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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 145 Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
Cover Subject:
INFUSE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT WITH CREATIVITY
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President
• • • •
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
Mexico Pages 4, 5 Dominican Republic Pages 6, 7 Costa Rica Pages 8, 9 Panama Pages 10, 11
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing & Product Development Director
Panama Page 16, 17
Quick Hits: Pages 12, 13
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director
• • •
Employee of the Month The Customer’s Always Right Advertise with CommuniQuest
Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
Pages 14, 15
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
Let’s Cook:
How to Prepare Watermelon Lemonade
Fernando ROSAS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design
Page 18
Dr. Travel
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Managing Director - MyDay Travel
Travel Tip: Easing the Fear Page 19 © Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI Destination Managing Director yelosegui@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA, CMS Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² South America Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, IVI DMC² Dominican Republic Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Ramon RIJO, CIS Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Regional Managing Director Destination Managing Director rrijo@ividmc.travel jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
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IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
Message From Headquarters Dear reader, A night filled with color and joy also includes eccentricity and a lot of rhythm. The rhythm of our themed parties and special events is one that will add luster to your next corporate event. Our DMC experts throughout our destinations well know how to deliver that WOW factor by means of our entertainment performances. Creativity is infused into everything we put together, as is the case of center pieces, costumes, culture, food, things that will embellish your special occasion. Here are some suggestions for theme parties: Jungle party, Caribbean carnival, folkloric night, Latin American night, gala in open air, party of the elements such as air, water, earth and fire; you name and we’ll have it for you. Sky’s the limit to your imagination! Settle for nothing but the BEST with IVI DMC2 professional full in-house team of designers, production and set-up staff. A never-to-be-forgotten event awaits you in any of our shining destinations! Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS Second Generation, Innovator & President
Our Objective
Our Vision
Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.
Associates: Keep the ideal place to work, where our multicultural staff give their best, every day Customers: Offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds expectations Partners: Consolidate our network of honest and successful partners Utilities: Maximize the return of investment to shareholders
Our Mission
Planet: Inspire responsible resource management by means of our work
Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC; ensuring 100% customer satisfaction of incentives, conventions, and special events; providing memorable experiences in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing return of investment to shareholders.
Follow us on...
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PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVIERA NAYARIT What makes it that thousands of business travelers literally flock to this double destination? Amongst many things is the magic, the charm of the authentic, colorful Mexico, the abundant gastronomical offer, the wonderful sunsets over the Bay of Banderas and many, many more things. These wonders result on visitors coming from other Mexican cities, and countries from all over the world; they all turn this magical bay into their home, even if it is for a few days. 4
One of the most noticeable trends for Vallarta-Nayarit is a larger demand for upscale service. The most soughtafter resorts across the bay are receiving abundant requests and celebrating numerous group contracts. Another emerging trend at this double destination is the celebrating of events in private villas. Banderas Bay is one of the favorite spots to build luxurious, unique residences ideal for the M&E industry. Some of these properties are available to celebrate cocktails, gala dinners and themed events, in total privacy and enjoying all the services required to make them unforgettable and unique. Without question, Vallarta Nayarit is a favorite destination for high cuisine connoisseurs. Its extraordinary restaurants never cease to surprise diners with their creations; also, the gastronomical festivals and events that decorate its calendar are a magnificent opportunity to sail through fantastic worlds for the senses. The festivals and the saints festivals celebrated in many villages across the area, including the Pueblito Magico of Sayulita, catch the attention of most visitors, opposite to the weekly programmed agendas at other destinations. The regional joy is so abundant that it is gladly shared with everyone! Want to hear more? Contact now your representative at IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit & Central Mexico!
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC According to Expedia’s search engine, there is an increase in the flow of business travelers to our precious destination, reason why we constantly reinvent ourselves when it comes to special events and theme parties in order to measure up to what is expected from us. For this summer and the rest of the season, Punta Cana marks new trends in décor and entertainment options for incentive groups, corporate events, and conventions.
Among the new alternatives we’ve come up with are the Arabian Nights for welcome or farewell dinners. Being gold, fuchsia, orange, red, turquoise blue and lilac colors the protagonists of the night. Another recurrent theme is Dominican décor in which our clients look to enjoy our rich culture; in this we use the traditional colors: blue, red and white to make the night a success. Enjoy the contagious typical music, try the flavors of our gastronomy, the world-famous rum and cigars.
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Besides the all-important decoration and seasonal trends, the use of simulated characters integrated to the theme cause a pleasurable impact to the guest,
thus magnifying the event itself.
Other entertainment alternatives that are setting trends in the destination is the combination of lighting technology with music and dance. Such is the Laser Man, a show that consists of cleverly manipulating the lights, playing with laser beams to create an incredible visual effect for all attendees.
The twirling LED is also another dazzling show. This combines LED technology with futuristic and neat choreographies in which programmed twirling LED baton lights contribute to forming fascinating geometric images, thus entertaining all in attendance.
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COSTA RICA Every event planner knows that the stakes and expectations are very high for parties at any program, and more so at incentives programs. This is because our clients are welltraveled and educated; and most of them have been around long enough so as to have seen a lot of the expected entertainment, and understandably so they are craving something new. Thus, at IVI DMC2 Costa Rica, we strive to go the extra mile at the one request we get in every RFP: the mandatory WOW factor that everybody wants to see. One of the themes that never fails is a glimpse of our country’s culture. We are so lucky that each of our country’s highlights represents a wonderful opportunity to explore and use with creativity!
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Costa Rica is a small country but we have so much to share! Lush beaches and oceans, adventure, nature, biodiversity, volcanoes, art, gastronomy, and much more! So we have recreated those lush rainforests crawling with creatures inside a ballroom… well, ok, there are no real creatures, they are actors in so-real body paint but who notices? The experience is as vivid as it can be! Or do you feel like having a Pura Vida surfer’s party? What about an astronomy night? Latin dancing? A rain forest music festival? Tell us about your program and your vision and we will think out of the box for you to create a one of a kind
experience your guests will be speaking about in years to come. Ticos are known all over the world because we are happy, easy going people, and we can confidently say that with that comes a great ability to party! Who can ever be so lucky? So come and see what the fuzz is all about… it will be unforgettable!
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PANAMA Creating, producing, delivering is our specialty. We make the most out of your budget. In short: We make you look GREAT by focusing and working exclusively with natural elements and materials from our tropical forests and jungles. We promote the seven autochthonous cultures that dwell in our territory, and elaborate a thematic party taking elements from their art, cultural patterns and unique concepts of each of these tribes. We work closely with our clients to implement any practical suggestions to thus improve the event according to the expectations they have. We listen and seek to please. We deliver.
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It is almost magical the way in which we transform the site, be it a hotel garden or a ball room. We turn whatever stage into a rain forest indoors, or we create the feeling of traveling back in time when our setting is in one of those emblematic ruins, which its ancient stones eloquently tell us about their colonial history with their tales of pirate raids and Spanish rule.
Our expertise includes setting up and decorating for events of up to 1,000 people; but we also serve smaller groups, even as small as 20 VIPs with the same care and quality we would for a larger group. We work in the best of terms with our providers to maximize the satisfaction of our clients and the success of the whole event to deliver an impressive, grand closing. By listening attentively to our clients’ needs we adapt to the budget they propose and thus we get the best product and services possible within that budget. We are both creative and resourceful, and very efficient too!
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Rebeca RAMOS, IVI DMC2 Planning Executive, was recently
awarded as the employee of the month. Here are some upbuilding comments from her fellow colleagues: She is very attentive and readily supports others ✓ Rebeca displays an excellent disposition for teamwork ✓ When asked to train others she always displays an excellent attitude ✓ She has the ability to interact graciously with other staff and she is thorough in fulfilling her responsibilities ✓ A person with good attitude, one who has good relationship with peers ✓ Her dress and grooming are impeccable. She gets good reviews by customers ✓
Good job Rebeca!
The Customer is Always Right “During the planning process everything was smooth and the responses were very quick; everything in the destination went very well!!! I was very happy with the entire team, they were excellent!” Dana Merret CWT Canada
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IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.travel Serving the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry since 1986. Find us in over 40 destinations throughout: • • • • • •
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica Panama South America
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact: Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
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RECOMMENDED DESTINATION: PANAMA The Republic of Panama is bordered to the North by the Caribbean Sea, to the South by the Pacific Ocean, to the East by Colombia and to the West by Costa Rica. It has an extension of 75,420 km². Located in the isthmus that unites South America with Central America, Panama is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world due to its strategic location. The Panama Canal is 77 km long and took 17 years to build. The best place to visit the Canal is in its Visitors Center, which includes a museum with exhibits and a terrace to watch the crossing of ships. You can also cross it by boat, a unique experience and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
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Tourism represents one of the main activities of the country. The main areas of tourism in Panama focus on business tourism, beaches and commerce. Most of the tourists come from the United States of America, Canada, Europe, Central America, and South America. Activities such as going to the beaches, bird watching, shopping, spending a few days in the mountains or with the ethnicities can be done throughout the year since its benign climate will allow it. Panama currently offers the world a broad platform of maritime, commercial, real estate, and financial services, including the Colon free zone, the largest in the continent and the second largest in the world.
Panama's main sights: • • • •
• • • •
The Causeway of Amador Boquete Casco Viejo Bocas del Toro Emberá region Pearl Island San Blas Anton's Valley
Did you know? • • • • • • •
Panama is located south of the hurricane alley, so it is never affected by these meteorological phenomena. It is the only place in the world where you can observe the sunrise in the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset in the Pacific Ocean on the same day. All ships crossing the Panama Canal must pay a toll which generates a third of the country’s income. The lowest toll paid for crossing the channel was 36 cents. It was paid by American athlete Richard Halliburton when he swam the canal in 1928. Panama is the only capital of the world surrounded by a tropical forest. Panama is home to more birds than the United States and Canada combined. Contrary to the common belief, the Panama hat is not originally from this nation but from Ecuador.
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How to PrepareWatermelon Lemonade
Ingredients:
6 cups 1-inch cubes seedless watermelon (from about a 5-pound melon)
Celebrate the season with this refreshing, essential summer cocktail: a watermelon lemonade. It is a light and refreshing drink that can soothe your senses specially on a hot day. Psst, it can be made into an adult cocktail by adding a little vodka.
1 (10-ounce) bottle lemon juice
3/4 cup cane sugar
Preparation:
Crushed ice
Mint sprigs, for garnish
Working in batches as necessary, purée watermelon and lemon juice in blender until smooth; transfer to a large container. Add 6 cups of water and sugar; stir until dissolved. Pour over ice in tall glasses, garnish with mint and thin slices of watermelon, if desired, and serve. This beautifully colored sipper will elevate your neighborhood lemonade stand!
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Travel Tip: Easing the Fear Although the facts were impressive, my fear remained. What really got me over my fear was the awareness of a flying paradox. Although I lacked control about nearly everything connected to flying, I did have complete control over my reactions. So, I began to use many of the techniques in this book, such as deep breathing, relaxation tapes, and using my sense of humor, to overcome my fear of flying. And the more I flew, the more comfortable I became.
I also found a wonderful retrospective story in Eric Johnson’s, A Treasury of Humor, (Prometheus Books, Buffalo, NY) who said if you are afraid to fly, you wouldn’t have stepped on a plane in the 1930’s. The following instructions are from one of the first manuals for flight attendants: 1. Keep the clock and altimeter wound up. 2. Carry a railroad timetable in case the plane is grounded. 3. Warn the passengers against throwing their cigars and cigarettes out the windows. 4. Keep an eye on passengers when they go to the restroom to be sure they don’t mistakenly go out the emergency exit.
(Taken from page 163)
James Feldman, (a.k.a. Doctor Travel) is a Certified Facilitator and internationally recognized professional motivator, author, television host, and radio personality. His company Incentive Travelers Cheque Int’l provides individual and group incentive travel awards for many Fortune 500 companies. His book “Doctor’s Travel Cure For The Common Trip” is an entertaining and invaluable travel guide whose purpose is not to tell you where to go, but rather to help you get ready for the adventure. CommuniQuest is pleased to share some of Mr. Feldman’s travel wisdom with our readers, who from time to time must deal with lines, cancellations, lost luggage, and a person in the adjacent seat making extensive use of the air sickness bag. Reprinted by permission from the Author: jfeldman@itcheque.com
THANK YOU FOR READING Like life in general, the M&E Industry seems to move at the speed of light. As a committed B2B partner, we aim to help you keep up with the latest industry news and opportunities. CommuniQuest Incentive Travel
Digest is a valuable tool that brings you the timely information and analysis that you need, with a lair for what's hot, relevant, & interesting. I wish you the best of success in your quest, whatever it may be. Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
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