YEAR IV NUMBER 8 BIANNUAL MAY 2017 > OCTOBER 2017 10 €
PORTO IS GETTING READY TO HOST BEA WORLD FESTIVAL TRAVEL TO THE DEEP SEAS OF THE AZORES 10 EVENT TRENDS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT
OWNER Estação Livre . Comunicação Rua da Fábrica Social, s/n 4000-201 Porto . Portugal +351 223 395 624 info@eventpointinternational.com www.eventpointinternational.com DIRECTOR Rui Ochôa [rui@eventpointinternational.com] EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cláudia Coutinho de Sousa [claudia@eventpointinternational.com] NEWSROOM Cláudia Coutinho de Sousa Maria João Leite [mj@eventpointinternational.com] DIRECTOR OF SALES Filipe Silva [filipe@eventpointinternational.com] TRANSLATION Diana Reis Marques COOPERATING WITH THIS EDITION Chema Goméz Filipa Oliveira Joaquim Pires Ricardo Vieira GRAPHIC DESIGN Norma Design [info@normadesign.com]
CLÁUDIA COUTINHO DE SOUSA
RUI OCHÔA
“Stand Out!” The challenge was left by British Kevin Jackson, considered one of the most influential personalities in the event sector, in Lisbon at MEET@MEOARENA, an event organised both by us and MEO Arena. In addition to this call to action, we bring to you ten ideas Jackson presented in Portugal, and which are worth thinking about. Read about the conclusions ICCA's Iberian Chapter meeting in Madeira,with the Association's president, Nina Freysen-Pretorius, attendance. Learn how Porto is preparing to host the Bea World festival in November. And know about the fabulous possibility of diving in a submarine, off the Azores, to visit a dormant volcano or the wreck of a submarine sunk during World War II. Enjoy your reading.
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Table Of Contents 04 Incentives 10 Radar: Porto Is Getting Ready To Host Bea World Festival 12 Meetings Industry... The Allure Of Working With The Best, by Joaquim Pires 14 Companies 18 Advertorial: A Champion Experience 20 Trends 22 Report: Soft Skills 24 Report: ICCA’s Iberian Chapter Meeting 26 Madeira, The Human Side Of Meetings, by Ricardo Vieira 28 Report: IT & CM China and CTW China 2017 30 Inspiration And Knowledge, by Chema Gómez 32 Interview: Luca Favetta 37 Venues 40 Innovation: Embly 42 The Future Will Still Be In Our Hands!, by Filipa Oliveira 44 Portuguese Speaking Countries News 45 Company And Services Index
INCENTIVES 4
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LULA1000
Travel To The Deep Seas Of The Azores Our next suggestion is a truly rare and exclusive experience: diving into the depths of the Azores, up to a thousand metres deep. And visiting, for example, the crater of a dormant volcano or the wreckage of the U-581 German submarine, sunk during World War II. This is possible because the only scientific research manned submersible operating in Portugal is based in the Azores, in Faial island. LULA1000, this submersible's name, belongs to the Rebikoff Foundation, and was launched in 2013 to support different scientific research projects by collecting images and data. It is one of only ten that in the whole world have the capacity to descend to the thousand metres of depth or more. When not involved in scientific missions, LULA1000 can be rented to carry one or two passengers to these depths in the middle of the Atlantic. On the program you can visit the sleeping volcano of Mont'Ana, four miles off Horta. Encounters with conger eels, squid, wreckfish, monkfishes, sixgill sharks (deep sea sharks) and other species are frequent. Part of this volcano is covered by a yellow cold water coral reef, discovered in 2013 by the LULA1000 team. A different program includes diving a thousand metres, close to Pico or São Jorge islands. The dive starts on the slope of one of the islands where, due to the relief, you can observe a concentration of underwater life, such as deep‑sea pelagic species, squid, dragon fish, viper fish among other deepsea fish, ctenophoras, jellyfish and other invertebrates. You can often see sharks on the slopes colonised by deep water corals and
fields of sponges. Finally, the one that is probably the most fascinating of the three programs, especially if you are interested in this piece of history: diving 870 metres to the wreck of the German U-581 submarine, sunk during World War II, February 2nd, 1942, off Pico island. The shipwreck was located by the LULA1000 crew in September of 2016. Today the U-581 submarine is a genuine artificial cold water reef, colonised by various species of deep water corals and sponges and countless other fish and crustaceans. The shipwreck is in a good state of conservation, and you can perfectly make out the hull, conning tower, propeller shaft and the deformations caused by the detonation of the depth charges that caused it to sink. The ascent is made along the slope of the island of Pico which is covered by a garden of cold water corals. Any of these adventures is only available, as previously mentioned, for one or two people in each trip. In addition, exclusivity is paid: from 3,000 to 7,000 euros, depending on the program and the number of passengers. Still, this is an opportunity to see one of the least explored areas of the planet, the deep ocean.
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LULA1000
Two Pioneers
This submersible was built by the Rebikoff-Niggeler Foundation (FRN) to be used in high-quality underwater filming. LULA1000 is essentially a deep dive chamber with propulsion, carrying the camera operator and pilot seated inside the wide-angle lens. The large observation porthole, made of 140 mm thick acrylic, makes it an excellent tool of observation and documentation. A series of strategically placed spotlights illuminate the area in front of the observation port. LULA1000 and its team have already participated in numerous missions in the Azores, including filming for documentaries such as "Mountains of the Deep", in the BBC "Atlantic" series (2016), and "Ocean - Blue Planet", also by BBC and still in production phase.
The Rebikoff-Niggeler Foundation was established in 1994 and is a non-profit organisation. It operates in film production on deep sea fauna and habitats, and research (biology, geology, oceanography, archeology, etc.) business. It inspires and honours the life and work of two figures, Ada and Dimitri Rebikoff-Niggeler, a Franco-Swiss couple who, between 1948 and 1991, dedicated themselves to the invention and development of technological and research equipment in the underwater world.
To know more about the Foundation, go to www.fundoceano.com.
INCENTIVES 8
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“There is an ideal time to absorb the message, reflecting and sharing.�
One Day In The Pilgrimage Route To Santiago De Compostela Portugal Green Walks gives you the opportunity to experience a day in the mythical Way of Saint James, an alternative for parallel programs of congresses or events taking place in Portugal. The Route For hundreds of years, pilgrims have travelled through the various routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, following the footsteps of the apostle Santiago Maior, whose tomb is in the Cathedral of the Galician city (Spain). The pilgrimage was one of the most crowded in the Middle Ages, then fell into
oblivion, and since the 1980s gained renewed popularity. In 2016, the Pilgrims' Office received 278,224 pilgrims, 55% aged between 30 and 60 years, with 91% walking the Route. The rest did it by bike, horseback and wheelchair. Paulo Lopes, director of Portugal Green Walks, tells us that the motivations
to walk the Route are most varied and this is precisely "its richness". "Those who walk the Route to Santiago have a more universal spirit", he says. There are those who take the journey from a cultural and tourist perspective, but also those who do it "for a personal, introspective purpose. For someone who wants to change their lives, or change jobs, the Way can be a stopping and reflection point.” There are those who consider it a challenge to overcome, and of course, there are the religious motivations, very much present in pilgrims from Latin America and the United States. "There are others who do not enter our segment so much, who want to have the true pilgrim experience: take the backpack, stay in the hostels, and feel all that environment. Our client wants a little more comfort", explains Paulo Lopes.
Portugal Green Walks's Product
One Day Experiencing The Route
The Route to Santiago product by Portugal Green Walks is mainly sought after by European markets, although the American market is extremely strong. In Europe, the German, Dutch and Belgian markets stand out. Mostly, we are talking about retired people, or in their 50's, people who like to walk. This is an activity that has peaks. "It is seasonal because of the weather, for example from November on, days are very small, it gets very cold and rainy. And in winter, if it rains the trails can get flooded. Between November and March there are few who venture into this." The peak is during the months of May, June, September and October. Portugal Green Walks, in addition to all the logistical support, provides a roadbook, with a set of previous information, which can be very useful to the pilgrim: what to pack, type of footwear, physical preparation, etc. "Foreign clients prepare this several months in advance," says Paulo Lopes. He does not hide that "this is a complex product, since it requires knowing the territory very well. It's not just about selling the route, we have to be always available to offer assistance to the pilgrim." The logistics is also heavy and admits no flaws.
Portugal Green Walks has a program where you can experience a day on a stretch of the Way Saint James. This passage is one of the most interesting, according to Paulo Lopes. "It is the one that goes from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães (in Portugal), it has a series of symbologies, it is a rural area, with the route passing through the middle of vineyards and villages." But do not think that because it takes only one day, it is not demanding. "Some physical preparation is necessary because there is Serra da Labruja in the middle, which is just the most complicated part of the whole road between Porto and Santiago." But the program is flexible. "When we understand that the group can not do this, we take a shorter trail, or stay in the foothill and do not climb the mountain. Or we start in Vitorino Piães and walk to Ponte de Lima," explains the leader of Portugal Green Walks.
Working Groups "It seems to me that there is room to work groups on the Way," says Paulo Lopes. "There is an ideal time to absorb the message, reflecting and sharing. Walking for several days, this mixture of physical effort and mental detachment, makes people more receptive." In this case, Portugal Green Walks can provide all the logistics, "but the groups organisation will have to be in charge of a specialist."
RADAR 10
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The different sides of the city
Porto Is Getting Ready To Host Bea World Festival The local organising committee, made up of APECATE (Portuguese Association of Congress, Events, Outdoor Leisure and Cultural Activity Companies ), Porto Tourism Association, and the City Council, is preparing the next edition of the Bea World Festival to be held in the Portuguese city, from 15th to 18th November. Here are the main news.
The first is that this year EuBea - European Best Event Awards are accepting applications from events organised by companies from all over the world, not only from Europe as up until now. As a result, the awards, and the festival associated with it, changed their name to Bea World. From EuBea only a special prize remains, to be awarded to the best event created in Europe.This decision to globalise the "golden elephants" was known after the meeting of the advisory council of the prizes, held in Rimini, Italy, last March.
The fact that this is the first global edition is an extra challenge, but Ana Fernandes, vice-president of APECATE, has no doubts: "Porto is well prepared to welcome delegates from all over the world as a great choice for this first edition global!"
The main venues that will host the event have also already been chosen. The Alfândega Congress Centre and the Rivoli Theatre, one of the most important theatres in the city, will host the educational sessions and the awards ceremony, respectively. The organisation advises delegates that they can expect surprises and that it is preparing outings to "incognito sites of Porto" in order to show "the different sides of the city". In fact, one of the objectives of the organising partners is that "the city is represented at all times of the festival so that we can pass on its essence and mystique to the participants", emphasises Ana Fernandes. The DMC and PCO responsible for the event have already been found: Events by Transalpino and Factor Chave. This choice was the result of an internal APECATE competition. The production of the gala is still up for grabs, as well as the social program, audiovisuals, catering and printing. The organisation will soon release this partners' names. The main hotel is HF Ipanema Park, while Europcar is the official rent-a-car. EDP, the Portuguese electricity company, is the main sponsor of the event, which has the support of the Ministry of Economy - State Secretariat for Tourism, Tourism of Portugal, the Tourism Association of Porto and the City of Porto.
OPINION 12
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Hosting events is a priority to Turismo de Portugal.
Meetings Industry... The Allure Of Working With The Best Aiming to project the image of Portugal and to increase the destination's visibility in international markets, hosting events is one of the strategic assets of national tourism and a priority to Turismo de Portugal.
Turismo de Portugal's strategy in the medium term is to invest in a set of actions aimed at attracting, implementing, supporting and supervising specialised international congresses and events, and having the ability to project the image of Portugal in foreign markets. This commitment includes a set of anchor elements for the work to be carried out, namely the creation of a specialised team, the promotion of a support program in attracting international congresses and events, the provision of an M&I platform that gathers relevant information about events in Portugal, as well as the implementation of specific promotional actions for this segment. These will aim to give greater international renown to existing infrastructure and services for the hosting of major international events and their promotion. Considering the current maturity degree of the M&I product, and in view of its potentiation in international markets, we have been in contact with the Regional Convention Bureaux (CBs), in order to share information and thus have a national vision while approaching international markets. This strategy also implies the important involvement of tourism teams located in international markets, in order to identify opportunities in this area and to support the national companies / CBs in their commercial activity. Turismo de Portugal has strengthened its relationship with national stakeholders, emphasising the importance of congregating the efforts of all entities (public and private) that contribute to the improvement of Portugal's international perception as a venue for events and congresses. This continuous articulation between public and private agents has allowed a greater internal fluidity of relevant information, a greater effectiveness in the use of resources for this area, and a greater commitment among the various national agents of the sector (CBs and other private agents) in the sense of improving their commercial performance in international markets through knowledge sharing. This new interaction model has also made it possible to identify projects that may come to mitigate the seasonality of the tourism sector in Portugal, as well as contribute to greater territorial cohesion, by identifying other venues for the realisation of events in the various regional destinations, and thus
promoting sustainable employment, generating more business in a balanced way, and increasing the country's average income. Soon, a platform (www.meetingsinportugal.com) will be available to all national and international agents that makes available all the aggregated offer of Meeting Industry in Portugal, with special emphasis on Cultural Heritage and its use by entities that are directly and indirectly related to the holding of congresses, incentives and other international events. We are aware that there is still a way to go to reach our goals. It is necessary to continue to strengthen the interaction between Turismo de Portugal and the marketing plans of CBs and national trade, as well as to ensure a greater presence of Turismo de Portugal in international forums and similar events, thus allowing a more intense follow-up of M&I event attraction actions. At the moment, there are 47 events to be held in Portugal in the most diverse tourist regions, under the reformulated Program for Attracting and Holding Congresses and Corporate and Association Events. There is a strict framework of criteria for identifying priorities in terms of location and time organisation, will be held in Portugal in different tourist regions. recently reassessed in order to ensure a broader coverage of this program. Yes, it is true that there is still significant work to be done, but it is our conviction that the objectives of increasing Portugal's competitiveness in the MI segment will be achieved thanks to a joint effort, and an attitude of responsibility and information sharing among all national partners.
JOAQUIM PIRES M&I MARKETING MANAGER AT TURISMO DE PORTUGAL
COMPANIES 14
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One Of The "Best Hotels In Portugal 2017" Trivago, one of the largest booking engines in the World, awarded Hotel Cascais Miragem with the "Best Hotels in Portugal 2017" in the categories “Best Room” and “Best Breakfast in Portugal” with a score of 79.81 points. This hotel also features in the top 1% best hotels in the world and won the Travelers’ Choice award in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Portugal category. To better understand all the distinctions that Cascais Miragem has received over the years, because these were just the three most recent, we have gathered some of the arguments of this property located right on the beachfront and the Atlantic Ocean. The location is therefore privileged, only 25 minutes from the capital, Lisbon, and the international airport, 15 minutes from Sintra and five minutes from Cascais and Estoril. In this area you will find a very diversified complementary offer, allowing you to sail, play golf or, perhaps, try your luck at the Casino. The Cascais Miragem Congress Centre comprises 18 multifunctional rooms, the largest of which accommodates up to 600 people in theatre style, and is ideal for banquets, meetings and exhibitions. As the largest conference space on the Lisbon Coast, it offers the possibility of exhibiting large objects such as cars inside the meeting rooms and gallery - a large open space with natural light and an inspiring ocean view. Cascais Miragem Hotel, serviced by a highly experienced and available team,
also has 192 guestrooms including 11 suites and one presidential suite. Among other facilities, there are, for example, bars and restaurants, with the best of Portuguese and international cuisine, swimming pool and spa. All arguments to be able to welcome your next event, whether professional or private.
HOTEL CASCAIS MIRAGEM Cascais . Portugal +351 210 060 600 reservas@cascaismirage.com www.cascaismirage.com
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Bringing Conferences And Meetings To Life MOIMOI is the fulfillment of founder Mónica Ribeiro’s lifelong dream of creating an Events Planning & Management Agency focused on providing customised services and outstanding support. Opening MOIMOI in 2012, Mónica handpicked a team of dedicated professionals with the skills, creativity and experience to provide their clients with the very best service the Meeting & Events industry has to offer. Facing the challenges of keeping up with ever-changing trends and techniques, this team goes well beyond basic logistics. “Think of us as “Event Architects” that plan, create and oversee unique conferences, incentive programs and meetings”. Live Streaming Video. Virtual and Augmented Reality. Touchscreen Technology. Data Capturing. Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. As professionals, this team is committed to always being on the leading edge of change, which enables them to conceive and create dynamic experiences that bring conferences and meetings to life. “We understand that people prefer attending events that combine learning and relaxation”. They recently introduced an innovative program that goes beyond traditional event and conference planning. Offered exclusively by MOIMOI, they have assembled several regional itineraries that highlight Portugal’s diverse geographical, historical and cultural traditions. As an example, Deep in Alentejo option takes travellers through Marvão’s medieval walled village, where they will meet the locals while taking a break from their meetings and conference-related activities. Other choices include Through Lisbon, which brings participants to “must
see” historical locations, along with interesting, off the beaten path places tourists seldom visit. Deep in Ribatejo gives travellers a glimpse of life Central Portugal’s wine growing and horse breeding region. Alentejo by the Sea package combines opportunities for trekking through breathtakingly beautiful landscapes with enjoying the pleasures and seclusion of some of Europe’s very finest beaches. As MOIMOI team says “We know Portugal, and we know it well.” Our goal is to let visitors combine business with pleasure by introducing them to our country’s well-known highlights and hidden secrets. For your next event, contact the professionals at MOIMOI to start the ball rolling for a truly unique and memorable conference or incentive”.
MOIMOI Lisboa . Portugal +351 917 278 035 sayhello@moimoigroup.com www.moimoiportugal.com
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COMPANIES 16
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Stay At The Centre Of It All Experience the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s liveliest capitals by staying at the TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel. Take advantage of its prime location to discover the pleasure of enjoying refined cuisine in an ambience of impressive architecture.
Located next to the Lisbon International Airport, close to the lively Parque das Nações area, and just a few minutes away from the city centre, the TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto is a perfect gateway to a journey around all the best that Portugal’s capital city has to offer. From business meetings to formal cocktail parties, TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel offers you not only the location, but the best service. All the meeting rooms have natural daylight, free wifi internet and are fully equipped. The hotel has a dedicated staff, highly qualified in organising any event.
TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Lisboa . Portugal +351 218 425 000 | +351 707 282 707 tryp.lisboa.aeroporto@meliaportugal.com www.melia.com
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Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa
In Touch With Nature You can find this modern five-star Hotel away from large urban centres, but only 75 kilometres from Porto and its international airport (OPO), surrounded by the ancient vineyards of Douro, classified as a World Heritage site, along with its 70 rooms, spa, restaurant, bar and six function rooms.
Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa features an interior space with 330m2, which can be used as a single room or unfolded up to six smaller rooms, and an extensive outdoor area overlooking the tranquility of Douro river. All rooms include audiovisual, full-service catering, natural light and a high-speed Internet connection, being able to accommodate business meetings or a conference, a product launch or a congress. Customers can also count on the Business Centre support, covered parking with direct access to the Hotel and a "highly motivated" team to accompany you in all phases of your stay. Thanks to Pala Station and its own pier, the Royal Douro Valley Hotel & Spa is also accessible by train and boat, which gives an additional charm to the trip. From the Hotel there are several additional programs available for your group, taking full advantage of this region potential: nature, culture, history, gastronomy and of course the terroir of one of the world's oldest demarcated regions, Douro.
DOURO ROYAL VALLEY HOTEL & SPA BaiĂŁo . Portugal +351 255 070 900 reservas@douroroyal.com www.douroroyal.com
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ADVERTORIAL 18
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A Champion Experience The Sport Lisboa e Benfica’s Events Management counts with a multidisciplinary team, with an extensive experience in the organization of all kind of projects. We are available to provide you an integral service in the events organization, suitable for your company and according to your wishes.
The Football Experience is one of our premium products. With this product we assure a memorable and unique experience to your customers, employees and partners. The aim is to hold a football match as it was an official one, where all the participants would feel like Sport Lisboa e Benfica’s players and live an experience of a Champion. Today, we are going to describe you the experience felt on the Sport Lisboa e Benfica’s pitch. Invite 40 partners or employees and put them together at your company. SLB will go to your office, by the club’s official bus, in order to take and bring these aces to live a unique experience in the Portuguese stadium considered as an icon of modernity, security and comfort. We contemplate the using of the facilities for four hours: pitch, dressing
rooms for both teams and the Presidential Box, for guests. Two hostesses will wait for the group and drive them all around. The match can have the usual length, 90 minutes, it will be up to you and your player’s physical conditions. You will have two dressing rooms available where you will find a customized kit for each one of the participants and where we serve water and fruit. To create the football atmosphere, each team will have, as a coach, a SLB’s old player to help on the creation of an atmosphere of motivation, which every team needs when stepping on the grass. We will have the presence of a refereeing team, physiotherapists and ball boys, so that it all goes right. Our speaker will help to create the “Glorious” atmosphere as usual, will call the eagle (Vitória), will make the team’s formation and call each
one of the participants by microphone and will vibrate with your goals. The sound system and the megascreens will be also available, so the company can prepare contents in order to simulate the stadium’s atmosphere. Our Benfica TV will follow the event and make a remembrance video of this unforgettable moment. We will take care of the insurance for the teams which will be on the pitch. Maybe someone in the group can assume a leadership position and participate in a motivational talk, with our “glories”, inside the feared press conference room. You can also think about bringing some guests, who will be able to watch the match from the Presidential Box and finish the morning or the afternoon with a fantastic meal in one of our stadium’s exclusive rooms. We can add many services to your event, such as the requisition of cheerleaders, the manufacturing of exclusive merchandising for the guests, medals, trophies and many other things. This is just one of the many experiences that we can offer. We are available to provide a comprehensive service in organizing events, tailored to your company and to your dreams. From product presentations, gala dinners,
team building activities, plenary sessions, meetings, company and Christmas dinners, among others. We have a very professional team waiting for you, services of excellency and an unparalleled experience to provide. We are waiting for you!
BENFICA EVENTS Lisboa . Portugal +351 217 219 500 benficaeventos@slbenfica.pt www.slbenfica.pt/events
TRENDS 20
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Stand out!
10 Event Trends You Need To Think About The second edition of Meet@MeoArena, a joint organisation of MeoArena and Event Point, featured keynote speaker Kevin Jackson, creative and innovation director at The Experience is the Marketing. He shared the current trends in the events sector, which, according to the speaker, is "ready to take over the world". Nowadays events are, in Kevin Jackson's opinion, the most important communication channel in the world. Experiences are more important than money. Great marketing is no longer about just saying things to people, it's about doing things for people and successful brands understand the importance of engagement; creating meaningful and rewarding experiences, whether that's online or in the real world.
1. Information On Demand
The audience has control and is able to watch content anytime in any device.
2. Social Network
We trust the people we know and this is important in deciding whether or not to go to an event. The event industry has to create amazing content so that it can be disseminated.
3. Taking Control
6. Attention
We must be responsive, alert and realise where we can integrate and add value. With so many brands and events we almost have to shout for the public's attention.
7. Listening
It is essential to listen to the audience, people want to express their opinion and be heard. Kevin Jackson's trick is to use the acronym: DDEM: Data Driven Event Marketing.
To understand an audience, you have to ask four questions: what do they want to feel? What do they want to think? What do they want to know? What do they want to do? The keys are: Feel, Think, Know, Do.
8. Relationship
4. Pull
9. Emotional
5. Quality
10. Our Needs
It is important to create a bond with the audience, it creates value. You need to create content that people want to take home.
A trend totally intertwined with the previous ones: if we create quality content, we can only be winners.
People buy from people they like. Events help building relationships.
Even CEOs are people, have likes, interests, hobbies. It is necessary to emotionally connect with the audience if we want successful events.
Our needs are always the same, we are human. Understand them and give them answers.
And above all: Stand out!
REPORT 22
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Soft Skills Their Importance At Events Let's start with the definition, with the help of specialist Rita Oliveira Pelica, co-organiser of the Soft Skills & Personal Marketing Course - ISEG and Business Unit Manager EGOR Outsourcing. "Soft skills are personal and social (interpersonal) skills that enable the individual to 'facilitate' their interactions with other people. It is a form of personal empowerment with a strong impact on the relationship with third parties, whether in work context or at a more personal level. That is, these skills are reflected in the attitudes and behaviours that we have daily and that identify us, can differentiate us and end up being part of our brand image." An example of a soft skill may be the ability to communicate, to lead, to work in groups. All of these, in fact, are fundamental for those who want to work in events, an activity of intense pressure.
In the business world, in organisations in general, these skills are increasingly important. "The term itself is fashionable and already buzzword in the human resources area. By contrast, hard skills - techniques - are a starting point that are no longer so differentiating!", says Rita Oliveira Pelica. It will be notoriously insufficient nowadays to present a bachelor's or master's degree, without displaying anything else. "What is becoming increasingly distinctive and sought after by companies is people's ability to 'add value' to the organisation, but through their critical thinking, problem-solving ability, creativity and emotional intelligence," the specialist points out. Professionals must, in a process of self‑knowledge, in work-in-progress mode of continuous improvement, reinforce and improve skills where they already have some ability and should emphasise their investment in the development of skills where they are more fragile". And Rita Oliveira Pelica gives good news: you can train soft skills. "Personally, I like to call them neuro-skills, in the sense that our brain (being neuroplastic) has the ability to continually learn." For this, the expert warns, "It's a matter of focus and priority setting - professionals who enter the labour market and those who wish to evolve in their professional career must invest in them. You have to be smart and not just soft! " And are Millennials (born after 1980) more prepared from this soft skills
point of view? Rita Pelica does not put the focus in generational terms. "This subject has to be treated from the personal point of view, of the individual. There are baby boomers [born between 1946 and 1964] who really need to work on their soft skills, but there are people from generations X [born in the mid 60s and 1980s] and Y [Millennials] who also have that need." The expert believes that the great challenge of organisations nowadays is being cross-generational, and therefore "having to ensure that there is an alignment between organisational culture and the development of its employees (also known as employee engagement ". In short, "the process of training soft skills has to be done by each professional, following the logic of lifelong learning. No professional can dismiss himself from this responsibility!"
Soft Skills And Events We went looking for published information on the subject and listed some of the soft skills worth investing in if you work at events.
Being Positive
Good Time Management
In an activity that can have several setbacks, staying positive can ensure good energy, motivation and confidence in the team.
When events are not planned in the necessary advance, the ability to manage time well so everything is ready at the right time is very relevant.
Communication Ability At events you deal with people, customers, participants, suppliers. The ability to communicate with them and to establish bridges is essential.
Ability To Work Effectively, Under Pressure In an area in which pressure is clearly great, events happen on that day, at that time, and nothing can go wrong, the ability to adapt to unexpected and to solve problems is very important. Of course many of the setbacks can be avoided with planning, but they still can happen.
Being A Good Listener Listening carefully to all clues given by customers is essential to make sure the event goes as they imagined it, or even better.
Being A Team Player It is a very important competence in events. An event manager manages people and it is vital to know how to work with others for the common good.
Flexibility To the very last minute, your client will probably want to mess with the event. The ability to be flexible and to adjust will certainly help you to deal with the situation.
Multitasking The ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time is an advantage for those who want to work at events.
Criativity This activity requires you to think outside the box, including problem-solving.
Leadership An event manager has to be able to lead teams, juggle suppliers, come forward and solve all sorts of situations with which he is confronted.
Sources: www.blog.benchmarque.co
Being Organised
www.eventplanning.com www.bizbash.com www.eventmanagerblog.com
The success of an event depends greatly on organisation, discipline, and having everything planned to the detail.
www.guidebook.com www.blog.evvnt.com
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Four Ideas To Keep From ICCA's Iberian Chapter Meeting For the second consecutive year, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)'s Iberian Chapter Meeting was designed by MindMeeting, a company specialising in meeting design. Delegates seem to appreciate this type of program which, over the past two years, has been based on the premise that we learn more from the group than from experts. The MindMeeting team, made up of meeting designers Mike van der Vijver and Chema Gómez, acted as a facilitator of the various moments of the event held this year in Funchal, from 19th to 22 nd April. And nothing was left to chance, including, for example, the move between the main hotel of the congress, Vidamar, and the place that received the first social moment, the Belmond Reid's Palace. The delegates, Portuguese and Spanish, were invited to mingle, form small groups and discuss the "false friends" of the two languages, which sometimes cause embarrassing situations. This was the first interesting idea of the Chapter program.
Ricardo Vieira Elected President Of Icca's Iberian Chapter The second has to do with the inclusion of new members, the participants who joined the ICCA family for the first time. To integrate them, MindMeeting prepared the following exercise. At the entrance of Belmond Reid's Palace delegates received an apple. The new members, with baskets, were responsible for the delivery of badges. In exchange for the apple they would deliver the badge. This required them to become acquainted with various other elements of the ICCA "family". One of the main themes of this congress was the social media. The idea of the organisation was to bring to the conversation the real experts in this area: young people. Several students from the School of Hotel Management and Tourism in Madeira joined the group and shared their experience of social networking users and even taught some features that the elders did not know. In Event Point's group it was noticed, for example, that Facebook is no longer used by this generation, having been overcome by Instagram and Snapchat. The last idea to retain had to do with the president of the Iberian Chapter of ICCA, Nina Freysen-Pretorius intervention. In a relaxed atmosphere, with the sea as a backdrop, the main face of this association made a true storytelling session, much appreciated by all present, which included reflections on many of the issues that concern her in the sector.
< NINA FREYSEN-PRETORIUS, ICCA'S PRESIDENT
It was on a catamaran that the General Assembly of ICCA's Iberian Chapter was held, electing Ricardo Vieira, from Madeira Promotion Bureau. The team that will now lead the destinies of the Chapter also counts with Francisco Quereda, Convention Bureau of Málaga; Christoph Tessmar, Barcelona Convention Bureau; José Toste and Bárbara Silva, Azores Promotion Board; And Carina Montagu, Feria Valencia. It was up to the new president to reveal the next destination of Meeting: the Spanish city of Granada.
CLÁUDIA COUTINHO DE SOUSA* *INVITED BY MADEIRA PROMOTION BUREAU
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A remarkable job has been undoubtedly made in the Region!
Madeira, The Human Side Of Meetings Before embarking on the subject that made me accept the invitation to write this article I would like to stress that the development of the business tourism segment in the Autonomous Region of Madeira is the result of a public-private strategy adopted by the Regional Government.
A remarkable job has been undoubtedly made in the Region! What we have achieved so far in this very important sector of our economy is most certainly a reason of pride. The Meetings Industry (MI) product is a new business area and an essential tool for achieving goals such as increasing visitors, increasing the average stay and reducing seasonality. Madeira is currently recognised as an MI destination in the national market, which leads us to think we are on the right track. However, we want to be relevant in the international associative and corporate market. And in this sense, the Presidency of ICCA's Iberian Chapter is an added value for the Region. Under my Presidency, in addition to continue the work started in 2015, we will emphasise our members, knowing their needs in detail and proposing clear and practical alternatives to meet them, while also enhancing the instruments they can use with this Association. To begin this purpose we will launch a questionnaire with specific direct questions that allow us to make a survey about our members' needs and expectations, because only this way will we be able to keep the current and raise new ones. In addition to members, we will focus on 6 other areas, namely consulting. In tune with ICCA Head Office, it is our intention to help our members on strategies, marketing plans and sales, as well as sharing, in a structured way, success stories during the annual meeting program or through new educational events. With regard to Sales, one of the main reasons for joining ICCA is the database of this Association. However, events such as Client / Supplier Workshop and Business Exchange are excellent business opportunities. In this regard, we will study new formats, dates and support from the ICCA Head Office in order to improve the participation of existing members and bring new ones to the Chapter. Training, which has been a sensitive subject, once we have experienced
members and less experienced ones, will be subject to change. We will be concentrating most of the content at our annual meeting, and we suggest creating new events depending on support we get. As for Social Media, we intend to review the existing agreements and try to understand how we will perpetuate the increase obtained with our Twitter and Facebook accounts. The partnerships we intend to carry out with sector associations will also be subject to change. We believe that these have to be advantageous for all stakeholders, so the main objective will always be to create a value chain for the Chapter and its members. Last but not least, collaboration with other ICCA Chapters, participating in their actions, will be the key tool to improve ICCA's Iberian Chapter's performance.
The great challenge is undoubtedly the need to innovate, create value for the Chapter, and simultaneously respond to our members' needs, as referred in our theme of this year's meeting, "the Human side of Meetings".
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“Where old meets new”
IT & CM China And CTW China 2017 The Chinese Mice Market Open To The World Being Shanghai one of the top MICE markets in the world, it makes perfect sense to host both IT&CM China and CTW China, two meetings and corporate travel events, respectively, from March 21st to 23rd."Promote China to the world and the world to China" was the motto for these events that complemented each other and thus show the best the country has to offer in these segments, attracting international buyers and providing diverse networking and knowledge activities.
In the exhibition area of the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing, 720 exhibitors from 288 companies and organisations, representing all continents, showcased their products and services in attractive stands. About 3,000 MICE professionals, more than 400 hosted delegates, and 355 Chinese buyers from 38 cities attended - and more than 14,000 business appointments were completed. Although most of the market is domestic, there is strong interest in (and from) international markets. Barcelona, Vienna, Scotland, Argentina, South Africa and Monaco were some of the destinations that debuted at IT&CM China, with the purpose of making themselves known and seducing the ever attractive Chinese market. “For the first time, our show floor is represented by destinations and companies from all continents across the world. Our 80% Chinese and 20% international buyer mix maintains with an overall increase in participation this year, and requests for branded networking functions have more than doubled”, said Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media. IT & CM China has been leading the way in bringing together the best brands and industry organisations and selected buyers, continuing to attract an impressive array of local and international exhibitors, thanks also to the "exuberance" of the Chinese MICE market and the solid path this event traced in the last decade.
In addition to the exhibition area and the various networking moments promoted by some destinations and organisations that wanted to show a specific group of buyers their products and services - the events provided an intense educational program whose focus this year was the Future of the MICE industry in China and its impact on the world. In addition to all this, pre-tours were held in Shanghai, Zhujiajiao and Istanbul and a post-tour to Hangzgou. “These are just some of the ways we encourage destinations and exhibiting suppliers to take advantage of our extensive buyer profile and find creative ways to entice potential leads”, highlighted Darren Ng. The ever-growing MICE market holds a strong importance for China, which continues to invest in the sector. And to facilitate the visits, a visa-free regime was launched at the beginning of last year for the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai to visitors from 51 countries who travel there for business or leisure, up to a maximum of 144 hours. Next year's edition of IT&CM China and CTW China is scheduled for March 20 th , 21st and 22 nd . The location is the same: Shanghai - the city hosting 40% of China's total events. It is the heart of the country's business, “where old meets new”. MARIA JOÃO LEITE* *INVITED BY IT&CM CHINA
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Making our meeting rock
Inspiration And Knowledge Since we decided to rechange the format of ICCA's Iberian Chapter annual members meeting last year in Marbella, we intend to keep in mind of the various steps in the design process for the programme, making sure we are all on the same page once we arrive in Madeira, this year.
In our ongoing attempts towards further professionalisation of our work, we have united our forces with the board of the ICCA's Iberian Chapter and with our real host, Madeira, specially represented by Ricardo Vieira. As a world‑wide leading agency in the field of meeting design, MindMeeting has been working in developing the best possible programme and formats for our meeting and make it rock. We want the members meeting to be a memorable experience for each and everyone of us. We want to ensure that all members will be actively engaged in our programme and take the outcomes forward, until we meet again in 2018. MindMeeting have been working with ICCA for the past four years on the design of sessions during the big ICCA World Congress. Those of you who have assisted at the Congress will remember especially the so-called Monday Morning Wake-Up Calls. Their design process includes a number of proprietary techniques, have been developing in the course of the past 15 years. Starting from the current state-of-the-art in the industry and in the Chapter, they conduct information meetings with the Board, as well as a series of interviews with selected members. Naturally, in due consultation with the Board, these interviews, which they already have done in December, comprise representatives of all the stakeholder groups which are part of our Association. Work has already started during the last edition of IBTM in Barcelona, in December. There, they conducted an open session with our members. The main outcomes of that open discussion were design indications about the content and about the kind of experience members were expecting. This session worked like a double-edged sword: on the one hand, members had the opportunity to provide input for the programme, making it much more their programme, rather than an event that has been decided over the members heads. At the same time, MindMeeting obtained valuable insights into the specific experiential expectations of future participants. The Madeira program has included many sessions, with different rooms and set ups but the most important is that every single detail of each session has been developed with care and focus on expectations of the attendees and other stakeholders.
We start with one session “Time with the Chair”, Nina Pretorious in which individual members get 10 minutes conversation with the International Chair of ICCA. Also, we developed a session with David Godor, ICCA Regional Director Europe talking about four topics, based on successful projects in other ICCA Chapters. All the sessions have been interactive, with a lot of participation of the most important piece of an association, the members. A great workshop about Social Network, delivered by local students of Tourism (16 to 18 years old), or a session about Ideas from fellow ICCA-members generated by themselves . We finished the day two with a CSR activity on how Madeira has done about how to recover an old neighborhood through art and doors... amazing. And of course the Assembly on a Catamaran, has changed the mind of our attendees about boring meetings. We are absolutely sure that every single member attending ICCA Iberian Chapter have found ideas, inspiration and knowledge in such a wonderful destination like Madeira.
See you soon!
CHEMA GÓMEZ MEETING DESIGNER
INTERVIEW 32
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“I’ve constantly been fascinated by the association segment of the event industry” Luca Favetta Luca Favetta is one of the most impressive names in the events industry in Europe. He has recently left the corporate world to occupy a prominent position in the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the challenge has been very motivating.
For those who might not know it that well, can you tell us what PCMA is and what's its main focus? Since 1956 the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has been dedicated to inspiring the Business Events community with senior level networking and educational opportunities globally. With just under 7,000 members and an audience of more than 50,000 individuals, PCMA is the world’s largest network of Business Events Strategists. We are
headquartered in Chicago, IL USA, with partners and collaborators around the globe and a footprint within North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with activities across 37 countries. PCMA’s is focused on inspiring, connecting and innovating the business events community, through education.
Why did you decide to change from the corporate world to an association? As you know, I spent my entire professional career (25+ years) in the Corporate Events sector, with organisations such as HP and SAP. Throughout my career I have been engaged with multiple industry associations in many different ways/roles - and since this industry has given me so much, I have always been keen to give back part of my experience. I’ve constantly been fascinated by the association segment of the event industry and had the opportunity of collaborating and supporting PCMA over the last few years and to experience first-hand the value of the educational programs PCMA offers to its audience. Therefore, when I heard about this professional opportunity, I thought PCMA was the perfect organization for me to try new things, face new challenges and find new motivation. I’m really happy about my choice. What are the main challenges nowadays for PCMA? At PCMA’s core, we try to challenge ourselves constantly to inspire, innovate and connect the business event community. This means exploring different learning formats, technology tools and creating an environment to change and adapt quickly. It is not easy to do this and we are not always successful, but it is important that we constantly challenge ourselves to stay relevant for our members and provide content our audience can use to advance their organisations and own careers. What will your role in this be, as EMEA Business Director? PCMA is a very well-known and respected brand in the USA, Mexico and Canada, and only recently developed a detailed global strategy; which directed the investment and expansion of its focus outside of North America. As EMEA Regional Business Director, my first objective is to enhance the PCMA brand awareness and customer engagement in our region. To this extent, we are working with organisations that have similar values to ours, so that we can strengthen our offerings and continue to elevate the role of the business event professional. Our focus has always been on education, and that is not changing. We plan to deliver high-quality education that hits on challenging topics in the local market, providing both local and global opportunities for idea exchange and collaboration. And in my region I want to begin to do this “from Europe for Europe”. This is why we have recently created the PCMA European Advisory Board that will help us to identify regional priorities and craft our development plan in Europe. Tell us a bit more about PCMA plans for other regions in the globe. For example, in Asia Pacific, an organisation we have partnered with is SACEOS (Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers) to extend our education sessions throughout the year to their members, as well as deliver broadcasted sessions from PCMA Convening
Leaders to their members in Singapore. These relationships allow PCMA’s resources to be shared with a broader audience. At the same time, PCMA members are also exposed to SACEOS members and experiences, allowing a broader scope of perspectives and exchange of solutions. We continue to work with destinations around the world, to provide education and training to the local business events community, creating tailored education programs. PCMA’s values the expanding global partnerships and alliances we have established over the past several years, which vary in marketing, education, training and development. And also about your most recent partnership with IAPCO. IAPCO and PCMA’s values align closely around education and the offerings to our members. We realise that by collaborating, we can provide even stronger education sessions that bring more diverse perspectives, at both our respective events and participating global industry events. It also allows PCMA members to access a trusted group of PCOs to discuss their business needs. The relationship has grown over the last few years and continues to be beneficial for both our audiences. To wrap it up, what would your main message for our readers be? I strongly believe education is one of the keys for professional growth and we all should invest the right amount of time and energy in this. This is challenging, especially in these days where we are all asked to do more with less and where budgets and resources are cut over and over...
To be successful it is critical to select the right development opportunities available in the market and at PCMA we are committed to create and deliver the best senior educational programs to support our audiences’ career progression and enhance the role of Business Event Strategist.
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© Joana Barbosa
Algarve Intelligent Meetings The Algarve is not only about beaches, although it has some of the best beaches in the world. There are countless other reasons to pick the South of Portugal for your next event. You might be surprised at this, but one of the best is the intellectual capital of the region. We’ll prove it to you!
Sea And Tourism The University of Algarve is one of the most important educational centres in the region. The institution conducts studies concerning the investigation and development of the area and is closely connected to the ocean. Dedicated to the ocean there are three R&D centres: Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Centro de Investigação Tecnológica do Algarve (CINT+AL) and Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIMA), that manage investigation projects,
transfer knowledge and are a part of bilateral agreements with some of the best european universities. Tourism is another of the university's strengths, in a region that has collected this year 13 awards at the World Travel Awards (2016), 12 given to hotels in the region plus the title of Europe’s Leading Beach Destination for the fourth time, and second in a row. Not surprisingly, this is the place where the first Tourism PhD in Portugal was born.
Health
Technology
Health is another of the focus areas for the university, with some well known specialists. A couple of them are working to help finding a cure for cancer, a challenging field of work. Here are some examples of the amazing work that is being done in the Algarve.
The University of Algarve has a Centre (CRIA) that houses technological companies, mostly start ups and spin offs. Some of them have made a business in integrated landscape managing. Others grow sturgeon and caviar. A few produce and transform plants for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. There are even those who invest in underwater acoustics or oyster seed production.
Beautiful Ria Formosa Is Saving Lives Halophytes are a plant species that thrives in Ria Formosa's salty terrains. University investigators were able to isolate some molecules in this plant that have shown great potential in fighting kidney cancer. Using Cell Communication To Destroy Cancer Some investigators at the university are trying to figure out how the building blocks of our bodies, the cells, communicate with each other in order to develop a new cancer therapy, using electric signs. This research was the result of a project to develop an implant that will allow spinal injuries to be healed in less than a month. The group is already hard at work with companies and other european universities to create this implant. Amazing, right? Biomedical Research Centre (Cbmr) A group of investigators hailing from CBMR identified a biomarker for melanoma diagnosis that includes a response to chemotherapy treatments. The same group has received good feedback on the role of TRIB2 protein in the onset and progression of breast cancer and therapy resistance.
What About The Hardware? All this intellectual capital is valuable, it's important not to stick only to ideas. The Algarve has the hardware to turn it into real business for you. Take a look at the MI Brochure of the region: www.algarvepromotion.pt. The Algarve has the venues, DMCs, PCOs, hotels and resorts, transportation, catering, AV, tourism companies and a calendar of events that happen all year round. Moreover, the team at the Convention Bureau is willing to help you with your next event. And Why Not Meeting At A Beautiful Place? We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any reason why not! Work comes first, of course, but you can always take some time in your busy schedule to get to know some of the best beaches in Europe! Or even better, you can take some extra days relaxing in the region. There is an offer for every taste, we guarantee you. If you're meeting at a beautiful place why wouldn't you enjoy it?
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Algarve With A New Congress Centre The Algarve (south of Portugal) is Portugal's main tourist region and is investing more and more in presenting itself as a valid option for both national and international events. And there is a new venue in the making. The Algarve Congress Centre, which Tivoli Hotels & Resorts will inaugurate on June 1st next to the hotel Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, will be according to those responsible - the largest Congress Centre in the Algarve and is able to host all types of events.
"The congress and events segment represents close to 30% of our business. We are therefore very enthusiastic about this new Congress Centre with a substantial increase in its capacity, allowing us to host all kinds of events, always keeping the excellent service for which we are already known," says Jorge Beldade, Tivoli Algarve Operations regional director. The group adds in a statement that "the new building marks an architectural difference, with details designed to provide the ideal conditions for the most varied types of events."
Congress Centre 19 rooms with natural light 7,600 m2 total area 3,800 people capacity 2,300 m2 panoramic rooftop Tivoli Marina Vilamoura 383 rooms 5 meeting rooms 1 exhibition area 1,050 people Purobeach Vilamoura Lakeside capacity 150 people capacity in new restaurant, Purobeach Vilamoura
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Carlos Lopes Pavilion Reopens To Host Events In Lisbon Carlos Lopes Pavilion in Lisbon reopened this February. The building was closed since 2003 and is now renovated and ready to host cultural, social, corporate and sporting events, as well as congresses. The pavilion reopened on Carlos Lopes, Portuguese Olympic Champion, 70th birthday.
The pavilion, designed by architects Guilherme and Carlos Rebello de Andrade and Alfredo Assunção, was built in Lisbon, and taken by boat to Rio de Janeiro, to be the Portuguese Pavilion at the International Exhibition of Rio, in 1920. It was later rebuilt in Lisbon in 1932. Once called Palace of Exhibitions, it was renamed Pavilion Carlos Lopes, in honour of the Olympic athlete who won a
gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. The main venue has 2,000 m 2 and there are other flexible rooms to host 2,000 people, as well as an entrance with 180m 2 , two foyers with 280m 2 and a Noble Room with 180m 2 .
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Embly: Bringing Participants To The Centre Of Events Embly is a multi-platform technology solution that promises to bring participants to the centre of events. How? Allowing you to send and manage invitations to initiatives as diverse as a medical congress, a music festival, or a company board meeting. During the event, it also allows you to check the programme and makes available information on speakers; enhances social interactions among participants; enables online voting, questions and answers in sessions or integration with beacons; and it connects to Apple TV. After the event, it generates informative reports and ensures all the necessary communication.
Embly includes a content manager (CMS), mobile applications (iOS and Android), website, Apple TV connection, wich is especially interesting for events with more than one simultaneous session and with sponsors who want to show their messages, and finally it recognises and communicates with beacons, small localization devices, that facilitates support for checking in at the event and sending messages while it is happening. The Embly team is available to carry out all the monitoring of the event, ensuring everything from content management to technical support needed in each case. This technological tool has already been used by clients such as the pharmaceutical company Lilly Portugal or the insurance company Fidelidade.
Last October, Embly was the technology platform chosen for Be Well. It is the largest event of health professionals, with more than 3,000 participants, organised in MEO Arena by MSD pharmaceutical. At the beginning of the year, SKY Brasil had also chosen Embly as their support platform in about 40 events of different sizes this telecommunications company will organise throughout 2017 in several Brazilian cities. Note that Embly was launched in 2014 by Bliss, an app developer specialist. Bliss is part of WYgroup, a holding company for digital and interactive marketing companies with offices in Portugal, Brazil and the USA.
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So, be bold!
The Future Will Still Be In Our Hands! Among computers and smartphones, cameras, the now famous drones, even robots - the idea of a world defined under the watchful eye of technology is closer everyday. In fact, today, perception is exactly this, and imagining life without the presence of technology is becoming increasingly impossible.
In the events' area in particular, technologies have not yet been evolved enough to dismiss the human brain, in favour of an artificial intelligence system. This is because the universe of events is often unpredictable and requires an immediate reaction capacity; moreover, experience that can even be simulated through a track record does not ensure a quick and effective result when compared to human resilience in situations of increased pressure and demand. This idea may change in the coming times, with the rapid and deep advance of technology. Should we be afraid and want to delay that day? I do not think so. Only by believing that every human being should use technological innovations, as platforms and applications, in order to optimise the execution of some tasks. However, in practice, man will hardly be replaced in more complex functions. Human creativity, subjective judgment, mental gymnastics, plan B, C and D in portfolio, the ability to activate decisions and corrections of alignment to the thousandth of a second, a live show in which light, sound, projection, immersion and interaction can not fail. In this field, there is no sufficiently developed machine capable of judgment and analysis. Gamification, holograms and immersive reality are already part of the new paradigm of events, but today it is fundamental to look beyond the virtual to experience the real, in an increasingly authentic and personalised way. In a time when distractions are so many, the challenge is this: to stimulate the will in each of us to be continually challenged by the sensory perception, of everything around us. Truth be said, this need has been increasing, with the proximity of technological standards - the desire to live in a natural way and the valorisation of a real life, stripped of artifice and makeup. The "rare, the real and the visceral" will be privileged values, and those who can provide authentic experiences will remain esteemed by other human beings. If the mission of events is often bringing the brands closer to their public, in mass and large-scale events, the mission is more ambitious today - it is increasingly humanising brands, showcasing them as tangible and promoting them in a closer and simultaneously unique form. In events, the trend is to create immersive experiences that appeal to the wishes of the participants. The message goes through the whole event, touch-see-taste & feel and the best result is exactly letting the perception that the brand is able to connect with each one in a very personal way, recognising their desires and ambitions. Small niche and subgroup events will start to gain momentum as they offer
participants comfort and greater closeness to the group, making activities more authentic and personal. The challenge of freeing guests of their smartphones during the event is also something to cherish, since we know they spend much of their time focused on smartphones, tablets, PCs ... Heads up technologies fulfill this function! You have to think and design solutions and applications that make them lift their heads of their phones, leaving social networks to engage in an interactive game with the rest in the room, using your phone as the dynamics controller or even in the microphone of the event. .. Different activations with the interfaces that today nobody lives without is a must, a trend we must pursue. Events success depends not only on imagination, audacity, new combinations but also on the mastery of procedures, tools and techniques available, which release energy for new constructions, reconstructions and transformation of our reality. Creativity is crucial, yes. In the relationship of people with people. In the experience of people with brands. So, be bold! Dominate and show you know your customer's client. Where they are, what they like, what they are looking for, what they follow, what they comments on, where they are involved in... Challenge brands. Challenge the customer. Insist on the response, the feedback, the justification. Show alternatives outside the box. Add risk to the equation!
We look for unruly spirits that turn the challenge constant and the demand higher. And, this way, the future of events is still in our hands! FILIPA OLIVEIRA RESTART DIRECTOR
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ABEOC Discusses Future Of Events The 27 th Brazilian Congress of Event Companies and Professionals – Brazil Events will take place in Rio de Janeiro, from August 31st to September 2 nd, and will focus on "The Future of Events".
"We are looking for a differentiated Congress, with renowned speakers, including international, to compose the ABEOC Brasil event. We will have the simultaneous exhibition, with trade exhibitors, federations, confederations, conventions, suppliers, who can be with us, making a good deal", says Fátima Facuri, president of ABEOC RJ. The goal, as Fátima explains, is bringing a large number of entrepreneurs from the tourism sector and events in Brazil to come to the Congress, with business roundtables, discussion of actions for the sector and future changes, as well as promoting discussions with authorities and public managers. "We want to
have two or three parallel workshops to specifically address the actions of the representative entities that are part of the event trade," she adds. The audience expectation is that the congress receives around 1,000 participants and the exhibition 1,500 visitors. The president of the Brazilian Association of Event Companies -ABEOC BRASIL, Ana Claudia Bitencourt, highlights that Brazil events is considered the most important meeting of the tourism sector, trade fairs and events in Brazil, known for gathering experts from this market. "The event aims to promote creative ideas and address the growth of the business tourism sector," she concludes.
APAVT Travels To Macau The next APAVT national congress will take place in Macau from 23rd to 27th November. After eight years in which the magna meeting of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies gave priority to national destinations, the event now heads to the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Macau Tourist Office Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, stressed that "it is naturally an honour to welcome this important congress", highlighting Macau's role as World Tourism and Leisure Centre and service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. She emphasises the importance of this strategic event, which simultaneously contributes to the diversification of Macau's tourism industry and to the strengthening of the strategy of promoting and growing the number of international tourists. Helena de Senna Fernandes concludes that, "we are sure that in cooperation with APAVT we will hold an even better event than the previous ones, in a
region that even those who have visited will hardly recognise." APAVT President, Pedro Costa Ferreira, notes that "the announcement of this decision is a great joy for us all, with two fundamental meanings - for the outgoing, the certainty that the economic atmosphere and the demand dynamics are now more positive and confident, allowing the congress to cross Portuguese borders again; for the incoming, the active participation in the reinforcement of the investments that private and authority are accomplishing in the biggest world-wide sender market". On the first 3 weeks of registration, more than 100 people applied.
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AV COMPANIES
EVENT AGENCIES
MAINVISION - TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF EVENTS
LISBOA | +351 211 583 053 | 939 117 564 | INFO@MAINVISION.PT | WWW.MAINVISION.PT AUDIOVISUAL CONSULTING, AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, CONTENT PRODUCTION MADE BY A HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM.
CONVENTION BUREAUX / TOURISM OFFICES
ALGARVE PROMOTION BUREAU
FARO | +351 289 800 403 | ATA@ATALGARVE.PT | WWW.VISITALGARVE.PT EUROPE'S MOST FAMOUS SECRET.
CASCAIS MIRAGEM
CASCAIS | +351 210 060 600 | RESERVAS@CASCAISMIRAGE.COM | WWW.CASCAISMIRAGE.COM TRIVAGO, ONE OF THE LARGEST BOOKING ENGINES IN THE WORLD, AWARDED HOTEL CASCAIS MIRAGEM WITH THE "BEST HOTEL IN PORTUGAL 2017" IN THE CATEGORIES “BEST ROOM” AND “BEST BREAKFAST IN PORTUGAL” WITH A SCORE OF 79.81 POINTS. THIS HOTEL ALSO FEATURES IN THE TOP 1% BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD AND WON THE TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD IN THE TOP 25 LUXURY HOTELS IN PORTUGAL CATEGORY.
DOURO ROYAL VALLEY
BAIÃO | +351 070 900 | RESERVAS@DOUROROYAL.COM | WWW.DOUROROYAL.COM YOU CAN FIND THIS MODERN FIVE-STAR HOTEL AWAY FROM LARGE URBAN CENTRES, BUT ONLY 75 KILOMETRES FROM PORTO AND ITS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SURROUNDED BY THE ANCIENT VINEYARDS OF DOURO, CLASSIFIED AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
AZORES PROMOTION BOARD | CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU LISBOA | +351 213 180 424 | BARBARASILVA@VISITAZORES.TRAVEL | WWW.MI.VISITAZORES.COM ORGANIZE YOUR EVENT IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, UNIQUE DESTINATION.
TRYP LISBOA AEROPORTO
LISBOA | +351 218 425 000 | TRYP.LISBOA.AEROPORTO@MELIAPORTUGAL.COM | WWW.MELIA.COM STAY AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL. EXPERIENCE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF ONE OF EUROPE’S LIVELIEST CAPITALS BY STAYING AT THE TRYP LISBOA AEROPORTO HOTEL. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS PRIME LOCATION TO DISCOVER THE PLEASURE OF ENJOYING REFINED CUISINE IN AN AMBIENCE OF IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE.
HOTELS
EVENTS BY TLC
LISBOA | +351 213 213 060 | PORTUGAL@EVENTSBYTLC.COM | WWW.EVENTSBYTLC.COM IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE!
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WWW.EVENTPOINTINTERNATIONAL.COM
PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS ORGANISERS
FACTOR CHAVE
ALGÉS | +351 214 307 740 | CONGRESSOS@FACTORCHAVE.PT | WWW.FACTORCHAVE.PT FACTORCHAVE WORKS EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH MEETINGS. TODAY WE BOOST 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PLANNING EVENTS OF VARIOUS TYPES AND DIMENSIONS WITH MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS, RESEARCH GROUPS, PHARMACEUTICAL AND EQUIPMENT COMPANIES. MARKETING IS A CENTRAL ELEMENT OF OUR WORK, WHICH ALWAYS REFLECTS PASSION, STRATEGY, KNOW-HOW, COMPETENCE, ORIGINAL IDEAS AND TALENT.
MOIMOI
LISBOA | +351 917 278 035 | SAYHELLO@MOIMOIGROUP.COM | WWW.MOIMOIPORTUGAL.COM OPENING MOIMOI IN 2012, MÓNICA RIBEIRO HANDPICKED A TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS WITH THE SKILLS, CREATIVITY AND EXPERIENCE TO PROVIDE THEIR CLIENTS WITH THE VERY BEST SERVICE THE MEETING & EVENTS INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER. FACING THE CHALLENGES OF KEEPING UP WITH EVER-CHANGING TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES, THIS TEAM GOES WELL BEYOND BASIC LOGISTICS. “THINK OF US AS “EVENT ARCHITECTS” THAT PLAN, CREATE AND OVERSEE UNIQUE CONFERENCES, INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND MEETINGS”.
VENUES
BENFICA EVENTS
LISBOA | +351 217 219 500 | BENFICAEVENTOS@SLBENFICA.PT | WWW.SLBENFICA.PT/EVENTS THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF EVENT MANAGEMENT OF SPORT LISBOA E BENFICA HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ORGANISING EVENTS, MANY OF THEM WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PARTICIPANTS - JUST THINK OF A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH. AND IT IS THIS TEAM THAT CAN HELP YOU WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF EVENTS, FROM A SIMPLE COFFEE BREAK TO A PRODUCT LAUNCH, FROM A CONFERENCE TO AN INCENTIVE.
CENTRO CULTURAL DE BELÉM
LISBOA | +351 213 612 400 | EVENTOS@CCB.PT | WWW.CCB.PT WHERE MEETINGS AND CULTURE COME TOGETHER
MEO ARENA
LISBOA | +351 218 918 409 | INFO@MEOARENA.PT | WWW.ARENA.MEO.PT A NATIONAL BENCHMARK IN MULTIPURPOSE ARENAS AND SITES FOR LARGE EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY, THIS VENUE HOSTS AN AVERAGE OF 80 EVENTS A YEAR, OF VARIOUS DIFFERENT TYPES, AND FOR AROUND 400.000 PEOPLE. FROM CONCERTS, FAMILY SHOWS AND SPORTING EVENTS, THESE FACILITIES ALSO HOST PRODUCT LAUNCHES, MEETINGS OF DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC GROUPS, OPENINGS AND VARIOUS FUNCTIONS FOR LARGE CONVENTIONS, EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS, MANAGEMENT MEETINGS, GALA EVENINGS AND CATERING EVENTS.