Kongres april 2011

6 The view of a European MP on the potential of the meetings industry in SE Europe

30 Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir

The “visa walls” are down, the doors of Western Balkan states are opening

Editorial Board of Kongres magazine

Storytelling was an important part of our campaign

58 Barometer of Congress prices in Slovenia and SE Europe Budva cheapest, Portorož the most expensive Editorial Board of Kongres magazine

Tanja Fajon

www.slovenia.info

SOUTHEAST EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE, VOLUME V, ISSUE 2, APRIL 2011 www.kongres-magazine.eu OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU

Contents

Our selection

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A word from the editor Column: Tanja Fajon Column: Miha Kovačič Column: Paul Kennedy News: News from Slovenia News from Europe Conventa Academy Conventa News Other news Photo session Interview: Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir Statements & opinions Interview: Maja Konečnik Ruzzier In focus: CR navigator Katarina Blonska Miroslava Dimitrova Kevin Kelly Primož Žižek Jernej Horvat Interview: Nik Račić In focus: The Glasgow model Matthias Schultze Barometer of Congress prices Ksenija Benedetti Gastronomy: Prof. Janez Bogataj Surveys: FutureWatch Environmental performance index Agency presents: IMPRESSIVE Slovenian Convention Bureau presents: News from Slovenian Convention Bureau List of members of Slovenian Convention Bureau Introduction of E and H standards of the Slo. Convention Bureau Congress travelogue: Zagreb Statements & opinions Congress locations: Congress Ljubljana Congress personality: Adriano Požarić History/Future Examples & advice: Good practise examples Gadgets Destination Presentation Maribor Soča Valley Green Karst Kranj The last word Meeting services spot

FIRST SOUTHEAST EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief: Gorazd Čad; Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief: Jan Klavora; Editorial Board: Renata Balažic, Gorazd Čad, Petra Čuk, Anuša Gaši, Miha Kovačič, Tina Možina, Srečo Peterlič, Tatjana Radovič, Darja Slivnjak, Mirjana Sušec, Maja Vidergar, Paul Kennedy; Design and AD: Andreja Martinc; DTP and prepress: Milana Veselinović; Translation: Nina Polak; Proofreading: Metka Golčman; Printing: Kerschoffset Zagreb d.o.o.; Circulation: 3000 copies; ISSN Number: 1855-8615 KONGRES magazine is media partner of:

The view of a European MP on the potential of the meetings industry in SE Europe The “visa walls” are down, the doors of Western Balkan states are opening Tanja Fajon

Page 30 Interview:

Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir Storytelling was an important part of our campaign Editorial Board of Kongres magazine

Page 40 In focus:

Young, rich, ethical LOHAS consumers – find out what LOHAS means.

Katarina Blonska

Page 46 In focus:

Social media at the juncture of success and failure of events “People don’t believe what you tell them. They rarely believe what they see. They do however often believe what their friends tell them. They always believe what they tell themselves.” Seth Godin Primož Žižek

Page 58 In focus:

Barometer of Congress prices in Slovenia and SE Europe Budva cheapest, Portorož the most expensive Editorial Board of Kongres magazine

The Kongres magazine is entered into the media register under sequence number 1423.

Magazine issued in: January; April; July; October; December Publisher, Production and Marketing: Toleranca Marketing d.o.o., Štihova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T: +386 (0)1 430 51 03 , F: +386 (0)1 430 51 04, E: kongres@go-mice.eu Issue date: April 2011 For the content reproduction it is required to get the written editorial consigment.

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A word from the editor

CONGRESS AND

MARKETING AGENCY

Gorazd Čad

CONVENTION BUREAUS HIT PUBERTY How many and what kind of convention bureaus do we need in Slovenia?

n the media and in general debate we often hear convention bureaus have an immense impact for a destination. In my opinion such discourse is unnecessary, since it has long been surpassed. We are mostly well aware, friendly doormen and receptionists at destination entries are not the only ones responsible for an elegant and friendly reception of potential meetings organizers.

But what are things really like in Slovenia?

Do we also need strong regional and city convention bureaus despite having a strong national one? How should they look like to be noticed on the global competitive market?

Slowly the notion that »what is good for the whole is also good for its parts« is gaining support. Slovenia is a small meetings destination and at first glance development of regional convention bureaus seems unreasonable. Yet here we stumble upon the highly praised diversity, which never cesses to surprise active foreign and local connoisseurs of the meetings market. We do actually have rounded up meetings destinations, which deserve their own regional convention bureaus. They have common key meetings icons, support services, accessibility and geographical frame. At the moment, we could use a convention bureau for Maribor and its surroundings, Portorož and the coast and Bled for the Slovenian Alps, besides the already existing ones for Slovenia and Ljubljana. Also possible are separate bureaus for Prekmurje and Dolenjska. The current state is reflected

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www.go-mice.eu

in the meetings economy. If we exclude Ljubljana, which as capital holds a special position, the destinations without convention bureaus and active conventions policies have experienced lesser growth or even stagnation.

The most typical case is Bled which is no longer among leading Slovenian meetings destinations.

Good practice examples can be found right next door. Austria, one of the leading meetings destinations, has 11 regional convention bureaus, four of which are city bureaus.

So why do we keep favouring convention bureaus as vehicles of development? Mostly because they are the driving force of the industry and ensure the support of other stakeholders and politics, necessary for success.

Without them we see a lot of apathetic marketing, unmanaged activities of municipalities and tourist organisations and leaving the meetings industry to manage itself.

I feel we are about to reach puberty. We have a lot of ambitions and desires; we are managing many projects, which are not carried through since they are missing the proper knowledge. We can look up to the

already mature Slovenian Convention Bureau in at least one aspect – the project Conventa, which has surpassed teenage points of view with the help of efficient networking, finding synergies among partners, lobbying and mutual support.

For this we need the right co-workers, who are familiar with the structure of the meetings industry, understand the inner processes and are able to produce ongoing innovations in acquiring new business for Slovenian meetings industry.

Which brings us back to the beginning. If we choose to remain on the level of friendly destination doormen and receptionists, this is not going to be enough for a breakthrough into the meetings industry premier league.

Conventions are sold by trust, trust is based on professionalism.

Besides that employees of convention bureaus have a huge responsibility towards their partners since they are often the first and last contact for potential business. They create the identity of a destination and put it on the map.

How you ever thought how many conventions and events Slovenia lost due to inaccurate impressions and information offered to our potential clients?

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The view of a European MP on the potential of the meetings industry in SE Europe The “visa walls” are down, the doors of Western Balkan states are opening Tanja Fajon

For the average traveller the Southeast European countries still represent an untapped resource. This is even truer for those seeking business opportunities, since the region is an attractive destination for the foreign guest due to its natural resources.

Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Albania no longer need visas since November of last year.

Kosovo unfortunately remains an unsolved problem. By entering a visa free regime these five Western Balkan states made a huge step towards the EU.

For the meetings industry the Western Balkans have immense potential due to their natural hospitality, which already attracts numerous businessmen and boasts a number of successful export oriented businesses.

Freedom of travel, a basic right of each EU citizen, will strengthen the political and business cooperation with this region as well as enable cooperation opportunities and sharing of experience and good practices in numerous areas – also in the area of the meetings industry.

The convention bureaus in the region are still developing. This is no surprise since we are dealing with countries with a troubled past and with very live memories. Fact is the doors of the Western Balkan states are only truly opening today. Till recently people who live only a few hundred kilometres from Slovenia had to live behind “visa walls”, their travels into the European union were limited if not impossible. We heard tragic stories of long waiting lines in front of consulates, only the politicians, businessmen and the rich could travel abroad, as did potential criminals through diverse channels. Regular people, average citizens knew the European Union as well as the United States – through television and internet. In the last 20 years an entire generation grew up behind these “visa walls”. These times are fortunately over and this generation will shape our common future through the prism of European values.

Slovenia contributed greatly by enabling citizens of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro to travel to Schengen states without a visa since December 2009 and that citizens of

Travelling without limitations is also very important in enhancing contacts between people.

The European Union is in a turbulent period.

The European governments are facing an economic and financial crisis, growing social concerns and unemployment of the population, general dissatisfaction and dubious perdictions for the future. Economic indicators are gradually improving and who knows when the 27 members will finally be able to achieve a common economic policy and consensus on who will offer financial aid to economies in trouble. In this uncertain situation it’s hard to imagine the Union is going to pay much attention to its enlargement towards the Western Balkans.

We are rightfully concerned that this part of Southeast Europe will forever remain in the shade of problems, especially if the countries

in the region themselves will not show enough engagement and devotion to European values.

It would appear some of them are moving backwards instead of forward. In the last four years Bosnia and Herzegovina has stalled in its efforts to join the Union. The newly elected politicians, who brought hope after last year’s election couldn’t successfully form a government for months, though there is some hope for improvement. In Macedonia political circumstances are unstable, for the last three years its entry into the European Union has been blocked by its unsettled name issue with Greece. In Albania the opposition has been blocking the work of the parliament and demonstrations in the streets have been calling for Prime Minister Sali Berisha to step down.

Only Serbia and Montenegro have received a few positive signals from Brussels lately, while Bulgaria and Romania will most likely have to wait to join the Schengen area till fall.

The Western Balkans have a clear European perspective, therefore the European Union also carries a lot of responsibility and often has a divided opinion on the troubles in the region.

Slovenians role is much more important since it can represent an important bond between Balkans and the European Union.

Besides that Slovenia has recently experienced a rapid development of the meetings industry. Our country can make an important contribution to the development of this industry and in bringing together national, regional and city convention suppliers from all over Southeast Europe. Such a regional cooperation will certainly open new opportunities for Southeast Europe on the global meetings market. This is quite an undertaking, since the countries are in trouble in the current economic environment.

It is also an immense opportunity for our meetings industry providers to forge new ties and opportunities with their knowledge and experience and thus contribute to the

economic development of the region as a whole.

Conventa has been strengthening regional meetings industry cooperation in Southeast Europe for the last three years in a row. This year the organizers decided on a very encouraging message, namely that responsible meetings industry providers can protect the environment and encourage a balanced economic development at the same time.

Such messages should be more numerous in the future.

Southeast Europe is definitely an area with numerous unexploited possibilities. Yet the fact remains, that only true commitment to European reforms will lead these countries into the Union. The responsibility for progress is therefore in the hands of the countries. And each step forward with the help of allays such as Slovenia will also encourage a step forward in the development of the meetings industry. I am certain the meetings industry can achieve favourable results with the right approach, mutual respect and common goals, which will certainly contribute to strengthening economic growth, creating new job opportunities and recognizing the role of the entire region in the international market.

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Links in SE Europe after Conventa Are we big enough to be able to see over our front yard and realize a meadow without a fence is much bigger and more beautiful?

It’s important to note Conventa isn’t a trade show of Slovenia, yet of the region of Southeast Europe.

This really isn't such a small part of Europe as many think. Besides Slovenia, there’s Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania.

The Middle East strife – any lessons for destination marketing?

Read the article and find out the answer!

Paul Kennedy

Miha Kovačič

After the third edition of Conventa trade show, we can ask ourselves – what is Conventa really? We are glad to say Conventa is not just another trade show as many others in Europe.

Some of the differences are noticeable, some are hidden deeper. Why and which are they?

The first and the most important difference is that the organizer of Conventa is Slovenian Convention Bureau.

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And many other countries could be considered a part. These countries don’t have much in common at first glance, yet this opinion can also be wrong.

The other important difference is that Conventa is a partner project of key suppliers at the level of Ljubljana and Slovenia.

Conventa 2011 managed to bring together the suppliers of meetings services. They have recognized the role of the supply chain which is the deciding factor in establishing whether Ljubljana is just another city or a true congress destination.

Conventa 2011 has brought us closer together than any other congress event in the history of Slovenia, which turns 20 this year.

We started speaking the same language and begun discussing new things. We found out we have the same aims, that is to create more, much more. We have created a strong positive energy. All of the participants felt this energy – not only the ones creating the trade show. And not just some, many, I dare say all of them.

The aim of the trade show was of course to generate business relations between supply and demand. We all know the meetings industry first requires trust. This is even more demanding to achieve among the professionals.

Establishing trust in a pleasant, positive and professional environment is much easier and also nicer. Conventa made this happen. And not only that.

It also emanated it.

This is Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

And where are the other cities of our small yet big country? We have wonderful congress destinations waiting to be discovered by foreign organizers. When they are connected into a whole, namely the Slovenian Convention Bureau, they will be discovered even sooner. Nowadays time is money, much more than it used to be.

What about Conventa 2011? Are we too ambitious to say we wish Conventa to become a partner project of all SE European states?

Are we big enough to be able to see over our front yard and realize a meadow without a fence is much bigger and more beautiful?

This isn’t a place to just pass the ball around.

We should play football, professional football, the kind that will take us to the World Cup. And not just to compete, to win, to beat even the most demanding opponents. Why? Because we know how and have the will and the passion to do it.

Conventa 2012 will be a win. Many of us, even more than in 2011, will strive to achieve this goal and enjoy the journey. This is how we hope to introduce these exotic places to Europe and the world. In this part of Europe you will find honest and kind people. Here you will discover the joy of the little things.

Here you will leave a little piece of yourself and gladly return to claim it.

As we all watch the rapidly unfolding events in North Africa and in parts of the Middle East and reflect also on the tragedy of the disaster In Japan, I have posed the questions of the implications for the inbound meetings industry to the destinations affected and the specific dilemma of whether to continue to market the destination.

The dilemma whether or not to spend money on marketing and business development activity is a real one – where, if at all would international planners be willing to place a corporate association conference, incentive or meeting in North Africa, the wider Middle East or in some other destination suffering from momentous change or natural disaster.

The lessons of New Orleans, Iceland and the countries affected by the Indian ocean tsunami are that

it is vital for the destinations recovery that our meetings industry remain loyal to these destinations PROVIDED the destinations can do business as usual including the firmest of guarantees about safety and security.

One of the problems faced with knowing whether it remains feasible to take an event to a given troubled or recently troubled destination and the convention bureau has a key role to play.

The Bureau must be able to give up to date, accurate and totally objective advice and put the buyers’ needs first.

Only through this totally ethical and professional approach will the destinations benefit – perhaps not in the short term but in the longer term as planners will trust and appreciate the reality and honesty of the information. The whole supply chain must mirror this approach and be ever willing to be totally flexible with the issues of cancellations or perhaps postponements – some hotels and venues in Egypt are proving that flexibility of this sort will win through over time.

In terms of destination marketing I believe that the issue of personal safety aside destinations must be bold and

consistent in getting their positive messages across but never compromise on the issue of safety.

The lessons from Iceland, following the volcano (which I can’t spell nor pronounce) was a determination to get positive messages that business was as usual and as quickly as possible. The effort by the Icelandic meetings community received many commendations and much positive comment and the ICCA Marketing award. The Arab nations need to keep positive and those nations which are not experiencing any form of internal upheaval should maintain a robust marketing position.

For those destinations which are unable in all honesty to safely market to meeting, event and incentive planners should return to the market with bold and positive business as usual messages and get face to face with the industry very quickly.

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News from Slovenia

Happy Birthday Catering!

Thirty years ago the history of catering in Slovenia started with Mr. Franc Jezeršek. This was the time when he cooked the first meal in his home garage, which was then served externally.

Since then the Jezeršek family has been known as the industry leader. In 2011, they promise to continue writing history!

the 9th of February 2011. The Best Brands Award is defined by the consumers themselves with a study carried out by the renowned German market and consumer research company GfK. www.kempinski.com/portoroz

www.jezersek.com

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truly passionate hotelier with more than 15 years work experience.

“People received me with a warm welcome, I felt they displayed genuine hospitality, I am positive they do the same with our guests; there is a high degree of respect to each other. I noticed a ‘Show We Care’ Attitude. My primary role is focusing on people; my ultimate goal is to develop people’s skills through coaching, training and leadership, enhancing their personal skills, making them better professionals.”

accommodation in six new wooden bio-houses.

Accommodation for four people on 100m2, where we encounter simple yet modern equipment, is suitable for even the most tired of guests. The relaxation in a sauna also feels good after a tiring day. The wood and the decorative blue details, comfortable beds, balcony and terrace, greenery and blooming surroundings offer the guests true luxury. The houses are suitable for business and incentive guests visiting Posočje.

brand LIFE Catering, which ensures a fresh culinary experience. A young experienced team of cooks and masters of preparing food at so call “locations without boarders” thrill with different culinary masterpieces. They focus on preparing catering at company headquarters, on location of business meetings, press conferences as well as seminars. Their last projects are focused on ecocatering, which now has their full attention. www.lifecatering.si

www.kamp-koren.si www.hotel.mons.si

Pri Levu restaurant wins City of Ljubljana award in the category of Superior Restaurants The city’s Commission on Quality as part of the “Quality Selection 2010” campaign decorated the restaurant for its high quality of menu, service and facilities. The restaurant boasts exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, served in a friendly atmosphere suitable for all occasions. It also features a stunning fireplace and aquarium. The Ljubljana Quality Badge is much deserved! www.hotel-lev.si

World Book Summit (WBS)

First film on the meetings industry in Slovenia At the 25th anniversary of existence Albatros, the leading PCO in Slovenia released their first film named “Congress Slovenia”. The film showcases Slovenia as an attractive congress destination with a rich tourist offer as well as presenting the organization and technical services of the congress-tourist service Albatros Bled. The aim of the film is introducing Slovenia at the international meetings market.

Ljubljana – book capital of the world will host the World Book Summit from the 31st of March to 2nd of April in Cankarjev dom with the slogan: The book as the bearer of human development.

The topics will include the relations among electronic and printed books, the role of Google in the area of books, changing business models in publishing and marketing and their influence on the quality of information, country policies towards the changing book environment, role of “linear” reading in a digital context, the importance of translations and cultural exchange, the role of the book on the past, present and future civilisation and the rationality of the claim for freedom of information. www.wbs2011.si

www.albatros-bled.com

BMW chooses Park EKO Hotel A quarter of a century of IEDC-Bled School of Management A quarter of a century has passed since the establishment of the IEDC-Bled School of Management. The then IEDC-Center Brdo, established in February 1986, was the first management school in Central and Eastern Europe. Today, IEDC is one of world’s leading innovators in the field of business education.

In February 2011 Bohinj Park EKO Hotel hosted a 12-day BMW event aimed at introducing the new X1 28i xDrive model, with a modern and efficient petrol turbo engine. The eco-friendly technology attracted over 300 journalists from 12 countries into the eco-hotel in the heart of the Alps and Bohinj glacial valley. The German company chose Slovenia for the introduction of the car, due to its unspoilt nature and roads and Bohinj Park EKO Hotel due to its energy efficiency, which is in line with BMW guidelines.

www.iedc.si

www.bohinj-park-hotel.si

Online registration of a congress attendee along with accommodation booking at a differentiated rate In the last year the newly developed module of integrated solutions “Fidelity Banquet & Event” by MAiS Information Systems Inc., was implemented in the congress centre Thermana, Slovenia. The solution enables the service of online registration event attendees, collecting the registration fees for the event's organizer and booking hotel rooms at a differentiated rate. Furthermore, the service includes all organizational backup, such as attendee's check-in with accreditation tags. www.fidelity-mais.com

Grand Hotel Toplice Announces its 80th Anniversary Celebration Grand Hotel Toplice, one of the most distinctive hotels in Slovenia, celebrates a venerable anniversary – 80 years of existence, which will be marked by numerous events.

On Saturday, April 9th, the hotel will open an exhibition which will give an insight into its history and the development of Bled tourism in general. On Sunday, April 10th, the hotel will open its door to visitors, who will be invited to view the exhibit and to visit the most interesting spots of the hotel. www.hotel-toplice.com

Kempinski wins best brand of 2011 Europe’s oldest hotel group Kempinski won the Best Brands award, in the category of Best Service Provider. Kempinski was honoured with this award during a lavish gala held in Munich on

New F&B Director at Mons Hotel It has been a few months since the arrival of the new F&B Director at Mons Hotel, Sergio Foti, a

Camp Koren offers new wooden bio-houses Camp Koren offers camping spaces as well as

LIFE Catering The company LIFE Events now offers a new boutique catering offer and an independent

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News from Europe

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Hotel Triglav Bled and its Culinary School of Uroš Štefelin win a “Jakob” award Jakob is an international award of Alpe - Adria fair, which concentrates on tourism, well-being and leisure activities. It is an award given for careful consideration of local and regional gastronomy and innovative ways of transferring local specialities in touristic or culinary offer.

Jakob is awarded by Alpe – Adria fair’s organizers, Ljubljana’s Exhibition and Convention Centre and Slovenian Tourist Board. The award’s name derives from the oldest form of tourism, pilgrimage. www.hoteltriglavbled.si

20th birthday of the Thermal Riviera. Beside numerous modern equipped conference halls in the thermal resort at Čatež, guests can find their own cosy spot to relax in the numerous pools on over 12,000 m² of thermal water surfaces. www.terme-catez.si

Terme Čatež celebrate 20th birthday of the Thermal Riviera

New Casino in Hotel Croatia

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Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel, celebrates fourth birthday!

Hotel Croatia, one of the most renowned 5 star hotels at the Adriatic coast and Dubrovnik Riviera, introduces a new Casino as a new addition to its offer. The new facility is carefully designed for the highly demanding clientele.

Since the opening in 1973 to this day, the hotel has developed its business, culture and image and offers all the comforts of the highest category hotel.

Reopened 2007, the luxury 5* hotel in the wonderful and secure landscape of Carinthia proudly looks back on four successful years.

The unique resort, open year round with its different meeting rooms is the ideal setting for every event – from a business conference through to a fairytale wedding.

www.hotelcroatia.hr

www.capellahotels.com

EFAPCO enjoys a double celebration The European Federation of the Association of PCOs has welcomed a newly-formed association as its 12th member. And it is a further indication of the Brussels-based organisation’s reach into Eastern Europe.

The EFAPCO network already embraces Europe’s 11 established associations of PCOs which makes the approval of membership of the newly-formed Slovak Association of Professional Conference and Congress Organisers a double celebration. www.efapco.eu

Terme Čatež, one of the largest providers of congress services in Slovenia is celebrating the

Zdenko Leko appointed as Executive Director at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Resort Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, located in Orašac, is a fully integrated resort, including Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences, Award winning Spa and a variety of in resort amenities.

Mr. Leko, a Croatian national, previously Assistant General Manager and Director of HUP Zagreb, was educated in South Africa and Australia. He is also a non-executive Director of the Mlini Resort in Dubrovnik and Chairman of the Croatian Cricket Federation. www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik

STR Global posts December 2010 results for Europe The European hotel industry posted mostly positive results in year-over-year metrics reported in U.S. dollars, Euros and British pounds for year-end 2010, according to data compiled by STR Global.

“Recovery took hold over most of Europe during 2010”, said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global. “Demand returned, and with limited supply increases overall, most hotel markets boosted their occupancy levels and were able to build their average rates.”

Atatürk Congress Culture Centre: a new congress destination in Turkey Atatürk Congress Culture Centre (ACCC – Bursa Turkey) is a new alternative for international congresses has started hosting big international events. The 17th International Dentists Congress and Expodental 2010 exhibition were held at ACCC in June 2010 uniting 1,600 delegates from 22 countries. This was the first test for Ataturk Congress Culture Centre which was established in Bursa Turkey. 49 sessions were held in all halls of ACCC and Expodental 2010 Exhibition was open to delegates for 4 days. www.merinosakkm.com

www.strglobal.com

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News from Europe

Gdansk Convention Bureau presents new exhibition and convention centre – AMBER EXPO!

of the Year title was also awarded to Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Chanhassen, Minnesota. www.radissonblu.com

TravelZoom among the top ten most renowned tourist marketing conferences in the world

In spring 2012 a new convention and exhibition centre will be opened. The main investor is The Gdansk International Fair Co. The company has already received approval for the investment.

AMBER EXPO can host international trade fairs, conferences, seminars, trainings, workshops and big conventions. Besides the exhibition area Amber Expo has a conference plenary room up to 600 pax and a few breakouts for 100–150 participants. Amber Expo investment plans confirm that the project includes current meetings industry trends – The Gdansk International Fair Co. arranged many break spaces for delegates.

Within the framework of the renewed tourist fair Alpe-Adria: Tourism and leisure show, the conference TravelZoom, organized by Turistica – Faculty of Tourism Studies Portorož and the company Go.mice, took place. TravelZoom is an international conference on strategic and creative marketing in tourism, which attracted 120 participants from 6 countries from the area of Alps and Adriatic. Among keynote speakers was the renowned professor of tourism and long-time director of Swiss national tourist organisation Dr. Peter Keller, who analysed and commented on the efforts of the Slovenian brand.

www.gdanskconvention.pl

www.travel-zoom.si

Novelties among motivational and team building programmes

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest awarded the Global Hotel of the Year by Carlson Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest was awarded Global Hotel of the Year by Carlson, prestigious global hospitality and travel group. Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest was selected from over 1070 hotels that are part of the global Carlson network. The award was presented to the General Manager of the hotel, Yilmaz Yildirimlar, on February 16th, at the Carlson's global business conference in Washington, D.C. Together with Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest, the Global Hotel

The team of Time Out Events prepared an innovative programme called Battle of the Tribes inspired by the reality show Survivor. The Battle of the Tribes offers extreme adventures, scenarios, attractive polygons and props. The programmes of Time Out Events are carried out by experts with over ten years of experience in organizing business and other events in Slovenia. www.timeoutevents.si.

The World Experience on Green Energy and Waste Bulgaria will welcome experts and business leaders from over 30 countries involved in green energy and waste management sectors. They will join the 7th SEE Congress and Exhibition on EE & RES and the SEE Conference & Exhibition ‘Save the Planet’ on Waste & Recycling from 13th to 15th April, IEC – Sofia. The Highlights: ‘Low-Carbon Communities – Mayors Meet Opportunities’ – a workshop for local governments, Waste-to-Energy Session, Business Forum ‘Solar Balkans’. The visitors will see plenty of new technologies in 3 halls of the IEC. www.viaexpo.com

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY E-mail: mice@kompas.si Tel: +386 1 2006 448, 174 Fax: +386 1 2006 432 Web: www.kompasmice.com

GOLD AND SILVER STARS WILL BE AWARDED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: MAIN CATEGORIES (for the area CONGRESSES/EVENTS and MEETINGS INDUSTRY SERVICE PROVIDERS/DESTINATIONS) A. PUBLICATIONS (catalogues, brochures, pamphlets) B. WEBSITES C. ADS (print, radio, online, TV) D. DIRECT MARKETING (direct marketing activities) E. BEST CONGRESS SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN F. BEST OVERALL MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR A DESTINATION, CONGRESS CENTRE, HOTEL, CONGRESS OR EVENT SPECIAL CATEGORIES G. CONGRESS MARKETING PERSONALITY H. CONGRESS MARKETING AGENCY OF THE YEAR I. YOUNG CONGRESS CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR

MEETINGS STAR AWARD The Kongres magazine invites applications for the MEETINGS STAR award for outstanding achievements in the field of marketing destinations, congresses, events and meetings industry service providers from SE Europe.

The award represents a noticeable recognition for creativity, knowledge and work, based on teamwork and experience, which lead to clear and measurable results.

The award is a central reference point for good practise examples and marketing efficiency in the region.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND APPLICATION The assessment of contributions will be two-stage with grades on a scale of 1 to 100 (inefficient – very efficient). Key criteria of assessment are: - idea - strategy - results and efficiency - execution.

The first stage of assessments will qualify contributions for the second stage.

Contributions will qualify for the next round, provided they achieved at least 50 points in the first stage.

The second stage will focus on assessing creativity, efficiency and results of the campaign and set the final grade of the contribution.

The highest graded works in each category will be rewarded the Golden Meetings Star. The works which qualified for the second stage will receive a Silver Star. If the submitted works don’t qualify for the next stage of the competition they do not receive an award.

Each region selects the regional winners and finalists for the finale at CONVENTA 2012, where four contributions with the highest number of points of the entire competition will be awarded the SIRIUS award (Sirius – the brightest star).

The awarded contributions will be published in the special edition of Kongres magazine, published during CONVENTA 2012.

Campaigns prepared from 01.01.2010 till the submissions deadline are eligible to apply.

ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE A committee of experts was carefully chosen for this task: - Paul Kennedy - dr. Rob Davidson - dr. Amelia Tomašević - Jure Apih - Andrej Drapal - Rok Klančnik

YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN THREE STEPS 1. PRE-APPLICATION: Fill out the paper or online application with the basic description.

Application deadline: 29th of April 2011 2. FINAL APPLICATION: A detailed description of the submitted contribution, which entails: - Description of how the submitted campaign affected the results - Description of key elements of its success - Description of measurable and factual goals - Clear structure of the project, backed by logical and objective data - Description of the creative solution - Original or copy of the creative solution Submission deadline: 31st of May 2011 3. Payment for your submission (submission fee of 75€) Payment deadline: 30th of June 2011 WHY APPLY FOR THE MEETINGS STAR AWARD: The application will ensure a whole year of free promotion as well as awards for the winners. You will also gain: - Distinction from the competition and confirmation of marketing orientation of your company - Additional promotion through different channels of Kongres magazine and the publication of your work in the catalogue of awarded submissions - Proof of your professional marketing skills to the greater public - Direct promotion through communication channels of the project - Comparison to the competition REGIONAL SELECTIONS 2011 Throughout the year regional selections of MEETINGS STAR will take place, culminating in the main award ceremony, where four best works will receive the SIRIUS award for 2011 at CONVENTA 2012.

CROATIA SERBIA MONTENEGRO SLOVENIA MAIN EVENT

September 2011 September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 CONVENTA 2012, 18th – 19th of January 2012

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES Four winners of the SIRIUS award will receive a stylized MEETINGS STAR sculpture, as well as: 1. Free participation fee at CONVENTA 2012 trade show 2. Free whole-year advertising package in Kongres magazine 3. Continuing PR through media presentations of the award.

WHO CAN APPLY The competition is open to congress service providers, hotels, marketing agencies, event agencies, DMC and PCO agencies, convention bureaus, commissioners of congresses and all others involved in the meetings industry.

IMPORTANT DATES: PRE-APPLICATION FINAL APPLICATION JURY SELECTION FINALISTS SELECTION NOTIFICATION

29th of April 2011 31st of May 2011 30th of June 2011 30th of July 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION Jan Klavora Gormice, d.o.o, Congress and Marketing Agency, Štihova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, M: +386 (0)40 598 005, T: + 386 (0)1 430 51 03, E: jan.klavora@go-mice.eu www.go-mice.eu

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Conventa Academy

News

PRESENTATION OF THE WINNERS OF THE CONVENTA ACADEMY AWARDS

Each year Conventa Academy honours innovative meeting projects and exceptional meeting industry leaders. It recognizes outstanding achievements in the meeting and incentive market of South East Europe. In a time of crisis, the judging panel noted a lower number of extraordinary meetings and incentive projects launched in South East Europe. Thus it is of even greater importance to recognize and honour those committing to excellence.

The Conventa Academy thus presents the Academy Conventa Award in the category Meeting Industry Innovation for 2010 to:

SERBIA CONVENTION BUREAU Recently established Serbia Convention Bureau led an inventive marketing campaign to position Serbia on the global meeting’s map. It demonstrated excellence in business‐to‐business marketing and helping generate interest from meeting planners. Miloš Milovanović, CEO of Serbia CB said: “This prize makes us proud but at the same time it obligates us to continue and try even harder in the future with our main mission to enhance Serbia’s image in the world and to continue developing meetings industry both in Serbia and in the region of SE Europe.”

BOHINJ PARK ECO HOTEL Bohinj Park Eco Hotel was presented with the Conventa Academy Award for its strategic green management. "Sustainable event management is a significant trend, which seems to be opening the way to new market opportunities, while helping the companies mitigate increasing environmental and social risks. The recognition for outstanding innovations in the area of meetings industry, given to us through the Academy Conventa Award, shows that Slovenia is definitely interested in bringing positive results for local as well as global society through diversity and inclusivity; promoting healthy, creative and effective meetings," said Polona Meglič of Bohinj Park Hotel.

MATJAŽEVA DOMAČIJA – 150 years old country house in Dolenjska Conventa Academy furthermore recognizes

Matjaževa domačija and their Cviček wine story for promoting local heritage and Slovenian culinary specialities. Matjaževa domačija offers authentic incentive programmes, welcoming their guests to their grandparents' way of life.

This year Conventa Academy launched a new award programme, the CONVENTA HALL OF FAME. The award recognizes individual meeting professionals for their outstanding and invaluable services to the meeting industry of South East Europe.

The first recipient of Conventa Hall of Fame award is NIK RAČIČ, Director of the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau. Nik Račič made a significant contribution to positioning Croatia as a premium meetings and incentive destination. Among others he demonstrated his passion for our industry by organising the demanding Skal Congress in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, later taking over the management of

this organisation. Conventa Academy is thrilled to honour Mr Račič for his great achievements in promoting Zagreb, Croatia and the entire region of Southeast Europe.

And lastly, Conventa Academy presents a further novelty, the CONVENTA EARLY BIRD AWARD. The Conventa Organiser appreciates the support of all partners and exhibitors whose trust and loyalty to the trade show are of outstanding importance. Thus, the Conventa Early Bird award recognizes the first applicant to the Conventa trade show.

This year the award is presented to HOTEL LEV, applying already in April 2010.

Conventa Academy sincerely congratulates all winners who ought to inspire the meeting professionals in South East Europe to go above and beyond what is expected of them.

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Conventa News

MICE forum

GREEN CONVENTA

The 7th Moscow International MICE Forum

Step by step Conventa is becoming greener

“Our aim has always been quality over quantity”

Being aware of the importance of sustainability in the meeting industry, Conventa aimed to reduce its environmental impact, while leaving a positive and lasting legacy to the local community. Following the principles of sustainable event management, Conventa has implemented important measures to reduce its negative impact. This does not yet make Conventa a green event. This year, Conventa has taken small steps towards becoming greener.

The next editions of the trade show have to make a giant leap for Conventa to grow into a fully sustainable event.

Among those small green steps we would like to highlight the wooden crates, equipping exhibitors’ stands. Exhibition stands at Conventa trade show are made of wooden crates from naturally dried domestic pine. Wood, the natural wealth of Slovenia, is an environmentally friendly material that can be reused and recycled without detriment to the environment. These wooden crates are indeed being reused at Conventa.

They were first made for the Slovenian Incoming Workshop in June 2010.

They were made from a total of 27 m3 of wood which entails a reduction of 54 tonnes in CO2 emissions. Each cubic meter of wood products namely reduces CO2 emissions by two tonnes while in use. Exhibition stands at Conventa thus follow the 3R’s policy of reduce, reuse and recycle. Another step to draw attention to is the 100 % Taste Slovenia luncheon. An important part of Slovenia's sustainable commitments is the preservation of local traditions and culinary specialties. 100 % Taste Slovenia luncheon aims to showcase culinary arts based on ingredients of Slovenian origin. Locally grown and produced food creates less food miles and hence has a smaller environmental impact. It furthermore promotes Slovenian products, Slovenian taste and tradition and thus contributes to preserving cultural, ethnographic and culinary heritage and stimulating local economy.

Increasingly, the Slovenian meeting and incentive providers focus on implementation of environmentally friendly business practices. In

line, most Conventa promotional materials are produced from environment friendly materials and their decomposition will only minimally burden the environment. For instance, Conventa publications are printed on Xerox recycled paper, using environmentally friendly multifunctional printer Xerox ColorQube with solid ink colours SolidInk. Conventa publications thus reduce the adverse effects of waste on the environment by 90 %, while cutting down on costs by 62 %.

Furthermore, Conventa green badges comply with the FSC mark requirements. This guarantees a manufacturing process in which the entire cycle from cutting down trees up to and including the end product has been strictly monitored.

Furthermore, Conventa welcome gifts were produced locally, using sustainable material, and with the purpose of being a useful souvenir of Slovenia and the trade show. Being aware many guests do not take their gifts back home, we will collect all those remaining gifts and donate them to kindergarten Mladi rod Ljubljana.

These examples present just part of the puzzle of greening Conventa 2011. Another piece of the puzzle is Conventa Eco Day. “Conventa eco day represents one of the steps towards fulfilling our vision on socially responsible meetings industry, which protects the environment, cares for the wellbeing of society and stimulates balanced economic development,” told Miha Kovačič, organizer of Conventa trade show. Sustainable meeting industry is becoming a more and more commonly discussed topic of debate, which is mostly reflected by sustainable practices in the meetings industry. The aim of Conventa Eco Day is to expose the importance of sustainable development in the meetings industry, to motivate meeting suppliers to introduce sustainable measures, and present some green measures carried out within the framework of Conventa.

During the Eco Day a student and green workshop are to take place – former aimed at students interested in the meetings industry, latter at all the participants of Conventa. The participants of the trade show are furthermore invited to a culinary experience called “100

% Taste Slovenia”, which presents Slovenian culinary traditions made from ingredients of Slovenian origin. Locally grown and produced food creates less food miles and hence has a smaller environmental impact. “100 % Taste Slovenia” further promotes Slovenian products, Slovenian tastes and tradition, which contribute to preserving cultural, ethnographic and culinary heritage.

The 7th Moscow International MICE Forum took place in central Moscow on March 15th.

These highly specialised events have become synonymous with superb organisation and a highly selected audience. The organisers were pleased to announce an increase of 12% in the number of trade delegates that attended the event to meet with the 77 participants representing more than 30 countries.

A novelty of this year's Conventa is the Eco Village, which features suppliers of eco-friendly products and services aimed at the meetings industry. The Eco Village thus presents actual sustainable solutions with the help of which meeting professionals can create added value of their products.

“Sustainable management of meetings turned out to be a huge opportunity in gaining a leading position, decreasing costs and creating unique sales opportunities," claims Fiona Pelham, leader of the team developing international standard ISO 20121, the International Standard for Sustainable Events Management. With Conventa Eco Day we aim to introduce sustainable event management to the meetings industry public in Slovenia and broader region of Southeast Europe.

A programme of seminars conducted by MICE specialists especially appealed to the visitors, many of whom participated at more than one seminar.

The primary aim of the event, to attract only targeted trade visitors was once again achieved and all the participants were kept busy throughout the day.

“Our aim has always been quality over quantity.

We want our participants to enjoy meeting qualified visitors during the day rather than masses interested in only gathering brochures” – Kim Waddoup the organiser.

News

“During the day I was able to talk to many of the visitors and then receive feedback from our participants, this enables me to gain an accurate picture of the current Russian MICE market. It appears that Incentives are the most popular and we have heard of tremendous success stories of large groups of Russian employees enjoying all the pleasure offered by many destinations.

It remains a developing market and many of the simple ‘categories’ achieved in developed markets are still not evident in Russia. Therefore our participants have to be flexible and creative!

The business is here as you can see on the happy faces of our participants” All visitors have to register before they receive their confirmation codes. They are then able to browse the on-line catalogue and choose the companies they wish to meet through the pre-scheduled appointment system. The e-catalogue remains live until November offering the participants further marketing during this time. The aiGroup is also working on a range of features that will ensure the success of their visits to Moscow.

The next Moscow International MICE Forum will take place on March 12th, 2011. Information can be found on the event website at www.MIceForum.ru

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News

News

Confex, London

ITB Berlin

Visit Confex and make some impressive bookings

The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show and a benefit for everybody

It was business on the show floor as usual for last week’s International Confex. Hosted buyers took part in 860 meetings with exhibitors on the show floor and the show’s total attendance hit 12,467 (subject to ABC audit), which included attendees from companies such as Cisco, Pfizer, Lloyds Banking Group, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Xerox, Sony, Jack Morton Worldwide and HelmsBriscoe.

Total attendees were eleven per cent down on last year. However, the quality has remained high as a result of changes being made to the entry criteria, such as the cap on student attendees.

“We’ve received substantial testimony about the calibre of Confex and the high-value of enquiries received. Our high quality buyer audience together with our new hosted buyer scheme were instrumental in the amount of business being done on the show floor, which will only grow next year;” comments Portfolio Director Jonny Sullens.

“By placing a strict limit on the number of students able to attend the show, ultimately this has affected the numbers, but for us and our exhibitors, it is more important to deliver the quality and facilitate business.

“With our move to ExCeL London next year, we have a platform with which to enhance and take

the show to the next dimension. Its location will help us tap into new audiences such as corporates located at Canary Wharf and facilitate the growth of our hosted buyer scheme through the links with London City Airport.”

Once again the educational content available as part of Confex Knowledge proved popular with visitors attending the show with topics on social media and technology attracting the crowds.

Feedback from visitor Lisa Hemper, Pfizer “It gives you the opportunity to ask all of your questions without copious emails going backwards and forwards. You can speak to someone, they know their business, they know what’s on offer and you can make a quick decision.”

Feedback from exhibitor Michiel Steneker, interim project manager, Netherlands Board of Tourism "We made some impressive bookings, including three separate groups of 1,200 people at one venue on the same day. There were also several groups of 30-40 people for incentives." www.international-confex.com

As a driving force in the travel industry, ITB Berlin gives important impulses to a continuously growing market. Exhibitor sales of about 6 billion Euros and a good mood among the exhibitors are evidence enough that supply and demand meet at the right place. More than 7,000 journalists from 94 countries have been accredited for the ITB Berlin 2011.

News

With more than 170,000 visitors and over 11,163 exhibitors from 188 countries, ITB Berlin is the leading B2B-Platform of all tourism industry offers. All levels of the value added chain are present: tour operators, booking engines, destinations, airlines and hotels right through to car rental companies.

Asia’s Only Doublebill Event

24 News

M.I.C.E. | Corporate Travel

News

www.itcma.com | www.corporatetravelworld.com

IT&CM, China

WINNINGASIA

Buyers of IT&CM China hail from different business profiles of Kaleido” cultural performance, and The Bund, Shanghai. Tours will take place over 3 time-slots on the 12th and 13th of April. All pre-show tours are managed by the Shanghai International Conference Management Organisation.

In response to buyers’ feedback on industry trends and demands, IT&CM China 2011 will feature new elements including two themed pavilions. The first new pavilion will showcase innovative and unique convention venues.

Buyers have indicated that their clients are increasingly requesting for proposals that have a “wow” factor and are no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter solutions.

Another returning feature is the 3rd Future Leaders Forum, organised by IMEX, which will take place in conjunction with IT&CM China on 14th of April 2011. This event which seeks to hone the industry’s next generation of leaders, will welcome some 50 of the brightest students from Shanghai universities. Mr Tom Hulton, Director International Relations of IMEX remarked, “These students aspire to be leaders of China’s MICE industry in the near future. This forum will give them the opportunity to learn more about their career opportunities from today’s industry leaders. They will also pit their strategic and leadership skills in competitions to find solutions to practical challenges facing our industry. The Forum, now firmly established as a

AND BEYOND

Asia-Pacific’s Premier MICE and Corporate Travel Event

‘must-attend’ event for students, demonstrates some of the exciting initiatives that China is taking to ensure its own leadership in the international MICE market.”

The 19th IT&CMA and 14th CTW Asia-Pacific 4 to 6 October 2011 Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, Thailand

Historically, the buyers of IT&CM China hail from different business profiles. In 2010, 51% comprised travel agents handling incentives.

Other buyer types include meeting planners, travel management companies, professional conference and exhibition organisers, incentive and motivation houses, destination management companies, corporate companies with incentive programmes as well as international associations.

For the upcoming event, the organising committee has also launched new recruitment efforts to attract corporate buyers from the Pharmaceutical, Food Supplies and Motor industries to the event.

High Buyer to Exhibitor Ratio

50% of buyers were new to the show

Quality Participants

Around the World in 3 Days!

More than 50% of exhibitors expect to receive orders in the next 6 to 12 months ranging from US$ 250,000 to above US$ 500,000

Meet buyers from 54 countries, and exhibitors from 40 countries, all in one convenient venue!

High Level of Satisfaction

Up to 84% of exhibitors pledged to return

www.itcmchina.com

This new pavilion is something that international buyer Mr Patrick Lee, Regional Director of Best Travel Deals, Singapore, who is on the look-out for exotic locations and services, will appreciate.

He explains: “Our client profile is evolving to encompass sophisticated travellers. These travellers typically have higher expectations, more complex demands and diverse requirements.”

“As always the event has surpassed my expectations! I’ve renewed contacts & it’s really a perfect way for networking & learning the latest industry trends & news.”

Leah Villarta | Co-ordinator & Exec Asst, Robert Bosch Inc

“This year packed in both days full with appointments.”

Jacob Abraham Van Hal | European Marketing Director, S.T Tours (1996) European Branch

The second pavilion will comprise a collection of health and medical suppliers with travel wellness offerings. This new addition will strike a chord with Corporate Buyers, in particular, HR managers who are increasingly concerned with managing employee health and welfare during business trips. Research of current trends has highlighted that health and travel wellness have grown in importance in both China’s MICE and Corporate Travels sectors.

A couple of well-received event features will also be returning to the 2011 event. Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, the returning sponsor of this year’s IT&CM China pre-show city tours of Shanghai, will be highlighting four new venues and attractions in the tour lineup. International hosted buyers and media will have an opportunity to visit the MercedesBenz Arena (former Expo Culture Centre), the Expo Convention Centre (former Expo Centre), Shanghai Gong Stage and enjoy the “New Era

New Participants

1.6 buyers: 1 exhibiting company

“I was able to extend our contacts from all over the world. Am satisfied with the opportunity to promote our properties.”

Christine Kim | JW Marriott Seoul

TER REGISIN !

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HOST COUNTRY

Exhibitors | Buyers | Media Corporate Travel Managers Conference Delegates

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Photo session - Conventa

News

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Photo session - Conventa

Photo session - Kongres magazine after party

News

31 Interview

Interview with Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir Planning and producing stories with content is key

Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir is the director, Marketing & Visit Iceland at Promote Iceland. She is also in the project management team for Inspired

by Iceland which is a marketing campaign initiated by the Icelandic government, Promote Iceland, Icelandair, Iceland Express, City of Reykjavik and 80 other Icelandic tourism related companies.

What do you believe is the secret of the successful Inspired by Iceland campaign?

We had a crisis with the volcanic eruption that disrupted the lives of millions around the world. Iceland was the centre of attention and at times not for the right reasons. Therefore, relevant stakeholders in Iceland gathered together and this cooperation was vital to be able to start a campaign like this. We used stories to tell people that there has never been a better time to visit this country and asked other people around the world to tell this story for us. The success of the campaign lies in the many friends we have around the world, who were willing to share stories about their experience in Iceland.

Where did you get the idea for such a campaign?

We knew that people who visit Iceland are more likely to want to recommend it to others compared to other countries, according to research which has been conducted. That was our key insight. We therefore decided to give people the platform to do so, to tell stories about the country and do the marketing with us. You can read some of those stories at our website www.inspiredbyiceland.com.

The response to your campaign has been enormous and included all types of media.

How important was social media to you campaign?

At the heart of social media is storytelling. It was a natural fit as the main medium for the campaign.

Once you start a campaign what is most important? How do you develop it?

Everything needs to be carefully planned; each day the story told through the social media and other media is carefully selected. Target groups and markets should be identified carefully as should ways to measure the effects of the campaign. Producing the stories and other content and planning it is the key to everything.

By now some results of your campaign are probably visible. Could you share some of them with us?

Our main objective was to turn a huge decrease in visitor numbers to Iceland into a positive gain for the whole year. In April and May of last year bookings to Iceland had decreased seriously. The result was that we were 0.2% up from the year before in visitor numbers but that year was our best so far. In January this year we’ve had a 18.5% increase in visitors which we link directly to our campaign. Attitude research in the main target markets also show increased awareness and more positive attitude towards Iceland as a travel destination. Also, 89% of stories involving Iceland online were positive after the campaign started, which was also a huge victory for us.

Do you also have any data how your campaign influenced the meetings industry?

At the end of the year we focused the campaign directly on the meetings industry and the effects of that remain to be seen. We are seeing very positive results, especially surrounding the new Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre which opens in May in Reykjavik.

32

Statements & opinions

Interview

How to convince superiors to invest in campaign like yours?

It was so important to try to harvest all the publicity that Iceland was receiving in the world´s media. We also had our backs up against the wall; so to speak, we had to do something to let people know that Iceland was open for business. Icelanders will always stand together especially in crisis and the decision about this campaign was made within two weeks after the eruption started. The power of cooperation can also been seen through our Iceland Hour where we invited the world to Iceland with a fun video message online where 1/3 of the nation participated!

If someone from small destination like Slovenia would ask for advice, what would you suggest? How do you star such a campaign?

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Get as many stakeholders as you can involved, focus on what you are good at and keep the message simple. For example, in Iceland the Sagas and literature play a very big role in culture and have been a part of our identity since the settlement of the country in the 9th century AD. Icelanders love to tell stories to visitors. It is our way of bringing our ancestors, their myths and beliefs to life and how they explained why things are the way they are in Iceland. This part of our culture was used in the campaign, but in a different way: we got others to do if for us. Therefore storytelling was an important part of our campaign.

How would you start and then develop a campaign for one destination that does not have a large budget?

Same answer as in previous question, get as

many stakeholders as you can involved, focus on what you are good at and keep the message simple.

In Iceland you used a volcano as your marketing tool. You turned something negative into something positive. Southeast Europe has had many negative connotations.

Is it also possible to turn those negative connotations to positive? How would you do that?

Maybe a way would be to focus on the people and the stories. Use the power of personal experience and persuasion to get others to complement your message wherever possible.

This adds weight to the message. Believe in the power of a good story and appeal to the human element in all of us. There are certainly hundreds of positive stories for every negative one.

We asked a few people about virtual and hybrid meetings Boštjan Horjak, Liberty Incentives & Congresses Slovenia, director We’ve all heard of hybrid cars and other machines. What about hybrid meetings?

Nowadays many people think these things are impossible, just like many didn’t believe internet will ever replace printed media.

Yet it is happening. Modern technology of communicating over huge distances enables the conference participants to follow the speakers in the same way as if they were sitting in the hall. This kind of participant does not have to cover the costs of travel and accommodation. The advantage of hybrid meetings for organizers is that they can reach a larger number of participants due to lower costs. Hybrid meetings will definitely be more and more present for the obvious reasons – yet we also have to consider the environmental view. If we take into account the carbon footprint, such meetings are less burdening to the environment. Virtual meetings however, will probably never fully replace conventional ones – nonetheless, networking is also an important part of a meeting.

Interview

Professor Dr. Nataša Vaupotič, dean of Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at University of Maribor and vice president of organisation board of European Conference on Liquid Crystals (ECLC 2011) What is your opinion on virtual and hybrid meetings? Will they replace traditional meetings?

I highly doubt that – in natural sciences the key is personal contact, conversation, interactive cooperation, exchange of ideas by drawing sketches, models etc. Such debate and conversations take place during the conference – during the lectures, breaks, often even late at night in hotel lobbies, since key questions and ideas cannot come on demand, like for example at the agreed upon time of the video conference. Mostly, the time allotted for lectures is too short for deep debate. These continue (or begin) in breaks and after the lectures.

Will virtual hybrid meetings become an addition to classic meetings?

If yes, then only as an addition for some important scientists who are unable to attend the conference and only have time to join by videoconference. Yet this only enables an introduction of the research not in depth debate.

Have you ever thought of offering this kind of meetings to your participants?

We haven’t. As I said personal contact is very important. Yet we have to take into account the economic factors. Our last conference proved many scientists could not attend due to the economic crisis. If means for research and development will continue to decrease a virtual or hybrid meeting will become the

only way to connect the scientists. Of course, I hope this bleak future does not come true.

Maja Vidergar, Cankarjev dom, head of marketing projects Will hybrid meetings replace traditional meetings?

No, I don’t believe they will. We can certainly transmit messages, yet a personal contact or experience (feel, smell, look – to mention a few building blocks of the trademark of Slovenian tourism) cannot be replaced.

Will virtual hybrid meetings become an addition to classic meetings?

Yes. We believe the future brings a combination of classic and virtual meetings.

This is the way the equipment of congress centres is developing.

As a PCO, do you consider offering these services to participants of your events?

Yes, sooner or later. The knowledge is becoming more and more accessible, so our clients are bound to demand it. Think of all the people unable to attend meetings from physical, political or economic reasons...

35 Interview

Interview with Maja Konečnik Ruzzier We need to follow a long term clear strategy of marketing Slovenia as a meetings destination

Maja Konečnik Ruzzier (www.majakonecnik.com) is a docent at chair for marketing at the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana. She chairs the general marketing class Basis of Marketing as well as two specialized classes – Management of Trademarks and Marketing in Tourism.

She is the author of numerous scientific and professional articles, which achieved international recognition in a short time. This year she republished the book Destination branding: Theory and Research and Marketing in tourism. She is also a consultant in the field of strategic brand development. Among others, she was a part of creating the national brand I feel Slovenia.

Why did you decide to republish the book Marketing in Tourism? Who is the new edition aimed at?

I decided to republish the book because I wanted to create a Slovenian book dealing with the area of marketing in tourism, which would encompass the entire area and would offer a theoretical basis as well as appropriate practical applications. The book is therefore aimed at representatives of Slovenian tourism, who are looking to refresh or strengthen their knowledge on marketing. It is also aimed at Slovenian students especially those taking my class on Marketing in Tourism at the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana.

What is the difference between the new and old book?

The biggest upgrade of the new edition is the introduction of many new practical examples, over a half of which include Slovenian businesses.

What are the modern challenges of marketing in tourism?

Marketing in tourism is becoming more and more wholesome and deep. It needs a clear and long term orientation for individual tourist businesses as well as quick reactions to the changes in the environment. Current biggest challenges are in shaping new innovative tourist products, which the target groups recognize as unique experiences. The ways of communicating with the target groups have changed severely as a consequence of new information-communication technologies.

And finally new environmentally friendly strategies are emerging, be it sustainable, green or other. Without the care for the

environment tourism has no long-term future.

How should a modern successful marketing strategy look like?

As I previously mentioned, they should be long-term and strategically planned and at the same time capable of rapid reactions to the changes in the market. They should be focused on a specified target group or target groups of tourists, who are the centre of the destination’s strategy, since the services or better – experiences are marketed at tourist destinations.

Could you introduce and highlight a few good practice examples from the area of marketing in Slovenia?

One of the good practice examples is Bohinj Park EKO hotel, which offers a wholesome experience for those groups of tourists (business or leisure), who are concerned about the preservation of the environment. I salute their strategic way of thinking since it is completely in tune with current trends. I am therefore not surprised they received the Golden Sejalec award from Slovenian Tourist Board in 2010.

I still think the strategy of hostel Celica (first recipient of Golden Sejalec Award in 2004) is really good and is specifically aimed at their target group – travellers.

There has been significant improvement in the case of city Koper, which is aware an active and competitive approach on the market requires more than just a well-kept city infrastructure and events, which have not been scarce lately.

The current brand I feel Slovenia also stands on solid foundations and highlights the experience of Slovenian green nature and

36 Interview

MEE TINGS WITH A VIEW

stresses the strategies to preserve the natural environment.

recognizable on the meetings market in Europe? What strategies should be used?

What about around the world? Were you surprised by a good practice example from abroad lately?

First of all I would like to stress strengthening the position of each new country on the international market is a long-term process.

The shift in strengthening this position is in my opinion even harder in the area of the meetings industry, which is by nature a field which demands more credibility and stability than leisure tourism. We therefore need to follow a long-term and clear strategy of marketing Slovenia as a meetings destination, thereby taking into account our identity – knowing our strengths as well as our weaknesses. In all probability at the time we have a better chance of succeeding in SE Europe, where we are more recognizable and credible as in other parts of the world.

Of course, this shouldn’t men we are only focusing on the area of SE Europe. A common performance and marketing of Slovenia and other SE European countries is in my opinion sensible, especially when tackling markets where we would have trouble succeeding alone.

There are many individual good practice examples in the world; of course they depend on the nature of the tourist company or destination. I couldn’t really highlight a single case.

We are mostly interested in the influence new technologies have on marketing in tourism (Communication 2.0). Where do you see the opportunities (or maybe even traps) of their use?

As I’ve mentioned, new technologies are and will continue to change the way marketing in tourism works. Since most of the new technologies enable cost-efficient marketing, which needs to be used clearly and target a specific group, smaller individual suppliers can be very active in the market and reach their target groups. At the moment smaller Slovenian tourist suppliers can reach their target groups at the other side of the planet with relative ease, which used to be very difficult in the past. Two-way communication enables the focus groups to actively participate in shaping the marketing approach of a specific market provider and thereby increase the power of their trademark. Of course this active creation of contents and opinions of tourist, especially when not supported by the supplier, can be detrimental to the strength of the trademark in the eyes of other visitors.

What do you think would be the best way to make Slovenia as well as SE Europe more

Where do you see the opportunities of Slovenia as a meetings destination?

I think we have good advantages in the area of marketing smaller meetings and events, which appreciate the authenticity of the destination.

Also, we are pretty competitive in offering a professional and genuine level of services for the agreed upon price.

Do you think Slovenia should present itself as an individual destination or as a part of the European destination on the world market? (At Travel Zoom conference organized in January this debate got pretty

heated since Mr. Dimitrij Piciga claimed Slovenia should be introduced as a part of the European destination, while Professor Peter Keller member of the board of the Swiss Tourism Organisation argued the opposite – Slovenia should be represented as an individual destination).

I think the answer cannot be one-fold; it mostly depends on the target group. If we are addressing European tourist, Slovenia has already achieved a good level of recognisability and image with them, since they are willing to choose it as an independent destination – therefore it makes sense to introduce it independently. At remote markets (perspective markets such as China and India) where tourists usually select more than one European country as their travel destination, it is more appropriate to market Slovenia as part of the European destination.

What do you think Slovenia’s current marketing strategy for the meetings industry is?

I think it’s good. I see a lot of individuals who are in charge of marketing congress Slovenia with plenty of zeal and energy. I would give a good grade to the campaign of the Slovenian Convention Bureau. If such actions continue in the future we can expect relevant changes in the way Slovenia is perceived as a meetings destination abroad. As previously mentioned I am noticing important steps towards establishing a wholesome marketing strategy of meetings services. Of course a more competitive presence on the world market requires cooperation of individual Slovenian meetings suppliers – only together they will be able to offer a wholesome experience the modern day meetings visitors appreciate.

ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE MEETINGS AND INCENTIVES DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE THAT YOU JUST NEED TO TRY OUT! 6 hotels with over 660 hotel rooms at the best locations of Lake Bled • Total capacity of over 1700 seats in 21 modernly equipped meeting rooms, of which the largest is for 350 delegates • Incentive programs to remember • Excellent wellness and golf facilities • Restaurants, special venues and entertainment programs Experience a perfect balance between work and pleasure.

Sava Hoteli Bled, d.d., Cankarjeva 6, 4260 Bled Tel: 04 579 16 07, E-mail: conference@hotelibled.com www.hotelibled.com, www.sava-hotels-resorts.com

RJODV VORBDQJ QRY VLY LQGG

39

New cooperation between Kongres magazine and CR Navigator magazine

In focus

In every issue of Kongres magazine we will present an article from CR Navigator

Few years of presence in Polish CSR market had taken us to the conclusion that there was no proper communication among all the stakeholders who were involved in CSR process. At the same time we saw a huge lack of knowledge about CSR combined with the desire to know. An idea of creating something that would facilitate this knowledge and would be a platform of communication between business, NGOs, academics and administration came to our minds. We wanted to start with a newsletter but when we started to dig in it didn’t seem enough. So we decided to create a magazine, but once we started to work on it, we noticed it was still not enough. So we created the platform – a space of meeting between all stakeholders.

Cultural and Congress Centre

CONGRESS CONGRESS ANDEVENTS EVENTS AND MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

“CR Navigator” is a platform of communication and an educational tool, it encompasses a magazine, a website, a newsletter, conferences and debates.

We’ve been running this platform for two and half years.

Two and half years in which CSR business has changed dramatically. We started in times of huge prosperity when companies where seeking new ways of differentiation and were shouting CSR claims very eagerly and were very keen on talking about their wonderful practices. Then the crisis came and it all broke down. Companies were cutting their CSR budgets dramatically, and reducing the scope of their CSR strategy. It resulted in

some of the ‘most ethical’ companies actually doing nothing but greenwashing.

The banking sector, which had wished to be perceived as ‘every day more sustainable and ethical’ was the guiltiest. Consumers were losing their faith in brands, they were losing their faith in business, they were losing their faith in the economy. And this was the time when business had to come back to CSR again.

But not CSR understood as spending money but understood as saving money. Understood as a way of regaining credibility and consumers’ trust.

For these two and half years we have been observing these huge changes and learning from them. We’ve been educating, supporting, encouraging and inspiring. And now we see the results.

Our cooperation with ‘Kongres’ magazine is the next step. We can see we think in a similar way and have the same goals; we share the same vision and the same values. We want to improve business ethics and make it friendlier to the consumer, to the environment and to society. We believe that our exchange of articles will be a beginning of a bigger cooperation, of common project with regional impact. At the beginning, let me introduce an article about LOHAS costumers.

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41 In focus

Young, rich, ethical LOHAS consumers – find out what LOHAS means

Karolina Blonska - CSR and Communication Manager in Goodbrand & Company Poland. For over two years editor-in-chief of "CR Navigator".

Earlier in the key Polish marketing magazine "Brief", where most recently she was an Issue Editor. Holds an MA from the Warsaw University Psychology Department, studied also at the Madrid Autonomous University. A contributing writer for Gazeta Wyborcza, the main Polish newspaper. Worked with the the Spoken History Museum.

Backwards It started with YUPPIES, "young urban professionals". Then came the DINKS, or "double income no kids". Every now and again market trend researchers identify the next hot target group from big cities, a group that all brands should compete for. For quite some time the "it" group have been the LOHAS consumers.

The term was coined by American sociologists at the turn of the 20th century. It is an abbreviation for "lifestyles of health and sustainability" and denotes consumers interested in health, environment, social justice, sustainable lifestyle and personal development. Lohas consumers choose products according to their social and environmental value. According to estimates almost one fifth of Americans (over 40 million people) can be qualified as Lohasians – the market they make up is worth around 209 million dollars.

giving to and taking from environment is concerned, as well as balance between body and soul. Lohasians are keen on yoga, spend a lot of time outdoors and like to use natural medicine.

We are not radical

Unlike other groups interested in ecology and sustainable development Lohasians are not radical.

They do not tie themselves to trees, nor do they chain themselves to ships, like Greenpeace activists. They do not paint themselves in leopard patches, nor do they wear fake tails, like PETA supporters. They We develop in harmony do not give up on fridges and forage for food in Sectors of the market, used to evaluate the Lohas dumpsters like Freegans, market, are Fair Trade and who try to protest against wasting food. Lohas consumers do not organise demonstrations organic products, green in front of institutions, and do not attack architecture, sustainable anybody with buckets of paint. A testimony investments, eco-tourism to Lohasians' beliefs is their own sustainable or alternative energy lifestyle.

It would be wrong to assume, though, that sources.

Apart from reducing their own negative influence upon the environment, Lohas consumers are very much set on personal development and using their potential to its fullest. A notion of balance is key to understanding the group. Balance as far as

since the group is so peaceful, the wrongdoing companies can be at ease. Lohasians are affluent and well educated, have vast social networks and use internet willingly. They can, therefore, not only ostracise a company as consumers, but also be very vocal about criticising it, especially since a lot of Lohas

consumers are involved in media and PR. It is, therefore, much more profitable to reach out to them. Especially since active Lohasians are keen on rewarding companies who assume a new model of socially responsible business.

According to research conducted by Natural Marketing Institute Lohas consumers are willing to pay even up to 20% more for a product more sustainable than its traditional version.

Business is shaped by consumers What started as marketing jargon has slowly attained a more real form. Once the new group of customers has been identified, new companies and associations, defining themselves as "Lohas-friendly", started to appear. They practise responsible capitalism, by which they mean they supply goods and services based on sustainable practise, transparency and honesty.

Lohas-friendly associations are, among others, American Solar Energy Society (ASES), Social Venture Network (SVN), Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) or The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). A full list of organisations can be found on www.lohas.com Eco-drinks for everyone Representatives of Lohas-friendly associations and companies meet at annual conferences, during which the newest market trends are discussed. They share ideas and inspirations as to how to run a business in sustainable as well as profitable ways.

Lohas forum – which, apart from business and non-governmental organisations – attracts media and people from

academic circles is organised according to the philosophy it promotes: during breaks attendants of the meeting eat ecological meals, test sustainable gadgets, attend yoga workshops and even drink eco-drinks.

One can taste all these delights during the nearest Forum, which is about to take place in Boulder, Colorado, 22nd to 24th of June 2011.

To see as a Lohasian Although the movement has first been identified in the USA, Lohas consumers are truly powerful on the Old Continent.

Natural Marketing Institute, along with Porter Novelli conducted a research into European Lohasians. The research project started in July 2007. 16,000 people from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Spain and UK were examined.

European results were compared with American ones. And? As it turns out, 50% more Europeans than Americans declare interest in "green" products, such as solar batteries, hybrid cars, organic food, environmentally friendly cosmetics or household equipment. 25% more Europeans sort out their waste, 30% more are keen to try and convince their friends or family to take up pro-ecological behaviour; 32% more are motivated to purchase if a product has a stamp or certificate marking it as ecological – that clearly shows how important it is for brands or companies to be authentic and transparent; 25% more Europeans than Americans declare

that a company, apart from making money for its shareholders, should also take into account its influence upon natural environment.

Higher level of involvement of Europeans in sustainable way of living might be a result of many years of activities, undertaken by governments of European countries in promoting care about the natural environment.

Poles are not behind?

Lohas market potential is visible in Poland, too. According to Diagnoza społeczna 2007 research (Social diagnosis 2007), conducted

by Janusz Grzelak and Janusz Czapinski, over a third of consumers buy products that have as little negative impact on environment as possible, over 60% declare that they separate waste, and 67% attempt to dispose of old batteries and other potentially harmful products by putting them into special containers.

All of those declarations are fine, but the truth is that even in such districts of Warsaw as affluent Kabaty or Zoliborz, inhabited by intelligentsia, one would be hard pressed to find special disposal containers for batteries.

Many people do not segregate garbage and do not dispose of chemically harmful products properly, simply because no special containers are available. Perhaps it is high time to make it possible for Poles to become true Lohasians.

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43 In focus

Opportunities for increasing the competitiveness of the meetings industry The competitiveness of the meetings industry is not well-defined

In recent years, the meetings industry has gained popularity among tourism stakeholders.

It is valued for its potential to decrease seasonality, increase the overall tourists’ expenditure, enhance the destination image and consequently the rivalry in this sector becomes more vigorous.

The competitiveness of the meetings industry is not well-defined in the academic literature and requires further research. What are the elements which form competitiveness? Does the company possesses leverage to increase it or does it lie in the market environment and a single entity can do little about it? Is it a result of a hard work and carefully made managerial decisions or it is a concurrence of circumstances, either favourable or adversary, a mere chance or fluke of fortune?

Miroslava Dimitrova is an Assistant Professor at International University College, Dobrich.

She holds PhD in economics of tourism. She is an author of numerous articles in tourism and hospitality, one monograph dedicated to the meetings industry competitiveness and two textbooks in tourism.

When discussing the meetings industry competitiveness, some stipulations should be made: in the process of decision-making, the first stage focuses on the choice of destination while the second is dedicated to conference facilities selection.

That is why we should consider two levels of competitiveness: a macro level (on which the destinations are competing with each other) and a micro level (on which tourist companies try to attract delegates from the visitors of the same destination). If the destination is successfully positioned on the global market as an attractive and prestigious place for the

meetings industry, then all the stakeholders will profit from the increased tourist flow.

Destination competitiveness has been a subject of a number of studies, though few focus particularly on the conference destinations. Most of the authors concentrate on image and attractiveness and measure the competitiveness by the degree to which the destination is preferred by the potential visitors compare to the main rivals (Chon and Weaver 1991, Cracolici and Nijcamp 2008), others stress the external environment and base their studies on M. Porter’s (1990) well-know model of the five competitive forces (De Holan and Philips 1997) and some combine the different approaches in order to make a comprehensive model of destination competitiveness (Ritchie and Crouch 1993, Enright and Newton 2004, Dwyer and Kim 2003, Dimitrova 2010). The competitiveness of conference destination is often perceived to be subjected to factors such as: political stability; economic environment; technology progress; infrastructure and superstructure level of development (readiness of the tourism industry to receive and accommodate tourists); legislation; demographic issues such as: education, standard of living, foreign language competences etc); governmental policy and incentives for the sector; availability of natural and man-made attractions etc.

One of the most important leverages to increase the destination competitiveness is to create a network of efficiently working marketing destination

organizations (MDOs) involved in the meetings industry (known as “congress bureaus”).

These organizations combine the efforts of conference stakeholders in the destinations (hotels, congress centres, travel agents, tour operators, transport companies, caterers, suppliers of conference facilities, municipalities, educational institutions, tourist attractions, etc) to promote meetings industry on a national, regional and local level. Their marketing activity should include a design of an internet site with a list of all members, issuing of brochures and other printed materials, participation in specialized trade shows and other forms of PR and advertisement activities. The main objective of a MDO should be to create and successfully position a destination brand with a good image among the potential event’s organizers.

Another big step towards increasing competitiveness on the national level requires government involvement by formulating a strategy for meetings industry development.

If meetings industry as a form of sustainable tourism becomes a national priority, it could benefit from various governmental incentives, such as tax concessions, subsidies, low-interest loans, state investment in infrastructure and in purpose-built congress centres. Another measurement could affect the high-education where new modules such as “event management” could be introduced.

Last but not least the population need to be educated about the advantages of the meetings industry, something which could ensure a positive attitude and acceptance of the society on every stage of the implementation of meetings industry development projects.

The second level of competitiveness encompasses the various enterprises which are involved in producing and marketing the conference product. The suppliers in the industry could vary substantially and this includes different types of venues (mostly hotels and purpose-built conference centres), food and beverages caterers, providers of technical equipment, translation companies, interior designers, transport companies, travel agents etc. (Rogers 2003, Davidson and Rogers 2006). The competitive advantages are achieved through either lowering the price or increasing the quality of the product offered (or both) (Ribov, 2005). In this case the solution for the company is to improve the quality/price ratio by enhancing the different aspects of the marketing mix (product, price, placement and promotion). It is important to note that conference tourists usually arrive in a group and seldom individually.

This is why marketing strategies of a company should be aimed at attracting event organizers and key accounts, rather than targeting a large audience of potential delegates.

Personal contact in every stage of designing and staging an event is very important. The companies should adopt and develop the concept of “customer care”. Providing a large range of high quality services and caring for the individual needs of sophisticated customers is the key to repeated businesses and gaining competitive advantages in the dynamic (and profitable) conference market.

References: Chon, K. S., Weaver, P.A. Marketing your community 1. image analysis in Norfolk, The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 1991 Cracolici M. F., Nijkamp P., The Attractiveness and 2.

Competitiveness of Tourist Destinations, Tourism Management 30, 2008 Crouch, G.I. ,Ritchie J.R.B., Tourism, Competitiveness 3. and Societal Prosperity, Journal of Business Research Vol 3, 1999 Davidson R. and Rogers T., Marketing Destinations and 4.

Venues for Conferences, Conventions and Business Events, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, 2006 De Holan, P.M., Phillips, N. Sun, sand and hard 5. currency tourism in Cuba, Annals of Tourism Research 24, 1997 Dimitrova M., Opportunity to increase the 6. competitiveness of the meetings industry, Ph.D. Dissertation, UNWE, Sofia, 2010 Dwyer L, Kim C, Destination competitiveness: 7.

Determinants and Indicators, Current Issues in Tourism, 6, 2003 Enright M. J., Newton, J., Tourism destination 8. competitiveness: a quantitative approach, Tourism Management 25, 2004 Porter, M.E. The competitive advantage of nations, 9.

New York: The Free Press, 1990 Ribov M. et al., Competitiveness Strategies in Tourism, 10.

Tracia-M, 2005 (in Bulgarian) Ritchie J. R. B.,Crouch G.I. The competitive 11.

Destination, a sustainable perspective, Cabi Publishing 2003 Rogers T, Conferences and Conventions: A Twenty 12.

Century Industry, Longman, 2003

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45 In focus

Kevin Kelly in Maribor Exceptionalise your service

“Exceptionalise your service,” that was the call from Internationally Acclaimed Motivational Speaker and Best Selling Author Kevin Kelly in his recent keynote in Slovenia.

Citing research from Columbia University which highlighted that 88% of breakthrough companies were the result of “exceptional execution of an ordinary idea;” Kelly claimed it is now time for hotel’s and businesses to exceptionalise their service.

So how does one do this?

By breaking down your service into all the contact points with the customers, setting standards for each interaction, and then actively working at exceeding these standards at all times.

The service industry needs to create a compelling buying experience – deliver an authentic “wow” at every interaction with the client so that these clients in time become advocates and friends.

Remember all research shows that even satisfied customers leave – however if you develop friendships, you will have customers for life.

“A new mindset is definitely required,” claimed Kelly.

Take for example the whole area of complaints handling – oftentimes complaints are seen as an unnecessary inconvenience when what they actually represent is a unique opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the client.

If your team are empowered to solve the problem at

source, you immediately exceed the customer’s expectations and move them along the continuum from customer to friend.

Many of the top hotels have standards in place to allow the team member to spend a few thousand dollars to solve the complaint at source – this is the correct strategy.

In the context of exceeding customer’s expectations, how many organisations have thought of how they can get business for their customers? This new mindset will help build sustainable lasting relationships.

Another important angle to explore is people development if you want to truly develop a memorable experience for your client. The more people are bought into the values and the vision of the organisation, the more motivated and energetic they will be in the delivery of your service. It is no surprise that Stanford Business Advisory Committee in 2007 cited self awareness as the most important attribute a leader should develop.

Working on the development and motivation of your team will help to up the WOW in your service delivery.

Furthermore companies are operating in an attention deficit society in which people are being inundated with different stimuli. One study by Yankleovich said the average city dweller is being hit with 3,000–5,000 messages a day. Another study done by the University of California claim people are interrupted every

three minutes, five seconds. All in all it is very difficult to get your message across. To do so organisations need to think and do different – certainly one way is to exceptionalise their service as outlined.

With respect to Slovenia, Kelly is very impressed by the warmth and generosity of the Slovenian people: “I genuinely think the Irish and Slovenians are very alike. Even though Slovenians are a little more reserved to start, when you get beneath this veneer, they are extremely warm and friendly. When you add in the diversity of the product range, Slovenia is indeed a very marketable tourism product. I definitely felt Slovenia and for me Slovenia was ……..so much more!”

The feedback to Kevin’s keynote was using his own language a definite wow!

Kevin is a very special and positive speaker who motivated and inspired me by his approach on how to be exceptional, use our own potential and bring back creativity to our daily routine. He gave us opportunity to think out of the box and use energy, passion that is already in all of us. Offered answers on how to get rid of all those things which are standing in our way to reach the final goal and how to observe, learn from the best and use opportunity when it comes. All things come at the right time; we just have to be patient and positive. Right energy brings right people into our lives. We connect with those similar to us. For me his visit in Slovenia was just at the right time.

Azra Botonjič, Marketing Manager at Slovenian Convention Bureau Just a quick note to say thank you for the outstanding lecture you held in Slovenia two weeks ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially your down-to-earth views and personal experiences you gave as examples to illustrate your opinion.

Petra Čuk, Hotel Manager, Hotel Vila Bled I have to say, thatwas »The best couple of hours« for me, really a life changing experience. I still carry around the business card with the question: Do I believe everybody could be my teacher today? And yes, I now know that everybody can be my teacher.

I read your book the next day so, THANK YOU. Mateja Seničak, F&B Manager, Hotel Astoria Bled The presentation was one of the best that I listened to till now. When Kevin walked in

and started to talk the room was immediately full of energy. I think he has a positive energy which he can spread on us (listeners) and give us a reason to follow our dreams and make us believe in ourselves.

Dejan Hojnik, Sales & Marketing, Sports Centre Pohorje I was inspired at the very beginning of lectures by his style of delivery which I hadn't experienced before. The very first impression let me know that Mr. Kevin has a very positive personality and truly the lecture unfortunately went by very quickly.

Some contents and technique I heard about at lecture had already been known to me – I was already using them at work. But he gave them his own significance on which I'll put more emphasys in the future. I would like to attend more similar lectures.

Primož Križnar, Marketing Manager, Jezeršek Catering I do not like people who talk a lot. Even if it does not seem at first, Kevin Kelly can talk for quite some time. The difference is that his words carry special energy and exquisite meaning. Which is why I could listen to him for hours. I am very thankful to be reminded that small stories have value and do cause big stories at the end.

Kristina Jurjevec, Project Manager, Conventa

For more information on Kevin: www.kevinkellyunlimited.com

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Social media at the juncture of success and failure of events “People don’t believe what you tell them. They rarely believe what they see. They do however often believe what their friends tell them. They always believe what they tell themselves.” Seth Godin

Primož Žižek, director and partner of analytical company E-laborat d.o.o. which specializes in analysys, consulting, educating and training for business on digital markets on the Slovenian market. He is the author of numerous articles and contributions for Slovenian and foreign media. He is also the director of the company Zavod tovarna a multimedia incubator, which among others produced the popular project Picture Slovenia (www.pictureslovenia.com).

Before that he was head of marketing and sales at Najdi.si and consultant for agencies Spem and Pristop. He finished his higher education at the British institute for marketing and got his MBA at IEDC Bled. He is also the co-founder of the Slovenian chapter of IABC (International Association of Business Communicators). In his free time he writes music and lyrics, organizes and produces cultural events and festivals and enjoys travel.

On the internet the process of deciding upon a purchase begins with finding the necessary or desired information. If we focus on the organisation of conferences and congresses we can’t even imagine success without the involvement of social media in the process of planning and executing the event. Especially since conferences, seminars or congresses as part of the hotel business have elements of identity common for “show business”. They are interesting, popular, based on names, the social component of “who else is attending” etc. Such content is among the most interesting in the environment of the social media.

by using them during the event as well as after) are in the centre of attention of meetings organizers. Why?

For organizers of conferences and congress an internet business model based on measuring ROI will be most effective. Therefore, a modern internet marketing strategy in hotel, fair and meetings industry is connected with managing and monitoring results. The online social part of the meetings industry can be broken down into several segments:

The key to success is in integrating classic and virtual tools to a wholesome promotional interaction where the social media is ranked at the top of your communication hierarchy.

1) They have to hear of you; 2) Tell your story and they will hear you; 3) Make sure, the attendees feel they are attending your event; 4) Interact with attendees through chat, games,...

Classic and revolution of social media hand in hand Besides the classic online tasks like managing the website and a web presence, promoting and advertising in the form of communication 2.0, social media (integrating social media into the planning of the event, organizing and inviting speakers and guests, promotion and distribution of content, managing a platform for the biggest possible gain from social media

The answer is simple if we start with basic economy and put aside the fact social media is currently a hot topic (not only in business, yet in mighty social changes where everyone can follow the course of events as they unfold). The cost of using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, SlideShare, Blogger, Wordpress and similar platforms are so low classic methods of marketing seem very pricey. But don’t let that fool you.

Let me list five reasons why creating and managing the reputation and appearances of your event or trademark on the web, specifically in social media is extremely important: 1. The web is now the most useful media.

According to the latest surveys people in Slovenia also focus 38 % of their media use on the web, thereby making it an important source of creating an image for an event.

Approximately a half of web users actively participate in social media.

2. Because social media produces new publications and new content every day. It's important these are not just publications per se, yet content actually created by the users.

Among the content you can find your event, your visitors as well as your competition. Find the stars of your events and make sure they promote your event to make it a success.

3. You potential clients can clearly express their intention on attending the event or not, which means they can influence thereby accelerate the decision process of their friends in favour of your event, which also contributes towards improving the content about your event appearing online, if you keep up with the debate and contribute to it.

4.Social media is an excellent platform to test new social technologies and at the same time an opportunity for the users to distribute the information themselves and spread the knowledge on your event. Because companies and other organisations spend way too much time and means for an activity, which will not yield desired results the winners are those who actively contribute to the social media debate.

5. Because companies are often unfamiliar with the critical phases of building, monitoring and managing the appearance of the company online, many presences in social media are confusing and unfocused, which presents a marketing opportunity for those who know what they are doing. Use the power of social platforms, multimedia, short messages, blogs, social profiles and other concepts to your advantage.

Besides all of the above there is another good reason to enhance your web presence and make sure it is wholesome. The future of organizing meetings and seminars is pointing towards virtual conferences. They can be

marketed individually or as virtual support of classic events. Therefore try not to neglect the role of social media tools even in organizing classic conferences.

The most advanced conference planners actively offer the basic elements of social media and at the same time test new tools such as group games, live communication, "widgets" with the topic of the event etc.

Let me finish with a thought which has become a mantra of contemporary marketing.

Talks and debate on your market and amongst your clients are already happening – the art of good business is in encouraging the “right” topics of these conversations. To start, why not join these debates? Are you in?

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49 In focus

Marketing and sales with the help of your mobile phone Attention marketing divisions! A new medium has arrived.

A mobile phone is nowadays the only medium accompanying us at every step. There are over 4 billion mobile users who spend an average of 14 hours a day with their mobile phone.

These phones are not just the most commonly used medium; the users spend more time using them than they do all the other media combined.

Jernej Horvat founder and director of Honire d.o.o. a company dedicated to the development and offer of mobile services. In the area of mobile marketing Honire d.o.o. offers their partners the service Honire Mobile Gateway which they can use to independently and easily carry out mobile campaigns.

Each year we notice a similar situation. Travel agencies and hotels spend a lot of money on introducing their offer to potential clients during larger holidays and in mass vacation season over printed media, TV ads and advertising on billboards. They do so without an overview of how many clients respond to each of the advertising forms and how profitable these campaigns really are. Similar is true for event organizers. Such activities occur periodically therefore marketing divisions could close and it would make no difference.

Yet there is a new medium, which will stir up these monotonous marketing and sales activities. If we glance abroad we can make sure this is true. The mobile phone, of course.

How to begin?

Let me first mention that the aim of this article is not to designate classic media as unfit or not appropriate to carry out marketing activities, yet to highlight the advantages of a mobile phone in comparison to other media, possible delivery options and a quick implementation of mobile phone marketing. It doesn’t matter if we are considering travel agencies, hotel chains or meetings organizers. From the point of view of a tourist, mobile phone use can be divided into three time periods: - Before the start of the trip, - During the trip,

- After the trip.

For each time period there are numerous ways to communicate over the mobile phone with the client.

For the Slovenian market where mass use of mobile pages and applications is only emerging, most of the activities are carried out over SMS messages which require the information on the mobile phone number of the client.

This data is invaluable as we will demonstrate later.

Gaining mobile phone numbers should no longer be an issue at least in the tourist industry. Most companies are able to get it in the phase of trip reservations, accommodation or purchasing tickets. Here we can make a preliminary selection and assess which numbers are worth collecting. For example, a hotel could collect only mobile phone numbers of domestic clients, since they are more likely to return.

Before the start of the trip In the first phase of advertising the offer the mobile phone is used in the same way as all other media. The users can receive offers from travel agents, hotels or meeting organizers in SMS form. This is especially effective for meeting organizers, since the clients have already indicated their interest with their previous visits. The same is true for travel agencies and hotels. Therefore it is important for a company to build their own database of

mobile numbers and not to collect them from third parties.

With SMS advertising the company can take advantage of the cost efficiency (1,000 messages will cost approximately 50 â‚Ź) and the fact users tend to read each SMS message.

During the trip A mobile phone is the only medium tourists carry at all times while travelling for leisure.

Despite the use of notebooks or tablet PCs' a mobile phone is the most commonly used while travelling. Once again, there are several options to communicate with the client.

Many hotel chains and airlines offer applications and city guides for countries their clients travel to on their websites. General information, maps, city sights descriptions and similar are a part of mobile tour guides.

The users find useful information and are at the same time constantly exposed to the trademark of the company. A good example of this is the Chinese airline Cathay Pacific. With the help of mobile applications and a mobile page they offer the clients all the information on flights and also offer mobile guides to individual countries and cities.

A similar technique is used by the MGM Resorts International which offers their guests mobile applications and pages with information on events, nearby restaurants and other leisure activities. At the same time such a mobile application and page can represent a source of income for the provider since they can advertise local businesses.

After the trip Tourism is mostly a service activity and customer satisfaction is of key importance for the success of the company, be it a travel agency, hotel or meetings organizer.

The assessment or opinion of the costumer

can easily and directly be acquired over the mobile phone. As a brief survey or a simple question over the mobile site the user has the opportunity to produce feedback. This way you can gather feedback from clients without using external opinion surveys, which can also be used to improve your offer.

In conclusion The briefly introduced possibilities of using a mobile phone in tourism are just an indicator of options brought forth by the mobile phone.

Marketing divisions will be forced to face this new and unknown media in marketing and sales sooner or later.

At the same time it is important to make Slovenian tourism more competitive with foreign markets since there is no larger company in Slovenian tourism already using mobile activities.

51

Interview with Nik RaČić

Interview

Croatia as a convention and incentive destination is well positioned in the international congress and incentive market

Nik Račić, born on September 10th 1950, graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zagreb and gained a Masters degree in post-graduate studies in tourism.

From 2001 director of Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau, part of Croatian National Tourist Board. Amongst his numerous other activities in 2009 at the 70th world Skål International congress in Budapest, was chosen as President of the most significant global organisation of tourist managers.

We would like to ask you how, when and where you started working in the meetings industry.

From 1975 to 1977 I owned a private restaurant, 1978 – 1982 I was Advisor to the Tourism Association in Zagreb, 1982 – 1990 General Secretary of the Yugoslavian Convention Bureau – Jugokongres. From 1990 to 1992 I worked as Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism in the first government of the Republic of Croatia where I was in charge of the promotion and marketing of Croatian tourism. I then participated in the formation of the Croatian National Tourist Board. From 1992 to 2001 I was appointed as the deputy Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board and managed the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau. Since 2001 I work as Director of the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau.

Which qualities do you believe someone needs to have as a successful employee in the meetings industry?

One has to love people and love working with people. Also – loving your job, accepting that work hours are also during weekends and holidays, never to promising anything you cannot fulfil, being creative in business, having the determination to solve problems, rather than putting them in a drawer. Being optimistic and having belief in what you are doing.

This year you received awards at IMEX and Conventa. These accolades are a confirmation that Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau is working successfully.

Could you share your secret? What are the main reasons for your successful work?

The Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau has for years built on its position

on the international market with systematic work on the development and improvement of the Croatian convention and incentive offer connecting public and private sectors in planned long-term, mid-term and short-term marketing activities, including all entities of the Croatian convention and incentive offer.

Everything I answered in your first question is from my own experience which I am applying daily. It is important that the atmosphere in a company which you lead, as I do at the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau, is positive because a positive atmosphere in which people work is an important key to success. The company itself, the name, the number of people in it doesn't mean anything.

I can compare this with the examples of restaurants I go to where there is a good chef and atmosphere. Many times I would stop going to a restaurant because the chef or a mai`tre’d have left the restaurant and start going to the place go where they work now because the building itself doesn't mean anything.

I am sure that the high quality and position of the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau on the world congress and incentive market works positively for the recognition I have received from my peers: 1999 at the IBTM congress and incentive show in Geneva I was declared European Manager of the year for congresses and incentives. In 2005 I became director of Skål International, with special responsibility for the development of business activities within Skål International, after that I became vice president of Skål International.

In 2009 at the 70th Skål World Congress in Budapest I was chosen the president of the world's most important organisation of tourism managers.

Skål International was established in Paris and today works through 500 clubs in 90 countries with more than 20,000 members – tourist managers. Skål International is a

52

53

Interview

The Glasgow Model

In focus

steady business quality and trusted tourist clientele they represent a good image for congress destinations.

Conventa is trying to present SE Europe as one congress destination. What do you think about that?

I think that Conventa has found its place on the map of trade-shows as an important convention and incentive trade show in South East Europe.

unique worldwide organisation which brings together managers from all sectors of the tourism industry (DMCs, hoteliers, carriers, tourist agencies, tour operators etc.) The basic principles of Skål International work are the development of business relationships and friendship amongst members, promoting and supporting sustainable and responsible tourism development and the promotion of quality tourism.

In 2010 at the IMEX Convention and Incentive Trade Fair, I was declared the best European manager. I am especially pleased with the acknowledgment which I received at the Conventa in 2011 for my contribution to the promotion of the Croatian convention and incentive offer.

SE Europe is still developing as a congress destination. Convention bureaus are opening. How important do you believe a convention bureau is for a destination, city?

Which are the most important roles of a convention bureau for a destination, city?

A convention bureau is typically a non-profit institution and a coordinator of all activities in the destination relating to the development of congress infrastructure, the promotion of congress and incentive possibilities of a destination and the logistical support to congress and incentive organisers.

How do you create a successful congress destination? Are there any formulas?

A destination must meet certain requirements to be known as a congress destination, that is to have good transport connections, an

existing congress infrastructure (conference halls, convention centres, conference hotels), an existing PCO and DMC, the existence of convention bureau and cultural and historical attractions, gastronomy and sports.

Important/international hotel chains have come to Croatia in the last few years. What do you believe is the reason for that?

International hotels and brands come and will come primarily in case of positive tourism trends, which represent a steady increase in tourist numbers and overnight stays. This is the result of quality hotel tourist offers and the general infrastructure in tourist destinations.

The quality of the new road network in Croatia, the steady growth in guests’ arrivals with new airlines at all of Croatia's airports, tourist safety, the quality promotion of Croatian congress and incentive offers and tourist offers abroad through the activities of the national tourist organisations, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau which also works in 20 overseas representative offices.

Also responsible for the success of tourism activities is the system of tourist associations which operate from the head office over county tourist associations to tourist association in the towns, municipalities, districts and places.

How important do you believe are these new hotels of international chains for the Croatian meetings industry?

Primarily, their arrival has increased the level of service and sales and since they have a

How do you see Croatia in the marketing concept of SE Europe as one congress destination?

Since its independence Croatia has primarily promoted itself as a Mediterranean and Central European country, but also at the same it’s a country on the Danube, and we might as well say a Southeast European country, so this completes the basic strategy of promotion.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of presenting Croatia as a country in SE Europe?

There are no special advantages or minuses, it is only important to highlight that Croatia’s principle marketing its promotion as a Mediterranean and Central European country.

What do you think about the future of Croatian and SE European meetings industry?

Croatia as a convention and incentive destination is well positioned in the international congress and incentive market.

Its excellent geographic location in the centre of Europe and the Mediterranean plays an important role, as do the quality of congress infrastructure, good transport connections through existing quality road infrastructure and international airports, protected natural surroundings, national parks and nature parks, quality drinking water, cultural history, heritage and gastronomy and what is most important – the quality of human resources, which can satisfy the most demanding of global standards.

It’s the new way of doing business, the first venue model of its kind and a revolutionary initiative that will see the destination and venue share event organisers’ pain and gain.

So how does it work and what brought the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) and the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) together to develop what has become known as “The Glasgow Model”?

As client budgets tighten and they have become acutely aware of the importance of delivering delegate numbers at conferences, the SECC and GCMB wanted to create a situation where the venue and destination would go into business with their clients and share in that risk on attendance numbers.

This was a confident collaborative approach on their part and part of their desire to build lasting relationships with clients coming to Glasgow that would see clients returning again and again in future years to come. By laying these foundations and building these relationships and trust over a longer period of time, both GCMB and the SECC understand this approach will deliver mutual benefits for organiser, venue and destination.

Depending on the objectives set for a conference, PCOs said the success of a conference was usually delivered through

three components: the delegate experience – driven by such factors as content, the venue and destination and city experience; the financial success of the event and, directly linked to that, the number of delegates that attended. The Glasgow Model addresses these components, supporting the client on those issues they can influence and providing the strongest support possible.

After consulting with world leading professional conference organisers, a pioneering business model was born that looks at helping event organisers put on a successful event in terms of delegate experience whilst at the same time delivering delegate numbers and in turn, financial success.

For the Glasgow Model to work, it is important to have full transparency with clients and to build long term relationships based on trust in order to gain an understanding of each other’s business needs. It is based on transparency in terms of expected delegate numbers, financial commitment from the venue and subvention commitment and marketing support from GCMB. This combination creates a powerful collaborative approach towards success and builds a true partnership between the client, venue and destination.

Subvention and marketing support are key

components of the city’s strategy to bring in major conferences to Glasgow; again, each offer is bespoke depending on the objectives of the event. In addition to this, the SECC can tap into ‘value-add’ in terms of city support, this could be through hosted receptions or themed social itineraries put on by the city.

Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC, commented: “The initiative is a direct response to concerns raised by clients worried about delegate numbers in this economic climate. We wanted to offer a way to reduce the risk to our client whilst sending a confident message from the destination that we can deliver on delegates.

“As a venue we’re set up to help organisers boost attendance using the resources and connections we have throughout the city. The Glasgow Model is an extension of a unique collaborative approach that has already put Glasgow on the map as a world class events destination.”

GCMB Chief Executive Scott Taylor, added: “The Glasgow Model is a unique commitment to a jointly shared business strategy with the conference organiser. We explicitly understand the importance of reputation and brand, and have a clear responsibility to deliver success through creating equity and

54 In focus

profit for the association.

“This Glasgow combination offers a highly-differentiated business model that is incomparable to other cities’ schemes.

Together we unlock an easy-to-buy solution, which provides support when you need it and a 360-degree marketing package that quickly builds delegate attendance. We are delighted that it is the first in the market place and believe that it will set the pace of change in the industry."

For both Glasgow and the SECC the desire to form close professional partnerships within business has always been extremely important and it is only with this unique partnership that “The Glasgow Model” is able to actually deliver on its promise. With their understanding of the meetings industry and the demands on PCOs, SECC and GCMB now offer something better than their competitors that shares in the pain and gain of holding conferences and will shape the way that

IMEX +44 (0)1273 227311 | info@imexexhibitions.com

business will be done in future.

The SECC Background The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) is situated in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural and commercial capital and is the UK’s largest integrated venue, purposebuilt to provide exhibition, conference and concert space. An award winning venue with accolades including the UK Event Awards’ prestigious Event Services Grand Prix prize, awarded in 2010 in recognition of its work at the forefront of UK’s international events industry. Since first opening its doors in 1985, it has hosted 3,889 events and welcomed over 28 million visitors making it one of Europe’s most successful venues for conferences, meetings, events and concerts. From small company meetings to major international congresses, the SECC can accommodate any audience from two to well over 10,000 delegates in its two auditoria, 34 breakout

rooms and 22,000m2 of highly flexible exhibition space under one roof adjacent to 3 onsite hotels.

For further information on conference and event facilities at the SECC visit www.secc.co.uk Glasgow City Marketing Bureau Background Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is the official destination marketing organisation (DMO) for metropolitan Glasgow. It is engaged in national and international activity comprising: development and implementation of the city branding campaign Glasgow: Scotland with style; event creation, attraction, management and marketing; conventions, incentives, meetings and exhibition sales; accommodation bookings, public relations and optimisation of the website: www.seeglasgow.com.

A meetings exhibition can only be judged by who you meet there.

IMEX attracts more top people in the global meetings industry than any other show.

Over 15,000 influential meetings professionals, creating great chemistry and great business at IMEX 2010, confirmed the industry’s judgement that this is the most important and unmissable show in the worldwide calendar.

IMEX isn’t just about doing business - it’s about building it, providing the motivation and insight of our hallmark New Vision programme, led by dozens of high-profile speakers, to guide your business and your career to greater things. This depth of expertise is exclusive to IMEX. IMEX 2011, live in Frankfurt 24 - 26 May, will be full of interesting people, new contacts and new ideas.

It’s the meetings meeting that provides inspiration with every handshake.

pre-register now imex-frankfurt.com

Frankfurt / 24-26 May

The meeting of minds. imex-frankfurt.com

56 In focus

57 In focus

Germany – one of the leading locations for sustainable events world-wide Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our times

Germany maintains its No. 1 position by staying on the cutting edge of changes in the industry even in times of economic crisis including pricing, marketing, new technologies and “green meetings.”

Matthias Schultze has been the Managing Director of the GCB German Convention Bureau since May 1st 2010. The German Convention Bureau markets Germany as a destination for conventions, meetings, events and incentives both on a national and international level, and is the place to contact for all customers who are planning events in Germany.

Matthias Schultze completed his hotel training at Brenner's Park Hotel in Baden-Baden. After that he worked for Hotel Le Bristol in Paris and Bayerischer Hof in Munich and studied business management at Heidelberg Hotel Management School. From 2003 to 2006 he directed the International Congress Centre Bundeshaus Bonn (today: World Conference Centre Bonn).

Since 2007 Matthias Schultze has been an executive board member of the company that operates World Conference Center Bonn – the convention centre incorporating the former German parliament buildings in Bonn. Until mid-April 2010 Matthias Schultze was the Vice President of the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), and for several years he was a member of the GCB’s marketing committee. www.gcb.de

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. When it comes to finding effective strategies to address this challenge, Germany keeps setting important precedents: as a stimulator for political processes but also as a host for meetings and conventions with a world-wide impact.

Germany has excellent chances to establish itself as one of the leading locations for sustainable events world-wide.

As part of the responsibility for a greener meetings and conventions industry, the GCB German Convention Bureau is actively involved in a new International Organization for Standardization (ISO) project. The introduction of the new ISO standard 20121 for sustainable event management is to be completed by the time the 2012 Olympic Games kick off in London.

Around 30 states support the standard creating ISO/PC 250 Committee actively or as observers.

and suppliers can realise sustainable processes and offers in the future.

The ISO standard 20121 will monitor venue management, supplier selection, communication and transport from the sustainability aspect and will apply to all types of events – be it exhibitions, sports contests or concerts.

As the association of German meeting and convention providers, the GCB German Convention Bureau attaches great importance to this issue. The GCB represent the interests of some 230 members in the German Sustainable Event Management Standards Committee.

Among the GCB members, there are many companies which are pioneers and which set a good example for “green meetings”.

The website www.germany-meetings.com has a separate 'Green Meetings' area offering comprehensive advice on sustainable event planning – including a CO2 Calculator.

Being involved in developing the new ISO The integration of standard is just one of numerous interest several initiatives that groups ensures that the help the GCB to position standard will offer an itself as a “green meetings” internationally recognised pioneer. framework for staging The GCB organized a Green Meetings & Events green events, under Conference in cooperation with the European which planners, buyers Association of Event Centres (EVVC) on 1st

and 2nd March 2011 at the Congress Centrum Mainz (CCM).

“Green Meetings” are not just an effective tool against climate change but also a serious competition factor. In order to raise awareness in the meeting, convention and event industry and recommend best practices the German Convention Bureau (GCB), European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) and the Association of German Event Organisers (VDVO) have agreed to co-operate with Green Globe Certification (GGC). All GCB, EVVC and VDVO members will benefit from the agreement and enjoy price benefits thanks to reduced auditor fees.

The agreement centres on the internationally renowned Green Globe Certification Standard, which evaluates the ecological, social and economic development of businesses according to scientifically approved 41 criteria

and 337 indicators. Criteria specifically related to events businesses are extracted from the Green Globe Standard. To receive the Green Globe certificate meeting, convention and event organisers must meet at least 51 per cent of these criteria and have the result confirmed by an independent auditor.

Under the new agreement GCB, EVVC and VDVO want to offer their members the certification system as part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. In return, Green Globe Certification will offer help and advice – for example by recommending sustainable practices, offering training for the correct recording of key indicators and effective communication of Sustainability achievements.

The GCB started thinking about the topic of sustainability and ecologically responsible behaviour in the event industry

at an early stage. There is no comprehensive sustainability standard for our industry so far; hence specific add-on criteria need to be developed and resulting best practice structures certified. This co-operation is another major step towards the goal of promoting sustainable management in the event industry. We expect Green Globe Certification to provide a valuable contribution to advancing the concept of green meetings & events and dedicated support for our members, so that they can effectively realise the future potential of sustainability.

58

59 In focus

Barometer of Congress prices in Slovenia and SE Europe Budva cheapest, Portorož the most expensive

At the beginning of the year the editorial board of Kongres magazine sent inquires to key Southeast European destinations. The methodology and criteria was the same as in 2010, we were asking for the price of an international association congress and used a standard questionnaire divided in two parts – congress and accommodation.

The price of the congress part includes hiring a conference room for 100 and 200 people and: - Cinema set up of chairs in the room; - 2 coffee brakes including coffee, tea, water, juice and pastry; - 1 lunch break (cold and hot snacks); - The conference room should have LCD, a sound system and a present technician.

The accommodation part includes a bed and breakfast in a 4 star hotel.

City

The congress prices were highest in Portorož, Ljubljana, Bled and Dubrovnik and most inexpensive in Belgrade, Budva and Zagreb.

In the accommodation part we were looking for the price of accommodation and breakfast in a 4 star hotel. The most expensive was the accommodation in Ljubljana, Dubrovnik, Portorož and Rovinj, cheapest in Sofia, Belgrade and Zagreb. If we calculate all the data into a daily cost for the congress the most inexpensive cities are Budva, Belgrade and Zagreb.

Price of congress part for 200 participants (EUR)

Surface of conference hall for 100 participants (m2)

BLED

KRANJSKA GORA

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

no

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

145 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

283 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

100 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

265 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

335 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

200 m²

Distance from international airport

NOTE: The editorial board chose the providers who consider the meetings industry their strategic activity. The prices are published without editing and content corrections.

The editorial board is not responsible for the accuracy of the data received from the destinations included in the Congress barometer.

Price of congress part for 100 participants (EUR)

PORTOROŽ

Surface of Distance from int. conference hall airport for 200 participants (km) (m2)

Price of accommodation (EUR)

1

Zagreb

3600

4900

300

300

6

95

2

Belgrade

2300

3800

250

250

20

85

3

Bled

4020

8040

283

335

30

120

4

Budva

1850

3200

900

900

20

22

5

Dubrovnik

3900

7800

225

450

22

125

6

Kranjska Gora

3060

6110

100

200

65

111

7

Ljubljana

4550

8360

166

250

25

135

8

Maribor

3950

7170

230

230

60

100

9

Portorož

4850

8450

145

265

65

125

10

Rovinj

3450

6650

325

325

38

122

11

Slovenian Thermal Spas

4600

5630

126

720

32

95

12

Sofia

3350

6000

275

376

12

60

Distance from international airport

65 km

30 km

Distance from international airport

65 km

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 4.850 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 4.020 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.060 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 8.450 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 8.040 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 6.110 EUR.

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Free wi-fi in rooms

no

Free wi-fi in rooms

no

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

no

Fitnes

yes

Saunas

no

Saunas

yes

Saunas

no

Golf

no

Golf

yes

Golf

Other: free entry to Casino Bernardin

Other: free wireless at reception

4* hotel

4* hotel

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 125 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 120 EUR.

Tourist organisation of Portorož

In focus

4* hotel

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 111 EUR.

60

61

In focus

In focus

Slovenian Thermal Spas

LJUBLJANA

MARIBOR

BUDVA

ZAGREB

ROVINJ

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

no

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

no

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

no

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

126 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

166 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

230 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

900 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

300 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

325 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

720 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

250 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

230 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

900 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

300 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

325 m²

Distance from international airport

32 km

Distance from international airport

25 km

Distance from international airport

60 km

Distance from international airport

20 km

Distance from international airport

6 km

Distance from international airport

38 km

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 4.600 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 4.550 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.950 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 1.850 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.600 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.450 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 5.630 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 8.360 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 7.170 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.200 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 4.900 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 6.650 EUR.

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Free wi-fi in rooms

no

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

yes

Saunas

yes

Saunas

yes

Saunas

yes

Golf

yes

Golf

no

Golf

no

4* hotel

4* hotel

4* hotel

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 95 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 135 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 100 EUR.

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

no

Swimming pool

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

yes

Saunas

yes

Saunas

yes

Saunas

no

Golf

no

Golf

no

Golf

no

4* hotel

4* hotel

Other: Parking, welcome drink 4* hotel

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 120 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 95 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 122 EUR.

62 In focus

DUBROVNIK

SOFIA

BELGRADE

Congress part:

Congress part:

Congress part:

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes

Daylight in conference hall

yes yes yes

Free parking for participants

yes

Free parking for participants

no

Free parking for participants

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

yes

Free wi-fi in the hall (for speakers)

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

225 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

275 m²

Area of conference hall for 100 participants (in m2)

250 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

450 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

275 m²

Area of conference hall for 200 participants (in m2)

250 m²

Distance from international airport

22 km

Distance from international airport

12 km

Distance from international airport

20 km

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.900 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.350 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 100 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 2.300 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 7.800 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 6.000 EUR.

The price (VAT included) should include all the above mentioned requests and a congress hall for 200 participants. The price for organizing a meeting of this size is 3.800 EUR.

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Accommodation part:

Free wi-fi in rooms

no

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Free wi-fi in rooms

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

yes

Swimming pool

no

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

yes

Fitnes

no

Saunas

yes

Saunas

yes

Saunas

no

Golf

no

Golf

no

Golf

no

4* hotel

Other: casino

4* hotel

4* hotel

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 125 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 60 EUR.

The price should include the abovementioned request along with VAT. The price is 85 EUR.

64 In focus

65 In focus

Managing ministry and government meetings through the eyes of the protocol It's always good to quietly prepare for possible complications

The Protocol of the republic of Slovenia is a governmental office, which carries out professional, organisational and technical jobs in organizing protocol events for high-level representatives of the Republic of Slovenia. Among others the protocol is responsible for organizing the visits of foreign high representatives in Slovenia, which are mostly official and work visits of heads of other countries, presidents of parliaments or governments as well as ministers of foreign affairs.

Ksenija Benedetti In July 2000 she was named as Head of Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia. Since July 2000 to date she has taken part in planning and carrying out 260 high-level governmental visits in Slovenia and abroad, as well as 80 state commemorations and other important state projects. She participated in the governmental executive board for preparing the celebration of Slovenia’s entry into the EU. She is a member of the Coordination board for state commemorations and was a member of the Wider working group for the preparation and execution of Slovenia’s presidency of the EU. In September 2008 she published her first book Protocol, a symphony of form.

The Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia focuses solely on organizing and carrying out these meetings – the content is the domain of the host and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The basis and guidelines of the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia are set by the governmental Decision on setting the protocol rules and the basic elements of a protocol event submitted by the protocol office of the host. From the moment the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia is notified of a protocol event and gains basic data from the host, the organisation and the execution of the event is in its hands. A main protocol event coordinator is set, who then forms a team to carry out the event from start to finish.

The starting point for organizing and carrying out high-level events is in preparing and executing a programme including all the

elements foreseen on the basis of the Decision on setting the protocol rules as well as specific elements, typical of the type of event and suggested by the offices of the host. Of course, the wishes and needs of the main guest are also taken into consideration. Considering all the elements the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia carefully and accurately plans a programme of the event in its entirety as well as its separate parts and while doing so prepares for possible complications, albeit quietly. The same principle applies for the execution of the event. Since such projects are based on team work the success of a project also depends on the creative and collegial atmosphere and synchronized team work, as well as cooperation with outside colleagues.

The Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia therefore doesn’t deal with the contents of meetings yet is very important the Protocol is acquainted with any special circumstances of the meeting and the wider state of relations of Slovenia and the country of the guest. This is one of the ways the Protocol can contribute own ideas and suggestions to establish a deeper and more creative attitude towards the event, adds a touch of finesse and contributes to the whole programme and the feeling of devotion of Slovenia towards the guest and his country. This can largely contribute to a more pleasant and genuine atmosphere in planning and carrying out the meeting, and latter contribute to better relations between the countries.

When organizing international high-level meetings, especially in the phase of execution, the work and image of the representatives of the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia are very importance in shaping the impression of

the guest and his view of Slovenia in general.

Kind, yet unobtrusive actions, calm reactions, high level of preparedness, knowledge of the guests home country, proper attire – all this is part of shaping the opinion of the guests on Slovenia, which they carry back home.

The Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia is very aware of these factors and pays attention to all these aspects of organizing events.

Well organized international meetings carry the message Slovenia is a modern, successful, developed and well organized country around the world. The proof was Slovenia’s very well organized presidency of the European Union in 2008. Long after the end of the presidency we received compliments from abroad, many countries addresses the Protocol with requests for help and suggestions in organizing their own presidencies. This is the way the Protocol contributed its part to increasing the reputation of Slovenia all over the world. For the Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia such recognitions are very encouraging and give us further drive to continue this level of success in the future.

66 Gastronomy

67 Gastronomy

Do hotels have their own heritage?

How and where should they present it?

The answer to the title of this article is, of course, yes. Each hotel, even the ones opened and built recently have their own cultural heritage. Hotels with longer histories are even more bound by their heritage. Of course, this poses a new question, especially relevant for Slovenia –

Prof. Janez Bogataj, PhD

are the hotels even aware of their heritage, do they know it, do they recognize it as an important strategic ingredient in planning their day to day activities?

I’m not posing this question without a reason.

My many years of working with students and mentoring their papers as well as master’s and doctoral theses offer an abundance of concrete cases, which confirm my doubts about the aforementioned question.

The question is actually too mild, given the circumstances, hotel philosophies are actually much worse, not to say critical.

And this considering the fact we have many positive examples in our Alp and Mediterranean neighbourhood – from smaller family-owned hotels to large objects and hotel chains. Of course we can’t omit the development period after the Second World War, which was aimed at destroying everything built in the previous few decades.

The whole issue is actually ironic. In fact, hotel heritage was not destroyed yet it found its way into numerous private apartments and their interior design.

Even today you can have dinner on tablecloths and silverware of a famous hotel in one of Slovenian cities.

Numerous receipts, menus, pictures, guest logs, diplomas, awards, cooking recipes and other materials are scattered among collections of private collectors, we can find it at flea markets and auctions. Do our hoteliers even know the meaning of the word documentation? And I’m not referring to the one they are obliged to keep for a certain amount of time according to the law like receipts, pay checks and other administrative materials. I recall for example, the trouble one of my students had some years ago, when she tried to get information on menus of hotels in one of our larger cities. There was no order, system, everything was scattered through folders, drawers. Of course, the former Austro Hungarian Empire knew how to create marketing opportunities. In that time excellent handbooks for hotel staff were published (we no longer have such manuals because...), which also included sample menus for every day and special occasions, types of place settings etc.

The next hurdle in preserving material cultural heritage are the architects (except an honourable few, who can be counted on the fingers on one hand), who plan the renovations or new additions, without any regard to everything we call »that extra something« which can make or break a hotel.

Of course, it cannot be solely their fault, but a piece of the planning strategy of the hotel, which has to be taken into account by the leadership and those who will build hotel programs, from interior design to culinary offer, in the future. But mostly to create what we call hotel tradition, identity and many more.

Also, the locations of including possible testimonies of the hotel’s history are pretty unsystematic and mostly unprofessional.

What hangs (or lies) on the walls of the

management or dining rooms or receptions?

This could be a subject of a separate study with specific Slovenian examples, for starters Ljubljana, then Portorož, Rogaška Slatnia, Radenci with a collection of paintings by some amateur painter, ...actually all our so called tourist cities.

We often whine about our tourism not developing the way we would like it to.

We truly can’t catch a break despite the fact the state has allocated substantial sums of money for all kinds of studies and strategies, which are to put it simply – recycled seminar papers we’ve seen a thousand times before.

The entire developed tourist world has been building their recognisability on identity and continuity, also shaped by right hotels, for decades. I’ve stated many times we could achieve a lot if we could come close to the level of distinction we possessed during the time of the monarchy between the two World Wars. A time when the area of hotel’s offer was built on the right ingredients, I’m talking about in this article. By that I am certainly not suggesting all the walls of a hotel should be decked by old relics and turned into a museum. This would miss the point and would be difficult to achieve due to a lack of materials. The guests come and will continue to come to modern hotels, but with a consideration of the cultural heritage of hotels, places, regions and the country.

Therefore all hotels should start with a systematic and selective (i.e. professional) managing of their documentation, materials on all aspects of their work, from room furnishing to menus to events.

All the materials need to become the right hand of marketing, planning, promotion, propaganda and mostly as the material of periodical or permanent exhibitions in the hotel’s spaces. How many of our hotels for example, have a gallery of celebrities on their walls (and I'm not referring to music, sports or similar mascots), how many offer a “replica” of famous special occasion meals from different periods of the hotel, how many of our most modern remodelled hotels keep a historic room with original furniture and rent it out at highest prices, are the owners of villa Široko in Šoštanj aware they have a (hopefully still) superiorly preserved bathroom with the oldest massage shower in Slovenia, etc. The exception might be Vila Bled, which offers the guests an unaltered Tito’s suite. The other exception is Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, where the heritage of a special “hotel” category, namely an army prison is introduced in a modern and functional way.

It seems some more innovation can be seen at tourist farms, though it mostly occurs without any formal knowledge and education on tourism.

Some offer sleeping in rooms and beds from historical periods and include other furniture, which addresses the identity and tradition of the family running the farm. Among hotels, there is another exception, namely Dvor Jezeršek 1768 in Zgornji Brnik, where the furbishment of the old part of the house, now a hotel, was done exclusively with furniture, objects and also documents, which shaped the life of the house before changing its purpose. Yet another example: the magnificent collection of menu cards from most of Tito’s receptions or gala diners is somewhere in a private collection (!). This would be excellent material for a special offer or event in a well preserved socialist environment. This era of our, European and worlds history gives numerous, also less developed tourist countries an excellent starting point for development of special offers and motives.

The motives themselves namely hold the essence of all tourism's efforts – and hotels can be the ones who shape them.

68 Surveys

69 Surveys

FutureWatch 2011 Events will be smaller and smarter this year

MPI’s annual FutureWatch survey has led meeting and event industry forecasting research for the past eight years, gauging the pulse of an industry projected to be worth US$1.6 trillion by 2020. Here’s what FutureWatch 2011 interviews with hundreds of industry professionals told us. The global financial crisis forced many industry practitioners to accept what a handful of their peers already knew

Technology, it seems, has finally gone mainstream in an industry that has long pushed back against what was once viewed as a direct threat to in-person events. Meeting professionals maintain that face-to-face meetings are far better equipped to form lasting relationships, business partnerships and revolutionary ideas, but acknowledge the sufficiency of online meetings, especially in sectors such as education. Concern for environmental impact has made planners further consider which events are best inperson and which are best online.

Figure 1: Where Meetings and Events are Traveling To

—that meetings must meet organizational strategic imperatives and provide detailed proof of ROI. Events will be smaller and smarter this year—

And as budgets became tighter, many meetings moved to cyberspace—a trend that will continue through 2011.

Projected Change 25% 20% 15% 10% 5%

FutureWatch results show that the tides of the meeting industry have shifted, and there will be no return to the events of the past.

Instead, meeting professionals will find that in presenting the value of their events to company leaders, board trustees and stakeholders, they better understand their own roles within organizations and better prepare for the future of meetings and events.

and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

In many countries, the failing economy also caused meeting suppliers and planners to collaborate in new and different ways, creating stronger intra-industry relationships that will last for years to come.

Figure 2: Year-to-Year Trend in Projected Meeting Statistics

0% -5% -10% 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Table 2 Year-to-Year Trend in Projected Meeting Statistics

Table 1 Canada

Europe C. America

S. America

Asia

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Overall Attendance

12%

23%

19%

-4%

5%

2%

Planner Budgets

14%

19%

11%

-9%

-3%

2%

Where Meetings and Events are Traveling To

U.S.

Other

From Canada to

11%

82%

5%

2%

1%

0%

1%

Spend Per Meeting

7%

6%

23%

2%

-1%

5%

From Europe to

10%

2%

82%

1%

1%

3%

4%

Number of Meetings

7%

12%

-1%

-9%

3%

8%

From U.S. to

87%

2%

6%

2%

1%

3%

3%

Lenght of Meeting

6%

2%

0%

-3%

0%

0%

70

71

Surveys

Environmental performance index Slovenia drops from 15th to 55th place

The countries of SE Europe are faring pretty well in the area of preserving the natural environment, worse in the area of efficient energy sources and environmental policies.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos the most complex index to date – EPI – Environmental Performance Index 2010 was presented.

The research carried out by Yale Centre for Environmental Law & Policy, measures the influence of the environment on people as well as the vitality of the environment, where ecosystem health and managing natural resources are measured. The research included 163 countries. The 25 measured markers included assessment of the environment, waters, air quality for people, air quality for the environment, water resources, biotic diversity, forestry, fishery, farming and managing climate change.

Figure 1: EPI indicators

Enviromental Health

Ecosystem Vitality Climate Change 25%

ClimatEnv. Burden of Disease 25% Agriculture 4.167 %

Fisheries 4.167 %

Air Pollution 12.5%

Forestry 4.167 % Water 12.5% Biodiversity & Habitat 4.167 %

Water 4.167 %

The countries from a wider region of SEE Europe have placed:

The top ten countries with the healthiest ecosystems considering all the abovementioned factors are:

13.

Slovakia

18.

Italy

1.

Iceland

22.

Czech Republic

2.

Switzerland

23.

Albania

3.

Costa Rica

29.

Serbia

4.

Sweden

33.

Hungary

5.

Norway

35.

Croatia

6.

Mauritius

45.

Romania

7.

France

55.

Slovenia

8.

Australia

65.

Bulgaria

9.

Cuba

73.

Macedonia

10.

Colombia

98.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most SE European countries landed in the group 7 where countries place highly concerning the state of the natural environment and somewhat worse in the area of farming and emissions per capita.

The highest ranked countries on the list are there due to their environmental legislature, use of renewable sources, policies to carbon neutrality, fight on use of fossil fuels, sustainable building, protecting biotic diversity in natural reserves, water quality and forest preservation.

The drop of Slovenia from 15. in 2008 to 55. in 2010 is surprising. The placement of Slovenia is lower due to worse results in the area of protecting the sea, carbon oxide emissions, ozone in the ecosystem, farming subsidies and sustainable politics, greenhouse gasses emissions per capita and CO2 emissions from creating electricity (CO2/kWh). The idea of building the economically, socially and environmentally controversial fossil fuel thermal power plant TEŠ 6 and the attitude towards environmental policies will continue to keep Slovenia behind, despite deserving its high ranking in the area of protecting the natural environment.

Let us make sure a part of the solution will also be a sustainable meetings industry, which will help place SE European countries higher on the chart.

Presentation of the Impressive PCO & COMMUNICATION Agency

CLA - CONNECTION LINKS ATHENA, the leading International Trade Show Workshops in connection with Art and Culture, organized

by IMPRESSIVE PCO & COMMUNICATION AGENCY, a vital company active in the field of MICE Business and Communication for over 30 years.

IMPRESSIVE PCO & COMMUNICATION AGENCY came up with a new business concept, with specialized CLA editions for different countries and destinations, to establish and develop the aesthetic approach to Events and Meetings worldwide. With that reaffirming a new trend where all kinds of arts will be proud to present and manifest their unique role, strengthening the connection between MICE industry products and culture, historical places and the environment, offer the participants the ideal networking platform to meet, exchange ideas, get connected and develop new trade relations.

Agency presents

IMPRESSIVE PCO & COMMUNICATION AGENCY organizes authoritative international and national exhibitions, trade shows, fairs, workshops, where great success and prestige meet. The skills and experiences in the field of MICE and tourism are not limited to fairs and events yet range over the management of web portals, the creation, implementation and analysis of databases, direct marketing campaigns, tourist guides and publishing, market surveys and personalized counselling.

IMPRESSIVE PCO & COMMUNICATION AGENCY offers intelligent communication and marketing instruments to deal with the MICE and tourism markets in the most efficient and successful way, with offices and associated partners in Greece, Denmark, UK, Italy and Spain. www.impressive-world.com www.impressive.gr

Thanks to a highly qualified and serious team of professionals, IMPRESSIVE PCO & COMMUNICATION AGENCY provides products and services able to sustain the MICE industry through the new challenges of the market, both with traditional means and on the web.

Details and results for specific countries available at: www.epi.yale.edu

organized by impressive

contact.cla@connectionlinks.org // www.connectionlinks.org

Danmarks Rejsebureau Forening

72 Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

73

News from Slovenian Convention Bureau

Notices of the Slovenian Convention Bureau In 2011 the Slovenian Convention Bureau remains a reliable partner in the efforts to promote and develop in the local and international environment of the meetings industry. We have carefully assessed all the activities so far and made a selection of those we believe will be the most rewarding. We have included them in this year’s work programme confirmed at the first meetings of the Bureau’s Council in January 2011.

Below we are introducing the overview of planned activities of the Slovenian Convention Bureau for 2011. We have concluded Conventa 2011 and are in the first phases of preparing the next one. This year we plan to attend two largest world trade shows and prepare study visits with workshops for foreign meetings organizers in Slovenia. We are going to continue with the educational programme through Academy Conventa as well as the activities of the Push up 3.0 campaign. For a more effective communication with members of the Slovenian Convention Bureau we have renovated the intranet page of the Bureau, which will include all the key information on the activities of the Bureau and its members. Have a look at our planned marketing activities and make sure you reserve your place at our events. For additional info we are available at +386 1 569 12 60 or by email at azra.botonjic@slovenia-convention.com.

We also invite you to continue sharing your news and novelties with other congress partners at info@slovenia-convention.com.

To keep up with the activities of the Slovenian Convention Bureau as well as your partners and competitors follow our websites at www.slovenia-convention.com, www.academyconventa.com and www.conventa.info.

MARKETING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU IN 2011 EVENTS OF THE SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU (SCB) - Annual assembly (March 17th – 18th 2011) - Council of Experts (November 2011) TRADESHOWS (in cooperation with STB) - CONVENTA 2011 (January 19th – 20th 2011) Applications to CONVENTA 2012 (January 18th-19th 2012) – early applications till 30th of June 2011. More at www.conventa.info.

- MEEDEX, Paris (March 30th – 31st 2011) - IMEX, Frankfurt (May 24th – 26th 2011) including a business dinner for partners.

Fee: 2,100€ + VAT For a minimum of 16 persons.

Application deadline: 15th of April 2011 - EIBTM, Barcelona (November 29th – December 1st 2011), including a business dinner for partners.

Fee: 2,100€ + VAT For a minimum of 14 persons.

Application deadline: October 15th 2011 STUDY VISITS with workshops for foreign event organizers in Slovenia (in cooperation with STB) - Belgium and Great Britain (July 8th – 10th 2011), for 26–30 people Programme prepared by: Intours DMC Fee: 1,500 € + VAT Max: 15 Slovenian partners Application deadline: May 10th 2011 - Germany (September 2nd–4th 2011), for 20–25 people Programme prepared by: KOMPAS DMC Fee: 1,500 € + VAT

Max: 14 Slovenian partners Application deadline: 15. July 15th 2011 - France (September 23rd–25th 2011), for 20–25 people Programme prepared by: Liberty Slovenia DMC Fee: 1,500 € + VAT Max: 14 Slovenian partners Application deadline: July 15th 2011 ACADEMY CONVENTA EDUCATION PROGRAMME In 2011 we prepared educational modules in the spring and autumn semester. The aim of Academy Conventa is transferring practical knowledge among its members based on the principle of active learning. The educational programme for 2011 aims to stimulate critical thinking, problem solving as well as cooperating and using gained skills.

All the participants of Academy Conventa modules will receive a certificate of attendance and 10 credit points. For the participation at congress practicum participants will receive 30 additional credit points.

In 2011 we are planning to introduce a pilot project of certification – Certified Congress Organizer.

More information at kristina@conventa.info.

Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

SPRING SEMESTER - Basic module: March 16th 2011, Laško - Destination module: March 31st, Bled - Marketing communications module: April 14th 2011, Portorož - Congress practicum 1 May 12th – 13th 2011, Podčetrtek For more information email: kristina@conventa.info AUTUMN SEMESTER - Basic module: September 22nd 2011, Ljubljana - Destination module: October 6th 2011, Maribor - Marketing communications module: October 20th 2011, Bohinj - Congress practicum 2, November 10th – 11th 2011, Kranjska Gora - Bidding Academy with Linda Pereira September 8th – 9th 2011 For more information email: kristina@conventa.info ACADEMY CONVENTA – SPECIAL EVENTS We kicked off 2011 with a lecture of sales guru Kevin Kelly, an internationally renowned motivational speaker and expert on marketing, management, sales and business excellence.

His lecture focused on new foundations of sales management. We found out how to make the move from client to friend, which philosophy leads your sales team to fulfilling their dreams and how your congress, location or destination can be made unique.

Third business trade show Conventa exceeds expectations Between January 19th and 20th Slovenia became the juncture of the meetings industry of Southeast Europe for the third year in a row.

Conventa trade show, the most important meetings industry trade show in the region of Southeast Europe, exceeded all the expectations.

“This was the biggest expert meeting of the meetings industry in the region of Southeast Europe to date and yet another proof Southeast Europe is definitely an emerging destination, which attracts more and more interest at the international market,” said Miha Kovačič, organizer of Conventa.

The third Conventa convinced 122 congress and incentive providers from nine countries among them congress centres and hotels, DMCs, PCOs and event agencies, special venues, caterings as well as ten media partners introducing their offer at Conventa Media Street and seven eco providers introducing their eco-friendly offer in the eco village. In comparison to last year Conventa attracted 23 % more exhibitors.

"We are pleased Conventa attracted a large number of congress and incentive suppliers, who are taking part for the first time. Among them, let’s mention the convention bureau of Friuli–Venezia Giulia, convention bureau of Austrian Styria and Carinthia as well as Sofia and Bosnia and Herzegovina," told Gorazd Čad, technical organizer of the trade show.

This trust in Conventa is reflected in the increasing number of individual and group applications of hosted buyers. Miha Kovačič stated: “we are pleased to see more interest of hosed buyers from all over Europe. In close cooperation with invited buyers group leaders Conventa can welcome high quality buyers with real purchasing capacity.”

Members of the Convention Bureau attend MPI’s conference EMEC Members of Slovenian convention Bureau attended the MPI European conference EMEC (European Meetings & Events Conference) in Düsseldorf, Germany between 13th and 15th of February. The aim of the conference was focused on the most important factors – strategic performance, ROI and maintaining a network of collaboration. EMEC enabled us to experience new technology, strategic event management and practical examples of corporate social responsibility, enabling us to become a vital element in the success of our organisation.

The opening address was made by renowned Scottish businessman and strategist Robin Sieger, who is committed to creating success within organisations. In the following days many other renowned international speakers took to the podium: Andy Bounds, Frans Johansson, Lisa Ekström, Robert Benninga, Markus Hofmann, Jim Stolze, Rick Garlick, Linda Pereira, Patrick Delaney and many others, who shared their experience in workshops, sessions or in the solutions room.

For forging ties in an informal setting the hosts of the event prepared a welcome dinner with a German carnival theme and a gala dinner in a trendy fashionable environment at an innovative venue of an airport terminal.

)PUFM 7JMMB ,BQFUBOPWJĂŻ

74

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Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

Hotel Wellness Park in LaĹĄko hosted the annual assembly of the Slovenian Convention Bureau on 17th and 18th of March. Thermana LaĹĄko proved to be an excellent organizer and host.

Miha KovaÄ?iÄ? lectures in Sicily Director of Slovenian Convention Bureau Miha KovaÄ?iÄ? attended a three-day educational programme upon the invitation of the Convention Bureau of Sicily as lecturer. Sicily aims to become a renowned Mediterranean congress destination. Their economists attended a lecture of the work of Slovenian Convention Bureau and marketing tools we use.

Annual assembly of the SLOVENIAN ConveNtion Bureau in Laťko The youngest congress hotel in Slovenia –

The first part of the event focused on introducing the annual report of the Convention Bureau for 2010 and programme for 2011. During the morning part the marketing campaign of additional promotion Push up Slovenia 3.0 was introduced. The campaign recently gained a 150,000 euro grant of the Ministry of Economics from EU means. The means will be used exclusively to promote and market Slovenia as a meetings and incentive destination. SCB also prepared a special brochure named “Convention Bureau with full speed into 2011�, where all the activities of the bureau are introduced including a calendar for better overview. The programme of Academy Conventa 2011 was also introduced.

The central topic “Does destination sell?� was introduced by Leena Sipila, director of Helsinki Convention Bureau from Finland. The participants got an actual case of an inquiry to conduct an international conference. In the workshops the participants were divided into groups by region. Each group prepared its own candidacy and introduced it to all the other participants in the plenary session. This was an excellent opportunity to ensure all the participants actively participated in the process of preparing a candidacy and at the same time share experiences with others.

The lectures on Friday had a common title – The expectations of today’s clients. The lecturers were Miss Maja Špindler, NHT Global, who introduced the needs of a company, Dr. Aleť Kuhar from Biotechnical Faculty, which recently acquired a very important international congress, introduced the need of scientific associations.

Mr. Vinko Vitman from the Ministry of Higher Education shared the experience of public administration. The law on public orders is

constantly changing and the state as largest event organizer is an important client for the members of the Convention Bureau.

The social part of the event offered an opportunity to enhance contacts with colleagues from our industry and meet new ones. Gregor LeviÄ? from the newly founded iDMC carried out an unforgettable teambonding in cooperation with Pivovarna LaĹĄko. Solving riddles with the topic of beer, getting to know the brewery and trying different kinds of beers, even those not yet on the market, was an interesting and fun experience.

Hotel Villa Kapetanović **** is a family hotel with excellent restaurant Laurus and SPA & Wellness center Laurus. It is situated above village of Volosko, by city of Opatija, on the place that offers you a spectacular and unforgettable view of the bay with islands.

Our SPA Laurus was recognized as the best small wellness center in Croatia. Our restaurant Laurus was recognized as one of the top restaurants on the Croatian gastronomic scene, having established a reputation for quality based on the uniqueness of our dishes and an imaginative choice of fine wines. In prestige guide GaultMillau we have 15/20 points for year 2011.

Hotel Villa Kapetanović **** offers you 24 comfortably designed rooms, 3 spacious suite, conference and banquet hall 212 m² for organization of seminars, team building, gala dinners, weddings, round tables,

balls, ceremonies, celebrations... Capacity of the congress hall is 60 persons in school setup or 100 persons in theater setup. We offer you a possibility to work in few separated sections.

Hotel has private parking place for 37 cars of which 12 are in a garage and one parking place is for a bus.

In Mediterranean garden is outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax and enjoy. Our guests can use our free of charge shuttle (city – sea bus) if they want to visit center of Opatija or some of the local beaches and our shuttle will take them back to hotel.

We can also organize Culinary Academy or cooking in our restaurant kitchen with our chef.

Hotel Villa Kapetanović & Laurus Team are at your disposal

XXX WJMMB LBQFUBOPWJD IS /PWB DFTUB " )3 0QBUJKB 5

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76 Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

77

List of members of Slovenian Convention Bureau

Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

We would like to introduce all the members of the Slovenian Convention Bureau along with their acquired standards and contacts.

You can find more information on the Slovenian Convention Bureau and its members at the website www.slovenia-convention.com.

Standard

Name of Slovenian Convention Bureau member

Name of contact person

E-mail

Website

Standard

Klaro d.o.o.

Uroš Čimžar

uros@klaro.si

www.klaro.si

H

Sava Hotels and Resorts Bled

Elvira Krupić

elvira.krupic@hotelibled.com

www.sava-hotels-resorts.com

G

Slovenian Tourist Board

Karmen Novarlič

karmen.novarlic@slovenia.info

www.slovenia.info

Terme Čatež

Marjanka Bužančič

marjanka.buzancic@terme-catez.si

www.terme–catez.si

G

Terme Krka

Renata Zorman

renata.zorman@terme-krka.si

www.terme-krka.si

G

Terme Maribor

Darja Slivnjak

darja.slivnjak@termemb.si

www.termemb.si

Terme Olimia

Alenka Brglez

alenka.brglez@terme-olimia.com

www.terme-olimia.com

G

Terme Ptuj

Tanja Božič

tanja.bozic@terme-ptuj.si

www.terme-ptuj.si

G

Terme Spa Rogaška

Katarina Abraham

katarina.abraham@terme-rogaska.si

www.terme-rogaska.si

G

Liberty Incentives & Congresses Slovenia

Boštjan Horjak

bostjan@liberty-slovenia.com

www.liberty-slovenia.com

C

Name of Slovenian Convention Bureau member

Name of contact person

E-mail

Website

ABC rent a car, EUROPCAR Slovenija

Mitja Karun

mitja.karun@europcar.si

www.europcar.si

H

Adria Airways

Alen Mlekuž

alen.mlekuz@adria.si

www.adria.si

H

Airport Ljubljana

Janez Krašnja

janez.krasnja@lju-airport.si

www.lju-airport.si

Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana

Jernej Osterman

jernej.osterman@austria-trend.at

www.austria-trend.at

Cankarjev dom

Dušica Todorovič

dusica.todorovic@cd-cc.si

www.cd-cc.si/congress

Intours DMC

Tomaž Krušič

tomaz.krusic@intours-dmc.si

www.intours-mice.si

C

The Slovenia Times

Brane Krajnik

brane.krajnik@sloveniatimes.com

www.sloveniatimes.com

H

Javni zavod Ljubljanski grad

Maja Pangršič

maja.pangrsic@ljubljanskigrad.si

www.ljubljanskigrad.si

M-Tours Bled

Miro Mulej

mtours@mtours.net

www.mtours.net

C

Tourism Kras

Igor Blažina

igor.blazina@postojnska-jama.si

www.postojnska-jama.si

Hotel Paka

Stanko Brunšek

stanko.brunsek@hotelpaka.com

www.hotelpaka.com

G

University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Portorož

Petra Zabukovec Baruca

petra.zabukovec@turistica.si

www.turistica.si

H

Go-Mice

Gorazd Čad

gorazd.cad@go-mice.eu

www.go-mice.eu

H,B

Hotel Astoria Bled

Alisa Cerič

alisa.ceric@vgs-bled.si

www.hotelastoria-bled.com

G

GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

Špela Terpin

spela.terpin@gr-sejem.si

www.gr-sejem.si

E,H

Vivo Catering

Jerneja Kamnikar

jerneja.kamnikar@vivo.si

www.vivo.si

H

Grand hotel Union

Renata Balažic

renata.balazic@gh-union.si

www.gh-union.si

F,G

Bled Culture Institute

Matjaž Završnik

matjaz.zavrsnik@zkbled.si

www.zavod-za-kulturo-bled.si

J,I

Catering Jezeršek

Jure Jezeršek

jure@jezersek.si

www.jezersek.com

H

Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau

Tatjana Radovič

tatjana.radovic@visitljubljana.si

www.visitljubljana.si/meetings

A

HIT Holidays Kranjska Gora

Polonca Bačnar

polonca.bacnar@hitholidays-kg.si

www.hitholidays-kg.si

G

Maya Team

Borut Nikolaš

borut@maya.si

www.maya.si

D

HIT Nova Gorica

Nelida Nemec

nelida.nemec@hit.si

www.hit.si

G

Maribor Tourist Board

Bernarda Karo

bernarda.karo@maribor.si

www.maribor-pohorje.si

A

Hotel Lek

Sandra Fiorelli

sandra.fiorelli@hotel-lek.si

www.hotel-lek.si

G

Vila Bled

Petra Čuk

petra.cuk@sportina-turizem.si

www.vila-bled.si

Hotel Lev

Saša Špolar

sasa.spolar@hotel-lev.si

www.hotel-lev.si

G

iDMC

Gregor Levič

gregor.levic@idmc.eu

www.idmc.eu

D

Rogaška Hotels & Lotus Terme

Damijan Merc

damijan@hotel-sava-rogaska.si

www.rogaska.si

G

Bohinj Park Eco Hotel

Nataša Andlovec

natasa.andlovec@phb.si

www.bohinj-park-hotel.si

G

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

Nataša Keršič

natasa.kersic@hotelslon.com

www.hotelslon.com

G

Hotel Drnča

Vesna Lešnik

vesna.lesnik@hotel-drnca.si

www.hotel-drnca.si

G

St. Bernardin, Adriatic Resort & Convention Center

Mojca Gobina

mojca.gobina@bernardingroup.si

www.bernardingroup.si

F

Hotel Plesnik

Marjana Cvetko

marjana.cvetko@plesnik.si

www.plesnik.si

G

LifeClass Hotels & Spa Portorož

Marko Lenček

marko.lencek@lifeclass.net

www.lifeclass.net

F,G

Kempinski Palace Portorož

Marcos Torres Mueller

marcos.torres@kempinski.com

www.kempinski-portoroz.com

G

Kobilarna Lipica

Bogdan Capuder

bogdan.capuder@lipica.org

www.lipica.org

G,I

Sport centre Pohorje

Iris Kociper Haas

iris.kociper@sc-pohorje.si

www.pohorje.org

G

Kompas DMC

Tina Možina

tina.mozina@kompas.si

www.kompasmice.com

C

Terme Unior Zreče

Breda Einfalt

breda.einfalt@unitur.eu

www.unitur.eu

G

Koren Sports

Matija Koren

matija@humanfish.com

www.humanfish.com

D

Thermana Laško

Mojca Leskovar

mojca.leskovar@thermana.si

www.thermana.si

F

City Hotel Ljubljana

Erika Bokal

erika.bokal@cityhotel.si

www.cityhotel.si

G

Hotel Triglav Bled

Marcela Klofutar

marcela@hoteltriglavbled.si

www.hoteltriglavbled.si

G

Lifetrek

Matej Mejovšek

matej@lifetrek.si

www.lifetrek.si

D

Event agencija Profit

Uroš Zajec

uros.zajec@profit.si

Hotel Mons - Hotel in kongresni center Ljubljana

Gregor Gorenc

info@hotel.mons.si

www.hotel.mons.si

F

Tourism Bohinj

Klemen Langus

klemen.langus@bohinj.si

www.bohinj.si

*

Alkemist - European translation agency

Saša Gorše

sasa.gorse@alkemist.si

www.alkemist.si

S5 KONGRES

Srečo Peterlič

sreco.peterlic@s5kongres.si

www.s5kongres.si

*

Tourist Board Portorož

Jadran Furlanič

jadran@portoroz.si

www.portoroz.si

*

Health resort Radenci

Miha Veberič

miha.veberic@terme-radenci.si

www.terme-radenci.si

G

Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa

Katie Smirnina

katie@antiqpalace.com

www.antiqpalace.com

*

Robotrade

Robert Omovšek

robert@robotrade.si

www.robotrade.si

H

H,J G B,E

I

* in the process of standardization

F,G

H,I

I

*

78

Introduction of E and H standards of the Slovenian Convention Bureau

The Slovenian Convention Bureau has prepared a standardisation for its members, based upon the existing standards and recommendations in the field of business tourism. The bureau sees standardization as a strategic tool in raising quality and recognisability of the Slovenian meetings industry. Slovenia is amongst the first countries in the world to introduce wholesome standards in the field of the meetings industry.

The certificates of a certain standard confirm the service provider fulfils strict criteria in its category and is a reliable and trustworthy partner in the opinion of Slovenian Convention Bureau.

The certificates are valid for three years so the fulfilment of criteria is constantly monitored.

And what do the E and H standards mean?

Category E represents the Congress and Exhibition centres. It is understandable they are the ones with the largest congress facilities by number of seats in a plenary hall as well as the number of parallel halls and smaller meeting rooms. Congress centres also have appropriate lobbies to carry out exhibitions, caterings and other events. A congress centre should offer all the technical support to carry out even the most demanding events.

Category H, other congress services represents all the congress service providers, who do not belong in any other category. Here we find airlines, airports, car hire, technical equipment, catering, IT solutions, media, counselling, educational institutions, tourist agencies and other companies involved in the meetings industry.

Introduction of Slovenian Convention Bureau members who achieved E standard Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre Ljubljana Dušica Todorovič Prešernova 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0) 1 24 17 122 dusica.todorovic@cd-cc.si www.cd-cc.si/congress GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Špela Terpin Dunajska cesta 18, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)1 300 2639 Spela.Terpin@gr-sejem.si www.gr-sejem.si

Introduction of Slovenian Convention Bureau members who achieved h standard

Go.Mice Gorazd Čad Štihova ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)1 430 5103 gorazd.cad@go-mice.eu www.go-mice.eu GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Špela Terpin Dunajska cesta 18, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)1 300 2639 Spela.Terpin@gr-sejem.si www.gr-sejem.si CATERING Jezeršek Jure Jezeršek Sora 1a, 1215 Medvode, Slovenia +386 (0)1 361 9411 jure@jezersek.si www.jezersek.com Robotade Robert Omovšek Grajska cesta 18, m4260 Bled, Slovenia +386 (0)4 576 5000 robert@robotrade.si www.robotrade.si

ABC rent a car Mitja Karun Ulica Jožeta Jame 16, 1210 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)51 313 325 mitja.karun@europcar.si www.europcar.si

Klaro d.o.o.

Uroš Čimžar Bistrica 35, 4290 Tržič, Slovenia +386 (0)1 280 7770 uros.cimzar@klaro.si www.rs-klan.com

Adria Airways Alen Mlekuž Kuzmičeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)1 369 1317 alen.mlekuz@adria.si www.adria-airways.com

Turizem KRAS. Katja Dolenc Batagelj Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia +386 (0)5 700 0142 info@batagel.com www.postojnska-jama.si

Aerodrom Ljubljana Janez Krašnja Zg. Brnik 130a, 4210 Brnik, Slovenija +386 (0)4 206 1000 janez.krasnja@lju-airport.si www.lju-airport.si

University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Portorož Marijana Sikosek Obala 11a, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia +386 (0)5 617 7000 marijana.sikosek@turistica.si www.turistica.si

Alkemist - European translation Agency Saša Gorše Obirska ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovania +386 (0)1 51 41-678 sasa.gorse@alkemist.si www.alkemist.si

Vivo Catering Jerneja Kamnikar Pot n Fužine 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 (0)1 546 1657 jerneja.kamnikar@vivo.si www.vivo.si

SLOVENIA MEETINGS

Slovenian Convention Bureau presents

Feel the people.

Taste fresh ideas.

www.slovenia.info

www.slovenia-convention.com

80 Congress travelogue

81

ZAGREB

Congress travelogue

Congress impressions from Zagreb

I’ve been to the Croatian capital very often and the first things I’ve been noticing lately are the numerous new buildings and new modern trams. The latter have reminded me I am in a true metropolis since childhood.

Today's Zagreb has about 800,000 inhabitants, with suburbs a little over a million.

To me Zagreb has always been a charming city along with its always stylish women, who have long been known as trendsetter in the region. I feel life in Zagreb flows slowly, people still take time to sit in cafes and chat – this side of the city seems pretty Mediterranean. There is good food in Zagreb, a few extraordinary and different restaurants, such as the bistro Prasac. In the middle of the city there is a market similar to the one in Ljubljana by its character. The other memory from my youth is the visit to Mimara gallery, mandatory for all high school students of former Yugoslavia. It’s the concentration of culture that always draws me to Zagreb.

The city boasts over 20 museums, numerous galleries and theatres including the newest Museum of modern art Zagreb, which is also an excellent meetings and event venue. The third memory of Zagreb is always connected with visiting top rock concerts, which take place in Arena or Maksimir. This year they will host Bon Jovi.

To a foreigner the first impression is definitely Central European. The architecture of numerous buildings was marked by AustroHungarian times. The suburbs of Novi Zagreb seem a bit more Balkan, grey and tired and haven’t changed much since my childhood.

Zagreb is not only the cultural and political centre of Croatia. As a metropolis it is also among the most developed parts of Croatia in the meetings industry. Most museums are able to host receptions and congresses. All of them are in the centre of town, easily accessible and attractive venues. In light of accessibility Zagreb is a big small congress city.

Zagreb boasts the biggest concentration of international hotel chains in the region.

Conventions can be organized in the hotels Sheraton, Westin, Arcotel, Four Points by Sheraton and one of the best hotels in the

The biggest disadvantage of Zagreb is the absence of a modern multifunctional congress centre. In my opinion this is at the moment the biggest hindrance for a faster growth of the meetings industry in Zagreb and keeps it from becoming a strong contender on the market.

As everywhere else in the region the other deficiency is the problem of the airport, which seems the most tired of all in the region, yet the frequency and number of flights is improving.

Happy news was announced this December

by Zagreb mayor Bandić – a new convention centre will be built in 2012 and the renovation of the airport terminal will begin shortly.

I am certain both projects will restart the development of the meetings industry.

With proper marketing and development of a network of partners, Zagreb will remain the leading Croatian and regional congress region Regent Esplanade. Besides those there are a few excellent local congress hotels, such as Hotel Antunović. All in all the hotels of Zagreb offer 1,561 rooms in 5 star hotels and 2,143 rooms in 4 star hotels. Zagreb could host large international congress if the offer

of convention centres followed the hotels.

Partially this void is filled by the modern Hypo centre with a congress hall for 1,600, the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall can seat 1,800 guests and Zagrebački velesajam also offers congress capacities.

destination. As its primary advantages I would stress its compactness and the high quality of hotel accommodation.

Comparison with the Region Zagreb has a bright congress future. I think it could do well in the international market and form a backbone of the meetings industry in the region along with Ljubljana and Belgrade.

At least three cities are persistently climbing the scale of developed congress destination, the final breakthrough of the entire region is complicated and dependant of marketing of main congress cities at the international market.

For more information visit: www.zagreb-convention.hr Gorazd Čad

Destination grade

**** Marks ***** **** *** ** *

excellent convention destination quality convention destination recommendable convention destination average convention destination passable

82 Congress locations

83

News from Ljubljana Tourism Convention Bureau

Statements & opinions

Congress locations

www.visitljubljana.si/meetings

We asked a few meeting industry providers from Zagreb what they think about Zagreb as an international congress destination.

Aleksandra Uhernik Đurđek, Atlas DMC, Meetings & Events Division Manager Refined and playful, Zagreb finds a way into your heart almost unnoticeably, and its trams of the typical blue colour, old-time charm and warmth are difficult to forget. At first sight it will remind you of other European capitals like Vienna, Prague or Budapest, as the city has always been deeply rooted in Central European culture and tradition; however, everything is still different, special, Zagreb-like.

Did you know that Zagreb is the city known for Croata tie – a national pride and Croatian invention and typical accessorise for business people? “Penkala” was invented by a Zagreb citizen Slavoljub Penkala more than 80 years ago and advertised as “an incredible pencil that does not need to be sharpened and remains the same and fits every hand.

Good connections, modern meeting capacities, variety of hotels… What more could one need? www.atlas-croatia.com

Nikolina Štorga, Hotel Aristos, Sales and Marketing Manager

Slaven Reljić, VenEvent DMC-PCO, Managing Director

Zagreb is the capital city of the Republic of Croatia, a modern city with hospitality and unique charm. Zagreb is a recognizable spot for the meetings industry thanks to excellent traffic connections to other European and non-European cities, great congress facilities, diverse hotels, high quality of service, professionalism and hospitality. Zagreb has proven to be a great host to many international congresses, cultural and sporting events. It is a centre of culture, science, commerce, industry and presents a combination of a modern and traditional way of life. Its visitors can enjoy the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, numerous museums and galleries, theatres, diverse shopping venues and great restaurants with domestic and international cuisines. In spite of the rapid business development, it did not lose its relaxing atmosphere which makes it a genuinely humane city, the one you will want to return to.

Zagreb is an optimal sized capital, approaching 1 million inhabitants with surroundings, but still has a flair of a pleasant smaller city. Historic upper and down-town are especially attractive.

Zagreb's airport has direct flights to almost all European capitals and major hubs, so it is easily accessible for intercontinental participants at congresses as well.

Most of the congresses are organized in downtown located 5* & 4* hotels, which are very convenient for work as well as cultural/social programmes and dine-arounds, There are also mid-sized congress centres or multifunctional halls, V.S.O.P. are also in use for important meetings and congresses.

Being open to all its visitors, easy-reachable, safe and with some magic mix of midEuropean and Mediterranean charm (because of its numerous citizens who come from Croatian Adriatic coast, which is just 1 hour away), Zagreb becomes one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for smaller & mid-sized international congresses.

www.hotel-aristos.hr

www.venevent.com

The 40th World Scout Congress and 12th World Scout Youth Forum 2014 in – Ljubljana and Slovenia Ljubljana will in July 2014 host the World Scout Congress, a four-day event attracting over 1000 representatives of scout organisations from all over the world. The selected venue that corresponded most to the Client’s requirements is the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre – GR. Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau wish to congratulate the Slovene National Scouts Organisation for this success and we look forward to our further excellent cooperation.

A strong delegation of the Slovene National Scouts Organisation recently attended the 39th World Scouts Congress, which took place in Curitiba, Brazil in January 2011, with a very special purpose. After 14 months of preparations, in which Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau was involved from the start, the bid to host the next congress in 2014 in Slovenia and Ljubljana was formally presented. Two countries entered the final selection: the Slovenian team faced a very strong competition from Italy, which proposed Florence and Rimini as destinations for the event. The votes of the national delegations were counted at the closing ceremony, and Slovenia won the bid with a substantial majority of votes. The Congress will take place in Ljubljana, while the Youth Forum will run in the green environment of the Rogla Plateau. We are confident that with joint efforts we will justify the trust given to us with this decision and that the 40th World Scout Congress will not only be a

jubilee one, but hopefully also an unforgettable one.

More at: www.wsc2014.si

An updated edition of “A Key to Ljubljana for Travel Trade Professionals” In March a new updated edition of “A Key to Ljubljana for Travel Trade Professionals” will become available. The edition is aimed at foreign tour operators, travel agencies and journalists yet is also useful for any other purpose requiring

an in depth presentation of Ljubljana as a tourist destination and its offer. The edition with a refreshed and dynamic content will be published only in digital form and will be available on minidisk or at www.visitljubljana.si.

Among the publications for the professional public this year we are planning a new edition of “Ljubljana – Tips for Incentives”, which will present a wide selection of incentive and team building programmes in Ljubljana and its surroundings.

For more information contact Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau at convention@visitljubljana.si.

84

85

Congress locations

Congress personality

Enfant terrible Adriano Požarić

Homeliness and tradition with a view “Na Kuren” is a tourist farm which stands atop a hill (525 m above sea level) overlooking the Ljubljana basin, 27 kilometres from Ljubljana.

Besides being a popular hiking destination, Na Kuren is well known for its culinary offer based on traditional Slovenian cuisine, using genuine ingredients that originate from the farm itself or from neighbouring producers. The surrounding pristine nature adds its touch to the menu, which features a variety of seasonal forest specialties and a very popular blueberry liquor.

The homestead has been owned and run by the same family for generations and today they are proud to show how their farm, where people used to stop only for a drink, gradually became known for its cuisine. Starting with home-baked bread, cold cuts, pies and salads, hearty soups, the scenario continues with roast meats (shank of veal being in high demand) prepared in an old wood oven.

Na Kuren can now welcome groups of over 100 guests, and since 2010 it also offers accommodation – 9 rooms and a sauna, to those wishing to stay for a night or two.

Close to the main building visitors can admire the church of St. Nicholas, dating from the 14th century, with a decorated ceiling from the 16th century. There are several options to discover the nearby area and its pristine forests, among which is a popular 30-minute walk to an observation tower, from where breathtaking views in all directions unfold.

Several meeting planners holding events in Ljubljana have chosen to organise a lunch or dinner at Na Kuren for delegates to experience a

true taste of Slovenia. Even the informal wrap-up of the Conventa Show delighted over 70 foreign hosted buyers with an evening of genuine gastronomy and warm hospitality.

wife; and Mojca, a very active retired lady who has lived in Ljubljana her entire life and gives occasional news to her foreign friend. We can also define it as a synthesised array of visual impressions, vibrations and experiences that merge into an original image of Ljubljana.

The promotional film is available on DVD and it can also be downloaded from the Ljubljana Tourism website at www.visitljubljana.si or seen via YouTube.

Follow our posts on YouTube: Our YouTube video channel broadcasts promotional films about Ljubljana's tourism offerings and events taking place in the city. View more at www.youtube.com/TourismLjubljana.

Could you introduce yourself in two sentences – one describing you as a private and other as a public person?

Life is too short to live without leaving a trace. As private and public person I try to be positive with the motto: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

I try to enjoy my free time with my family and my friends.

Which are your favourite magazines from the area of tourism?

Conde Nast Traveller, Vini & Sappori.

Which was the last book you read and which book would you recommend to our readers?

Funky Business by Jonas Ridderstrale & Kjell Nnordstrom.

Which was the last event you attended?

I attended Conventa in Ljubljana.

View the new promotional film “Letters from Ljubljana” “Letters from Ljubljana” is the title of a new 6-minute promotional film on the Slovenian capital, with a text in English. The scenario displays how people of different generations experience Ljubljana by sharing their impressions with fond persons. Check out how Ljubljana is presented in the writings of a young student named Ana, who is expecting the arrival of her boyfriend from abroad; a French photographer named Pierre, who works on a project in Ljubljana and is in constant touch with his

Which was the last movie you saw?

Black cat, white cat by Emir Kusturica.

How many foreign languages do you speak?

English and Italian.

Who were your idols growing up and who are they today?

Spiderman, Superman, Bob Rock, Sir Oliver, Rip Kirby, Holden Caulfield from the book Catcher in the Rye, Steve Jobs, Jerry Seinfeld, Cosmo Kramer...

Which were your first and your current job?

My first job was as surf and sailing instructor, now I am a publisher and education event/

seminar organiser.

What is the first thing you do when you come to work?

Check e-mail, LinkedIn, Google Analytics and Facebook.

What influenced your life the most? Was it a person or an event?

An event – the ECM Summer School 2005 in Malta.

Could you highlight your best and worse life experience?

Best: sailing in perfect wind conditions at sunset between Croatian islands.

Worse: running out of fuel in my car on an empty road at 2:30 AM. What are you most proud of?

Creating Turizam Info magazine with my wife – we are proud of each single issue.

Which success story from the area of tourism would you mention?

Klaus Kobjoll owner of the Schindlerhof Hotel in Boxdorf, Germany. Great practitioner and a person to learn from.

Which marketing idea sticks out the most in the area of tourism?

The Fat Duck restaurant in London.

What do you miss most in Croatian and SE Europe’s meeting industry?

Better connections with businesses in the region, especially small and medium.

Would you share your favourite places to visit in spring, summer, fall and winter?

Spring: Opatija (my hometown), summer: Croatian Islands – on a sail boat, fall: Bologna, Montalcino, Toscana, Piemonte, Alsace (perfect food & wine destinations...) and in the winter: Livigno.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy sailing, travelling around Europe, tasting fine wines, visiting great restaurants.

Your life’s motto?

Enjoy life!

86 History/Future

87 History/Future

Past, present and future of the meetings industry In Slovenia anyone with “five free minutes” can organize a meeting lately

The first Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) in the area of former Yugoslavia was the company Magistrat in Ljubljana, where a congress division called Congress Tourism was established in 1965. Back then we organized national and international meetings from 500 to 5,000 participants throughout Yugoslavia, from Bled to Skopje, from Belgrade to Dubrovnik.

The main congress destinations in Slovenia back then were Bled, Ljubljana and Portorož, in the other republics Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Skopje, Dubrovnik and other tourist centres along the Adriatic cost – Opatija, Šibenik, Split etc.

Majda Zidanski studied at renowned Ljubljana hotel management school and later at Faculty of Economics in Maribor and meanwhile gathered experiences at hotel Bellevue and Lev and as receptionist in hotel Turist, where she late became head of reception. In 1971 she began her professional career as congress organizer at Ljubljana Magistrat working throughout the former Yugoslavia. She remained with the company till 1978 when her talents were discovered by the then director of Generalturist Andrej Ristič, who wanted to make Bled a leading congress destination in Slovenia – and succeeded.

Based on the years of experience she published a book called “Meetings industry” in 2005, where she shares her knowledge and life experiences. Deliberate and full of vision she and partner Andrej Ristič continue their 42-year career in the meetings industry despite the current “weird times”.

At that time only capitals or the biggest cities had the proper capacities and infrastructure to host cogresses: Bled and Festival Hall, later the hall at Golf Hotel, Ljubljana with the Exhibition and Convention Centre, Tivoli hall and Festival Hall, Portorož with the Auditorium, Opatija with hotels Adriatic and Ambasador, Belgrade with Sava Centre, hotel Jugoslavija and other hotels and Dubrovnik with the largest congress hotels in Yugoslavia back then. The congress division of Magistrat organized fairly large international congresses from 1965 to 1978 at all the above mentioned destinations. For us – the employees this meant constant travel with all the baggage needed for organizing meetings – audio-visual and simultaneous translations equipment.

A second congress division was created in 1971 after the completion of the Avditorij, a new congress centre in Portorož. In 1978 a congress division of tourist agency Generalturist in Bled was formed, later renamed The Congress Bureau Bled till 1985 and then transferred to the Festival Hall Bled on the initiative of Hotelsko turistično podjetje. The Bled Congress Bureau worked till 1986 when the head stakeholder of the

meetings industry in Bled Andrej Ristič and I founded the first private congress tourist agency in the socialist Yugoslavia – Albatros Bled, which is still active today.

In 1980 Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana became the largest event centre in Slovenia and started its own congress division.

The comparison of past and present state of the meetings industry can be summed up by the following statements: - The offer of hotel and congress capacities has spread incredibly in the last few years, maybe even too much.

- Technical and conference services have achieved a higher level with the development of technology.

- With a higher level of meetings and hotel capacities the need for improvisation is no longer necessary – like it used to be.

- The logistics, i.e. managing contacts and online application of participants are made easier by computer software.

- We have noticed a lack of awareness on the meetings industry at the national level.

- There is a discrepancy in the development of the congress, catering, culture and entertainment capacities in regions and country.

- The human resources are not properly trained.

- The status of a PCO is not properly defined and appreciated. In Slovenia anyone with “five free minutes” can organize a meeting lately. Unfortunately there is more and more drive for profit. The result of this is the decrease in the level of quality of events and the services to participants.

- Lately, renowned international congresses are scarcer; there are more one- or two-day events mostly educational or promotional.

I find Slovenia as a meetings destination is not recognizable enough on the international market.

The main role of promotion is carried out by international activities of political, scientific, cultural and business cooperation of the state and its institutions. Put simply: the congresses and similar events are a reflection of social, economic and scientific activities of a country.

I can conclude the situation in the meetings industry is similar to the situation in the country.

The future of the meetings industry is completely unsure and unpredictable since – as always – it is connected with the economic situation of the entire country and wider. We will definitely have to consider the following: - We need to improve the quality of the tourist services linked with the meetings industry.

- Settle and “clean up” the number of service providers on the market and make sure the official status of a PCO (through the Chamber of Commerce or...).

- We need to examine the licences of congress service providers, mostly of non-profit organisations (which should not take part in profit). This disorder is visible in a complete decay of pricing politics of the service providers (hotels, congress centres and others).

- Current and probably also future state of affairs in the meetings industry: disorderly and producing unhealthy and disloyal competition.

88 Examples & advice

89

Good practise examples

Examples & advice

Increased security and quality of hotel services at Thermana

Presentation of a new line of products of Glasworks Rogaška d.d.

Client: Thermana d.d.

Contractor: Špica International Location: Laško Time frame: 2008–2010

Client: Steklarna Rogaška d.d.

Contractor: Terme SPA Rogaška d.d.

Location: Rogaška Slatina Date: 14. 1. 2011

The company Thermana undertook a complete information renovation aimed at connecting services and monitoring guest behaviour in 2009.

Their goal was an integrated information system aimed at gathering new information as well as business process management.

The participants from the international corporation Fluke came from all over the world and mostly didn't know each other, so the programme was mainly aimed at getting to know one another, relaxing and having fun.

Hotel Austria Trend offered all the required support for the organisation of a completely new programme – Giant fun with giant games. Maya team set a backdrop where two Slovenian winemakers and Slovenian gastronomy was introduced as well as a course which led all the 220 participants into a world of childish laughter and fun. The reaction was great and the participants were surprised. Once again it turned out the simplicity of games disarms all participants despite their different origins.

The next day the guests visited Postojna, took in the beauties of Karst and later arrived in Radovljica to the gala dinner. Maya team once again proved their creativity by surprising the guests on buses when their guides played different and amusing roles of hitchhikers in the middle of Ljubljana. You can imagine the surprise and the laughter of the guests when they realized the hitchhikers were their guides. On the way from Radovljica the guests took part in a “Happy quiz” where the best participants received prizes of Slovenian making. The two-day event was a success and fully met the expectations of participants according to the German representative of Helms Briscoe.

In cooperation with Špica they established a system of access monitoring VingCard, used at every point of interaction with the guests. The card system was first installed at hotel rooms’ entries, where classic locks ware replaced by contactless ones. The system also manages access to common guest spaces, pools, parking spaces and is linked to the hotel’s information system. The new system was first installed at hotel Hum and later at Hotel Zdravilišče Laško and Hotel Wellness Laško.

A unified card system ensures a high standard of services. Besides privacy and security of rooms and common spaces, the system enables a simplified way of accessing the secured parking lot and wellness centre. The same card also enables cash free payments. The guests therefore experience a pleasant stay with unlimited use of services, activities and accessing spaces.

The new card system facilitated most of the work processes – the reception was relieved of data entry, since the data is automatically transferred to the card system, which then generates the card by itself. The hotel staff therefore has more time for the guests. Simultaneously the gathered data improves the client relations management (CRM). By introducing the access control Time&Space and connecting it with the VingCard the company can now access accurate data for salaries calculation and thereby reduces the operations costs. Optimisation of human resources management saves at least a day and half of work for each manager. www.spica.si/verticals/Hotelirstvo.aspx

www.terme-rogaska.si

Annual event of international corporation Fluke in Slovenia for the first time Client: Helms Briscoe Contractor: Maya team, Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana Location: Ljubljana, Postojna, Radovljica Date: 26.–27. 1. 2011

The participants from the international corporation Fluke came from all over the world and mostly didn't know each other, so the programme was mainly aimed at getting to know one another, relaxing and having fun.

Hotel Austria Trend offered all the required support for the organisation of a completely new programme – Giant fun with giant games.

Maya team set a backdrop where two Slovenian winemakers and Slovenian gastronomy was introduced as well as a course which led all the 220 participants into a world of childish laughter and fun. The reaction was great and the participants were surprised. Once again it turned out the simplicity of games disarms all participants despite their different origins.

The next day the guests visited Postojna, took in the beauties of Karst and later arrived in Radovljica to the gala dinner. Maya team once again proved their creativity by surprising the guests on buses when their guides played different and amusing roles of hitchhikers in the middle of Ljubljana. You can imagine the surprise and the laughter of the guests when they realized the hitchhikers were their guides.

On the way from Radovljica the guests took part in a “Happy quiz” where the best participants received prizes of Slovenian making. The two-day event was a success and fully met the expectations of participants according to the German representative of Helms Briscoe. www.events-teambuilding.com

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Gadgets

Virgin publishes digital magazine “Project”, Rupert Murdoch follows with “The Daily” Distribution of printed media is changing radically At the beginning of the year two new digital magazines made specifically for the iPad were introduced. The year begun with the magazine PROJECT from Richard Branson, soon the magazine THE DAILY published by media mogul Rupert Murdoch followed suit.

Both magazines feature articles along with multimedia content. Our editorial board thinks this is a business and multimedia model, which will ultimately change the distribution of media and the media space itself.

Gadgets

Iperespresso system – a revolution in coffee making Get the delight in your own home One capsule of coffee, one coffee machine, one espresso... in your own home. The joy can become an everyday habit. Its exclusive system of capsules enables pleasure in preparing and drinking truly Italian espresso. Make each day special in a very simple way. Make really good coffee with the new X7.

At the hearth of Iperespresso is a capsule, which enables making coffee with a rich aroma and incredible cream, like silk which hangs on the coffee for 15 minutes. The indispensible style of the machine X7 combines the best of Italian design and a simple, practical use. The system illy Iperespresso can be an excellent espresso maker at your own home available every day, every moment. If you wish you can also make an Italian cappuccino with the milk filler.

The machine is available in red, white and black.

Examples & advice

New “Startas” are here!

Remember, comrade?

Do you still remember those white tennis shoes from Croatian Vukovar, which were a nightmare for some?

The “Startas” shoes are back with a new image – colourful, with stripes, with leopard prints...

First designed to play table tennis, the canvas, low, one colour, rubber sole and completely handmade tennis shoes “Startas” have left a mark on the society and fashion of the communist Yugoslavia in the 80ties. Borovo from Vukovar, the maker of Startas and then a regional industry giant sold over ve million of these tennis shoes annualy. The shoe reached the peak of popularity and power as sports fashion label, when the company sponsored all the sportsmen attending the Universiade in Zagreb in 1987.

Why shouldn't a fashion trend with tradition become a part of your wardrobe today...

This is “Startas”! www.borovo.hr

Casing material: high-quality artificial mass Pressure: 15 bar Weight: 6 kg Water container: 1.2 l Power: 1050 W www.espresso.si

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Is yours the same old story?

16

GOOD REASONS TO COME TO BTC BUSINESS NETWORKING DESTINATIONS MARKETPLACE COMMUNITY EVENTS DEBATES VENUES MEETINGS TRENDS CONFERENCES EXPERIENCE HOTELS INCENTIVE TOOLS CONVENTIONS

Why not try something different?

GR − Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Slovenia Discover our secrets.

The place to meet Italy’s events industry

30JUNE 1JULY FIERARIMINI

2011

Gospodarsko razstaviπËe d.o.o., Dunajska cesta 18, 1000 Ljubljana

www.btc.it

ITALY’S EVENTS EXHIBITION

94

Destination Maribor & Pohorje 2012 Maribor will be the proud carrier of the title European Cultural Capital and in 2013 it will shine in the colours of the 26th Winter Universiade Discover that the destination Maribor – Pohorje is an excellent host of congresses and business events! It is no coincidence Maribor will soon host two amazing events: in 2012 it will be the proud carrier of the title European Cultural Capital and in 2013 it will shine in the colours of the 26th Winter Universiade.

Maribor Tourist Board Mrs. Bernarda Karo Phone: +386 (0)2 234 66 08 Fax: +386 (0)2 234 66 23 E-mail: convention@maribor.si www.maribor.travel

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With its quality congress-business capacities and possibilities of unique experiences Maribor and its picturesque surroundings – green Pohorje on one side and sunny wine-growing hills on the other – are becoming more and more renowned as host of conventions, seminars and other meetings.

Maribor, a university city is the second largest city in Slovenia and represents a business, scientific, educational, cultural and political centre of Eastern Slovenia. The access to the city is simple since it is situated on the crossroads of the 5th and 10th pan-European traffic corridor. There are three international airports in the vicinity of the city (50 to 130 km away).

At the foothills of Pohorje on the juncture of city and nature, culture and sports, relaxation and lively pulse, only 5 km outside the city centre of Maribor, we find one of the best congress hotels in the country. The offer of the latter is supplemented by other high-quality accommodations and congress venues in the area of the Maribor-Pohorje destination.

And what makes this destination especially memorable to visitors of congress or business events?

On the bank of river Drava in the oldest part of the city, Lent, you will be greeted by the Old Vine, the oldest grape–vine in the world. The Guinness record holder grows on the facade of the Old Vine house, the home of winemaking tradition and culture of Maribor, Štajerska and Slovenia, which is also an amazing venue to organize events. The old city centre amazes with vibrant streets and squares and amazing places of culture. Get tangled in a web of cultural events such as Lent festival, Old Vine festival, Maribor festival, Borštnikovo srečanje, to Golden Fox skiing competition and numerous other international events.

City streets will lead you to one of the most beautifully city parks, where you can climb the Pyramid – the city’s wine-growing hill with a beautiful view. You can also experience the underground wine cellar – one of the oldest and largest in Europe. You can take a ride on the river Drava on a traditional raft or a tourist ship, which offers a unique view of the city.

The city centre itself places Maribor in the

company of European cities recognizable by their unique traditional and quality offer. An attractive position between Drava, Pohorje and wine-growing hills with a vibrant hospitality of the people contributes to the wellbeing of the guests.

A trip to the green hills of Pohorje impresses hikers, bikers, adrenalin enthusiasts and those who enjoy peace and nature of Pohorje forests, waterfalls and swamps. And after all these activities there is nothing like some relaxation – at the city's or mountain wellness centre – it’s up to you. In the winter Maribor’s Pohorje is covered by snow and turned into one of the most attractive skiing centres in Slovenia.

Picturesque wine roads, stretched among the outskirts of Pohorje and wine-growing hills all the way to the Austrian border and beyond, form a wine-cultural trail where wine connoisseurs as well as culinary art, traditional rituals, ethnologic heritage, excellent view points find their place – be it on the bike, on foot or with a car. Tourist farms and vineyards will greet you with local culinary pleasures and true hospitality.

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Destination presentation

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EĂƌĂǀŶŽ ŽŬŽůũĞ njĂ ƉŽƐůŽǀŶĂ ƐƌĞēĂŶũĂ

EĂƚƵƌĂů ŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ DĞĞƟŶŐƐ

WŽƐůŽǀŶŝ ƚƵƌŝnjĞŵ ǀ ŽďũĞŵƵ WŽŚŽƌũĂ ƉŽŶƵũĂ ĞŶŬƌĂƚŶŽ ŝnjŬƵƓŶũŽ͕ Ŭŝ Ɛŝ ũŽ ďŽĚŽ ŽďŝƐŬŽǀĂůĐŝ ǀĂƓĞŐĂ ĚŽŐŽĚŬĂ njĂƉŽŵŶŝůŝ njĂ ǀĞĚŶŽ͘ sƐĞ͕ ŬĂƌ ǀĂŵ ƉŽŶƵũĂŵŽ͕ ƐŵŽ ǎĞ ƉƌĞŝnjŬƵƐŝůŝ ŝŶ njĂƌĂĚŝ ĚŽďƌŝŚ ŝnjŬƵƓĞŶũ ƚƵĚŝ ƵǀƌƐƟůŝ ǀ ƉŽŶƵĚďŽ͘

ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ƚŽƵƌŝƐŵ͕ ǁŚĞŶ ƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬĞŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƵƟĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ WŽŚŽƌũĞ ŵŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ ƌĂŶŐĞ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ĞǀĞŶƚ ǁŝůů ĂůǁĂLJƐ ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌ͘ dŚĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ǁĞ ŽīĞƌ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƚĞƐƚĞĚ ĞdžƚĞŶƐŝǀĞůLJ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ďƌŝŶŐ Ă ǀĂƐƚ ǁĞĂůƚŚ ŽĨ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŽ ĞǀĞƌLJ ŽĐĐĂƐŝŽŶ͘

Ă ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂĐŝũŽ ŬŽŶŐƌĞƐŽǀ͕ ƉŽƐůŽǀŶŝŚ ƐƌĞēĂŶũ͕ ŵŽƟǀĂĐŝũƐŬŝŚ ƚƌĞŶŝŶŐŽǀ͕ ƌĂnjƐƚĂǀ ŝŶ ĚƌƵŐŝŚ ƉŽƐůŽǀŶŝŚ ĚŽŐŽĚŬŽǀ ƐŵŽ ĚŽƐĞŐůũŝǀŝ ŶĂ͗

&Žƌ ĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞƐ͕ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŵĞĞƟŶŐƐ͕ ŵŽƟǀĂƟŽŶĂů ƐĞŵŝŶĂƌƐ͕ ĞdžŚŝďŝƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͕ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƌĞĂĐŚ ƵƐ Ăƚ͗

,ŽƚĞů ,ĂďĂŬƵŬ ΎΎΎΎΎ WŽŚŽƌƐŬĂ ƵůŝĐĂ ϱϵ ϮϬϬϬ DĂƌŝďŽƌ dĞů͗͘ нϯϴϲ Ϯ ϯϬ Ϭϴ ϭϬϬ ŚĂďĂŬƵŬΛƚĞƌŵĞŵď͘Ɛŝ

,ŽƚĞů ĞůůĞǀƵĞ ΎΎΎΎ EĂ ^ůĞŵĞŶƵ ϯϱ ϮϮϬϴ WŽŚŽƌũĞ dĞů͗͘ нϯϴϲ Ϯ ϲϬ ϳϱ ϭϬϬ ďĞůůĞǀƵĞΛƚĞƌŵĞŵď͘Ɛŝ

,ŽƚĞů WŝƌĂŵŝĚĂ ΎΎΎΎ hůŝĐĂ ŚĞƌŽũĂ aůĂŶĚƌĂ ϭϬ ϮϬϬϬ DĂƌŝďŽƌ dĞů͗͘ нϯϴϲ Ϯ Ϯϯ ϰϰ ϰϬϬ ƉŝƌĂŵŝĚĂΛƚĞƌŵĞŵď͘Ɛŝ

96 Destination presentation

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Soča Valley, Slovenia Kobarid – small town, big stories

In the western part of Slovenia at the foothills of the Julian Alps, right on the border with Italy you can find the fascinatingly beautiful valley of the river Soča, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe.

Right here, at the joint of the Alpine world and the Friulian plane history’s great stories unfolded. One of them is the World War One and The Isonzo front, which is thoroughly introduced in the Kobarid museum. The memory of the battle is still alive in outdoor museums, six can be found along the 100 km Walk of Peace, where you can trek alone or with experienced guides.

The picturesque nature enables a number of really interesting sports and other activities for individuals or groups. The valley is a paradise for water sports on the river Soča (rafting, kayaking, canoes, hydro speed, canyoning,...) and fishing and also offers numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The Stol slope is a known venue for international paragliding competitions and offers the guests to experience this joy in a tandem parachute. Safety is of course ensured by trained sports agency guides.

For lovers of good food and wine Kobarid is a direct hit! Tradition and heritage are still alive in family restaurants and taverns where you can taste the meals of our ancestors like »Kobariški štruklji«, homemade polenta,

Alpine cheese and cottage cheese... Local cooks transform old recipes into top notch culinary goods with innovative approaches.

Discovering the lively ethnological heritage and trying Tolminc cheese which has been made by the same traditional method for centuries along the grazing grounds above Kobarid, is truly a special experience.

"Well done is better than well said", so come and we will prove it!

LTO Sotočje - Tourist information centre Kobarid Trg svobode 16, SI5222 Kobarid tel.: +386 5 38 00 490 fax: +386 5 38 00 491 E-mail: info.kobarid@lto-sotocje.si www.dolina-soce.com www.visit-soca.com

Destination presentation

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Slovenia, Inner-Karst Region

Destination Kranj

Green Karst

From the airport and congress centre to a city of greenery and adventure

often hosted important politicians, artists and scientist in its history. High demands of the customers and new trends in culinary art shape the offer of the Jamski dvorec, which still follows a traditional way of preparing food. Care for a medieval, imperial or coachmens’ feast?

Only half an hour drive from Ljubljana towards the sea or in the opposite direction, you will stumble upon the Karst region called Green Karst with the most recognizable and visited natural attraction – the Postojna Cave. The important strategic position of the region has left some extraordinary historic monuments, now used for education, exploration and experiences.

The destination Green Karst offers unlimited opportunities for business meetings and unique experiences for leisure activities throughout the year. Here you will find world famous caves: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle Cave, Križna and Planinska Cave as well as Pivka and Črna Cave where you can experience underground trekking. Above the mysterious Karst underground you can find cultural heritage pearls, such as Predjama, Snežnik and Prem Castles. The Military History Park in Pivka offers numerous activities.

The vibrant landscape and rich cultural heritage enable numerous adrenalin adventures along with many restaurants and tourist farms offering homemade and ecologically farmed food.

If these words have inspired you to organize your next business event in the region of Green Karst we have prepared a suggested programme for a two day business event which will certainly exceed your expectations.

DAY ONE: Arrival to Postojna in the morning and accommodation at Hotel Kras (4 stars). A brief lecture/event in a conference hall which can seat 70 people followed by catering.

In the afternoon programme by the agency TIME OUT EVENTS, specialized in organizing programmes such as the adventure Survivor (based on the TV show). This interesting programme will shake up your team and make them stronger and richer than ever. After the 3 hour programme a candle lit dinner in Jamski dvorec in front of the entrance of the Postojna cave will follow. Jamski dvorec has

DAY TWO: The agency VINETOU, active in preparing teambuilding activities for many years, will make sure the second day is memorable. The Vinetou team will entertain you through the day and make sure you achieve high results.

Through the wonderful stories of Green Karst you will be taken on an adrenalin filled adventure. Vinetou will take care of your safety and well being while you rescue a Jeep from mud, fight through a paint ball polygon, go on a treasure hunt, climb down a cave and explore the underground or try to make a drink the “off road” way. Of course, they will also teach you to start a fire without matches.

If you succeed you will be rewarded with a snack of local goods. After lunch you will

participate in a cave trekking in the Postojna, Pivka or Črna Cave and later return home.

Did we give you any good ideas for your next business event with teambuilding? Here are the contacts you need to carry it out: Postojnska jama d.d. Postojna www.postojnska-jama.si info@postojnska-jama.si T:+386 5 7000 103 Vinetou d.o.o., Agencija za adrenalinsko doživljajski turizem www.vinetou.si info@vinetou.si T: +386 40 805 761 Ekipa TIME OUT www.timeoutevents.si info@timeoutevents.si T:+386 41 870 880

Only ten minutes from one of the largest congress centres in Slovenia – Congress centre Brdo, there lies a city marked by rich nature, culture and historical heritage. In the recent years Kranj has blossomed into a tourist city with a wide offer for business guests and other visitors. Its advantage lies in the proximity of the airport and peaceful surroundings, where an individual or a group can gather new strength after a long day. The old defence system of the city, a heritage of renowned architect Jože Plečnik and the canyon of Kokra in the middle of the city will transport you to the middle ages and make sure you forget your business meetings and obligations. The Kranj underground hides many secret stories.

The tunnels under old Kranj were built during World War 2 as shelters; nowadays you can take a tour of a reconstructed shelter and experience a simulation of an air strike. They are also used to host events for groups. Of

course, you can also visit Trboje Lake, where you can row boats, get to know the rich flora and fauna and finish the day with a good meal. You are invited to Kranj a pleasant city worth visiting.

Zavod za turizem Kranj Glavni trg 2 / SI-4000 Kranj Phone +386 (0)4 238 04 50 www.tourism-kranj.si tic@tourism-kranj.si

RRA Notranjsko-kraške regije, d.o.o. www.zelenikras.si

Perla Conference Centre A new style of business experiences …

Are you organizing a business event and you wish for something new?

Come to the sunny Nova Gorica, where you can intertwine business events with interesting and attractive experiences – games of chance, entertainment, relax, sports, shopping, wine and gastronomic journeys.

We have everything you need – well-arranged halls, comfortable hotels, excellent restaurants, state-of-the-art technology and skilled personnel who will help you organize an event as you planned at the Perla Conference Centre or elsewhere in Nova Gorica and its picturesque surroundings.

Custom-made and turnkey solutions.

Info: t +386 5 331 13 41 booking@hit.si www.hit.si www.thecasinoperla.com

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The last word

Patrick M Delaney, Managing Director Ovation Global DMC

Conventa – a new trade show experience

Order form So get your own copy of Kongres magazine and find out what is going on in meeting industry in Europe!

Please complete the following questions to order the Kongres Magazine.

Title & First name Last name Institution or Company Name Address

bout 3 weeks ago I received an invitation to attend a trade show in Slovenia. My reaction? “Argh, yes, another Business Tourism trade show. This is surely what the world is really lacking!”

I knew virtually nothing about this regional trade show trade called Conventa – “a business to business event bringing together meeting industry providers from South East Europe and carefully selected hosted buyers from all over Europe”. I must admit to having a pathological antipathy to the phrase “South Eastern Europe” – sounds a bit like “The Middle East” (= trouble!?).

However, being an optimist, I agreed to attend, after all, the destination is Slovenia and any destination that has love at its heart can’t be all that bad! In addition, the show is taking place in Ljubljana, a city with a really cool exotic name, which for some illogical reason, I have always been secretly proud I can spell and pronounce.

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But now, having been there, I have my regrets, the biggest one being the fact that I did not leave enough time to see this fascinating area.

Air access was good, with an efficient service provided by a Lufhansa and Adria codeshare flight, via Frankfurt. Then there is the show Conventa, which has a very comprehensive representation of exhibitors from the region – Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, parts of Austria and Italy, and, of course, Slovenia.

The quality and creativity of the catering at this show is among the best I have ever experienced, right up there with my Scandinavian friends. The exhibition space had a very airy and natural feel with exhibition stands made from apple crates. This was a very ingenious use of one of Slovenia’s indigenous and signature products and also very effective as well as sustainable.

Slovenia has excellent meetings and conference facilities, a reasonable standard of hotel accommodation and a spectacular landscape. Even in the rain Bled looks amazing.

But the most impressive dimension to the entire experience was the Slovenian people themselves, with their drive, can-do attitude and business focused approach.

Another stereotype blown away!

I have run successful events in Dubrovnik but I was impressed by the wide range of options outside of the iconic city. Montenegro, although small in size, has a surprisingly extensive range of opportunities for the planner. Although largely undiscovered, Serbia, too, has huge potential.

As a professional meetings planner I’m being continuously asked for something different, value-cantered, not boring, with supplierpartners who are flexible and who want to do business.

I firmly believe that South East Europe can provide answers to many of these needs.

Go there and check it out. I know you will be more than satisfied!

City

Post Code

Country Phone

Fax

E-mail Company tax number

I would like to order Kongres Magazine for year 2011 at price 52,00 € (4 issues: spring 2011, summer 2011, autumn 2011, winter 2011):

I would like to order 1 issue at price 18,00 €.

Please write year and month of the issue: Date & Location

Stamp & Signature

Fulfill order form and send it to address bellow: Toleranca Marketing d.o.o. , Štihova 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Invoice will be sent to the given address. After the payment has been done, Kongres Magazin will be sent to the given address. Postal costs is included in the price. You can also order your own magazine here: http://en.kongres-magazine.eu/order-kongres-magazine/order-form.

For more information you can contact Jan Klavora: M: +386 (0)40 598 005, T: + 386 (0)1 430 51 03, E: jan.klavora@go-mice.eu

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Hotel Bristol  Ulica Maršala Tita 108, Opatija Tel + 385 51 706 300, Fax: +385 51 706 301 reservation@hotel-opatija.hr, www.hotel-bristol.hr

Priprava prom

The elegant hotel Bristol, located in the centre of Opatija, is a shining example of Opatija`s original grandeur.

Hotel attracts with its exclusive charm from the facade all the way to the interior and into the rooms. With the discreet atmosphere and individual approach, hotel Bristol is a perfect place for your meetings, presentations and private events. Guests are more than welcome to enjoy in pleasant afternoon coffee or tea in the traditional Viennese-style Cafe Palme and to discover the innovative offer of the hotel’s Spa & Beauty area.

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104

105

Meeting services spot

Meeting services spot

CVB (National, Regional or Local CVB (CVB - Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Slovenian Tourist Board Dimičeva 13 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 1 5898 550 info@slovenia.info www.slovenia.info

Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre Ljubljana Presernova cesta 10 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 2417 122 �1�0�0 congress@cd-cc.si �9�5 www.cd-cc.si/congress

Belgrade Convention Bureau Masarikova 5/IX 11000 Belgrade Serbia +381 11 3061-400 office@tob.co.rs www.tob.co.rs www.belgradetourism.org.rs

Dubrovnik & Neretva Country Tourist Board 20 000 Dubrovnik Croatia +385 20 324 999 www.visitdubrovnik.hr info@visitdubrovnik.hr

�7�5 Kongresno-turistični servis Albatros Ribenska cesta 2 �2�5 4260 Bled �5 Slovenia �0 +386 (0) 45 780 350 Info@albatros-bled.com www.albatros-bled.com

Montenegro Convention Bureau Rimski trg 47 81000 Podgorica Montenegro +382 (0) 20 235 157 mice@montenegro.travel www.montenegro.travel

Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau Krekov trg 10 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 306 45 94 convention@visitljubljana.si www.visitljubljana.si/meetings

Opatija Convention & Incentive Bureau HR-51410 Opatija, V. Nazora 3 Croatia +385 51 271 710 convention.bureau@opatija-tourism.hr www.opatija-tourism.hr

Slovenian Convention Bureau Dunajska 156 1000 Ljubljana +386 (0)1 569 1260 info@slovenia-convention.com www.slovenia-convention.com

Rijeka Convention Bureau Užarska 14, 51000 Rijeka Croatia +385 51 315 716 convention@tz-rijeka.hr www.tz-rijeka.hr

Maribor Tourist Board Partizanska 47 2000 Maribor Slovenia +386 2 234 66 08 www. Maribor.travel www.maribor-pohorje.si zzt@maribor.si

Serbia Convention Bureau Čika Ljubina 8 11000 Belgrade Serbia +381 (11) 655 7 102 scb@serbia.travel www.scb.travel Zagreb Tourist Board and Convention Bureau Kaptol 5 10 000 Zagreb Croatia T: +385 1 48 98 555 www.zagreb-convention.hr info@zagreb-convention.hr

PCO (Professional Congress Organiser)

GO®MICE d.o.o. Štihova ulica 4 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 430 51 03 info@go-mice.eu www.go-mice.eu

GO SMART. GO CREATIVE. GO MICE.

www.go-mice.eu

DMC (Destination management company �B�a�n�e�r

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DUBROVNIK TRAVEL Obala S. Radica 25 20 000 Dubrovnik Croatia +385 20 313 555 Croatia@DubrovnikTravel.com www.DubrovnikTravel.com

It’s a beautiful world!

Destination Destination: estination:: EARTH

Earth.indd 2

8.4.2010 10:25:56

KOMPAS Destination Management Company Pražakova 4 1514 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 2006 324 mice@kompas.si www.kompas-online.net LIBERTY INCENTIVES & CONGRESSES SLOVENIA Robbova 2 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 1 232 11 71 info@liberty-slovenia.com www.liberty-incentive.net

106

Meeting services spot

DMC (Destination management company

INTOURS DMC Demaco d.o.o.

Dalmatinova 3 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 1 430 3550 www.intours-dmc.si info@intours-dmc.si

Event agency

GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Dunajska cesta 18 1001 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1300 26 00 info@gr-sejem.si www.ljubljanafair.com

Congress Hotel

GRAND HOTEL UNION Miklošičeva 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 308 12 70 hotel.union@gh-union.si www.gh-union.si

MAYA TEAM Padlih borcev 1 5220 Tolmin Slovenia +386 (0)5 380 05 30 info@maya.si www.events-teambuilding.com

BernardiN GROUP Obala 2 6320 Portorož-Portorose Slovenia +386 (0)5 690 70 00 booking@h–bernardin.si www.bernardingroup.si

Unique Slovenia Rakovnik 132 1215 Medvode Slovenia +386 (0)1 361 62 44 www.unique-slovenia.si miha.rott@unique-slovenia.si

Terme Maribor d.d.

Ulica heroja Šlandra 10 2000 Maribor Slovenia +386 (0)2 234 43 20 marketing@termemb.si www.termemb.si/EN

Congress & Exhitbition Centre

Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre Ljubljana Presernova cesta 10 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 2417 122 congress@cd-cc.si www.cd-cc.si/congress

Monsadria d.o.o.

Pot za Brdom 4 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 47 02 745 www.hotel.mons.si info@hotel.mons.si Thermana d.d., Hotels and Resorts Zdraviliška c. 6 3270 Laško Slovenia +386 (0)3423 20 00 info@thermana.si www.thermana.si

108

109

Meeting services spot

Hotel with conference facilities

Meeting services spot

Hotel Drnča Dvorska vas 37a 4275 Begunje na Gorenjskem Slovenia + 386 08 200 5000 info@hotel-drnca.si www.hotel-drnca.si

Perla, Casinò & Hotel Kidričeva 7 5000 Nova Gorica Slovenia +386 (0)5 336 36 66 conference.perla@hit.si www.hit.si

Terme Olimia d.d.

Zdraviliška cesta 24 3254 Podčetrtek Slovenia +386 (0)38297848 alenka.brglez@terme-olimia.com www.terme-olimia.com/si

Bohinj Park EKO Hotel Triglavska cesta 17 4264 Bohinjska Bistrica Slovenia www.phb.si info@phb.si +386 (0)8 200 4000

Hotel Lev Vošnjakova ulica 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia T: +386 (0)1 231 77 97 E: Info@hotel-lev.si www.hotel-lev.si

Sava Hoteli Bled, d.d.

Cakarjeva 6 4260 Bled Slovenia +386 (0)4 579 16 07 info@hotelibled.com www.hotelibled.com

TERME ČATEŽ d.d.

Topliška cesta 35 8251 Čatež ob Savi Slovenia +386 (0)749 36 700 www.terme-catez.si info@terme-catez.si

Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik Ulica Majstora Radovana 7 23000 Zadar Croatia +385 (0)23 206 630 ana.belamaric@falkensteiner.com www.borik.falkensteiner.com

Maistra Obala Vladimira Nazora 6.

GRAD HR-52210 Rovinj Croatia +385 52 800 250 info@maistra.hr www.maistra.com

Sport Centre Pohorje Mladinska ulica 29 2000 Maribor Slovenia +386 (0)2 614 0950 tea.kozar@sc-pohorje.si www.pohorje.org

110

111

Meeting services spot

Meeting services spot

Other Congress Services PMS 281 C PMS 131 C PMS 2603 C PMS 542 C

PARTHEN OF MEETING ESSENTIALS Stroombaan 4 1181 VX Amstelveen The Netherlands +31 (0)20 572 73 74 info@parthen.nl www.parthen.nl

PMS 315 C

Adria Airways Zgornji Brnik 130h 4210 Brnik Slovenia +386 (0)4 259 4555 events@adria.si www.adria-airways.com

Restaurant & catering Borbona Verovškova 55 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 620 77 15 info@borbona.si www.borbona.si

Alkimist, prevajalska agencija Obirska ulica 4 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia info@alkemist.si www.alkemist.si +386 (0)59073273

Turizem KRAS destinacijski management d.d.

Jamska cesta 30 6230 Postojna Slovenia +386 (0)5 7000 100 info@turizem-kras.si www.turizem-kras.si

Dnevnik d.d.

Kopitarjeva 2 in 4 1510 Ljubljana Slovenia pr@dnevnik.si www.dnevnik.si +386 (0)13082150

HI[A KULINARIKE

CATERING Jezeršek Jezeršek gostinstvo d.o.o.

Sora 1a 1215 Medvode Slovenia www.jezersek.com info@jezersek.si +386 (0)1 361 94 21

Fairs, trade shows and events

30 November - 2 December 2010

EIBTM Gateway House 28, The Quadrant Richmond Surrey TW9 1DN United Kingdom +44 (0) 20 8271 2127 eibtm.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk www.eibtm.com

Klaro d.o.o.

Peruzzijeva 84b 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.klaro.si info@klaro.si +386 (0)1 280 7770

GO®MICE d.o.o (Conventa) Štihova ulica 4 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 430 51 03 info@go-mice.eu www.conventa.si

MEETINGS:review Hammer Hill Studios Stanbrook CM6 2NH Thaxted United Kingdom +44 1371 831555 www.meetingsreview.com

IMEX The Agora, 1st Floor Ellen Street Hove East Sussex England BN3 3LN +44 1273 227311 www.imex-frankfurt.com/

Legend

CVB (National, Regional or Local CVB (CVB - Convention and Visitors Bureau)

PCO (Professional Congress Organiser)

DMC (Destination management company

Event agency

Congress & Exhitbition Centre

Congress Hotel

Hotel with conference facilities

Other Congress Services

112

Distribution points of Kongres magazine

Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre Ljubljana Presernova cesta 10 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 2417 122 congress@cd-cc.si www.cd-cc.si/congress

Thermana d.d., Hotels and Resorts Zdraviliška c. 6 3270 Laško Slovenia +386 (0)3423 20 00 info@thermana.si www.thermana.si

GRAND HOTEL UNION Miklošičeva 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 308 12 70 hotel.union@gh-union.si www.gh-union.si

Sava Hoteli Bled, d.d.

Cakarjeva 6 4260 Bled Slovenia +386 (0)4 579 16 07 info@hotelibled.com www.hotelibled.com

TERME ČATEŽ d.d.

Topliška cesta 35 8251 Čatež ob Savi Slovenia +386 (0)749 36 700 www.terme-catez.si info@terme-catez.si

Terme Maribor d.d.

Ulica heroja Šlandra 10 2000 Maribor Slovenia +386 (0)2 234 43 20 marketing@termemb.si www.termemb.si/EN

Hotel Lev Vošnjakova ulica 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia T: +386 (0)1 231 77 97 E: Info@hotel-lev.si www.hotel-lev.si

Terme Olimia d.d.

Zdraviliška cesta 24 3254 Podčetrtek Slovenia +386 (0)38297848 alenka.brglez@terme-olimia.com www.terme-olimia.com/si

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon Slovenska cesta 34 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0) 1 470 11 00 E: recepcija@hotelslon.com www.hotelslon.com

Adria Airways Zgornji Brnik 130h 4210 Brnik Slovenia +386 (0)4 259 4555 events@adria.si www.adria-airways.com

Monsadria d.o.o.

Pot za Brdom 4 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1 47 02 745 www.hotel.mons.si info@hotel.mons.si

GR- Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Dunajska cesta 18 1001 Ljubljana Slovenia +386 (0)1300 26 00 info@gr-sejem.si www.ljubljanafair.com If your hotel, agency ore congress centre would like to become one of the distributers of Kongres magazine email us at jan.klavora@go-mice.eu.

Southeast Europe Meeting Guide

MEET IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE If you are a meeting planner searching for a venue, hotel, PCO, DMC or event agency from the region of Southeast Europe, we invite where you to find yourthan partner your criteria at theare www.meetinsee.

Visit www.meetinsee.com more 200using meeting providers presented. com online venue finder.

2010 2011

The editorial board of Kongres magazine is in agreement with a few congress centres, hotels and airline Adria Airways to distribute the Kongres magazine in their facilities.

The points of distribution are:

www.meetinsee.com is the most comprehensive internet search engine for meeting facilities and providers of Southeast Europe.

www.meetinsee.com

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