure sustainable food and beverage options and

is vehement about the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The setting of Scotiabank Convention Centre plays a big role in its popularity with MICE travellers. It naturally creates an environment to break the toughest of business deadlocks.

MICE hotel

Providing MICE Opportunities at Fairmont, South Africa Neelam Singh

location & connectivity Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort is located at a 15-minute driving distance from the King Shaka International Airport, Durban. South African Airways offers daily flights from Mumbai to Johannesburg and another 50-minute flight will take you to Durban from Johannesburg.

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MICE hotel

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort, Durban, offers an unmatched experience nestled between the stunning Indian Ocean coastline and an exquisite bush and forest eco-estate.

Picture by: Neelam Singh

Zimbali Coastal Resort region houses Fairmont Resorts and Fairmont Lodges apart from private villas. Here, one can experience the highest level of comfort and elegance, world-renowned services along with breathtaking vistas ranging from ocean, garden and resort views.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s 154 well-appointed rooms offer a scintillating view of the Indian Ocean MICEtalk December 2012

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MICE hotel

amenities

Fairmont Zimbali Resort provides a state-of-the-art business centre, equipped with work stations, high-speed Internet access, computers, printers, phones, fax and photocopying services.

conference support Data projector and large screen (electronically operated) Flipchart, white board, portable screen Video and CD players, telephones and television

MICE Options

The Fairmont Zimbali Resort is an ideal venue for meetings, incentives and social events. The majestic 280 sqm Marula Ballroom can accomodate up to 220 guests in banquet-style and 300 in theatre-style. It can also be divided into 2 smaller venues of 140 sqm each. An adjacent 150 sqm (1,615 sqft) pre-function/meeting space can be used for registration or displays, and a private outdoor courtyard is a popular option for weddings and breakouts. The option of having a separate entrance is also available. The ballroom has a large display screen that descends from the ceiling automatically when required.

Sanderling Boardroom, an executive meeting room, is suitable for up to 12 people. With a large dark wood table and executive club chairs, it is the ideal venue for an up market meeting.

The Fairmont Zimbali Lodge offers personalised conference arrangements. It has three conference rooms. The imposing Imbiso Room, overlooking the golf course and the Nature reserve, can accommodate a maximum of 80 delegates in cinema-style seating, 40 delegates in u-shape, 35 in boardroom style or 60 in a schoolroom configuration.

The Tugela Room is an executive boardroom with an ocean view and is the perfect venue for the smaller conference and can accommodate 10 people.

The Umgeni Room is also a small, intimate venue off the conference foyer and can accommodate a maximum of 25 delegates in cinema style seating, 15 delegates in u-shape, 12 boardroom style or 15 in school-room configuration.

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort has Global Events & Meetings Solutions, a toll-free service for meeting planners.

concierge service The Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort provides an excellent 24-hour concierge facility for its guests. A variety of day trips and activities are easily arranged through the concierge.

fitness facilities Fairmont Zimbali Resort has a private health club that apart from providing fitness facilities also provides running shoes, socks, t-shirts, etc., for its privileged guests. It also offers tennis, squash and several swimming pools throughout the property.

willow stream spa A visit to Willow Stream Spa, with 10 treatment and steam rooms, promises a pampered and revitalised respite from a hectic meeting or conference.

MICE hotel

dining options Fairmont Zimbali Resort: The Coral Tree offers all-day dining along with specialty buffets on weekends and special occasions. Dalchini, the lobby level tea lounge that serves an African or Indian-inspired afternoon tea daily, can be used by groups for functions. 31 Degrees provides a relaxing place to sip a glass of wine with snacks and light meals. Vinum – the wine bar and OSA - a haute South African steakhouse, share an elegant twostorey supper club style venue. Enjoy a specialty java or home-made ice cream under patio umbrellas at The Delicacy, located in a private courtyard.

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge: Thandi restaurant is the best place to go for some excellent Indian, specially vegetarian, dishes. The Lounge provides a delightful after dinner venue. At Trophy Bar, guests can enjoy a light lunch and drinks in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Post-event activities in Durban ‘Gateway’ – the mecca of shopping One of the largest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere, Gateway offers a number of top international brands and stores and over 30 restaurants to choose from. Here one can find some good Indian food outlets with Hindi-speaking staff.

Game drives and walks within a private game reserve are truly memorable experiences as knowledgeable rangers and guides assist you in tracking down the Big 5.

golf course

phinda game reserve

The Zimbali Country Club has a Tom Weiskopf–designed 18-hole golf course, as well as other renowned golf courses nearby.

Experience an exclusive safari by visiting the game reserve.

Phinda offers a range of luxury camps and lodges.

For more information write to zim.sales@fairmont.com Picture courtesy: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort

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booked for MICE

A Perfect Combination of Business and Leisure in Agra Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre Agra is an ideal choice of destination, offering conference facilities of international standards. Located just 2.5 km away from Taj Mahal, this hotel is the first preference for MICE activities amongst Indian and foreign guests alike.

F

amous for hosting top domestic and international conferences and conventions, and with banqueting facilities that are second to none, Jaypee Palace is also a preferred venue for residential weddings and large parties.

Meeting facilities The Presidential wing of this facility is the ultimate in luxury and is specially designed for Corporate Leaders and Heads of State. This wing has its own separate entrance and services to maintain the privacy of its residents.

The Convention Centre here can accommodate up to 1,500 delegates and offers contemporary conferencing facilities with 10 breakaway options to accommodate between 30 to 400 delegates and is built to exacting international standards. It provides extensive convention back-up facilities like exhibition space, multi-lingual interpretation, satellite uplink, hotline terminals, audio-video recording and editing facilities, external broadcasting room, projection centre with

The hotel has Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art business support facilities. The Business Centre here offers facilities like computers, laptops, telephones, photocopiers, fax, telex, etc.

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accommodation Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre has 341 well appointed guest rooms and suites ideal to meet all accommodation needs of large or small MICE groups.

sound control, press and telecommunication room and pre-function areas.

The business events take place under the supervision of in-house event coordinators, who ensure the smooth running from start to finish.

Post-conference activities

The hotel provides special packages for sightseeing, which include luxury transport, city guides and even entrance fees to various monuments. It also helps companies to engage in various team-building activities.

World Cuisine

The venue also provides some of the finest dining experiences - The Grand Buffet; the Paatra, for a culinary journey from Amritsar to Lahore; the Pavilion Cafe; Aqua Grill and C’est Chine are some of the popular eating options within the premises.

Not all work!

Added to the business facilities is the option of keeping your family or spouse occupied should they choose to accompany you on your business trip. The extensive leisure and recreation facilities include a beautiful swimming pool, a state-of-the-art health club with gymnasium, jacuzzi, Turkish Bath, an aerobics room, Ayurvedic spa, lawn tennis and squash courts, billiards and table tennis, joggers track and a discotheque. In addition, a fullyequipped leisure mall with a bowling alley, games arcade, mini theatre, children’s den and a snack bar.

Any hotel can provide you a place to meet, but Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra welcomes you like a friend and partner…it is really worth experiencing their warm hospitality.

A private helipad with the option for three simultaneous landings is an added facility catering to the corporate world MICEtalk December 2012

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ODISHA

Creating the Perfect Setting for MICE Odisha’s diversity is perhaps its biggest asset. Here, the choice of destinations is aplenty; groups can choose to assemble in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, the temple town of Puri, the historical city of Cuttack, the seaside town of Gopalpur, the steel town of Rourkela or the weavers’ town of Sambalpur.

Each of these cities has good hotels with banquet facilities to accommodate small to medium-sized groups.

connecting Odisha • Odisha is well connected to rest of the country by air, road and rail network.

• Odisha lies in the Golden Quadrilateral Highway network connecting all the four big metros of India.

National Highway (NH) 5 connecting Kolkata and Chennai passes through Odisha’s cities of Balasore, Cuttack, Berhampur and on to Bhubaneswar.

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domestic MICE

MICEtalk December 2012

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domestic MICE

The Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is well linked by air with all the major cities of India. The airport is 4 km from the town centre.

There are six direct trains from New Delhi itself, including the Rajdhani Express to Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital city, welcomes a fare share of visitors who are fascinated by Odisha’s history and culture. It is located at a convenient distance from several of Odisha’s attractions; the majestic beauty of the Sun Temple of Konark, the rock cut Jain architecture of Udaygiri and Khandagiri and the Jagannath temple of Puri. It also has an excellent

hotels with MICE facilities Previous page and below: Hotel Hindustan International Bhubaneswar

Swosti Premium & Hotel Swosti Trident Bhubaneswar Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar The Presidency Hotel Kalinga Ashok The New Marrion

auditoriums for MICE Jayadev Bhawan Rabindra Mandap IDCOL Auditorium Bhaja Kala Mandap Open air auditorium at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya

MICE infrastructure, with hotels setting aside space for meetings and conferences and private venues opening their doors for exclusive events.

The Swosti Group of Hotels is the city’s most important MICE landmark and can host corporate groups in two of its premier properties. The Swosti Premium claims to be Eastern India’s largest convention hotel. Its largest convention space Chanakya can accommodate up to 1,500 people. In its three board rooms and an exhibition hall, small groups can converge for meetings. For guests to unwind within the hotel complex, post their event, there are restaurants dedicated to different cuisines, apart from a discotheque, health club, indoor pool and also a billiard room.

Situated across the road is Hotel Swosti Bhubaneswar which is one of the oldest 5-star properties in the city. The hotel works with leading event organisers in Bhubaneswar to ensure optimum quality of events and extends complete modern support to business travellers. It has 54 rooms, both single and double occupancy, to suit the requirements of different groups. Over the years, Hotel Swosti has organised MICE activities for several MICE groups, with steel, power and pharmaceutical companies being the main clients.

domestic MICE

MICE in Odisha can also find conference facilities in Rourkela, Gopalpur, Sambalpur, Behrampur, Balangir and Balasore Puri MICE venues • Town Hall (550 pax) • Collectorate Conference Hall (160 pax)

Top: Swosti Premium Bhubaneswar Bottom: Hotel Hindustan International Bhubaneswar

Trident Bhubaneswar is also one of the oldest properties in the city that welcomes MICE groups.

The hotel has three banquet and meeting areas to accommodate 100, 40 and 50 people, respectively.

There are two boardrooms where small groups of eight can comfortably discuss business. The hotel has 62 deluxe rooms, including 5 suites for the comfort of corporate travellers.

Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar is another prominent MICE address in Bhubaneswar with indoor space that can easily accommodate around 300 people and outdoor space large enough for 2,500 people.

Bhubaneswar is a favourite with corporate groups who want to make the most of its ideal setting, whether it is to experience beaches, lakes or the wildlife sanctuaries Puri

One of the most magnificent views of the Bay of Bengal can be seen in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha. It is a preferred destination for incentive travellers who are looking for the perfect destination that lets them relax and de-stress after months of backbreaking work. The world famous Lord Jagannath Temple is located in this city.

Puri hotels • • • • • •

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Toshali Sands (720 pax) Mayfair Beach Resort (200 pax) Vijoya International (200 pax) Sterling Holiday Resorts (250 pax) Hotel Sri Hari (150 pax) Hotel Holiday Resort (250 pax)

domestic MICE

Rourkela hotels • • • •

Hotel Mayfair Garden (236 pax) Hotel Tridev International (100 pax) Hotel Deepti (220 pax) Hotel Solace (400 pax)

Cuttack hotels • • • • •

Hotel Silver City (270 pax) Akbari Continental (130 pax) Shree Jagannath (410 pax) Manorama Plaza (350 pax) Hotel Blue Lagoon (350 pax)

Cuttack

One of the oldest cities of Odisha, Cuttack is known as the birthplace of freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The city is ideal for groups who are looking for quiet as an important accompaniment for their corporate offsites. Cuttack, like its more famous city cousins, has also built up its MICE infrastructure.

A number of city hotels cater to MICE groups with their conference facilities. The city is at a short drive of 29 km from Bhubaneswar and groups often choose to return to Cuttack’s calmness after an event in the more bustling Bhubaneswar.

Post-event activities in Odisha

Hotel Hindustan International Bhubaneswar

For groups planning an adventure or an eco-tourism based incentive programme, Odisha is an ideal place. It offers a plethora of options like waterfalls (Khandadhar, etc.), bird watching, dolphin viewing and water sports opportunity (Chilika Lake), and the scope for a tryst with wildlife at the Nandankanan

Civic Centre Rourkela and the Rourkela Club can accommodate 600 and 300 people, respectively, for private events Zoological park known for its white tigers and the Lion Safari and much more. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Odisha beaches are a destination in themselves; whether it is Puri beach or Gopalpur, the Bay of Bengal has an effervescent quality of its own that can rejuvenate the most overworked mind.

The natural beauty of Odisha in the form of wildlife sanctuaries, temples and monuments, fair, festivals and culture all support the state-of-the-art conferencing facilities in the state; all this and more mark Odisha as one of the prominent MICE destinations in the country today.

shopping A visit to Odisha is also an opportunity to take away the country’s most exquisite crafts; Filigree (silver) work from Cuttack and Puri, appliqué work from the sleepy town of Peepli, Pattachitra or palm leaf paintings from Puri or the handwoven saris from Sambalpur, each of these is a collector’s delight and are available in several varieties in the respective local markets.

let’s talk

Economic Scenario

How has the current world economic scenario affected you?

MICE tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the global tourism industry and markets are extremely competitive, both internationally and domestically. Let’s explore what the venue experts have to say.

ExCeL London David Pegler

Managing Director

The current economic climate is challenging and will continue to be so.

It has meant that organisers are approaching decision making differently and in much shorter time frames. They have to fight for quality and that means choosing a destination that has a proven track record, delivers return on investment and one where they can capitalise on getting the best audience. This is where London has a great advantage over every other city. It delivers and has a strong track record of increasing delegates, exhibitors and sponsors.

“London has a strong track record of increasing delegates, exhibitors and sponsors.”

Hawaii’ Convention Center Joe Davis,

SMG General Manager In 2011, Hawaii’s meetings, conventions and incentives market continued to grow, increasing 11.2 per cent over 2010. Key markets, such as medical meetings, continue to draw thousands of delegates each year to Hawaii.

The Hawai’i Convention Center is seeing increasing strength in international attendance as we continue to capitalise on our geographic location of shared convenience between North America and Asia. Specifically, we are tapping into emerging markets and growing interest from Korea and China, as well as other areas around the Pacific Rim, which helps offset the impact of slumping attendance in any one region.

“The Hawai’i Convention Center is seeing increasing strength in international attendance as we continue to capitalise on our geographic.”

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let’s talk

Jakarta Convention Center Trikarya Satyawan

Deputy General Manager With the global crises happening, I would say, it did not hardly affected our business activities. Jakarta Convention Center is very fortunate since the local market is strong. Most of our business activities are not only occupied by local events, but also a good mixture between the local and international events. For example, we see many local exhibitions, business to consumer. We did not experience a single cancellation of the International conferences.

Indonesia has a potential for exhibition and meeting market. Some International event organisers work closely with the local organisers, for example to do a joint venture, partnership or acquisition, and I believe this will provide a positive impact to our market share especially for the International events.

“Most of our business activities include a good mixture between the local and international events.”

China National Convention Center Tony Xu

Director Business Development Whilst China’s economy is certainly growing at a faster pace than others around the world, the country is inevitably affected by the global financial crisis in terms of a slowing pace of growth.

China is of great interest to the major markets around the world with emerging opportunities for tourism as well as trade. Opened in 2009, the CNCC is now in its third full operating year and has seen business grow as both the corporate sector and the association sectors increasingly view the Olympic Green as a highly prestigious location for their events.

“China is of great interest to the major markets around the world with newly opening opportunities for tourism as well as trade.”

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technology

Online Events Darren Edwards Founder Invisage Creative Services

Gavin Newman Managing Director Virtual iVent

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Glossary

The fear of not having an understanding of the new glossary of terms for emerging online and hybrid events can turn many a traditional event professional into a quivering blancmange. It isn’t just about understanding the definition of these terms, in fact each word describes a process, kit or software application. Understanding these terms on their own is not sufficient, it is comprehending how these elements combine and fit together to make an event that is more important.

TERM

MEANING

LIVE COUNTERPART

User

Your internet self. It is how you are referred to when you log in to an online event.

You.

CMS Content Management System

A computer system that allows publishing, editing and modifying content as well as site maintenance from a central page. A CMS is the brain behind an online event and manages all the registration, the spaces within it and the content.

This is your event management team comprising production, designers, registration team and technical facilitators.

Webcast

A media presentation distributed over the Internet watched by multiple users much like a TV show.

Sitting in an audience of real people watching someone deliver a presentation.

Webinar

A service that allows a seminar event to be shared with users at remote locations.

Similar to the above, but with more interactive content and audience participation such as a workshop or seminar.

Hybrid event

A hybrid event is a tradeshow, conference or event that combines a ‘live’ inperson event with a ‘virtual’ online component.

None. A hybrid event just gives the best of both worlds and allows for people to attend the event in the format they prefer or are able to attend.

Networking lounge

A digital networking space that sits in the online event usually with a 3D background image of a sofa laden room or bar. Live chat with other show goers, contribute to polls & surveys, or blog and post out to your social media.

The coffee lounge at an event where you can converse, argue about the state of the industry and network with others. Don’t forget to tweet about it all from your smartphone!

Resource centre

A wealth of digital information held in a central repository such as programme content, event resources, press and white papers where users can go and download to their digital briefcase.

A well-hidden information kiosk loaded with paper based event related materials.

Online auditorium

A space in the online event dedicated to the delivery of both live and ‘ondemand’ video or audio presentations. On-demand video/audio allows users to view content in their own time.

A room in the event dedicated to the delivery of live presentations.

3D immersive

Where a user is surrounded in an engrossing three dimensional virtual reality environment. You would usually have an ‘avatar’ to walk around in this 3D immersive environment.

It’s you again, but describes the surroundings you are in...how engrossing your live environment is perhaps up for a debate though.

Chat widget

An application that enables a user to communicate via typed chat with other users in an online event.

You speaking to people.

Plug in

A set of software components that adds specific abilities to a larger software application. A browser plug in for instance allows Google Chrome/Firefox, etc., to perform different and specific functions that may be relevant to you such as playing videos or scanning for viruses. It allows for 3rd party software developers to develop customisations for bigger platform for their own needs.

Adding a customisation or feature to your live event.

Embed code

A code used to plug a picture, song or video into your online event. If you create a video in Youtube and want to ‘embed’ it into your event then you need the embed code relevant to this video. These codes can also work to embed webcasts, webinars and video into online events.

Hit ‘play’ on the DVD machine in your event to show a video or play music.

Avatar

A personalised graphic of a ‘user’, sometimes an accurately modelled 3D effigy that accurately represents them. Or NOT in the case of 2nd life.

It’s you, again.

Digital briefcase/ event bag

As you make your way around an online event you can place brochures, videos or other people’s business cards in here for viewing later.

As you make your way around an event, you can have unwanted brochures and business cards placed in here by booth reps for viewing later or leaving under your desk for years to come.

MICEtalk December 2012

people on the move

ICCA elects new India Committee leaders ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) has elected leaders of the association’s India Committee. The Committee will have Jaideep Khanna, General Manager Sales Marketing & Distribution, Hyderabad International Convention Centre as the new Chairperson along with Kalpana Oberoi, General Manager of Kuoni Destination Management India as Secretary and Girish Kwatra, Head, Meetings & More India as Treasurer.

Fairmont Jaipur appoints Director of Sales Fairmont Jaipur appoints Ramasamy Natarajan as Director of Sales. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management from Welcome group Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal, Ramasamy started his career with ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers, Kolkata. Prior to joining Fairmont Jaipur in March 2011 as Associate Director, Sales & Marketing, he has also worked with Kingfisher Airlines Limited and Anandas located in the Himalayas as a Sales Manager – Corporate & Travel Agency Sales.

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

In his new role, Jaideep Khanna aims to deliver instant access to a range of research, sales and marketing opportunities to Indian members. He will also seek to create a synergised approach and a platform for knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

appoints new Director of Business Development and Research The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau has appointed

Joyce Martínez as its Director of Business Development and Research based in the San Juan headquarters office. She holds a master’s degree in International Business and Commerce specialising in International Marketing Research from George Mason University, Virginia. She is an advisor for the Latin American market for Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

MyCEB

appoints two new managers Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau announced two key appointments to its corporate sales and industry services team as part of the company’s commitment to strengthen the business tourism industry for Malaysia.

Kalpana Oberoi looks forward to enhance the effectiveness of India’s bidding process with regard to international events and associations.

Girish Kwatra aims at providing more counsel on business conversion and following the ICCA training standards & guidelines.

Tan Lay Teng joins as Sales Manager - Corporate & Incentives and Jennifer Ong Jan-Ni as Industry Services Manager. Lay Teng has an established background of 12 years in developing international business in MICE segment.

She will be leading the Corporate & Incentive sales team to further generate sales leads and conversion of businesses for Malaysia as well as to discover new business opportunities.

Ong Jan-Ni has over nine years of experience in the meetings and incentives industry. In her new role, she will work closely with industry partners on product development, industry education programmes and seminars to lift the profile of the industry partners internationally.

MICEtalk December 2012

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Checklist Plan Your MICE Event

Once the venue and dates are decided, which should be well in advance (I never tire of saying that), you need to check with all the airlines flying to your destination for their best fares. The best bargains can be obtained during the off-season when demand has diminished a little.

Many airlines are encouraging MICE groups by offering promotional fares. Check them all to get the best rate…

There are also MICE specialised tour operators or DMCs who can get excellent deals organised for you

• Some of them also throw in a few free tickets if the group is large enough.

The trick is to check with more than the one airline or DMC you have always dealt with, even though finally your loyalty may pay off and you may still get the best rate from your favourite travel agent Remember to create competition for your business!

As the first step, ensure all participants have valid passports.

Most countries require a six month validity of the passport from the date of travel.

They must apply for passports (or renewal of passports) immediately and not wait until the last minute because this may require several weeks, even under the Tatkal scheme.

Visas are an essential aspect for travel to international destinations.

Even if you can get visas on arrival at the airport in the destination you are travelling to, it is best to get your visas from your home country.

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• This saves time on arrival and people who already have visas are not delayed because of the rest of the group.

• Any ground transport you organise gets thrown out of gear because of the delay in getting visas, especially if it is for a group.

• Your DMC should be able to ensure all forms are filled correctly and applications given to the embassy together with relevant payment.

MICEtalk December 2012

• If you are not working with a DMC then most embassies today have online visa forms and steps on how to apply.

• I n this case make one person in your office responsible for visa applications and passport collection.

Money is another factor to be thought about in advance.

You

need to check if the hotel, restaurants, theatre etc. you have booked accept credit card payments.

If

not, you need to get all relevant clearances to carry a large amount of foreign currency.

Traveller's

Cheques are the other safer option.

Vaccination certificates are necessary to be carried in some countries, and prescriptions for any special medicines that they may need.

Inform

each delegate of this requirement.

If

majority of the participants are in one city, tie up with a safe clinic for participants to get their vaccination when they can get away from work or personal commitments.

Travel insurance is required to cover the duration of the trip.

If

the company is bearing this cost get an insurance company to give you a group rate.

If

the company is not bearing the cost then all participants must be informed well in time.

Some

countries insist on travel insurance before they issue the visa.

Book your tickets well in advance and get confirmations from the airline.

Some

airlines want you to reconfirm bookings before the date of departure. Check when this is required to be done.

If

tickets have to be booked in different classes then a list with names under First Class, Business Class or Economy need to be made and handed over to the airline.

Travel is probably the most important function of a MICE event.

It is what people start their experience with and it is what they remember last as they get off their flights to go home after a hectic trip. So it is important to plan their travel to the destination and back very meticulously.

Ascertain

that allocations are confirmation from the airline.

correct

on

Inform

all delegates about the date of departure, time of check-in and time for grouping at the airport to check-in as a group.

• If the departure time is past midnight (e.g. 00:20 on 22.02.2013), ensure people understand it is the 21st night and not the 22nd. This kind of misunderstanding is a common occurrence and you will be expected to sort it out at that time. So it's best to be forewarned!

• Give a central mobile number of the responsible person at the airport who will be synchronising the check-in.

•K eep a list of mobile numbers of all participants, in case they are late.

• Get the airline to pre check-in the group with seat allotments for the group to sit together.

Tickets

and itineraries must be sent to the participants at least a month in advance.

Baggage is an important issue you need to be aware of: you are holding a conference there is always a large amount of excess baggage for all the equipment and supplies that have to be carried for the organisation of a conference - like banners, flags, give-aways, printed material, presentation material etc.

Airlines that provide food service can accommodate special dietary requirements if you give the airline at least 24 hours advance notice.

Enquire

in advance for all special requests regarding meals on the flight and inform the airline accordingly.

As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased security checks before allowing passengers to board.

It

is important to get to the airport with plenty of time to manage the check-in congestion.

Passengers

should not exceed the container size limits of carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, otherwise toiletries will be confiscated.

All

liquids, gels and aerosols must be in threeounce (84 millilitres) or smaller containers, and they must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

List of things-to-carry for all delegates: l

If

on how many people are travelling in the group reduce their baggage weight and distribute the excess baggage within their personal baggage allowance by ensuring you check-in together.

Naturally you need to inform the delegates about this in advance.

travel insurance papers (leave unnecessary cards at home). l

• Get an approximate idea of how much baggage allowance will be spared for you to use.

• If you feel there is more excess baggage than the total allowance, work out a good rate through your travel agent or directly with the airline.

•C heck if the airline is willing to waive a certain number of excess kilos as a special deal for the group.

Carry foreign currency (cash, traveller's checks, credit cards).

l

Car keys, house keys. (Leave unnecessary keys at home)

Based

Take along airline tickets, driver's license,

l

Carry your presentation on a memory stick or your laptop, if required.

l

Take enough business cards for distribution.

l

Do not pack travel documents or money in a suitcase that may get lost. Take important documents and money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times.

l

Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number.

l

Tie a colourful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily.

MICEtalk does not accept any liability or responsibility for the information. This is designed to act as a guide for general reference only.

MICEtalk December 2012

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EVENT

62

events events VENUE

CITY/COUNTRY

DATE

Travel and Tourism Fair

Chennai Trade Centre

Chennai, India

Jan 4-6, 2013

Conventa- South East European Exhibition for Meetings, Events & Incentive Travel

Ljubljana Exhibition Convention Centre

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Jan 16-17, 2013

ATF-Asean Tourism Forum and TRAVEX

Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Jan 22-24, 2013

India International Travel Mart

Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium

Kochi, India

Jan 25-27, 2013

FITUR

Feria de Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Jan 30-Feb 3, 2013

Outbound Travel Mart

Bombay Exhibition Centre

Mumbai, India

Feb 8-10, 2013

Travel Tour Expo

SMX Convention Centre

Pasay City, Philippines

NATAS Travel Fair

Singapore Expo

Singapore

Feb 22-24, 2013

AIME 2013

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Melbourne, Australia

Feb 26-27, 2013

ITB Berlin

Messe Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Mar 6-10, 2013

MICECON 2013

SMX Convention Centre

Lanang, Davao City

Mar 6-9, 2013

MATTA Fair

Putra World Trade Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mar 15-17, 2013

International MICE Forum

Tishinka exhibition centre,

Moscow, Russia

Mar 18, 2013

CONFEX

ExCeL London

London, UK

Mar 19-21, 2013

MITT

Expocentre

Moscow, Russia

Mar 20-23, 2013

GIBTM-Gulf Incentives, Meetings and Business Travel Exhibition

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Mar 25-27, 2013

UITT – Conference MICE Ukraine

Kiev International Exhibition Center

Kiev, Ukraine

Mar 27-29, 2013

IT&CM China

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center

Shanghai, China

Apr 17-19, 2013

Bahrain International Travel Expo

Bahrain International Convention Centre

Manama, Bahrain

May 2013

WTF – World Travel Fair

McCormick Place

Chicago, USA

June 11-13, 2013

MICEtalk December 2012

Postal Registration No.:DL(ND)/6150/2011-12-13 WPP No.:U(C)-305/2011-13 for Posting on 29th-30th of Advance Month at New Delhi P.S.O. Date of Publication:22/11/2012, RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144