MICEtalk

Rs. 100

A DDP Publication 64 Pages

Experts Talk on Visa Woes

ICCA Advantage for MICE

Volume III

Issue 6

June 2012

Meetings in Geneva

MICE Mania in Macau

Meetings • Incentives • Conferences • Events

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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Editor

Deepa Sethi

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MICEtalk June 2012

5

pg 15

pg 22

contents

6

8

Facts

18

Destination Macau

26

MICE City Geneva, Switzerland

32

Booked for MICE Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg

38

Success Story KW Conferences

42

MICE Hotel Radisson Blu

46

Incentive Talk Shaka Surf Club

48

Expert Talk

50

Travel Insurance

52

Associations ICCA

54

Technology

55

People on the Move

56

Checklist

58

Events

MICEtalk June 2012

pg 35 pg 38

pg 42

pg 46

reader’s page Dear Reader, It is summer time and most of us are ready to pack our bags for the much-awaited vacation. For those of us who are not so lucky to get a break and have to work through tough business decisions just three months into the new financial year, here is what MICEtalk suggests as some of the most exciting destinations for meetings and conferencing.

The first preference was the Swiss Alps. With splendid year-round pleasant temperatures, Geneva is the hottest… or should we say coolest… choice for meetings and conventions. With great venues and hotels to match, this international city is fast developing into a major MICE hub – it is the European seat of the United Nations. Continue to enjoy the nip in the air as we travel to the southern hemisphere, Johannesburg in South Africa, to visit the Sandton Convention Center. Located in one of the hippest and busiest sections of this city, the venue shows a commitment to MICE, which has been successfully strengthened by the recently held ‘Meetings Africa’ in its precincts. We then take a quick ferry ride to experience the effervescence of Macau. The country offers an enviable platter of activities and redefines luxury for those with deep pockets. With several innovative and state-of-the-art venues and equally resplendent hotels, Macau is a MICE traveller’s paradise; something that we have to completely agree with.

Indian MICE organisers are becoming a strong voice in the international meetings business. MICEtalk decided to take an initiative to find out how they would lend their expertise to an issue that could throw event plans off gear. In this issue, we also address another concern for travellers, i.e. travel insurance.

Talking of new, we are also taking a page out of ICCA’s (The International Congress and Convention Association) folio to find out how Indian MICE suppliers can find a stronger footing in the international meetings business through an association with this esteemed organisation.

On this positive note… enjoy your work in spite of the summer heat…

Deepa Sethi Editor

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facts facts facts

Beverley Williamson named Business Development Person of the Year At this year’s prestigious Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) National Awards, Beverley Williamson of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) was named as Business Development Person of the Year. She was also honoured as the Meetings or Events Professional of the Year.

As Associate Director of Convention Sales for MCVB, Williamson’s success is due to the significant results she produced for the Victorian business events industry for the 2010-11 financial year and this meant, working with her team to secure 36 major international conferences for the state of Victoria, which means an estimated economic impact of almost AUD $197 million.

Williamson has been a part of the business events industry for the past 17 years of which the last five years have been spent with the MCVB.

CWT Optimizer can save 25% for Meeting Planners Business travel and meetings specialist Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has added a new product to help organisers and planners find locations for meetings of any size.

All that meeting planners have to do is enter the number of participants, the locations of their choice and the dates of the meetings into CWT Meeting Optimizer. The system then generates a list of worldwide destinations, including telepresence rooms, to give meetings organisers a list of venues. This new programme uses CWT’s own data, which includes more than 14 million hotel transactions and 34 million air transactions, in nearly 2000 destinations all over the globe to list the most costeffective options.

According to CWT, this new program would save 25 per cent on an average for meeting planners. Meeting Optimizer is based on new generation technology and a patent-pending algorithm. More features will be added in the coming months.

Cairns, Australia, ready to welcome the world The Cairns Convention Centre will host 13 international conventions, that means over 8,000 delegates, in the coming six months. In addition, the venue will welcome over 4,000 national conference delegates in what promises to be an exciting year for the region.

The convention centre in Cairns has world-class facilities to host large groups.

Ross Steele, General Manager, Cairns Convention Centre, said, “The Centre’s long-term international marketing focus, along with the proven success of Cairns as a business events destination, are the catalysts for hosting so many prestigious international events. We look forward to welcoming the world to Cairns not only this year but well into the future.

E: rsteele@cairnsconvention.com.au, W: www.cairnsconvention.com.au

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facts

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre wins four Meetings and Events Australia Awards For the second consecutive year, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won four awards in the national Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Awards. The recognition came across a broad range of categories--in-house AV Services, banquet and catering to Corporate Social Responsibility and Education.

Ton van Amerongen, the Chief Executive said that he was tremendously proud of the awards which were testament to the skill and professionalism of the Centre’s staff. He added that the team working at the centre was highly committed to excellence and this enabled them to deliver events which exceeded all expectations, year on year.

The Centre’s submissions for the awards focused on the organisation’s achievements across a range of areas from products and initiatives and this included a new website, the increasing use of social media, advancements in sustainability, internal training to actual event delivery.

New Exhibitor e-Parking service at Paris Expo Viparis successfully launched a new exhibitor e-Parking service at the Paris expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. The system, designed in partnership with the Thalès group, enables exhibitors to purchase and download their parking spaces on-line. The system works in a simple way; exhibitors order their parking spaces on EPEX, Viparis’ exhibitor e-commerce site, and pay on-line. They then receive an e-mail telling them that their parking space order is now available; for each space, a PDF file with a unique barcode is generated. Exhibitors can then print out the barcode or upload the PDF onto their Smartphone.

When they arrive at the car park entrance terminal, they can use this barcode to automatically have a magnetic card printed out. They can use this card to access the car park throughout the exhibition. This system means significant time savings as they no longer have to worry about picking up their car park cards when they get to the centre.

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facts

New dates announced for AIME 2013 The organisers of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) recently announced February 26–27, 2013, as the new dates for AIME 2013. The organisers had earlier announced March 2013 as the dates for the event. According to Sally de Swart, RTE’s Director for AIME, February best suits the industry diary and allows AIME to remain the first meetings and incentives event on the year’s calendar.

AIME 2013 will bring together exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitors from the MICE industry to network and do business. Bookings are now on for the show and already 50 per cent of the floor space has been committed for 2013.

Americas’ leading Industry Speakers to appear at AIBTM Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has outlined the content for its education programme at this year’s AIBTM, the Americas Meetings and Events Exhibitions, where a compelling line-up of speakers will deliver education sessions ‘Powered by PCMA’ .

PCMA has also partnered with Wharton School of Business, one of the world’s leading business schools, to deliver a full day, invitationonly PCMA Executive Edge. Jim Austin, a former senior executive at Baxter Healthcare who has an expertise in business strategy and organisational change, will provide meeting professionals the strategic perspective and personal confidence in their decision-making.

The content for AIBTM’s America Meetings Week and AIBTM’s Professional Education Programme for 2012, will be delivered in conjunction with other leading industry associations including SITE, ACTE, ICCA and MPI.

Hilton Worldwide launches MICE Campaign in India Hilton Worldwide recently launched a new campaign in India which rewards planners by offering additional benefits when they choose to host a meeting or event at any of the eight Hilton Worldwide hotels in India. The hotels participating in the campaign include, Hilton New Delhi-Janakpuri, Hilton New Delhi-NoidaMayur Vihar, DoubleTree by Hilton New Delhi-Noida-Mayur Vihar, Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi-Saket, Eros Hotel - Managed by Hilton New Delhi/Nehru Place, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon-New Delhi NCR, Hilton Mumbai International Airport and Hilton Chennai.

Event planners that book 20 rooms or more for an event at any one of the participating hotels would be able to choose to receive any one of the following special benefits—complimentary internet access for all delegates, complimentary welcome cocktail for all delegates or two rooms complimentary for every 20 rooms booked.

The campaign is valid for bookings made from May 1 – June 30, 2012, and events scheduled from May 15 – October 15, 2012.

More details on this is available on http://www.hiltonmiceindia.com/index.html

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facts

Travel to Thailand now gets easier from Bengaluru as VFS Global opens New Thailand Visa Application Centre in the city Mr Chanchai Charanvatnakit, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai, announced the launch of the new service in Bengaluru for collection of visa applications and delivery process through VFS Global’s Thailand Visa Application Centre (Thai VAC).

VFS Global will be responsible for accepting applications for Thai visas from applicants residing in Bangalore as well as other parts of Karnataka. All applications will continue to be assessed and processed by the Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai. The key features of the centre will be longer operating hours, dedicated website for easy access, visa information including visa types, applicable fees and application status, professional and responsive staff dedicated to handle visa queries, dedicated call center unit, email support and door step delivery of passports. The service would attract a nominal service fee, payable at the Thai VAC at the time of submitting the application. For more information: infothai.southin@vfshelpline.com

60 per cent increase in exhibitor bookings for ITB Asia According to recently released figures, the overall exhibitor bookings for ITB Asia show are up 33 per cent from 2011. In addition, there is a 60 per cent increase in exhibitor booth space bookings compared to the last year. For example, Marina Bay Sands has more than tripled its exhibition space, and Las Vegas has doubled its space. Indonesia returns with a remarkable increase in presence, with Bali Village, which has more than doubled its space.

First-time exhibitors at this year’s show include the Catalan Tourism Board and Tourism Solomon Islands. In addition, Phuket Tourist Association is showing a strong presence and will be setting up a dedicated pavilion at this year’s show.

“Asia has become one of the world’s most important travel markets, and many hotel chains are now focussing on growing their presence aggressively in this region. ITB Asia, despite being the youngest travel trade show in Asia, is also one of the fastest growing in the region and will provide an invaluable platform of networks and knowledge for the whole travel and tourism industry to exchange insights and business leads,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.

Last year, the show attracted more than 7,500 attendees, representing over 90 countries. ITB Asia is also a partner event of TravelRave, a mega travel and tourism festival week organized by the Singapore Tourism Board.

ITB Asia 2012 will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, from October 17–19. It is organised by the Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd. and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau.

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facts

Risk Management Forum by the Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) will be held in Maastricht in 2013 Maastricht is the host city for roughly 1,500 participants of the FERMA Risk Management Forum in MECC Maastricht, from September 29 – October 2, 2013. This is the result of strenuous efforts and close cooperation with MECC Maastricht, other participants and the Maastricht Convention Bureau.

Maastricht competed with Brussels, Istanbul and Monte Carlo.

FERMA has chosen Maastricht because of the personal approach, the good cooperation of MECC Maastricht with the Maastricht Convention Bureau, the facilities of MECC Maastricht and the different possibilities for organising sponsor evenings. In addition, the central location of the city was an important aspect, because of members from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

EIBTM celebrates 25 years with a new logo EIBTM, the Global Meetings, Events, Incentives and Business Travel Exhibition (EIBTM), has unveiled a new logo to celebrate 25 years within the meetings industry. The 25th edition of EIBTM will take place in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona from November 27 – 29, 2012.

The logo can be viewed and downloaded from the EIBTM website atwww. eibtm.com/logo25 The new design which reflects the official ‘silver’ associated with a 25th anniversary, marks the first of many new initiatives throughout the year, which will culminate with celebrations in Barcelona.

Reed Travel Exhibitions are inviting participants to celebrate 25 years of innovation with them by sharing their photos, videos, memories and messages on the EIBTM Facebook page www.facebook.com/ eibtmevent or by email to eibtm-marketing@reedexpo.co.uk

CTICC wins 8th International Conference for Cape Town The recent bid win for the 2013 ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Sector Venues International Client/Supplier Business Workshop raises the total number of international conferences won by the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), since January 2012, to eight. CTICC’s Chief Operating Officer, Joey Pather, informs that the combined economic impact of these events is in the region of R 41 million and will lead to the creation of over 700 direct and indirect jobs in the country.

Other international bids won include the following: • IEEE’s Combined Industry Applications/Industrial Electronics/Power Electronics Societies 2013 - February 2013 • ICTD - Information and Communication Technology Development Conference – December 2013 • International Conference of Infectious Diseases - April 2014 • EuSEc 2014 (9th European Systems Engineering Conference) October 2014 • IFED – World Congress of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry - October 2015 • International Conference on Access Management - March 2016

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facts

ADNEC had a busy May The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre and the Al Ain Convention Centre had a busy May this year, with a total of seven events between the two venues this month.

The first week of May saw the International Jewellery and Watch Show, Abu Dhabi taking over Halls 1-3 and running until May 5. The event showcased exquisite jewellery and time pieces from the world’s leading high-end brands. This was alongside the the Beauty Secrets Show, which featured beauty products and services for skin, hair, body and fitness.

The other prominent events that stepped into this world class venue included the ICT World Abu Dhabi which brought together top telecom decision makers and the Cards and Payments Middle East 2012, which had five conferences and more than 80 freeto-attend seminars. There was also a first-time event, Made in Korea (MIK) UAE 2012. With significant bilateral trade between Abu Dhabi and South Korea, this event is expected to enhance cooperation and understanding between the two nations.

Al Ain Convention Centre also had a fair share of significant events and this included the Al Ain Education & Career Fair and the Al Ain 8th Wedding Show.

More Global recognition for AEG Ogden managed venues Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which is managed by AEG Ogden, has been judged as ‘Middle East’s Leading Convention and Exhibition Centre’ at the 2012 World Travel Awards in Dubai. The annual World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all the sectors of global travel and tourism industry.

The QNCC was officially opened in December 2011 and the first event it hosted was the 20th World Petroleum Congress. Since then, the venue has hosted 112 events attended by more than 128,000 visitors, including the delegates of the high profile UN Conference on Trade and Development In late March, another venue managed by AEG Ogden, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) was named ‘Best Convention Centre in Asia’ in the 2012 MICE Report Awards.

The other venues managed by AEG Ogden which have got global recognition for their services include, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) and Darwin Convention Centre (DCC).

AEG Ogden is a joint venture between Australian interests and AEG facilities of the United States. It manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific region, including the Qatar, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur and Oman (currently under construction) Convention Centres; Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane; Sydney’s Allphones Arena, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and the Perth Arena (currently under construction); and live theatres including Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre and the Perth Concert Hall.

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facts

Complimentary Wi-Fi at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has improved its Wi-Fi connection to 40MB to offer its guests faster connectivity at no cost. According to Datuk Peter Brokenshire, General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, technology and social media are having a big impact on how venues are marketing themselves and packaging their product offerings. It is becoming the norm; and not a competitive edge, for meeting delegates to expect to get their Wi-Fi for free. The great bandwidth means guests can remain ‘connected’ at all times and at no cost and also enjoy faster and easier real-time access.

The Centre’s public wireless internet is available through Wi-Fi ‘hot spots’ so anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled computer can access the service. The venue also has complimentary internet stations for the convenience of the delegates.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre goes green To mark Earth Week 2012, held from 16 to 22 April and Earth Day 2012 on 22 April, 21 eager team members of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre planted 60 trees from an endangered species, the Shorea roxburghii or Meranti Temak Nipis, as it is known locally, at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s (FRIM) Kepong Botanical Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.

And to further celebrate Earth Week 2012, the Centre created an 11-foot high ‘Pledge Tree’ where 133 team members’ pledges to Mother Earth, written on a leaf-like piece of card, were hung. The pledges were added to the 100,000 green pledges required to enter the Malaysian Book of Records and the worldwide total of 1 billion green pledges to make it the world’s largest-ever environmental service movement.

Germany number two worldwide as a convention destination Germany has retained its position as one of the leading global destinations for meetings and conventions. For the eighth year in succession, the study conducted by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) showed that Germany is the top location in Europe for association meetings. Globally, Germany occupies second place. According to the ranking, only the USA has more international conventions.

The annual ICCA statistical study ‘International Association Meetings Market’ evaluates the trends in the international meetings market. The ICCA studies association meetings with at least 50 participants, which take place regularly and rotate between at least three countries. The International Congress & Convention Association, which was founded in 1963 and is based in Amsterdam, has been collecting information about association events worldwide since 1972.

Congrex and CIMGlobal form powerful alliance in India Conferences & Incentives Management Pvt. Ltd. (CIMGlobal) in India and Congrex recently entered into an exclusive Cooperation and Execution Agreement for events taking place in India. Congrex and CIMGlobal have already initiated bidding processes for conferences and events scheduled for India in its dynamic markets.

CIMGlobal has 15 years experience in delivering meetings, events and conferences in India and is a leading player in the Indian national and international conference market.

The exclusive collaboration will secure a new presence in the Indian market for which Congrex and CIMGlobal can together provide professional management services for international associations, corporations and governmental organisations on an extended scale in one of the world’s most important growing markets.

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destination

MICE Mania in Macau Divya Goyal

The business fraternity is not unfamiliar with Macau’s MICE charm. It is endowed with world-class conferencing facilities and exhibition spaces. In addition to this, it offers an array of pre- and post-convention activities in terms of sightseeing and adventure opportunities. And, with a nightlife to match that of Vegas, Macau has all that any business traveller can ask for!

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Facts • The Pataca is Macu’s official currency. $1 is equal to around 8 Patacas and 1 euro will roughly get you 10 Patacas.

• No visa required for Indian Travellers

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Previous page spread: Splendid night view of Macau Top: A glorious morning view of Macau

M

acau, a city on the move, offers a diverse selection of its two dominating cultures – Portuguese and Chinese. It is an ideal city for incentive opportunities as it has on its platter architectural marvels, religious rituals and customs in addition to 25 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites! It provides you an opportunity to engage in high adventure or to be a part of invigorating team-building programmes.

Business in Macau

Macau can delight any business traveller with the broad spectrum of event space it has. With six exhibition and convention centres, a range of hotels (starting from 5-star deluxe to 4-star) with MICE facilities and other event spaces such as stadiums, etc., Macau can truly offer innovative MICE experience.

With world-class convention and exhibition centres such as Macau Cultural Centre (www.ccm.gov.mo), Macau Fisherman’s Wharf (www.fishermanswharf. com.mo) and Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre (www.macautower.com.mo), Macau has what it takes to impress delegates and host successful congregations.

Macau Cultural Centre

To offer the best MICE facilities, Macau Cultural Centre has Grand Auditorium, Small Auditorium, Orchestra Rehearsal Room, Multi-purpose Rehearsal Room, Music Studio, Dance Studio, Conference Room, VIP Room, Art Plaza and Foyer. Equipped with state-ofthe-art facilities, each venue has different capacity and can cater to different demands of the organisers with a distinct style of its own. (e-mail: enquiry@ccm.gov.mo)

Macau is a 55 minute ferry ride from Hong Kong International Airport.

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

At the Fisherman’s Wharf, conferences take on the flavours of the sea. The Wharf provides a wholesome experience for the families of delegates attending conventions here. Aladdin’s fort, the Babylon Casino, the Game centre and the Roman amphitheatre are some of the primary attractions of this place. The basement of Aladdin’s fort has a 5000 sqm convention and exhibition centre, which makes room for a variety of corporate functions and events.

Like a cherry on the top of the cake, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf has provisions for team-building activities on site. With the help of its experienced event coordination team, plan tailor-made programmes for your function or event. (E-mail: fbd@fishermanswharf. com.mo) Convention & Exhibition Centre (CEC) • Space 5,260-sqm • The main hall can accommodate up to 168 round tables or 3,500 standing guests.

• For exposition events, CEC can hold over 100 exhibition booths.

• A fully loaded 120 sqm built-in stage that offers audio-visual technology • Two specially designed VIP rooms give occupants direct and private access to the car park • Customises theme dinners and banquets with outdoors catering

Macau Cultural Centre

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MICEtalk June 2012

Name of the venue

Capacity

Features

Grand Auditorium

1076 seats

Simultaneous translation in 6 languages

Small Auditorium

389 seats

Simultaneous translation in 3 languages

VIP room

50 people

Direct access to parking

Conference room

Theatre – 150-200 pax Classroom – 100 pax Cocktail Reception – 200 pax

Simultaneous translation in 3 languages Can be sub divided in 3 rooms

destination

For a thrilling adventure, visitors can try the Sky Jump or Skywalk at the 338 meters high Macau Tower

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• Readily available accommodations at two hotels • Stylish restaurants serving world-class delicacies Exhibition and Events at Fisherman’s Wharf • Spacious area of 2,740 sq.m • Pillar-less Main Hall with a 6.3 meters high ceiling • Supply 150 sets 13-amp current for exhibitions • Capacity of 120 booths in Hall 1-3 • Applicable to concerts, outdoor events & road shows Convention Fact Sheet at Fisherman’s Wharf • Spacious floor area of 5, 260 sqm • Pillar-less design • 120 sqm multi-functional stage • Audio system with control panel and visual equipment • Four built-in projector screens • Built-in ambient lights • Can accommodate up to 2,000 guests for banquets, 3,000 guests for seminars, 3,500 guests for cocktail parties, or 120 booths for exhibitions

Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre

Above: Ruins of St. Paul

• French Terrace offers 30 tables to cater to Western banquet needs • Fisherman’s Pier, the Tulips Terrace and the Marco Polo Plaza, each offers 25 tables to cater to Western banquet needs Meetings and Conferences at Fisherman’s Wharf • Three exhibition halls, five meeting rooms, two meeting halls and two VIP rooms • Centrally-located with convenient transportation • State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment

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At the Macau Tower, you can plan a vibrant event in one of their many MICE facilities which includes a spacious Grand Hall, a Banquet Hall shimmering under eight crystal chandeliers, an exhibition hall For post conventions options try: Macau Tower Harbour Cruise Panda Pavillion Visit to Museums On special request, activities such as treasure hunt, dragon boat race and lion dance can be arranged for groups.

destination

MGTO supports MICE travel movement to the country and has a dedicated convention bureau for the same. For an Incentive travel movement of minimum 50 passengers and consecutive 2 nights of stay, MGTO support the travel movement with maximum of MOP 300 per passenger on actual consumption. The programme also provides complimentary tourist information kits and welcome gifts alon with free admission to the Wine Museum and Grand Prix Museum.

For more details please visit: http://industry. macautourism.gov.mo/en/page/content. php?page_id=197

which will lend itself to innovative exhibition styles, a Theatre which can serve as an impressive venue for business engagements, seminars and performing arts; ideal for both formal and informal occasions. Besides these state-of-the-art options, the Macau Tower has an outdoor plaza, which oversees the Sai Van Bridge and an extensive sea-view. It has the capacity to host over 1,000 guests and is best suited for outdoor functions, such as barbeque, firework, cocktails, etc.

(E-mail: info@macautower.com.mo) Macau Tower Facility

Capacity

Banquet Hall

1000 guests

Exhibition Hall

100 standard booths

Theatre

500 guests

Outdoor Plaza

1000 guests

Tasting Macanese Food

When it comes to satiating of the taste buds, Macanese food has no match. A fusion of Portuguese, African, Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking, Macau’s

gastronomic scene has gained new heights among avid travellers from around the world. There are ample of options for vegetarians in Macau.

Some options are: 1. Spice Garden - Galaxy Hotel 2. Spaghetti Kitchen - Galaxy Hotel 3. Indian Spice express - Venetian Hotel foodcourt 4. Anticca Tartoria - Opposite MGM grand hotel.

5. Maharaja - Near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Macau for a Shopaholic’s Soul

Keep aside a day or two only to indulge yourself to an ultimate shopping experience. Varied shopping districts in Macau, ranging from multi-brand shopping centres to fashion boutiques and from Chinese antique shops to popular daily flea markets, can surely fulfil the shoppers’ desire.

Macau @ Night

A visitor to Macau cannot come away without experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Lounges, sports bars, karaoke clubs, discotheque – you name it and you can experience it in Macau. Macau nightlife becomes an important part of the itinerary of any MICE traveller. For those interested in club hopping, the NAPE area is packed with bars and pubs. The Bellini Lounge and the Cinnebar are some of the popular choices. The best restaurants and bars can be found around the Avenida Sun Yat Sen. Macau’s nightlife is particularly bright on Fridays and Saturdays, when there are live bands playing the rhythms of Portugal, Brazil and Africa, for the general public. Exploring the nightlife of Macau would not be complete without experiencing its reputation of being, ‘The Vegas of the East’. Macau casinos are known for their peaceful atmosphere and some of them have distinct themes.

Bottom: Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

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itinerary

Itinerary 1 Day 1 • Morning Arrival • A Touch of Art and Culture – Learn tai chi, calligraphy and/ or traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

• Dinner at 360 degrees Restaurant at the Macau Tower.

Day 2 • Go Karting racing Grand Prix • The sights, tastes and sounds of Macaus heritage precinct.

• Dine at Fishermans Wharf.

• Enjoy a night of the spectacular House of Dancing water.

Day 3 • Spa treatments or a Tee-off at Macau Golf & Country Club • Evening Departure

Macau Magic!

Itinerary 2 Day 1 • Morning Arrival • The secrets of Macau – The sights, tastes and sounds of Macaus heritage precinct.

• Portuguese dinner at Macau Military Club.

• Enjoy a night of the spectacular House of Dancing water.

Day 2 • Enjoy the spectacle of the Dragon Boat Race • Portuguese wine appreciation and tasting • Dine at Fishermans Wharf.

Day 3 • Own a racehorse for the day at the Macau Jockey Club • Evening Departure Itinerary courtesy: Macau Goverment Tourist Office

These are only suggested itineraries which can be adjusted/customised around a conference and to the requirement of the client.

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Itinerary 3 Day 1 • Morning Arrival • The taste of Macau. A journey to Macau’s quaint villages and sample some local treats.

• Dine around at Macanese Restaurants • Enjoy a night of the spectacular House of Dancing water.

Day 2 • Adventure at Macau Tower – choose from sky jump, bungy jump, skywalk or mast climb followed by buffet lunch at 360 degrees revolving restaurant.

• Choose from an indulgent spa or golf • Evening – Masked ball at the Venetian Day 3 • Touch of Art and Culture – Learn tai chi, calligraphy and/ or traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

• Evening Departure

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Geneva

Meeting where Alpine Peaks form a Backdrop Ipshita Sengupta Nag

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MICEtalk June 2012

MICE city

Often described as ‘the most international city of Switzerland’, Geneva is the European seat for the UN. Picturesque and cosmopolitan, the city is also a centre for trade fairs and exhibitions, as MICE business figures show. The city is also proud of its cultural charisma in terms of theatres and museums including an exclusive watch museum with its collection of jewellery watches and musical clocks. MICEtalk takes a bird’s eye view of this French-speaking city to find out more...

You can apply for a visa by appointment at the Switzerland Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Puducherry or Bengaluru (there will be centres in other cities like Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad shortly) or at the Embassy in New Delhi or at the Consulate General in Mumbai.

One flight per day, via Dubai, from Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram (and via many other destinations)

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MICE city

A

Previous page spread: A cruise prepares to set sail at harbour in Geneva

n international meeting mountains, in the vineyards, city ideally situated in around wine & cheese and Palexpo Geneva Geneva’s most prominent landmark for the heart of Europe, other themes. Some of the meetings and conferences is Palexpo a financial and technological local PCOs who can put Geneva. The venue boasts of 111,000 hub with a global reputation, together special events sqm of surface area and can host all kinds Geneva is a cosmopolitan city are Nest, Symporg, Kuoni, of events. Directly linked to the airport that provides a unique and Congrex and MCI. and railway station, Geneva Palexpo is particularly privileged setting located only 15 minutes by car or public After Work for business tourism that takes transport from downtown Geneva. The Visitors coming to Geneva are its visitors by surprise.

Conference Centre has 21 multi-purpose captivated by its picturesque Meeting facilities with stateand modular meeting rooms of varying beauty. There is plenty to see of-the-art technology, hotels capacities and accommodating up to around as delegates decide equipped to the most exacting 4,800 delegates and seven smaller to take a break from work. standards – 32 conference meeting rooms of varying sizes. Further, 30,000 delegates can be seated in A favourite activity with hotels (3-5 stars), 2 conference purpose-built conference rooms within visitors is taking a cruise on centres for up to 10,000 the exhibition halls. The seven exhibition Lake Geneva. Excursions to delegates – and highly skilled halls total 1,010,000 sq ft of exhibition Lausanne, Montreux, Chillon, personnel are other assets that space. The venue is so defined in design Gruyères, Chamonix are attract tourism professionals to and size that seven different events can generally preferred by the this city. happen simultaneously, with separate visitors coming to Geneva.

Geneva is known for the entrances for each. This would, of course, Another ‘water’ attraction is Jet quality of life, something that be subject to the size of each event. d’eau which is a 140-metre high its visitors are delighted to water jet, visible from afar. It is discover. The International the ‘landmark’ of this beautiful city.

Airport welcomes flights from more than 100 The Old Town, the heart of Geneva, is where destinations and it takes only six minutes to reach people head for their shopping expeditions. The other the city centre by train. Thanks to a rich past, a magnificent natural environment and a wide range of fine dining opportunities, the smallest of the world’s great cities is a prime-choice destination for organising an event.

The natural beauty of Geneva lends itself to different kinds of theme events/evenings. According to Switzerland Tourism, events can be organised by a local DMC around activities on the lake, in the

Facing page top: Palexpo Geneva Facing page bottom: Aerial view of the city

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MICEtalk June 2012

MICE visitors coming to Geneva can be greeted at its international airport with a special welcome message if the size of the group exceeds 500.

The airport also has free Wi-Fi facility. Also, free public transport is available to the city centre – six minutes by train.

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CONFERENCE FACILITIES

GENEVA PALEXPO features twenty meeting rooms with a total capacity of 11’000 seats. A further 10’000 participants or more may be seated in conference rooms which can be built within the exhibition halls.

All rooms are linked by fiber optic cable, 100 Mbps copper and cable TV networks.

AREA (m2)

THEATRE STYLE (persons)

WIDTH (m)

LENGTH (m)

USEABLE HEIGHT (m)

Conference centre Room A small 640 650 18.80 32.00 5.50 Room A large 830 800 23.60 32.00 5.50 Room B small 640 650 19.10 32.00 5.50 Room B medium 830 800 23.90 32.00 5.50 Room B large 1’020 1’000 28.70 32.00 5.50 Room C small 640 650 18.80 32.00 5.50 Room C large 830 800 23.60 32.00 5.50 Room A+B/B+C 1'470 1'500 42.80 32.00 5.50 Room A+B/B+C large 1'660 1'700 47.60 32.00 5.50 Room A+B+C 2'300 2'500 66.50 32.00 5.50 Room E 130 120 9.30 13.90 3.00 Room F 130 120 9.30 13.90 3.00 Room G 130 120 9.30 13.90 3.00 Room K 240 230 14.15 16.70 3.00 Room L 140 100 11.90 10.70 3.00 Foyer ABC 1'350 also available for cocktails/receptions or exhibitions 2.95 Foyer EFGKL 800 also available for cocktails/reception or exhibitions 3.00 Please note: total capacity of rooms ABC when used together does not equal the sum of individual room capacity listed above Multipurpose rooms Le Cervin Le Mont-Blanc Le Salève Le Jura Villa Sarasin «Geneva Arena» (in partnership)

510 570 400 455

300 400 300 350

13 rooms

9-52

2.50-3.50

1'800

6'500

14.80

Contact For any further information, please contact us at: vente@geneva-palexpo.ch

21.40 23.90 16.70 19.00

23.90 23.90 23.90 23.90

3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95

FLOOR LOADING (kg/m2)

400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400

400 400 400 400

1’000

MICE city

favourite with visitors is the city’s Geneva International Grand Rue Street, the most wellConference Centre (CICG) is maintained street where the city’s another important venue in famous citizen philosopher Jean Geneva. It has 27 conference Jacques Rousseau was born. rooms which can seat 20 to Horloge Fleuri, the large flower 20,000 people. clock in Jardin Anglais (English garden), which is symbolic of Geneva’s expertise in watch making, is a must visit for the visitors.

Situated between Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura Mountains, this quaint city is a MICE

stopover with a difference. Its natural environs and settings can provide a perfect break no matter how heated a business meeting or convention might get. Shouldn’t that be a reason enough to plan your next MICE offsite here in this beautiful Swiss city?

Below: ‘Watch’ your step at Horloge Fleuri, an English garden in Geneva Bottom: Relax in one of the roadside cafés of the city

Geneva Convention Bureau The Geneva Convention Bureau offers the following services free of charge: • Analysis of congress/meeting requirements • Venue search • Bid preparation & support • Tentative reservations for conference and seminar spaces & room allocation • Help with partner programs, transfers, excursions, guides & social events • Site inspection arrangements • Assistance in the selection of DMC/PCO • Supply of promotional publications • Inclusion of your event in Geneva Convention Bureau’s online convention calendar The carrying capacity of the city - in terms of hotels Hotels 5-star hotels

Number

No. of Rooms

14

2211

4-star hotels

26

3064

3-star hotels

27

1759

2-star hotels

10

486

1-star hotels

2

296

Others

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1413

The average room rates in the city are from CHF150 up to CHF600 and more.

Visitors from India who are looking for Indian food would be delighted to know that Geneva has a plethora of Indian restaurants, which also have options of vegetarian food.

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Johannesburg Calling for Meetings Ipshita Sengupta Nag

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MICEtalk June 2012

booked for MICE

South Africa is one of the most attractive options for an incentive getaway. With its scenic landscape and scope for abundant activities, this vibrant country has always caught the imagination of those favouring the outdoors. The country has an equally impressive portfolio for meetings and conventions. MICEtalk explored the Sandton Convention Centre, which is the venue for Meetings Africa, one of South Africa’s most prestigious events to encourage Business Tourism.

The venue caters for all types of food, namely halaal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, etc. However, for halaal and kosher meals a surcharge is applicable for bringing the meals in as the kitchens are not certified for either halaal or kosher catering and the venue uses an external supplier for them.

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booked for MICE

S

Previous page spread: Miss World 2008 competition held at the Convention Centre Top: A show in full swing at the Sandton Convention Centre Bottom: The foyer at Sandton Convention Centre is spacious and convenient for large congregations

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ituated at the heart of Sandton’s business, hospitality and entertainment district, in Northern Johannesburg, Sandton Convention Centre attracts business travellers for its spacious, state-of-the-art facilities. The location of the venue, with shopping and entertainment options close at hand and around 5000 hotel rooms within easy distance, adds on to its suitability for MICE. The Sandton Convention Centre is managed by Tsogo Sun and is connected to two 5-star properties namely the Sandton Sun and the InterContinental Sandton Towers. Also, it is located next to the Garden Court Sandton City, a 3-star property.

The Sandton Convention Centre can work with the Johannesburg Tourism Board or a local destination management company to ensure provisions its warm interiors, which like making announcements is replete with authentic The Sandton Convention Centre only just for delegates coming to the representations of South insists on catering through the venue; venue or even ensuring faster African art. The glass façade all other services can be brought in.

The venue, however, works with a clearance at immigration. creates an impression of open coterie of companies, based onsite, The venue boasts of several space and the visitors can look that offers services such as security, event spaces of various sizes out to probably Johannesburg’s AV, décor and flower arrangements, that can be customised to most upmarket street. The telecommunications, drayage, cleaning the expectations of groups. venue is supported with 26 and exhibition services, i.e., building of Each is supported by an array escalators that allow visitors shell schemes, carpeting, draping, etc. of technology. The Sandton to move around freely. Several Convention Centre works with of the meeting rooms are so several local companies for all audio-visual requirements designed that they allow a generous amount of natural and telecommunication equipment. If a client requires light. The building is designed to give easy access to any specific technology, it can be procured by the venue. physically-challenged visitors.

The venue’s glass façade is the first thing that The facilities at the venue can be customised to captures your attention and welcomes a visitor to specific group requirements. Professional decor and

MICEtalk June 2012

Onsite Risk Catering Company, namely Main Event Catering, does all the risk catering (restaurant type catering) for all exhibitions/events. Takeaways can be bought from the Sandton City Shopping Mall which is connected to the SCC through the Skywalk.

The Sandton Convention Centre is surrounded by nearly 11,000 parking bays, situated in three big parking arcades. The security system is such that the building can be evacuated in a matter of minutes, should the alarm system go off.

Other options to stay near Sandton Convention Centre • Courtyard Suite Hotels – Sandton • Crowne Plaza Sandton (350 rooms) • Foxwood House • Garden Court Sandton City (444 rooms) • Hilton – Sandton (329 rooms) • The Michelangelo on Sandton Square-Sandton (242 rooms)

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booked for MICE

Capacity Space (sqm)

Facilities

Cocktail and Buffet

Cinema

4,100

Boardroom

U-Shape

Dinner and Dance (served)

Dinner and Dance (buffet)

EXHIBITIONS Exhibition 1

5,430

4,200

Main Foyer

832

700

Exhibition 2

5,050

3,900

Ballroom Foyer

712

770

The Ballroom 1

2,921

2,500

2,400

1,500

1,080

The Ballroom 2

320

260

220

70

50

150

100

The Ballroom 3

310

260

220

70

50

150

100

The Ballroom 4

320

270

220

70

50

150

200

Boardroom 1

72

50

48

10

12

Boardroom 2

72

50

48

10

12

Boardroom 3

80

50

48

10

12

Boardroom 4

85

50

48

10

15

Boardroom 5

80

50

48

10

15

Boardroom 6

90

50

55

10

15

Boardroom 7

60

50

48

10

12

Boardroom Foyer

600

500

Bill Gallagher Room

598

500

250

200

Skywalk Gallery

400

330

Committee Foyer

903

780

Committee Room 1

81

50

48

15

15

Committee Room 2

162

120

133

30

25

80

70

3,800

CONVENTIONS AND MEETINGS

546

Committee Room 3

94

30

30

18

25

Committee Room 4

243

200

216

20

30

90

80

Committee Room 5

229

200

216

20

30

90

75

674

580

4,743

5,000

2,200

2,000

SPECIAL EVENTS Pavillion Foyer The Pavillion

flower specialists ensure that the venues are done up to meet the highest standards of the clients. Currently, professional cleaning services, like Isikhonyane Cleaning Services, ensure that the facilities are maintained to optimum.

Post-Convention Options

4,500

For visitors, who do not want to wander far for their shopping in the post-convention hours, the Sandton Convention Centre is linked by a skywalk to Sandton City Mall and is adjacent to Nelson Mandela Square, two of the most prestigious and sophisticated shopping complexes in Africa. These malls are ideal even if visitors just want to do window shopping or sit in a cafĂŠ. They house a plethora of international brands and stores selling South African art and crafts.

Across the road from the convention centre is the

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ultra modern Michelangelo Towers Mall, which is known for its contemporary designer showrooms and superb restaurants.

Meetings and conventions at the Sandton Convention Centre, therefore, means much more than ample space in this twelve-storey structure. It provides an experience of efficiency, elegance and entertainment that will stay with you for a long long time.

Shuttle services can be arranged with the hotels and sightseeing trips can be arranged through a DMC.

Security The Sandton Convention Centre has a 24-hour manned control room where CCTV is monitored.

The venue has competent security staff with high-tech security solutions, to ensure a secure environment for delegates.

success story

Harnessing Technology for Surgery Divya Goyal

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The success of any corporate event lies in the hands of the organisers, as much as the corporate hosting the event. Vattikuti Global Robotics 2012 International Conference, held from January 13-15, 2012 at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, is one such example where the meticulous and dedicated workforce of KW Conferences pulled off a great show.

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he conference, with the vision towards making robotic surgery and other technologically advanced medical procedures of the future costeffective and available to underprivileged communities, saw delegates travelling from various Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru; while the speakers for the event had arrived mainly from USA, UK and Europe.

The event required a convergence of specialists from various fields of medical science such as Urology, Gynaecology, ENT, Cardio-vascular, Hepato-billary and Thoracic.

The Organisers

KW Conferences was a part of this event right from the conceptualising stage to the planning of the conference and the lecture series. They were involved in the entire logistics, from registration, managing the

halls and organising catering to speaker preparation and the social evenings.

Statistics of the Event

KW Conferences managed 58 people of the faculty as speakers and presenters from all over the world, and Marketing Strategy • The concept of robotic surgery is still new in India, therefore, activities to promote it had to be meticulously planned and executed.

• Direct promotion at major hospitals in many cities • A dynamic website which was user-friendly and disseminated up-to-date information and news • 6-7 rounds of electronic mailers were sent out and brochures were mailed

Facing page above: Cutting-edge technology of the Da Vinci robot Top: Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia inaugurating the conference Middle: Dr. Ahluwalia trying the Da Vinci robot Above: Vattikuti Global Robotics 2012 International Conference in full swing

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success story

Monimita Sarkar Managing Director KW Conferences

278 delegates from across the country. The delegates were mainly surgeons and doctors from leading hospitals, researchers and medical students.

There were six lectures delivered in six different cities within two weeks, “Which were all organised by us and we had our staff in the cities taking care of the marketing, visiting hospitals to create awareness and get doctors to register and attend the lectures,” informed Monimita Sarkar, Managing Director, KW Conferences.

Preparing for the event

As a part of the pre-event promotional activities, KW had 6-7 rounds of electronic mailing sessions, continuous updates of the website, telecalling, actual visits to hospitals, advertising in Association journals and websites.

Also, KW carefully managed challenges such as executing three parallel sessions focussing on different specialities like Urology, Gynaecology, ENT, Cardiovascular, Hepato-billary, Thoracic, etc.

Post conference tour to Agra

After a successfully concluded conference, KW also organised a luxurious and comfortable day-trip for the 13 faculty members, to Agra. The delegates, travelled by a Volvo coach, spent their morning at the Taj Mahal and after a sumptuous lunch at the Maurya, they went to the Agra Fort. The trip was planned to accommodate time for shopping, photographs and gifts, thereby making the trip a memorable experience for all.

One of the Major challenges faced by KW conferences was to organise live interactive surgery transmissions, which happened across various cities in India, at the venue

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The major challenges

The major requirements were live interactive surgery transmissions and the opportunity to actually test-drive the robot. Live transmission of surgeries took place at Medanta Hospital Gurgaon, KIMS Institute Hyderabad, Asian Heart Institute Mumbai and Manipal Hospital Bangalore.

“The surgeons present in the operation theatres interacted with the delegates at the conference venue. The technical part of this exercise was handled by a specialist who used his own infrastructure and equipment,” Sarkar said, adding, “The robotic surgery equipment outputs a digitised video signal, which is ‘packetised’ and sent over virtual IP leased circuits from each of the hospitals to a central switch at the conference venue. The switch outputs the data onto separate channels, one for each hall, each carrying a digital video signal compatible with the display systems in that hall.”

The second challenge was the Da Vinci robot. It was brought on-site and installed on a special platform. “The entire robotic unit consisting surgeon’s console, the vision card and the robot, weighed 2 tonne. It was dismantled in the open and then put together as it had to be brought inside the Taj Palace to be installed in the main hall. Special carpeting was done on which the robotic unit moved so that the Taj Palace carpet was not damaged by the movement of the extremely heavy unit,” described Sarkar. The robot was sensor-coded and only one person designated by the manufacturers could touch or operate it.

End to Meeting BLUes

Photo: Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Dwarka

With 24 properties in 20 destinations across India, Radisson Blu has made its mark on the Indian MICE industry. Backed by a dedicated team and world-class conferencing amenities, this hotel brand will ensure a seamless corporate event. The hotel properties are strategically located to ensure that the travellers get the best experiences of the city they travel to while being treated to unmatchable hospitality. MICEtalk gathers insights into Radisson Blu’s Amritsar, Agra and New Delhi properties…

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Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Dwarka • Minutes away from Delhi’s international and domestic airports • Located 20 minutes from the commercial hub of the city • 20-80 rooms (subject to availability) can be given in a go • Taxes applicable - Rooms 10% Luxury Tax on the published rates, 6.18% on the applicable tariff; F&B 24.61% on food, 18.68% on soft beverages and 26.18% on alcoholic beverages; Equipment/hall hire 10.3% • Outside suppliers can be brought in for events with prior approval from the hotel management • Support staff available • Indoor space (8,700 sq ft) of pillar less halls with an additional pre-function space (3,500 sq ft). Outdoor space including poolside terrace (approx 9,500 sq. ft) • Themed evenings can be customised • Vegetarian food is available • Travel desk to help groups • Six F&B outlets with Chinese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Thai, traditional Indian and Bar-b-que cuisines available

MICEtalk June 2012

Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar • Close to Amritsar International and Domestic Airports and 15 minutes from the railway station • 50% of the total hotel inventory can be given in a go (subject to availability) • Tax on banquet is 21.17% and on restaurant is 17.46% • Outside suppliers can be brought in for events • Banquet space: indoors 8,250 sq. ft; outdoor 21,000 sq. ft • Moroccan and Bollywood themes among other themes can be arranged • Vegetarian food is available • Travel desk to help groups • It has one coffee shop and a speciality restaurant and bar

MICE hotel

Radisson Hotel Agra Taj East Gate Road • 35 minutes from Kheria Airport, 15 minutes from the railway station and roughly three hours from New Delhi by Taj Express • Located close to some popular tourist attractions • No. of rooms that can be given in a go depends on the availability and dates • Taxes applicable - Room taxes 11.18%; Restaurant Taxes on food and soft beverages 17.21% (which includes VAT and Service Tax), and Alcohol Tax is 3.71% (Service Tax); Banquets Taxes on food & soft beverages – 20.92% (On Alcohol 7.42%) and on Misc (12.36%) • Outside suppliers be brought in for events entailing additional vendor charges at `8,000-10,000 (plus taxes) • Professional staff to support MICE • Indoor venues - Grand Ball Room (Theatre style 450 pax), Celebration Hall (Theatre style 80 pax) and Business Centre with three boardrooms (20 to 25 pax) • Outdoor venue - President Square (1,200 pax) and Front Lawn (50 pax) • Themed evenings such as Rajasthani, Punjabi, Village, Mughal, D.J Night, Orchestra (Musical Night), etc. are possible • Vegetarian including Jain Food (‘No Onion No Garlic’) available • Travel desk to help groups • Cuisines available are Indian, Continental, basic oriental, Mexican, etc and live band in its restaurant

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Photo: Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar

MICE hotel

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Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar • 40-minute from IGI Airport • 19 km from Connaught Place, the city’s most central area • 125 rooms can be given in a go (subject to availability) • 10% luxury tax on rack rate and 6.18% service tax on special rate • Selective outdoor (audio-visual) suppliers can be brought in for events • Dedicated team to handle MICE • Approximately 20,000 sq ft. area for meeting rooms with capacity ranging from 08 people to 500 people

MICEtalk June 2012

• Theme events can be arranged. Event companies can be consulted entailing extra charges • It also arranges special folk dances/Night Club set-up in its banquet hall named ‘Party Hall’ and themed events with live performance in its pool-side lawns.

• Vegetarian food is available (plus special ‘No-Onion No-Garlic’ food) • Travel desk to help groups • Cuisines like Indian/Oriental/Western are available. Its USP is the in-house ‘chaat’ counter called ‘Agra Royal Chaat’.

Surfing Business Anita Jain

How about leaving the usual office set-up and have meetings on the beach! Yes, beach and that too in an exciting way! How about taking on those massive waves and ride them effortlessly, just like movies. MICEtalk brings an ultimate joyride experience of surfing on Indian waves and options to play around with.

T

he minute someone utters ‘Surfing’, the first thing your mind hits is Hollywood where bronzed youngsters take on the waves on the beaches of Hawaii, Australia, Mexico or California. But when one has only a weekend, it’s not possible to visit those countries, so how about getting on the surf boards on Indian waves? Well, wave hello to The Shaka Surf Club, located just 20 minutes from Manipal on a lazy coastal village. The club guarantees that in no real time you will be standing upright on the surfing board and catching that perfect wave. Started last year as a passion of two young surfers, Tushar Pathiyan and Ishita Malaviya, the Club offers beginner level surf lessons with some great team-building activities to know your fellow colleague in a better way. All you need to know is swimming and being comfortable with water and yes, booking well in advance and avoid monsoons.

Starting at around `1000 per person per lesson (includes transfers from Manipal, equipment, surf boards, board shorts and t-shirts), which lasts for three hours, it will ideally take ten lessons for a person to be well trained in surfing, informs Tushar. In fact, the club also provides advanced level courses conducted by experienced international surfers travelling to India. He further informed, “Surfing is a fun sport though it’s still new to India and Indians.

Through a small community of surfers, we are popularising the sport in this country. With online marketing tools like facebook and sales channels like interested travel agents and even few corporate travel operators, we are slowly building our market.”

Surfing paradise

India is slowly becoming a surfer’s paradise due to some obvious reasons like warm water, empty beaches for surfing and having more than 7000 km coastline. Indians are still newcomers to the joy of surfing on the ocean waters, and thus, surfing schools like The Shaka Surf Club are making an effort to make this sport popular in the country.

After training over 200 surfers of different age and nationalities, the company is now expanding horizons with next season. Starting September this year, it will also offer camping on the beach facility for the surfers, enabling water lovers to be close to the beach. There are also spa properties available at short distance from the beach for reliving the senses.

So, are you ready to be a surfing pioneer in Indian waters? It’ll be an adventure and a business holiday that combines beautiful locations, team building exercises, health benefits and the great outdoors. It’s surely worth a try.

Rule book • The most important rule: you must be a strong swimmer and always aware of the safety aspect of being in the surf.

• Check on the safety before checking in at a surf school. For instance, the Shaka Surf Club proprietors have received training in surf rescue, first aid and CPR from American Red Cross Society.

• Don’t bother about things like surfing board, safety equipment and nylon clothes as they are provided by The Shaka Surf Club and are inclusive in the price.

incentive talk

Health benefits Surfing is a good outlet for stress and tension. It promotes health and wellbeing, including cardiovascular fitness as well as strength in the core, back, shoulders and legs.

expert talk

Visa Woes

Acquiring a visa is a point of concern for travelling groups and there may be times when some members of the group are denied a visa; adding to the woes of the travel agents. MICEtalk solicited a response from MICE specialists on how they, as experts, would address this problem.

Rajesh Sethi Managing Director CARNATION TRAVEL SERVICES PVT. LTD.

In the case of corporate groups, we generally involve the concerned tourism boards of that particular country and through them try to reach out the concerned embassy who would be issuing the desired visa. We manage to prevail upon them to take their assurance that all members of the group will be granted visa based on the supporting documents of the company.

We do also strongly feel that the embassies demanding air tickets and hotel confirmations before the Visa being granted is totally uncalled for, since it attracts high penalties on account of cancellations. As it is, most of the visas are being applied on tickets and hotel vouchers which are either not genuine or are cancelled soon after the issuance, to save on the cancellations. I wish the concerned authorities realise how intelligently they are fooled and thereafter decide to amend such a rule. This particularly applies to Schengen Countries. Even US & UK do not have such requirements.

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expert talk

Pankaj Malhotra

Director, Corporate Sales and Operations The Organizers EPIC India Tours & Events Pvt. Ltd.

It is actually very remote that a visa is denied for a person supported by corporate’s invitation/declaration letter, however, if the same happens then—first this is crosschecked by our Visa liaising manager to find out the reasons for denial and corrections are made followed by resubmission of visa form.

However, if a visa is denied due to past records of the person (criminal/civil/credit defaulting cases) corporate is immediately informed of the same.

Naveen Rizvi Vice President India and Business Head TUI

If the embassies reject visa applications for any of our group members, our team handling the group will analyse the visa application form and visa refusal letter in detail to find out the reasons of the rejection. If there is sufficient time left for visa resubmission, the team will resubmit the application form keeping in mind the points of rejection first time and making sure that they are not repeated.

However, if time frame is insufficient and the group departure is round the corner, discussions will be held with the client to check if the people whose visas were rejected can depart a day or two later than the rest of the group, thereby not missing on the entire event overseas.

The airlines are also requested for a change in the date of departure in the original ticket issued before. If the airlines do not agree, steps are taken to get maximum refund for the tickets already booked.

Zelam Chaubal Director Kesari Tours

If it is very well organised conference, we do take care of visa well in advance to avoid ticketing penalties.

When tickets must be done before the visas are granted we take all care so the visas will not be rejected, but unfortunately if visa is rejected, we have to suffer with airline penalty, many times it is of non refundable tickets.

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insurance

Travel Insured

MICE groups are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of insurance before they board a flight for a foreign destination for their meetings and conventions.

MICEtalk spoke to Bajaj Allianz to find out what they can offer a business traveller. Vikramjeet Singh, Head-Travel Insurance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance filled in the blanks...

In case of a group travelling together, can a group insurance be organised with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance? Do give us some details on this.

Bajaj Allianz does offer travel insurance to groups as well. In such cases, a master policy is offered to the organisation conducting the group tour and all members are covered under uniform terms and conditions such as premium, sum assured, duration of the policy, etc.

The benefit of taking a group travel insurance is the lower rates, which could be around 10 per cent lower as compared to an individual policy.

A group of 8 people and more are eligible for a group policy. Since all the group members are covered under a single policy it is easier to manage.

Do the terms and conditions of the travel insurance vary with the destination country?

Yes, the terms and conditions as well as the premium of a travel insurance policy depend on the destination country. Since travel insurance covers the traveller from health and other travel related risks, the premium rates charged depend on the cost of healthcare and other facilities such as travel-related service providers in the destination country. In addition, age of the traveller and duration of the visit are other parameters on the basis of which terms and conditions of a travel insurance plan would vary.

If for some reason a trip is postponed after the insurance has been taken, would a new insurance have to be taken, or can the same one be carried forward?

Trip postponement is covered under the travel insurance policy offered

by Bajaj Allianz. The reasons considered valid for claiming under this are health issues or death of a relative, for which relevant proofs are to be submitted while claiming. The policy also covers trip curtailment which could be postponement or cancelation of the trip due to external reasons such as flight cancellation etc. Trip postponement/curtailment covers are available in the Travel Elite Plan offered by Bajaj Allianz.

To continue the policy on the postponed trip, the policyholder needs to inform the insurer through an email (travel@bajajallianz.co.in) mentioning the reason of postponement along with the relevant proof and the new/revised dates of travel for which the policy needs to be issued. The premiums will remain the same, under the condition that duration of the trip remains the same.

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Insurance for Loss of Checked Baggage

The Company will pay the Insured the sum assured with respect to the complete and permanent loss or destruction of the Insured’s Checked Baggage, save that the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, opt to reinstate or replace the Checked Baggage as an alternative to making payment to the Insured.

Conditions Apply Upon discovering the loss of Checked Baggage, the Insured has to obtain a relevant property irregularity report from the Airline and submit the same to the Insurance Company/Claims Administrator in the event of a Claim.

I. The Company’s liability to make payment shall not arise until liability is admitted by the Airline.

II. The company’s liability will be restricted to a maximum of 50 per cent of the sum assured per piece of baggage and 100 per cent of the sum insured for all pieces of checked in baggage put together. Any Claim for any item lost in respect of which the claim exceeds `6000/- (or other currency equivalent) must be supported by documentation evidencing the insured’s ownership of the same. In the absence of this, the maximum liability shall be restricted to 50 per cent of the cost of this item, subject to maximum `6000/III. In case of the same baggage being covered under any other insurance, this policy will contribute its rateable proportion.

IV. The Company’s payment to the Insured will be reduced by any sum for which the Airline is liable to make payment.

V. Self-carried baggage is excluded from the policy coverage VI. Partial destruction of baggage or missing of contents from the baggage is not covered under the policy.

insurance

VII. The Company shall be under no liability to make payment hereunder in respect of any Claim for valuables.

Insurance for Delay of Checked Baggage

The Company will pay the Insured the sum assured with respect of the Insured’s emergency purchase of toiletries, medication and clothing to replace those contained in Checked Baggage, the arrival of which is delayed by more than 12 hours beyond the time of the Insured’s arrival at the intended destination outside of India.

Conditions Apply I. Delay of baggage when the intended destination is in India II. The Insured must obtain written non-delivery confirmation from the Airline along with the period of delay. This must be submitted in the event of a Claim.

III. In case of more than one claim during the insured journey, the Company’s liability in all claim put together will be restricted to the original Sum Insured.

Insurance for Loss of Passport

In the event of the Insured’s loss of his passport, the Company will pay the Insured the Sum Assured towards expenses necessarily incurred by the Insured in obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport.

Conditions Apply The Company shall be under no liability to make payment for: I. Loss or damage to the Insured’s passport as a result of confiscation or detention by customs, police or any other authority II. Loss which is not reported to the appropriate police authority within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss, III. Loss caused by the Insured’s failure to take reasonable steps to guard against the loss of passport.

Insurance against Hijack cover

For each 24 hour period the insured is detained by hijackers following hi-jacking of any aircraft in which the insured is traveling, the Company will pay the sum specified in the ‘cover’ subject to the maximum limit specified at the time of taking the cover.

Insurance against Trip Delay

If the aircraft on which the insured is booked to travel from India is delayed beyond 12 hours than the original scheduled departure time, the Company will pay the predetermined amount for every 12 hours delay in excess of 12 hours, subject to the maximum amount mentioned in the policy.

Conditions Apply The company will not pay…

I. For any departure which is delayed as a result of the insured or any other person who have

arranged to travel with failing to check-in correctly as required by the airlines II. For any delayed departure caused by strike or industrial action known to exist or was anticipated at the time the trip was booked III. If the aircraft is taken out of service on the instructions of the Civil Aviation Authority or similar authority

Insurance as Daily Allowance for Hospitalisation

Following hospitalisation of the insured named in the Schedule of the policy due to an accident or illness covered under the policy, a daily allowance as specified in the schedule shall be paid by the Company under this policy. For this purpose, a day will be reckoned as continuous 24 hours.

Insurance in case of Accidental Death & Disability (Common Carrier)

The policy will pay the sum insured (predetermined) in addition to the sum insured specified under the personal accident section if the insured sustains accidental bodily injury during the course of the insured journey while travelling in a common carrier such as rail, bus, tram or aircraft and such bodily injury is within 12 months of the date upon which it was sustained the sole and direct cause of the Insured’s death or loss of two eyes and/or loss of two limbs or loss of one limb and one eye.

Insurance against Missed Connection

If the aircraft on which the insured is booked to travel from India is delayed beyond 12 hours than the original scheduled arrival time at the destination of the connecting flight resulting in the insured missing the connecting flight, the company will pay the predetermined sum towards missed connection.

For a claim to be admissible under this section, it is a condition precedent to liability that the claim is admissible under Trip Delay.

Laptop Insurance

If the insured incurs a loss due to damage to or theft of his/her Laptop during the journey abroad and within the policy period, the Company will indemnify the insured the predetermined sum.

Conditions Apply I. Insurance company will not play for any electrical or mechanical breakdown of the laptop II. For any loss of softwares or data in the laptop and any consequential loss III. For any loss as a result of any action taken by customs department.

Claim Settlement: The claim shall be settled at Market Value of the Laptop before the loss, which will be arrived at by depreciating the value by 25 per cent per annum.

Disclaimer This is an extract from details provided by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. MICEtalk bears no responsibility for reproducing the same.

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associations

ICCA Advantage For Press and Meeting Planners

ICCA is probably one of the most important names in the field of international meetings. It is the only association that comprises members who are specialists in handling international events. International meeting planners are known to rely on the ICCA network to find solutions for all their event objectives: venue selection; technical advice; assistance with delegate transportation; full convention planning and other ad hoc services.

MICEtalk takes an extract from ICCA’s listing of the advantages of a membership • You get to meet decision makers and budget holders, who are your potential advertisers and respected spokespersons in the international meetings industry.

Arnaldo Nardone President ICCA

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• Access to association meeting planners (potential subscribers) through the ICCA Association Database and ICCA Intelligence.

The ICCA Association Database is designed to

MICEtalk June 2012

perfectly suit the marketing information needs of suppliers in the international meeting business. The Association Database Online provides a historical overview of thousands of association meetings, plus current contact addresses. It is a user-friendly tool with easy search capabilities, updated daily, password protected and free to all members. ICCA Intelligence is an online resource and e-newsletter designed to promote your products and services to over 3,500 Association Meeting Planners worldwide.

• Profiling of ICCA press members to ICCA member colleagues in the ICCA PR Kit. The ICCA PR Kit is a listing of the leading media (magazines, websites, e-newsletters) in the international meetings industry which functions as a press list and is available to all ICCA members and potential advertisers.

• Exclusive access to the ICCA Congress • Early and exclusive access to the full ICCA Statistics Reports and Destination Comparison Reports.

These figures cover meetings organised by the international associations which take place on a regular basis and which rotate between a minimum of three countries. Each year, the city and country rankings are highly anticipated by the international meetings industry. ICCA produces two statistics reports on the international association meetings market per year.

• The ICCA Membership Directory is a comprehensive listing of all ICCA members with a description of the destination, their products, services, contact names and addresses. It is available online and also in hard copy format. Only ICCA members can advertise in this Directory.

• The ICCA member logo represents good and experienced international meeting suppliers.

As an ICCA member, you can use the ICCA member logo in all your marketing material, like advertisements, websites, stand displays, etc. .

• Promotion of ICCA members via ICCA stand at tradeshows. ICCA has a stand at most of the international meetings and industry-related tradeshows worldwide, via which it promotes ICCA members.

Who can be a Member?

ICCA membership is open to suppliers who provide any kind of service to the meetings industry. ICCA membership is a company membership and not an individual membership, however, no consortia can be accepted; it has to be a single entity.

In order to apply for membership, the organisation needs to market itself in English language to the meetings industry, meaning it needs to have a website in English detailing the various services the company provides for meetings.

All companies applying for membership need to prove they have experience in organising international association events through a track record. This track record has to meet the following criteria:

Facing page: Martin Sirk, Chief Executive Officer, ICCA addresses the delegates on the occasion of 50th Anniversary of ICCA at Leipzig, Germany Top: Delegates take a break at the 50th Anniversary of ICCA at Leipzig, Germany

• It has to be an association meeting • No corporate meetings are considered • No government events are considered • No sports or cultural events are considered • It has to be an international meeting rotating at least between three countries • No national meetings with international participation are considered • It has to have a minimum of 50 participants • It has to be held on a regular basis • No ad hoc meetings are considered Besides the above criteria, each sector of membership (there are five different sectors depending on the branch of the industry the company is in and they are: Destination Marketing, Meetings Management, Meetings Support, Transport, Venues) has a specific application form with sector specific criteria.

Each organisation needs to complete the application which is checked and then sent to the ICCA Board of Directors for approval.

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technology

Scanning docs on the Move E

pson has recently launched Epson WorkForce DS-30, first-ever portable A4 scanner, ideal for mobile workers who require document scanning on-the-go and service staff that need to conserve desk space or maintain a neat counter appearance.

It can scan documents ranging from business cards to A4 and letter sized (8.5 x 11 inch) documents.

Further it is designed with an LED light source that has a low power consumption of up to only 500mA to conserve the battery power of its users’ notebooks.

Weight: 325 gm Description: Comes in a sleek form factor that can easily fit into most briefcases and needs only a single USB connection to a notebook or PC to operate Epson WorkForce DS-30 Scanner type

Portable sheet-fed, A4 colour scanner with LED light source

Maximum scanning resolution

600 x 600

Output resolution

75, 100, 150, 200, 140, 300, 400, 600dpi

200 dpi: color - 13 sec / B&W 13 sec Scanning Speed (A4 page) 300 dpi: color - 13 sec / B&W 13 sec 600 dpi: color - 45 sec / B&W 15 sec

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Document handling

A4, A5, A6, B5, business card, Letter, Legal and custom sizes, A3 and B4 sizes supported by carrier sheet.

Cards supported as defined by ISO 7810 Paper weight supported: 50-130gsm (auto) / 42-200gsm (manual)

Interface

USB 2.0, optional Ethernet network

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The scanner also comes with powerful third-party scanning software that includes Presto! BizCard 5 business card scanner and ABBYY FineReader Sprint 9 optical character recognition (OCR) software (Microsoft Windows version).

Key Features

1. E pson ReadyScan Technology: Due to this, the scanners’ LED lamp requires no warm up time and is able to perform immediately with minimum energy consumption, making them extremely environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

2. Auto Area Segmentation: This feature automatically detects text and picture areas on a page and scans text in black-and-white and pictures in halftone to achieve the best results.

3. Colour Enhance: Colour Enhance is a smart function to clearly capture specific colours on office documents that would otherwise be nonvisible using normal black-and-white scanners.

For example, enhancing signatures on cheques, documents using blue ink or ‘Confidential’ and ‘Urgent’ stamps that use red ink, etc.

4. Colour Dropout: Conversely, this feature can be used to remove a single colour (red, green or blue) from documents; such as coloured backgrounds, stamps or text black-and-white scanning.

5. Punch Hole Removal: When activated, this feature automatically detects and removes punchhole marks.

6. Correct Document Skew: When selected in the options, this feature automatically straightens slanted or misaligned documents in the feeder.

7. Document Capture Pro Software: – It guides the users through steps needed to scan, view, edit and transfer scanned documents to various destinations (that include email, a Microsoft Windows network folder, FTP, Google Docs, etc) from one point to another.

The MRP of the product is ` 10,999

people on the move

New appointments at Raffles Hotel Singapore Raffles Hotel Singapore has appointed Massimo Moreschini (right) as Director of Rooms and Andrea Greybanks (left) as the Director of Sales and Marketing.

Prior to joining Raffles Hotel, Moreschini served as the Rooms Division Director of Celtic Manor Resort, United Kingdom. The Italian-born national embarked on his career path in the hospitality industry in 1988 and has since garnered many years of invaluable work experience from hotels in the United Kingdom including The Dorchester Hotel and Claridges Hotel in Italy. With a strong affinity for service and a passion for generating new ideas, Moreschini will be tasked to develop new strategies to offer the highest level of personalised service for our discerning hotel guests.

Greybanks, a British citizen, joins Raffles Hotel Singapore with many years of experience in the hospitality industry and with an illustrious background in Sales and Marketing.

Prior to this appointment, she was the Regional Director of Sales, Middle East, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for several years. Her other work experience includes sales and marketing functions in 5-star hotels in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. Her energetic and close working relationship with key travel and hospitality partners stands her in good stead to further strengthen Raffles Hotel’s presence.

Anna Gorska from Gdansk Convention Bureau elected for the ICCA Central European Chapter Chairperson Anna Gorska, the CEO of Gdansk Convention Bureau and Gdansk Tourist Organization has been elected as the Chairperson for the ICCA Central European Chapter for a two years term. The official nomination will be passed on to her during the chapter’s annual meeting in August in Dusseldorf.

As the Chairperson her duties and responsibilities will be the education of its members on both general meetings industry issues and ICCA-specific topics, stimulate business relationships between chapter members, support ICCA Head Office to identify and recruit potential new members.

Gdańsk Convention Bureau has been ICCA’s member since 2007 and from the start Gorska had eagerly participated in its activities. She is the first ever Pole in the ICCA Authorities and the first non-German speaking Chairperson of ICCA CEC Chapter where majority of members are from Germany and Austria. She is also the Vice President of membership in MPI Poland Club.

Wyndham Hotel Group Appoints Frank Trampert to Managing Director, APAC Wyndham Hotel Group announced the appointment of Frank Trampert as the Managing Director of the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

An experienced hospitality executive, Trampert is charged with overseeing operations, development and the execution of cross-functional brand initiatives in APAC. He will be based in Hong Kong With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, he brings deep experience in hotel operations and management, including a terrific understanding of revenue optimisation, sales, marketing and franchise support. Recently, Trampert served as the President of Circos Brand Karma in Singapore where he was responsible for leading the strategic direction and global expansion of the brand’s social media solutions as well as driving product differentiation and innovation.

ACTE appoints Peter Koh as the new ACTE Asia Regional Chair The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) announced that Peter Koh, Global Travel Manager of Standard Chartered Bank based in Singapore, was appointed as the ACTE Regional Chair for ACTE’s Asia Region.

Koh was a long-standing ACTE Asia-Pacific Regional Council member and currently sits on the ACTE Asia Council. Koh’s position is effective February 2012 – February 2014.

As Global Travel Manager of Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, Koh is responsible for managing all aspects of Standard Chartered’s global travel programme, which covers more than 52 countries.

He oversees the air, hotel programmes and travel management company.

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checklist

Expect the Unexpected!

The question is... Are you prepared In case of a fire during an indoor event

If You Need to Evacuate • Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local officials • Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes • Take your Disaster Supplies Kit • Use travel routes specified by local officials Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation.

Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag.

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day); Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers • A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener • A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes • Blankets or sleeping bags • A first aid kit and prescription medications • A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries

•A list of physicians •A list of people to inform • Th e style and serial number of medical devices (if used) such as pacemakers Prepare an Emergency Car Kit •B attery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries •B lanket •B ooster cables •F ire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) •F irst aid kit and manual •B ottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter •M aps, Shovel, Flares •T ire repair kit and pump

In case of a rain during an outdoor event

• Erect a temporary structure to house people should there be rain or icy winds. If the weather changes during the event, be sure there are helpers to shift everything quickly into the temporary shelter. In case of an uncertain weather, plan an indoor event that encourages outdoor flow.

• Have a backup plan. The ideal solution is to identify a location which has an indoor location waiting just in case.

Medical Emergencies

• Ensure that you know if any of the delegates have a serious medical condition and keep their medicines handy • Keep the medical insurance papers of the delegates ready • In case a delegate does not have medical insurance, be prepared with his/her options • Prepare a list of hospitals catering to different emergencies (burns, cardio, etc.) close to the conference venue • Delegate a medical team that can take immediate action on-site, till the ambulance arrives

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checklist

Despite various planning sessions, preparations and back-up, there are ways in which your conference can be jeopardised. Natural calamities such as rain, hailstorm, etc. and unpredictable misfortunes such as fire, etc. are among the many reasons that can put a dampener on a successful event in spite of a perfect planning. More often than not these factors are either not considered or are given enough attention while planning events.

for the day of the event?

• Arrange for a Basic Life Support instructor (trained to react in eventualities such as Heart attack, stroke or other injuries) at the MICE event • Prepare a First aid kit for cuts and burns, with basic medicines such as antiseptic cream, crepe bandage, sprain ointment, cotton, etc.

• Prepare a list of people to contact in case of emergency for each delegate • Make sure that there is always an ambulance at hand at the venue

Dealing with Electrical Accidents

• Turn off the main power to the venue to prevent any further damage.

• Call the emergency services and notify them that there is an electrical accident.

• Once the person is no longer in contact with the electricity source then breathing and pulse can be checked and administer emergency first aid.

Resuscitate the victim if necessary.

• If you are unsure of the procedure, the ambulance caller can take you through this over the phone – resuscitation as soon as possible will increase the victim’s survival chances.

• If the patient is breathing, then talk reassuringly to him/her until the ambulance arrives. Try not to move them and try to attend to other injuries if possible • Cover any burns and blisters with dressings that won’t stick but never use any ointments or oils onto burns

Dealing with Fractures and dislocations

• In the case of a suspected fracture of the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis or upper leg do not move the person, unless there is an immediate danger • Attend to any bleeding wounds first. With a clean dressing, firmly press the wound to stop the bleeding.

• Once the bleeding is controlled, cover the wound with a clean dressing • In case a bone is protruding, apply pressure around

the edges of the wound. Do not attempt to straighten broken bones • If there is an open fracture, cover it with a clean gauze pad. Apply pressure to control bleeding. Don’t try to push the bone back into the wound and don’t attempt to clean it • Provide a support such as a cushion for fractured limb(s) without causing further pain or unnecessary movement of the broken bone • Apply a splint to support the limb. Use items available on the site such as wooden boards, folded magazines, etc. to support a fractured limb. Make sure that the limbs should be immobilised above and below the fracture site to be effective.

• Try to elevate the fractured area and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain • Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink in case surgery is needed

Terrorist Attack

• Contact your embassy in the concerned destination • Cooperate with the local law enforcement • Do not attempt to step outdoors • In case you are outdoors return to your hotel/venue immediately • Avoid crowded venues such as shopping malls, railway stations, airports, etc.

• If your venue is under siege then: a. Do not confront the terrorists b. Do not try to escape the venue (by jumping out of the window, etc.) This might endanger your life or that of other delegates c. As much as possible try to look out for the injured • Follow the instructions of the orgnisers • Try not to isolate yourself from the group • DO NOT PANIC. Do not let media reports and broadcasts overwhelm you • If your conference is disrupted by protesters contact the local law enforcement and do not take action on your own

MICEtalk does not accept any liability or responsibility for the information or any errors or omissions set out in this listing.

This is designed to act as a guide for general reference only.

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events events Event

Venue

City

Date

ILTM Asia – Global Luxury Travel Products and Services

Shanghai Exhibition Centre

Shanghai, China

June 4-7, 2012

Business Travel Market

ExCeL

London, UK

June 13 & 14, 2012

ITE MICE 2012

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong

June 14-17, 2012

AIBTM

Baltimore Convention Centre

Baltimore, US

June 19-21, 2012

India International Travel Mart

Chennai, India

July 20-22, 2012

India International Travel Mart

Bangalore, India

July 27-29, 2012

IT&CM India

India Expo Centre & Mart

Delhi NCR, India

August 21-23, 2012

China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition

China National convention Centre

Beijing, China

Sep 12-14, 2012

Travel Mart Latin America

Hotel Las Americas Convention Centre

Cartagena, Columbia Sep 12-14, 2012

IMEX America

Sands Expo Convention Centre

Las Vegas, USA

Oct 9-11, 2012

ACTE Global Education Conference

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Rome

Oct 14-16, 2012

51st ICCA Congress

Puerto Rico Convention Center Pedro San Juan, RossellĂł Rico

World Travel Mart

ExCeL London

Puerto

London, UK

Oct 20-24, 2012 Nov 5-8, 2012

Reaches out to over

500,000

Corporate Clients & Travel Specialists Available at T3 Airport lounge

For Advertising Contact: gunjan@ddppl.com

harshal@ddppl.com

+91 9650399905 (Delhi) +91 9619499167 (Mumbai)

For Subscription Contact: ashok@ddppl.com

gunjan@ddppl.com

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:22/05/2012, RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144