Rs. 100
Volume III Issue 10 October 2012 72 pages A DDP Publication
Along the
Heritage
Rendezvous
Golden Triangle
Exploring
Vancouver
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. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared/do not necessarily reflect any opinion of DDP Publications. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Material appearing in MICEtalk cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from another publication. Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission would face legal action. Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles should be emailed to ipshita@ddppl.com, advertising and circulation enquiries should be e-mailed to gunjan@ddppl.com The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning unsolicited material nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged in transit. Any material submitted to MICEtalk will not be returned. The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code as well as the Advertisements Code of South Asia. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by the late publication, error or failure or advertisement or editorial to appear. MICEtalk is printed, published and owned by SanJeet, 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi -110001 and is printed at Cirrus Graphics Pvt. Ltd. B-62/14, Phase-II, Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi - 110 028
Board Room at The Lalit Ashok, Bangalore India’s Hospitality is stepping up on its MICE infrastructure to attract more business tourism Publisher
SanJeet
Editorial Director
Rupali Narasimhan
Editor
Deepa Sethi
DELHI: Associate Editor
Ipshita Sengupta Nag
Desk Editor
Neelam Singh
Sub Editor
Ramya J.S. D’Rozario
Photographer
Simran Kaur
Design
Alpana Khare Neeraj Aggarwal
Advertising
Gunjan Sabikhi Shovan Kanungo Gaurav Sharma Prem Sagar Shailendra Shukla Udit Pandey
Production Manager
Anil Kharbanda
Circulation Manager
Ashok Rana
MUMBAI: Advertising
Harshal Ashar
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reader’s
page
Dear Reader, Are you tired of going to large hotels with your team and using impersonal boardrooms for you meetings? We hear this complaint often and have been watching that a lot of heritage properties are being used by companies for their meetings and get-togethers in India, so we decided to find some heritage properties in Europe also that you can visit next time… in Rome, London, Vienna and Amsterdam. There are thousands of meetings held in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the Golden Triangle… Did you know there are some very beautiful places en route also? They provide not only great meeting spaces and excellent cuisine, but also an opportunity to recharge your body and mind with the peace, quiet and fresh air. And now with improved highways and expressways, you can reach them easily and quickly. We checked out ‘The Bagh’, very close to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the ‘Neemrana Fort-Palace’, just off the Delhi-Jaipur highway, and closer to Delhi, the ‘Heritage Resort and Spa’ in Manesar. We also bring you an experience of Thomas Cook, shared with MICEtalk, in organising a tour for a very large group to Russia. Read all about it. Write to me at deepa@ddppl.com if there is anything specific you would like us to find out for you, for future meetings, or if you have any ideas/experiences that you would like to share with us. Make MICEtalk your planning tool!
to the editor... MICE TALK is an excellent tool for the companies to choose and plan from the variety of Destinations across the world for Conferences and events; liked the featured convention halls and conference facilities available domestic and internationally!! Harsh Vinayak SVP NTT DATA Global Delivery Services Limited Gurgaon
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Deepa Sethi Editor
contents
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16 Cover Story
Heritage Rendezvous
8 Facts 22 MICE Country Hong Kong
30 MICE Venue
Vancouver Convention Centre
34 MICE City Vancouver
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52
40 MICE Hotel Conrad Macao
44 Success Story The Organizers
50 Airline Lufthansa
52 Corporate Choice
Thomas Cook organized tour to Russia for Asian Paints
56 Domestic MICE
MICE along India’s Golden Triangle
60 Yours Officially
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63
Craig Moyes – EIBTM
62 Technology
Guest Column by Darren Edwards Invisage Creative Services
64 People on the Move 66 Checklist 68 Event Report IT&CM India 2012
70 Events
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facts
WTM to focus on Olympics impact
Reed Travel Exhibitions launches decisionmakers.tv
facts
World Travel Market (WTM) will review London 2012 Olympics to assess the benefits and constraints of major sporting events for the host nations. Speakers for the same includes Tom Jenkins, Executive Director, European Tour Operators Association, and Mary Rance, UK inbound chief executive. The major sporting event theme continues on November 7, 2012, with optimising the Tourism Benefits of major events for Host Nations, which will ask what the major rights holders (such as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA) should be doing to help deliver the potential tourism benefits.
Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organisers of World Travel Market, has launched decisionmakers. tv, an online TV channel offering insight from the industry’s most senior and influential professionals. This includes a series of exclusive video interviews with the travel and tourism industry’s leaders throughout the year. The website started with an exclusive interview with John Bevan, Managing Director, Voyage Prive. Each week, different senior industry leaders will speak to descisonmakers.tv about the key issues for their organisation and the industry.
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Early Bird discounts for Hosted Buyers at AIME
The organisers of Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo’s (AIME) Hosted Buyer programme for 2013 are offering a 10 per cent ‘Early Bird’ discount for all applications submitted before October 26, 2012. The 21st anniversary of AIME being held from February 26-27, 2013, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia, will offer buyers business connections with an estimated number of 800 international exhibitors. Hosted buyers will also receive exclusive benefits including flights, accommodation, pretouring itineraries in regional Victoria and access to AIME’s exclusive Hosted Buyer lounge and networking programme.
facts
Mumbrella360 ‘first’ for CAB
MyCEB launches popular MTD Program for Indian MICE Market
Hong Kong Disneyland has reported a six-fold rise in the number of corporate customers booking the theme park’s Halloween experiential events. The Resort’s Haunted Halloween celebration this year has produced a sharp increase in exclusive charter bookings by companies looking for creative ways to reward staff and business partners. Group bookings range from 5,000 to well over 14,000.
facts
Mumbrella360 has become the first Australian conference to have its visitor numbers audited under new Circulations Audit Board (CAB) event auditing rules. The new rules include a new core attendance metric of Unique Visitor Attendance (UVA), which counts each visitor only once for the entire duration of an event, regardless of the number of visits. According to Paul Dovas, Chief Executive, CAB, “It is vital nowadays for conferences to be able to show credible data and results to encourage participation from sponsors, speakers and the general public.”
Hong Kong Disneyland highlights its ‘Dark Side’ to win more corporate events
Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has extended the Malaysia Twin Deal Program (MTD Program) to the Indian market. The ‘two-pronged’ programme offers rewards for both incentive planners and participants and further enhances the success of their events. The first deal offers value-added support for participants such as complimentary Malaysian cultural entertainment during welcome dinner or gala dinner. The second deal offers incentive rewards for corporate and incentive planners and is based on cumulative numbers of participants. Corporate and incentive groups from India with a minimum group size of 50 participants can apply for this twin programme. Bookings should be made from August 27, 2012 to June 30, 2013 for arrivals from October 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.
Companies can tailor programmes to highlight their corporate messages in a unique theme park setting, while providing memorable entertainment with Disney’s Haunted Halloween experience, dinner, fireworks and exclusive use of the theme park’s Broadway theatre once it closes for the evening. Disney’s Haunted Halloween 2012 is available from October 4 - 31, 2012.
Germany: Official country partner of first WTM Latin America
The German National Tourist Board will be an official country partner of the first World Travel Market Latin America. Destination Germany is becoming increasingly popular with Brazilian travellers, as shown by the upward trend in the volume of overnight stays and the GNTB is looking to utilise its partnership with WTM Latin America - which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 23-25, 2013.
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facts
New mobile congress app launched
Gdansk Convention Bureau has introduced mobile congress app for smartphones. GCBeVENT addresses all business meetings organisers interested in Gdansk and the region. Specific functionality of the application include information on conference venues, maps of destination, venues and hotels related to the conference, public transport information, quizzes and post-session evaluation forms.
New Riverfront function spaces at Adelaide Convention Centre
WTM focusses on saving wild animals
facts
The new Riverbank Foyer looking directly onto the Riverbank precinct provides an ideal location for cocktail functions or as a pre-function space for the new Riverbank meeting rooms. It includes Riverbank Room 4, ideal for stand-alone events or breakout meetings and a new boardroom for smaller and more intimate meetings. On the western side of the Centre, Stage One, due for completion in mid-2014, includes an additional 4,300 sqm of multipurpose convention floor space, associated pre-function spaces and multiple meeting spaces with future delegates and guests to enjoy expansive views across the River Torrens. Stage Two, scheduled to be completed in June, 2017, will replace the existing Plenary Building with a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art facility with plenary capacity of up to 3,500 seats.
African elephant and rhinoceros, mercilessly and illegally being poached to near extinction, are the focus of this year’s WTM World Responsible Tourism Day Opening Ceremony on November 7, 2012 in London. Charlie Mayhew MBE, Founder and CEO of Africa’s leading conservation group Tusk, who is at the forefront of the fight to save wild animals becoming a distant memory for tourists, is this year’s official opener. Now in its sixth year and built on World Travel Market pioneering campaign for responsible tourism, for over 18 years now, the event aims to inspire, educate and encourage dialogue across every sector.
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The advantage of Gdansk GCBeVENT application is that it is available on four operating systems: Android, iOS (iPhone), Blackberry and Windows Phone. It is available in Polish and English language.
Athena targets MICE market
Australia-based cruise liner, the 550-berth Athena, has launched all-inclusive day delegate packages for the MICE sector. The packages cost AUD470 per person and include two nights’ accommodation at sea, all meals and morning and afternoon tea, free venue and equipment hire, entertainment and a daily newsletter for delegates. Based in Adelaide and Perth between December 2012 and April 2013, the ship offers meeting space for up to 200 delegates, with discounts available for groups of more than 32. The new corporate packages can be used for meetings and conferences at sea, on any of Athena’s 17 Australian cruises.
facts
ARINC’s Cabin Connect and Virgin Atlantic
facts
World’s largest Sheraton opens in Macau
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has opened the largest Hotel in Macau as well as largest Sheraton Hotel in the world. With 3,896 guest rooms and suites and 160,000 sqft of meeting space plus access to a further 54,000 sqft within the Sands Cotoi Central integrated complex, its size opens up new opportunities for MICE. Also, it has a dedicated team of professionals to target the association meetings segment.
ITC Grand Chola inaugurated in Chennai
Virgin Atlantic will employ the ARINC’s Cabin Connect Wi-Fi system on a trial basis on its three Airbus A330 aircraft commencing early 2013. This system enables airline passengers to access the Internet directly from their own personal electronic devices, whether laptop, smart phone, tablet or gaming device. Users can simply log on through a hotspot portal to start using the service in-flight. It incorporates technological advances which coupled with the enhanced bandwidth offered by Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, provide commercial carriers with a cost-effective and highly flexible option for cabin connectivity.
ITC inaugurated the majestic luxury hotel, ITC Grand Chola, in Chennai recently. The 600-room super premium integrated luxury hotel complex is the latest addition to ITC’s portfolio of luxury hotels, accredited as the World’s largest LEED Platinum rated hotel, in the new construction category. The hotel’s spacious banqueting and convention facilities will endeavour to transform Chennai into India’s convention capital, contending with markets like Singapore and Malaysia.
Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi relaunches its Banquets
Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi re-opened its state-ofthe-art banquet areas to meetings, conferences and special events. The elegant banquets – Crystal Room, Ebony 1 and Ebony 2 – are ideal for groups coming to the property. Technological support available on the property includes the futuristic sound and lighting systems that operate on a single touch of an iPad with the capability of high definition multiple formats inputs. Seamless Wi-Fi Internet access on demand makes it an ideal venue for business conferences.
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facts
ICCA’s Annual Congress in Puerto Rico in October 2012
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will host its annual congress in Puerto Rico in October 2012. According to the current ICCA registration figures, Puerto Rico’s registrations are over 22 per cent compared to last year’s early registration figures. This annual event is expected to bring 700 meeting planners to San Juan at the doorstep of the Puerto Rico Convention Center Pedro Rosselló. During the 4-day programme, members of ICCA will meet to address key topics of interest which will include, developing meetings in the Caribbean and Central America, the future of association, medical and technology meetings, sustainability, understanding the Brazilian market, social media and much more.
Shanghai all set to host the 52nd ICCA Congress in November 2013
The 52nd congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will be held in Shanghai on November 2-6, 2013. It is jointly organised by ICCA and Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration in coordination with ICCA members in China. Hosting ICCA Congress 2013 will play an important role in reinstating Shanghai’s presence in the global meetings industry and asserting the country’s appeal as an international meetings and tourism destination.
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facts
Quito will host Travel Mart Latin America in 2013
Online 3D Tourism event: Wonders of the World
facts
37th annual Travel Mart Latin America (TMLA) is scheduled to take place in September 2013 in the city of Quito. Quito, with its soon to open state-of-the-art Convention Center, the luxurious Ferrocarriles del Ecuador (Ecuador’s new train) and its new international airport, scheduled to open at the beginning of 2013, expects to host more than a thousand international travel professionals during TMLA, providing them with an opportunity to experience the historical city first hand.
In the first quarter of 2014, the world will see the largest-ever gathering of countries, travel-related businesses and consumers in an international online expo called Wonders of the World. This event aims to bring the entire travel industry, as well as its consumers, together on the world’s biggest event space - the Internet. This unique event allows destinations to be reconstructed in an interactive three-dimensional (3D) format. Consumers will be able to visit and interact with a country’s renowned attractions, as well as having a bird’s-eye view of their landscapes and structures. This online collaboration will bring about a significant boost to the travel industry as it provides a unique platform to showcase and promote a destination’s best sights to consumers all over the world.
Vienna wins two major Congresses
IAEE’s Pinnacle Award for contributing to events industry
Farias Barlow, CEM, CEO of the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center has been awarded with the Pinnacle Award by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. IAEE’s awards programme recognises professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. The Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center provides the destination with a state-of-the-art facility for conventions and exhibitions.
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The Congress Metropolis of Vienna has won the bid to host two major Congresses. The Meetings of the ‘European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology’ (ESTRO) in 2014, which would be their 33rd annual meeting, would see 5000 delegates converging at Reed Messe Wien from April 4-8, 2014. Again in 2016, 400 participants will travel to Vienna for the 10th European Music Therapy Conference from July 5-9, 2016. The two congresses are expected to generate 22,000 bed nights for the Cienna hospitality sector and contribute EUR 12 million to GDP.
Heritage Rendezvous Ipshita Sengupta Nag
The rich cultural history of Europe finds expression in some of the most architecturally brilliant wonders. They may have been diverse in their functionality; palaces, hospitals, administrative offices or trade buildings, but they are a visual delight and have stood the test of time. All of these have been systematically restored and some of them today have opened their doors to event organisers for planning an extraordinary experience for their clients. We have attempted to present a few for our readers‌
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cover story
USP
The four different entrances make it possible to host four separate events at the same time.
Hofburg Vienna History
The Hofburg Complex that houses the Hofburg Vienna Congress Centre was originally the winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty.
Event Space
Technology
It has 17,000 sqm of total floor space available for conferences and events. It includes 35 multi-purpose rooms, with capacity for 50 to 4,900 people, event rooms such as the Festival Hall (1,300 people) or the Large Redouten Hall (700 people) and luxurious conference rooms such as the Ceremonial Hall (220 people). The ideal place for smaller meetings is the Roof Top foyer offering a magnificent view over the roofs of Vienna. Apart from the historic state halls, particularly the throne room, the venue also has 2,000 sqm of exhibition space.
Wi-Fi is available everywhere with adequate lighting and built-in sound systems in all big halls. Freight elevators situated all over the venue help the movement of conference-related equipment.
Accommodation Easy access to 8,000 hotel beds in the vicinity.
For more information:
www.hofburg.com
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Technology
It offers infra-red assistance for those who have difficulty in hearing. The stage in Central Hall is accessible by a wheelchair.
Accommodation
Central Hall Westminster
MICE groups coming to the Central Hall Westminster can choose to stay at any of the hotels in the vicinity. The City Inn London Hotel, Sanctuary Hotel and the 51 Buckingham Gate, are some of the hotels near the Central Hall.
London History
A stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, Central Hall played host to the first General Assembly of United Nations in 1946 and also witnessed historical greats like Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill take the podium.
Event Space
Baroque styled marble floors and spacious stairways lead to a 30-strong cluster of conference, meeting and banqueting facilities incorporating 1,400 sqm of exhibition space with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. Central Hall Westminster offers 30 venues, within its precincts, for MICE. All rooms enjoy natural light and blackout facilities. The jewel in Central Hall’s crown is the elegant Great Hall, with its versatile floor space, comfortably accommodating up to 2,160 people (theatre style). Central Hall Westminster provides its best exhibition space in its library. The soundproof shutters between the library and the lecture hall can be removed to create a large exhibition area, totaling 623 sqm.
USP
A major advantage of Central Hall Westminster is its centralised location and its easy accessibility, both for equipment and delegates with special needs.
For more information:
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www.c-h-w.com
Accommodation
The Grand Hotel del Gianicolo, Diplomatic Hotel, Hotel de Russie, The Westin Excelsior Rome and the Kennedy Hotel are located near the venue.
Complesso Santo Spirito
Technology
The venue boasts state-of-the-art technology, which includes a Wi-Fi system, audio-visual appliances and simultaneous translation booths and other advanced technology support.
Rome History
The Complesso Santo Spirito came into existence as a refuge for pilgrims who came to Rome to visit the Apostle Peter’s tomb. It was later converted into a hospital. Since then, the building has undergone several changes, in form and dÊcor, to acquire its present demeanour.
Event Space
The Bagilvi Hall and the Lancisi Hall are the biggest spaces available for conferences and exhibitions and can be customised to specific needs of those companies who want to host their events here. Two halls together can host 1,000 people. Other venues, which have been gaining popularity, include the grand room of Palazzo del Commendatore, which hosts exclusive events and the Antica Spezieria, which is suitable for small meetings. Those looking for open-air facilities within the venue will find the Cloister of Commandatore and the Cloister of Monks as ideal spaces for exhibitions and other open-air events.
USP
All the event spaces are built at street level so that there are no access barriers, both for equipment and delegates with special needs.
For more information:
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www.santospiritoinsassia.it
cover story
Beurs Van Berlage Amsterdam
History
USP Beurs van Berlage is ideal for exhibitions expecting a large number of visitors. The venue has access to parking spaces for over 1,500 vehicles.
The former Stock Exchange of Amsterdam (1903) by architect H P Berlage (father of modern Dutch architecture) is nowadays known as one of the city’s most prestigious venues for conferences, meetings, receptions and dinners.
Event Space
Six large halls and 20 smaller rooms accommodate groups of 10 – 2,500 people. It can be rented for receptions, concerts, conferences, dinners, exhibitions and other events. The Grote Zaal, the main hall (1,700 sqm), is the largest hall in the centre of Amsterdam.
Technology It has latest picture, light and sound facilities. Super-fast fibre-optic Internet ensures a well-connected stay for delegates.
Accommodation
A large number of hotels are available for conference/ meeting participants in the vicinity.
For more information:
www.beursvanberlage.nl
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MICE country
Hong Kong Meeting in Asia’s World City Destination Hong Kong goes by several monikers, ‘Asia’s World City’ probably being the most popular. The city’s urban climate with various attractions, the scope for activities, both indoor and outdoor, and various other forms of entertainment have made it the cynosure of all eyes, both from the west and the east, drawing tourists in droves. We decided to find out how the destination fares on the MICE report card.
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MICE country
connectivity Currently, there are three airlines, namely Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), Dragon Air (KA) and Jet Airways (9W) flying direct between Hong Kong and four Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
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MICE country
visa Hong Kong offers Visa-on-Arrival to travellers from India, for which one has to pass the immigration procedure directly at the airport. Hong Kong offers a 14-day visa-free entry to Indian visitors.
Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) is situated in one of the key commercial areas in Hong Kong, with a total gross floor area of 1.76 m sqft. It offers a comprehensive range of flexible space for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, banqueting and entertainment functions. It also includes E-Max, a 9,00,000 sqft shopping and entertainment space, with F&B outlets. For more information visit www.kitec.com.hk Over the years, Hong Kong has been a favourite family travel destination for visitors from India as the city offers an array of the best themed amusements and captivating natural sceneries like Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong hotels with event space Venue Conrad Hong Kong Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Island Shangri-La JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong
Right: Asia World Expo is one of the major venues for meetings and conferences in Honk Kong
Number of function rooms 17 9 26 3 10
Largest function space 767 731 680 645 736
Number of guest rooms 512 399 593 565 602
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965
857
H
ong Kong claims to be a leading tourism and MICE destination in the region because of its world-class infrastructures, safe and businessfriendly environment, professional expertise, vibrant atmosphere and great connectivity to major markets of the world; little surprise therefore, that it is an attractive choice for discerning MICE travellers.
Convention/Event venues AsiaWorld Expo Asia’s only ground level, column-free, airport-integrated venue, AsiaWorld Expo has a 13,500-seat arena and a 5,000-seat AsiaWorld-Summit theatre. It can easily accommodate 14,000 people for large-scale meetings and conferences. All meeting rooms have efficient underground servicing, data systems, telecom and wireless LAN. The venue offers 70,000 sqm of exhibition space, including 10 ground-level, columnfree exhibition halls with high ceiling clearance of 10 - 19 m, premium acoustic panelling systems, modular seating systems and star-quality backstage facilities. For more information visit www.asiaworld-expo.com
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and Victoria Peak. The destination’s cosmopolitan environment and diversity find easy appeal with the younger generation of travellers. The Hong Kong Tourism Board sees this as a huge market and has introduced many marketing strategies especially designed for the Indian market. The result is that the compound annual growth rate in the past three years has been about 16.6 per cent. Hong Kong has a number of core strengths which position the city well to attract international MICE organisers. That explains its proven track record in organising large events, professional and tailormade support to event organisers and world-class infrastructure that suits different needs. In August 2012, it played host to the FDI World Dental Congress, which
past events It has hosted some internationally renowned conferences, such as the IMF World Bank Conference 1997, the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Conference 2005, the 88th Lions Clubs International Convention 2005, the World Ophthalmology Congress 2008 and Sibos 2009.
MICE country
MICE country
supporting MICE Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association is the body that represents exhibitions and conventions industries, which provide business-building, advisory services and marketing support to the MICE industry. The Hong Kong Tourism Board takes initiatives to support MICE activities. This includes rolling out support programmes to assist organisers in enhancing promotions of their events so as to boost attendance of international delegates. The tourism board also works with the local travel trade to provide special offers on air tickets and accommodation, as well as pre- and postconference leisure tours for participants of largescale conventions.
saw some 12,000 attendees. To continue the trend in the second half of this year, Hong Kong will be the host city for about 86 MICE events.
Incentive Guide
As an incentive destination, Hong Kong is the perfect choice to revitalise and recharge. Some of the inspiring ideas include: Sailing as a team onboard The Bounty - the only European tall ship in Hong Kong and the star of the 1984 Mel Gibson movie, competing in Dragon Boat Races, coordinating with team members at the Lion Dance Academy as this thousand-year-old Chinese custom challenges your teams’ ability to work together, or Treasure Hunting to energise high achievers on
accommodation www.discoverhongkong.com/mice/eng/jsp/exhibition-venue/search-result.jsp
a fun-filled trip around Hong Kong in search of treasure. Try a little Tai Chi to imbue mental flexibility and muscle tone in a training session with a Tai Chi Master or admire the tight teamwork of talented and athletic performers of the spectacular fluorescent Dragon Dance. The young in spirit can join the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo and Knutsford Terrace; Hong Kong’s legendary hotspots range from trendy nightspots to
Top: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Bottom: Honk Kong is a shopper’s delight
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MICE country
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is located in the very heart of the city, on the waterfront of the magnificent Victoria Harbour. It can accommodate up to 20,000 delegates and has a broad range of facilities, including state-of-the-art lighting, provisions for stage rigging and an advanced simultaneous interpretation system. Following a HK$1.4 billion (US$180 million) expansion, HKCEC opened in April 2009, it currently boasts a 66,000 sqm of purpose-built exhibition hall space, 20,000 sqm of multi-functional venue and 5,500 sqm of event support space. For more information visit www.hkcec.com
Vegetarians have plenty of choice in Hong Kong. International and Chinese restaurants offering vegetarian dishes and renowned vegetarian menus of Indian restaurants make Hong Kong a paradise for vegetarians
packed sports bars where visitors compete to scream for their teams. You can also customise your corporate events and company parties with private shows, special character appearances, park attractions and worldclass catering, enabling your guests to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. They can have a good time at the Hong Kong Jockey Club at the two racecourses in Happy Valley and Sha Tin in an exclusive members-only environment or join pandas and laughing dolphins at Ocean Park Hong Kong. With so much on offer and with an infrastructure to match, you could say that Hong Kong scores on its MICE report card with distinction, doesn’t it? For more information Visit DiscoverHongKong
Hong Kong’s glittering skyline forms a backdrop for an evening at the World Trade Centre Club
Vancouver Convention Centre
Business at Vancouver Waterfront The harbour-front location with the beautiful ocean and mountains acting as a backdrop is just one of the reasons for choosing the Vancouver Convention Centre for your event. Opened in 1987, it offers 4,66,500 sqft of flexible event space spanning two buildings. MICEtalk highlights everything about the venue that gives it a competitive advantage over its ‘peers’.
eco-friendly The venue shows sustained commitment to the environment by way of its Living Roof, seawater heating and cooling, online water treatment and even a fish habitat built into the foundation.
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MICE venue
The VCC supports the advertising and sponsorship of the attendees by way of more than 150 permanently mounted digital signs throughout the convention centre
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MICE venue
accommodation Groups coming to VCC can get easy access to 13,000 rooms in the city, a few of these are within walking distance for example, the Vancouver Suites and the Fairmont Waterfront.
Aerial view of the Vancouver Convention Centre with its iconic green ‘Living Roof ’
The West Wing
This has the exhibition level, which includes 2,20,500 sq ft of flexible exhibition space. The area is equipped with 22 loading bays with dock levelers and ramps for easy drive-on access. Level 1, of the West Wing, comprises four ballrooms with 52,668 sqft of total ballroom space, which can be used for small to large-sized conventions. Delegates using ‘Ballroom D’ can get a spectacular view of the mountains and the ocean. The pre-function area includes an outdoor terrace, which again has a great view of the ocean.
Level 3 of the West Wing includes a unique feature called the ‘Living Roof ’, which is a 6 acre area and includes 4,00,000 indigenous plants and 4 beehives. This is a symbol of the centre’s commitment to conservation and green tourism 32
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Level 2 of this wing has the meeting areas which include 29,564 sqm of meeting space or 24 fully serviced and configurable meeting rooms. Level 3 includes 6 state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Each of these facilities makes use of as much natural light as possible.
The East Wing
This allocates space similarly for conventions and meetings. The convention level, for instance, has 1,542 sqm of column-free space in the form of ballrooms. The meeting level on this wing comprises 2,310 sqm of meeting space. This level also includes the multipurpose Parkview terrace which can host different types of gatherings. For the delegates who just want to relax after their event or during coffee breaks, the pre-function area has the Coal Harbour Café.
Technology
Vancouver Convention Centre has innovative rigging systems for audio, décor, displays, signage and banners, lighting, video production and specific effects. The
for the differently-abled Each of the facilities at the Vancouver Convention Centre makes special provision for disability access.
MICE venue
The venue host several events simultaneously and can offer separate access to each venue also provides technical support in terms of communication tools, advertising and advanced connectivity services to MICE delegates.
On the plate
The venue is also particularly proud of its culinary offerings. With a five-star menu, the centre’s offers are enticing, whether it is for breakfast meetings or gourmet dinners. The menus are customised to individual corporate preferences. The flexibility of space and service accounts for the popularity of this venue with business travellers. The picturesque beauty of Vancouver, with its cosmopolitan environment and plenty of opportunities for postevent activities add on to the MICE experience here.
special provisions These include services like wheelchair services, accessible elevators and restrooms, unisex restrooms for guests with special requirements and an attendant and telephones at varying heights, including a sit down TTY unit.
MICE city
Exploring MICE in
Vancouver Deepa Sethi
Vancouver is a vibrant and exciting city surrounded by majestic mountains and a pristine waterfront. The city’s natural setting and blend of cultures is irresistible. It offers an exciting nightlife and the best international cuisines in remarkable restaurants. It is the busiest and most diversified port in North America surrounded by nature, making tourism its second most important industry, after forestry. 34
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visa Indian travellers can enjoy speedier application processing through Visa Application Centres located in cities throughout India including New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata. For more information visit: www. vfs-canada.co.in/
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s an Indian used to seeing many friendly faces around me constantly, the numbers and the warmth of the people of Vancouver charmed me right off my feet. Vancouver, being a coastal seaport city, not only allows a glimpse of the ocean from almost everywhere you go, but is also dotted with lively cafes and pubs along the waterfront. Downtown Vancouver consists of 19 convention hotels and over 50 hotels with over 13,000 rooms available, and 25,000 rooms in Metro Vancouver, including Richmond, Burnaby, North Vancouver and Vancouver.
Highlights
Highly recommended is a day or two of meetings/ conference in Vancouver and then a continuation in Whistler. The Fairmont Hotels have three properties in downtown Vancouver and the Fairmont Chateau
Whistler Resort is not only beautiful, has excellent meeting spaces, but also gives you a lot to do after the meeting is over: Golf, hiking, fishing, helicopter tours, Peak2Peak cable car (gondola) ride to the ski slopes, etc. And the most exciting, you can take a sea plane from Vancouver or back.
Top & left: Scenes from breathtaking Vancouver Below: On the peak in Whistler
connectivity There is no non-stop service between India and Vancouver. However, there are many carriers offering access with one connection. This includes Lufthansa Airlines via Frankfurt, Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, Air China via Beijing, China Eastern Airlines via Shanghai and British Airways via London. Other options include Air India or Jet Airways via Toronto for travellers planning to visit eastern and western Canada on the same trip.
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MICE city
vancouver convention centre
Greater Vancouver is home to more than 100 Indian restaurants alone There are almost 68 restaurants offering full vegetarian or vegetarian options on the menu located throughout Greater Vancouver
The Vancouver Convention Centre is a greendesigned and state-of-the-art facility in downtown Vancouver. The addition of the new West Building has tripled the capacity for a combined total of 4,66,500 sqft of meeting, exhibition, ballroom and plenary theatre space. Add to this, first class cuisine, sustainable practices and the most advanced technology ensure your event is nothing less than remarkable.
Post-event activities possible in the city
City Tours Both guided and hop on/hop off tours are available. www.tourismvancouver.com/meetings/service-yourmeeting/suppliers/sightseeing-companies/ North Shore Tours Encompassing both Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge into a half-day tour. Land-sea Tours and Adventures or West Coast Sightseeing are good examples with North Shore Tours. www. tourismvancouver.com/meetings/service-yourmeeting/suppliers/sightseeing-companies/
vancouver venues for MICE The Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue Specifically designed to achieve successful meetings in a comfortable environment, and to stimulate thinking and the sharing of ideas. For more information, visit: www.sfu.ca/mecs/wosk+dialogue+centre/ meeting.html British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) An IT school that rents out meeting rooms and lab rooms for conventions around their regular classes. For more information, visit: www.bcit.ca/files/pdf/502_dtc_insert_2011_ web.pdf BC Place Stadium Used for tradeshows and conventions as well as large sporting events, it has 2,34,000 sq ft of event space and 55,000 new stadium seats. For more information, visit: www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/ exhibitor-info.html Rogers Arena Used not only for sporting events, but for conventions as well, the Arena stands can host up to 15,000 people. For more information, visit: www.rogersarena.ca/venue-rentals/whyrogers-arena Commodore Ballroom A historic ballroom normally used for entertainment and musical events, it has been used for meetings also. It can seat up to 550 for dinner or host up to 990 reception style. For more information, visit: specialevents.livenation.com/venue/ commodore-ballroom-vancouver-bc-canada
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Whistler Tour Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler Blackcomb Mountains, Peak2Peak skychair, skiing, Olympic Venues (bobsled, Luge run and cross-country skiing trails), mountain biking, hiking, golf, helicopter tours, fishing. Sightseeing tours are also available. www.whistler.ca/
With a harbour front location and breathtaking view, the Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world
MICE city
Group tour at Eco-marine kayak adventure
convention bureau support
Indian travellers have a strong demand for nature-oriented activities, soft/outdoor adventure, shopping, experiencing local culture (e.g., modern ‘happening’ way of life), sightseeing and relaxing (e.g., spa) and Vancouver offers an impressive array of options in all these categories
The bureau offers complimentary services to help bid assistance, venue and accommodation search, site inspection, conference organisation, planning assistance, attendance building and offering Vancouver guide and maps.
Whistler
Whistler offers endless opportunities for unique experiences and adventures. You can play hard, rest easy, wine and dine, attend an event, explore the arts, shop, ski down Olympic slopes in the winter, play golf in summer, mountain bike, trek or just feel one with nature. Whistler’s incredible scenery makes it easy to feast your eyes, but food lovers have long been flocking there to satiate their taste buds as well. Vancouver is a place where business and pleasure mix naturally. Meetings here give you a chance to dream big, and to build loyalties and friendships. It’s all about the synergy of your best and brightest, under one roof. It’s the power of your message delivered in a place where ideas ride high and inspire you to touch the sky. Photo Courtesy: Tourism Vancouver
whistler conference centre The Whistler Conference Centre is the signature group venue of Whistler. With a total capacity of 65,000 sqft, it hosts special events, conferences and group meetings throughout the year. They offer top-of-the-line catering services in this gorgeous venue and green meeting planning to showcase your event.
Group Tour at Grouse Mountain Bear Refuge
MICE Opportunities in Macau Conrad Macao
Situated at one of the first crossroads of trade between the East and West, the Conrad Macao, Cotai Central in Macau is an ideal location to organise your many MICE activities. Strategically located on the Pearl River Delta, Macau is connected to the business hubs of the world, from Singapore and Hong Kong to the neighbouring Guangdong province in China.
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MICE hotel
Set in the heart of the casino and tourist area of the Cotai District, Macau, Sands Cotai Central exudes energy and life. Perfect for corporate travellers, Sands Cotai Central has the perfect mix of business and adventure.
banquet space There are three junior ballrooms of 1,400 sqm that can be further divided into 48 meeting rooms spanning 5,000 sqm. There are 53 breakout room and guests can also access an additional seven ballrooms of over 15,000 sqm. With the capacity to accommodate 4,000 people, the Kashgar Grand Ballroom can be split into 16 rooms for various conferences and events. Corporate groups can bring in their own suppliers without any additional cost. The hotel’s Convention and Exhibitions Team assists the groups with their meetings and event rundowns.
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accommodation A maximum of 250 deluxe rooms can be booked by a corporate group at a time, but there is no upper limit in booking the meeting rooms.
Conrad Macao, Cotai Central offers state-of-the-art technical and audio-visual facilities, with video-conferencing and satellite connection. Simultaneous translation is also available amenities With 24x7 concierge service, all the guest rooms are fitted with an MP3 player, iPod and iPad docking stations. After business sessions, guests can soak in the relaxed ambience of the Bodhi Spa which has 10 rooms, or build up a sweat at the fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
dining At Conrad Macao, one can enjoy an entire range of dining options at the all-day dining buffet and a la carte restaurant, the Grand Orbit, or savour the exquisite Chinese dishes served at the Dynasty 8, where the dĂŠcor exudes an old world charm.
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MICE hotel
theme evenings There are various kinds of theme evenings that can be organised as per request. Poolside Package For a group of 70 to 150 people, it charges MOP 488 per person for the first hour and an additional charge of MOP388 per person per hour henceforth. The various amenities included are: • Access to and use of the reception area for designated hours • Additional Audio/Visual and lighting requests will be subject to additional cost • Cocktail rounds and reception set up • Tray pass canapes and bar service Paradise Garden Reception Package Charges for a group of 70 to 250 are MOP388 per person for the first hour and MOP288 per person per hour thereafter. This package is inclusive of the following benefits: • Use of the reception area for designated hours • Existing lighting and inhouse music at Paradise Garden • Additional request for AV and lighting will be charged accordingly • Cocktail rounds and reception set up • Tray pass canapes and bar service
For those who want to explore the city, CotaiTravel offers exciting sightseeing packages around town
Conrad Macao, Cotai Central has over 10,000 sqm of meeting space. With 636 guest rooms, 206 suites, complimentary Wi-Fi and 218 Deluxe rooms, the hotel offers excellent business and meetings facilities for corporates. There are 48 board rooms, meeting and conference rooms with soundproof partitions available.
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success story
Theme events
The Organizers‌Cracking the MICE code Ramya J.S. D’Rozario
Corporate theme events in India are on the rise. They are getting more creative, daring and extremely innovative. As corporate houses get choosier, event planners and event management teams have upped the ante, deftly handling all requests, from classic to customised. Be it a Bollywood, royal Rajputana or an Aqua theme; a theme evening is a tough cookie to crack. The Organizers, a Delhi-based company, shares its thoughts with MICEtalk, giving their insight on the industry, where the sky is the limit.
Shankar Ehsan Loy performing during an event
E Nupur Sood Partner, The Organizers (A unit of EPIC (India) Tours and Events Pvt Ltd.)
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stablished in 2003, The Organizers managed to garner a reputation in the event management industry among foreign banks, corporate houses and various multinational corporations. Be it sales training programmes, seminars, conferences, incentive tours in India and abroad, team building activities or even adventure tours, the company has always aimed to provide an immaculate service and management of events. One of the fastest growing corporate event management firms, The Organizers has successfully held theme-based events in Delhi and cities across the country for both its domestic and international clients.
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Sky is the limit
A theme evening for a team building programme or an event is a powerful motivator for employees, and leaves a lasting impression. So, either pushing the sales team or rewarding the employees, The Organizers have a range of services. From conceptualising ideas to planning and executing the many creative theme events, they seek to meet the demands of their corporate clients to perfection. A theme event consists of more than just decorating or travel logistics. If in a fix, The Organizers also have a list of possible theme events to choose
successful story
from. Though the theme events are not pegged as challenging by The Organizers’ team, they definitely endeavour to raise the level with every theme event they organise.
Aqua
For an Aqua-based theme event, the company had to procure live aquariums as per the demand of their client. Thus, aquariums with schools of fish were perched atop a transparent stage where a large ship was erected to give a marine background. Managing the appropriate temperature of the aquariums was tough. There were also celebrity performances, where preevent preparations such as choreography, rehearsals and styling insured the zing in the event that night.
Aqua theme event
Christmas with a difference
One of the clients requested a Christmas themed party, but sans the run of the mill décor of the red, white and green. So, the party decided for blue and white colours, where the Christmas tree was decked with snow-flakes, a blue and white Santa hut was built and white gazeboes were part of the decoration.
James Bond
The Organizers have even held a 007 theme event, for which they took on Hollywood’s Casino Royale set up. Roulette tables, playing cards and emphasis was laid on the lighting to give it a super-luxurious gambling ambience. Celebrity singer, Palash Sen, was also roped in for the event, which added a feather to their cap.
Ticket to Bollywood
This is one of the most popular and common themes, The Organizer’s creative team saw a vast potential for this event. A spirit of involvement was formed by
Rajputana theme event
technology The tone of the evening, the lighting, sound systems and stage must be in sync with the aesthetic sense of the theme. There are trained professionals who look into such matters.
Attending the event in Bollywoodattire and specially choreographed performances left the guests wanting for more
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success story
Food for theme evenings require special attention. To suit every palate, the menu has a variety. Apart from the food, the buffet area should reflect the sense of the theme from these, the Ticket to Bollywood theme event was held in both Phuket and Singapore. Top: Palash Sen performing at an event
Bottom: James Bond theme event
putting up posters to create hype, sending mailers and invites as a cinema ticket for the paparazzi for their red carpet entry. The team also ensured that the guests looked no less than film actors by morphing their images on posters.
Venue
The variety of venues handled by The Organizers, both indoors and outdoors, largely depends on the theme. Sometimes a combination of the two presents the best option. Theme events have been held in exotic and remote locales such as Corbett, Naldehra and cities like Delhi and NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc. Apart
Team building activities
Team building events are also held, where guests learn to dance or perform on stage in a group, dress up according to the theme and more. To meet the needs of clients, professionals are also hired to conduct varied team building activities. The Organizers held a theme party based on Friday Night Fever for a client, which was a talent evening based on employee engagement as part of their annual day celebrations. Theme events have also been held in farmhouses, where the entire dĂŠcor had the look of a farm with bamboo huts, hookah vendors, mehendi artists, jugglers and more, to give a complete Rajasthani set-up.
Luring business travellers with better facilities Lufthansa Devika Jeet
The arrival of the B747-8 also turns India into the Asian launch market for Lufthansa’s sophisticated new Business Class, which provides a seat that converts into a 6.5 ft long, horizontal sleeping surface. Lufthansa has also opened a new and exclusive business lounge at Delhi airport. On the whole, an enhanced business class experience. 50
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airline
A novelty of the B747-8 Lufthansa Business Class is the innovative V-shaped seating arrangement. This virtually doubles the distance between two neighbouring seats at shoulder level
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ufthansa makes India the second destination to receive the B747-8 aircraft with new business class cabins. The aircraft is flying on the Delhi-Frankfurt sector and the BengaluruFrankfurt network. “Choosing India as a launch-pad for our latest two products in Asia underlines this market’s importance in our global network as well as our commitment to grow here. We expect an enthusiastic passenger response for the B747-8 and its great new on-board products. The B7478 features outstanding innovations in terms of technology, efficiency and in-flight comfort,” says Axel Hilgers, Director, South Asia, Lufthansa. The new aircraft is configured with eight First, 92 Business and 262 Economy Class seats. It brings exceptional travel comfort in all classes. The new Lufthansa Business Class offers exceptional comfort in a sitting or horizontal position,
with intuitive adjustments, additional storage space and an enhanced entertainment system. In their commitment to provide better services to India, the airline has opened a new exclusive lounge at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.This is the first lounge in Asia designed according to the airline’s new global design concept. The Lufthansa lounge at T3 spreads across 3,767 sqft and seats 131 guests.
Axel Hilgers Director, South Asia Lufthansa
wi-fi Workstations and Wi-Fi Internet facilities at lounge area create a comfortable work environment for those who want to catch up with their business before take-off.
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corporate choice
Regrouping in Russia
Asian Paints Privilege Group Thomas Cook India recently facilitated a group movement to Russia which inarguably is one of the prettiest corners of the world. It was a challenging task with travellers from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. MICEtalk got the details from Rajeev Kale, COO-MICE, Cruises, Sports Tourism, Domestic, Thomas Cook. The MICE experts in the company ensured that the rough edges were smoothened out every step of the way during the trip...
Agenda Five groups, top dealers of Asian Paints, from the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru were travelling to Russia. The purpose of the trip was to attend an award ceremony each for the five ‘Privilege’ groups. This involved coordinating the movement of five groups of 220. The destination was Russia and the groups travelled on Emirates.
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travel itinerary Day 1
• Arrive at Pulkovo International Airport St Petersburg • Check into Hotel Corinthia • Transfer to Manege for welcome ceremony and dinner
Day 2
Day 4
• Visit to Hermitage Palace after checking out • Transfer to the railway station to board SAPSAN High speed train to Moscow • Transfer to the pier for Moscow City River Cruise • Dinner Cruise • Check-in at Hotel Ritz Carlton
Day 5
• Depart for Peterhoff gardens tour after breakfast • Lunch and tour of Shuvalovka Russian Village • A visit to Peter and Paul Fortress
• Depart for visit to Kremlin and Red Square Tour • Guided City Tour of Moscow • Lunch at Indian restaurants • Depart for Convention Venue
Day 3
Day 6
• Transfer to Tuttari Park for APLYMPICS • City Tour of St. Petersburg • Shopping time at Galleria Mall • Nikolavesky Show
• Arabat street for souvenier shopping • Lunch at Hard Rock Café • Transfer to the airport for flight back to India • Flight departs from Moscow to Dubai
The groups attended award ceremonies at two prestigious venues – the 5-star luxury Hotel Lotte and Europesky Hall, Moscow. These venues, carefully selected by the MICE team of Thomas Cook, provided a special elegant touch to the award function MICEtalk October 2012
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corporate choice
Right: People enjoying various activities during the Russia Tour
accommodation The groups were accommodated at 5-star properties - Hotel Corenthia at St Petersburg’s Neveskey Prospect and the uber luxury Ritz Carton in Moscow’s historical Red Square.
Specific Service
The groups were specific in their demand for Indian food during the trip for which Thomas Cook had organised a specialised team of 15 Indian chefs.
Exclusive Service
Special entry passes for an exclusive entry to the Kremlin was organised for the groups. Kremlin is a historic fortified complex situated in the heart of Moscow overlooking the Moskva River. It serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
Team Building
Thomas Cook had organised ‘The Russian Military Experience’, - a fun experience, during which the participants were given militia outfits and had to undergo obstacle course and activities, wherein they got the opportunity to bond as a team.
Memorable Moments
Rajeev Kale COO-MICE Cruises, Sports Tourism, Domestic Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook ensured that everyday the groups could expect something special. An exclusive welcome ceremony, local village and folklore experiences, exhilarating helicopter rides, dining at St Petersburg’s largest bowling alley which has 25 alley lanes, a dinner cruise (booked initially for two hours, it was extended on request to 5 hours), actor Dia Mirza and a troupe of
domestic travel The groups travelled via the famous luxury Bullet Train - ‘Sapsan’ between the two cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. It was an experience to remember.
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performers at the award ceremony, were some of the special moments organised for the group. The Russia tour and its meticulous execution speak of the expertise of Thomas Cook, who has built a strong reputation as a MICE expert. Moreover, the success of this tour has added Russia to the list of destinations that Indian corporates like to visit. The vastness of the country opens experiential opportunities, something that more MICE operators are likely to realise very soon.
challenges • Given that the group’s stay in Russia coincided with the ‘White Night’ period (the sun does not set until midnight), when worldwide traffic converges into Russia and is the busiest time of the year for the hospitality sector, organising accommodation for such a large group was a major challenge. To add to the complexity, the movement covered an entire month, with five back-to-back groups, totalling 1,100 adults. • Specific Indian food requirements for groups necessitated the expertise of Indian chefs. This required obtaining licenses/permits/approvals from a health & safety perspective. • The language barrier was another hurdle encountered. The MICE Team engaged special representatives who helped in communication and also helped out the groups, in general. • The group dining sessions were held in different venues across the two cities; hence, additional approvals were required. • The Russian suppliers and partner’s policy of ‘No Credit’ added to the complexity of tour management. • This was the first Indian group of such proportion to visit Russia. The authorities and local representatives were at times unsure about the requisite rules and operational approvals. Thomas Cook remained in touch with the concerned authorities to ensure that the tour met the highest standards.
domestic MICE
MICE along the
Golden Triangle Ipshita Sengupta Nag
The famed Golden Triangle, comprising New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is one of India’s most popular tourist circuits. MICEtalk decided to connect these famous cities with destinations ideal for meeting/conference stopovers, for those business travellers who want to make the most of a trip to India. So gear up to drive down the newly opened splendid Yamuna Expressway, watch the birds at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and experience the opulence of life in a Rajasthani Fort, as you take a break from conferencing or just hold your meeting at a heritage site, well-equipped with meeting and banquet facilities. They represent as fascinating a picture of India as the Red Fort in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Amer Fort in Jaipur.
The Yamuna Expressway, a much awaited venture, opened to the public in August this year, connects Delhi and its National Capital Region to Agra in a little over two hours. Driving at a speed of no less than 100 km, the expressway can be a breathtaking experience and is the ideal beginning for the next few days to follow. 56
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The banquet area at The Bagh Heritage Resort can accommodate 75 people – theatre style
The Bagh Heritage Resort
T
he first halt for work, after enjoying the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal, the magnificence of the Agra Fort and a 30-minute drive from Fatehpur Sikri, the citadel of Emperor Akbar, which is absolutely worth a visit, is The Bagh Heritage Resort, Bharatpur, which is situated between Agra and Jaipur. Located in the precincts of a 200-year-old Bagh (orchard), the resort and its immediate surroundings reflect both Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. It is ideal for small groups comprising 35-40 people and each of its 23 guest rooms is spacious and comfortable. The in-house chefs have the expertise to create delicacies, particular to the region and also north Indian food. Most of the fruits and vegetables are fresh from the resorts’ vast orchard and kitchen gardens. The highlight of a stopover at The Bagh Heritage Resort is a visit to the Keoladeo Ghana National park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The park hosts some 350 species of birds and is an ornithologist’s delight. A perfect evening at the resort would be to spend time at the bird watching courtyard, which can easily accommodate around 200 people. October to April is the best time for bird watching. The resort is equipped with a gym and a spa. Other recreational facilities in the precincts include some air-conditioned restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
event venues in agra
• Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre • Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre • Clarks, Agra • Mansingh Palace, Agra
Neemrana Fort Palace Neemrana Fort Palace by night, with strategically placed lights, looks straight out of a fairy tale. The open air terraces then can become a venue for gala nights, theme dinners and cocktails
I
f you would like to personally experience Rajasthani tradition and opulence, you can drive into the Neemrana Fort Palace. Situated on the Jaipur-Delhi highway, the Neemrana Fort Palace is a twelve-storied garden palace climbing along a hill. The ‘non-hotel’ hotel brand has several picturesque properties across the country. Neemrana Fort Palace can be described as one of its crown jewels. The historical ambience and vast open spaces offered by the venue have made it a favourite with business travellers looking for a ‘Wow’ experience in the country. The Palaces has plenty of meeting venues. A conference in the winter on the rooftop at the Hawa Mahal with unending sky as your cover can mellow down the most heated business deadlock just as the unique amphitheatre, with stone walls and comfortable seating for around 175 people can become the setting for some creative post-event activity. Paradoxically, this age old property offers one of the most modern outdoor activities. Groups coming here can try zip-lining, a great team-building activity.
Capacity of Outdoor venues • Holi Kund Area –150 • Hawa Mahal – 80 • Uncha Bagh – 225
accommodation Groups coming to Neemrana Fort Palace have a variety of rooms to choose from; three duplex deluxe suites, 10 deluxe suites, three grand suites, two duplex suites, six suites, 10 small suites, four grand rooms, 21 rooms and one tent.
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domestic MICE
W
hile coming back to New Delhi, you can once again experience the charm of good old days at The Heritage Village Resort & Spa situated at Manesar, on the outskirts of Gurgaon. Styled like a Haveli, the façade of The Heritage Village Resort & Spa, Manesar, reflects the luxury and ambience that MICE visitors can expect to find indoors. The venue provides the right kind of technical support to MICE gatherings, in the form of audiovisual facilities, power back-up, broadband services and Wi-Fi facilities. Each conference hall is built to the very best of global standards, in terms of décor, sound-proofing, lighting, themed pre-function areas, with arrangements for buffets. The resort has three restaurants within its premises. While Jharokha and Surya Mahal are popular with guests for the cuisine they offer, business delegates usually throng to Barahandi, which is an outdoor restaurant styled like a dhaba. Large groups coming to the property can avail of its fleet of vehicles for post-event sightseeing.
The hotel is also known for its spa, which offers a wide variety of contemporary and rejuvenating therapies, offered at special rates for MICE groups. The popularity of the Golden Triangle and the increasing traffic of MICE travellers on this route encourage the hospitality business to pay more attention to this niche group of travellers. In the coming years, many properties are likely to mushroom along this route, giving more options for memorable experiences to the MICE traveller.
meeting facilities • 8 Conference Halls with capacities from 25 to 190 • 5 Boardrooms with capacities from 8 to 20 • Business Centre with all international amenities • 34,000 sqft of open lawns - perfect for outdoor events • Wired and Wireless Internet connectivity
The Heritage Village Resort & Spa Manesar
MICE facilities at the property are supported by a total of 154 rooms and suites
At present, IBTM is showcasing six events giving access to 5,000 suppliers from 100 countries and around 17,000 meeting planners. It is a huge number base. Have you estimated the real business that is getting generated through these events?
It’s difficult to be completely precise about the amount of business that is generated through our portfolio of events, however, we can gain a clear insight into this, through post show research and by talking to our stakeholders about the Return on Investment to them which is based on business leads they achieve. EIBTM is the largest event in the portfolio and each year we consistently receive positive feedback about the amount of business achieved at the show and the level of Return on Investment attendees achieve for their participation.
Assessing
MICE Business Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions, got into a conversation with Sanjeev Bhar on how the association is assessing the MICE business through the IBTM events.
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How do you assess the world trend in MICE business?
The MPI Business Baromometer report, which was issued in April this year, confirms that as a whole, the meetings industry continues to evaluate and imagine the myriad ways it can approach the slowly growing, yet volatile, global economy. There is no doubt that companies have changed their marketing behaviour in light of the economic crisis and many businesses have become much more aware of the value of what they do to gain exposure amongst their stakeholders. We are continually impressed with the way businesses are embracing the recent change and developing successful solutions to enhance their prospects. The latest IBTM Global Meetings Industry research, presented at CIBTM in Beijing this year, also found that increase in air fare, currency inflation and product and destination development were amongst the top factors impacting meetings and events business in 2012.
Where would you rank India, in terms of scope and opportunity, as a potential MICE destination?
The growth of the MICE industry in India over the past five years has been rapid. It is well known that the country has always been a unique destination for events, incentives, conferences and meetings with its heritage, art, architecture, cultural and culinary attractions, but it is also the steady growth in the Indian economy and improved infrastructure with addition of new hotels, air and rail links that have made it a much more accessible destination. The sheer size of the country can afford the phenomenal growth of hoteliers and event venues from within India and the variety that the country has to offer is what has helped international inbound MICE business grow exponentially. The country’s advertising campaign that focusses on “incredible opportunities” has also boosted awareness within the global MICE industry and planners have come to recognise that there is much choice for meeting and incentive programmes in India.
yours officially
Besides the well known MICE cities of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, there is now a growing interest for second-tier cities such as Jaipur and Coimbatore. Apart from this, inbound incentive programmes have always been a large part of India’s success in the sector. It is also interesting to note that research presented during GIBTM in March 2012 showed that India was one of the predicted growth regions for outbound business from the Middle East for the next 12 months. But it is not just this part of the world that looks to India as a destination for events, the region has always been well represented on the exhibition floor at EIBTM.
What in your opinion is the fulcrum of success in organising MICE events?
The IBTM Event Portfolio aims to deliver contacts, content and communities with the power to transform businesses. Success for our stakeholders is measured by the business they achieve, whether onsite or in leads for the future. To make this happen, the IBTM portfolio delivers a Hosted Buyer Programme, a prescheduled appointment system, a dedicated stream of professional education and an opportunity to network with colleagues and clients.
Which aspect(s) lure MICE business to a particular location?
One of the key factors when choosing the suitability of a MICE destination is its infrastructure. Regions with robust infrastructure, which can accommodate the growing demand for large-scale MICE events, are often recognised amongst the most popular destinations. Transport links and accessibility are also major factors with destinations offering lower carrier options and reasonable hotel rates amongst the most popular. Another key factor, which has an impact on the lure of a MICE destination, is the knowledge and experience of the local DMC’s working in each location. The availability of reliable and professional partners, when choosing a city in which to hold an event, can significantly affect its success. Destinations offering superior technology and good-quality service are also amongst the most popular when it comes to selecting locations to hold events.
How is the association viewing virtual events today?
As the world’s leading exhibition organiser, it is of critical importance that we constantly strive to find ways of making ourselves more accessible to our stakeholders on a continual basis throughout the year. As the cost of energy continues to rise, it will evidently continue to have an impact on travel and consumer behaviours. Hybrid events are a means to easing this impact by creating dialogue with stakeholders remotely throughout the year. Reed Travel Exhibitions is dedicated to driving business, however, a further key element to the portfolio is education. Hybrid events in the form of online education presentations/videos and webinars can be used to create and maintain a constant flow of
information between RTE and its stakeholders. EIBTM 2012 will hold its first hybrid conference this year, delivering tailored education sessions, which will be presented by top meetings industry speakers to peers virtually across the globe via Internet.
As an organiser, how do you assess the quality of companies before accepting their selection as buyers and sellers? The quality of our Hosted Buyers is imperative to the success of our events, so we have to ensure that all those who register to attend go through a strict qualification process to ensure they are the buyers our exhibitors want to meet. This ensures guaranteed Return on Investment for all attendees, as exhibitors will have access to buyers with genuine interest in their product and serious purchasing power. It is also of fundamental importance that each year our shows deliver a wide variety of regional and global exhibitors, who will be able to meet and do business with these buyers. The number and diversity of exhibitors we see on our show floors is growing every year, which is a great testament to the success of our portfolio.
What is the average rate of business conversion you have noticed through the various B2B meetings organised throughout the year?
Each year we conduct extensive post-show research into the level of business that is generated as a direct result of attending the show. We consistently receive great feedback with over 90 per cent of exhibitors confirming that they are satisfied with the level of business achieved. This is the same for Hosted Buyers with over 95 per cent confirming that they are satisfied with the business they have achieved as a result of attending.
What is the future of the MICE industry?
The Grass Roots Meetings Industry Report 2012 confirmed that meetings spend for 2012 has again shown an increase, albeit at a slower rate (four per cent) than in 2011. This is a positive sign for the industry and if businesses continue to define themselves and maximise their marketing strategies as they have been, there is no doubt that the meetings industry will continue to remain resilient in these tough times as the economy slowly begins to recover.
What note of advice would you pass on to Indian sellers to grow their business potential in attracting international companies? Exhibitions have been proven to help grow business. There is nothing more reassuring to customers than doing business face-to-face and there’s no marketing tool more effective for winning new business than using the IBTM portfolio of events as they are on five continents. Exhibiting abroad is one of the quickest and most cost-effective way to reach new customers and rapidly achieve brand awareness.
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technology
Choosing the right
Mobile Event App -3 Checklist to help you choose the best mobile Event Apps® for your event.
• Can the content be imported electronically? How much work will be required to keep it updated?
Social Networking/Media
• Determine how much social media integration you want for your event and how you plan to use it. Does the app provide enough access to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn?
Seek Sponsorship/advertising
• Look for sponsorship and advertising possibilities offered by the app. Are there opportunities to generate revenue? • Check out other apps by the provider, and see what has been done by others in terms of sponsorship and advertising. Would a similar approach work for you? • Consider promoting the app’s use on the show website, through direct e-mails and on social-media platforms.
Initial Steps
Darren Edwards Founder Invisage Creative Services Australia
• Find out what mobile phone platforms your attendees use (Apple, Android, BlackBerry, Windows, Symbian, etc.). Make sure the app will provide maximum coverage for the phone platforms you need, or that it will support all platforms. • Decide whether you will use native vs. Web-based apps or a combination of the two. Native apps require downloads to the phones but might provide a richer experience and should work without 100 per cent Internet connectivity. Web-based apps do not require a download and will function with all Internet-ready phones, but they require 100 per cent Internet connectivity. • Know your venue. Most do not provide good Internet connectivity, but some offer free Wi-Fi service. Knowing what is available can help you select native or Web-based apps.
Consider Content
• Decide what content you want to provide in the app. The programme, real-time alerts, sessions, sponsors, exhibitors, floor map, speaker information and handouts, local information are just some of the commonly used items you might wish to include. • Does the app support posters, abstracts, photos and other enhanced features? • Determine how the app will be updated, and how often the updates will occur. Do you want the app to update in real-time? (quality Event Apps® do not require app store approval every time, only in the first instance)
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Test It First
• Test the app before you buy. Make sure it works on the different mobile phone platforms it’s supposed to. • If you’re considering any app, turn your phone to airplane mode and run the app. Does it work? What critical information is missing due to lost connectivity? Regardless of the quality of the venue Wi-Fi, this is what your attendees’ experience will be like when their Internet connectivity is lost, limited or congested. • Investigate whether the app has an effective means to communicate with your user community, and if it’s available beyond the time of the event.
Other Important Items to Consider
• What is your expectation for communicating with the user community through the app – does the app have an effective means to communicate with your user community and is it available for more than the event? • Experience – does the app developer have experience in servicing events and your industry? Check references! • B ack-end metrics – these are important to determine the value of the app for you, your sponsors, exhibitors and attendees. Can you get post-show reports? • Feedback – after the event is over, question the users, sponsors, exhibitors. Did the app enhance the event experience? Did it add value to your event?
people on the move
The Sebel
& Citigate Albert Park Melbourne
appoints new Director for Sales & Marketing Conference & Events
Melbourne’s premier conferencing and events hotel, The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park Melbourne appointed Emma Parker as the Director for Sales & Marketing - Conference & Events. Emma has worked at The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park Melbourne for the past threeyears. In the past, Emma has held several roles at The Langham Melbourne and started as Business Development Manager before moving on to an Associate Director of Sales role.
Novotel Bangkok IMPACT
has a new General Manager
Zayne Boon is the new General Manager of Novotel Bangkok IMPACT. Boon was previously the Regional General Manager at Novotel & ibis Auckland Ellerslie in New Zealand. He joined Accor in 1992 as Executive Assistant Manager at Novotel Launceston Tasmania and he has held General Manager positions at various Accor hotels in Australia and New Zealand. He has had more than 20 years experience in hospitality industry.
New
RHG appoints new Associate Director for MICE Tim Birley has joined Australia’s Rendezvous Hospitality Group (RHG) as Associate Director meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE). In his new role, Birley will represent RHG to the Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) and in-house corporate event managers in all major markets. Birley has had a number of years representing hotels in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Birley will also be responsible for the RHG Smart Meetings initiative, which was created to inform the MICE industry of the many conference and special event packages available at Rendezvous hotels.
AACVB president named
The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) has appointed Zulkefli Hj Sharif as its new president. With a career spanning over 20 years in business events and tourism industry, Sharif has held positions with Tourism Malaysia in international marketing, promotional support and research, including experience in the Convention division. A former director of Tourism Malaysia in Stockholm, Sweden, he is currently the chief executive of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
MCI’s Asia Pacific conference expert now based in Australia
Director Association Relations Asia Pacific, Stephan Wurzinger has relocated from MCI’s Singapore regional hub to Sydney. As a 20-year veteran of the conference industry in Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Canada and Asia, Stephan actively coordinates 28 of the most prominent medical associations in the region, and with MCI’s Shanghai-based Business Intelligence Unit, he tracks more than 258 Asia Pacific-based associations that hold conferences of more than 500 pax. Stephan also represents MCI’s global client base, many of whom have an interest in meeting in Australia, including World Cardiology 2014 and other key medical specialities such as digestive health, nutrition, rheumatology, diabetes, dermatology and cardiovascular diseases.
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checklist
Meeting in a Hotel Hotel Reservations • Be sure of the specific number of rooms you require in a hotel - hold a few as back-up for an increase in numbers. • Ascertain the cut-off date for final reservation confirmation • Fix a date for a review before blocking the reservation. You need to be sure by this date about the number of delegates. • Get a dedicated person as your point of contact at the hotel responsible for your bookings and for your queries, if any. - Assign a one of your team member to be in-charge of this job. It is essential for the success of an event. • Be sure to learn about hotel policies for change in bookings and deposit requirements. • Remember to reserve complimentary rooms (normally possible with large block bookings) for: - Company staff - Speakers - Event management staff (if you are using an event management company) • Find out about payment procedures at the hotel: - Does the hotel accept cheques - Can you use credit cards
• Which credit cards are honoured by them - Do they accept cash, if required? • If you are holding a large conference, even up to 100 - 150 delegates, you need to find out about extra hotel staff during peak check-in and check-out times - Front Desk - Bellboys - Valet Parking Attendants - Parking area for large vehicles, if buses or vans are being used. • Do not forget to ensure support for - guests with special needs (Check with hotel regarding their facilities people) • Find out about room services so you can decide what is to be paid for guests and what your company will absorb. - Mini bar - Laundry - Telephone • Local • Outstation (domestic and international) • Check about complimentary facilities in VIP rooms - Bottle of wine or port - Fresh fruit - Cookies - Flowers • Book enough rooms with late check-in and departure facilities. - Review this when you have the final ticketing done.
Conference & Meeting Facilities
Fairmont Yangcheng Lake
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Before booking a hotel, checking of meeting rooms and conference facilities is a must: • Ensure the availability of the venue on dates required by you and the flexibility in case the meeting date gets changed. • Check the size of the room to ensure it will be a comfortable experience for participants. • The meeting room should have a proper
checklist
Ensure tactfully managed hotel reservations, especially with a large delegation gearing up for a corporate event. MICEtalk gives you a comprehensive checklist of things to keep in mind while selecting a hotel for a conference or a meeting...
view of the speaker from every angle without any obstruction. • Natural light in the room, or at least the breakaway room, is always an added advantage. • Check about other events taking place at the same time if you are not booking the entire space. If yes, be sure that partitions are sound proof. • Make sure the location is easily accessible and well-connected with the required air, rail and road links. • Keep in mind the profile of delegates attending the conference and your company’s corporate image during your selection. • The selection of venue should be appropriate for extra events and excursions that you may plan. • Keep in mind the safety of the place.
Necessary conference requirements • Small rooms close by for break-away meetings.
Leonia Hyderabad
• Basics like - an electronic whiteboard - projector - stationery - Wi-Fi internet access - laptop’s availability - laptop connections - photocopying and fax services - good ventilation and temperature control - tea, coffee, refreshments and meals service
Handy Check-list for Conference/Meeting Equipment • Podium - with laptop space - reading light - company branding possibility • Screens • Overhead Projector • Remote control for projector • Computer • Computer hook-ups (check how many you will need) • Mouse • Laser pointer • Flip chart
• L oudspeakers
•D isplay stands •G ood lighting • L ighting control •W i-Fi capability •S ufficient power back-up •B uilt-in sound system •S ound proofed room •A dequate ceiling height for projectors •W indow blinds to block out light during presentations
• Microphones - Wireless - Table top
• Maintenance support for electrical connections • Technical support for computers, etc. • Security for equipment during meals and break-away sessions • Availability of meeting room in advance for arrangements Place to hang coats and store briefcases, etc.
Pictures for the purpose of representation only. 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.
connectivity
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events report
IT&CM India
International MICE Show in India Ipshita Sengupta Nag
IT&CM India had its inaugural show in Delhi’s National Capital Region (NCR) recently. The congregation of exhibitors, buyers and media bear testimony to India being recognised as a prominent player in the global MICE business. ‘Promoting India to the world and the world to India’, the event saw an almost equal participation of Indian and international delegates, who networked and created lucrative business opportunities, over the three days of the event: August 21-23, 2012.
Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA
Chander Mansharmani, Vice Chaiman, ICPB
I
n addition to the proven IT&CM programme formula comprising structured business appointments, exhibition showcase, seminar sessions, official networking occasions, participants also got access to India Convention Promotion Bureau’s (ICPB) Conventions India Conclave (CIC), which created optimism for the Indian market. This was also the first time for an IT&CM series of events, to offer international and leading Indian exhibitors and buyers a dedicated avenue to showcase and procure luxury travel. Veteran speaker, Martin Sirk, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) gave the keynote address, ‘Understanding the True
The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) had the largest exhibiting pavilion partner events
Welf Ebling, Regional Director, Asia, GBTA
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• Fundamentals of Business Travel Management Course – Associate level by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) • Future Leaders Forum 2012 by IMEX – MPI - MCI
events report
Guests at IT&CM India 2012 & ICPB Reception Dinner
participation • Exhibitors: 160 • Buyers: 151 • Media: 31
exhibiting MICE countries I ndia • Abu Dhabi • Hong Kong • Indonesia • South Korea • Singapore • Malaysia
Value of International Association Meetings’, on the opening day of the event. He highlighted how India needs to evolve to become more competitive in the international MICE business. CIC formed the education component of IT&CM India’s inaugural programme, and broached topics like ‘The Science and Art of Winning a Bid - Whatever it takes’, ‘Sponsorship/Maintaining ROI’ and ‘The Vision of New International Convention Centre and Trends in the Exhibition Industry in India – Challenges and the Future’ and seven other important topics chosen for the event. The inaugural session also saw Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chairman, ICPB, responding to questions on the visa issue. “The government has taken many proactive steps to make it easier for many more countries to obtain Visas on Arrival. These changes will be put into effect very soon,” he informed with optimism. He also shared that in road shows overseas, that are periodically organised by the Ministry of Tourism, MICE has been added as a lucrative business harbinger. In his presentation, Welf Ebling, Regional Director, Asia, Global Business Travel Association, revealed that the Asia Pacific comprised the biggest spenders as far as outbound business travel was concerned with numbers in India set to increase from 18 billion in 2010 to 33.4 billion in 2015. He also informed that the association was keen on starting an Indian chapter very soon.
34 per cent of International buyers were from India followed by 29.8 per cent from the Asia Pacific, 3.9 per cent from the Americas and 0.6 per cent from the Middle East IT&CM India also included two pre-show city tours of Delhi. Delegates enjoyed the opportunity to explore Delhi’s iconic structures and age-old markets. The optimism generated from the event augurs well for MICE business in India and paves the way for a bigger and better show next year, when IT&CM India returns to the India Expo Centre and Mart from August 20-22, 2013.
supporting associations • Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) • International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) • Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) • Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
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EVENT
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events events VENUE
CITY/COUNTRY
DATE
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
The Business Travel Conference
Novotel London West
London, UK
Oct 21-23, 2012
51st ICCA Congress
Puerto Rico Convention Center Pedro Rossell贸
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Oct 20-24, 2012
The Business Travel Conference
Novotel London West Hammersmith
London, UK
Oct 22 & 23, 2012
World Travel Mart
ExCeL London
London, UK
Nov 5-8, 2012
Travel and Tourism Fair
Chennai Trade Centre
Chennai, India
Jan 4-6, 2013
Conventa - South East European Exhibition for Meetings, Events & Incentive Travel
Ljubljana Exhibition Convention Centre
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jan 16-17, 2013
India International Travel Mart
Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Kochi, India
Jan 25-27, 2013
FITUR
Feria de Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Jan 30-Feb 3, 2013
Outbound Travel Mart
Bombay Exhibition Centre
Mumbai, India
Feb 8-10, 2013
MICEtalk October 2012
Postal Registration No.:DL(ND)/6150/2011-12-13 WPP No.:U(C)-305/2011-13 for Posting on 29th-30th of Advance Month at New Delhi P.S.O. Date of Publication:22/09/2012, RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144