July 2007

SLOVENSKA INCENTIVE PONUDBA Slovenian Incentive Offer PREDSTAVITEV SLOVENSKIH KONGRESNIH PRODUKTOV - OBALA IN KRAS Presentation of Slovenian Congress Products: Coast and Carst PREDSTAVITEV PRIMEROV DOBRE PRAKSE Backstage: Case Study Presentation

URADNO GLASILO ZAVODA-KONGRESNOTURISTIﾄ君I URAD URADNO GLASILO ZAVODA-KONGRESNOTURISTIﾄ君I URAD 窶｢ OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU

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Kazalo REVIJA KONGRES – REVIJA SLOVENSKE INDUSTRIJE SREČANJ Glavni in odgovorni urednik: Gorazd Čad Izvršna urednica: Jakica Jesih Pomočnica urednika: Danaja Besnard

Uvodnik: Incentive programi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kratke novice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kolumna Paul Kennedy: Bodite svetovalec, ne prodajalec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Kolumna Gorazd Čad: Vloga standardizacije v kongresni ponudbi . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Kolumna Tony Carey: Ogled lokacije . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Uredniški odbor: Christer Carlsson Tony Carey Gorazd Čad Miha Kovačič Srečo Peterlič Tatjana Radovič Petra Čuk Maja Vidergar

Rok Klančnik: Pismo iz Bruslja: Valilnica popotniških plemen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Ustanovna podjetja in svet revije: Adria Airways, Auditoria, Avditorij Portorož, Cankarjev dom, Kulturni in kongresni center, City Hotel, Domina Vacanze, GH Union, Globtour d.o.o., Gospodarsko razstavišče, GO.Mice, Hiša Kulinarike Franc Jezeršek, HIT d.d., Hoteli Bernardin d.d., Portorož, Intours, Kompas, Kongresni servis Albatros d.o.o., Liberty Slovenija d.o.o., Lifetrek, Luka Koper pristan d.o.o., M-hotel, d.o.o., Micro Cocktail Software d.o.o., Postojnska jama, turizem d.d., Prevajalska agencija Alkemist, Robotrade, RS Klan Jazbec & Co. d.n.o., Sava Hoteli Bled, Terme Čatež, Terme Laško, Terme Maribor, Terme Olimia, Terme Spa Rogaška, Terme Radenci, TSE d.o.o. Audio video inženiring, Vivo Catering, Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad Slovenije, Zavod za turizem Ljubljana, Zdravilišče Laško

Postojnska jama turizem: Drugačni odzivi v drugačnem okolju . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Oblikovanje: Tatjana Zupan, Propagarna d.o.o.

Intervju Tina Možina, KOMPAS DMC: Vloga DMC agencij na mednarodnem tržišču . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Tehnični urednik: Marko Čopi, Grafika Paradoks d.o.o.

Prevod: Mija Gostinčar, Alasdair Green Lektoriranje: Alasdair Green, Simona Kepic, Jakica Jesih Tisk: Collegium Graphicum d.o.o., Ljubljana Naklada: 5.000 izvodov ISSN številka: 1854-9292 Revija izhaja 4x letno: april; junij/julij; september; november Izdajatelj, produkcija in trženje: GO Mice, Štihova 4 SI-1000 Ljubljana T: +386 (0)1 430 51 03 F: +386 (0)1 430 51 04 E: kongres@go-mice.eu Datum izida: Julij 2007 Cena: 3,50 EUR Za reproduciranje vsebine je potrebno pisno soglasje uredništva.

Incentive ponudba: Motivacijska srečanja v Sloveniji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Incentive ponudba: Kako narediti dober incentive? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Koren sports: Za inovativnost je potrebna drznost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Lifetrek: Slovenija bi lahko bila nekaj posebnega, unikatnega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Agencija Promo: Mercedes ali fičo? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Muzejski vlak: Parna lepotica tudi za zaključene skupine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Primeri dobre prakse: Od enkratnega dogodka do dolgoročnega sodelovanja . . . . . . . 36 Primeri dobre prakse: Diners black card – Gospodarsko razstavišče . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Primeri dobre prakse: Tradicionalni večer pokroviteljev in darovalcev Cankarjevega doma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 SWOT analiza: Kongresna ponudba na Obali in Krasu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Čebelarski turizem: Čebelarstvo kot slovenska posebnost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Zelo dobro opaženi: »Norway for natural Reasons« . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Zmago Skobir, predsednik uprave Aerodroma Ljubljana: Najprej potniki, potem povezava . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Srečanja na Obali in Krasu: Večna privlačnost morja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Majda Zidanski: Na prvem mestu je bil naš entuziazem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Terminologija: MICE vs industrija srečanj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Kongresni standardi in kakovost storitev: Kako izmeriti zadovoljstvo naročnika? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Trendi v cateringu: Od polnih pladnjev h kreativni zgodbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Splet in organizacija dogodkov: Ali veste, koliko obiskovalcev ima vaš dogodek? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 MPI: Ustvarjanje globalne skupnosti organizatorjev srečanj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Novice Zavoda-Kongresnoturistični urad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Kongresna statistika: Kongresni turizem pred klasičnim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Največji dogodek v zgodovini slovenskega avtomobilizma: Novi »slovenski« Twingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Zgodba o Grand Medii – prvi del: Začetki Grand Medie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 UGAR 2007 FEI World Cup: Najboljši jahači na posestvu Ugar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 IMEX 2007: Presežki na vseh ravneh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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Index Editorial: Incentive programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Short News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Column Paul Kennedy: Be a Consultant, not a Salesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Column Gorazd Čad: Standardisation’s Role in a Congress Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Column Tony Carey, CMP, CMM: Site Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Rok Klančnik: Letter from Brussels – Incubator of traveller tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Incentive Offer: Motivational Meetings in Slovenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The incentive offer: How to make a good Incentive? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Koren sports: Innovation needs Courage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lifetrek: Unique Slovenia as Something Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Postojna Cave Tourism: New Solutions in a different Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Promo Agency: Mercedes or a small Fiat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Vintage train journeys: Groups that choose the Beauty of Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Good Practice Case Study: From a Unique Event to Long-term Partnership . . . . . . . . . 38 Good Practice Case Study: Diners Black Card – Ljubljana Exhibition Centre . . . . . . . . . 38 Good Practice Case Study: Cankarjev Dom Traditional Sponsors’ and Donors’ Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 SWOT Analysis: The Congress Offer on the Slovenian Coast and Karst . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Apicultural Tourism: Apiculture as a Unique Slovenian Attraction . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 A highly visible Campaign: Norway for natural Reasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Interview – Tina Možina, KOMPAS DMC: The Rôle of DMC Agencies on the International Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Zmago Skobir, President of Ljubljana Aerodrom Management Board: First Passengers, then Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Meetings on the Coast and the Karst: The Eternal Allure of the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Majda Zidanski: Our Enthusiasm held first Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Terminology: MICE vs Meetings Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Congress Standards and Quality of Services: How to measure Client’s Satisfaction? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Trends in Catering: From Trays of Abundance to a Creative Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 The Web and Event Organisation: Do you know how many Visitors your Event has? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 MPI: Building a Global Community for Meeting Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 News from the Slovenian Convention Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Meeting Statistics: Meeting tourism out-performs classic tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 The largest event in the history of the Slovenian motor industry: New ‘Slovenian’ Twingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 The Grand Media story – part one: Beginnings of Grand Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 UGAR 2007 FEI World Cup: The best showjumpers at Ugar estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 IMEX 2007: Superlatives at all Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

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CONGRESS – SLOVENIAN MEETING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief: Gorazd Čad Executive Editor: Jakica Jesih Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief: Danaja Besnard Editorial Board: Christer Carlsson Tony Carey Gorazd Čad Miha Kovačič Srečo Peterlič Tatjana Radovič Petra Čuk Maja Vidergar Founding Companies and Magazine Board: Adria Airways, Auditoria, Avditorij Portorož, Cankarjev dom, Kulturni in kongresni center, City Hotel, Domina Vacanze, GH Union, Globtour d.o.o., Gospodarsko razstavišče, GO.Mice, Hiša Kulinarike Franc Jezeršek, HIT d.d., Hoteli Bernardin d.d., Portorož, Intours, Kompas, Kongresni servis Albatros d.o.o., Liberty Slovenija d.o.o., Lifetrek, Luka Koper pristan d.o.o., M-hotel, d.o.o., Micro Cocktail Software d.o.o., Postojnska jama, turizem d.d., Prevajalska agencija Alkemist, Robotrade, RS Klan Jazbec & Co. d.n.o., Sava Hoteli Bled, Terme Čatež, Terme Laško, Terme Maribor, Terme Olimia, Terme Spa Rogaška, Terme Radenci, TSE d.o.o. Audio video inženiring, Vivo Catering, Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad Slovenije, Zavod za turizem Ljubljana, Zdravilišče Laško Design: Tatjana Zupan, Propagarna d.o.o.

Technical Editor: Marko Čopi, Grafika Paradoks d.o.o.

Translation: Mija Gostinčar, Alasdair Green Proofreading: Alasdair Green, Simona Kepic, Jakica Jesih Printing: Collegium Graphicum d.o.o., Ljubljana Circulation: 5.000 copies ISSN Number: 1854-9292 Quarterly Magazine issued in: April; June/July; September; November Publisher, Production and Marketing: GO Mice, 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: July 2007 Price: EUR 3,50 For the content reproduction it is required to get the written editorial consigment.

KOMPAS DESIGN, foto: FOTO SPRING

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Uvodnik

Incentive programi Mednarodno poslovno borzo EIBTM obiskujem že več kot deset let. Zelo dobro se spomnim, kako smo morali tujcem kazati zemljevid Evrope, da so sploh razumeli, od kod prihajamo. Več kot polovica obiskovalcev se je že takrat zanimala za incentive programe. Takrat v Sloveniji incentive produktov, ki bi odgovarjali zahtevam mednarodnih udeležencev, skorajda nismo imeli. Mnogi so mislili, da je obogatitev klasičnega turističnega programa lahko incentive program. Trg je pokazal, da ni tako. Danes vsi profesionalni ponudniki kongresnih storitev vedo, kaj je incentive produkt. Zavedajo se, da tega programa ni možno kupiti »na polici v turistični agenciji«. Z njega tudi ne visi cena. Incentive produkt je enkraten in stranka ga bo kupila samo, če bo njena skupina doživela nekaj edinstvenega, in tudi v upanju, da drugi česa podobnega ne bodo mogli doživeli. Naročniki incentive programov so pri izbiri zelo zahtevni, saj zelo skrbno preverijo donos na vložena sredstva oz. ROI (Return on Investment).

Glede na enkratnost, ekskluzivnost in visoko kakovost storitve se pri incentive produktih dosegajo najvišji prihodki na udeleženca.

Slovenija ima s svojo geografsko in kulturno-zgodovinsko raznolikostjo na tem področju velike potenciale. Še vedno nam primanjkuje ne samo programov, ampak tudi storitev, ki bi zadostovale zelo zahtevnim uporabnikom incentive programov.

Slovenija se tudi na tem področju muči z nizko prepoznavnostjo, vendar pa bo vedno večja vpetost Slovenije v mednarodno okolje tudi tukaj naredila pozitiven premik.

Miha Kovačič, direktor Zavoda – Kongresnoturistični urad

Editorial

Incentive Programmes I’ve been going to the EIBTM International Business Exchange for more then ten years. I still very well remember when we had to show foreigners a map of Europe, so they could understand where we were from. At that time, more than half our visitors were interested in incentive programmes, and we in Slovenia hardly had incentive products that could meet the demands of international participants. Many thought that enriching the classic tourist programme could be an incentive programme. The market’s shown this is not the case. These days all professional providers of congress services know what an incentive product is. They’re aware that these programmes can’t be bought ‘off the shelf in a tourist agency’. There’s no price ‘hanging’ either. An incentive product is unique and the client will only buy if his group is going to experience something unforgettable, in the hope that others don’t have the opportunity for a similar experience. Incentive programme clients are extremely demanding in their choices, going to great lengths to check the outcome of their investment resources or, as it’s known, ‘ROI’ (return on investment).

Regarding uniqueness, exclusiveness and high service quality, incentive products achieve highest revenue per participant.

Slovenia’s geographical and cultural-historical diversity gives us great potential in this area. We still lack not just programmes but also services to satisfy the most demanding users of incentive programmes.

Slovenia also struggles against its low recognition, but ever greater Slovenian contact with the international environment will definitely be a positive step forward.

Miha Kovačič, Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau

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Miha Kovačič, direktor Zavoda – Kongresnoturistični urad • Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau (Foto/Photo: B. Zupančič)

Kratke novice Kongresna ekipa CD na strokovnem obisku Barcelone Sodelavke Kongresno-prireditvene dejavnosti Cankarjevega doma so si v dneh od 29. marca do 1. aprila 2007 v Barceloni ogledale kongresni središči Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona in Palau de Congressos de catalunya ter se pobliže seznanile z njunim delovanjem. Oba centra sta prestižno urejena in najsodobneje tehnično opremljena, gostita pa lahko tudi največje mednarodne kongrese, saj jim to omogoča zaledje velikega mesta, Barcelone, z možnostmi hotelskih namestitev in drugih storitev za veliko število udeležencev. www.cd-cc.si

doprinesli do naše zmage.” EIBTM 2007 bo potekal na Fira Gran Via v Barceloni od 27. do 29. novembra. www.eibtm.com

Gunther Verheugen prejel nagrado BAPCO Gunther Verhuegen je prejel nagrado Belgijskega združenja profesionalnih kongresnih organizatorjev za leto 2007 za zaluge na področju promocije kongresne industrije. Evropski komisar za gospodarstvo in industrijo je ta del turizma prepoznal kot zelo dinamičen in hitro rastoč sektor. To potrjujejo tudi izjave visokih uradnikov EU, ki vidijo v razvoju industrije srečanj ključ do izboljšanja konkurenčnosti EU. Komisar je obljubil vso podporo promociji te veje gospodarstva.

ICCA objavila lestvico držav in mest za leto 2006

Kongresna ekipa CD

EIBTM nagrajen EIBTM, ki ga organizira Reed Travel Exhibitions, je na otvoritvi sejma Exhibition News Awards 10. maja 2007 v Londonu prejel nagrado „Najbolj izrazita rast dogodka”. Sejma se je udeležilo 400 sejemskih strokovnjakov. Za kategorije nagrad so glasovali bralci Exhibition News (Sejemske novice), v Veliki Britaniji po elektronski pošti in prek mesečnih publikacij. Vsi sodelujoči so morali odgovoriti na vprašanje, povezano z rastjo njihovega dogodka, da so se lahko uvrstili na seznam.

Mandy Torrens, direktor sejmov EIBTM: “Počaščeni smo, da smo prejeli to nagrado. Odkar se je EIBTM preselil v Barcelono, smo strateško napredovali v vseh pogledih dogodka. Od povečanja števila podjetij, ki se pojavljajo na razstaviščnem prostoru do širitve vsebin našega profesionalnega izobraževalnega programa, povečanja kakovosti in števila naših mrežnih dogodkov in seveda povečanja števila poslovnih dogodkov, ki so bistvo našega Hosted Buyer programa. Vsi elementi skupaj so

ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) je v času sejma IMEX objavila lestvico držav in mest na osnovi podatkov 5838 kongresov, ki morajo izpolniti pogoj, da so organizirani preko mednarodnega združenja in da redno krožijo med vsaj tremi državami.

Rezultati med državami za leto 2006 so: 1. ZDA, 2. Nemčija, 3. Francija, 4. Španija, 5. Italija Na lestvici držav že od leta 2004 vodita ZDA in Nemčija. Prvič se je v vodilno skupino uvrstila latinskoameriška država – Brazilija. Rezultati na lestvici mest za leto 2006 pa so: 1. Dunaj, 2.

Pariz, 3. Singapur, 4. Barcelona, 5.

Berlin. Končna verzija poročila je bila objavljena konec meseca junija. www.iccaworld.com

Best Westernn uvedel spletni portal za prireditve 12. marca 2007 je Best Western Central Europe v sodelovanju s podjetjem UVT vpeljal nov spletni portal za prireditve, konference, seminarje ... z imenom Best Western Meeting Point. Organizatorji in hotelirji so s tem pridobili možnost jasnejše, hitrejše in poenostavljene medsebojne komunikacije in pridobivanja informacij za prirejanje in organizacijo različnih prireditev. www.bestwestern-ce.com

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Kompas – naraščanje incentive potovanj Na Kompasu opažajo trend, da se število potrjenih dogodkov strmo poveča v terminu od marca do septembra. Tudi leto 2007 ne bo izjema, saj kazalci napovedujejo še večjo rast kot za leto prej. Gledano na izvor opažajo porast gostov iz Španije in Portugalske, kar je zanimivo in morda napoveduje trend, da bomo morali tudi te trge uvrstiti med prednostne in jim posvetiti še več pozornosti. Tako smo v Sloveniji samo v maju gostili na večdnevnih incentive potovanjih 150 Portugalcev, 3 skupine po 30 Špancev, 6 skupin po 100 Francozov ter dva charterja po 120 gostov iz Velike Britanije, natančneje otočja Gurnsey. Povpraševanje je raznoliko in zajema največje bisere in zaklade Slovenije, od mest, morja, hribov, ravnin – ter bogatih možnosti, ki jih ponujajo razgibani tereni (teambuildingi, športno obarvani incentivi), kulinariko in kulturo – od Plečnika do folklore. www.kompas.si

Uradno prevozništvo čedalje bolj zaželeno V Adrii Airways ugotavljajo, da se povpraševanje po uradnem prevozništvu v času kongresov, sejmov, športnih ter ostalih posebnih dogodkov vztrajno veča. Organizatorji se zavedajo, da gre za zelo pomemben element ponudbe, ki dogodku daje neprecenljivo dodatno vrednost. Med drugim so v Adrii Airways postali uradni prevoznik italijanskega nogometnega prvoligaša Udinese, plesnega tekmovanja Slovenia Open ter 46. zasedanja regionalne komisije UNWTO za Evropo. www.adria.si

Tehnopolis Celje Tehnopolis Celje je prioritetni projekt Savinjske regije, na severovzhodu Slovenije, v osrčju Evrope. Do leta 2013 naj bi na sedemnajstih hektarih zemljišč poleg tehnološkega parka in mednarodne univerze zgradili kompleks zgradb različnih oblik s številnimi dvoranami za potrebe kongresnega turizma. Tehnopolis Celje ima mednarodno dimenzijo in je velik izziv za investitorje, človeške vire in tehnološka podjetja na mednarodnem trgu. Tehnopološki park Celje se je začel graditi v začetku leta 2006, tako da je bila otvoritev prve stavbe tehnološkega

Kratke novice parka konec oktobra 2006. Projekt prve stavbe Tehnološkega parka Celje je bil delno financiran s strani Evropske unije.

Grajski ambient za moderne zahteve

18. – 20. april 2008, London, Velika Britanij, www.mpi.web.org IMEX 2008 22. – 24. april 2008, Frankfurt, Nemčija, www.imex-frankfurt.com EIBTM 02. – 04. december 2008, Barcelona,

Srednjeveški grad Mokrice, odmaknjen od vsakodnevnega vrveža, je priljubljeno mesto za številna protokolarna, poslovna in družabna srečanja. Idilično okolje je posebno primerno tudi za team builing programe, saj so na Mokricah na voljo kar tri dvorane in dva poslovna apartmaja. Udeleženci se lahko po poslovnem delu seznanijo z golfom neposredno ob grajskem obzidju ali z lokostrelstvom med veličastnimi drevesi več kot dvestoletnega angleškega parka.

Prihajajoči mednarodni dogodki AIPC Conference and General Assembly 23. – 24. julij 2007, Graz, Avstrija, www.aipc.org MPI World Education Congress 2007 28. – 31. julij 2007, Montreal, Kanada, www.mpiweb.org Suisse EMEX 2007 21. – 23. avgust 2007, Zurich, Švica, www.suisse-emex.ch Moscow International Winter Travel Workshop 06. september 2007, Moskva, Rusija, www.moscowworkshop.com ACCESS 01. – 02. oktober 2007, Dunaj, Avstrija, www.access-austria.at MIT – International trade fair for group tourism professionals 10. – 12. oktober 2007, www.mitinternational.com TTG Incontri 14. – 16. oktober 2007, Rimini, Italija, www.ttgitalia.com BTC – International Meetings Conventions and Incentive Fair 6. – 8. november 2007, Milano, Italija, www.btc.si EIBTM 27. – 29. november 2007, Barcelona, Španija, www.eibtm.com SIMEX 2008 24. – 25. januar 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenija, www.simex.com IAPCO -39th IAPCO General Assembly 01. februar 2008, Auckland, Nova Zelandija, www.iapco.org MPI PEC – Europe

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Španija, www.eibtm.com IMEX 2009 26. – 28. maj 2009, Frankfurt, Nemčija, www.imex-frankfurt.com IMEX 2010 25. – 27. maj 2010, Frankfurt, Nemčija, www.imex-frankfurt.com

Short News Cankarjev Dom congress team on business in Barcelona Cankarjev dom Congress and Events Management team went to Barcelona to visit two congress centres, the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona and Palau de Congressos de Catalunya from 29 March to 1 April 2007 to get better acquainted with their work. Both centres are prestigious, have cutting-edge technological equipment and can host the very largest international congresses, as Barcelona offers numerous hotel accommodation facilities and other services for large numbers of participants. www.cd-cc.si

EIBTM wins “most impressive growth of an event” at exhibition news awards 2007 EIBTM, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions won the “Most Impressive Growth of an Event” award at the inaugural Exhibition News Awards attended by over 400 exhibition professionals in London on May 10th 2007. The award categories were voted on by readers of Exhibition News in the UK both online and through its monthly publication. All entrants had to respond to questions demonstrating the area of growth in their event in order to qualify for the shortlist.

Mandy Torrens, Exhibition Director said: “We are delighted to receive this award. Since EIBTM moved to Barcelona, we have strategically grown every aspect of the event. From increasing the range of companies on the exhibition floor to widening the content of our professional education programme, enhancing the quality and quantity of our networking events and of course growing the number of one to one business meetings which is the very essence of our Hosted Buyer

programme. All of these elements together were part of our winning submission.” EIBTM 2007 will take place at The Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain from 27th-29th November. For further information on EIBTM please visit the website: www.eibtm.com

Western Meeting Point’. The organisers are hotel owners, and the portal offers them the chance to get clearer, faster and simplified interpersonal communication and collect information needed to prepare and organise different events. www.bestwestern-ce.com

Gunther Verheugen receives the BAPCO award

Kompas – incentive travel on the rise

Gunther Verhuegen received a prize from the Belgium congress industry for 2007 for his contributions to the promotional congress industry. The European Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry recognized this area of tourism as being a very dynamic and fast growing sector. This is also confirmed by statements from top EU officials who see the meetings industry development as key to improving the EU’s competitive position. The ommissioner promised to give every support to the promotion of this area of business.

Lately Kompas has seen a steep rise in the number of events confirmed for the March to September period. 2007 will be no exception, as indicators predict even higher growth than last year. As far as the origin of groups is concerned, rising numbers are from Spain and Portugal, an interesting development that may foreshadow a trend that necessarily puts these countries among our priority markets. Obviously we shall have to pay even more attention to them. Thus, in May alone 150 Portuguese guests, 3 groups of 30 Spaniards, 6 groups of 100 French people and two charters of 120 guests from the UK, more precisely from the Island of Guernsey, will come for several days of incentive travel. The demand is varied and includes the best known pearls and treasures of Slovenia, such as towns, sea, mountains, plains, the wealth of possibilities offered by the picturesque countryside (teambuilding, incentives with a sporting spirit) as well as culinary and cultural specifics – from Plečnik to folk dances. www.kompas.si

ICCA publishes country and city rankings for 2006 To coincide with the IMEX fair, based on data from 5838 congresses, the International Congress and Convention Association ICCA published its rankings of countries and cities that meet the conditions of organising their events through the international association and rotate between a minimum of three countries.

The 2006 country results are as follows: 1. USA, 2.Germany, 3. France, 4. Spain, 5. Italy.

The USA and Germany have been at the top of the list since 2004. A Latin American country, Brazil, won a place in the leading group of countries for the first time. For 2006 the results for cities are as follows: 1. Vienna, 2.Paris, 3. Singapore, 4. Barcelona, 5. Berlin. The final version of the report was published by the end of June. www.iccaworld.com

Best Western introduces a new web portal for venues On 12 March 2007, in partnership with UVT, Best Western Central Europe introduced a new web portal for venues, conferences, seminars, etc. called ‘Best

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Official carriers in growing demand Adria Airways has recently seen rising demand for it to act as official carier for congresses, fairs, sports and other special events. Organisers are aware that this is a very important element in their offers, which gives the event priceless added value. Adria has, among others, become the official carrier of Italian Serie A football team Udinese, of the Slovenia Open dance competition and the 46th UN WTO Regional Commissions Meetings for Europe. www.adria.si

Tehnopolis Celje Tehnopolis Celje is a priority project of the Savinjska Region in north-eastern Slovenia, in the heart of Europe.

Short News By 2013 17 hectares of land around the Technological Park and international university will be home to a complex of buildings with varying shapes.

Numerous halls for the needs of congress tourism are to be built.

Tehnopolis Celje has an international dimension and is a big challenge for investors, human resources and technological companies on the international market. Work started at Celje Technological Park last year, and its first building opened on 26 October 2006. Construction of the first building at Celje Technological Park was partly financed by the EU.

A castle atmosphere for modern events Medieval Mokrice castle, set apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is a popular place for many diplomatic, business and social events.

Its idyllic environment is also highly suitable for teambuilding programmes, as Mokrice boasts as many as three halls and two business apartments. Once the formal business of the programme is over, participants

may also get to know the pleasures of golf directly by the castle walls, or try their hand at archery under majestic trees in an English-style park dating back more than two centuries.

Future international events AIPC Conference and General Assembly July 23 – 24, 2007, Graz, Austria, www.aipc.org MPI World Education Congress 2007 July 28 – 31, 2007, Montreal, Canada, www.mpiweb.org Suisse EMEX 2007 August 21 – 23, 2007, Zurich, Switzerland, www.suisse-emex.ch Moscow International Winter Travel Workshop September 6, 2007, Moscow, Russia, www.moscowworkshop.com ACCESS October 1 – 2, 2007, Vienna, Austria, www.access-austria.at MIT – International trade fair for group tourism professionals October 10 – 12, 2007, www.mitinternational.com TTG Incontri

Globtour je podjetje za destinacijski management in »incentive« agencija, ki ima več kot osemintridesetletne izkušnje v turizmu. Visoko strokovno in inovativno osebje prijazno pomaga in strokovno usmerja vsak segment dogodka.

Kontakt: Matjaž Triplat Globtour Bled (04) 574 18 21 E-mail: globtour.bled@globtour.si 11

October 14 – 16, 2007, Rimini, Italy, www.ttgitalia.com BTC – International Meetings Conventions and Incentive Fair November 6 – 8, 2007. Milan, Italy, www.btc.si EIBTM November 27 – 29, 2007, Barcelona, Spain, www.eibtm.com SIMEX 2008 January 24 – 25, 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia, www.simex.com IAPCO -39th IAPCO General Assembly February 1, 2008, Auckland, New Zealand, www.iapco.org MPI PEC – Europe April 18 – 20, 2008, London, United Kingdom, www.mpi.web.org IMEX 2008 April 22 – 24, 2008, Frankfurt, Germany, www.imex-frankfurt.com EIBTM December 2 – 4, 2008, Barcelona, Spain, www.eibtm.com IMEX 2009 May 26 – 28, 2009, Frankfurt, Germany, www.imex-frankfurt.com IMEX 2010 May 25 – 27, 2010, Frankfurt, Germany, www.imex-frankfurt.com

Kolumna: Paul Kennedy

Bodite svetovalec, ne prodajalec Lahko bi mi rekli srečnež, lahko bi dejali, da sem nor, kajti v preteklih dvajsetih mesecih sem preko luže potoval okrog devetdesetkrat in gostoval na kongresih v vseh kotičkih sveta.

Jasno mi je, da je razvojni korak globalnega kongresnega turizma vse hitrejši: pojavljanje novih in/ali ponovno oživljenih krajev ter na strani povpraševanja pojavljanje novih virov kongresnih dejavnosti v državah, kot so Rusija, Indija in Kitajska. Se lahko ponudniki morda kaj naučijo od njih (moje ozadje pred EIBTM)?

Odgovor je vsekakor da.

Prepričan sem, da je najpomembnejši nauk ta, da se najuspešnejši ponudniki (s tem mislim hotele, konferenčna središča in specializirane dobavitelje) zavedajo, da je njihova naloga dodajanje vrednosti in ne le preprosto prodajanje prostora, hrane ali AV. Z odgovorom na vprašanje »Kaj je glavni cilj dogodka?« sporočate osebi, ki se namerava dogodka udeležiti, da boste naredili vse, da se ji bo udeležba tega dogodka kar najbolj obrestovala (donosnost investicije - RIO). Na kakšen način lahko ponudnik pomaga stranki, da se ji naložba obrestuje oz. doseže donosnost glede na investicijo? Poskusite razmišljati in delovati v vlogi svetovalca in ne prodajalca; s pomočjo razumevanja cilja dogodka stranki svetujte, kaj ji lahko koristi v vašem prostoru; stranki odkrito povejte, ali bi lahko vsebino dogodka bolje uresničil kje drugje ali kako drugače; potrudite se, da boste popolnoma razumeli, kaj je stranki najpomembnejše – prav lahko je to nekaj tako banalnega kot časovna uskladitev odmorov za kavo ali dostopnost le-te. Prilagajanje je verjetno najpomembnejša lastnost, ki bi jo kot ponudnik vedno morali ponuditi – ne obstaja formula, ki bi veljala za vsa srečanja in dogodke, zato bodite pripravljeni na poizvedovanje in prilagajanje (razen kadar je s tem ogrožena osnovna varnost). Tretji velik nauk je, da je pomembno razložiti osebju, da kot posamezniki in/ali kolektiv povečujejo ali zmanjšujejo uspeh dogodka; predstavite svoje ključno osebje stranki in vzpodbujajte neposredno komunikacijo med njimi. Takšno pooblaščanje povečuje jasnost komunikacije, večje prevzemanje odgovornosti in na splošno povečuje prilagodljivost vašega podjetja ali organizacije na več nivojih storitvene/ponudbene verige. Že samo ti trije nasveti, ki vas bodo spominjali, da prevzemite pristop dodane vrednosti, bodite prilagodljivi in pooblaščajte svoje podrejene, bodo imeli nedvomno za posledico bolj zadovoljne stranke in višjo retencijo poslovanja.

Seveda imam še veliko nasvetov z mojih neumornih potovanj – a več o njih v prihodnjih izdajah.

Paul Kennedy, direktor grupacije strokovni sejmi v korporaciji Reed Travel Exhibitions

Paul Kennedy

Nagrade EIBTM za posebno kreativne dosežke. • EIBTM Awards recognises exceptional creativity and imaginative skill. (Foto/Photo: EIBTM)

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Column: Paul Kennedy

Be a Consultant, not a Salesman Some would call me fortunate; some might call me mad, as in the last 20 months I have undertaken some 90 overseas trips, visiting the meetings industry in all corners of the world.

It is clear to me that the pace of global meetings industry development gets ever faster; newly emerging and/or refreshed destinations, and on the demand side new sources of international meeting business from countries such as Russia, India and China. Are there lessons to be learned for the supply side (my background before EIBTM) of our industry? The answer is a definite ‘yes’.

I believe the most important lesson is that the most effective suppliers, by which I mean hotel conference centres and specialist suppliers, understand that it’s their role to add value to an event rather than simply to sell space or catering or AV. Asking ‘What are the objectives of your event?’ conveys to a meeting planner (the buyer) a commitment to help him or her to generate maximum return on investment (ROI) from a meeting or event. How can a supplier help achieve this ROI for a client? Try thinking and acting in a consultancy role, not in a sales role; having understood the objectives of an event, advise the client what can work well in your property; advise the client openly if an aspect of the event would work better elsewhere or in a different way; and obtain the clearest understanding of what matters most to the planner – it may well be something as simple as the timing of coffee breaks and the availability of hot fresh coffee.

The need for flexibility is probably the most important service you as a supplier can and always should offer – no set pattern or solution applies to all events, so be prepared to ask and act flexibly (except where genuine safety issues are involved). A third major lesson is to prepare your staff to understand and accept that they individually and/or collectively add to or detract from the success of an event; introduce your key personnel and encourage direct interaction between the client and these key colleagues. This empowerment brings with it enhanced clarity of communication, a more ready acceptance of accountability and an all-round ability for your company or organisation to be more flexible at more levels in the service/supply chain.

Just these three tips – adopt an added value approach, live flexibly and empower your staff – will undoubtedly lead to increasingly satisfied customers and higher business retention.

There are of course, other lessons from my continuing travels – more from me in future editions.

Paul Kennedy MBE is Group Exhibition Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions

Poslovni sestanek. • Exhibitors and buyers doing business at EIBTM. (Foto/Photo: EIBTM)

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Kolumna: Gorazd Čad

Vloga standardizacije v kongresni ponudbi Prav neverjetno je, koliko različnih vrst ponudb in pristopov s strani slovenskih kongresnih ponudnikov se pojavlja. Ob tem se vedno spomnim na stare čase, ko smo radi govorili o tem, da nekaj ni ali je v skladu z JUS-om – legendarnimi Jugoslovanskimi standardi.

Brez ustrezne standardizacije naročniki storitev zelo težko medsebojno primerjamo različne ponudbe. Najbolj pa se stanje odraža na področju javnih naročil, kjer lahko najdemo toliko pristopov, kot je javnih naročnikov. Očitno je, da smo zaradi vedno večje ponudbe na trgu prišli v obdobje, ko bo tudi našo dejavnost potrebno urediti s pomočjo standardov. Preko standardov bomo vsaj delno uredili različna področja naše dejavnosti in zmanjšali razlike ter ovire v komunikaciji. Ob tem se poraja dvom, da so standardi običajno prenasičeni s tehničnimi podrobnostmi in premalo fleksibilni za današnje dinamično okolje, ob tem pa pozabljamo, da današnje življenje brez standardov praktično ni več mogoče. Primeri uspešne uporabe standardov so povsod okoli nas in brez standardov, kot je npr. standard za izvajanje elektronskih plačil, si današnje življenje težko predstavljamo.

Standardizacija je zagotovo eno od strateških orodij za slovensko kongresno industrijo, ki bo prispevala k uspešnejšemu pridobivanju mednarodnih kongresnih projektov. Mednarodno kongresno tržišče namreč že desetletja deluje po napisanih in nenapisanih pravilih, ki jih narekujejo različne strokovne organizacije in se manifestirajo v postopkih standardizacije in certificiranja. Ob tem je potrebno poudariti, da v tem trenutku formalno enotni evropski standardi še ne obstajajo, običajno pa postopki potekajo od dna do vrha.

Standardizacija je smiselna, ko se pojavi kritična masa podobnih storitev na trgu. Slovenska kongresna industrija je v zadnjem času dosegla kritično maso s preko šestdesetimi člani kongresnega urada. Odločitev, da je potrebno urediti to področje, je logična posledica hitre rasti dejavnosti in je vredna vse pohvale, saj gre za pilotski projekt, ki v evropskem prostoru nima primerjave.

Zdi pa se, da večina slovenskih ponudnikov ni dovolj seznanjenih s prednostmi standardizacije. Nujna naloga Zavoda-Kongresnoturistični urad je zagotoviti boljše razumevanje standardizacijskih postopkov zato, da se bo znanje razširjalo v prakso in se bodo v delo lahko vključili tudi strokovnjaki za posamezna področja naše dejavnosti.

Nenazadnje pa bodo standardizacijski postopki uredili tudi neurejeno področje terminologije, kjer je v tem trenutku toliko izrazov kot obstaja strokovnjakov na trgu.

Prepričan sem, da bomo s pomočjo standardov v prihodnjem letu v tej reviji lahko prebrali, kateri slovenski kongresni igralci so najboljši v posameznih kategorijah.

Gorazd Čad, GO.MICE

Gorazd Čad

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Column: Gorazd Čad

Standardisation’s Role in a Congress Offer It’s incredible how many different types of offers and approaches by Slovenian congress providers there are on the market. This always reminds me of the old days, when we often used to say that something was or wasn’t in line with ‘JUS’, the legendary Yugoslav standards.

Without adequate standardisation it’s difficult for providers or clients to compare different offers.

This is most clearly visible in the public procurement area, where there are as many approaches as there are public purchasers. It’s obvious that due to the increasingly varied offer on the market, we’ve entered a period when our activities also need regulation by adequate standards. Our work in different areas can be, at least to some extent, regulated with the help of standards. This will reduce differences and obstacles in communication. There are still some valid arguments to say that standards are frequently too full of technical detail and not flexible enough for today's dynamic environment. However, we tend to forget that nowadays life without standards is just about no longer possible.

Examples of standards being successfully applied are all around us and without standards, such as electronic payment standards, contemporary life is hard to picture.

Standardisation is without doubt a strategic tool for the Slovenian congress industry and will contribute to achieving a better success rate in acquiring international congress projects. For decades, the international congress market has worked in line with written and unwritten rules set by various expert organisations and manifested in standardisation and certification procedures.

In this respect it should be emphasised that there are still no formal uniform European standards, and normally procedures start from the bottom and run up to the top.

Standardisation makes sense when there appears on the market a critical mass of similar services. The Slovenian congress industry’s recently achieved that critical mass by having more than sixty members of the Slovenian Convention Bureau. The decision to regulate this area is a logical consequence of this activity’s rapid development and is praiseworthy, as it’s the first such pilot project in the European zone.

However, it seems that most Slovenian providers are inadequately informed about the priorities of standardisation. An indispensable task of the Slovenian Convention Bureau is to provide a better understanding of the standardisation procedures, aiming to transfer knowledge into practice and to allow experts from individual areas of our activity to get involved in the work.

And, last but not least, standardisation procedures will also regulate the unregulated area of terminology, where right now there are as many expressions as there are market experts.

With the help of standards, I’m sure that next year we’ll have an opportunity to read in our journal which Slovenian congress players are the best in individual categories.

Gorazd Čad, GO.MICE

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Kolumna: Tony Carey

Ogled lokacije Sovražim izraz ‘spoznavni izlet’ – pred oči mi prikliče podobe z alkoholom obsedenih prisklednikov, ki se utapljajo v sončenju in vinu na račun lokalnih davkoplačevalcev.

Ne mislim, da morajo takšni izleti vsebovati izključno samo delo in nič zabave. Obisk nove lokacije mora biti užitek ter velikodušna gostija in v Sloveniji – glede na moje izkušnje to tudi vedno je. Toda vsi, ki se ukvarjajo s tovrstnimi obiski, so obvezani, da jih najbolje izkoristijo – v profesionalnem smislu.

Najprej mora gostitelj vedeti, koga želi povabiti. Pridobitev seznama “kupcev” in pošiljanje vabil podjetjem, za katera so že vsi slišali, je recept za razočaranje. Tiste, ki spreje-

majo odločitve (ki so zasuti s takšnimi povabili), bo takšen neprofesionalen pristop takoj odvrnil.

Nekoč sem prejel privlačno vabilo z naslovom “Spoštovani gospod ali gospa”. Če se hotel ali kongresna pisarna ne moreta potruditi in odkriti, katerega spola sem, potem je malo verjetno, da bosta vložila veliko truda v mojo konferenco. Čeprav so dragi, so spoznavni obiski najbolj učinkovito marketinško orodje, vendar je potrebno povabljence pazljivo izbrati. Prepogosto zapravljamo čas, ker se načrtovalci srečanj združijo s potovalnimi agenti in organizatorji nagradnih potovanj, katerih interesi so nezdružljivi.

Toda pomanjkanje raziskav je le del problema. Načrtovalci srečanj, ki jih zanima neka posebna lokacija, bi morali obvestiti kongresni urad o razpoložljivosti in plačati vsaj del stroškov, s čimer bi pokazali svojo resnost. Prav tako bi morali navesti natančne želje v zvezi z organizacijo dogodka.

Gostitelji ne morejo oblikovati prilagojenega izleta ali ogleda, če ne vedo, kaj stranka želi. Mednarodna kongresna zveza bo imela zelo različne zahteve od podjetja, namenjenega prodaji, vsak od njiju pa potrebuje individualno pozornost. Če gostitelji ne vprašajo za relevantno informacijo vnaprej, potem jo mora gost priskrbeti sam.

Ta naj vključuje: vlogo in odgovornost obiskovalca, naslov njene/njegove organizacije in dejavnost, s katero se ukvarja, koliko in kakšen tip dogodkov organizira vsako leto, kakšni so udeleženci, kaj so cilji dogodka, zakaj se organizator zanima za to lokacijo, katere lokacije so bile že uporabljene v preteklosti, če organizator išče destinacijo/lokacijo za določen dogodek, katere podrobnosti je potrebno upoštevati?

Celo organizatorji imajo dolžnost, da dokažejo, da so kupci z dobrim in iskrenim namenom, da pripeljejo posel na lokalno področje. Svojim gostiteljem bi morali pomagati s pripravo na obisk tako, da bi prebrali potrebne materiale vnaprej.

Seveda mora ogled lokacije vključevati program z ogledom glavnih znamenitosti in destinacij. Programi, pripravljeni za prosti čas obiskovalcev, morajo odražati tudi potrebe njihovih predstavnikov. Razgibana mladostniška scena v Ljubljani bo privlačna za nekatere, za druge pa ne. Obstajajo (presenetljivo!) ljudje, ki ne bodo cenili izleta v vinograde Goriških brd.

Toda restavracije in lokalna kuhinja so pomembne in morajo biti izbrane (posebej zato, ker so jedilniki v Sloveniji tako različni), čeprav ni nujno, da so obroki sestavljeni iz devetih hodov. Najboljši izleti vključujejo vsakodnevni čas za počitek in sprostitev.

Zapomnite si, da deset kupcev, ki priletijo z letalom in jih vozite naokoli po enakih hotelih, kongresnih centrih in turističnih znamenitostih v minibusu, ni dokaz za to, da ste proračun za marketing uporabili najbolje. Bolje je, da poosebite program za pet posameznikov in se osredotočite na ustvarjanje zvez.

Smo člani zelo dinamične industrije, v kateri so veze ključnega pomena, zato so načrtovalci vedno izvajali dogodke na destinacijah in lokacijah, kjer imajo radi ljudi, s katerimi delajo in jim zaupajo. Kapacitete so na drugem mestu.

Pri ogledih lokacij gre brezpogojno za ljudi; to so zmenki na slepo s komercialnim rezultatom. In – tako kot pri zmenku – priprave pomagajo!

Tony Carey je učitelj, govornik in svetovalec na področju mednarodnih konferenc. Dosegljiv je na elektronskem naslovu tonycarey@psilink.co.je ali na spletni strani www.tonycarey.info Tony Carey

16

Column: Tony Carey, CMP, CMM

Site Inspections I hate the term ‘Fam trip’ - it conjures up images of alcohol obsessed free-loaders soaking up sunshine and vino at the expense of the local taxpayer.

Not that such ‘trips’ should be all work and no play. A hosted visit to a new location should be enjoyable and generously hosted - and in Slovenia, from my experience, always is. But all those involved with these visits have an obligation to make the most of them - professionally.

For a start, hosts must know whom they wish to invite. To obtain a list of ‘buyers’ and send invitations to those companies that everyone has heard

of, is a recipe for disappointment. The decision-makers (who are swamped with such invitations) will be put off by such an unprofessional approach.

I once received an appealing invitation addressed: ‘Dear Sir or Madam’. If a hotel or convention bureau cannot take the trouble to discover what sex I am, then they are unlikely to take much trouble with my conference.

Although expensive, familiarisation visits are a most effective marketing tool, so invitees should be hand-picked. All too often, time is wasted because meeting planners are lumped together with travel agents and incentive organisers whose interests are incompatible.

But lack of research is only part of the problem. Meeting planners who have an interest in a particular location should inform the Convention&Visitors Bureau of their availability and should be prepared to pay at least a proportion of the costs to demonstrate their commitment. They should also list the exact needs of their organisation or event.

Hosts are unable to design a tailored tour of inspection if they don’t know what the client wants. An international association congress will have widely different requirements from a corporate sales event and each needs individual attention.

And if the hosts don’t ask for the relevant information in advance, then the guest should provide it. Such as: The role and responsibility of the prospective visitor; The title of his/her organisation and what it does; How many and what type of events it runs each year; What sort of people the attendees are; What the aims of the events are; Why the organiser is interested in this destination; Which locations have been used in the past; If the organiser is seeking a destination/venue for a specific event, what the details are.

Event organisers have an obligation to prove they are bona fide buyers with a real intention to bring business to a locality and should do their hosts the compliment of preparing for the visit by reading the relevant material in advance.

Of course, an inspection itinerary should include the major attractions of a destination. But the leisure pursuits arranged for the visitors should also reflect the needs of their delegates. The vibrant youth scene in Ljubljana will appeal to some and not others and there are (surprisingly) people who would not appreciate a tour of the vineyards of Goriška Brda.

However, the restaurants and the local cuisine are important and must be sampled, (especially in Slovenia where menus are so varied) - although not necessarily with nine course banquets. And the best inspection visits include some time each day for relaxation and reflection.

The lesson is that bringing ten ‘buyers’ out on a plane and shuttling them all around the same hotels, convention centres and tourist attractions in a minibus, is not the best use of a marketing budget. Better to personalise a programme for five individuals – and concentrate on building relationships.

We are members of a very dynamic industry where relationships are key, so planners have always taken their events to destinations and venues where they like and trust the people they will work with. Facilities come second.

Ultimately, site inspections are about people. They are blind dates with a commercial outcome. And, like going on a date, some preparation is helpful.

Tony Carey is a trainer, presenter and consultant to the international conference industry. He can be reached at tonycarey@psilink.co.je. or via www.tonycarey.info

17

Rok Klančnik: Pismo iz Bruslja

Valilnica popotniških plemen Res je: Amadeusova študija »prihodnjih popotniških plemen« nosi letnico 2020, kar pomeni, da gre za futuristično napoved potovalnih tendenc. Pa vendar – nekatera dognanja te raziskave veljajo že danes. Če jih bomo razumeli že zdaj, bomo v prihodnosti jedli bel kruh.

Študijo »Future Traveller Tribes 2020« je pred kratkim objavila londonska svetovalna hiša Henley Centre Headlight Vision za naročnika, rezervacijskega giganta Amadeusa. Ne gre za znanstveno fantastiko, temveč za zelo oprijemljiva dejstva. Še več. Ravno Bruselj, pa tudi Amsterdam (poleg njiju pa še London in malo manj Pariz) sta že zdaj nekakšni valilnici prihodnjih »popotniških plemen«, njihov otroški vrtec in laboratorij za preizkušanje vedenjskih vzorcev poslovnih turistov, tako tistih, ki si želijo privezati dušo, kot onih, ki na tuje potujejo zaradi posla, na motivacijsko potovanje ali preprosto zato, ker bodo dobili dnevnico.

In katera so ta štiri plemena, ki naj bi potovalni, zlasti letalski trg v celoti prevzela nekje do leta 2020?

• globalni izvršni direktorji: elitni poslovni popotniki, »money-rich, time-poor«, ki najraje potujejo z zasebnimi reaktivci in se vozijo v črnih limuzinah; • aktivni seniorji: premožni, zdravi popotniki med 50 in 75 leti, ki bodo potovali predvsem na počitek in kulturno doživetje; • zaposleni svetovljani: včasih smo se v službo vozili z Vrhnike v Ljubljano, že danes iz Ljubljane tudi v Bruselj, v prihodnjih letih pa bo tega še več, zlasti na zahodu; • globalni klani: ljudje, ki bodo pogosto potovali z letalom na obisk k članom družine in prijateljem. Študija natančno analizira njihove vedenjske vzorce, geo-ekonomiko, geo-politiko in tehnologijo, kajti od poznavanja vseh teh elementov bo v mnogočem odvisen razvoj te v dobiček usmerjene korporacije in vse naše industrije.

Toda zdaj se ne bomo spuščali v podrobnosti dokumenta, ki ga sicer lahko brezplačno dobite na www.amadeus.com. Raje bi opozorili na to, da se napovedi najhitreje razvijajo prav v Beneluxu. Bruselj je namreč – kot v nekdanji Jugoslaviji Beograd, v avstrijskem cesarstvu pa Dunaj - stičišče ekonomskih in političnih informacij v Evropi, s tem pa tudi njihovih prinašalcev, ki praviloma niso slabo plačani. V okolici Evropskega parlamenta, tako imenovanem »European Villagu«, živi na tisoče ljudi iz starih in novih držav članic Evropske unije, mnogi pa bodo tu tudi ostali in se prej ali kasneje prelevili v napovedane predstavnike »aktivnih seniorjev« in seveda »globalnega klana«. V Bruslju deluje tudi ogromno »zaposlenih svetovljanov«, ki živijo drugod, denimo na britanskem, francoskem podeželju, celo v Ljubljani, in se vsak petek odpravijo domov, bodisi prek nacionalnega letališča Zaventem bodisi prek »low-cost« Charleroi. Le »globalnih izvršnih direktorjev« je več v Amsterdamu, čeprav v Bruslju deluje okrog 3000 korporacij. Amsterdam je ne tako davno korporacijam in združenjem ponujal obilo ugodnosti (nakup, najem nepremičnin, davčne olajšave) in če k njim prištejemo še razposajeno nočno življenje ob kanalih pa kakšen joint, v bližini pa enega največjih letališč na svetu Schiphol, nam res ne more biti čudno, da v A’damu deluje okrog 10.000 korporacij in mednarodnih združenj.

Skratka, vse to je treba izkoristiti in te ljudi že zdaj prepričati, da je prav relativno neznana Slovenija idealna destinacija za njihova motivacijska potovanja pa tudi za »čiščenje energetskih centrov«, ko čakre zaradi stresnega dela že malce podivjajo.

Na koncu pa opozorimo samo še na to: ta štiri plemena v Slovenijo najpogosteje prihajajo z letali, v bodoče pa bodo še pogosteje. Nas ne bo čez nekaj kratkih let prešinilo, da je naše nacionalno letališče, čeprav obnovljeno, vendarle še vedno preskromno in premajhno za vse premike, ki se obetajo?

Rok Klančnik

Rok Klančnik, Slovenski Turistični Urad, Beneluks

18

Rok Klančnik: Letter from Brussels

Incubator of Traveller Tribes It is true: Amadeus study »Future of traveller tribes « features the year 2020, meaning it is futuristic forecast of travelling trends.

Nevertheless some of the research findings stand true already today. Should we understand them already now there will be bread and butter available to us in the future.

The study »Future Traveller Tribes 2020« was recently published by London consultancy house Henley Centre Headlight Vision for a client, booking giant Amadeus. It is not the case of science fiction but of very tangible facts. Even more.

It is right Brussels, also Amsterdam (in addition to them London and slightly less Paris) which are already now some kind of incubators of future traveller tribes, their kindergarten and laboratory for testing behavioural patterns of business tourists, be it those who wish to please their soul or those who travel abroad on business, on motivation travelling, or simply because they will be paid a per diem.

And which are these four tribes who are supposed to totally conquer travelling, mainly airline market sometime by the year 2020 • Global executive managers: elite business travellers, »money-rich, time poor«, who prefer travelling by private jets and driving in black limousines; • Active seniors: wealthy, healthy seniors aged between 50 and 75 who will travel mainly for relay and cultural experience; • Employed cosmopolitans: we used to commute from Vrhnika to Ljubljana, and today from Ljubljana even to Brussels, in the following years there will be more and more such cases, mainly in the west; • Global clans: people who will frequently travel by plane to visit family members and friends.

The study precisely analyses their behavioural patterns, geo-economics, geo-politics, technology, since knowing all these elements will entail development of this profit focussed corporation and all our industry.

Nevertheless we will not go into details of the document, which is free of charge available on www.amadeus.com. We would rather draw your attention to the fact that forecasts development is the fastest right in Brussels, namely - same as in the former Yugoslavia Belgrade, in Austrian empire Vienna, it is the focal point of economic and political information in Europe, and with its informants who as a rule are not badly paid. Within the environment of the European Parliament, »European Village«, there live thousands of people form old and new members of European Union, many of them will stay there and sooner or later change into forecast representatives of active seniors and of course the global clan. In Brussels there are also many »cosmopolitans employed«, who reside elsewhere, be it in English or French countryside, even in Ljubljana, and each Friday hey commute home. Be it via national airport or »low-cost« Charleroi. Only »global executives« are more numerous in Amsterdam, nevertheless in Brussels there operate about 3000 corporations. Amsterdam recently offered to corporations and associations a great deal of advantages (purchase, lease of real estates, tax relief), should we add also frolic night life along canals and an occasional joint in the vicinity of one of the largest airports in the world Schiphol, there is no wonder that in A'dam operate approximately 10.000 corporations and international associations.

Shortly, all that has to be profited from and those people already now convinced that precisely relatively unknown Slovenia is the ideal destination for their motivation travels and also for »purifying energy centres«, with chakras getting a bit wild due to stressful work.

In the end let us draw attention to one more fact: these four tribes most frequently come to Slovenia by planes, even more frequently so in the future. Will it not occur to us in a couple of years that our national airport, despite being reconstructed, still remains too modest and too little for all movements expected?

Rok Klančnik, Slovenian Tourist Office in Brussels

19

Incentive ponudba

Motivacijska srečanja v Sloveniji »Incentive tours«, nekoč znana kot nagradna potovanja za zaposlene in poslovne partnerje, so danes ena od vedno pomembnejših in pogostih oblik marketinških aktivnosti podjetja. Začetki incentive srečanj segajo v 50. leta 20. stoletja, ko so jih ameriška multinacionalna podjetja organizirala z namenom, da bi nagradila in vzpodbudila svoje sodelavce k še boljšemu delu in povečala kooperantsko mrežo.

V Sloveniji so motivacijska oz. t.i. incentive potovanja še v razvoju. V glavnem so to krajši, enodnevni programi v okviru kongresov, konferenc ipd. Ob tem je potrebno izpostaviti, da gre pri izvedbi incentive potovanj tudi za izredno promocijo mesta, države. Pomen tega segmenta na turističnem trgu je vedno večji in v naši državi ne bi smeli prezreti niti njegove ekonomske funkcije.

ni namenjen poslovnemu formalnemu komuniciranju, zaposlimo z aktivnostmi skupne vsebine, individualno preživetemu prostemu času in neformalni medsebojni komunikaciji ter medsebojnim človeškim odnosom. Zato morata biti družabnost in atraktivnost dovolj zanimiva, privlačna, sproščujoča in komplementarna, da s strokovnim delom tvorita sinergijo.

Vsebina incentivov je nadvse pomembna, zato mora biti nekaj posebnega. Celoten program mora biti pripravljen in izveden na kakovostno visokem nivoju in na profesionalen način. Vsebovati mora pravšnjo mero strokovnega dela, promocije, aktivnosti, sprostitve, družabnosti, individualnosti, zabave, počitka, jedače, pijače, vse organizirano v pravilnem zaporedju, dolžini trajanja, intenzivnosti in tempu.

Kaj ni incentive?

V Sloveniji ni veliko agencij, ki bi se specializirale na področju organizacije incentive potovanj, ki morajo biti pripravljena in izvedena z največjo skrbnostjo in strokovnostjo in se po tej plati precej razlikujejo od klasičnega turističnega potovanja.

Osnovni principi za dobro organizacijo incentive potovanj so odlično sodelovanje med naročnikom in izvajalcem, natančno definirana ciljna skupina, zanimiv program, »pisan na kožo« udeležencem potovanja ter visokokvalitetne storitve.

V študiji britanskih in ameriških podjetij, kjer so incentive potovanja najbolj razvita, zasledimo: 75% podjetij izvede do pet incentivov letno, 10% podjetij eno, 10% deset in 5% nad deset. V povprečju trajajo potovanja 2-5 dni, najpogosteje 4 dni. Še posebej bi izpostavil, da incentive potovanje ni turistično potovanje, ni dogodek in ni team building. Gre za »á la carte program« in lahko bi rekli, da sodi v izvedbo agencij, ki se ukvarjajo s tržnimi komunikacijami in je splet zgoraj navedenih dejavnosti.

Marko Križnik, Agencija Promo, www.promo-ag.si

Za koga, kako in zakaj?

Gre za vnaprej pripravljeno srečanje na izbrani lokaciji ali potovanju, kjer podjetje izvede točno določene marketinške aktivnosti v kombinaciji z atraktivnostjo lokacije. Namenjena so torej znani ciljni skupini. To so največkrat glede na vsebino in cilje srečanja izbrani zaposleni in poslovni partnerji.

Med marketinškimi aktivnostmi najpogosteje prevladujejo teme kot so predstavitve in debate o dosežkih, strateških usmeritvah, trendih razvoja izdelkov, storitev, poslovnih odnosov, tudi »brainstorming«, ... torej globalne teme podjetja in dejavnosti. Čas, ki

Foto/Photo: Marko Križnik

20

The Incentive Offer

Motivational Meetings in Slovenia 'Incentive tours', once known as reward travel for staff and business partners, is these days one of the most important and common forms of a firm’s marketing. The start of incentive meetings stretches back to the 1950's, when American multinational firms organized them intending that they'd reward and incentivise their staff into better work and increase networks of co-operation.

Motivational or incentive travel is still developing in Slovenia. In the main these are shorter single-day programmes in the framework of a congress, conference and so on. It's necessary to point out that the implementation of incentive travel is also first class promotion of a place or country. The significance of this segment in the tourist market is ever greater, and we in Slovenia should not overlook its economic function.

to the business of formal communication is employed in collective group activities, while individuals may enjoy their free time with informal interactive communication and inter-personal relationships. Therefore the sociability and attractiveness must be sufficiently interesting, appealing, relaxing and complementary so that synergy is created with the professional work.

The content of incentives is of overriding importance, and so must be something special. The whole programme must be prepared and carried out to a high level of quality and in a professional way. It must contain proper amounts of professional work, promotion, activities, relaxation, social activities, individuality, fun, rest, food and drink, all organised in the right sequence, with proper duration, intensity and tempo.

What is not an incentive?

There are not many agencies in Slovenia that specialise in the field of the organisation of incentive travel. Such travel must be prepared and carried out with the greatest care and professionalism, and on that side firmly distinguished from classic tourist travel.

The basic principles are the good organisation of incentive travel and excellent co-operation between the client and contractor, precisely defined common goals, and an interesting programme 'fitting participants like a glove' as well as high-quality services. A study of British and American firms, where incentive travel is best developed, revealed that 75% of firms carry out up to five incentives a year, 10% one, 10% ten and 5% more than ten. The average trip lasted 25 days, with 4 days being most common. Most of all, I'd point out that incentive travel is not tourist travel, is not an event and is not teambuilding. It's an ' la carte' programme and could be said in implementing agencies concerned with marketing communications to be a web of these activities.

Marko KriĹžnik, Promo Agency, www.promo-ag.si

For whom, how and why?

We have in mind future meetings prepared in a carefully chosen location or travel where a firm carries out precisely determined marketing activities in combination with the attractiveness of a location. These are intended for a known target group, and most commonly the case is the content and targets of a meeting of selected staff and business partners.

Prevalent among marketing activities are most often presentations and discussions of results, strategic directions, trends in product and service development, business relations, as well as 'brainstorming', thus global themes in firms and industries. Time not devoted

Foto/Photo: Marko KriĹžnik

21

Incentive ponudba

Kako narediti dober incentive?

Narediti dober incentive je zelo zahtevna naloga. Čisto na začetku se posel začne v pisarni, nato postane zadeva vse bolj terenska, kar pomeni nujno ogled kapacitet. Časovno to pomeni leto dni oz. najmanj šest mesecev pred začetkom dogodka. En ogled, dva, tri, s trajanjem najprej tri, nato dva do en dan? Vam zveni poznano?

Zahtevni kupci želijo videti, otipati, doživeti vse, kar bodo doživeli njihovi klienti. Če so incentivi v začetku prodajanje ideje, so v tej fazi hudo konkreten posel in garanje. Ta faza pomeni sklepanje posla in samo majhen zaplet lahko ogrozi celotno akcijo. Dogodka še ni, pa vendar imamo na glavi cel kup stroškov. Hotel noče sodelovati in ne daje brezplačnih sob? Zopet znano? Nosite vse ali večino stroškov? Ja, sprijaznite se s tem, da imajo oblegane destinacije premalo hotelov in da ni konkurence. Boste pač vi nosili stroške, čeprav gre kasneje morda za 1500 nočitev in dober posel tudi za hotel.

Zelo zahtevni partnerji na osnovi videnega pripravijo scenarij dogodka. Obseg tega dokumenta je lahko tudi 30 in več strani. Čeprav gre za mukotrpno usklajevanje vsebine in časa in pisanje do zadnje podrobnosti, je na koncu, ko je dokument tukaj, za vse precej bolj enostavno. Slediti je potrebno zapisanemu. Ja seveda, spremembe so obvezne. Če jih naredi klient, moramo zanje imeti veliko razumevanja, če pa pridejo s terena (npr. prestavljena otvoritev Plečnikove razstave, ko je Plečnik eden od ključnih elementov za obisk Ljubljane), pa je zanje razumevanja na drugi strani manj in zopet je potrebno veliko pisanja in energije za ureditev odnosov in programa.

Sledi tiskanje programa oz. brošure, ki gre do gostov, ki jim je motivacijsko potovanje sploh namenjeno. Uspešni prodajalci, vrhunski upravljavci ali le zelo zahtevna profilirana skupina? Ni važno – za vse se zelo potrudimo. Saj poznate rek – dober glas ...

Ja saj res, kaj pa program? Možnosti je nešteto. Tukaj navajamo le en primer, ki je bil v praksi zelo uspešen.

Pristanek poletnega in sončnega dne na Brniku. Po prevzemu prtljage razporeditev v stare avtomobile. Vsaka posadka prejme natančna navodila glede poti in zemljevid. Sledi razburljiva in tekmovalna vožnja po lokalnih cestah do Cerknice. Vmes se je potrebno nujno ustaviti: v Skaručni (čas za malico – jedilnik: krača), Močilnik (nekaj sladkega in osvežilnega prav na izviru Ljubljanice), nato hrupen prihod v Cerknico. Rahlo utrujeni – seveda. Vendar pogled na zeleno pokrajino, kjer se trava premika v rahlem vetriču, osveži utrujene popotnike. Iz avtomobilov presedlajo na konje in se čez jezerno dno odpravijo do Otoka, kjer si postrežejo z ribjimi specialitetami. Vi-

Foto/Photo: Kompas

22

Incentive ponudba

no – kaj primorskega. Spusti se večer. Ta noč je nekaj posebnega. Udeleženci (30) spijo na različnih naslovih – tu ni hotelov, so pa kmetije, ki ponujajo prenočišča.

Naslednji dan je čas za zgodnji začetek. Pošten kmečki zajtrk in malica za na pot.

Postanek v Postojni je obvezen, ker sledi ogled naše največje turistične jame. Nato zopet po lokalni cesti mimo dramatičnega Črnega Kala do Socerba. Piknik!

Poleg malice tekne tudi golaž iz kotla, ki že diši ob prihodu avtomobilistov. Nato naravnost do morja. Še kozarček žganega za pogum in regata se začne. Zvečer je razglasitev rezultatov, večerja v restavraciji z zabavnim programom in podelitvijo nagrade najboljši posadki, nato pa obisk Casinoja (nihče ni zadel glavne nagrade).

Prenočevanje v enem izmed hotelov s petimi zvezdicami.

Začetek novega dne z dobrim zajtrkom, nato preko Trsta do Medane, kraljice Goriških Brd. Gurmanska pojedina namesto kosila v eni izmed vinarskih hiš najbolj slovečega imena. Še kratek sprehod, saj so pogledi zares navdihujoči, in nadaljevanje vožnje do Mosta na Soči. Alpe so lepe, vendar za stare avtomobile prezahtevne. Zato rajši na vlak do Jesenic. Kremšnita na Bledu je obvezna, prav tako vožnja po jezeru s pletno in cingljanje z zvonom na otoku. Grad je impresiven, vendar je prava sprostitev na Straži, kjer se adrenalin iskri ob spustu s sanmi. Ta večer je čas za folkloro in Lectarja. Nekaj navdušencev celo zapleše. Spanje v petih zvezdicah. Presenečenje čaka v sobah – majhno darilo za spomin.

Pred poletom letala je čas za vožnjo proti Ljubljani in oddajo avtomobilov. Vse po Ljubljani se odvija peš – iskanje zaklada in odkrivanje lepot prestolnice, ki se konča na tržnici, kjer je tudi čas za hitro kosilo. Pika na i današnjega dne je kratek koncert v Filharmoniji. Nato pa na avtobus do letališča in slovo – do prihodnjič, ko spet pridejo. Takrat bodo na vrsti Alpe in treking. To so nam zaupali že sedaj ... In če vas zanima, iz katere branže so bili ti gostje, naj povem, da prihajajo iz multinacionalke, ki se ukvarja s prehrano, pretežno so bili udeleženci moški, stari od 35 do 50 let. Pa še to, eden izmed udeležencev je imel v tem času rojstni dan – tudi te podatke nam je skrbno zaupal naročnik. Zato je bila v Portorožu tudi torta in prešerno petje.

Maja Vidergar, Kompas, www.kompas.si

GOSTINSTVO JEZER EK d.o.o.

DVOR JEZERŠEK – BRNIK 1768

GOSTILNA – RESTAVRACIJA – HOTEL T: +386 (0)4 25 29 400 W: www.dvor-jezersek.si M: info@dvor-jezersek.si

HIŠA KULINARIKE JEZERŠEK CATERING T: +386 (0)1 361 94 13 W: www.jezersek.si M: info@jezersek.si

23

The Incentive Offer

How to make a good Incentive Creating a good incentive is a very demanding task. At the very outset the task starts in the office. Then it becomes more fieldwork in character, which necessarily means checking out the facilities.

This happens about a year or at least six months before the event starts. One visit, two, three lasting at first three days, then two and down to a day? Sounds familiar?

Demanding buyers wish to see, feel and experience everything their clients will experience. If incentives are initially about selling ideas, in this phase they’re seriously competitive business and hard work. This phase means making a deal, and even the smallest complication may jeopardize the whole campaign.

Then there’s no event, and we’re left carrying a load of costs. The hotel won’t co-operate and doesn’t offer free rooms? Familiar again? You cover all or most of the costs? Well, get used to the most frequented destinations not having enough hotels and there being no competition. You’ll have to cover the costs, although it may at a later stage turn into 1500 overnights and good business for the hotel.

Very demanding partners prepare a script based on the facts as seen. Such a document may be up to 30 pages or more. Although it’s a painful process to harmonise the content and schedules by writing everything down to the last detail, at the end of the day, when the document is there, everything is much simpler. All one has to do is follow what’s written. And, of course, changes are unavoidable. When they’re required by the client, we have a lot of understanding for them, but if they come from the field (such as a postponed opening of a Plečnik exhibition, when Plečnik is a key element for visiting Ljubljana), our ability to understand such changes is less. Once again it results in a lot of writing and energy used managing relationships and the programme.

Then follows printing the programme or brochure to be sent to the guests the motivational travel is intended for. Successful salespeople, top managers or just a very demanding profiled group? It doesn’t matter – we always do out best. As one Slovenian saying goes – a good reputation reaches the farthest distances.

Ah yes. What about the programme? There are countless possibilities. Let’s look at just one example that’s often proved to be successful in practice.

Landing at Brnik on a sunny summer afternoon. After collecting the baggage, teams are set and distributed into old cars. Each team receives precise route instructions and a map. Then follows an exciting racing drive on local roads to Cerknica. There are several stops on the way: in Skaručna (time for a snack – menu: ham), Močilnik (something sweet and refreshing at the very source of

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the river Ljubljanica), then a noisy arrival at Cerknica. Slightly tired, of course. But the view of the green countryside with the grass swaying in the summer breeze refreshes the tired travellers. From the cars they saddle up on horses and set out across the lake bottom to Otok, where they help themselves to fish specialties. Wine – something from Primorska. Evening falls. This night is something special. The participants (30) sleep at different addresses – there are no hotels here, but there are farmhouses offering accom modation.

An early start the following day.

An abundant country breakfast and a snack for the journey. A stop in Postojna is a must, as there is a visit to our biggest tourist cave. Then, once more on local roads, past the dramatic Črni Kal to Socerb.

Barbecue! As well as the snack, goulash from a kettle is also really nice. When the motorists arrive, the air is already full of delicious cooking aromas. Then straight to the sea. One more glass of brandy for courage and the regatta can start. In the evening the results are announced. Dinner is

in a restaurant with an entertainment programme and a prize-giving ceremony for the best team. The evening finishes with a casino visit (nobody won the main prize). Accommodation in one of the five-star hotels.

A good breakfast to start a new day, then past Trieste to Medana, the queen of the Goriška Brda hills. A gourmet feast instead of lunch in one of the best-reputed winegrowing houses. One more short walk, as the views are absolutely inspiring, and a further drive to Most na Soči. The Alps are breathtaking, but a bit too much for the old cars. A better solution is to put them on a train to Jesenice. Kremšnita, a cream cake made of vanilla and custard in Bled cannot be left out, as well as a ride on the lake with the typical boat called pletna, and the ringing of the bell on the island. The castle is impressive, but the real relaxation is at Straža, where there’s the adrenaline rush of the sledge descent. This evening folk dances are on the schedule and the Lectar restaurant. Some of the keenest even try their dancing abilities. Sleeping is five star. A surprise awaits the guests in their rooms – a small gift as a souvenir.

Before the plane takes off, there’s still enough time to drive to Ljubljana and return the cars. The whole Ljubljana programme involves walking – a treasure hunt and discovering the beauties of the capital. The path finishes at the market, where it’s time for lunch. And last but not least, the final event of the day is a short concert at the Philharmonic Hall. The bus takes the guests to the airport and it is the time to say our goodbyes – until next time, when they come again. Then it’ll be time for the Alps and trekking.

They’ve already told us … And if you’re interested which field these guests came from, let me tell you that they were from a multinational company dealing with nutrition. Most of them were men, between 35 and 50 years old.

And one last thing: one of the participants had a birthday at this time – the client confidentially informed us about it. It was a good reason for a cake in Portorož and for cheerful singing…

Maja Vidergar, Kompas, www.kompas.si

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Koren sports

Za inovativnost je potrebna drznost Podjetje Koren Sports je družinsko podjetje, ki se je specializiralo za področje športnega turizma, aktivnih počitnic in za uvajanje t. i. “experimental learning” metode. Je eno izmed vodilnih slovenskih podjetij na področju organiziranja in izvajanja športnih programov, hkrati pa se lahko pohvali tudi z izgradnjo prvega adrenalinskega parka v Sloveniji.

Kaj je potrebno za uspešno skupinsko delo pri incentive programih?

Pri incentive programih, ki načeloma nisi fizično zahtevni, so za uspešno sodelovanje ekipe potrebna usklajenost, dobra komunikacija in pozitivna naravnanost za doseganje skupnih ciljev.

Kateri program, ki ste ga izvedli, je bil po vašem mnenju najbolj ustvarjalen in zakaj?

Najboljši programi so izvedeni v okviru t. i. interaktivnih iger, za katere se scenarij prilagodi naročniku. Trenutno najbolj izstopa naš program »Rešimo se!«, kjer se morajo člani ekipe s pomočjo splava, ki ga sami zgradijo, »rešiti«, pred tem pa morajo pridobiti tudi dele splava, iz katerega ga sestavijo.

Kaj loči profesionalno od amaterske agencije za organizacijo incentive in team building programov?

Inštruktorji in poslovni trenerji!!! V našem podjetju veliko vlagamo v razvoj kadrov in neprestano izpopolnjevanje, saj brez ustrezno vodenih programov ni dodane vrednosti za naročnika. V Sloveniji pa se na žalost pojavlja veliko t. i. kvazi team building agencij, ki na trgu nastopajo brez kakršnihkoli referenc in znanja, zato je izbira agencije zelo pomembna.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba konkurenčna na svetovnem trgu?

Področje incentive programov v Sloveniji se uspešno razvija in kdor zna umestiti program na atraktivne lokacije in jih povezati v zgodbo, je vsekakor konkurenčen, kar lahko neposredno potrdim preko naših poslovnih partnerjev. Prodajajo se predvsem zanimive zgodbe!

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba dovolj inovativna?

Mislim, da je pri nas vse preveč t. i. »sledilcev«, ki predvsem posnemajo uspešne. Za inovativnost pa je potrebna prava mera drznosti in to včasih pogrešam.

Po katerih/kakšnih programih imate največ povpraševanja in zakaj?

Največ povpraševanja imamo po programih v sklopu adrenalinskega parka, po izvedbi raznih interaktivnih programov (npr. lov za izgubljenim zakladom, team challenge, x.cross golf, ...). Mislim, da se naročniki odločajo na podlagi naših bogatih izkušenj, saj jim v večini primerov strokovno svetujemo o primernosti programov za njihove skupine.

Kakšen je po vašem mneju trend razvoja incentive programov v Sloveniji?

Povpraševanje gre v smeri vračanja nazaj k naravi, k ekološko osveščenim programom, k odkrivanju manj znanih aktivnosti in proti kontroliranim adrenalinskim doživetjem. www.koren-sports.si

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Koren sports

Innovation needs Courage Koren Sports is a family company specialised in sports tourism, active holidays and it introduced the 'Experimental Learning' method. It's a leading Slovenian company in organising and executing sports programmes. It can be proud that it set up the first Adrenaline park in Slovenia.

What’s needed for successful teamwork in incentive programmes?

To be successful, incentive programmes that in principle are physically not very demanding need team flexibility, good communication and a positive attitude toward the achievement of common goals.

For you, which programme you’ve done is the most creative and why?

My personal opinion is that the best programmes are our interactive games, where we adjust the scenario to the customer. Currently ‘Rescue ourselves!’ is very popular; the team has to rescue itself by a raft that team members themselves have to build. Before that they have to gather all the parts to make the raft.

What sets a professional agency for incentives in team building programmes apart from an amateur one?

Instructors and business coaches!!! At Koren we’re aware of this and put a lot into developing and training our staff and human resources. Without properly led programmes there’s no added value for the customer.

Unfortunately there’s a lot of what we can call ‘fake’ teambuilding agencies in Slovenia that’re on the market without any experience or knowledge.

That’s why choosing the right agency is very important.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is competitive in the global market?

Our incentive programme industry is developing well and those that know how to do a programme in an attractive place and link it into a story are definitely competitive. Our business partners can confirm this directly. Selling interesting stories comes first.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is innovative enough?

I think we have too many ‘followers’ that mostly just imitate the success of others. Innovation needs the right amount of courage and sometimes I miss that.

Which programmes do you have the highest demand for and why?

There’s highest demand for programmes at the adrenaline park and for different interactive programmes such as ‘treasure pursuit’, ‘team challenge’, ‘x-cross golf’ and so on. I think clients decide based on our rich experience; we often professionally advise them on the suitability of their groups’ programmes.

What’re the trends in incentive programme development in Slovenia?

There’s growing demand for ‘back to nature’ ecologically aware programmes, discovery of less well-known activities and for controlled adrenaline experiences. www.koren-sports.si

Foto/Photo: Koren sports

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Lifetrek

Slovenija bi lahko bila nekaj posebnega, unikatnega Agencija Lifetrek je eden vodilnih ponudnikov korporativnih team building dogodkov in motivacijskih programov na slovenskem trgu. Programi so unikatni in usmerjeni k novim izkušnjam ter visoki stopnji motivacije. Naročnike presenečajo z izvirnimi in kreativnimi idejami ter izvrstno organizacijo. Svoje programe tržijo pod blagovno znamko Zmagovalec.si in Spiritowin.com na trgu EU. Kaj je potrebno za uspešno skupinsko delo pri incentive programih?

Za uspešno skupinsko delo in moštvo, ki bo preseglo vsa pričakovanja, je potreben ustrezen program, ustvarjen za točno to ekipo. Pomembna je tudi lokacija, presenečenje, prav tako izvirnost in intezivnost nalog.

Kateri program, ki ste ga izvedli, je bil po vašem mnenju najbolj ustvarjalen in zakaj?

Vsak naš program je usmerjen h končnemu cilju – motivaciji skupine. Že pri pripravi scenarija in ponudbe poskušamo z vprašalnikom pridobiti potrebne informacije o posamezni skupini in njihovih ciljih. Celoten dogodek nato vključuje vse elemente za dosego cilja. V zadnjem času izstopa predvsem „smaragdna avantura“ v Trenti in Bovcu, tukaj je tudi „zmajeva skrivnost“ v urbanem okolju Ljubljane, poseben cukrček pa je recimo program s kanuji po beneških kanalih.

Kaj loči profesionalno in amatersko agencijo za organizacijo incentive in team building programov?

Agencija, katere cilj sta razvoj in preživetje na dolgi rok, verjame v kakovo-

sten proces dela, v zaposlene in vizijo. Vse ostalo je padalstvo ali poznanstva znotraj soseske. Ponosen sem na celotno moštvo v naši agenciji, ker smo v nekaj letih prešli iz resnega poskušanja v visoko profesionalno storitev.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba konkurenčna na svetovnem trgu?

Ponudba je morda v določenih segmentih konkurenčna, vendar pa pozabljamo, da bi lahko bili predvsem nekaj posebnega, unikatnega, namesto da se zgledujemo po velikih. Zakaj bi konkurirali destinacijam, ki imajo že trdno zgrajen imidž znotraj kongresnega in poslovnega turizma, ko pa lahko svetu damo nekaj povsem svojskega, našega? Priznajmo si in ponudimo na trg butične produkte z visoko dodano vrednostjo, ki bi jih drugje v svetu težko našli.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba dovolj inovativna?

Za inovativnost so pomembni predvsem ljudje, drznost in velika mera poslovnega občutka, da ideja zaživi. Morda nam tukaj manjka predvsem sodelovanje, tveganje in tudi žrtvovanje za idejo. Dobre ideje namreč zahtevajo velik vložek časa in energije in seveda kapitala.

Po kakšnih programih je največ povpraševanja in zakaj?

Največkrat podjetja želijo piknike za 15 eur/osebo, v paketu pa pričakujejo še živo glasbo, ducat animatorjev, team building program in še večerni del zabave.

To je kar malce zaskrbljujoče stanje. So pa tudi podjetja, ki točno vedo, kaj želijo, in se odločajo na podlagi programa, dobre ideje in profesionalne storitve.

Kakšen je po vašem mnenju trend razvoja incentive programov v Sloveniji?

V naši agenciji verjamemo v butično ponudbo z visoko dodano vrednostjo. Slovenija kot destinacija deluje čisto preveč razpršeno, pozabili pa smo na skupni „statement.“ Predvsem je potrebno povezati lokacijo, naravne danosti, kongresno infrastrukturo in posebne ljudi v edinstveno ponudbo. S tem bi lahko postavljali trende drugačnega kongresnega turizma tudi v svetu. www.lifetrek-slovenija.com

Foto/Photo: Lifetrek

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Lifetrek

Unique Slovenia as Something Special The Lifetrek agency is one of the leading suppliers of corporate teambuilding events and motivational programmes on the Slovenian market. Their programmes are unique and oriented towards new experiences as well as high motivational levels. Clients are surprised at their original and creative ideas and first-class organisation.

Their programmes are marketed in the EU under the Zmagovalec.si and Spiritowin.com trademarks.

What’s needed for successful teamwork in incentive programmes?

To successfully carry out team or groupwork that exceeds all expectations you need a suitable programme that’s tailored specifically

to the client. Other important things are location as well as the originality and intensity of the tasks.

For you, which programme you’ve done is the most creative and why?

All our programmes are aimed at the final goal – group motivation. As early as the preparation of the scenario and offer, we use questionnaires to help us get the information we need about the individual group and their goals. We include every element for reaching that goal in the entire event. From what we’ve done lately I’d pick out ‘Emerald Adventure’ in Trenta and Bovec, and there’s ‘Dragon’s Secret’ in urban Ljubljana, and a canoeing programme on the canals of Venice was particularly sweet.

What differentiates a professional agency that organises incentives and team building programmes from an amateur one?

An agency whose goals are development and long term sustainability believes in a qualitative work process, its employees and its vision. Everything else is hot air or well-known in our community. I’m proud of the whole team in our agency as we’ve gone from serious experiments to a highly professional service in a few years.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is competitive in the global market?

The offer is perhaps competitive in certain segments, but we forget that above all we could be something special or unique. Instead we model ourselves on the biggest. Why compete with destinations that already have a firmly-set image in congress and business tourism, when we could give the world something that’s entirely ours? We should recognise this and offer the market boutique products with high added value that’re hard to find anywhere else.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is innovative enough?

To be innovative, what’s important is above all people, audacity and a large degree of business perception to bring an idea to life. Perhaps what we’re lacking here is above all co-operation, risk and sacrifice for the idea. Good ideas demand a lot of time, energy and of course finance.

For which programmes do you have the highest interest and why?

Most often, companies are looking for picnics at _15 per person in which they also expect to get live music, dozens of entertainers, a team building programme and evening entertainment. The situation’s quite worrying.

There’re also companies that know exactly what they want and choose on the basis of programmes, good ideas and professional services.

In your opinion, what’re the trends in incentive programme development in Slovenia?

Our agency mostly believes in a boutique offer with high added value.

As a destination we’re entirely working in a way that’s too disjointed; we’ve forgotten our common ‘statement’. What’s important above all is to connect locations, natural attractions, congress infrastructure and especially people into a unique offer. In that way we could set trends for something different in world congress tourism.

Foto/Photo: Lifetrek

www.lifetrek-slovenija.com

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Postojnska jama turizem

Drugačni odzivi v drugačnem okolju Postojnska jama turizem je upravljavec naravne in kulturne dediščine postojnskega in predjamskega jamskega sistema ter Predjamskega gradu. Njihovo poslanstvo je zato varovanje in ohranjanje dediščine, ki jo želijo na ustrezne načine kakovostno interpretirati obiskovalcem. Zavedajo se občutljivosti dejavnosti, v kateri delujejo, saj je na eni strani podvržena visokim naravovarstvenim in kulturnovarstvenim standardom, na drugi pa visokim pričakovanjem, željam in občutljivosti obiskovalcev.

vodilnim in strokovnim sodelavcem, ki pogosto delujejo v projektnih ali drugih teamih, oziroma tistim, ki želijo trajno vpeljati elemente teamskega dela v svojo vsakdanjo prakso oziroma se soočajo z določeno vrsto težav pri svojem delu.

Kaj loči profesionalno od amaterske agencije za organizacijo incentive in team building programov?

Ločnice med omenjenima agencijama so prav gotovo strateški pristop, prilagajanje naročniku, vizija dolgoročnega sodelovanja ter razumevanje naročnikov in učinkovitost komunikacije.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba konkurenčna na svetovnem trgu?

Slovenska incentive ponudba je po kakovosti in vsebini konkurenčna svetovni.

Problem je v prepoznavnosti teh storitev.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba dovolj inovativna?

Menimo, da je inovativna, čeprav je priložnosti za izboljšanje še veliko.

Po katerih/kakšnih programih imate največ povpraševanja in zakaj?

Največ povpraševanja imamo po podzemnih pustolovščinah oz. po zabavnih team buildingih. Pri strokovnih team buildingih je potrebna daljša obdelava trga, poleg tega naši naročniki še ne prepoznavajo takšne potrebe po strokovnih kot po zabavnih team buildingih.

Kakšen je po vašem mneju trend razvoja incentive programov v Sloveniji?

Prihodnost je v butični programih za od 150 do 250 oseb. Problem je v kakovsti infrastrukture, saj nimamo dovolj nočitvenih zmogljivosti za vrhunske dogodke. www.postojnska-jama.si

Kaj je potrebno za uspešno skupinsko delo pri incentive programih?

Vsekakor je prva pomembna stvar skupni cilj, poleg tega razumevanje pomena različnih funkcij, potrpljenje ter strpnost. Potrebna je neka mera tolerance, da dobi vsak posameznik možnost lastnega prispevka.

Kateri program, ki ste ga izvedli, je bil po vašem mnenju najbolj ustvarjalen in zakaj?

Naši najbolj ustvarjalni programi so strokovni team buildingi, ker gre za izobraževalni program v podzemlju, kjer pridejo do izraza reakcije, ki se jih ne da vzpodbuditi v drugačnem okolju. Obenem pa je to unikaten program. Strokovni team building je namenjen predvsem vodstvenim,

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Postojna Cave Tourism

New Solutions in a different Environment Postojna Cave Tourism is the manager of the natural and cultural heritage sites at Postojna and Predjama caves and Predjama castle. Their mission is thus heritage protection and preservation, and they aim to showcase this to visitors in the best way. They’re aware that their activities are sensitive; the properties are subject to high natural and cultural protection standards while they also have to contend with high visitor expectations.

managers, heads, expert workers who often co-operate in projects and other teams who’d like to permanently put teamwork elements into their daily work or face numerous difficulties at work.

What sets a professional agency for incentives in team building programmes apart from an amateur one?

What makes professionals different is certainly having a strategic approach, flexibility with clients, a vision of long term co-operation, understanding clients and efficient communication.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is competitive in the world market?

Our incentive offer is competitive with the rest of the world regarding quality and content. But there’s still a problem about awareness of these services.

Do you believe the Slovenian incentive offer is innovative enough?

We believe it’s innovative, though there are ample opportunities for improvement.

Which programmes are most frequently enquired about and why?

Most enquiries are for subterranean adventures, namely fun teambuildings.

Expert team buildings need more market research; our clients still don’t see as much need for expert teambuildings as for fun teambuildings What’re the trends in incentive programme development in Slovenia?

The future’s in boutique programmes for 150 to 250 people. There’s still a problem in infrastructure quality, as we lack sufficient accommodation capacities for top events. www.postojnska-jama.si

What’s required for successful teamwork in incentive programmes?

It’s most important to have a common goal, understand the meaning of different functions, and show patience and forbearance. A certain amount of tolerance is also expected so each individual gets a chance to make their own contribution.

For you, which programme you’ve carried out is the most creative and why?

Our most creative programmes are expert teambuildings. I’d choose a training programme in a subterranean area where reactions evolve which couldn’t be evoked in other environments. At the same time this is a unique programme. Expert teambuilding is meant mainly for

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Agencija Promo

Mercedes ali fičo?

V Agenciji Promo, ustanovljeni leta 1990, so se v okviru trženjskih aktivnosti specializirali za področje organizacije dogodkov in incentive programov. Rdeča nit njihove dejavnosti je nenavadnost in presenetljivost idej, vrednote Agencije Promo pa so postale pristnost, posebnost in profesionalnost.

leznice postavljena na zemljevid Evrope, in dogodek iz sedanjosti; Slovenija namreč danes predstavlja pomemben prometni prehod in kulturno križišče v Evropi.

Kaj loči profesionalno od amaterske agencije za organizacijo incentive in team building programov?

Primerjava profesionalne in amaterske agencije je takšna, kot bi primerjali mercedesa in fičota (smeh).

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba konkurenčna na svetovnem trgu?

Seveda je konkurenčna, predvsem za skupine do 150 oseb in programe, ki niso daljši od treh dni.

Ali menite, da je slovenska incentive ponudba dovolj inovativna?

Lahko zagotovim, da je incentive ponudba agencije Promo dovolj inovativna.

Po katerih/kakšnih programih je največ povpraševanja in zakaj?

Največ povpraševanja je po programih, ki spremljajo oz. potekajo v okviru konferenc in kongresov. V glavnem gre za krajše, enodnevne programe.

Kakšen je po vašem mnenju trend razvoja incentive programov v Sloveniji?

Povpraševanja bo vedno več. Programi morajo biti inovativni, s programom se moramo približati ciljnim skupinam in nadgrajevati želje naročnika. Predvsem pa morajo programi temeljiti na vsebini in profesionalni pripravi in izvedbi. www.promo-ag.si

Kaj je potrebno za uspešno skupinsko delo pri incentive programih?

Uspešno skupinsko delo temelji na odličnem sodelovanju med naročnikom in izvajalcem programa, predvsem pa mora biti natančno definirana ciljna skupina.

Kateri program, ki ste ga izvedli, je bil po vašem mnenju najbolj ustvarjalen in zakaj?

Kot prvi primer bi navedel letno prodajno konferenco, ki smo jo izvedli na ladji Dalmacija za podjetji Paloma in Tobačna Ljubljana. Celoten program smo prenesli iz hotelske hiše in dvoran v plavajoči hotel, udeležba na vseh strokovnih in družabnih aktivnostih je bila 100-odstotna.

Kot drugi primer pa program, ki smo ga pripravili v okviru zasedanja Bernske unije v Ljubljani, kjer smo za skupino 100 oseb izvedli enodnevni program z muzejskim vlakom. V program oz. zgodbo smo vključili dogodek iz preteklosti, ko je bila Slovenija z izgradnjo južne že-

Foto/Photo: Agencija Promo • Promo Agency

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Promo Agency

Mercedes or a small Fiat?

The Promo Agency, set up in 1990, specialises in events and incentive programmes in its marketing activities.

The ‘file rouge’ of their work is extraordinary and surprising ideas. Promo’s values have become originality, uniqueness and professionalism.

What sets a professional agency for incentives in team building programmes apart from an amateur one? (laughs) Comparing professional and amateur agencies is like comparing a Mercedes and a small Fiat.

Do you think the Slovenian incentive offer is competitive in the world market?

It certainly is competitive, mainly for groups up to 150 people and for programmes not longer than 3 days.

Do you believe the Slovenian incentive offer is innovative enough?

Well, I can assure you that the Promo Agency incentive offer is innovative.

Which programmes are most frequently enquired about and why?

There’s most demand for programmes accompanying or within conference or congress programmes. Mainly for shorter, one day programmes.

What’re the trends in incentive programme development in Slovenia?

There’ll be more and more enquiries. Programmes should be innovative; we’ve got to approach target groups with programmes and upgrade them to meet the clients’ requirements. Programmes should mainly be based on content, professional preparation and implementation. www.promo-ag.si

What’s needed for successful teamwork in incentive programmes?

Excellent co-operation between the customer and programme operator and, above all, the target group has to be precisely defined.

For you, which programme you’ve done is the most creative and why?

As a first example I’d take an annual sales conference carried out for Paloma and Tobačna Ljubljana on a boat called Dalmacija. The whole programme was transferred from a hotel complex to a floating hotel and we had 100% participation in all expert and social events.

Secondly, I’d say a programme we did for the Bern Union Conference in Ljubljana, where we organised a day trip by vintage train for a group of 100. The event combined a story from the past, in that the building of the southern railway put Slovenia on the European map, and a contemporary event as Slovenia today is an important European transport and cultural connection.

Foto/Photo: Agencija Promo • Promo Agency

33

Muzejski vlak

Parna lepotica tudi za zaključene skupine Leta 1986 so Slovenske železnice za vožnjo usposobile prvo staro parno lokomotivo, sledila pa je obnova še štirih parnih lokomotiv in štirinajstih potniških vagonov, ki danes združujejo funkcijo delujočega tehničnega spomenika s funkcijo turističnega prevoznega sredstva.

Parna lepotica je v turistične namene začela po bohinjski progi voziti še istega leta in si takoj prislužila laskavo priznanje Turistični nagelj za najboljši in najbolj izviren turistični projekt leta.

Zanimanje za vožnje z muzejskim vlakom je po lanskoletni odmevni stoti obletnici slikovite in atraktivne bohinjske proge poraslo. Prijetno vzdušje v prenovljenih starinskih vagonih, vedno znova očarljiva parna lokomotiva, kurjači in sprevodniki v avtentičnih uniformah, počasna vožnja skozi soteske, grape in predore. Razlogov za navdušenje ne zmanjka.

Vse premalo pa so znane možnosti, ki jih naša parna lepotica ponuja zaključenim skupinam. Različni tipi obnovljenih vagonov, vagon z vso potrebno infrastrukturo za pripravo hrane, poštni vagon, pridih tradicije in veličastnosti – vse to ponuja možnosti za izvedbo različnih dogodkov, sprejemov, srečanj. Možnosti za sestavljanje in povezovanje zgodb, vezanih na vsebino dogodkov. Parna lokomotiva lahko popelje naše goste po katerikoli izbrani relaciji.

V petih letih, odkar se naše podjetje ukvarja s trženjem muzejskega vlaka, smo na vlaku izvedli že kar nekaj zanimivih dogodkov. Vsekakor pa si jih želimo še mnogo več. Vlak, poln gostov, so na primer sredi temačnega predora nepričakovano ustavili in napadli rokovnjači, spet druge goste smo s pomočjo gledališke skupine prestavili v čas prve svetovne vojne … Na vlaku smo pripravili tudi še sprejem dedka Mraza.

Vse dogodke, namenjene zaključenim skupinam, ustvarimo v tesnem sodelovanju z naročnikom. Pomagamo mu razviti osnovno idejo in skupaj razvijemo končno zgodbo, ki jo izvedemo s pomočjo različnih zunanjih sodelavcev. Na zalogi imamo še celo vrsto idej, ki čakajo na izvedbo: od prve poroke na vlaku do različice »Umora v Orient expresu« pa še in še. Vsako leto nam prinese nove naročnike z novimi idejami in vsaka sezona nam pomeni novo pričakovanje in izziv.

Ajda Perko, ABC Rent a car, sl.europcar.si/posebna-ponudba/muzejski-vlak

Vlak, ki ni samo lepa priložnost za sobotni izlet, ampak prostor, kjer je možno organizirati različne posebne dogodke – od poslovnih srečanj do različnih predstavitev.

34

Vintage Train Journeys

Groups that choose the Beauty of Steam Slovenian Railways started to renovate steam locomotives and vintage passenger carriages in 1986 and these are now a technical monument and a tourist attraction. The ‘beauties of steam’ started taking tourists on the Bohinj line that year and right away landed the ‘Tourist Carnation’ for the best and most original tourist project of the year.

Interest in travelling by vintage train has grown hugely after last year’s high profile centenary celebrations on the picturesque Bohinj line. People are drawn by the pleasant old fashioned atmosphere in the redecorated wagons, the ever charming steam engines, firemen and railway guards in authentic uniforms, the slow journey through ravines, gorges and tunnels. There’re plenty of reasons to be enthusiastic.

Too few people see the possibilities that vintage trains offer groups. The various kinds of redecorated wagons, buffet cars, mail carriages, a touch of tradition and magnificence. It all adds up to a chance to carry out different events, receptions or meetings with stories connected to the event’s content.

Steam trains can take guests to a location of their choice.

In the five years our company has been marketing the ‘museum train’, we’ve done quite some interesting events, and we’re definitely keen to do even more.

For example, a train was in the middle of a dark tunnel when it got attacked by outlaws, a theatrical group took other guests back in time to the First World War; we had Father Christmas on the train and so on.

Every event is exclusively designed for closed groups and created in close co-operation with the client. We help to develop the basic idea and work together to elaborate the final story that’s then carried out with the help of our co-workers. There’re plenty of ideas waiting to be implemented. We’ve got the first wedding on the train to a variation of ‘Murder on the Orient express’ and lots more. Every year brings new clients and new ideas and each season means new expectations and challenges.

Ajda Perko, ABC Rent a Car, sl.europcar.si/posebna-ponudba/muzejski-vlak

The train is not just a chance for a Saturday outing, but also a place where it’s possible to organise different events from business meetings to a variety of presentations.

35

Primeri dobre prakse

Od enkratnega dogodka do dolgoročnega sodelovanja Naslov dogodka: Miss Hawaiian Tropic Slovenije Naročnik: Queen d.o.o.

Izvajalec: Vodno mesto Atlantis

Zasnova Vodnega mesta Atlantis z izbranimi materiali in arhitekturo omogoča izvedbo prestižnih dogodkov na najvišji ravni. Vodno mesto, ki čez dan gosti številne obiskovalce, ob posebnih priložnostih spremenijo v glamurozen prireditveni prostor. V Atlantisu so vse od otvoritve pred dvema letoma gostili številne prireditve, lani pa so se odzvali vabilu podjetja Queen d.o.o., ki je želelo v Vodnem mestu Atlantis organizirati mednarodno lepotno tekmovanje MISS HAWAIIAN TROPIC SLOVENIJE za Miss Hawaiian Tropic sveta. V lanskem letu so pripravili predizbor, letos pa že tečejo priprave na finalni izbor, saj je bil naročnik zadovoljen z izvedbo in tako je enkratni dogodek prerasel v dolgoročno sodelovanje. »Za nas so pomembne tako tehnične možnosti, ki jih poslovni partner nudi, kot tudi njegov odnos do poslovnega sodelovanja. Pri Atlantisu smo se lahko prepričali tako o njihovi raznovrstni ponudbi kot o profesionalnem pristopu do skupnega projekta. Prepričala pa nas je tudi zavzetost, profesionalnost in konstruktivnost tako vodstva Atlantisa kot zaposlenih, ki so s svojimi izkušnjami in idejami sodelovali pri izpeljavi dogodkov,« je odločitev za organizacijo finalnega dela tekmovanja v Atlantisu komentiral direktor podjetja Queen d.o.o. Igor Šajn.

Predizbor lepotnega tekmovanja Miss Hawaiian Tropic so pripravili v okolju Termalnega templja, ki ga krasijo brazilski kamen, kaskadne kopeli in tropsko rastlinje, voda v bazenih pa daje številne ideje za izvedbo dogodkov, ki jim posebno noto doda odsev lesketajoče vode po prostoru, ki deluje čarobno in hkrati pomirjujoče. Nad vodo so postavili modno pisto in z lučmi ustvarili čarobno vzdušje, ki so ga nadgradili z izvrstno kulinarično ponudbo.

Diners black card Gospodarsko razstavišče Naslov dogodka: Diners black card Naročnik: Diners Club Izvajalec: Gospodarsko razstavišče Črna kartica je prestižna kartica v skupini Diners card. Zato je bil cilj organizatorja, da za prvo obletnico Dinersove črne kartice pričara prestižen in ekskluziven dogodek, ki bi vzbudil zanimanje medijev in s tem tudi širše javnosti.

V organizaciji TNT je podjetje Diners svojim gostom v Marmorni dvorani Gospodarskega razstavišča priredilo ekskluziven dogodek, ki ga tako vsebinsko, zlasti pa scenografsko označimo s presežniki. Naomi Cambell – temna lepotica, zaznamuje svetovni medijski prostor kot nekaj želenega, zahtevnega in skrivnostnega in tako je bil zasnovan tudi Dinersov dogodek, ki je dogajanje postavil nazaj v zgodovino.

Ideja je bila preseliti dogajanje v trideseta leta, v veličasten klub Pigal. Kraj in čas torej torej imbolizirata veselje, zabavo, druženje ob plesu, pa tudi prohibicijo, gangsterje, igre na srečo, lepa dekleta ... Skratka veliko različnih vsebin, ki so se izrazile v nastopajočih likih predstave: ženske v moških oblačilih, moški kot klovni, ženske lepotice, kan-kan plesalke ...

Na Gospodarskem razstavišču so organizatorji s scenografijo uspeli ustvariti atmosfero kabareta kot je bil, z dodatkom futuristične ideje. Glede na dana izhodišča so iskali prostor, ki omogoča ločene ali delno ločene vsebine dogajanj in je sam po sebi dovolj velik za tako glamurozno prireditev in ji omogoča, da se razživi v svoji ideji »pop future cabareta«.

Dogajanje je popestrila modna revija, kjer je poigravanje svetlobnih učinkov in posebej izbrane glasbe dajalo dogajanju dodatno privlačnost.

Moderatorja sta se izjemno vživela v ambient in čas dogajanja. Denis in Haris iz poznane zasedbe Soulfingers, ki je eden najboljših hrvaških cover bendov oz. skupin, ki preigrava standarde soula, rocka, bluesa in funka 60-tih in 70-tih let, sta svoj odrski nastop spremenila v odlično koncertno atrakcijo. Pridružil se jima je tudi DJ Schatzi, ki je s svojim izvajanjem nadgradil koncept futurističnega kabareta.

36

Primeri dobre prakse

Tradicionalni večer pokroviteljev in darovalcev Cankarjevega doma Naslov dogodka: Večer pokroviteljev in darovalcev CD Naročnik: Cankarjev dom Izvajalec: Cankarjev dom Cankarjev dom že vrsto let v zahvalo vsem, ki podpirajo njegov kulturno-umetniški program, prireja Večer pokroviteljev in darovalcev CD. Prireditev zahteva vrhunsko pripravo in izvedbo, saj so v goste povabljeni vrhovi slovenskega gospodarstva, državne in mestne politike, uredniki in novinarji osrednjih medijev ter predstavniki tujih držav in ustanov v Sloveniji. Posebnim gostom je treba ponuditi vedno nekaj posebnega, vedno nekaj drugačnega, saj so poslovni in družabni sprejemi pogosto na njihovih urnikih.

Zadnjih nekaj let se rdeča nit večerov pokroviteljev in darovalcev vsebinsko povezuje s spomladanskimi festivali oddaljenih oziroma pri nas manj znanih kultur. Zelo uspešen in scensko doslej najzahtevnejši je bil večer pokroviteljev v znamenju Japonske (marec 2005).

Tako sta bila že predvabilo in vabilo v črni in rumeni barvi, ki se na japonski barvni lestvici pogosto družita. Vsebino večera so zasnovali v treh delih: sprejem gostov, dogajanje na odru in druženje s pogostitvijo.

Uvod v odrsko dogajanje je bila predstavitev japonskih veščin, ki jo je povezoval profesionalni moderator – na začetku je zbrane pozdravil v japonščini,

nato pa razlagal posamezne točke borilnih veščin. Sledil je osrednji dogodek večera, podelitev nagrad pokrovitelj in darovalec leta ter nagrad za zvestobo z uvodnim nagovorom generalnega direktorja CD Mitje Rotovnika, ki je ob prihodu na oder poskrbel za duhovito piko na i s prikazom nekaj borilnih gibov. Večer se je nadaljeval s pokušino tradicionalnih japonskih jedi, ob odhodu pa so gostje prejeli priložnostno darilo.

Tako kot vsebina večera je bila v treh delih zasnovana tudi scenografija, pri kateri je veliko vlogo odigrala svetloba, ki je zbrane vodila od enega do drugega prizorišča dogajanja. Ob prihodu je bil osvetljen le prvi del Velike sprejemne dvorane, ki je bila tudi sicer s papirnatimi stenami pregrajena v tri dele.

Svetloba je goste opozorila tudi na preselitev dogajanja na oder. Na njem je stala japonska hiša s papirnatimi pregradnimi stenami in s stopnicami iz Kluba Lili Novy na oder v Veliki sprejemni dvorani, po katerih so nastopajoči prihajali pred občinstvo. Tretji del Velike sprejemne dvorane je bil namenjen druženju in pogostitvi. Zanimivost pokušine japonskih specialitet je bila priprava nekaterih jedi na kraju samem, pripravljene jedi pa so zbujale pozornost s svojo značilno japonsko barvitostjo in dekorativnostjo.

Večer so popestrile tudi vedno prijazne in uglajene hostese v mičnih kimonih.

Kreativna ideja je nastala v ožjem timu Cankarjevega doma. Ko so izoblikovali programsko vsebino in scenarij dogodka, so k sodelovanju pritegnili še sodelavce za posamezne naloge: grafično oblikovanje, oblikovanje luči, izdelava in postavitev scene, ozvočenje, pisanje besedil (vabila, obvestila medijem, zahvale pokroviteljem, vezno besedilo za moderatorja), priprava pogostitve, prostorska postavitev gostinstva itd. Za svetovanje glede običajev in kulinarike so se obrnili na poznavalce japonske kulture, tradicije in življenja, da bi večer avtentično pričaral duh te daljne dežele. oblikovanje: predvabilo, vabilo, nagrade, zahvalne diplome; vsebina: sprejem gostov, predstavitev japonskih borilnih veščin, podelitev nagrad pokroviteljem, japonska glasba za vzdušje med sprejemanjem gostov in družabnim delom, pogostitev in druženje; scena: na odru japonska hiša, s papirnatimi stenami pregrajena VSD, veliki napisi z japonskimi pismenkami, dekoracija z drevesci bonsai in cvetjem, projekcija logotipov pokroviteljev na velikem platnu, gostinska postavitev; lučno oblikovanje: osvetlitev odra in ostalih prizorišč dogajanja; pogostitev: pristne japonske jedi, sprejem s sakejem, japonsko posodje in dekoracija miz; japonska oblačila: hostese v kimonih.

37

Good Practice Case Study

From a Unique Event to Long-term Partnership Event Title: Miss Hawaiian Tropic Slovenia Customer: Queen d.o.o.

Contractor: Atlantis Water City Water City Atlantis’ design using carefully selected materials and architecture makes it possible to stage prestige events at the highest level. The Water City that throughout the day hosts numerous visitors is transformed for special occasions into a glamorous event space. Atlantis has held numerous events since its opening two years ago. Last year, the Water City accepted an invitation from Queen that wanted to organize Miss Hawaiian Tropic Slovenia, an

international beauty contest for Miss World Hawaiian Tropic. In the previous year pre-selection was held, and this year preparations for selecting finalists have already started, as the customer was pleased with the implementation and so a unique event has grown into a long–term partnership.

“The technical possibilities that our business partner offers are important for us, as well as their attitude towards business co-operation. We could be sure of Atlantis’ diverse offer and professional approach to a common project. What was also highly convincing for us was the commitment, professionalism and constructiveness of the management and staff of Atlantis whose experience and ideas have partnered event implementation”, remarks director of Queen Igor Šajn on the decision to hold the final of the beauty contest at Atlantis.

Pre-selection of the Miss Hawaiian Tropic beauty contest was staged in the Thermal Temple, which is decorated with Brazilian stone, cascading baths and tropical vegetation. The water in the pools offers numerous ideas for events, and a special atmosphere is lent by the glimmering water around the space that works magically and is simultaneously highly relaxing. A catwalk was constructed above the water and lighting created a magical atmosphere that was overlaid with an exceptional culinary offer.

Diners Black Card Ljubljana Exhibition Centre Event Title: Diners Black Card Customer: Diners Club Contractor: Gospodarsko razstavišče The Black card is a prestigious member of the Diners card group.

Therefore, the event’s organizer wanted to prepare an exclusive

prestigious event that would arouse high media and public interest to mark the Diners black card’s first birthday.

Event partners the TNT agency and Diners prepared an exclusive event in the Marmorna dvorana (marble hall) at Gospodarsko razstavišče (Ljubljana exhibition centre), to which superlatives apply in relation to the content and especially scenography. Naomi Campbell’s dark beauty lends the global media desire, artistry and mystery and the Diners event was conceived in this way.

The event was a step back in time.

The idea was to set the event in the magnificent Pigal club of the 1930’s and 1940’s. The time and place symbolize joy, pleasure, socializing at dances, and also prohibition, gangsters, gambling and beautiful girls.

In short, many different themes, which were brought to life by the show’s actors - women in men's clothing, men dressed as clowns, beautiful ‘molls’, can-can dancers and so on.

At Gospodarsko razstavišče the organizers managed to create a cabaret atmosphere via original scenography with an added futuristic idea. According to what we’d been told, they were looking for a venue that would enable divided or partly divided scenes and would be spacious enough for such a glamorous event. It should also enable the event to become livelier in its theme of a ‘futuristic pop cabaret’.

Additional variety was lent by a fashion show, made more attractive by its original lighting effects and selected music.

The MCs merged into the time and atmosphere on the stage. Denis and Haris from the renowned Soulfingers group, one of the best Croatian cover bands, played soul, rock, blues and funk standards from the 60’s in 70’s, uplifting their stage show into an excellent concert attraction. DJ Schatzi joined them and his performance raised the futuristic cabaret concert to new heights.

38

Good Practice Case Study

Cankarjev Dom Traditional Sponsors’ and Donors’ Evening Event Title: Sponsors’ and Donors’ Evening Customer: Cankarjev Dom Contractor: Cankarjev Dom Cankarjev Dom (CD) has for many years organized a Sponsors’ and Donors’ Evening to express its thanks to those who support its cultural and artistic programme.

The event requires excellent professional preparation and execution, since it hosts top representatives of the Slovenian economy, state and municipal politics, editors-in–chief, journalists of the main media and representatives of other countries and institutions in Slovenia. Special guests need to be offered something unique, something different, since business and social receptions are often part of their schedules.

The binding thread of the Sponsors’ and Donors’ Evening has been linked to a spring festival of distant or lesser known cultures in Slovenia in recent years. The Sponsors’ Evening ‘in the sign of Japan’ (March 2005) was highly successful and the most demanding scene so far.

The pre-invitation and invitation were prepared in black and yellow, which are often found together on Japanese colour schemes. The evening was divided into three parts: the reception of guests, a stage event and a social part with catering.

The introduction to the stage show was a presentation of Japanese fencing skills with a professional moderator, who welcomed guests in Japanese and then explained each fencing skill in detail as it was demonstrated onstage. This was followed by the evening’s central event, the ‘Sponsor and Donor of the Year’ prize giving, delivery of prizes for loyalty and an introductory speech by CD’s General Manager Mitja Rotovnik, who demonstrated some movements from a few fencing skills and this gave this part a special flavour.

The evening continued with a tasting of traditional Japanese dishes, and on departure guests received one or two gifts.

Like the contents of the evening, the scene was also conceived in three parts, where lighting played a major role leading guests from one place to another.

On arrival guests saw just the first part of the big reception hall, divided by paper walls into three illuminated sections.

Lights drew guests’ attention to onstage movement. There stood a Japanese house with paper walls and stairs from the Lili Novy club leading to a stage in the big reception hall, where actors appeared in front of the guests.

The third section of the big reception hall was for socializing and catering.

A special feature of tasting Japanese specialities was the making of some dishes on the spot, arousing much interest in their typical Japanese colourfulness and decorativeness. The evening was embellished by kind elegant hostesses in attractive kimonos.

CD’s narrow team came up with the event’s creative idea. When developing the programme contents and event scenario they invited colleagues to cooperate on individual tasks, such as graphic and lighting design, elaboration and scene set up, the sound system, text writing (invitations, press releases, letters of thanks to sponsors, the moderator’s linking text), catering preparation and space set up. So as to deliver an authentic spirit of this far-away land they asked specialists and experts in Japanese culture, tradition and life to advise them on customs and gastronomy.

Design: pre-invitation, invitation, awards, certificates of thanks Contents: guests’ reception, Japanese fencing skills show, sponsors’ prize giving ceremony, Japanese music for an authentic atmosphere during guest reception and social part, catering, socializing Scene: Japanese house onstage, big reception hall divided by paper walls, large signage with Japanese symbols – letters, decoration with bonsai trees and flowers, big screen projection of sponsors’ logos, gastronomic set up.

Light design: Illumination of stage and other event scenes Catering: original Japanese dishes, Sake welcome, Japanese dishware and table decoration Japanese clothing: hostesses in kimonos

39

SWOT analiza

Kongresna ponudba na Obali in Krasu Za mnenje o prednostih, slabostih, priložnostih, ki izvirajo iz okolja ter nevarnostih smo povprašali Matjaža Žnidaršiča, člana uprave Hotelov Bernardin in Matjaža Berčona, direktorja Postojnske jame.

SWOT analiza za Bernardin Resort & Convention Center Prednosti • Velike kapacitete kongresnih zmogljivosti (največji kongresni hotel v Sloveniji) • Ponudba večnamenskih kongresnih dvoran različnih zmogljivosti (od 12 do 1100 sedežev) • Ponudba namestitve, prehranjevanja in kongresnih zmogljivosti v istem objektu • Ponudba treh različnih hotelskih cenovnih nivojev v istem kompleksu • Kombinacija kongresne in resort ponudbe • Lastna parkirišča • Bližina dodatnih hotelskih kapacitet • Dnevna svetloba vseh kongresnih dvoran • Restavracija z zmogljivostjo 1000 oseb • Raznolikost ponudbe restavracij in drugih lokalov za družabne programe • Bogata spremljajoča ponudba resort vsebin (kopališča, centri dobrega počutja, šport…)

• Privlačnost lokacije • Neposredna bližina starega mestnega jedra Piran in turističnega centra Portorož • Izkušnje in bogate reference uspešnih dogodkov in zadovoljnih strank Slabosti • Relativno omejene letalske povezave • Premajhna ponudba zunanjih, posebno privlačnih lokacij za družabne dogodke s kapaciteto nad 150 udeležencev (WOW effect venues) Priložnosti • Večanje povpraševanja s povečano prepoznavnostjo slovenske kongresne ponudbe • Hitro rastoči »incentive« segment

40

SWOT analiza

• Izkoriščanje učinka promocije »od ust do ust« (networking) • Podaljšanje kongresne sezone • Velika fleksibilnost pri oblikovanju kongresnega produkta • Povezovanje in izmenjave z drugimi kongresnimi središči podobnih zmogljivosti

središče, saj je bil lani v celoti obnovljen. Odlikuje ga izvrstna notranjsko-kraška kuhinja, ki se spogleduje z Mediteranom. Kljub prostornosti (sprejme 1.000 gostov) objekt lahko nudi dovolj zasebnosti v venecijanki ali katerem od drugih kotičkov. Bližina Postojnske jame in Predjamskega gradu ter ohranjeno naravno okolje nam omogočajo oblikovanje izvirnih doživljajskih in motivacijskih incentive programov – najbolj izviren je team building v Postojnski jami. Prostor in okolica rustikalnega Modrijanovega mlina sta odlična lokacija za uvod v dogodke. Dogodke organiziramo tudi na prostem – ob reki Pivki.

Nevarnosti • Zasičenost nekaterih pomembnih kongresnih strank z isto lokacijo • Manjšanje tržnega deleža zaradi vedno večje konkurence • Nevarnost zastarelosti produkta zaradi morebitnega zastoja razvoja in sprotnega posodabljanja opreme in prostorov.

Največja slabost Postojne pa ostaja neobnovljen hotel Jama, ki onemogoča sprejem kongresnih dogodkov za več dni. V MICE segmentu je ponudba Postojne še neuveljavljena, saj je v Sloveniji veliko ponudnikov z zvestimi kupci, ki se težko odločijo za drugega dobavitelja. V Postojni nekatere MICE kupce moti imidž masovne destinacije. Toda za segment poslovnega turizma skrbi posebna ekipa.

Swot analiza za Postojnsko jamo, turizem d.d.

Največje prednosti Postojne so dostopnost, bližina ter pestrost mikrolokacij.

Jamski dvorec v neposredni bližini Postojnske jame je objekt, v katerem sta na vsakem koraku prisotna tradicija in duh preteklosti. Je sodobno večnamensko kulinarično prireditveno

Priložnost, ki je pred vrati, je zagotovo predsedovanje Slovenije EU. Postojno vidimo kot kraj dogajanja za neformalne dogodke, kar nam bo omogočilo prodor na tuji trg. Veliko priložnost vidimo na področju motivacijskih srečanj; v podjetjih se pojavlja vse večja potreba po programih grajenja timov, naročniki iščejo nove in izvirne destinacije. Spodbuda so odlični odzivi dosedanjih strank. Zaledje destinacije nam nudi dodatne možnosti oblikovanja programov v naravi, kot so opazovanje prostoživečih živali (predvsem zveri in ptic), botanična doživetja ipd. Pomembno je izpostaviti komplementarnost naših produktov z drugimi ponudniki, saj naše vsebine obogatijo MICE vsebine ostalih ponudnikov.

Ena največjih groženj je pomanjkanje kadrov na trgu dela (natakarji, kuharji). Še vedno se srečujemo s splošno neprepoznavnostjo Slovenije kot MICE destinacije v svetu, ki pa se bo zagotovo zmanjšala s predsedovanjem Slovenije EU.

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SWOT Analysis

The Congress Offer on the Slovenian Coast and Karst SWOT Analysis of Bernardin Resort & Convention Centre We asked Matjaž Žnidaršič, Hoteli Bernardin Strengths management board member • Large convention capacities - the largest convention hotel in Slovenia and Matjaž Berčon, director • Multipurpose convention halls of various capacities - 12 to 1,100 seats of Postojnska jama (Postojna • Accommodation, food and convention capacities in the same building • Three different hotel price categories in the same complex Cave) to outline what they see • Combination of congress and resort offer as the strengths, weaknesses, • Own parking facilities • Proximity of additional hotel capacities opportunities and threats in • Natural daylight in all congress halls • Restaurant with capacity for up to 1,000 guests their working environments.

• Diverse offer of restaurants and other places for social programmes • Extensive additional offer of the resort - swimming pools, wellness centres, sport etc • Attractive location • Immediate proximity of the old town centre of Piran and Portorož tourist resort • Experience - extensive CV of successful events and satisfied customers Weaknesses • Relatively limited flight connections • Too limited offer of top-quality external locations for social events with 150+ seat capacity (‘wow’ effect venues) Opportunities • Increase in demand with rising recognition of Slovenian meetings offer • Fast growing ‘incentive’ segment • Take advantage of ‘word of mouth’ promotion (networking) • Extension of tourist season • Large flexibility in designing a tourist product

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SWOT Analysis

• Connecting with and exchanging knowledge etc with similar capacity meeting centres Threats • Important customers becoming tired of the same location • Decrease of market share due to ever-greater competition • Danger of the product becoming outdated due to loss of momentum in its development and the simultaneous modernization of equipment and venues.

SWOT Analysis of Postojnska jama, turizem d.d.

Postojna’s biggest advantages are its accessibility, proximity and variety of micro locations. Jamski dvorec, in the immediate vicinity of Postojna Cave, is a place where the tradition and spirit of ancient times follows your every step. It’s a modern multi-purpose culinary events centre that was fully renovated last year. It is distinguished by the exceptional local cuisine of the Notranjska - Karst region that flirts with the Mediterranean. Despite its spaciousness – it can handle up to

1000 guests - it offers enough privacy in Venecijanka or in some other corner.

The proximity of Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle as well as the unspoilt countryside around enable us to design experiences and motivational incentive programmes, the most original being team building in Postojna Cave. The site and surroundings of rustic Modrijan’s Mill are a perfect location for an event’s introduction. We also organize open air events along the Pivka River.

The greatest weakness at Postojna remains the unrenovated Jama Hotel where it is impossible to hold multi-day congress events. Postojna’s offer still lacks recognition within the MICE segment, as there are many providers in Slovenia with loyal customers who prefer not to change suppliers. Postojna’s image as a mass destination also puts some MICE customers off. However, a special team takes care of the business tourism segment.

Slovenia’s EU Presidency just around the corner is definitely a unique opportunity for Postojna. We see Postojna as a place for informal meetings that’re going to give us an opportunity to break into foreign markets. We see a great opportunity in the motivational meetings field; businesses are realising there’s ever greater need for teambuilding programmes and clients are looking for new and original destinations. The great response we’ve had from previous customers is our inspiration. The area around the destination offers us extra possibilities to design programmes in the countryside, such as observing free-living wildlife, above all animals and birds, botanical experiences, and so on. It’s important to highlight the complementary nature of our products with other suppliers, as our contents enrich other providers’ MICE contents.

One of the biggest threats is a lack of skilled labour on the market (waiters, cooks and so on). We still face a general lack of recognition of Slovenia as MICE destination in the world. Slovenia’s EU Presidency is definitely going to reduce this.

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Čebelarski turizem

Čebelarstvo kot slovenska posebnost Morda se bo kdo začudil nad zgornjim naslovom, toda če imamo pri nas lovski in ribiški turizem, zakaj ne bi imeli še čebelarskega? Poezija kmetijstva, kakor so nekoč imenovali čebelarstvo, je ena najplemenitejših in na kožo slovenskega človeka pisanih tradicionalnih dejavnosti.

V marsičem se zelo razlikuje od sicer enake dejavnosti pri naših sosedih, zato je za čebelarje iz tujine še posebej zanimivo, in nič čudnega ni, da jih je vsako leto več, ki organizirano prihajajo v Slovenijo, da si to slovensko posebnost ogledajo od blizu.

Svetovni čebelarski kongres Apimondia 2003, ki je potekal v ljubljanskem Cankarjevem domu, je ponesel ime Slovenije kot čebelarske sile po vseh kontinentih. Gospod Gorazd Čad je bil tehnični vodja tega projekta. Zanj je bil to dotlej največji izziv, ki se ga je navdušeno lotil skupaj z vodstvom Čebelarske zveze Slovenije in ga tudi odlično izpeljal. Tako velikega kongresa CD še ni imel pa tudi svetovna čebelarska organizacija Apimondia v sto letih svojega obstoja še ni doživela veličastnejšega in bolj odmevnega dogodka, kot je bil ta v Ljubljani. »Imel je dušo«, mi še danes zatrjujejo moji čebelarski prijatelji, kadar se srečujemo na mednarodnih simpozijih. »Česa podobnega najbrž ne bomo več doživeli.« V čem je naše čebelarstvo drugačno od tistega v drugih deželah?

Dama med čebelami Naj najprej povem, da je današnje ozemlje Slovenije pradomovina kranjske sive čebele, ki slovi po svetu kot najbolj mirna čebelja rasa in je zato dobila celo vzdevek »damska čebela«. Smo edina članica EU, ki je to svojo avtohtono žival tudi zaščitila.

Naša dolžnost je, da ohranimo njeno rasno čistost in s tem zagotovimo bodočim potrebam svetovnega čebelarstva neokrnjen izvor genetskega materiala.

Podobno, kot so krajinska posebnost Slovenije kozolci, velja to tudi za tako imenovani kranjski stil čebelnjaka. Tisti v Avstriji in Švici so precej drugačni od naših, poleg tega vedno hitreje izginjajo, ker njihove tradicionalne panje izpodriva nakladni ameriški sistem, ta pa ne potrebuje skupne strehe. Pri nas se čebelarji že sto let krčevito oklepamo tradicionalnega »žnideršiča«, ki ne more obstajati brez čebelnjaka. Računamo, da je teh čebeljih hišic po naši domovini skoraj deset tisoč. S svojimi živo pobarvanimi in včasih lepo poslikanimi pročelji so v okras slovenski krajini in jo s svojim izgledom plemenitijo.

Tipičen slovenski čebelnjak s poslikanimi panji v bližini Radovljice•Typical slovenian bee-house with colourful panels close to Radovljica. (Foto/Photo: Franc Šivic)

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Tretja posebnost so že omenjeni panji s poslikanimi končnicami. Čeprav je ta ljudska umetnost cvetela in dosegla svoj vrh v drugi polovici devetnajstega stoletja in jo danes lahko turisti občudujejo v čebelarskem muzeju v Radovljici, se še danes najdejo posamezni čebelarji, ki svoje panje poslikajo s takšnimi ali drugačnimi motivi. Tuje čebelarske revije pogosto objavljajo fotografije teh naših lepih čebelnjakov.

Obiski iz tujine Leto dni pred že omenjenim svetovnim čebelarskim kongresom Apimondia 2003 smo dobili slovenski čebelarji lasten dom na Brdu pri Lukovici, kjer je sedež naše zveze. Leži v neposredni bližini gradu pisatelja Janka Kersnika na čudoviti lokaciji, s katere je prelep razgled na zasavsko gričevje. Takšnega doma nima nobena druga čebelarska organizacija na svetu, so nam vneto zatrjevali tuji udeleženci omenjenega kongresa, ki so takrat množično prihajali na Brdo. Mnogi se še po štirih letih vračajo v naš čebelarski center, kakor ga imenujemo, in pripeljejo s seboj prijatelje ter znance. Letos se je v njem napovedalo že okrog 500 čebelarjev, največ iz Avstrije, Nemčije, Švice, Anglije in celo iz Španije. Skupine iz Avstrije pridejo na strokovne izlete v Slovenijo običajno za en dan, iz bolj oddaljenih krajev pa tudi za ves teden.

Obisk v našem domu lahko traja kar nekaj ur. Večje zaključene skupine, ki se pripeljejo na Brdo z avtobusom, sprejmemo v dvorani Antona Janše, kjer jim pokažemo multivizijo z naslovom Slovenija – domovina kranjske čebele, nato si ogledamo laboratorij za kontrolo medu, trgovino s čebeljimi pridelki, spominki in čebelarsko opremo, okrog doma jim razkažemo nasade medonosnih in zdravilnih rastlin, potem pa sledi seveda še ogled čebel kranjske sive rase, ki jih gojimo kar v treh lepih lesenih čebelnjakih. Po ogledu goste že čaka okusno kosilo v naši restavraciji.

Čebelarski center na Brdu je izhodiščna točka za izlete in ogled čebelarskih destinacij po vsej Sloveniji. Najbolj priljubljeni so že omenjeni čebelarski muzej v Radovljici, Janšev čebelnjak v Breznici, plemenilne postaje za kranjsko čebelo na Zelenici, na Golem Brdu, pri Litiji, galerija čebelarskih fotografij v Šempasu, Komenda in Lanšprež, kjer je deloval veliki čebelar in pisec prve slovenske čebelarske knjige Peter Pavel Glavar, in še bi lahko naštevali. Seveda pa si gosti sproti ogledujejo tudi druge kulturne in naravne znamenitosti, mimo katerih jih vodimo.

Čebele atraktivne tudi za nepoznavalce Iz vsega do sedaj zapisanega razberemo, da so obiskovalci čebelarskih zanimivosti predvsem čebelarji, in sicer pretežno tujci. To je res, vendar opažamo, da postajajo omenjeni kraji in objekti, predvsem naš center na Brdu, vedno bolj priljubljena destinacija tudi za nečebelarje. Njim seveda na drugačen način predstavimo slovenske posebnosti in našo panogo, ker pač niso »strokovnjaki«. In prav ti obiskovalci so pogosto najbolj hvaležni, ko jim povemo kaj o čebelah ali o zdravilnosti čebeljih pridelkov ter o naši bogati čebelarski tradiciji.

Domov se vračajo obogateni in polni novih spoznanj s področja, ki jim je bilo morda do tedaj španska vas.

Vsak dan poslušamo in beremo, koliko diplomatov in drugih pomembnih ljudi bo prišlo prihodnje leto k nam, ko bo Slovenija za šest mesecev prevzela predsedovanje Evropske unije. In kaj vse jim bomo lahko pokazali, da si bodo našo deželo res zapomnili in da se bodo kasneje še in še vračali.

Ali jim ne bi pokazali tudi te posebnosti, ki se imenuje slovensko čebelarstvo?

Franc Šivic, podpredsednik, Čebelarska zveza Slovenije, www.cebelarska-zveza-slo.si

Dvorana Antona Janše na Brdu pri Lukovici sprejme do 150 obiskovalcev. • Anton Janša hall ad Brdo near Lukovica welcomes 150 visitors (Foto/Photo: Franc Šivic)

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Apicultural Tourism

Apiculture as a Unique Slovenian Attraction Perhaps one may be astonished at the subtitle above. But if we have hunting and fishing tourism, why not also have apicultural tourism. The ‘poetry of agriculture’, as apiculture used to be called, is a noble traditional activity fitting to the Slovenian man. As with many things, it differs very much from the same activity in neighbouring countries, thus it’s specially interesting and there’s nothing strange in that there are more people coming to Slovenia in an organized way in order to see this Slovenian specialty at first hand.

‘Apimondia 2003’, the World Apiculture Congress, which took place in Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana, made Slovenia known around the world as an apicultural force. Gorazd Čad was technical manager of the project. This was his biggest working challenge until then, and he, together with management of the Slovenian apicultural association, took it up with great enthusiasm. They had great success with the project. Cankarjev Dom had never had such a big congress in its history, yet Apimondia, the world apicultural organization, has not had a more magnificent event in the 100 years of its existence.

It “had a soul”, claim my apicultural friends, when we meet at international symposiums. “We will probably not experience anything similar”. In what ways does our apiculture differ from that of other countries?

A Lady among Bees To begin with, let me tell you that what is now Slovenia is the original homeland of the Kranjska grey bee, which is known worldwide as the most peaceful bee species and has therefore acquired the nickname ‘lady bee’.

We are the only EU member that has protected this autochthonous animal.

Our duty is to preserve its purity as a species and thus assure the supply of genetic material to the future needs of global apiculture.

Similarly, as hayracks are a landscape specialty of Slovenia, so is the so-called ‘Kranjska style’ of bee house. Those in Austria and Switzerland differ very much from ours, besides which they are disappearing ever faster, as their traditional beehives are being replaced by a loading American system, which does not require a common roof. For a hundred years the beekeepers in Slovenia have clung to traditional ‘žnideršič’, which cannot exist without a bee house. There are said to be more than 10,000 bee houses in our country. With their lively coloured and sometimes beautifully painted facades, they are an ornament to the Slovenian landscape and make it noble by their appearance.

The third specialty is the aforementioned beehive with painted ends. Although this folk art blossomed and achieved its peak in the second half of the 19th century and can be admired by tourists nowadays in the apicultural museum at Radovljica, there are beekeepers that still practice this art today and paint their beehives with different motives. Foreign apicultural magazines often publish photos of our beautiful bee houses.

Pogled na Čebelarski center Slovenije na Brdu pri Lukovici. • A wiev of the beekeeping centre at Brdo near Lukovica. (Foto/Photo: Franc Šivic)

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Visits from abroad A year before Apimondia 2003, Slovenian beekeepers set up a new headquarters for their Association, a centre at Brdo pri Lukovici. It is in a magnificent location very close to the castle of Janko Kersnik, from where there is a great view to the Zasavje hills. Congress participants from abroad, who come to Brdo in large numbers say that “No other apiculture organization in the world has such a centre”. Four years later many of them still come back to our Apicultural Learning Centre, as is it’s officially title, bringing with them their friends and acquaintances. This year more than 500 beekeepers are planning to visit the centre, most of whom are from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Britain and even Spain.

Groups from Austria come to Slovenia on professional trips for usually a day; those from further afield stay a week.

Visits to our centre may last some hours. Bigger groups, who come to Brdo by bus, are received in the room of Anton Janša with a multi-vision presentation entitled ‘Slovenia – the homeland of the Kranjska bee’, and are then shown a lab for honey control, a shop with apicultural products, free gifts and apicultural equipment. They are taken around the gardens with nectar-giving and healing plants, followed by a chance to see the Kranjska grey bee species in three beautiful wooden bee houses.

After the tour the guests are invited to a delicious lunch in our restaurant.

The Apiculture Centre at Brdo is a starting point for trips and visits to apicultural destinations around Slovenia. The most popular are the Radovljica apicultural museum, Janša's bee house in Breznica, tribal stations for the Kranjska bee at Zelenica, Golo Brdo and in Litija, the gallery of apicultural photos at Šempas, Komenda and in Lanšprež, where important beekeeper and

author of the first Slovenian apicultural book Peter Pavel Glavar worked.

Naturally, the guests also visit other cultural and natural attractions on the way.

Bees also attract non-experts We understand that these are specialist topics and that visitors to apicultural points of interests are mainly beekeepers and mostly foreigners. This is true, but we observe that the places mentioned, especially our Centre at Brdo, are becoming very popular destinations for non-experts too. As they are not experts, they are informed about our specialities and our industry in a different way. And these visitors are often very grateful when we tell them something about bees and the healing power of bee products, as well as about our rich apicultural tradition. They return home enriched with new knowledge of a field of which they previously had no idea.

We daily listen to and read how many diplomats and ‘important’ people are to come here next year, when Slovenia holds the presidency of the EU. So what can we show them so that they will remember our country and return again?

Why not one of our unique attractions, Slovenian apiculture?

Franc Šivic, vicepresident, Slovenian apicultural association, www.cebelarska-zveza-slo.si

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Zelo dobro opaženi

»Norway for natural Reasons« Ko razstavljamo na glavnih kongresnih sejmih, smo zelo pozorni, kako se druge države predstavljajo s kreativnim designom stojnice ali vizualnimi podobami kot sestavnim delom njihovega marketinga.

Ko smo jo prvič videli, je akcija »Norway for natural reasons« izzvala precej složno reakcijo “wow” (in še vedno nam je všeč!).

Bente Bratland Holm, direktorica Norveškega kongresnega urada, nam razkriva, kako se je vse skupaj začelo. »Začelo se je z vprašanjem, kako bi želeli tržiti Norveško. Poudariti smo želeli svežino, eksotiko in drugačnost kot ključne elemente promocije. Imeli smo sliko »golega moškega« (kot je sedaj prepoznaven) in pri Stavangerju, kjer so posneli fotografijo, so ga le redko uporabil. Sedeli smo v pisarni in se spraševali, ali si upamo; kako bo to sprejel mednarodni trg.

Ker je veliko kupcev v naši industriji žensk, smo menili, da bi bilo dobro, da ga uporabimo. Začeli smo lani, ko smo sliko uporabili za vabilo na naš izlet z naslovom »Kje boste v septembru?« Rezultat je bil, da se je več kot sto agentov udeležilo našega izjemno uspešnega izleta na Norveško. Nato smo se odločili, da ga bomo uporabili kot osrednji motiv na naši stojnici na sejmih EIBTM in IMEX. Vključili smo še druga marketinška orodja, papirne vrečke in žvečilne gumije (na sejmih gredo kot vroče žemljice), za katere so nas prosili celo ostali razstavljalci. Kar nekaj držav je svoje skupinske posnetke naredilo pred našo stojnico in »on« je bil večji uspeh, kot smo kadarkoli predvidevali.

Opogumljeni s številnimi pozitivnimi komentarji smo se odločili, da bomo na le-

tošnjem IMEX-u naredili tržno raziskavo. Nevtralna agencija je anketirala kupce, če so videli kampanjo, če vedo, katero državo predstavlja in kako so jo dojeli. Rezultati so pokazali. Da je 48% vseh kupcev na IMEX-u (od skupnega števila 255 anketirancev) videlo kampanjo že prej. Index všečnosti je bil zelo visok (74% tistih, ki so kampanjo videli, je bila »všeč« ali »zelo všeč«).

Komentarji, ki smo jih dobili. so bili: sveže (v vseh pomenih besede), izvirno, pogumno. Norveško so zaznali s pojmi: narava, dostopnost, ugodnost (vredno vloženega denarja). Ostali komentarji so bili: »Svež pristop – izviren humor. Svoboden, okusen. Avtentičen. Izkazuje moč narave. Izkazuje naravo in pristnost ljudi.« Na vprašanje, kaj skupina želi od Norveške in kakšna doživetja iščejo, če in ko se odločijo za obisk, so odgovorili: »Naravo, kulturo, doživetje.« Iščejo zunanje aktivnosti, severno svetlobo, safari s kiti, izkušnje nazaj h koreninam, k izvoru.

Poudarjamo dejstvo, da Norveška ni del novega potovalnega Echo (odmev) trenda.

Zato, ker je že od nekdaj tam! Vedno smo spoštovali naravo in delali v sožitju z njo.

Kampanja z »golim moškim« bo potekala še dve leti na globalni ravni.

In še skrivnost, ki bi jo radi (ponosno) delili z vami: pri ustvarjanju kampanje nismo uporabili podpore nobene kreativne marketinške agencije. Koncept in slogan sta nastala v naši pisarni – »dete«, ki so ga ustvarile tri ženske z veliko poguma, ki so imele podporo s strani enako drznih lastnikov.

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A highly visible Campaign

Norway for natural Reasons When exhibiting at major meetings industry trade shows, we are certainly keen to see how other destinations present themselves through creative stand design or visual identities as part of their marketing. The ‘Norway for natural reasons’ campaign raised a quite unanimous ‘wow!’ reaction when we first saw it (and we still like it!).

Bente Bratland Holm, Norway Convention Bureau’s Convention Director is happy to explain how it all started. ‘The initial issue was how we wanted to market Norway. We wanted to emphasise ‘fresh, exotic & different’ as key aspects. We had this picture of ‘the naked guy’ (as he is now known), who‘d been underused by Stavanger where the picture was taken.

We sat around the office wondering whether we’d dare, and how the international market’d receive it.

As many buyers in our industry are women we thought we’d give it a go.

We started last year using the picture with an invitation to our Fam trip called ‘Where will you be in September?’ As a result of that we had 100 agents join us in Norway for a very successful Fam trip. Then we decided to use him as a centrepiece on our stand at EIBTM and IMEX. We then added other marketing tools, like paper bags and chewing gum (they’re going like hot cakes at trade shows), and we even had other exhibitors coming by to ask for them.

Quite a few countries had their group picture taken in front of our stand and ‘He’ has been a bigger success than we ever expected.

Encouraged by many positive comments, we decided to do a market survey at this year’s IMEX. We had a neutral agency ask buyers if they’d seen the campaign, whether they knew which country it represented and how they perceived it.

As many as 48% of all buyers at IMEX (out of a total of 255 respondents) had seen the campaign before, and the ‘liking’ index was very high (74% of those who had seen it liked it ‘much’ or ‘very much’).

The comments we got back were ’fresh’ (in every sense of the word), ‘original’ and ‘brave’. They perceived Norway as ‘nature’, ‘accessible’ and ‘value for money’.

Further remarks were ‘a fresh approach - down to earth humour’; ‘Free-spirited and tasteful’; ‘Authentic, shows the power of nature’; ‘Shows the countryside and how nature-minded the people are’.

When asked what a group wanted out of Norway and what kind of experiences they were looking for if and when they chose Norway, they said: ‘Nature, culture, adventure’. They seek outdoor activities, northern light, whale safaris and ‘back to roots’ experiences.

We’re now emphasising the fact that Norway isn’t a part of the new Echo travel ‘trend’. That’s because it’s always been there. We’ve always had respect for, and worked together with nature.

The campaign with the ‘naked guy’ will run globally for another 2 years.

And a secret we would like to (proudly) share with you is that we didn’t use any marketing agency creative support, as the concept and slogan were born in our office – a ‘baby’ mothered by three women with guts who got the support of their equally daring stakeholders.

Bente Bratland Holm

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Intervju: Tina Možina, KOMPAS DMC

Vloga DMC agencij na mednarodnem tržišču Med slovensko strokovno javnostjo pogosto poteka diskusija o razlikah med PCO (Professional Congress Organiser) in DMC (Destination Management Company) agencijami. Razliko osvetljuje intervju s Tino Možina, ki prihaja iz največje slovenske DMC agencije Kompas. V prihodnji številki pa vam bomo skozi pogovor z enim od ključnih slovenskih PCO-jev predstavili prednosti in slabosti sodelovanja s PCO-ji.

Kakšno vlogo ima pri organizaciji srečanj DMC agencija?

Vloga je odvisna od velikosti in narave dogodka ter naročnika, lahko zadeva le organizacijo prevozov ali turističnega programa, medtem ko je pri večjih dogodkih ponudba kompletna in zajema organizacijo hotelskih namestitev (zakup, nameščanje gostov, potrjevanje rezervacij), družabnega programa, tehničnih (strokovnih) obiskov, organizacijo prevozov, turističnega programa za spremljevalne osebe, pre & post izletniški program, postavitev »welcome deska« na letališču, »travel deska« na kraju dogodka, pripravo online prijavnic in vse ostalo, kar si naročnik zaželi. DMC agencija lahko torej nastopa le izključno v vlogi izvajalca, bolj pogosto pa je njena vloga širša, saj nastopa v vlogi soorganizatorja.

Zakaj sploh izbrati DMC agencijo v primerjavi z ostalimi ponudniki podobnih storitev?

Delo DMC agencije izgleda na prvi pogled zelo preprosto. Avtobus ima tako rekoč že skoraj vsak naš sosed, vodič pa se tudi hitro najde. Za nas Slovence bi sploh lahko rekla, da radi vsi delamo vse, saj smo prepričani, da znamo sami stvari narediti najbolje in najceneje. Pa to v praksi ne drži.

Ko nanese beseda na prihodnost slovenskega turizma, zelo radi izpostavljamo kakovost ponudbe, ki naj bi opravičevala še tako visoke cene. Pa so naše storitve res vedno kakovostne? Je strežno osebje prijazno in nasmejano, sobe čiste in urejene, hrana okusna in raznolika, sveže cvetje na recepciji, avtobusi čisti ...?

Potrebno je ugotoviti, kaj so v podjetjih t.i. »core aktivnosti« in jih razvijati, ostalo pa prepustiti drugim, specializiranim ponudnikom v izvedbo. Le na ta način bomo dosegali kvaliteto storitev, ki si jo vsi tako želimo.

Kvaliteten DMC povezuje širši spekter ponudbe na destinaciji in prevzame izvedbo v celoti, lahko rečemo, da gre za gradnjo na ključ. S svojim ravnanjem prevzame dobršen del bremena organizatorju in mu omogoči, da se ta lahko posveti vsebini in strokovni plati dogodka.

Kakšne storitve lahko DMC opravi za in v imenu naročnika za razliko od PCO agencije? V čem se razlikujeta?

DMC je specialist za t.i. turistične storitve na destinaciji, povezuje ponudbo na terenu, medtem ko je vloga PCO agencije bolj specializirana, sofisticirana. PCO deluje kot nekakšen posrednik med naročnikom in krajem dogodka (conference venue), skrbi za strokovno plat dogodka: zbiranje abstraktov, pripravo tiskovin, registracijo udeležencev, potrebno tehnično opremo, prevajanje, razstave ... Pa ne zgolj to – PCO sodeluje že od samega začetka, od priprave kandidature, pridobitve posla, iskanja sponzorjev, odgovoren je za finančno shemo projekta in na koncu seveda tudi za pozitiven rezultat. PCO agencija torej nadzoruje celoten potek projekta, vloga DMC agencije pa je bolj izvedbena. Obe kratici sta pogosto v uporabi, opažam pa, da meja med obema ni vedno jasna, zato nemalokrat vlada kaos na trgu. Prava klasifikacija in standardizacija storitev obeh je po mojem mnenju ena izmed prioritetnih nalog Zavoda-Kongresnoturistični urad.

Tina Možina

Katere so prednosti sodelovanja z DMC agencijo za naročnika?

Nekatere prednosti sem že omenila, če strnem, bi rekla, da so glavne prednosti za naročnika prihranek časa in denarja, kvalitetnejša izvedba storitev in razbremenitev naročnika, ki se lahko popolnoma osredotoči na strokovno vsebino dogodka in na povabljene goste.

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Kakšna je promocijska vloga DMC agencije v primerjavi z javnimi institucijami, ki se uradno ukvarjajo s promocijo destinacije?

DMC deluje komercialno. Zaveda se, da dandanes trg postavlja pogoje in da je kupec kralj, pa naj zveni še tako obrabljeno. Premalokrat se postavimo v vlogo tujega gosta, ki je danes bolj kot kadarkoli obkrožen z mamljivimi ponudbami evropskih in svetovnih krajev. Potovanja so postala vse bolj dostopna tudi na račun nizkocenovnih prevoznikov. Danes ne potrebuješ veliko denarja, ne časa, da potuješ. Potrebno je pogledati realno.

Pogrešam krovno prepoznavnost Slovenije, ki bi nudila izziv za tujega gosta, da bi se odločil za obisk.

Kdo so glavni igralci na DMC trgu v sredni in JV Evropi?

Na področju JV Evrope je močno prisotna naša mreža, Kompas ima strateške pozicije na Jadranu, v Pragi, Budimpešti in Varšavi. Od ostalih bi v centralni in vzhodni Evropi izpostavila Kuoni, Liberty, Mondial, Pegasus, Eurotours, na Balkanu pa Kontiki, Albtours, Atlas, Dubrovnik Travel, Elite ...

Kateri so ključni DMC igralci v Sloveniji?

Poleg Kompasa bi omenila Globtour, Promet T&T, M Tours in nekatere manjše agencije kot npr. Van Gogh, Top Tours, Atlas, ki delujejo bolj lokalno in na posameznih tujih tržiščih.

Kaj je ključ do uspeha in prepoznavnosti DMC agencij?

Zanesljivost, kvaliteta storitev, dobro ime, reference in ne nazadnje dobra volja in pripravljenost za delo, ki lahko prepričata še tako zahtevnega kupca.

Gorazd Čad

Kako DMC agencija upravlja odnose s svojimi dobavitelji in zagotavlja kakovost storitev?

Gre za konstanten proces preverjanja kakovosti storitev, spremljanja novosti na destinaciji, iskanja novih dobaviteljev, preverjanja cen, oblikovanja novih produktov, se pravi gre za vse potrebne akcije, s katerimi v kar največji meri zvišujemo našo dodano vrednost.

Najboljši vir informacij so ankete, vprašalniki, kontrole in poročila s strani naših vodnikov/šoferjev, naše osebne, nenapovedane kontrole, s katerimi preverjamo urejenosti vodnikov, opremljenost prevoznih sredstev, primernosti hotelov, restavracij ... Naši dobavitelji so skrbno izbrani in zato tudi lojalni.

Kako vpliva skrajševanje časa za pripravo dogodkov na aktivnosti DMC agencij? Že zadnji dve leti opažamo trend vse bolj kratkoročnih povpraševanj tudi pri organizaciji srednje velikih konferenc, srečanj, motivacijskih potovanj.

Pri pridobivanju poslov smo podvrženi stalnemu pritisku, poleg konkurence drugih destinacij, cen, zdaj vse bolj tudi hitrosti priprave ponudb.

Skrajševanje časa za pripravo nam ne predstavlja velikega problema, DMC agencija mora biti fleksibilna, kot opažamo, je pri kratkoročnih povpraševanjih bolj fleksibilen tudi naročnik, saj je odprt za alternativne termine, v kolikor so hoteli že zasedeni.

Mašenje lukenj, kot bi temu dejali, je lahko tudi pogoj za ugodnejše cene namestitev.

Kompas Corporate KONGRESI, POSLOVNA POTOVANJA, LETALSKE VOZOVNICE

Kompas Corporate je Kompasova blagovna znamka za vrhunske celostne storitve za vse poslovne uporabnike – podjetja, razli~ne ustanove in vladne institucije iz Slovenije in tujine.

Ne glede na to, kaj želite – letalsko vozovnico ali celotno organizacijo konference kjerkoli na svetu – je Kompas Corporate tu zato, da poskrbi za vse.

telefon: 01 2006 151 • congressesakompas.si • www.kompas.si 51

Interview: Tina Možina, Kompas DMC

The Rôle of DMC Agencies on the International Market There are often discussions among Slovenian professionals on the differences between PCO (Professional Congress Organiser) and DMC (Destination Management Company) agencies.

The differences are explained in this interview with Tina Možina from Kompas, the largest Slovenian DMC agency. In our next issue we’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of working with PCOs in an interview with one of the key Slovenian PCOs.

What’s a DMC agency’s rôle in event organisation?

The rôle depends on the size and nature of each event as well as on the client.

It may just concern the organisation of transport or the tourist programme, whereas for large events the offer’s more complex, consisting of the organisation of hotel accommodation (contract, guest accommodation, booking confirmations), the social programme, technical/expert visits, transport organisation, a tourist programme for accompanying persons, pre & post excursion programme, setting up a 'welcome desk' at the airport, a 'travel desk' at the conference venue, preparation of online registration forms as well as everything else that the client may ask for. Thus, a DMC agency may appear only to be contractor, but more frequently it has a more complex rôle, acting as co-organiser.

Why should one choose a DMC agency over other similar service providers?

A DMC agency’s work seems very simple at first glance. Almost every next door neighbour owns a bus, and it can’t be that difficult to find a tourist guide.

For us, Slovenes, I could say that we all do everything, as we’re sure that we are capable of doing everything on our own in the best and the cheapest way.

However, in practice it isn’t like that.

When discussing the future of Slovenian tourism, we tend to point up the quality of an offer that’s supposed to justify even the highest prices. But are our services really that good? Are the service personnel friendly and constantly smiling, are the rooms clean and tidy, is the food tasty and varied, are the flowers at reception fresh, are the busses clean…?

Companies’ core activities must be determined, and these should be developed.

Everything else should be left to other specialist providers. That’s the only way to achieve the quality of services that we’re all striving for.

A high-quality DMC connects the wider spectrum of services offered at the destination and takes over the business as a whole; we could say it’s some sort of a turn-key construction. With our handling of the business we take on the lion’s share of the burden from the organiser and allow them to focus on the content and the professional level of the event.

What are the services that a DMC can carry out for and on behalf of the client, as opposed to a PCO agency? What’s the difference between the two?

A DMC is a specialist in what we call tourist services at the destination. It’s related to services in the field. The rôle of a PCO agency, on the other hand, is more specialised, more sophisticated. A PCO acts as some sort of a mediator between the client and the conference venue, takes care of the professional side of the event such as by collecting abstracts, preparing printed materials, registering participants, sorting out the necessary technical equipment, translations, exhibitions and so on. And that’s not all – a PCO participates from the very beginning, from the time when the candidacy is being prepared, when acquiring the business, it includes looking for sponsors, etc. It’s only responsible for the project’s financial scheme and in the end also, of course, for getting a positive result.

Thus, a PCO agency controls the project’s whole course, while the rôle of a DMC is more of the executive nature. Both abbreviations are frequently used, but I’ve noticed that the demarcation between the two isn’t always clear, which causes some confusion in the market.

In my opinion, the proper classification and standardisation of services for both agencies is for this reason a priority of the congress-tourist office Institute.

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What are the advantages for the client in co-operating with a DMC agency?

I’ve already mentioned some of the advantages. To summarise, I’d say that the main advantages for the client are time and money savings, better quality of services performed, less work for the client who can now focus entirely on the professional content of the event and on the invited guests.

What’s a DMC agency’s promotional rôle compared to public bodies officially active in the destination’s promotion?

A DMC works commercially. They’re aware that nowadays it’s the market that sets the conditions and that the client is king, no matter how worn out this may sound. We should try more often to put ourselves in the shoes of a foreign guest, these days bombarded more than ever by tempting offers from European and worldwide destinations. Travel’s becoming more and more accessible, on account of budget airlines too.

Today you don’t need a lot of money or time to travel. It’s just necessary to see the real picture. I miss the overall recognisability of Slovenia that would challenge a foreign guest to decide to visit us.

How does a DMC agency manage personal relations with their suppliers and ensure the quality of their services?

It’s a constant process of checking service quality, staying in touch with novelties at the destination, looking for new suppliers, checking prices, creating new products, so all the activities necessary to raise our added value to the highest possible level. The best sources of information are surveys, questionnaires, checks and reports by our guides/drivers, our personal, unannounced control visits that help us check the tidiness of our guides, the equipment on the means of transport, the adequacy of hotels, restaurants etc. Our suppliers are always carefully chosen and for that reason also loyal.

How does increasingly short notice for event preparation influence the activities of DMC agencies?

For the last two years we’ve been seeing a trend towards increasingly short-term enquiries even for the organisation of medium to large conferences, meetings and motivational travels. We’re under constant pressure when winning business.

The challenge we face isn’t just competition from other destinations and prices, but also more and more often in the promptness of preparing offers. Increasingly short notice for preparation doesn’t present any major problem to us, as a DMC agency should be flexible. We’ve noticed that in the case of short-term enquiries the client is also more flexible, as when hotels are no longer available they’re more willing to take alternative times. Filling up gaps, as we could call it, can also be a lever for getting more favourable accommodation prices.

Who are the main players in the DMC market in Central and SE Europe?

In south-eastern Europe our network is very prominent; Kompas has strategic positions in the Adriatic, in Prague, Budapest and Warsaw. Of the others in central and eastern Europe I’d point out Kuoni, Liberty, Mondial, Pegasus, Eurotours; and Kontiki, Albtours, Atlas, Dubrovnik Travel and Elite in the Balkans.

Which of them are the key DMC players in Slovenia?

Besides Kompas I should mention Globtour, Promet T&T, M Tours and some smaller agencies, such as Van Gogh, Top Tours and Atlas working more locally and in individual foreign markets.

What’s the key to DMC agencies’ success and recognisability?

Reliability, service quality, a good reputation, references and, last but not least, goodwill and willingness to work, which can convince even the most demanding Gorazd Čad

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Zmago Skobir, predsednik uprave Aerodroma Ljubljana

Najprej potniki, potem povezava Mandat predsednika uprave Aerdroma Ljubljana je 5. julija nastopil Zmago Skobir.

V podjetju je od leta 2002, sprva kot svetovalec, pozneje pa kot član uprave, odgovoren za trženje. Na področju trženja v letalstvu je bil pred tem več let komercialni direktor slovenskega letalskega prevoznika Adria Airways ter krajši čas direktor turističnega podjetja Globtour. Zmago Skobir je v intervjuju za revijo Kongres strnil svoj pogled na pomen in probleme slovenske kongresne industrije.

Osnovni pogoj za razvoj kongresnega turizma je dostopnost destinacije oziroma razvitost letalskega prometa in infrastrukture. Ta je bila vrsto let neustrezna oziroma premalo podprta z interesi kongresne industrije. Dobri rezultati družbe Aerodrom Ljubljana in odpiranje novih letalskih linij pa zbujajo optimizem vsem akterjem kongresnega turizma.

Ob prevzemu funkcije predsednika uprave Aerodroma Ljubljana ste prevzeli vodenje podjetja z odličnimi poslovnimi rezultati. Kakšno so vaša pričakovanja za prihodnost?

Nadaljeval bom začrtano strategijo razvoja, kot jo je zasnovala sedanja uprava, temu primerna pa so tudi pričakovanja. Pri razvoju se je Aerodrom Ljubljana osredotočil predvsem na dva cilja, in sicer na povečanje potniškega in tovornega prometa ter na razvoj dejavnosti, ki so povezane z letalstvom in logistiko, na območju in v okolici letališča. Poleg tega se bo Aerodrom skupaj z lokalnimi turističnimi podjetji in organizatorji potovanj trudil povečati promet, ki ga ustvarijo prihajajoči tuji turisti, ki v Slovenijo prihajajo z letali. Strateški cilj je, da naj bi na ljubljanskem letališču leta 2015 oskrbeli 2,18 milijonov potnikov in 23,3 tisoč ton tovora letno. Na področju tovornega prometa so načrti usmerjeni predvsem v graditev vozlišča za distribucijo hitrih pošiljk in blaga na poti iz jugovzhodne Evrope preko Ljubljane v zahodno Evropo.

Dostopnost oziroma razvitost v smislu avio destinacije je eden izmed ključnih pogojev za razvoj poslovnega turizma. Ali se nam v bližnji prihodnosti na tem področju obetajo kakšne spremembe?

Tržniki kongresnih in poslovnih kapacitet v Sloveniji se vse prepogosto izgovarjajo na majhnost in nedostopnost. Ne bi rad rekel, da to ni problem, a ob takih izjavah se vedno vprašam, čemu se ne osredotočijo na trge, od kjer imamo povezave. Slišal sem tudi že, da se kongresni turizem ne more dobro razviti, ker da so kapacitete ljubljanskega letališča premajhne in ne more oskrbeti dovolj potnikov naenkrat. To seveda še zdaleč ne drži, predvsem pa je treba vedeti, da razlog za pridobivanje velikih poslovnih dogodkih ne more biti v letališču, temveč v kakovostni in zanimivi ponudbi kongresnih zmogljivosti s spremljevalno dejavnostjo in v (ne)spretnosti pri trženju. Vem, da je težko narediti preboj na področju razvoja poslovnega turizma, ker je konkurenca velika, zagotovo pa ni nemogoče.

Kako ocenjujete pomen kongresnega in poslovnega turizma kot enega od slovenskih turističnih produktov in ali je po vašem mnenju konkurenčen na globalnem trgu?

Menim, da kongresni in poslovni turizem lahko postaneta dva od ključnih slovenskih turističnih produktov, vendar danes to še nista. Slovenija ima veliko manjših dogodkov, nima pa enega velikega, res prepoznavnega. Poleg tega imamo premalo dobre ponudbe v smislu združevanja “business & leisure” programov.

Kaj bi morali po vašem mnenju v Sloveniji izboljšati na področju ponudbe poslovnega turizma?

Predvsem bi morali dobro integrirati cel spekter ponudbe in storitev. Vse skupaj je preveč razdrobljeno. Tudi na kakovosti turistične ponudbe se da še marsikaj narediti.

Zmago Skobir, predsednik uprave Aerodroma Ljubljana

Kje so po vašem mnenju ključni trgi za razvoj poslovnega turizma v Sloveniji in kako jim sledimo z avio povezavami?

Skandinavija, Anglija, severna Nemčija in Rusija. Slovenija s temi trgi je povezana, zagotovo pa bi marsikateri prevoznik odprl še kakšno povezavo, če bi v Sloveniji

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videl dovolj velik tržni potencial. V obratnem vrstnem redu, najprej povezava, šele nato pa pridobivanje potnikov – ni poslovne logike.

Kakšni so prihodnji investicijski načrti Aerodroma Ljubljana, poleg prenove obstoječega potniškega terminala?

Prva faza gradnje novega potniškega terminala je zaključena junija letos. Z njo bomo pridobili nekaj čez 5.100 kvadratnih metrov novih površin in zadostili schengenskim pogojem. Med ključnimi projekti so še povečanje parkirne ploščadi za letala, pa druga faza potniškega terminala, še ena parkirna hiša, zmogljivosti za blagovni promet, prestavitev ceste, ki vodi mimo letališča, bolj proti severu, in pa komunalna oprema zemljišč za poslovno-logistično cono, ti. Airport City s hoteli, trgovinami in poslovnimi prostori, ki bo zrasel na območju ob letališču.

Ali so v okviru investicijskih načrtov predvidene tudi nove hotelske in kongresne kapacitete?

Da, hotelske in kongresne kapacitete so predvidene v Airport Cityju.

kakšen bo posredni vpliv predsedovanja na promet, pa za zdaj ni mogoče oceniti. Vse je odvisno od tega, kako dobro bo Slovenija izkoristila predsedovanje za svojo lastno promocijo.

Med predsedovanjem bo Aerodrom Ljubljana glavna vstopna točka, zato bo igral pomembno vlogo, na katero se pripravljamo tako infrastrukturno kot organizacijsko. Za VIP potnike, ki bodo potovali z rednimi in večjimi državniškimi letali, zadostuje glavna letališka ploščad z obstoječima dvema VIP salonoma.

Manjša vladna letala bodo parkirala na ploščadi splošnega letalstva, kjer bodo delale operativne službe za sprejem manjših letal do 40 ton (infrastruktura se še ureja) in tam bomo uredili tudi VIP salon. Razširili bomo obstoječo ploščad splošnega letalstva, glavno letališko ploščad in zgradili heliodrom (3 pozicije). Že nekaj let zaposlujemo dodatne kadre v skladu z rastjo prometa, tako bo tudi v prihodnosti. Dodatnega zaposlovanja samo za potrebe predsedovanja zaenkrat ne načrtujemo, prilagodili bomo le organizacijo dela operativnih služb.

Kaj menite o vlogi ljubljanskega letališča v primerjavi s sosednjimi letališči Trst, Gradec, Celovec, Zagreb, z vidika poslovnega turizma?

V primerjavi z naštetimi letališči imamo kar nekaj prednosti. V celotni strukturi je pri nas 70 % poslovnih in 30 % turističnih potnikov. Imamo odlično opremljeno konferenčno dvorano za 120 ljudi, odlično geostrateško pozicijo (ob avtocestnem križu), in ker smo majhni, smo tudi zelo prilagodljivi in za potnika prijazni. Letališče se morda ta trenutek res še ne more pohvaliti z moderno potniško stavbo, a se bo to zelo kmalu spremenilo, odlikuje pa ga zelo dobra tehnološka opremljenost. Imamo vse možnosti, da se v prihodnjih letih razvijemo v glavno reginalno letališče, tudi z vidika poslovnega turizma.

Gorazd Čad

Kako ljubljansko letališče sledi globalnim turističnim trendom?

Treba se je zavedati, da Aerodrom Ljubljana ni turistično podjetje, je pa vključen v verigo turistične oskrbe. Mi potnika pozdravimo, ko pride, in se od njega poslovimo, ko se vrne. Vmes so drugi. Če rečemo, da so trendi v turizmu krajši obiski, doživetja in individualna potovanja, potem lahko rečemo, da trendom sledimo. Tu vsekakor pomembno mesto zavzemajo nizkocenovni prevozniki in trud, ki ga vlagamo v konsolidacijo slovenske turistične ponudbe preko konzorcija SPOT. Kako ocenjujete pomen predsedovanja Slovenije za razvoj turizma in kakšna bo vloga Aerodroma Ljubljana?

Leta 2008 bo neposredno zaradi predsedovanja pri nas 20.000 potnikov več,

Foto/Photo: Igor Lapajne

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Zmago Skobir, President of Ljubljana Aerodrom Management Board

First Passengers, then Connections Zmago Skobir is to take over as President of Ljubljana Aerodrom Management Board on 5 July 2007. He’s worked for the company since 2002, first as an advisor and later as a management board member responsible for marketing. He’s been in marketing for several years, as marketing director of Slovenian airline Adria Airways and for a short time as director of Globtour tourist agency. In this interview for Kongres, Zmago Skobir outlines his views on the importance of the Slovenian meetings industry and the problems it faces.

A basic precondition for the development of the meetings industry is a destination’s accessibility and air travel and infrastructure development. The latter was inadequate or not supported enough by meetings industry interests for many years.

Aerodrom Ljubljana’s good results and the start of new airline connections make all the players in the meetings industry more optimistic.

As management board president of Aerodrom Ljubljana you take on the management of a company with successful business results. What are your expectations for the future?

I become management board president on 5 July 2007 and I’m going to carry on the current management board’s outlined development strategy.

Expectations are in line with the situation. Aerodrom Ljubljana is focussed on two main development goals, namely an increase in passenger and cargo traffic and on the development of activities connected with the aircraft industry and logistics in and around the airport. Besides this, working with local tourist companies and travel organizers, Aerodrom will endeavour to increase the number of foreign tourists flying into Slovenia. The strategic goal is that in 2015 Ljubljana airport would deal with 2.18 million passengers and 23.3 thousand tons of cargo annually. Our cargo traffic plans focus on the construction of a ‘crossroads’ for distribution of quick deliveries en route from south-eastern to western Europe.

Accessibility and development of air travel destinations are key conditions for business tourism development. Can we expect any changes in this area in the near future?

Marketing people in meetings and business jobs in Slovenia too often make excuses about the smallness and inaccessibility of Slovenia. I wouldn’t like to say this is not a problem, but whenever I hear such words I always wonder why they don't focus on markets that we are well connected with. I’ve also heard that the meetings industry can’t develop well since Ljubljana airport’s capacities must be too small and it can’t cope with all the passengers at once. Of course this isn’t true; above all it’s necessary to know that the reason why big business events are obtained can’t lie in the airport but in having a high-quality, interesting meetings offer with accompanying activities and in good marketing skills.

I know it’s hard to make a breakthrough in business tourism development, because the competition is very tough, but it’s definitely not impossible.

How would you assess the meetings industry’s importance as a Slovenian tourist product? In your opinion, is it competitive in the global market?

In my opinion, the meetings industry can become a crucial Slovenian tourist product; however we haven’t achieved that yet. Slovenia has a lot of minor events, but it lacks one big event, a really plausible one. Besides, there aren’t enough products on the market that’d join ‘business & leisure’ programmes.

What, in your opinion, is it necessary to improve in the field of business tourism?

First of all, the entire spectrum of services and offers has to be integrated.

Currently everything is too much divided. In addition, the quality of the tourist offer could be considerably improved.

Where are the key markets for business tourism development in Slovenia and how do we follow those with airline connections?

Scandinavia, England, northern Germany and Russia. Slovenia is already connected with these markets; the airlines would definitely start opening other routes if they saw enough big market potential in Slovenia. In the opposite order of precedence – first the connection and then the acquisition of passengers – there’s no business logic.

What are Aerodrom Ljubljana’s future investment plans beside the renovation of the existing passenger terminal?

The first phase of the new passenger terminal’s construction finishes in June this year. We’re going to add more than 5,100m2 of new space and meet our Schengen conditions. Among key projects there are the enlargement of the parking apron for planes, the second phase of the passenger terminal,

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another multi-storey car park building, cargo traffic facilities, realignment of the road passing the airport further to the north and the communal infrastructure of business-logistics zone buildings that we call ‘Airport City’, with hotels, shops, and business venues that’re to be built on land next to the airport.

Do you also plan new hotel and congress facilities in the framework of the investment plan?

Yes, hotel and congress facilities are foreseen in Airport City.

How can Ljubljana airport follow global tourist trends?

We have to keep in mind that Aerodrom Ljubljana isn’t a tourist company, but it’s part of the tourist supply chain. We welcome the passenger on his arrival in Slovenia and bid him bon voyage on departure.

In-between there are other players.

If we say that tourism trends are for shorter visits, experience and individual travel, then we can say we’re following the trends. Budget airlines play a very important rôle here, as well as the efforts we’re putting into consolidating the Slovenian tourist offer via the SPOT consortium.

How important do you estimate the Slovenian EU presidency to be for tourism development, and what’s going to be the rôle of Aerodrom Ljubljana?

20,000 more passengers than now will be received due to the Slovenian EU presidency in 2008. It’s impossible to estimate what the presidency’s indirect influence on airline traffic is going to be. Everything depends on Slovenia’s ability to take advantage of the EU Presidency for its promotion.

Aerodrom Ljubljana’s going to be the main entry point to Slovenia during the presidency and is going to play an important rôle, which we’re already preparing for with our infrastructure

and organization. The main airport apron with its two existing VIP lounges will be sufficient for VIP passengers who’re going to travel by regular and larger state aircraft. Smaller governmental aircraft will be parked on the general aviation apron, where operating services will be provided for the reception of smaller aircraft up to 40 tons in weight, for which infrastructure is to be set up; the VIP lounge is also going to be improved. We’re going to enlarge the existing general aviation apron, the main airport apron and build a heliodrom with 3 positions. For many years we’ve been taking on new staff in line with the growth in traffic and this is going to carry on in the future too. Currently we don't plan any additional employment just for the needs of the EU presidency; we’re just going to adjust the organization of how operational services work.

From a business tourism viewpoint, how do you see the rôle of Ljubljana airport compared with neighbouring airports such as Trieste, Graz, Klagenfurt and Zagreb?

We have some advantages compared with the airports mentioned above.

Our tourist structure is 70% business and 30% tourist passengers. We have an excellently equipped conference hall for 120 people, an excellent geostrategic position at a highway crossroads, and since we are small we are more adaptable and passenger-friendly. The airport can’t yet pat itself on the back by having a modern airport building, but this is going to change very soon. But it’s set apart by having excellent technological equipment. We have every chance of becoming the main regional airport in the next few years, from a business tourism viewpoint as well.

Gorazd Čad

Foto/Photo: Branko Čeak

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Srečanja na Obali in Krasu

Večna privlačnost morja Zgodba bi se lahko začela ne- Lahko pa trdimo, da bi jo težko bolje izkoristili, saj kljub svoji omejeni dolžini ponuja barvito pahljačo vsebin in motivov za obisk. Kljub včasih diametralnekako tako: ko je Bog ustvarjal mu nasprotju, ob njej že dolgo v (navidezni?) slogi sobivajo zgodovinska mesta (Izola, Koper, Piran), marine, komercialna luka, letoviški kraji, ladjedelnica svet je koščku zemlje, kjer je (žal vse manjša, zdaj tudi s selitvijo v načrtu), kopališča z modro zastavo, inzdaj Slovenija, naklonil obilo dustrijski objekti in edinstveni krajinski parki. Obalno kraška regija, ena najmanjših v Sloveniji, je hkrati ena od gospodarsko najrazvitejših, in turizem, ki lepot in raznolikosti, strnjeima v teh krajih več kot stoletno tradicijo, pri tem igra pomembno vlogo. Prav nih na mali površini. Bil je ra- zaradi prepleta krajinskih in naravnih posebnosti z urbanim okoljem na tako dodaren, ko je odmeril vršace, majhnem prostoru bo uravnotežen ali trajnostni pristop pomemben pri nadaljnjem razvoju turizma. se dotaknil podzemnega sveta, zelenja, plodnih ravnic ter Paradni konji (tudi lipicanci so čisto blizu) ... bistrih voda, nekje pa je venPortorož – paradni konj (ne samo) obalnega turizma, ki je že pred dobrim stoletjem privabljal goste kot klimatsko letovišče, hodi v korak s časom. Nadgradar bil skop ... Četudi bi jo dnja klasične ponudbe, nekoč vezane na trojček »morje, plaža, sonce« z novinapeli do skrajnosti, je naše mi ali dopolnilnimi produkti je bila v novejšem obdobju nujna usmeritev za usobale ob Jadranskem morju le pešnejše trženje destinacije in njenih zmogljivosti izven poletne sezone. In tu je našel svojo nišo kongresni turizem, katerega začetek sega v leto 1973, ko je za dobrih 46 kilometrov. bil kot eden prvih v Sloveniji zgrajen kulturni in kongresni center Avditorij

Tatjana Radovič

Portorož s plenarno dvorano zmogljivosti 510 sedežev. Ta »pionirski« objekt je v še kar dobri formi, pred leti je pridobil tudi lep in nadkrit amfiteater na prostem (1.800 sedežev), je pa videti, da je danes njegov »kulturni« imidž močnejši od »kongresnega«.

Kmalu v devetdesetih letih, vezano tudi na spremembe lastniških struktur in razmišljanja o novih trženjskih usmeritvah, se je začelo premikati v hotelirski sferi. Investicije v seminarske ali konferenčne dvorane, ki so na začetku bile (pogosto) opredeljene zgolj kot dodaten vir prihodka izven visoke sezone, so se nekaterim res obrestovale. Rezultat je, da je danes Portorož močan akter med kongresnimi destinacijami v Sloveniji, da nekaterim hotelskim podjetjem kongresni turizem predstavlja enega od stebrov dejavnosti in da je vse to pozitivno vplivalo tudi na spremembo imidža kraja ter na razvoj druge ponudbe. Če so pred leti prevladovali dogodki domačih naročnikov, lahko danes rečemo, da Portorož gosti vse več mednarodnih konferenc in podjetniških srečanj tujih naročnikov.

Prav v Portorožu, v Hotelih Bernardin, najdemo največji hotelski kongresni center v Sloveniji, ki je prvotne zmogljivosti v Grand hotelu Bernardin pred dvema letoma nadgradil z veliko in fleksibilno dvorano s 1.100 sedeži ter dodatnimi površinami za poslovne ali družabne dogodke. Zdaj ima center skupno 16 dvoran različnih velikosti (iz nekaterih pogled kar sam od sebe beži na odprto morje) in dve dodatni v hotelu Histrion, ob tem pa kompleks ponuja še širok spekter namestitev v kategoriji treh, štirih in petih zvezdic (preko 700 sob) ter dodatne vsebine, kot npr. morski park Laguna Bernardin ter center za dobro počutje.

Hotelska veriga LifeClass Portorož s svojimi hoteli – Grand hotel Palace s petimi zvezdicami in še pet v kategoriji štirih zvezdic – zaseda središče kraja in ponuja skoraj 800 sob. Kongresni center Portus v hotelu Slovenija je fleksibilno zasnovan, med sedmimi sodobno opremljenimi dvoranami največja sprejme 520 gostov. Mnogim pa so LifeClass hoteli znani po izvrstni termalni in wellness ponudbi, v špici katere sta Terme Palace (termalni, medicinski in wellness center z edinstvenim savna parkom), ki sodi med slovenska naravna

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zdravilišča, in Wai Thai center tradicionalne tajske masaže.

Med večje ponudnike prištevamo še Hotele Metropol, ki v štirih hotelih kategorije od treh do petih zvezdic ponujajo skupno skoraj 400 sob. V najbolj eminentnem med njimi, Grand Hotelu Metropol, ki mi v spomin prikliče film »Soba z razgledom«, udeležence konferenc in poslovnih srečanj že leta gosti njihov kongresni center.

Ta lahko v največji od šestih dvoran sprejme 150 udeležencev številnih dogodkov. Pod streho hotela deluje tudi znan portoroški Casin_.

Pomembno je omeniti, da so hotelske družbe v zadnjem desetletju prenovile večino objektov, hkrati pa niso pozabile na »mehki del« – stalno pozornost do izboljšanja storitev in razvoj novih produktov, ki so zanimivi za različne ciljne skupine gostov, vključno kongresnih.

Vsi zgoraj našteti hoteli sicer slovijo tudi po izvrstni kulinarični ponudbi in sposobnosti, da na visoki ravni izpeljejo banketne pogostitve za več sto in tudi preko tisoč gostov. Sam Portorož, obenem pa očarljivi sosed Piran z zgodovinsko patino in drugi kraji, ki se nizajo ob obali ali v bližnjem zaledju, privabljajo zveste in nove »dobrojedce« s specialitetami na osnovi svežih morskih sestavin ali posebnosti istrske kuhinje.

Vedno več poslovnih dogodkov pa vključuje tudi element doživetij / aktivnosti izven dvoran ali hotelov in izbira teh je na Obali res pestra: kaj pravite na jadralno regato, team building program na plaži, tekmovanje v nabiranju soli v Sečoveljskih solinah, obiranje oljk (s sčepcem tekmovalnega duha), izlet z ladjo in ribiškim piknikom (zvečer s tekmovanjem v štetju zvezd?), sprejem v prelepem ambientu Tartinijevega gledališča v Piranu, ki si sam zasluži čas za obisk, ali koncert v Križnem hodniku Minoritskega samostana (z obema upravlja Avditorij), kosilo ali večerjo na kmečkem turizmu v vinorodnem za-

ledju, obisk katere od priznanih vinskih kleti z degustacijo, lahko pa tudi skok v niti uro oddaljeni Lipico ali Postojnsko jamo, znameniti turistični točki slovenskega Krasa. Za mnoge tuje goste pa kot »pika na i« še enodnevni izlet s katamaranom v Benetke ... Iz tega nabora je mogoče izbrati le eno doživetje ali pa iz nekaterih sestaviti pester večdnevni incentive program.

Skrivnosten svet podzemlja in ples konjskih kopit In še korak proti kraškemu območju, ki v delih, tako kot Istra, nekoliko spominja na Toskano (zeleni griči, značilna kamnita arhitektura, vinogradi, enogastronomija), v očeh tujcev pa, ko jim omeniš število podzemnih jam, tudi malo na ementalski sir ... Približno na pol poti med Ljubljano in Obalo, Postojnska jama vse bolj stopa na kongresni parket. Sama sem bila pred nekaj leti priča izvrstni izvedbi posebnega programa obiska s koncertom za skoraj 1.000 udeležencev evropskega kongresa, ki se je odvijal v Ljubljani, in večerne pogostitve na ploščadi pred in v notranjosti Jamskega dvorca. Slednji je z nedavno prenovo pridobil prireditveni center za raznovrstne poslovna srečanja, ki sprejme do 300 gostov v največji med osmimi dvoranami. Uveljavlja se tudi s kulinarično ponudbo, ki obsega tudi zanimive tematske jedilnike, vezane na preteklost kraja. Med novosti v ponudbi družbe Postojnska jama, turizem pa sodijo še team building programi, primerni za manjše skupine, ki so začinjeni z manjšo ali večjo mero pustolovskega duha ali zahtevnosti. Udeleženci na aktiven način odkrivajo čaroben svet jam, ki sicer niso odprte za množičen ogled. Bližnji Predjamski grad pa je izjemno prizorišče za dogodke, ki prikličejo srednjeveške čase.

Potencial v kongresnem segmentu ima tudi Kobilarna Lipica, saj poleg družbe tristotih iskrivih Lipicancev ponuja številne aktivnosti (ogled kobilarne s predstavo klasičnega dresurnega jahanja, rekreativno jahanje ali tečaj oz. šolo klasičnega jahanja, vožnje s kočijo, golf, igralništvo ...), ki lahko zaokrožijo poslovna srečanja. Za slednja je na voljo pet dvoran oz. sejnih sob, katerih največja sprejme do 150 oseb. V okolici pa najdemo še lepe kolesarske poti in (kar zna včasih biti nevarno) znane kraške gostilne ter vinske kleti.

Epilog Mnogi ljudje s celine močno čutimo privlačnost morja, in prav zato se organizatorji konferenc ali poslovnih srečanj radi odločajo za obalne kraje – tako za velika mesta kot tudi za letovišča, toliko raje, če zraven sodi še toplo podnebje. Če pogledamo destinacije ob morju, ki imajo dober imidž konferenčnih in incentive destinacij, je konkurenca močna. Naročnik iz katerekoli evropske države lahko izbira med npr. Portorožem, ali pa – nedaleč stran – hrvaško Opatijo. Tu so še večji ali manjši »magneti« kot Dubrovnik, Cannes, Monaco, lahko dodamo Rimini, Algarve ali Kanarske otoke, med Britanci pa je zdaj pravi hit Dubaj. Ne omenjam niti mest, ki imajo večni čar – med njimi Benetke ali Barcelona ... In to je le delček dolgega seznama. Za vse veljajo enaki osnovni kriteriji predizbora: čim lažja dostopnost, visoka kakovost turistične / kongresne infrastrukture, dober turistični imidž, pestra ponudba produktov, kulture in doživetij, razumne cene ... V borbi za del kolača nam ne kaže drugega, kot da se še bolj osredotočimo in poudarimo tiste primerjalne prednosti in posebnosti, s katerimi se lahko v tovrstni družbi odlikujemo.

Tatjana Radovič, vodja kongresne dejavnosti, Zavod za turizem Ljubljana

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Meetings on the Coast and the Karst

The Eternal Allure of the Sea This story could start something like this. When God created the world, where Slovenia is now he bestowed the Earth with plenty of beauty and variety in a very small area. He generously measured out mountain tops, touched the underground world, the greenery, fertile plains and pure waters, but was, nonetheless, sparing in just one area. Even when stretched to its fullest, our Adriatic coast adds up to just 46 kilometres.

However, one has to say we’ve been quite successful in making good use of it. Despite its limited size it offers a colourful palette of themes and reasons to come and visit. Although often diametrically opposed, many places

Foto/Photo: Blaž Župančič

have managed to cohabitate for centuries, such as historical towns of seemingly different styles, marinas, commercial harbours, tourist resorts, shipyards (that’re sadly getting ever smaller, now with relocation in the plans), blue-flag beaches, industrial complexes and unique landscape parks. The Coastal-Karst region is one of Slovenia’s smallest and simultaneously one of its most developed areas.

Tourism, which in some areas has a more than century-long tradition has an important role to play. It’s the combination of landscape and natural features with urban areas in such a compact space that makes a balanced sustainable approach to further tourism development so important.

Parade horses – the lipizzaners are quite close, too ...

Portorož. A parade horse of not just coastal tourism, that as a climatic resort has attracted guests for more than a century, keeps pace with modern times.

Its classical offer was once closely connected to the triplet of ‘sea, beach and sun’.

Its upgrading, by adding new or supplementary products, has lately become unavoidable so as to be more successful in marketing its facilities outside the summer season. This is where congress tourism has found its niche market, too.

Its beginnings date back to 1973, when Avditorij Portorož, one of the first cultural and congress centres was built with a plenary hall and a capacity of 510 seats.

This ‘pioneering’ complex is still in quite good condition; a few years ago a beautiful superstructure was added in the shape of an open-space amphitheatre with 1,800 seats. However, today its ‘cultural’ face seems to be stronger than its ‘congress’ image.

In the early 1990’s, related to changes in ownership structures and ways of thinking about market orientation, the hotel industry took its first steps on its path of change, too. Investment into seminar or congress halls, which were at first often just seen as an extra income source outside peak season yielded considerable return on investment. The result is that today Portorož holds a strong position among congress destinations in Slovenia, and congress tourism is a pillar of the activities of some hotel companies. All this has also had a positive effect on changing the resort’s image and on developing other elements in its offer. While years ago Portorož used to mainly host events for Slovenian clients, Portorož now has an increasing number of international conferences and business meetings for foreign clients.

The Bernardin Hotel complex gives Portorož the largest hotel-congress centre in Slovenia. Two years ago the former facilities of the Grand Hotel Bernardin were upgraded with a large flexible hall offering 1,100 seats, and additional spaces for business or social events. Now the centre has the total of 16 halls of various sizes, in some of which the eye cannot but drift away to the open sea. There are two extra halls in the Hotel Histrion. In addition, the complex also offers a wide variety of accommodation in three, four and five-star hotels (over 700 rooms), as well as extra attractions such as Laguna Bernardin Water Park and a wellness centre.

LifeClass Portorož is a hotel group featuring the five-star Grand Hotel Palace and five other four-star hotels in the very centre of the resort. It offers nearly 800 rooms. The Portus Congress Centre in the Slovenija Hotel has a flexible design, with seven halls featuring state of the art equipment, the largest of which is able to accommodate 520 guests. Many remember LifeClass Hotels for their excellent spa and wellness offer, with the Terme Palace (spa, medical and wellness centre with unique sauna area) at the top of the range. This hotel is one of the Slovenian natural spas, and features the Wai Thai traditional Thai massage Centre.

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Among the larger capacity hotels there are also Metropol Hotels, offering a total of almost 400 rooms in four three to five-star hotels. The most distinguished of them, the Grand Hotel Metropol, which always reminds me of the film ‘a Room with a View’, has hosted conference and business meetings in its congress centre for many years now. The largest of its six halls takes up to 150 participants at numerous event types. The hotel also includes the well-known Portorož Casino.

It’s also worth mentioning that hotel companies have renovated the majority of their complexes in the last decade, not forgetting the ‘soft part’ - constant care to improve services and develop new products attractive to different guest target groups, including the congress industry.

All the hotels named above are also renowned for their exquisite culinary offers and ability to arrange top-level banqueting services for several hundred or even over a thousand guests.

Portorož and its charming neighbour Piran, adding a historic patina, as well as other places along the Coast or in the near inland vicinity attract loyal as well as new food buffs with specialties based on fresh seafood and specialties of Istrian cuisine.

An increasing number of business events include elements of adventure or activities outside halls or hotels. The selection of these is quite rich on the coast. What about a sailing regatta, team building programme on the beach, salt collecting competition at Sečovlje Saltpans, olive picking with a pinch of competitive spirit, a boat trip and fish picnic, with an evening star-counting competition? Perhaps a reception in the beautiful atmosphere of Piran’s Tartini Theatre, worth visiting in itself, or a concert in the Cross Hall of the Minorite Monastery (both managed by Avditorij), lunch or dinner at a tourist farm in the winegrowing region just inland, a visit to one of the famous wine cellars with wine tasting, or perhaps a brief visit to

Lipica or Postojna Caves, typical tourist destinations of the Slovenian Karst, not even an hour's drive from the coast. A one-day trip to Venice is just icing on the cake for many foreign guests. From this wide selection one may choose just one adventure, or make a varied several-day incentive programme.

The mysterious underground world and dance of horse hooves A further step takes you to Karst, in some respects, just like Istria, reminiscent slightly of Tuscany, having green hills, typical stone architecture, vineyards and unique cuisine. In foreigners’ eyes, when the number of underground caves is mentioned, the area also slightly resembles Ementaler cheese. About halfway from Ljubljana to the coast, the Postojnska jama (Postojna Caves) company makes an entry into congress tourism. A few years ago I myself had a chance to join almost 1,000 participants of a European Congress in an excellent performance during a special visit programme with a concert. The main event took place in Ljubljana, and an evening banquet was held on a platform in front of and inside Jamski dvorec manor. Recently renovated, the manor now features a venue centre for a variety of business meetings and the largest of its eight halls takes 300 guests. Its culinary offer is also winning recognition, with interesting themed menus relating to the town’s history. Among novelties in Postojnska jama’s offer there are also team building programmes appropriate for smaller groups, with the extra spice of adventure spirit and requiring extra effort. Participants actively discover the magical world of caves not otherwise open to the public. The nearby Predjama castle is an exceptional scene for staging events that bring the medieval era to life.

The congress segment’s potential is also obvious at Lipica Stud Farm. As well as the company of 300 lively Lipizzaner horses, it also offers numerous activities including a visit to the Stud Farm with a classical dressage riding show, recreational riding or courses, a classical riding course, horse-drawn carriage rides, golf and a casino. It may all make a business meeting an unforgettable experience. Such meetings can be held in one of the five halls or meeting rooms, the largest of which can hold up to 150. There are also some pleasant bicycle trails around Lipica and the ‘potential dangers’ of visiting the famous inns and wine cellars of the Karst region.

Epilogue Many continental people are attracted to the open sea. That’s why conferences or business meeting organisers tend to go for a coastal area, in larger towns as well as resorts, especially in combination with a warm climate. Competition is fairly intense among seaside destinations that have a strong image as a conference or incentive destination. A client from any European country may pick between such places as Portorož or Opatija in Croatia, not far from Portorož. There are also several other more or less strong ‘magnets’, such as Dubrovnik, Cannes, Monaco, and one may also add Rimini, the Algarve or the Canary Islands. At the moment Dubai is quite a hit in Britain. Not to mention places of eternal charm, such as Venice or Barcelona. And this is only a small part of an endless list. The criteria for first selection are the same for all - easy access, high tourist/congress infrastructure levels, a recognisable tourist image, wide product range, culture and experiences, reasonable prices and so on. When competing for our slice of the cake, we have to focus on and emphasise those competitive advantages and specialties that make us stand out in such eminent company.

Tatjana Radovič, Congress Manager, Ljubljana Tourist Board

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Majda Zidanski

Na prvem mestu je bil naš entuziazem Majda Zidanski bo 1. septembra 2007 praznovala enaindvajseto obletnico delovanja kongresno-turistične agencije Albatros. Agencijo sta že leta 1986 ustanovila skupaj z Andrejem Rističem in to je bila prva zasebna turistična agencija v takratni Jugoslaviji.

Agencija je bila od vsega začetka specializirana za kongresno dejavnost, ki je bila v obdobju zagona agencije rezervirana za državne institucije. Agencija se je vseskozi razvijala in postala ena od najvidnejših PCO agencij v Sloveniji. Poleg številnih kongresov je Majda svoje bogate izkušnje strnila v knjigi Kongresna dejavnost, ki je prvi tovrstni priročnik v Sloveniji. Svoje 35-letne izkušnje v dejavnosti z veseljem deli tudi z bralci naše revije.

Kakšni so bili vaši začetki?

Leta 1970 sem začela delati kot študentka v ljubljanskem Magistratu, ki je bil prva in največja kongresna agencija v takratni Jugoslaviji. Od »starih kadrov« in strokovnjakov sem se naučila osnov kongresne obrti. Takrat so se veliki mednarodni kongresi organizirali na celotnem območju bivše države. Skupaj s sodelavci smo orali ledino na področju kongresne dejavnosti.

Kaj se je spremenilo v kongresni dejavnosti od vaših začetkov do današnjih dni?

Spremenilo se je zelo veliko, lahko bi rekla skoraj vse. Na začetku ni bilo osnovne infrastrukture za kongresno dejavnost, kot so dvorane in tehnična oprema. Za vsak kongres smo morali najprej usposobiti kakšen prostor (jedilnica, avle ipd.) in ga opremiti za potrebe kongresa. Velikokrat smo morali pripeljati z drugih lokacij celo mize in stole. Magistrat je takrat kot prvi nakupil napravo za simultano prevajanje in jo uvedel v to dejavnost. Skratka, kongrese smo delali na terenu z večinoma »premično« opremo, kar je v primerjavi z današnjo infrastrukturo v posameznih hotelskih in drugih centrih neprimerljivo.

Izredno veliko smo improvizirali in potrebna je bila velika iznajdljivost vsakega, ki je pri posameznih projektih sodeloval. 70-a leta v kongresni dejavnosti bi lahko primerjali z zlato dobo slovenske popevke. Na prvem mestu je bil vedno

Foto/Photo: Ziga Mucic

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naš »entuziazem«, pripravljenost delati cele dneve in noči, brez urnika in predvsem z velikim veseljem, brez vprašanj o višini finančne stimulacije za delo.

Kaj je ključ za uspeh pri organizaciji kongresov? »Tek na dolge proge«, kakovost, kontinuiteta, poslovna kultura, profesionalnost in lojalnost. Pošteni in korektni odnosi z vsemi sodelujočimi pri organizaciji kongresov. Česa v svoji kongresni karieri ne bi ponovili?

V bistvu ne bi ničesar spreminjala, delala bi zelo podobno, kot sem.

Kateri je bil najuspešnejši kongres, ki ste ga organizirali?

Nobenega kongresa ne bi posebej izpostavila, ker je ocena uspeha z moje strani subjektivna. Morda mi je v spominu ostal »moj prvi« večji kongres leta 1974, ki je bil mednarodni (svetovni) in na katerem sem morala prevzeti celotno organizacijo in izvedbo tik pred začetkom, ne da bi prej sodelovala pri pripravah (zaradi nenadnega odhoda sodelavcev iz firme). Ob vseh težavah in na račun moje iznajdljivosti je bil kongres zelo uspešen, glavni organizator iz tujine me je povabil na oder in se mi pred 350 eminentnimi gosti zahvalil za odlično izpeljano organizacijo. To je bila pri 24 letih velika stimulacija za moje delo in nadaljevanje profesionalne poti.

Se v Sloveniji zavedamo pomena PCO agencij? Ali imajo ustrezno vlogo v prostoru?

V Sloveniji se ne zavedamo pomena PCO agencij in organizatorjev. Tega se ne zavedajo ne naročniki (uporabniki) ne organizatorji sami. Najpomembneje se mi zdi poudariti, da je naloga PCO, da v imenu in na račun prireditelja prevzame celotno tehnično organizacijo dogodka in odgovornost za izvedbo

(svetovanje, vodenje projekta, načrtovanje, koordinacija vseh del, sestanki s prireditelji in hotelirji itd.).

Katere vrline mora po vašem mnenju imeti dober kongresni organizator?

Dober PCO je lahko samo strokovnjak s širokim profilom znanja in sposobnostjo soočanja z vsemi izzivi dinamičnega kongresnega tržišča. Imeti mora predvsem dobre organizacijske sposobnosti, razgledanost, sposobnost vodenja, kreativnost in iznajdljivost, poslovnost in profesionalnost, čut za odgovornost in skrb, gostoljubnost in vljudnost, poznavanje kultur narodov in seveda znanje jezikov.

Kaj bi svetovali mladim kongresnim organizatorjem na začetku kariere?

Predvsem veliko učenja (samoizobraževanja), sodelovanja z bolj izkušenimi kolegi in spoštovanja (uspeh je na koncu odvisen od vseh sodelujočih – od natakarja, receptorja v hotelu do direktorja in organizatorja) ter veliko poslušanja.

Pomembno je predvsem, da se to delo opravlja z veseljem in da ni v breme.

Vaš življenjski moto?

Zadovoljstvo pri delu, imeti možnost delati to, kar me resnično veseli in osrečuje. In da ni v ospredju le materialna plat …

Kaj si želite početiv prihodnjih letih?

Sprejeti vse, kar bo čas prinesel, upam, da predvsem dobre stvari ... Na delovnem področju počasi zmanjševati svoje obveznosti na račun potovanj in drugih aktivnosti, za katere sem bila zaradi dela »prikrajšana« oziroma za katere ni bilo časa.

Gorazd Čad

Bled (Foto: arhiv STO / Photo: STO archive)

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Majda Zidanski

Our Enthusiasm held first Place On September 1st, 2007, Majda Zidanski is set to celebrate the twenty-first anniversary of Albatros Congress Tourist Agency.

She and Andrej Ristič set the agency up in 1986 and it was the first private tourist agency in what was then Yugoslavia.

From the outset the agency specialized in the meetings industry which, at the time of their start-up, was a preserve of state institutions. The agency has developed continuously and become one of the most prominent PCO agencies in Slovenia. As well as numerous congresses, Majda has condensed her vast experience into a book on the meeting industry, the first such handbook in Slovenia. She’s happy to share her 35 years of experience in the profession with readers of our magazine.

What’s your background?

In 1970 I started working as a student in Magistrat in Ljubljana, the first and biggest congress agency in what was then Yugoslavia. I learned the basics of the congress trade from those ‘old staff’ and professionals. Back then large international congresses were organized throughout the former state. With our co-workers we broke new ground in the meetings industry.

What’s changed in the meetings industry since you started to today?

It’s changed a lot, almost everything, I’d say. At the outset there was no basic infrastructure for the meetings industry, such as halls or technical equipment.

For each congress, first we had to hire somewhere, a dining room, halls and so on and set it up it for what a meeting needed. Often we even had to get tables and chairs from elsewhere. Then Magistrat got the first simultaneous translation equipment and introduced it into its service. In short, we organized congresses in the field mainly with ‘mobile’ equipment that’s incomparable to the current infrastructure that you get in hotels and other centres now. There was a lot of improvisation and huge inventiveness was needed from everyone working on particular projects. The 1970’s in the meetings industry can be compared with the golden age of Slovenian popular song. In first place there was always our ‘enthusiasm’, readiness to work night and day, without a schedule and above all with great pleasure, without asking how much we’d get paid.

What’s the key to success in organising meetings?

‘Long distance running’, quality, continuity, a business culture, professionalism and loyalty. Trustworthiness and a proper relationship with everyone involved in congress organization.

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Is there anything in your congress career you wouldn’t do again?

In fact I wouldn’t change anything. I’d do it all much the same as I have.

What’s been the most successful congress you’ve organised?

I wouldn’t point to any particular congress, as evaluating success from my perspective is subjective. Perhaps one that stays in my mind is ‘my first’ big congress in 1974. It was international or global and I had to take on the whole organization and implementation just before it started, and I hadn’t been involved in the preparations, but some co-workers suddenly left the firm.

Despite all the problems and thanks to my inventiveness the congress was really successful. The leading organizer from abroad invited me on stage and thanked me in front of 350 eminent guests for the superbly carried-out organization. At age 24 it was a tremendous motivation for my work and continuation of my professional career.

Do we in Slovenia appreciate the significance of PCO agencies? Do they have a suitable role in the area?

In Slovenia we aren’t aware of the importance of PCO agencies and organizers.

Neither clients as users nor organizers realize their importance. It seems to me that the most important thing is to emphasize the job of a PCO agency.

On behalf of and at the expense of the organizer the agency takes on the whole technical organization of the event and responsibility for carrying it out, including giving advice, project leadership, planning, co-ordinating all the elements, meetings with organizers and hoteliers and so on.

What, in your opinion, makes a good congress organizer?

A good PCO can just be a professional with a wide knowledge profile and a capacity to face all the challenges of the dynamic congress market. Above all, a professional must have good organizing abilities, open-mindedness, leadership capability, creativity and inventiveness, businessmindedness and professionalism, a sense of responsibility and care, a sense of hospitality and politeness, a knowledge of other cultures and of course of foreign languages.

What advice would you give to young congress organizers at the start of their careers?

Above all a lot of education, self-education and to work with more experienced colleagues and to show respect. Ultimately, success depends on everyone involved – from a waiter, hotel receptionist to the director and organiser – and a lot of listening. Above all it’s important that the job is done happily and that it’s not a burden.

What’s your motto in life?

Satisfaction at work, to have a chance to do things that really please me and make me happy. And that the material side isn’t the main thing.

What’d you like to do in the future?

To accept everything that time brings, I hope mainly good things... in my working life a slow reduction of my obligations. I’d like to travel and do things of which I’ve been ‘deprived’ because of work or a lack of time.

Gorazd Čad

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Terminologija

MICE vs industrija srečanj V zadnjih letih (in desetletjih) se je veliko avtorjev pisane in govorjene besede, ki javnosti predstavljajo svoje delo na področju kongresnega turizma, večkrat znašlo v večjih in manjših jezikovnih zagatah, ki so posledica zelo hitrega razvoja tega področja turizma. Menimo, da je prav, da se razvoj strokovnega jezika ne opravlja v ozkem krogu strokovnjakov, temveč da je odprt širši javnosti ob sugestijah strokovnjakov.

Terminološka kolumna vsebuje osebno mnenje in pogled avtorjev na slovensko strokovno izrazje na področju kongresne industrije. Izrazi in pojmi bodo ovrednoteni s stališča strokovne in jezikovne ustreznosti ter pogostosti rabe. Gostja prve kolumne je prof. dr. Tanja Mihalič z Ekonomske fakultete v Ljubljani.

Ko izide nova revija, se najprej iščejo argumenti, čemu je potrebna. Ali vsebina zahteva posebno in samostojno tiskano obliko? Ali dosegamo kritično maso, da bo revija upravičila napore? Slovenija je razvila proizvod kongresnega turizma, ima ustrezno infrastrukturo, strokovno usposobljene kadre, kongresni sektor pa se je že organiziral v Zavodu - Kongresnoturistični urad. Dejavnost torej prehaja v razvito fazo. To dokazuje tudi lestvica mednarodnega združenja ICCA (ICCA, International Congress & Convention Association), ki je konkurenčnost Slovenije na področju kongresnega turizma uvrstila na 38. mesto. To je boljši rezultat, kot si ga je na lestvici konkurenčnosti turističnih držav Svetovnega turističnega foruma (WEF, World Economic Forum) priboril slovenski turizem na splošno. Uvrstil se je na 44. mesto. Kongresni turizem je potemtakem v povprečju bolj konkurenčen kot na splošno slovenski turizem. Vsekakor argument in priložnost za novo revijo!

Zrela dejavnost zahteva priznanje, promocijo, prostor za izmenjavo izkušenj, trendov, znanja in nenazadnje – terminološki kotiček. O izzivih »kongresne« terminologije govorimo v nadaljevanju.

MICE na smetišče zgodovine Pravzaprav se terminološki izziv prične že pri izboru naslova revije. Odločitev za Kongres je padla predvsem zaradi (ne)razvite strokovne terminologije v slovenskem jeziku. Verjetno zato, ker smo že udomačili izraze, kot so kongresni turizem, kongresna ponudba, kongresni turistični proizvod in nenazadnje kongresni urad. Vendar so se snovalci naslova revije očitno zavedali majhnosti slovenskega terminološkega prostora in globalnosti dejavnosti, ki jo predstavljajo, zato so v podnaslovu dodali »Revija slovenske industrije srečanj«. Izraz »dejavnost srečanj« (angl. meeting industry) je najnovejši in poznan v svetu tistih, ki sledijo globalnim trendom. Nadomešča stari, tudi pri nas kar v originalni angleški različici v stroki že udomačen izraz sektor »MICE«. Slednji je okrajšava za srečanja, motivacijska potovanja, konference in razstave (angl. meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions). Okrajšava v angleškem jeziku pomeni »miši« in naj bi po priporočilih ICCA na željo kongresnih ponudnikov že odšla na smetišče zgodovine. Po eni strani se dejavnost srečanj globalno širi na vedno nova področja, postaja zrelejša in resnejša, dejavnost (majhnih) miši prerašča v pomembno ekonomsko silo in zahteva drugačno podobo, kot jo morebiti ustvarja njeno ime.

Velika terminološka dinamika

prof. Tanja Mihalič

Skratka, delno že pokopani izraz »MICE« je bil nekoč sam grobar še starejše terminologije, ki se v slovenskem prostoru tudi nikoli ni čisto udomačila: »dejavnost organiziranja kongresov in konvencij«. Ime združenja ICCA (ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association) je živ spomenik teh časov. Še starejše je ime »Mednarodnega združenja profesionalnih organizatorjev kongresov« (IAPCO - The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), ki ima v naslovu (še vedno) besedo kongres, a izrecno zastopa profesionalne organizatorje kongresov, konvencij in dogodkov. Tudi prevod slovenskega Zavoda - Kongresnoturistični urad v angleški jezik, ki se glasi »Slovenian Con-

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vention Bureau«, kaže na neverjetno terminološko dinamiko na področju te relativno mlade dejavnosti. In naj ne omenjamo še poizkusov poimenovanja dejavnosti s pomočjo izrazov dogodki, prireditve, sestanki itd. – tako v angleškem kot posledično tudi v slovenskem jeziku. Pravzaprav se, paradoksalno, v angleški sodobni terminologiji trenutno še najmanj uporablja beseda »kongres«, ki je le ena, verjetno najvišja oblika t. i. »kongresne dejavnosti« ali v sodobnem jeziku »dejavnosti srečanj in dogodkov«.

Zakaj naslov revije Kongres?

V svetu najdemo revije, ki v naslovu že nosijo besedo »srečanja«, nekatere v kombinaciji »srečanja in dogodki«.

Revijo bi tudi v slovenskem jeziku lahko poimenovali »Srečanja«, vendar bi pri tem tvegali, da bi v slovenskem prostoru vzbudili napačne predstave o njeni vsebini. Verjetno bo stroka še dolgo uporabljala različne izraze. Prepletali se bodo izrazi dejavnost srečanj, kongresna dejavnost, dejavnost prireditev, organizacija dogodkov, kongresna statistika ter statistika srečanj in dogodkov. Zagotovo bo tudi na tem področju stroka morala vpeljati nek red, ki bo moral temeljiti na dogovoru in upoštevanju globalnih trendov. Revija pri tem lahko odigra pomembno vlogo in verjamemo, da je s podnaslovom že začrtala osnovno smer terminološkega razvoja.

Skratka, v tem trenutku je naslov revije »Kongres« v slovenščini razumljiv in kaže na občutljivost izdajateljev na lokalno, slovensko terminološko pojmovanje dejavnosti, podnaslov pa s sklicem na dejavnost srečanj revijo uvršča v sam vrh svetovne debate o »kongresnem turizmu«. Za začetek debate o tradiciji in globalnih trendih na področju terminologije reviji oceno odlično. prof. Tanja Mihalič, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ekonomska fakulteta

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Terminology

MICE vs Meetings Industry In the last few years and decades, many writers and speechmakers presenting their work to the public in the field of congress tourism have found themselves in a kind of language dilemma.

The reason for this is the extremely rapid development of this area of tourism. We believe that the development of professional language is not limited to a narrow clique of experts, but is open to a wider public, with suggestions by experts.

This terminological column showcases personal viewpoints and personal opinions of the authors of Slovenian professional terminology in the congress industry.

Expressions and terms will be evaluated from the aspect of professional and language adequacy as well as the frequency of their use. The column’s first guest is Prof. Dr. Tanja Mihalič from the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana.

When a new magazine is published we look for reasons why it’s necessary.

Does its content need a special independent printed form? Can we achieve that critical mass so the magazine justifies the effort invested? Slovenia has developed a meeting industry product; it has the appropriate infrastructure, skilled professional staff and the meeting sector has set up an organization called the ‘Slovenian Convention Bureau’. The industry is moving into a developed phase, proven by the International Congress & Convention Association which has Slovenian competitiveness in the field of meetings industry in 38th place on its league table. Slovenian tourism in general on the competitiveness scale of World Economic Forum tourist countries is down in 44th. Thus the meetings industry is more competitive than Slovenian tourism generally. Certainly an argument and opportunity for a new magazine!

A mature industry requires recognition, promotion, a place to exchange experiences, trends, knowledge and, last but not least, a ‘terminology corner’. The challenges generated by ‘meetings’ terminology are discussed in this article.

MICE on the rubbish dump of history The terminological challenge actually starts with choosing a title for the magazine.

Due above all to (a lack of) developed professional terminology in Slovene, it was decided to call the magazine ‘Kongres’ (‘Congress’), as is probably just, as we’ve already become familiar with terms like ‘meetings industry’, ‘meetings offer’, ‘meetings tourist product’ and ‘convention bureau’. But the creators of the title were obviously aware of the limitation of Slovene terminology and of the global aspect of the activities showcased in the magazine and therefore they added a subtitle ‘Magazine of the Slovenian Meeting Industry’. The term ‘meeting industry’ is new and is known in the world of those who follow global trends. It’s replaced the old term, used in its original English form in Slovenia, the ‘MICE’ sector, which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. The abbreviation in English means ‘mice - mouse in plural form’ and should, according to ICCA recommendations and meeting industry suppliers’ wishes be consigned to the rubbish dump of history. On one side, the meetings industry is growing and spreading worldwide into new areas. It’s becoming more mature and serious; the industry of little mice is becoming an important economic force and requires a different image from that which its name might have created.

Great terminological dynamics In short, if ‘MICE’ is on its death bed, it itself was the ‘gravedigger’ of an older term that never became totally familiar in Slovenia, the ‘industry of organization of meetings, conferences and conventions’. The name ‘International Congress & Convention Association’ lives on as a monument to those times. The term IAPCO The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers - is even older.

It still contains ‘congress’ in its title, but explicitly represents the professional interests of the organizers of meetings, congresses, conventions and events.

The Slovenian organization is called the ‘Slovenian Convention Bureau,’ revealing

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the unbelievable terminological dynamics in this relatively young industry. We could point out numerous attempts to name the industry with expressions like ‘events’, ‘meetings’and so on in English and thus also in Slovene. Actually, ‘congress’ is paradoxically the least used word in English contemporary terminology. It’s reserved to mean a single congress, that which is probably the highest form of the so-called ‘congress industry,’ or in contemporary language the ‘meetings and events industry’.

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Why’s the magazine called ‘Congress’?

There are magazines around the world that have ‘meetings’ in their title; some combine ‘meetings and events’. This magazine could’ve been named ‘Srečanja’ (‘Meetings’) in Slovene, but we’d have risked causing the wrong associations about its contents. I dare say the industry will continue to use different expressions.

Terms like ‘meeting industry’, ‘congress industry’, ‘events industry’, ‘congress statistics’ and ‘statistics of meetings and events’ will intertwine.

The industry will definitely have to introduce rules in this area, based on agreement and adhering to global trends. This magazine can play an important role in this activity, and we believe that the subtitle of the magazine outlines the basic direction of terminological development.

In short, ‘Kongres’ is comprehensible in Slovene at the moment and denotes the sensitivity of the publishers to local, Slovenian terminological comprehension, while the subtitle’s reference to the meeting industry puts the magazine at the forefront of the world debate on ‘meeting tourism’. As a start of a discussion of global terminological trends and tradition the magazine deserves the note ‘Excellent’.

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Kongresni standardi in kakovost storitev

Kako izmeriti zadovoljstvo naročnika?

No, pa začnimo. Standardi v storitveni dejavnosti. Kaj pravzaprav to sploh je? Kako lahko izmerimo kakovost storitev? Ali se da izmeriti zadovoljstvo naročnika? Če je zadovoljen, bo storitev plačal in še hvalil nas bo. Če ne ... Kako naročnika prepričati v kakovost naših storitev, še preden nas najame?

Pojdimo korak naprej: standardi v kongresni dejavnosti. Pa še korak nazaj: kaj pravzaprav je kongresna dejavnost? Dvorane, hotelske sobe, konferenčna in ostala tehnika, hrana in pijača, kulturni in družabni dogodki, prevozi, tisk, spletne strani, registracije, torbe, priponke … Organizacija in koordinacija … Nekje sem prebral osnovno definicijo dejavnosti: organizacija kongresa je organizacija komunikacije.

In kako komuniciranje omejiti s standardi? Ali lahko postavimo pravila igre na tako ohlapno definicijo?

V svetu danes deluje nekaj deset mednarodnih združenj kongresne stroke, ki se med drugim ukvarjajo tudi s priporočili in vzpostavljanjem standardov, vendar se še nihče problematike ni lotil sistematično in v celoti.

Mednarodno združenje profesionalnih kongresnih organizatorjev (IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organizers) v zadnji izdaji terminološkega slovarja navaja več kot 900 kongresnih pojmov s kratko obrazložitvijo, razdeljenih na naslednje sklope: funkcije, finance, postopki registracije, vrste srečanj, management, centri in dvorane, tehnična oprema, prevajanje in tolmačenje, oblikovanje, tisk in distribucija doku-

mentov, odnosi z javnostmi, razstave, družabni in kulturni dogodki, prevozi, hotelske namestitve in catering. Skoraj za vsakega od teh bi lahko pripravili priporočila in standarde. Za nekatere segmente priporočila že obstajajo. Člani IAPCO so pri tem med najbolj aktivnimi, doslej so pripravili že kar nekaj dokumentov: kako izbrati profesionalnega kongresnega organizatorja; navodila za sodelovanje med mednarodnim strokovnim združenjem, organizacijskim odborom in profesionalnim kongresnim organizatorjem; prvi koraki pri pripravi mednarodnega srečanja; navodila za strokovni in programski odbor; priporočila za kongresne hotele, priprava kandidatur za pridobitev kongresa; navodila za sponzorje; navodila za hotelske namestitve in storitve; varnost in zavarovanje na mednarodnih medicinskih kongresih itd. (dokumenti so objavljeni na spletu: www.iapco.org). Navedeni dokumenti, ki so širši strokovni javnosti na voljo kot priporočila, predstavljajo za člane IAPCO obvezo – standarde, ki jih morajo izpolnjevati. V ta namen ima združenje tudi etični kodeks oziroma pravila poslovnega obnašanja in etično komisijo, ki preverja poslovanje članov oziroma možne kršitve.

Podobna, čeprav bolj ohlapna pravila imajo tudi v Mednarodnem kongresnem združenju ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association). V tem združenju so člani razdeljeni v posamezne kategorije, za članstvo pa morajo izpolnjevati določene pogoje. Kategorije so naslednje: turistične in DMC agencije, letalski prevozniki, profesionalni kongresni in sejemski organizatorji, turistični in kongresni uradi, podjetja za kongresno informatiko in tehnično podporo, kongresni hoteli in kongresni centri.

Navedel bi lahko še precej primerov standardov in priporočil drugih mednarodnih združenj, vendar menim, da je za prvič dovolj. Večina združenj se resno ukvarja s to problematiko, papirjev je kar precej. Problematika pa je seveda bistveno širša. Že med posameznimi združenji prihaja do nerazumevanja in konfliktov pri posameznih segmentih. Vsako združenje skrbi predvsem za svoje člane in njihove interese, zaradi tega so priporočila za enake segmente storitev med združenji različna. Tako se npr. priporočila IAPCO za kongresne hotele v veliki meri razlikujejo od priporočil Mednarodnega združenja kongresnih centrov – AIPC. Združenji sta sicer že pred nekaj leti sestavili enotno delovno skupino, ki pa skupni dokument še vedno ustvarja.

In kje smo na tem področju trenutno v Sloveniji? Dolga leta ni bilo nič, stvari so se začele premikati z ustanovitvijo slovenskega kongresnega urada. ZavodKongresnoturistični urad, ki trenutno združuje več kot 50 članov, ponudnikov kongresnih storitev, si je za eno od glavnih nalog zadal izboljšanje kakovosti kongresnih storitev, pripravo priporočil in vzpostavitev standardov v slovenski kongresni dejavnosti. Zaenkrat so na voljo trije dokumenti: kako izbrati profesionalnega kongresnega organizatorja, priporočila za kongresne hotele ter gostinstvo in družabni program na kongresnih prireditvah.

Toliko za začetek. V prihodnji števili se bomo lotili priporočil in nekaj osnovnih standardov za kongresne centre in hotele. Pričakujem pa tudi pomoč – prosim, sporočite mi, katera področja vas najbolj »mučijo«!

Da pa ne bi ostali samo pri suhoparnem uvodu, predlagam priporočilo št. 1: Omogočite udeležencem dovolj časa in primerno okolje za neformalno druženje!

Srečo Peterlič, direktor kongresne dejavnosti, Auditoria; predsednik sveta ZavodaKongresnoturistični urad

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Tehnolo‰ko najsodobnej‰i Grand Media Congress Hotel Villach – Beljak je shajali‰če vseh sodobnih ljudi.

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V objemu narave sredi Kranjske Gore

Embraced by nature in the middle of Kranjska Gora

Iščete navdih v objemu narave?

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Are you for inspiration from nature?

Do you get new ideas by just looking at the mountains?

5 hotelov in apartmajska hiša, 600 sob in 1200 ležišč 19 konferenčnih sob in dvoran z več kot 1200 sedeži večnamenska dvorana Vitranc (do 600 gostov).

5 hotelskih restavracij, gostilna Oštarija, restavracija Fabula, pub Legende, Coctail Club Manhattan, piknik prostor Oštarija V prostem času lahko udeleženci poslovnih dogodkov izkoristijo brezmejne možnosti destinacije športa in zabave v vseh letnih časih, na prostem ali v zato namenjenih prostorih. Za zaključene skupine organiziramo tudi športne in družabne programe, motivacijske programe in »team buildinge«.

5 hotels and an apartment complex, 600 room and 1200 beds.

19 conference meeting rooms and halls with 1200 seats New multipurpose Vitranc Hall (600 guests).

5 hotel restaurant, pub Oštarija, rrestaurant Fabula, pub Legende, Cocktail Club Manhattan, B-B-Q Oštarija Upgrade your business meetings with new dimension of unlimited possibilities of sport and fun all year round on open space or closed sports facilities. For all closed groups we organize sport and entertaining programs, motivation and team building programs.

Hit Alpinea, Družba za turizem, d.d., Borovška cesta 99, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenija events@hitholidays-kg.si, www.hitholidays-kg.si

71

Congress Standards and Quality of Services

How to measure Client’s Satisfaction?

Well, let's start. Standards in service industry. What exactly this is? How can we measure the quality of services? Can the customer satisfaction be measured? If the customer is satisfied, he/she will pay the service and praise us. If not ...?

How can we convince the customer about the quality of our services, before he hires us?

Let's make a step further: standards in the congress activity. And another step back: what actually is a congress activity?

Halls, hotel rooms, conference and other technique, food and beverages, cultural and social events, transportation, publishing, websites, registrations, bags, badges, ... organization and coordination.

I've read somewhere the basic definition of this activity: organization of the congress is the organization of communication. And how to limit communication with standards? Can we set up the rules of the game on such a loose definition?

There are tenths of international congress associations operating currently worldwide, which, among others, deal with recommendations and set up of standards, but nobody has been dealing with this issue systematically and on the whole.

IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organizers states more than 900 congress notions with short explanation in its latest issue of terminological dictionary. The notions are divided into the following segments: functions, finance, registration procedures, types of meetings, management, centers and halls, technical equipment, translation and interpretation, design, publishing and distribution of documents, public relations, exhibitions, social and cultural events, transport, hotel accommodation and catering. Recommendations and

standards could be prepared for almost each of the previously mentioned segments.

The recommendations for some segments already exist. IAPCO members are among most active ones, they have prepared some documents so far: How to choose a professional congress organizer, Instructions for cooperation between international professional association, organizational committee and congress organizer, First steps in preparation of international meeting, Instructions for professional and program committee, Recommendations for congress hotels, Preparation of candidacy for acquiring a congress, Instructions for sponsors, Instructions for hotel accommodation and services, Security and insurance on international medicine congresses etc. (documents are available on the website: www.iapco.org). The above mentioned documents, which are available for public as recommendations, represent an obligation for IAPCO members – standards, which have to be fulfilled by the members.

For this purpose the Association has a codex or rules of business etiquette and an ethic commission, which checks the business of its members and eventual possible breaches of rules.

Similar, although looser rules has got also ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association). Members of this Association are divided into individual categories; they have to fulfill certain conditions for membership. The categories are the following: Tourist and DMC agencies, Airliners, Professional congress and convention organizers, Tourist, Congress and Convention bureaus, Companies for congress and convention informatics and technical support, Congress and Convention hotels and centers.

I could state a lot of examples of standards and recommendations of other international associations, but I assume it is enough for this time. The majority of the associations are seriously dealing with these problems, there are many documents existing. Problems are considerably wider. There are many misunderstandings and conflicts between individual associations on individual segments. Each association takes care especially of its members and their interests. Because of this, recommendations for equal segments of services vary between associations. For example, IAPCO recommendations for congress and convention hotels are very different from recommendations of International Association of Congress Centers – AIPC. The associations have formed a common working group some years ago, but the common document is still in preparation.

Where is currently Slovenia on this field? There has been nothing done on this field until recently, when things began to change with the foundation of the Slovenian Congress and Convention Bureau. It currently joins more than 50 members, providers of congress services; one of its main tasks is to improve the quality of congress services, preparation of recommendations and set up of standards in Slovenian congress activity. There are three documents available at this moment, which are: How to choose the professional congress organizer, Recommendations for Congress and Convention hotels and Gastronomy and Social program on congresses and conventions.

So much for the beginning. In the next issue we will tackle the recommendations and some basic standards for congress centers and hotels. I also expect your help – please, let me know, which topics are the most relevant for you.

Not to stay only with dull introduction, I propose Recommendation no.1: Provide the participants enough time and appropriate environment for informal socializing!

Srečo Peterlič, Director of Congress and Convention activity, Auditoria; President of the Board of Slovenian Convention Bureau

72

Trendi v cateringu

Od polnih pladnjev h kreativni zgodbi Catering je termin, ki se uporablja na področju prehrane za različne dejavnosti. Tokrat imamo v mislih catering kot pripravo in postrežbo hrane in pijače na različnih dogodkih. »Ustvariti nepozaben dogodek, ki ne bo ostal zgolj povprečen, pomeni včasih pravo mojstrstvo,« pravi znani praktik in teoretik cateringa Bill Hansen.

Za to pa mora biti postrežba učinkovita ter primerna ozračju dogodka in prav tako kulturni ravni gostov. Osebje mora biti zanesljivo, razumevajoče, skrbno ter vljudno. Okolje mora biti čisto, varno in prijetno. In najpomembnejše: naročnik mora čutiti, da je iztržek od dogodka večji od investicije.

Trendi v cateringu se pojavljajo na različnih segmentih. Na področju jedi ni več v ospredju količina hrane, temveč njena kakovost in izpovednost. Pojavlja se premik s polnih pladnjev v kreativno zgodbo, ki zaokroži dogodek. Izvir-

Foto: Vivo Catering

ne, nove jedi z novimi imeni, zanimiva in inovativna priprava le-teh.

Ali pa stare, že znane in preizkušene jedi z drugačno dekoracijo, postrežene na drugačen način. Izstopajo sezonske posebnosti, sveža zelišča in dišave ter prehransko ravnovesje. Velik pomen pripisujemo tudi izvoru jedi – biološko pridelanim sestavinam in preizkušenim nacionalnim posebnostim. Kot primer si poglejmo sol, ki ni več le osnovna začimba, ampak nosilec različnih sporočil: črna, roza, siva, himalajska kristalna, atlaška. Sečoveljske soline pridelujejo kar nekaj vrst soli in solni cvet je zagotovo posebnost, ki jo Slovenci moramo ponesti v širni svet.

V letih 2005 in 2006 sta imeli azijska in španska kuhinja velik vpliv na mojstrovine v kuhinji. V letu 2007 se v ospredje pomika kuhinja latinske in centralne Amerike, takoj za njima mediteranska in kuhinja jugovzhodne Azije ter pridihi eksotičnih kuhinj, ki se nemalokrat mešajo s tipičnimi lokalnimi jedmi. Že nekaj časa stopajo v ospredje tudi koktejli, alkoholni ter brezalkoholni. Sam šov, ki je povezan z njihovo pripravo, pestre barvne kombinacije ter okusi, ki so nemalokrat skladni s temo dogodka. Koktejli so vedno bolj priljubljeni tudi na poročnih pogostitvah.

Sodoben catering ne govori zgolj o hrani, sočasno mislimo tudi na dekoracijo in postrežbo. Harmonična skladnost barv in okusov ter umetelna oblika pripravljenih jedi, za katere kuharski mojstri postavljajo na preizkušnjo svojo domišljijo. Pri tem ne smemo pozabiti na izbiro vrhunskih vin, ki zaokrožijo celoto okusa. Catering pogostitev postaja zadovoljevanje vseh človekovih čutov, ne le lakote in žeje, tudi vida, vonja, otipa, sluha ter ambicije, da bi gostu pričarali nepozabno doživetje. Zato se tudi oprema za strežbo spreminja in dopolnjuje. Pri pripravi in dekoraciji jedi, postrežbi, izbiri inventarja in dekorju so opazni zelo inventivni in včasih drzni eksperimenti.

Lahko torej zaključimo, da sodoben catering dandanes presega zgolj postrežbo hrane in pijače. Mnogo bolj pomeni celovito in harmonično pripravo dogodka kot sporočila, doživetja in izkušnje.

Kljub razvoju informacijske tehnologije, vsakodnevne uporabe računalniških storitev pa pri pripravi pogostitve še zmeraj obstaja pomembnost osebnega kontakta. Nota osebnega pristopa na vseh ravneh izvajanja pogostitve (od priprave ponudbe, pogostitve do zaključka) je za oba – tako za naročnika kot za izvajalca – izjemnega pomena.

Jerneja Kamnikar, Vivo Catering

Foto: Vivo Catering

74

Trends in Catering

From Trays of Abundance to a Creative Story Catering is a term used for diverse activities in the dietary arena. Here we have in mind catering as preparing and serving food and beverages at diverse events.

“To create an unforgettable event that rises above the average sometimes needs real expertise”, as well-known catering practitioner and theorist Bill Hansen puts it.

For this it’s necessary for the service to be efficient and appropriate to the nature of the particular event and to the guests’ cultural level. The staff must be reliable, understanding, careful and polite. The environment must be clean, safe and pleasant.

The most important thing is that the client must feel that he gets more from the event than he invests.

Trends in catering are evident in diverse segments. In the culinary area, quantity is no longer a recipe for success, but the food’s quality and purpose. We face a transformation from trays of abundance to a creative story which rounds up an event.

Original, new dishes with new names and interesting innovative methods of preparation.

Alternatively, old tried and tested dishes with different decoration and served in a different way. Seasonal specialities, fresh herbs and aromas and keeping a nutritional balance are desired. We also ascribe great importance to food sources, organic ingredients and tested national specialties. Salt is an example of something that’s no longer just a basic spice, but a bearer of diverse messages; black, pink, grey, Himalayan crystal salt and Atlas salt.

The Sečovlje salt pans produce some kinds of salt and salt flower is certainly a speciality that we Slovenes have to carry out into the wider world.

In 2005 – 2006, Asian and Spanish cuisine had a huge influence on culinary masterpieces. In 2007 cuisine from Latin and Central America is taking centre stage, followed right behind by Mediterranean and Southeast Asian dishes with exotic scents that are often mixed with typical local specialities.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails have also been popular for a while. Their preparation, colour combinations and flavours are often in line with event’s nature. Cocktails are also coming into evermore favour at wedding receptions.

Modern catering doesn’t just refer to food. At the same time we also have in mind décor and service. The harmony of colour and flavour and the artistic design of the food made, wherein culinary masters test their imaginations.

Here we cannot allow ourselves to forget a selection of fine wine to round off the overall taste. Catering’s becoming fulfilment of every human sense, not just hunger and thirst, but also sight, aroma, touch, sound and an ambition to create an unforgettable experience for our guests. Thus serving equipment is also changing and supplementing. Preparing and decorating food, serving it, choosing equipment and aspects of décor are very inventive and brave experiments are sometimes evident.

We may thus conclude that modern catering exceeds the simple serving of food and beverages these days. Much more than that, it means the overall and harmonious preparation of the event as a message and an experience.

Despite the development of IT and the daily use of computers, there is still much importance attached to personal contact in catering planning. For both client and caterer it’s highly important to have a personal approach on every level of the service undertaken, from preparation of the offer to carrying the event to a conclusion.

Jerneja Kamnikar, Vivo Catering

Photo: Vivo Catering

75

Splet in organizacija dogodkov

Ali veste, koliko obiskovalcev ima vaš dogodek?

Na vprašanje v naslovu bo vsak organizator odgovoril z odločnim “Da!” Kakšni pa bi bili odgovori na naslednja vprašanja: Koliko obiskovalcev imajo spletne strani vašega dogodka? Od kod prihajajo? Kaj si ogledujejo?

enako kot ogled posamične strani spletnega mesta. Do manjših razlik prihaja že pri definiciji spremenljivke obisk. Ogled strani se šteje kot nov obisk, če je to prvič, ko je obiskovalec na strani oz. če je od zadnjega ogleda preteklo že dovolj časa (ponavadi med 30 in 60 minut).

Z uvedbo pojma obiskovalec se želijo programi za izdelavo statistike čimbolj približati realnemu številu različnih ljudi, ki so si ogledali spletne strani. Seveda ne obstaja način, na katerega bi ugotovili, če en računalnik uporablja več ljudi, vendar se dobri programi zelo približajo resnični številki.

Večina programov za izdelavo statistike poleg podatkov o obiskovalcih nudi tudi podatke o viru obiskovalcev ter o obiskanosti vsebin. Podatki o viru obiskovalcev nam povedo, od kod pridobivamo obiskovalce naše spletne strani ter v primeru iskalnikov tudi, katera iskana besedna zveza jih je pripeljala na našo stran. Vsekakor koristni podatki, ki pomagajo pri spremljanju obstoječih trženjskih aktivnosti na spletu in načrtovanju novih.

Kje si lahko ogledam statistiko obiskov spletne strani svojega dogodka?

Statistika obiska je danes že standardni del ponudbe večine podjetij, ki se ukvarjajo s spletnimi rešitvami. Statistiko vam torej lahko zagotovi vaš ponudnik spletnega gostovanja, izdelovalec spletne rešitve ali pa se odločite za katero od brezplačnih rešitev. Med zadnjimi je po kakovosti na vrhu Google Analytics, ki je med najbolj popolnimi paketi, tako plačljivimi kot prosto dostopnimi.

V trenutku, ko boste za spremljanje statistike uporabili več možnih rešitev, boste ugotovili, da vam podajajo različne rezultate. Razlog je v različnih metodologijah, ki se uporabljajo pri sestavi statistike. Ravno zaradi tega je priporočljivo, da se pri primerjavi podatkov med različnimi programi osredotočite na spremljanje trendov in ne na same številke. Če pa boste poznavanje spletne statistike uporabili sebi v prid - morda za nadzorovanje uspešnosti oglasne kampanje, morda za povečanje zadovoljstva naročnika ali pa za kaj drugega, je odvisno le od vas samih.

Uroš Čimžar, www.rsklan.com

Odgovore na ta vprašanja dobimo s spremljanjem statistike obiska spletnih strani. Statistika obiskanosti tako predstavlja eno izmed osnovnih orodij trženja prek spleta. Preden pa lahko kakovostno uporabljamo statistiko, moramo spoznati osnovne spremenljivke, ki jih spremljamo pri statistiki spletnih strani.

Ogled strani (angl. page view, page request) je ponavadi v vseh sistemih za spremljanje statistike definiran

76

The Web and Event Organisation

Do you know how many Visitors your Event has?

Every organiser'd answer that question with a decisive "Yes!" But what about the following questions. How many hits does your event's website get? Where are the visitors from? What do they look at?

site. There are slight differences in defining the variables of hits.

Page viewing is counted as new hits whether this is the first time a visitor has been on a website, or some time has passed since the first viewing (usually between 30 and 60 minutes).

Statistics programmes have come up with the term ‘visitor’ to try to get as close as possible to the real number of people who’ve seen websites. However, there’s obviously no way to tell whether several people use a computer, however well good programmes approach the real figure.

Most programmes for statistical analysis, in addition to data on visitors, also offer information about the source of visitors and contents visited. Data on the ‘source’ of visitors shows where website visitors come from and, if they use search engines, which word combination brought them to your website.

In every sense this is useful data that helps to monitor existing marketing activities and planning them for the future.

Where can I get statistics about visitors to my event’s website?

These days, hit statistics are a standard part of the offer of most companies working on website solutions. Such statistics can be got from your web host provider or website creator or you can go for any number of free of charge solutions. Google Analytics is right at the top in terms of quality and one of the most complete packages whether paid for or free of charge.

As soon as you use more than one of the possible options for monitoring statistics you’ll see they provide varying results. The reason for this is the differing methodologies used in compiling statistics, and that’s why it’s advisable to focus on monitoring trends and not merely simple figures when comparing the data provided by various programmes.

It’s up to you whether you turn your knowledge of hit statistics to your advantage – perhaps for checking the success of an advertising campaign, increasing client satisfaction or any other way.

Uroš Čimžar, www.rsklan.com

Website hit statistics provide answers to these questions, and are thus a basic website marketing tool. Before we can use statistics in a qualitative way we have to get acquainted with the basic variables monitored by website statistics.

‘Page view’ or ‘page request’ in systems for monitoring statistics is usually defined the same as the viewing of individual pages of a web-

77

MPI

Ustvarjanje globalne skupnosti organizatorjev srečanj Ni dvoma, da postaja svet vse bolj ploščat. Knjiga Thomasa Friedmana The World is Flat (Svet je ploščat) podaja mnogo primerov, kako podjetja delujejo preko meja z namenom poslovanja v tej novi deželi. To se lahko opazi v raznolikosti delovne sile in vrsti izdelkov, ki so danes na voljo. Soočenja s to novo resničnostjo se bojijo prav vse organizacije v katerikoli industriji. Kongresni turizem je prav tako kot vse ostalo pred enakimi izzivi. Organizacija Meeting Professionals International (MPI) je s širjenjem globalne strategije in dosega pri tem vodilna.

njenih članov. Objavljena je bila ob otvoritvi glavne seje konference več kot petsto najpomembnejšim udeležencem, vključno z dansko prestolonaslednikovo ženo Mary.

Glavno vodilo šestih bistvenih elementov globalne strategije je, pomagati organizatorjem srečanj do večje uspešnosti tako, da jih povežejo z znanjem, odnosi in širšim ter bolj dinamičnim trgom.

Dubaj in Singapur – prvi koraki Prvi korak v globalni strategiji je lansiranje Strokovne izobraževalne konference – Bližnji Vzhod, ki bo v Dubaju, Združenih arabskih emiratih, v aprilu 2008. Ta enodnevna strokovna izobraževalna konferenca bo sledila predstavitvi ustanovljenega Gulf Incentive, Business & Travel Management (GIBTM) v Abu Dhabiju.

MPI bo jeseni 2007 prav tako odprla urad v Singapurju in začela spomladi 2008 s Strokovno izobraževalno konferenco – Azija. Evropski urad MPI, ki je sedaj odgovoren za Evropo, Bližnji Vzhod in Afriko (EMEA), bo pomagal podpreti konference in nove urade.

Kaj pomeni globalna strategija za organizatorje MPI nudi članom dodano vrednost, tako da omogoča poti za ustrezno znanje in ideje, bogate zveze in močne trge, ki jih lahko najdemo le v globalni skupnosti.

Medtem ko kongresni turizem nadalje cveti, MPI še naprej podpira rastoče število organizatorjev srečanj povsod po svetu in jih oskrbuje z vsem potrebnim za uspeh.

Razvoj v Evropi V dvanajstih mesecih je članstvo MPI v Evropi naraslo na skoraj 2000; če dodamo še poglavje Španije, je skupno število poglavij enajst. Povečana partnerstva z organizacijami, kot je MCI, in pet imenovanih evropskih članov, ki bodo opravljali svoje delo v mednarodnem odboru direktorjev 2007-2008, še naprej utrjujejo globalno vizijo.

Svetovni izobraževalni kongres á la Montréal MPI bo gostila več kot 3700 organizatorjev srečanj na največjem srečanju skupnosti globalnega kongresnega turizma od 28. do 31. julija v Montrealu. Udeleženci štiridnevne konference se bodo seznanili z novimi zanimivimi idejami in vzpostavili močne medsebojne vezi na dvodnevni tržnici.

Marca 2007 je MPI na srečanju Professional Education Conference v Kopenhagnu na Danskem objavila podrobnosti o svoji novo sprejeti globalni strategiji, katere stranski proizvod je stvaritev globalne skupnosti kongresnega turizma, ki bi pospešila uspeh

Uspeh organizacije je neposredno odvisen od njenih srečanj, ki dosegajo poslovne rezultate, in to na temeljit način. MPI bo nadaljevala z izpolnjevanjem obljube in postala globalna skupnost kongresnega turizma, ki se osredotoča na tri stebre uspeha: povečan dostop njenih članov do znanja, širjenje koristnih zvez in ustvarjanje trgov, ki bodo sposobni preživeti, za poslovanje svojih članov. Na dandanašnjem globalnem trgu so izzivi mogočni, a so zato nagrade neizmerne.

In MPI je pripravljena kongresni turizem voditi na tem potovanju. Za več informacij o globalni strategiji, Svetovnem izobraževalnem kongresu á la Montréal ali za informacije, kako postati član MPI, obiščite spletno stran www.mpiweb.org.

Kathryn Goldstein, www.mpiweb.org

78

MPI

Building a Global Community for Meeting Professionals The announcement was made at the opening general session to an audience There is no doubt that the of more than 500, including Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. world is becoming flatter.

The key driver of the global strategy’s six essential components is to make meeting professionals more successful by connecting them to knowledge, Thomas Friedman’s book, relationships and a broader more dynamic marketplace.

The World Is Flat, gives many examples of how companies Dubai and Singapore - The First Steps are working around and Step one in the global strategy is the product launch of Professional Education across borders to do business Conference-Middle East in Dubai in April 2008. This one-day professional education conference will precede the established Gulf Incentive, Business & in this new landscape. We Travel Management (GIBTM) show in Abu Dhabi. MPI also will open an office in Singapore in the fall of 2007 and launch a Professional Education Conferencesee it in the diversity of the Asia in the spring of 2008. The MPI European office, now responsible for workforce and in the variety Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will help support the conferences and new office. of products offered today.

Facing this new reality can What the global strategy means to the Profession be a daunting for any MPI delivers added value to members by providing the channels to reach relevant organization in any industry. education and ideas, rich connections and robust marketplaces that can only be Alongside so many others, the found in a global community. And as the meeting industry continues to flourish, MPI will continue to reach out to the growing number of meeting professionals meetings industry is tackling around the world and provide them with the tools to be successful. those same challenges and Growth in Europe Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is leading Inside 12 months, MPI has increased its European membership to nearly 2,000, added a chapter in Spain, bringing the total chapter count in Europe to 11; the charge by expanding its increased partnerships with organisations such as MCI; and appointed five European members to serve on the 2007-2008 International Board of Directors, global strategy and reach. which continues to strengthen the global vision.

World Education Congress á la Montréal MPI will host more than 3,700 meeting professionals at the largest gathering of the global meeting industry community in Montreal from 28-31 July. Attendees of the four-day conference will hear provocative new ideas and make powerful human connections at the two day marketplace.

In March, at the 2007 Professional Education Conference-Europe in Copenhagen, MPI announced details of its newly approved global strategy, a by product being the creation of a global meetings industry community to facilitate the success of its members.

An organization’s success is directly tied to its meetings, and those meetings drive business results in a profound way. MPI will continue to deliver on its promise to become a global meetings industry community by focusing on three pillars of success: increasing access to knowledge for its members; broadening valuable connections; and creating viable marketplaces for our members to do business. In today’s global marketplace, the challenges are mighty, but the rewards are enormous. And MPI is ready to lead the meetings industry on that journey. For more information on the global strategy, World Education Congress á la Montréal, or information on becoming an MPI member, visit: www.mpiweb.org.

By Kathryn Goldstein, www.mpiweb.org

79

Novice Zavoda-Kongresnoturistični urad Strokovno usposabljanje g. Tonyja Careya, 22. maj, Dvor Jezeršek, Zg. Brnik Strokovno usposabljanje g. Tony Carey, CMM, CMP, The Carey Consultancy iz Velike Britanije in predavanje ga. Leena Sipilä, vodja za kongresno dejavnost, Turistični in Kongresni urad mesta Helsinki, Finska.

Strokovnega usposabljanja z naslovom Odnos do strank: kakšna so pričakovanja organizatorjev dogodkov oz. Customer Service: What The MICE Client Expects se je udeležilo preko trideset članov kon

prezentacijo in z udeleženci delila svoje bogate izkušnje Popoldanskega srečanja se je udeležilo skupaj 43 predstavnikov turističnega gospodarstva in Vlade RS, zadolženih za pripravo na predsedovanje Slovenije EU.

Strokovno usposabljanje g. Tony Carey, 28. junij, hotel Lev, Ljubljana V seriji izobraževanj z g. Careyjem se je naslednje odvijalo na temo Angleška terminologija v kongresni dejavnosti oz.

The Language of MICE (specialised English). Vsaka stroka ima svoj žargon in strokovne izraze, kongresna dejavnost tudi. Pričakuje se, da jih vsi, ki se z njo ukvarjajo, poznajo in na triurni delavnici smo jo do potankosti spoznali.

Strokovno usposabljanje g. Tony Carey, sreda, 10. oktober

gresnega urada in drugih predstavnikov turističnega gospodarstva. G. Carey je v obliki delavnice predstavil posebnosti te ciljne skupine in kakšne so možnosti poiskati, pridobiti in obdržati stranko.

V popoldanskem času nam je ga. Leena Sipilä premierno predstavila svojo vlogo pri pripravi in izvedbi predsedovanja Finske EU. Naredila je izvrstno

Tretje in zadnje srečanje bo nosilo naslov Gostinstvo v kongresni dejavnosti oz. Catering for Conferences. Izvedli jo bomo v sodelovanju s priznanim ponudnikom catering storitev, kjer bodo udeleženci spoznali, kako pomembno je v sklopu dogodka gostinstvo in kakšna so pričakovanja in zahteve tujih naročnikov.

Novice iz ZavodaKongresnoturistični urad • Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad je bil izbran kot član komisije za izbor ponudnika za izvedbo podporno logističnega

dela predsedovanja Slovenije programu Eureka v letih 2007 in 2008, ki jo organizira Ministrstvo za visoko šolstvo, znanost in tehnologijo.

• Slovenska turistična organizacija je v sodelovanju z Zavodom-Kongresnoturistični urad izvedla odmeven nastop na mednarodni poslovni borzi IMEX. V letošnjem letu se predvideva še dva nastopa na mednarodnih poslovnih borzah in sicer na BTC v Rimu med 8. in 9. novembrom ter na EIBTM v Barceloni, od 27.-29. novembra.

• Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad bo v sodelovanju z STO-jem in turističnim gospodarstvom izvedel dve trženjski aktivnosti za tuje organizatorje dogodkov iz Nemčije in Velike Britanije. Septembra in oktobra nas bo obiskala izbrana skupina organizatorjev dogodkov, kjer se jim bodo predstavili slovenski ponudniki kongresnih storitev. Obenem bodo udeleženci v sklopu študijskega potovanja spoznali kongresno Slovenijo.

• Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad je pripravil statistiko dogodkov za leto 2006, ki izkazuje odlične rezultate v primerjavi z letom 2005. Število dogodkov se je povečalo za 29 % na 8.398, največ se je povečalo število mednarodnih dogodkov (32 %). V celotni strukturi dogodkov se je v letu 2006 v primerjavi z letom 2005 število mednarodnih dogodkov in slovenskih prireditev z mednarodno udeležbo povečalo iz 20 % in 23 %. Število udeležencev se je povečalo za 43 % na 715.685, od tega večdnevni štejejo 235.998 udeležencev.

KONGRES d.o.o. | Cesta Dolomitskega odreda 44 | 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija | Tel.: + 386 05 90 122 85 | Faks: + 386 05 90 123 11 | www.kongres.si

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Novice Zavoda-Kongresnoturistični urad Odzivi na študijsko potovanje v okviru SIW-a V sklopu Slovenian Incoming Workshopa, največjega dogodka Slovenske turistične organizacije, ki je potekal od 14. do 16. junija v Portorožu s preko 400 udeleženci, sta STO in Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad izvedla tridnevno študijsko potovanje za organizatorje dogodkov. Udeležba je bila zelo pestra, saj smo imeli goste iz desetih držav. Med njimi so bili predstavniki agencij, podjetij in znanstveno-strokovnih združenj.

SIW, Foto/Photo: Marc Sprengers, Belgija/Belgium

Odzivi udeležencev: Zelo sem bil vesel toplega sprejema na delavnici v Portorožu in še posebej dobro organiziranega študijskega izleta.

Odkrili smo čudovito deželo.

Kljub mojim manjšim težavam z jezikom (govorim samo francosko) se v skupini nisem nikoli počutil izolirano. Vzdušje je bilo toplo in prijetno ves čas mojega bivanja pri vas. (Philippov smeh je bil pomemben del srečanja ) Takoj, ko bom dobil priložnost, bom promoviral vašo regijo, organiziral bom “incentive” potovanja, obiske skupin ali individualne obiske v vašo deželo.

Philippe Fays, predsednik, asbl “Loisirs & Détente des Postiers” & BelgoControl Rad bi se vam zahvalil za organizacijo tako bogatega dogodka. Združil je profesionalno globino in osebna doživetja, ki jih bomo težko pozabili.

Ales Pejsar, AIMS International Prague Tisočkrat hvala vsem vam za čudovito in zanimivo ponovno odkritje lepe Slovenije. Posebne čestitke za profesionalno vodenje. Ste veliki strokovnjaki.

S prijaznimi prijateljskimi pozdravi, Marc Sprengers, vodja razvoja Axa Belgija

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News from the Slovenian Convention Bureau Professional Training by Tony Carey, Tuesday 22 May; Jezerťek House, Zg. Brnik Professional training by Tony Carey, CMM, CMP, of the Carey Consultancy from Britain and a lecture by Ms Leena Sipilä, Convention Director of the City Of Helsinki Tourist & Convention Bureau.

Over 30 Convention Bureau members and other representatives of the tourist industry attended a training session entitled ‘Customer Service: What the MICE Client Expects’. In a workshop, Mr Carey outlined the features of that target group and the possibilities to look for, gain and keep clients. In the afternoon, we had a first chance to hear Ms. Leena Sipilä explaining her role in preparing and implementing the Finnish EU Presidency. She made an excellent presentation and shared her vast experience with the participants.

The afternoon meeting was attended

by a total of 43 representatives of the tourist industry and the Slovenian Government responsible for preparing for the Slovenian EU Presidency.

Professional training by Tony Carey, Thursday 28 June, Hotel Lev, Ljubljana The next in Mr Carey’s series of educational programmes was on the theme of ’The language of MICE (specialized English)’. Each profession has its own jargon and professional expressions, including the meetings industry. Everyone involved in the profession is expected to be familiar with that terminology, and after the threehour workshop they all know it in detail.

Professional training by Tony Carey, Wednesday 10 October The third and last meeting will be on ‘Catering for Conferences’. It is to be undertaken in partnership with well-known catering service suppliers and participants will get to know how important this service is inside an event and what expectations and demands foreign clients have.

Slovenian Tourist Organization and Slovenian Convention Bureau activities • The Slovenian Convention Bureau has been selected to be a member of the commission to choose the suppliers

for implementing the supporting logistical tasks of the Slovenian Presidency of the EUREKA programme in 2007 and 2008, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. • The Slovenian Tourist Organization (STO) in partnership with the Slovenian Convention Bureau (SCB) had a remarkable appearance at the International Business Exchange.

There are to be two further appearances at International Business Exchanges this year, at BTC in Rome (8-9 November) and EIBTM in Barcelona (27-29 November). • The SCB is going to undertake, in partnership with STO and the tourist industry, two marketing activities for event organizers from Germany and Britain. In September and October a selected group of foreign event organizers will visit our country, where they will meet Slovenian providers of congress services. Meanwhile, as part of an educational trip, participants will get an insight into the Slovenian meetings industry. • The SCB has published event statistics for 2006, showing excellent results in comparison to 2005. The number of events increased by 29% to 8,398, with highest growth for international events, up by 32%. Within the overall structure of events, the number of international events and Slovenian events with international participation increased from 20% to 23%.

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News from the Slovenian Convention Bureau The number of participants increased by 43% to 715,685; of whom 235,998 attended multi-day events.

Odzivi na ĹĄtudijsko potovanje v okviru SIW-a (pride prevod v angl)

I would like to thank you for organizing such enriching event. It had both professional depth as well as the personal experiences which one can hardly forget Ales Pejsar AIMS International Prague

In the frame of Slovenian Incoming Workshop, the biggest event of Slovenian Tourist Organization (STO), which took place from June 14th till 16th, 2007 in PortoroŞ and was attended by 400 participants, STO and Slovenian Convention Bureau organized a three-day field study trip for event organizers. The structure of participants was very diverse; we hosted participants from 10 countries. Among them there were representatives of agencies, companies and scientific – professional organizations.

Thanks thousand times to all of you for these wonderful and interesting re-discovery of beautiful Slovenia. A very special congratulations to you for the professional guidance, you are a great pro.

Marc Sprengers, Axe Belgium

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ÂťI am very gratefull for the warm welcome during the workshop in Portoroz and more particulary for the good organization of the incentive travel tours. We discoverd a wonderfull country.

In spite of my little language problem (I only speak French), I never feld isolated in the group. The atmosfere was warm and friendly during all our stay.

(Philipp’s II laught was a great part of it) Als soon as I’ll have the occasion to promote your region, I shall organize either incentives or groups or individual stays.

Philippe FAYS, Chairman, asbl "Loisirs & DĂŠtente des Postiers" & BelgoControl

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Kongresna statistika

Kongresni turizem pred klasičnim Na nacionalni ravni je bilo v letu 2006 skupno 8.398 dogodkov (l. 2005: 6.505 dogodkov), kar pomeni 29-odstotno rast, nekaj malega tudi na račun višjega števila respondentov. Podatki so zbrani od 35 ponudnikov zmogljivosti. Žal nimamo podatka o izvedenih dogodkih na fakultetah in drugih izobraževalnih ustanovah.

Podatki evidentno prikazujejo, da se število dogodkov v Sloveniji zelo povečuje in da je porast nadpovprečna v primerjavi s klasičnim turizmom. Poudariti moramo, da so udeleženci dogodkov eni najbolj donosnih gostov, saj potrošijo do trikrat več kot klasični gosti. To je še en dokaz, da organizirano delovanje ključnih akterjev pod okriljem kongresnega urada prinaša odlične rezultate. Slovenija je zelo primerna za razvoj kongresne dejavnosti in samo od nas vseh je odvisno, ali bomo to znali izkoristiti.

To potrjuje tudi mednarodna statistika ICCA, ki Slovenijo v primerjavi z drugimi evropskimi državami, ki kongresni dejavnosti posvečajo veliko več pozornosti, uvršča na zelo dobro 38. mesto na svetovni lestvici. Za Slovenijo se npr. uvrščajo Hrvaška, Malta, baltske države in druge.

Prepričani smo, da bomo nadpovprečen trend kongresne dejavnosti v primerjavi s klasičnim turizmom obdržali tudi v prihodnjih letih.

Graf 1: Statistika dogodkov za obdobje 2006 in primerjava z dogodki 2005/ Table 1: Event statistics for 2006 compared with 2005

Leto / Year 2005 Leto / Year 2006

Število dogodkov / Number of events

Zavod - Kongresnoturistični urad je pripravil statistiko dogodkov v Sloveniji za leto 2006. To je že druga zaporedna statistika, ki nam tako prvič omogoča primerjavo s preteklim obdobjem.

Pridobljeni podatki kažejo zelo vzpodbudne rezultate, tako pri številu dogodkov kakor tudi pri številu udeležencev.

do / up to 50 PAX

50-99 PAX

100-249 PAX

250-499 PAX

500-999 PAX

1000-1999 PAX

Število udeležencev / Number of participants

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nad / over 2000 PAX

Meeting Statistics

Meeting tourism out-performs classic tourism The Slovenian Convention Bureau has published statistics for events held in Slovenia for 2006. This is the second set of annual statistics, enabling for the first time a comparison with the previous period.

The information acquired points to very encouraging results, in both event totals and participant numbers.

Nationwide there were 8,398 events in 2006 (up from 6,505 in 2005), a 29% increase, although some growth is due to an increased number of respondents.

The data was collected from 35 service providers. Unfortunately we don’t have data from meetings organized at universities and other educational institutions.

The data spotlights that the number of events in Slovenia is really increasing and that growth is above average in comparison to ‘classic’ tourism. We must emphasize that event participants are among the most desirable guests, as they spend up to three times more money than ‘classic’ guests. This is further proof that that the organized work of key players under the wing of the Convention Bureau brings excellent results. Slovenia is highly suitable for meeting industry development and it is simply up to all of us if we are to know how to take advantage of this.

This also confirms International ICCA Statistics, which place Slovenia in comparison to other European countries that devote much more attention to their meeting industries in a very good 38th place on a world league table. Croatia, Malta, the Baltic states and others are ranked after Slovenia.

We are sure that this above average trend of the meeting industry compared with classic tourism will be maintained in years to come.

Graf 2: Dogodki po številu udeležencev Table 2: Events classified by numbers of participants

do / up to 50 PAX 50-99 PAX 100-249 PAX 250-499 PAX 500-999 PAX 1000-1999 PAX nad / over 2000 PAX

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Graf 3: Dogodki glede na vrsto Table 3: Events classified by type

Graf 4: Prireditve v letih 2005 in 2006 Table 4: Events in 2005 and 2006

Število dogodkov / Number of events

Število udeležencev / Numbers of participants

Kongresna statistika / Meeting Statistics

Leto prireditve / Year of event

Mednarodne prireditve / International events

Mednarodne prireditve / International events

Slovenske prireditve z mednarodno udeležbo / Slovenian events with international participation

Slovenske prireditve / Slovenian events

Vrsta prireditve / Type of event

Slov. prireditve z medn. udeležbo / Slovenian events with international participaton Slovenske prireditve / Slovenian events

Leto / Year 2005

Graf 6: Povprečno število udeležencev na dogodek Table 6: Average number of participants per event Enodnevni dogodki / Single-day events Večdnevni dogodki / Multi-day events

Leto / Year

Število udeležencev / Number of participants

Število udeležencev / Number of participants

Graf 5: Udeležba glede na dolžino dogodka Table 5: Participation by event length

Leto / Year 2006

Leto / Year

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Terme Dobrna ~ energija, narava, ust varjalnost

Terme Dobrna ~

energy, nat ure,

creat ivit y

•elite organizirati predavanje, seminar, kongres ali sveþan sprejem? Bi se radi pogovorili s sodelavci ali poslovnimi partnerji v kraju, kjer vas ne bo zmotil telefon ali nepriþakovan obisk? Vas mika organizirati dru•abno sreþanje, ples ali modno revijo?

Terme Dobrna so pravi kraj za kaj takega. V treh hotelskih objektih je na voljo deset prostorov razliþnih velikosti za razliþne prilo•nosti. Ob podpori tehniþne opreme vam bomo s strokovno pomoþjo, prizadevanjem in prijaznostjo zaposlenih omogoþili, da bo vaše sreþanje takšno, kot ste si ga zamislili. Ob tem vam bo naše mirno okolje priþaralo ustvarjalno vzdušje in sprošþeno delo.

Would you like to organize a lecture, a seminar, a convention or a banquet? Would you like to talk to your co-workers or business partners in a place, where you would not be bothered by a telehone call or an unexpected visit? Are you eager to organize a social meeting, a dance or a fashion show?

Terme Dobrna are just the right place for that. In our three hotels there are ten rooms of different sizes for different occasions. With our technical support and our experts’ help, with effort and kindness of our employees, your meeting will be just what you wanted. Besides, our peaceful environment will contribute to a creative atmosphere and a relaxed work.

T: +386 (0)3 78 08 000, E: info@terme-dobrna.si, W: www.terme-dobrna.si

Največji dogodek v zgodovini slovenskega avtomobilizma

Novi »slovenski« Twingo Parkirišče pred hotelom Mons v Ljubljani je zasedlo več kot 80 novih Twingov, ki so jih izdelali v novomeškem Revozu.

Novega »slovenskega« Twinga je v dneh od 28. maja do 27. junija preizkusilo kar 900 avtomobilističnih novinarjev z vsega sveta. Gre za največji tovrstni dogodek v zgodovini slovenskega avtomobilizma, pa tudi kongresnega turizma pri nas. »O tem, kakšne razsežnosti ima omenjeni dogodek, govori tudi podatek, da smo s tehničnimi pripravami na predstavitev začeli že lani jeseni,« je povedal Boštjan Horjak, direktor agencije Liberty Slovenia, slovenske podružnice mednarodne agencije za organizacijo kongresnih dogodkov, ki skupaj s francoskim partnerjem skrbi za organizacijo dogodka.

»Dnevno je predstavitev obiskalo okoli petdeset avtomobilističnih novinarjev, ki so tu bivali dva dni oz. prenočili eno noč. Prvo vožnjo so opravili prvi dan popoldne, odpeljali so se do Idrije in Cerknega in se skozi Polhov Gradec vračali v Ljubljano.

Drugi dan pa so lahko izbirali med dvema rutama: daljšo, ki je vodila na Bled in v Bohinj, ter krajšo, mestno, ki je vodila po Ljubljani in okolici. Novinarji so testirali dva modela novega Twinga, in sicer močnejšo izvedbo 1.2 GT z bencinskim motorjem in 1.5 dizelsko izvedbo,« je povedal Boštjan Horjak iz agencije Liberty Slovenia.

Zahteve Renaulta do gostitelja so bile stroge in jasne, kriteriji pa visoki. Vse storitve, postrežba in meniji so morali ustrezati določenim standardom, ki jih je postavil Renault, celostni podobi Renaulta in Twinga pa so sledili tudi vsi hotelski materiali. Tako so denimo Renaultovi gostje imeli posebej oblikovane hotelske ključke, hotelske kartice in izpolnjevali so posebne hotelske prijavne obrazce. Po naročnikovih željah so v Monsu popolnoma spremenili podobo preddverja kongresnega centra in dodatno opremili sobe z najnovejšo tehnologijo. »V hotelu Mons smo zaradi predstavitve novega Twinga večino hotelskih sob predčasno opremili z LCD televizorji. Naložbo smo sicer načrtovali v naslednjih mesecih, smo ji pa zaradi zahtev naročnika podelili višjo prioriteto in investicijo opravili prej, preden je bilo predvideno. S tem pa smo dvignili kakovost namestitev tudi za druge goste,« je povedal Tomo Pust, direktor hotela Mons. Ob tem je poudaril, da so s tem, ko so »prestali Renaultov preizkus«, naredili velik korak pri zagotavljanju vrhunskih storitev. »Gre za ogromno prednost v know-how-u, saj smo zaradi predstavitve Twinga postali zanimivi tudi za druge avtomobilistične dogodke.«

Novinarska konferenca • Press conference (Foto/Photo: Arhiv Liberty Slovenia)

www.liberty-incentive.net Promocijsko sporočilo

Na parkirišču • At the parking (Foto/Photo: Arhiv Liberty Slovenia)

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The largest event in the history of the Slovenian motor industry

New ‘Slovenian’ Twingo The car park in front of Ljubljana’s Hotel Mons was taken by more than 80 new Twingo cars, which were made in Novo mesto. The new ‘Slovenian’ Twingo was test driven by 900 motoring journalists from all over the world between May 28 and June 27, 2007. It was the biggest event of this kind in the history of the Slovenian motor industry and the Slovenian meetings industry.

“The fact that technical preparations for the showcase started as early as autumn last year points up the vast scale of the project” said Boštjan Horjak, director of the Liberty Slovenia agency, the Slovenian branch of an international agency for organizing meeting events, who together with his French partner was responsible for the event’s organization.

www.liberty-incentive.net Advertising Feature

“The presentation was attended by approximately fifty motoring journalists per day.

They stayed in the hotel for two days, with one overnight stay. The first test drive was made in the afternoon of the first day. They drove to Idrija and Cerkno and back through Polhov Gradec to Ljubljana. On the second day the journalists could choose a longer route to Bled and Bohinj, or a shorter, city route in Ljubljana and its surroundings. “The journalists tested two models of the new Twingo, the more powerful 1.2 petrol engine GT and the 1.5 diesel engine version.” said Boštjan Horjak.

Renault had strict and clear requirements and high criteria for the organizer.

All services, including the food served and menus had to meet defined standards set by Renault, while all hotel materials followed the corporate image of Renault and Twingo. Renault’s guests received specially designed keys, hotel cards and filled in special hotel registration cards. The Hotel Mons changed the look of the congress centre lobby and additionally fitted the rooms with the latest technology in line with the client’s wishes.

“For the showcase of the new Twingo we’d equipped most of the rooms in the Hotel Mons with LCD televisions beforehand. We planned the investment in the following months, but we gave it a higher priority due to the client’s requirements.

The investment was made earlier than planned. We also raised accommodation quality for other guests via this investment” points out Tomo Pust, director of the Hotel Mons. He emphasized that passing the ‘Renault test’ was a big step in assuring top quality services. “It’s an enormous advantage in know-how; our new Twingo presentation has also made us able to attract other motoring events.”

V novinarskem centru • At the press centre (Foto/Photo: Arhiv Liberty Slovenia)

Prijava • Registration (Foto/Photo: Arhiv Liberty Slovenia)

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Zgodba o Grand Medii – prvi del

Začetki Grand Medie Ponavadi nudijo hoteli gostom le nočitve z zajtrkom; Grand Mediine rešitve s sodobno multimedijsko tehnologijo občutno prispevajo k povečanju udobnosti in so prijazne do gostov, ki se zato lahko v Grand Media hotelih počutijo zares prijetno.

Zaradi svojega poklica sem vedno veliko potoval. Konference, kongresi in delo samo so me ponesli v hotele različnih koncev sveta. To je bilo zanimivo in razburljivo življenje z obilico trdega dela. Ponavadi sem bival v hotelih, ki so nudili le nočitve z zajtrkom. In tako se je pred petimi leti rodila ideja o Grand Medii – ko sem začel razmišljati, kako bi lahko izboljšali pogoje popotnikov, zmanjšali njihova bremena in potovalni stres. Z manjšo skupino sodelavcev smo začeli delo v Alpha Baumanagementu v Beljaku in razvili Grand Media filozofijo – rešitve, ki predstavljajo in vnašajo velike spremembe v svet hotelirstva in tudi v naše življenje.

Grand Media je nova multimedijska hišna tehnologija, ki pomaga »inteligentnim hišam« in pri kateri je vsa pozornost posvečena gostu, ki ga postavlja v središče, s posebnim poudarkom na poenostavljanju in združevanju sodobnih tehnologij. Gre za sistem, ki integrira najsodobnejše tehnologije na individualnem področju. Osnova Grand Media infrastrukture bazira na omrežju optičnih vlaken, ki povezujejo multimedijo, komunikacijo, IP hišno tehnologijo in sistem varnosti na enem samem portalu in na samo eni napravi.

Vsaka hotelska soba ima tako več povezav, več možnosti za videokonference, ali neposredno glasovno telefonijo; povezave s hitrostjo 100 Mbs z internetom, IP telefoniranje (stacionarni in brezžični telefoni), elektronske ploščice (door plate) ob sobnih vratih (nadzorovani sobni priključek), brezžične povezave (Wi-Fi) za uporabo vseh uslug in vključevanje v internetno omrežje s hitrostjo do 54 Mbs. Vsi integrirani Grand Media komunikacijski sistemi so pravzaprav najsodobnejši tehnološki dosežek na tržišču.

Da bi lahko uspešno pojasnili praktične prednosti Grand Medie, je najbolje, da začnemo s predstavitvijo tehnologij, ki so bile tri leta nazaj integrirane v prvem Grand Media projektu – v ljubljanskem Grand Media hotelu. Projekt je v osnovi temeljil na gradnji hotela, v katerem vse vrste različnih hotelskih uslug delujejo samo preko IP omrežja ali širokopasovnih povezav z internetom. To pomeni, da v notranjosti hotela ni analognih uslug, ker digitalne storitve bazirajo na enotnem IP omrežju.

Vse usluge, kot so HD-televizijski programi, video po naročilu, telefonija (brezplačno v 43 dežel sveta na fiksne telefone) in vse ostalo, gostu nudimo preko homogenega konvergentnega omrežja. Grand Media rešitve in tehnologijo uporablja tudi uprava hotela, prav tako pa so vsi kongresni predeli del istega homogenega konvergentnega omrežja in sistema.

Mag. Gerhard Kaspar Vodja Grand Media projektov in produkcije Promocijsko sporočilo

Mag. Gerhard Kaspar

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The Grand Media story – part one

Beginnings of Grand Media Hotels usually only offer guests bed and breakfast; Grand Media solutions with modern multimedia technology focus on increasing comfort, so that guests really feel right at home in Grand Media hotels.

I’ve always travelled a lot on business. Conferences, congresses and business have taken me to hotels in various corners of the world. It’s been an interesting, exciting life with lots of hard work. I’ve often stayed in hotels that just offer bed and breakfast. So when the Grand Media idea was born five years ago, I started to think about how traveller’s conditions could be improved and their burdens and travel stress reduced. A small group of us started working at Alpha Baumanagement in Villach and we’ve developed the Grand Media philosophy – solutions that bring great changes into the world of hospitality as well as into our lives.

The Grand Media is a new multimedia in-house technology that aids ‘the intelligence of buildings’ and via which all care is dedicated to the guest.

He’s put in the centre of everything, with special emphasis on the simplification and integration of modern technologies.

This is a system that integrates all the most modern technologies in a particular field. Grand Media infrastructure is based on a fibre optic network that connects multimedia, communication, IP in-house technology and security into one IP platform and in one device. Each hotel room thus has multiple connections, more possibilities for videoconferencing or direct voice telephony; high-speed 100 meg internet access, IP telephony (stationary and wireless), electronic doorplate (controlled room access) and a wireless connection (Wi-Fi) for using all streaming services and internet access up to 54 megs.

All Grand Media’s integrated communication systems are in essence the most advanced technology available on the market.

To be able to successfully explain Grand Media’s practical advantages, it’s best to start by outlining all the technologies integrated into the first Grand Media Project, the Grand Media Hotel in Ljubljana three years ago.

The project was based on the construction of a hotel in which all types of the various hotel services work through an IP network or broadband internet connection. That means there’s no analogue service inside the hotel while all digital services are based on the same IP Network.

All services, such as HD television channels, video on demand, phone calls (free of charge calls to fixed numbers in 43 countries worldwide) and everything else is offered to the guest via a homogenous convergent network.

Grand Media solutions and technology are also used by the hotel management, while all the congress areas are also a part of the same homogenous convergent network and system.

Gerhard Kaspar MA Head of Grand Media Projects and Production Advertising feature

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UGAR 2007 FEI World Cup

Najboljši jahači na posestvu Ugar UGAR 2007 FEI World Cup, tekmovanje, ki se bo od petka, 14. septembra do nedelje, 16. septembra 2007 odvijalo na Posestvu Ugar, je ideja lastnika Jurija Rudeža in managerja Posestva Ugar ter tekmovalca v preskakovanju ovir mednarodnega razreda Maksa Riosse. Po izredno uspešnem lanskem tekmovanju je Posestvo Ugar letos gostitelj kvalifikacij za svetovni pokal v preskakovanju ovir že drugič.

Dogodek je iz statusa CSI2*W napredoval v status CSI3*W, kar se kaže tudi v dvigu denarne nagrade iz 48.000€ na 76.250€, in za katero upajo, da bo pritegnila tudi najboljše tekmovalce iz zahodne Evrope. Še enkrat bo Posestvo Ugar prizorišče osrednje evropske lige FEI (mednarodne konjeniške zveze) za svetovni pokal v preskakovanju ovir v soboto popoldne z denarnim skladom v znesku, ki presega 20.000€. Zaradi višjega denarnega sklada bodo tekmovalci dobili tudi višje število točk na svetovni rang lestvici (FEI/Gandini World Jumping Ranking points), kot so jih dobili v letu 2006. Tudi v nedeljo popoldne bo denarni sklad za Grand Prix znašal 20.000€, ki bo prav tako okrepil število FEI/Gandini svetovnih razvrstitvenih točk v preskakovanju ovir.

Dogodek je pritegnil pozornost številnih medijev iz Slovenije in tujine. Televizijsko pokritost bo zagotovila TV Slovenija, svoj interes za prenos posameznih tekem pa je izrazila tudi pomembna televizijska družba Eurosport.

UGAR 2006, tekmovalni prostor • UGAR 2006, riding arena

CSI-CHIN CHIN LAND 2007, Maks Riossa, Padington, Ugar equestrian team

Promocijsko sporočilo

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UGAR 2007 FEI World Cup

The best showjumpers at Ugar estate The Ugar Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cup 2007 is a showjumping competition to be held near Ribnica, 45km south-east of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It’s the brainchild of Jurij Rudez, the owner and manager of the Ugar estate, and international show jumper Maks Riossa. After an incredibly successful inaugural year, the Ugar estate is to host its second World Cup Qualifier from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September 2007.

The event has been upgraded in status from CSI2*W to a CSI3*W and this is reflected in a healthy increase in prize money, from €48,500 to €76,250, which it is hoped will attract more top level riders from western Europe. Once again Ugar will stage a Central European League FEI World Cup™ Jumping Qualifier on the Saturday afternoon with a prize fund in excess of €20,000. By virtue of the increased amount of prize money on offer, there will be an increase in the number of FEI/Gandini World Jumping ranking points won by competitors compared to 2006. Sunday afternoon’s Grand Prix will also carry a prize fund of €20,000 along with a similar increase in the FEI/Gandini World Jumping Ranking points up for grabs. To further add to the breadth of the competition, organisers have announced the addition of a Six Bar competition and each day will see one round in a new Amateur Series competition that will run throughout the show.

The event has attracted significant television coverage, both domestically and abroad with RTV Slovenia broadcasting the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Qualifier and the Grand Prix live, together with one further event. Eurosport has also agreed, in principle, to cover the two main classes.

Advertising feature

CSI-CHIN CHIN LAND 2007, Manja Koren, Tavalio, Ugar equestrian team

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IMEX 2007

Presežki na vseh ravneh Letošnja poslovna borza IMEX, peta po vrsti, ki je potekala med 17. in 19. aprilom v Frankfurtu, je ponovno požela rekordne rezultate.

Poslovne borze se je udeležilo več kot 3.400 razstavljavcev iz 150 držav in več kot 7.500 poslovnih obiskovalcev.

Organizator borze je gostil več kot 3.500 poslovnih gostov s celega sveta.

Slovenija se je s ponudbo na področju kongresne dejavnosti in motivacijskih potovanj tudi letos predstavila na osrednji lokaciji z največjo stojnico doslej. Na 88m2 se je predstavilo rekordnih 19 ponudnikov kongresnih storitev in drugih organizacij, ki predstavljajo slovensko turistično ponudbo: Slovenska turistična organizacija (STO), Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad, Zavod za turizem Ljubljana, Cankarjev dom, Gospodarsko razstavišče Ljubljana, Domina Ljubljana Hotel & Spa, Grand hotel Union Ljubljana, Hit Alpinea Kranjska Gora, Hotel Lev Ljubljana, LifeClass Hotels & Resort Portorož, Terme Maribor, Sava hoteli Bled, Hoteli Bernardin Portorož, Terme Olimia, Kongresna agencija Albatros Bled, Kompas, turistično podjetje Ljubljana, Intours Ljubljana, agencija Lifetrek Kranj in Adria Airways Ljubljana.

Stojnico je obiskalo več kot 400 poslovnih gostov, kar je največji obisk doslej. Poleg predstavitve Slovenije kot kongresne in incentive destinacije so razstavljavci izvedli številne individualne sestanke s potencialnimi strankami. Dogajanje na stojnici smo obogatili z izvirno animacijo »Trubar in Prešeren menjala evre«.

Organizatorja odmevne animacije sta

bila STO in Zavod-Kongresnoturistični urad. Obiskovalce stojnice sta še posebej pritegnila lika Prešerna in Trubarja, ki sta izvedla menjavo kovancev ter s tem opozarjala na prevzem evropske valute v Sloveniji z letošnjim letom. Tako so v zameno za svoje evro-kovance poslovni obiskovalci dobili slovenske kovance s podobo Trubarja in Prešerna, ličen kartonček z več informacijami o naših ‘velmožeh’ ter pravico, da sodelujejo v nagradni igri z bogatami nagradami, ki so jih zagotovili slovenski ponudniki kongresnega turizma. Obiskovalci so lahko s pomočjo Primoža Trubarja na repliki Guttenbergove preše kar sami odtisnili kopijo Trubarjevega Katekizma in Prešernove Zdravljice.

Organizatorji animacije, ki je med obiskovalci naletela na zelo dober odziv, so želeli s projektom poudariti in izpostaviti prevzem evra v Sloveniji, ki je že sam po sebi izvrstna promocija slovenskega poslovnega turizma. Kongresni urad in STO sta obiskovalce sejma obenem želela opozoriti tudi na inovativnost slovenske ponudbe na področju poslovnega turizma, z likoma Prešerna in Trubarja pa pokazati, kako slovenski turizem v sodelovanju s kulturo lahko ponudi dodatne storitve, ki kongresnim in drugim poslovnim srečanjem v Sloveniji dajo dodano vrednost.

Program animacije in tekste je pripravil samostojni podjetnik Žiga Novak, v vlogi Trubarja in Prešerna pa sta nastopila Janez Rozman kot mojster Janez, ki ga z njegovo Guttenebergovo prešo lahko največkrat srečate na blejskem gradu, in igralec Bojan Bešter, ki sodeluje tudi s Prešernovo hišo v Kranju.

Naslednja borza bo od 22. do 24. aprila 2008.

Slovenski razstavni prostor • Slovenia’s stand

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IMEX 2007

Superlatives at all Levels The 5th IMEX worldwide exhibition for meetings and incentive travel in Frankfurt from April 17-19 2007 once again achieved record results.

More than 3,400 exhibitors from 150 countries and more than 3,500 business visitors from around the world attended.

As in previous years, Slovenia showcased its meetings industry and motivational travel offer in a prime location and with its biggest stand so far, an 88 m2 display area. The 19 suppliers and other organizations involved were the Slovenian Tourist Organization (STO), the Slovenian Convention Bureau (SCB), Slovenian Tourist Bureau - Ljubljana, Cankarjev Dom, Ljubljana Gospodarsko Razstavišče exhibition centre, Domina Hotel Ljubljana Hotel & Spa, Ljubljana Grand Hotel Union, Hit Alpinea Kranjska Gora, Hotel Lev Ljubljana, LifeClass Hotels & Resort Portorož, Terme Maribor, Sava Hotels Bled, Hotels Bernardin Portorož, Terme Olimia (Spa Olimia), Albatros Bled congress agency, Kompas travel agency, Intours Ljubljana, Lifetrek Kranj agency and Adria Airways Ljubljana.

More than 400 business guests visited the stand, our highest numbers so far. In addition to outlining Slovenia as a meetings and incentive destination,

exhibitors organized numerous individual visits with potential clients. Stand activities were enriched with an original show called ‘Trubar and Prešeren exchanging Euros’.

Presentation organisers STO and the SCB had a good response. Stand visitors were especially attracted by actors playing writers Prešeren and Trubar exchanging euros and reminding visitors of its recent adoption in Slovenia.

Guests were able to swap their own euro coins for Slovenian ones with images of Trubar in Prešeren, receive an attractive card with more information on our great writers and a chance to participate in a game with valuable prizes provided by Slovenian meeting industry suppliers. ‘Trubar' helped visitors to make an imprint of copies of his ‘Catechism’ and Prešeren's Zdravljica (‘a Toast’) on a replica of Guttenberg's press.

This well-received project aimed to highlight and publicise the euro’s adoption in Slovenia. SCB and STO spotlighted the innovativeness of our meetings industry offer; the images of Prešeren and Trubar pointed up that Slovenian tourism, in co-operation with culture, is able to offer additional services that give meetings added value.

The entertainment and texts were devised by entrepreneur Žiga Novak, Trubar and Prešeren were played by Janez Rozman who you can often meet as Master Janez with his Guttenberg press at Bled castle, and actor Bojan Bešter, who also works at Prešeren's house in Kranj.

The next IMEX is to be held on 22–24 April 2008.

Primož Trubar

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Zdravilišče Laško d.d.

Terme Laško Zdraviliška cesta 4 SI - 3270 Laško T: +386 (0)3 7345 122 F: +386 (0)3 7345 123 E: info@zdravilisce-lasko.si www.zdravilisce-lasko.si

Peter Butoln s.p.

Peter Butoln s.p.

Svetovanje - stiki z javnostmi in org. protokolarnih dogodkov

Public Relations advisory & PRotocolar events org.

Neubergerjeva 16, 1000 Ljubljana T: +386 (1) 4372213 M: +386 (031) 371 508 E: info@protokol-slo.si www.protokol-slo.si, www.protokol.eu

Neubergerjeva 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (EU) T: +386 (1) 4372213 M: +386 (031) 371 508 E: info@protokol-slo.si www.protokol-slo.si, www.protokol.eu

Terme Radenci d.o.o.

Zdraviliπko naselje 12, SI -9252 Radenci Tel.: 02 520 10 00, fax: 02 520 27 23 info@terme-radenci.si, www.terme-radenci.si

Globtour je podjetje za destinacijski management in »incentive« agencija, ki ima več kot osemintridesetletne izkušnje v turizmu. Visoko strokovno in inovativno osebje prijazno pomaga in strokovno usmerja vsak segment dogodka.

Kontakt: Matjaž Triplat Globtour Bled (04) 574 18 21 E-mail: globtour.bled@globtour.si

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Zavod za turizem Ljubljana je vaš profesionalni partner in najboljši vir informacij o turistični in kongresni ponudbi slovenske prestolnice. • The Ljubljana Tourist Board is your professional partner and best source of information on the leisure tourism and convention offer in the Slovenian capital.

Kompas Corporate

KONGRESI, POSLOVNA POTOVANJA, LETALSKE VOZOVNICE Kompas Corporate je Kompasova blagovna znamka za vrhunske celostne storitve za vse poslovne uporabnike – podjetja, razli~ne ustanove in vladne institucije iz Slovenije in tujine.

Ne glede na to, kaj želite – letalsko vozovnico ali celotno organizacijo konference kjerkoli na svetu – je Kompas Corporate tu zato, da poskrbi za vse.

www.ljubljana-tourism.si

telefon: 01 2006 151 • congressesakompas.si • www.kompas.si

• Skupna kapaciteta kongresnega centra: 2.600 sedežev • Kapaciteta največje dvorane: 1.100 sedežev • 767 hotelskih sob v treh hotelih • Sodobna tehnična oprema • Izkušeno tehnično osebje n destinacijski management • Motivacijska srečanja in prireditve

• Total seating capacity: 2.600 • Largest convention hall seating capacity: 1.100 • Total hotel rooms: 735 in 3 hotels • State of the art technical equipment • Experienced technical and destination management Breathtaking event locations • Teambuilding’s and incentives

HOTELI BERNARDIN d.d., St. Bernardin, Adriatic Resort & Convention Centre Obala 2, SI – 6320 Portorož • www.h-bernardin.si

HOTELI BERNARDIN d.d., St. Bernardin, Adriatic Resort & Convention Centre Obala 2, SI – 6320 Portorož • www.h-bernardin.si

Kreativno v belem in zelenem Creative come rain or shine Nadgradite poslovna srečanja z novo dimenzijo brezmejnih možnosti športa, druženja in zabave v vseh letnih časih, na prostem ali v zato namenjenih prostorih.

Upgrade your business meetings with new dimension of unlimited possibilities of sport and fun all year round on open space or closed sports facilities.

Info: t +386 4 588 44 77 f +386 4 588 44 79 events@hitholidays-kg.si booking@hitholidays-kg.si www.hitholidays-kg.si HIT ALPINEA Borovška cesta 99 4280 Kranjska Gora Slovenia

hit holidays Kranjska Gora Kongresi in konference • Seminarji in simpoziji • Sejmi in razstave • Multimedija • Marketinški dogodki • Motivacijski in družabni dogodki • Tiskovne konference Auditoria d.o.o • tel: 01 244 56 70 • www.auditoria.si

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PREDJAMSKI GRAD

POSTOJNSKA JAMA

JAMSKI DVOREC

| W ~ - incentive dogodki v Predjamskem gradu, Postojnski jami in njeni okolici - jamske in grajske pustolovš~ine - plesno glasbeni in zabavni dogodki - izvrstna notranjsko-kraška in mednarodna kulinarika - osebni pristop Gostje nam zaupajo že ve~ kot 180 let. Dobrodošli tudi vi!

- incentive events at Predjama Castle, Postojna Cave and in the surrounding area - cave and castle adventures - dancing, music and entertainment - first-class local and international cuisine - personal approach Visitors have been relying on us for more than 180 years. Why not join them?

www.turizem-kras.si

KARST - CARSO - KARST

Informacije in rezervacije Information and bookings: Postojnska jama, turizem d. d.

Jamska cesta 30 6230 Postojna Tel.: +386 (0) 5 7000 100 Faks: +386 (0) 5 7000 130 E-mail: events∞postojnska-jama.si

www.simex.si

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