Mikutano Issue 22

ISSUE 20

Magazine of The Kenyatta International Convention Centre Issue 22, Second annual edition 2014

More reasons than ever to meet in Kenya INSIDE

Nairobi hotels You’re spoilt for choice

Kenyan fashion Fabrics and skills lead to new frontiers

Social responsibility Green team working for tomorrow

PLUS

KICC launches strategic ďŹ ve-year plan

Contents 3

Cabinet Secretary’s foreword How KICC is leading the way in development of MICE industry

5

Principal Secretary’s foreword Convention is strong enough

7

Managing Director’s insight An achievement we can all be proud of

8

Introduction More reasons than ever to meet in Kenya

10

Destination Kenya Kenya ranks second in Africa as a preferred conferencing destination

14

Fashion events Kenyan fabrics and skills

Published by: Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd Suite A5, 1st Floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com

18

Learning We join delegates to share their pain

20

Social responsibility The green team working for tomorrow

22

Customer service in the MICE industry Interview with Terry Opiko, key accounts manager, KICC

on behalf of:

24

Lessons of World Cup Meetings sector can learn lessons from World Cup

28 The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Harambee Avenue, PO Box 30746-00100, Nairobi Marketing:+254 20 326 1133/117 Front Office:+254 20 326 000 Public Relations:+254 20 3261151 Fax:+254 20 310 223 Email: info@kicc.co.ke www.kicc.co.ke Editor: Silvia Mochorwa

Only one problem – you’re spoilt for choice

30

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2014 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd

Nairobi restaurants Good food, great chefs, wonderful cuisine

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Festival events Kenyans celebrate joy of life via festivals

36

Out and about Let’s celebrate our beautiful ocean resorts

Join our conversation on: @kicc_kenya kicckenya Kicc Kenya

Nairobi Hotels

40

Around the world It’s always worth eyeing up the competition…

44

Travel incentives Travel – the best way to broaden your mind

46

Strategic plan KICC launches strategic five-year plan mikutano 1

Cabinet Secretary’s foreword

How KICC is leading the way in development of MICE industry A

s we embark on the new financial quarters of what we could call a new year, I take this chance to salute you.

I wish to thank you all for working hard and for standing by each other through the tough times we have experienced as a society – especially in the tourism sector, which is close to my heart. With humbleness, I take this moment to acknowledge the resilience of the Kenyan people, our sponsors, our visitors and our partners to grow the tourism industry of the Republic of Kenya.

Hardworking and truthful Kenyans are an asset to the republic; and nurturing the realisation of that proud fact is the most important way to help preserve our cultures and promote the pillar of tourism in Kenya and the East African region.

Tourism is a major contributor to the nation’s GDP that spills into the contribution to the East African Community. In particular, as I receive this 22nd edition of Mikutano, I would like to make it known that convention tourism is roaring in growth and becoming a major earner for our country.

This segment, which is a niche paradigm market, has tremendous

potential to drive tourism and the economy to further growth by showcasing our country to professionals from various sectors of other economies who attend these home-hosted international conferences, exhibitions and events.

My Ministry would like to assure tourists that Kenya is a peaceful nation and our security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that everyone is safe at all times.

Spearheaded I take this chance to extend further my hand to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for having spearheaded the development of the MICE industry in Kenya.

I wish to applaud the team for having played host with much efficiency to the 99th session of the ACP Council of Ministers and the 39th session of the ACP-EU Joint Council of Ministers Conference in the closing week of June.

I further welcome all other business tourists to the country to enjoy a whole new experience. Let us celebrate each other’s strengths.

Let us appreciate our journey. Let us come together as one. Let us

The Hon. Phyllis Jepkosgei Kandie Cabinet Secretary East African Affairs, Commerce & Tourism

‘I wish to thank you all for working hard and for standing by each other through the tough times we have experienced as a society’ march forward even harder. Let us breathe into the meetings world and add to its robust life and hope for better days ahead. This is my challenge to you.

I thank you all in advance for reading. Have a fruitful one. mikutano 3

Principal Secretary foreword

Convention is strong enough Dear Readers of Mikutano,

I

hope that my greetings find you well, in good health and spirits and also in strength to surge forward.

In all our hands now, we have new hopes, new visions and new commitments that will enable us to better the areas in which we fared well – as at the close of the previous financial year 2013/2014 – and, better still, correct the areas in which we went wrong.

A wise Mr Denis Waitley once said: “The winners in life think constantly in terms of ‘I can, I will and I am’. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on what they should have or would have done, or what they can’t do.”

Determination I share this with you while I take this chance to applaud you all for the determination to move forward among the hardships of life and take resolute decisions that can help make the world a better place.

The Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism mandated the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to front

the mission of promoting Kenya as a preferred business tourism destination for world-class conferencing, meeting and exhibiting.

In undertaking this, we could not assure, in advance, the growth of the subsector that pumped into the tourism sector of the economy; however, the leap of faith has enabled the industry to remain sustainable and to grow by leaps and bounds.

The Convention Centre, spearheading the business of the MICE segment in the region, has been able to reach out to the whole country and in the same spirit grow the industry deep into county level, which shows the resilience of the leadership of this mission.

The Ministry urges the entire nation to support this cause in the same way that we have because conferencing grows in ripples. As a third line feeder into tourism, the effects of meetings in your region will enable you to generate more revenue and, in turn, will help you grow.

This subsector employs many people and in the future will put better food on the tables of many.

The sector will need a workforce to build up new convention centres, people to tend in restau-

Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Principal Secretary Commerce & Tourism

‘In all our hands now, we have new hopes, new visions and new commitments that will enable us to better the areas in which we fared well’

rants, people to offer customer service in hotels, ushers at airports, entertainers, game drivers and designing organisers, just to mention a few.

The fact is, this industry is strong enough. Mambo ni poa!

mikutano 5

Managing Director’s insight

An achievement we can all be proud of I

n this 22nd issue of Mikutano I would like to take this chance to express my sincere gratitude to all of our clients, partners and stakeholders for their continued business support and the relationship that we were able to enjoy over the just-ended financial year 2013-2014.

I would like to further appreciate the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism for having been the wind beneath our wings as we carried forth with the responsibilities entrusted to us through a unique working year.

I appreciate greatly the efforts put together by the various teams countrywide to ensure that business tourism and the growth of meetings spiral upwards within the East African region and Africa as a whole.

Mandate It is also with great joy that we front a national mandate as the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to grow the MICE strategy and also gravitate around positioning Kenya as a preferred destination for business travel.

The journey has been long, but I am glad that I have been able to

see this dream turn into a reality.

The small successes of reworking the Convention Centre to match modern times, still enabling it to retain its original architectural forms and design, to the big successes of devolving the MICE sector within the county governments of Kenya has been something that I only once envisioned.

In welcoming you to this edition of Mikutano, I take pride in knowing that Kenya is heading out beautiful places, and the growth of the meetings sector is worth the investment of time, money and strength because the ripple effect of the MICE sector is great for the economy.

When you convene for a meeting in a place far from what you know, you need to eat, you need to sleep and you need to find a way of having a new experience through exploring in order to know what is in the unknown. Needless to say, there is much more than you can imagine in a country like Kenya.

Fred Simiyu Managing Director Kenyatta International Convention Centre

‘The journey has been long, but I am glad that I have been able to see this dream turn into a reality’

Tourism found a whole new meaning and I will remind you that, yes, Lupita Nyong’o was right: your dreams are valid!

Karibuni.

mikutano 7

Introduction

MORE REASONS THAN EVER TO MEET IN KENYA

By Silvia Mochorwa Editor, Mikutano

K

enya is a beautiful country located in the heart of the East African region, surrounded by six direct-link neighbouring countries. Kenya lies on the equator and its coastal regions to the south-east are graced by sandy beaches and the magnificent Indian Ocean.

Since independence in 1963 the nation has witnessed growth in various sectors of the economy. Owing to the strategic

location of Kenya, its economy has gained region-wide prominence in terms of business and trade. Some of the main contributors to national GDP are agriculture, trade, information technology, transport and, of course, tourism.

Revenue As an economic hub, Kenya generates about 40 per cent of the total GDP of the East African Community. In terms of revenue, the biggest contributor to Kenya’s economy is the service sector,

As an economic hub, Kenya generates about 40 per cent of the total GDP of the East African Community

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which accounts for over 60 per cent of national GDP. On a more enlightening note, the tourism sector is the dominant earner within the researched percentages.

In this edition of Mikutano we focus on the major role of tourism in Kenya’s economy and its soaring growth in different areas of focus. When it comes to reasons for visiting Kenya, the past five years have seen a wider and more varied offering in addition to the well-known aspects of fine scenery and leisure tourism.

Today, a visit to Kenya means so much more than just touring the beautiful landscape, tackling the terrain, spanning the wilderness and enjoying the fine weather. Kenya now appeals to a different mindset of people who come from different parts of the world to enjoy a unique and different experience.

Kenya is one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa when it comes to business meetings. Kenya regularly plays host to big and spectacular international meetings, exhibitions, conventions and other events.

In this issue, we highlight some of the good reasons for holding your meeting in Kenya and how to organise your travel and accommodation. And we also give you some idea of the excellent leisure and recreation facilities that will allow you to enjoy a break from the serious business of your visit.

Along with the obvious places of beauty that might bring a foreigner to Kenya, the country now also offers great facilities for business events and sport tourism.

CBD and escapes to Amboseli

mikutano 9

Destination Kenya

KENYA RANKS SECOND IN AFRICA AS A PREFERRED CONFERENCING DESTINATION F

or the third year in a row, Kenya is the second most preferred destination for conference tourism in Africa after South Africa as rated through the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) country and city rankings for 2013.

The ICCA is the global community for the meetings industry, enabling its members to generate and maintain a significant competitive advantage. ICCA now is one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international meetings. It is the only association that comprises

10

a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events.

The ICCA is about the same age as our nation, having been founded in 1963. Its first and foremost aim was to evaluate practical ways to get the travel industry involved in the rapidly expanding market of international meetings and to exchange actual information related to its operations in this market.

In its 2014 rankings, the International Congress and Convention Association

(ICCA) has positioned Kenya 55th in the world, up three places from last year. Over 120 countries are members of ICCA, an umbrella body for the conferences and conventions sector.

This is a great boost for the tourism sector in view of the difficult times being experienced by the sector as a result of the fall in tourist numbers from traditional source markets.

Following the release, Kenya hosted 38 International Association conferences over the year in the released report.

In terms of city ranking, Nairobi emerged as the 99th best city destination for ICCA conferences, having hosted 24 conferences compared with 22 in the previous rankings.

Nairobi was third-best city in Africa, hosting 24 of the 377 international congresses and conventions held in Africa.

The South African cities of Cape Town and Durban came out top in Africa, having hosted 45 and 25 meetings respectively.

Rankings Mombasa came sixth in the city rankings of the ICCA African chapter, having hosted 10 international meetings. Kenya’s two largest cities accounted for 34 of the 38 ICCA events hosted in Kenya.

The other four meetings were held in Naivasha, Eldoret, Nanyuki and Kisumu.

This report underlines the growing importance of the meetings industry in Kenya. The fact that the four other international meetings were distributed

between Nakuru, Naivasha, Eldoret and Nanyuki shows a breakthrough in the ability of other regions to host high-profile congresses. This report also shows more enthusiastic emerging city destinations in Kenya taking up conference tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism through the Kenyatta International Conference Centre continues to play its role and deliver on its mandate to promote the country as a preferred safe and secure destination for conference tourism.

Flags of many nations

The Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie, has urged international congresses, partners and conference

In terms of city ranking, Nairobi emerged as the 99th best city destination for ICCA conferences

Steven Bostock / Shutterstock.com

mikutano 11

Destination Kenya organisers who had cancelled or postponed some upcoming international conferences in Mombasa to reconsider, as the country is safe and ready to host the conferences.

Mrs Kandie said her Ministry had already embarked on the development and implementation of Kenya’s national MICE strategy, which among other projects will see the development of an additional convention centre in Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya as well as other convention centres in Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri in order to consolidate Kenya’s position and increase its share of the conference tourism market.

Image The Cabinet Secretary said a National Convention Bureau would be formed to promote the image of international conference tourism destinations. She said the sector would further ensure investment in hotels by setting up international chains in major towns across Kenya as provided for in Vision 2030.

Finally, it is important to note that a long journey still lies ahead. Internationally, the United States has been ranked first after hosting 829 conferences (down from 833), followed by Germany and Spain, which hosted 722 meetings (up from 649) and 562 meetings (up from 550) respectively.

A top meeting place

ICCA 2013 ranking summary Geographical area

Kenya

Nairobi

Mombasa

Worldwide rank

55

99

219

Africa rank

2

3

7

No. of meetings

38

24

10

Country ranking – Africa Rank

Country

No. of meetings: 2012

2013

1

South Africa

97

118

2

Kenya

29

38

3

Morocco

23

30

4 Tunisia

12

18

5 Egypt

18

17

Ghana

10

17

6 Nigeria

7

12

Tanzania

16

12

Uganda

12

12

7

Senegal

4

10

City ranking – Africa

‘The sector would further ensure investment in hotels by setting up international chains in major towns across Kenya’

Rank

Country

No. of meetings: 2012

1

Cape Town

2013

38

45

2 Durban

15

25

3

Nairobi

22

24

4

Johannesburg

16

18

Marrakech

9

18

5

Accra

9

17

6 Dakar

6

10

Mombasa

2

10

Pretoria

7

10

5

9

7 Arusha

mikutano 13

Fashion events

KENYAN FABRIC, SKILL AND BUSINESS INSTINCT lead to new convention frontiers through passion for fashion

If it’s something you really want then you can leave a heritage that will last throughout lifetimes. Every living soul takes up a different path of life in order to make an impact and be felt 14

in some way through the things they have done or are striving to achieve.

A wise man once said we never inherit the earth from our ancestors; we only borrow it from our children.

‘No legacy is so rich as honesty’ – William Shakespeare

F

rom time immemorial, people have created a way where there was not even a simple path. There have been so many opportunities for generations to follow in reward of their efforts.

Many people have come up with brilliant ideas to help people convene for different passions and interests including fashion and sport. In Kenya, these meetings can merge different participants, age sets and groups and cut across all genders and cultures to bring them together by touching on their needs and interests.

World of Fashion It’s strange, don’t you think, that we have moved from a world where people walked around bare, to covering up with leaves as in the old stories, then on to hides and skins and finally to where we now – the warmth of cotton and the baby-soft feel of cashmere.

Fashion has indeed come a long way – but aren’t we grateful for its progress and growth over the years? I can guess your answer.

In recent years fashion has become a big part of Kenyan culture. And when we speak of fashion in Kenya there are two types of fabrics that cannot be ignored because they are appreciated the world over and are part of the high fashion trends in the Kenyan cloth market. These two fabrics are the khanga and the Maasai shuka.

The khanga The khanga is predominant in the coastal regions of Kenya in the Bantu cultures

mikutano 15

Fashion events where most of the people are in Islamic communities. The khanga is usually tied round the waist in a way that serves to bring out modesty. It is most commonly worn by females. On other occasions the khanga – or leso as it is otherwise known – is tied over the head to meet the social and religious needs of the community so that women can preserve the beauty of their long hair.

In nature, the khanga is a soft fabric with a unique print and is usually sold in pairs.

The outstanding aspect of the khanga is that it has a proverb in the Swahili dialect that has an internal meaning that requires much thought. It is usually a message directing to behaviours that require change that will bring about improved relations and ways of life.

The shuka

Maasai fabric

The Maasai shuka is worn on the plains of Kenya. These regions are inhabited by the Maasai community, who are from a Nilotic background of African people.

‘Shuka’ means something plaited, knitted or weaved, thus defining the way it is put together.

The Maasai cloth is knitted using threads that are mostly red in colour. This is why many photographs of Maasai warriors show them in red cloth over their frame. The cloth is usually quite heavy and able to provide warmth, most especially for the men who wear it when out herding the cattle.

The cloth is characterised mostly by that red colour and is normally checked. This aspect brings out the intricacy and a range of creative designs.

Over time these have become the best known of Kenyan fabrics. But, that aside, in this modern day, young Kenyans have stepped up their game to bring forth budding fashion design entrepreneurs to help prosper the ancient arts and design put together by traditional weavers and bead artists for the purposes of trade.

Merging the cultures

These young minds have come to take the design worlds by storm, giving that sought-after African merge to their work and creating some unforgettable and eye-catching pieces to attract fashion lovers the world over.

The two cultures of the Coastal Bantus and the Maasai Plain Nilotes are merged in one particular garment across the scenic and beautiful Masai Mara. This garment is the kikoy, a soft cotton cloth that is wrapped waist down in more or less the same way as the khanga and Maasai shuka. It is a bit like a sarong. This

The Maasai shuka, for instance, has in modern times been used widely to change the way we dress and even how we furnish our homes. In most Kenyan resorts, for instance, the shuka has played a huge part in the interiors. Pairing up the shuka or kikoy with big bold buttons, for instance, has led to a great idea for

‘Shuka’ means something plaited, knitted or weaved, thus defining the way it is put together

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particular dressing cuts across the two cultures as shared Kenyan simple cloth.

cushion covers that can change the whole look of a living room or lounge.

These cloths have been used to cover up magazine racks, for instance, in order to give them an eye-catching look. The Maasai shuka is so prominent that you can hardly miss it in any Kenyan home, either in or away from Kenya. A piece normally goes for about KES 1,000 to KES 1,500 at most when purchased in a curio shop; but when obtained from the women who knit them in other parts of the country away from downtown Nairobi, the prices are around KES 800 to KES 1,000.

The shukas and khangas are usually very well made. The kikoys, too. They’re good for mixed and matched outfits, combining with other fabrics to produce an outfit that merges the Western and African worlds. The end-designs are fabulous and, in addition to the clothes they make, designers have taken things a notch higher and now make simple shoes and bags that can be paired up for a high-end fashion look.

Beadwork has also been well exploited in the fashion industry. Various glass beads make good ornaments as well as decorations for homes and offices and some can be quite beautiful.

Statement jewellery pieces are also made using clay-baked beads and are good for accessorising plain outfits.

Over the year, the fashion world comes together to host glitzy events themed around promoting the growth of young designers, celebrating the established designers and supporting the community through works of Kenyan design.

Names that cannot be ignored in the Kenyan fashion world include Afad Kenya, Poisa, Kiko Romeo, Moo Cow, John Kaveke, Rialto Fashions, Kazuri and Sanabora. These and others are celebrated because of their efforts to provide employment for young people who had initially nowhere to go, especially if their strengths lay in the arts.

Fashion Each year, fashion shows and fashion charities are organised in Kenya that bring together all the minds in fashion and draw the crowds, spreading the news over social media and fashion blog writers.

They include the Festival for Fashion and Arts (FAFA), Fashion And Beauty (FAB), Nairobi Fashion Market (NFM), Nairobi Haute Couture, Nairobi Fashion Week and Fashion High Tea. All their efforts to grow the fashion market in terms of cloth and accessory making are celebrated in Kenya because they have cultivated well from the paths that were paved and have brought a change to the way people dress, to the way they feel, and given them a sense of belonging and a sense of pride.

These events that bring people together because of a shared love are in no way different from the conventions that bring doctors or farmers together. Just in the same

way there are fashion weeks in New York, Paris and Milan showcasing the best of designs from designers all over the world. The untapped talent in the Third World market is preparing to take the world by storm.

Colourful creations

I believe that in the near feature we may have a Kenyan Fashion Week that will see the growth of the fashion industry pushed further to heights of success. Everything once dreamed of can be achieved. That’s the beauty of believing in our dreams.

mikutano 17

Learning

By Mitchelle Munira

WE JOIN DELEGATES TO SHARE THEIR PAIN O

ften, there are many things we take for granted when it comes to organising a conference, exhibition or an event in general.

Recently we went out on a small trip with my colleague Linda for external training on communication in the convention industry. This time round, we were on the other side of the fence; we were the delegates and not the conference organisers.

Undertaking this mission was just on the regular, but from it we gathered much about the possibilities of where we fall short when it comes to the effective execution of an event, keeping in mind the comfort of our guests.

What is normally the case when you walk into the office to find a large number of events all going on within the vicinity?

We find that, in most cases, lanyardwearing individuals are scattered all over the grounds. What is most interesting is that, among the masses, the organisers are up in the bustle, not knowing where to go or what to do. It always seems as if there is just too much and this case is very common the world over. It’s part of nature, you know, being confused.

It can be a real headache when we know we are expecting guests but do not prepare well to be there for them when they arrive. This case may be astonishing, but it’s also understandable and capable of being put right. How are all

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the delegates going to find the right venue to be at and in good time?

Considering this will help us plan for their needs and help our visitors feel welcome and calm.

During the training, many rooms had different events going on. Initially, yes, there was someone to meet us at the main door; but then once they gave vague directions to us we found ourselves lost in the vicinity. Sure, the walls were decorated with fine art and all sorts of things to catch the eye, but as delegates we felt a deep sense of panic.

Record Eventually, after a record seven minutes, we were able to find ground and get to the place where we belonged after nearly sitting in at the wrong meeting.

The seats in the room were set up in classroom style, but not for everyone, because with barely minimal space to pass, there were small isles created at the back of the room where the chairs were squeezed next to each other in theatre style. The room was confusing in a way and the space felt too little for all the people who were there; but even in all that, we settled in. The event, however, went well for the first session until the lunch hour was with us.

Lunch was served at the poolside, which was great, but getting there led us to get lost once more. We witnessed a case

where some delegates – either from our group or another – missed out on places to sit because guests at the hotel were out for a swim and some were looking to fill their empty tummies with a buffet lunch.

This was the most confusing bit. Everyone rushed out to find a table before they were left to eat standing with a plate in hand.

The experiences we had were reflective of some of the mistakes that as conference organisers we make in day-to-day routines and never realise the impact that is has on customer satisfaction, retention and, most importantly, business growth.

Lessons learnt The moral is that we need always to show our guests the way they are required to go once we have identified them.

This order ensures a smooth flow of business and shows we are in control of the situation and able to show comfort to our client.

Sometimes they could be shy, so instances where customers do not ask for the way are quite regular.

Meeting the needs of our valued customers and anticipating the same initially goes a long way in terms of ensuring they feel happy to be in our presence because they can trust in us.

We should give out meal cards and if we are hosting different lunches or going out to use facilities that do not belong to the convention centre, it is very important that delegates can all be accommodated. At times when their convenience is priority, there must be effective communication on the same aspects to keep them smiling and able to properly enjoy their meal.

‘We always need to show our guests the way they are required to go’

It is important to make all guests feel comfortable because actions are recommendations in the long run.

This is a dose prescribed from one experience to better another and to cure the long-lasting headache. mikutano 19

Social responsibility

THE GREEN TEAM

- Corporate social responsibility that counts ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world’ – Mahatma Gandhi

A

mong the guiding factors of many multinational companies and organisations, the growth of an entity of a large magnitude is also very much dependent on the ability to be able to achieve sustainability within the environment in which it thrives.

Corporate conscience is titled to aid an organisation’s mission as well as be a guide to what the company stands for and will uphold for the sake of its consumers.

Development business ethics examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise within a business environment.

The role of Corporate Social Responsibility is about giving back to the community part of what the corporation has gained as a result of investing and existing within the same communities.

Vision

The KICC continues to provide sustainable support for conservation of the environment through partnerships to grow

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life-changing experiences and strength to better Kenya and the whole world.

They always did say: ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second-best time is now.’

Wangari Muta Maathai, who died in 2011, received the Nobel award in 2004 in recognition of her efforts in environmental conservation, including the planting of trees.

Occasion This year the centre teamed up with the Green Africa Foundation on World Environment Day (5 June) to plant 1,000 trees at Kenyatta University. The occasion was graced by leaders of environmental conservation, students of the university who had undertaken environmental study courses and also dedicated members of staff from both the partnering entities in order to support the World Environmental Day slogan: ‘Raise your voice, not the sea level’.

Creating a platform that will enable staff to participate in more CSR activities within their workplaces will build the spirit of team work and will also serve as a guide to get important things done in a fun way. Things that are learnt in a group sometimes have more impact than those learnt in singular instances – more so if they involve something practical. Those little things are the factors that bring forth

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

In June this year, the Mikutano team along with its parent institution, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), chose their first CSR activity of 2014 – a vision of a great theme towards fronting the development and conservation of the environment.

forests. In fact, the centre has two forests of its own where trees have been planted over time. They are the Global Forest and the Wangari Maathai Gardens, named after the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Left: The late Wangari Muta Maathai

Environmental responsibility

The role of Corporate Social Responsibility is about giving back to the community

mikutano 21

‘Customer service for me is about being a good listener, being friendly and trying to do whatever it takes to put a smile on the customer’s face’ Terry Opiko, Key Accounts Manager, KICC 22

Customer service in the MICE industry Interview with Terry Opiko, key accounts manager, KICC

Meeting new people has taught me so much about life Q. How long have you worked in the meetings industry?

A. Seven years now. I joined the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, which was then the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, in 2007. At the time it was the venue at the helm of conference tourism and it still is the case in Kenya.

Q. What is it you do here?

A. I work with the KICC as a key accounts manager. My position requires me to promote the centre locally, regionally as well as internationally in terms of bringing in MICE business.

Q. Did you start off as a key accounts manager?

A. Definitely not! It takes time to amass knowledge. I actually did my internship at the centre in mid 2006 and then I went back to complete my studies. I was lucky that they had an opening for me at the centre in 2007. I started off in the Customer Service Department and over time managed to work my way forth.

Q. What do you like about the job?

A. My favourite part of the job is that I get to interact with a variety of individuals, which allows me to get a sense of what they are looking for in an ideal convention facility.

Those same interactions actually serve as a learning platform. There’s so much I’ve been able to know because of my job and I cannot replace that experience with

anything. What you know is completely yours. An average day on the job consists of checking emails, following up on sales and providing excellent customer service and knowledge while advertising the centre.

Q. How would you describe customer service?

A. Customer service for me is about being a good listener, being friendly and trying to do whatever it takes to put a smile on the customer’s face. Being happy with what you do is reflected in your work, in your natural attitude. And it’s contagious – or at least sets an example. Always be friendly to customers and try to be as helpful as possible because even if people do not sign up with you at that time they will come back and talk to you or send their friends to speak with you if they had a good experience. You will always be a reference point.

Q. How has being involved with the centre helped you?

A. KICC has prepared me for a variety of challenges to come in my professional and personal life. I welcome those challenges.

I have learnt the value of working with a team that values creativity, efficiency and personal connections with customers. I am continuously learning how to be more productive in an office setting and I know now how to interact with a team.

Q. What motivates you in your job?

A. My job at the KICC provides me with the satisfaction of knowing that I

am helping and I really just like to help.

Sometimes it’s so hard. You have to work all through nights just setting up for a function and sometimes there’s just those days with plenty of letdowns. But I love coming into work because of my co-workers. The KICC is truly a family.

When you are having a bad day or need help with something, someone is always there and willing to pick up the slack. My favourite saying is: ‘Always do your best, even when no one is watching.’

Q. What is the strangest request you’ve ever had from a customer?

A. Well, I have heard it all, from bringing down a wall in the building which could result in weakening the structure, to site visits to my house and marriage proposals. No two days with customers are ever the same.

Q. How long to you plan to work for the centre?

A. I want to relax in the future and tour the world even more. I am currently working towards that particular ambition. Before I am all grey and too tired to walk I would like to have a chance to experience my life through different scopes.

Q. What is your personal mantra?

A. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Interview by PR Mikutano

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Lessons of World Cup

MEETINGS SECTOR CAN LEARN LESSONS FROM WORLD CUP We all know how celebrated the World Cup has been. There is a lot we can learn from the games in Brazil.

Here, we look at four key aspects that have been a major part of our daily activities in the office as we prepare for a convention.

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Preparation

Unity

Since time immemorial, children in school have been taught the virtues of good preparation. A well-known adage says: ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’ These were the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the USA.

There are good reasons for including unity in the list of four. Without unity, little can be achieved. The world is in a state of confusion, with wars, homeless people, starving people, etc. Yet during the World Cup all of Africa was out to support the African teams – Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Algeria – who were competing. Nigeria, for example, has not had an easy year, but aren’t all Nigerians behind the Super Eagles?

In the run-up to the World Cup, teams prepared with zeal for four years for the chance to play in Brazil. In the same way, a team that specialises in hosting any sort of meeting – whether it’s a conference, an event or an exhibition – must prepare well in advance.

Information about the dates, the client’s preferred set-up and the expected number of attendees must all be discussed and agreed at an early stage.

As in the World Cup, knowing as much as possible beforehand helps the team to effectively coordinate and eventually ‘score big’ whatever might come in the middle. So always be prepared to welcome your guests, to negotiate and to understand what is required. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Well, just like the team work seen on the football field, within the meetings industry everyone must pay the price of unity in order to pull off a successful event. Unity is strength and not everything can be done by a particular person. It takes the combined strength of those booking the event, those setting up the venue, those catering for the delegates and those ensuring that everyone is pleased and happy.

If there is a missing link in this chain then we fall short of success. You take what you know and add it to what John knows and eventually everything works out. A candle never loses its brightness by lighting another candle.

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Lessons of World Cup

Commitment

Qualification

A commitment to perfection and determination in order to achieve a certain goal is never easy, but it’s worth it. Can you imagine if the much admired Lionel Messi was not committed to his team, himself or the game of football? Do you think anyone would believe in him or that he would he be as good as he is now if he had no resilience or commitment?

Countries have to bid to host the World Cup. You have to be good enough, worthy enough and host enough to mass up all the nations the whole world over.

So, in the events industry, there must be follow-through from beginning to end. Make the plans and follow them to the last, because you never know what could happen midway. Be there for your client all the way. That shows you are in control and gives your client confidence in your abilities.

Commitment is the voice in our head, as in the mind of the footballer, that says: “The game is not over until it really is over.”

No matter the successes along the way, mid goals do not determine the end result. Conference organisers need to work hard until the event is over and everyone is going home. Like the final whistle, that end signals the real success.

In the forefront of bidding to host international conferences is the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. Some of the world’s most prestigious conferences have been brought to Africa by this team, which spearheads the MICE strategy in Kenya.

In June this year, for example, the KICC hosted the 99th session of the African Caribbean PacificEuropean Union Conference.

The issue of qualification ties back to the first reasons of comparison and closes the four points square.

Even the teams that competed in Brazil had to play off within their regions to qualify. The same will apply in the final game that decides the winner. Similarly, within the meetings industry you always have to find a way to be the one that does the best job and touches the heart of the customer.

Then you will always be the one to qualify and that business will always keep you afloat. Even when you dance, you must put your best foot forward to make an impression.

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Nairobi Hotels

Where to stay for KICC delegates

Only one problem – you’re spoilt for choice C

oming to Nairobi to attend an event at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre? Need somewhere stay? If the answer is yes, then you’ve got a problem – you are spoilt for choice.

Not so long ago, if you were visiting on business, Nairobi’s hotels fell more or less into two categories: plush expensive international branded chain; or hotels trading on their elegant colonial-style heritage. But how things have changed.

Now, delegates, visitors and conference attendees can choose from a bewildering array of executive-style accommodation that is scattered right across the city.

Of course, there are still the big-name five-star hotels, which we can list as the InterContinental, the Kempinski, the

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Hilton and the Serena. These are fine, although pricey. The colonial hotels, broadly, are the Sarova, The Stanley, the Fairmont, The Norfolk, the Southern Sun Mayfair and the Fairview. All except The Stanley are outside the central business district, but still in convenient locations with delightful garden settings.

Eclectic Today they are joined by a more eclectic offering: good business hotels, but geared towards the price-conscious rather than the money-no-object expensive account guest.

In many ways, this sector was pioneered in Nairobi by the Country Lodge Hotel. Run by the same owners as the venerable Fairview next door, the Country Lodge provides just what the

budget-savvy business visitor desires: a clean, modern room with wall-mounted TV, Wi-Fi, not too many frills and a comfortable bed.

In different parts of the city there are variations on the same theme, although targeted at slightly different budgets.

Some of these hotels are not really suitable for those planning to visit or exhibit at KICC, but may be considered when a trip to Nairobi involves both the KICC and meetings elsewhere.

So, in spite of large-scale road improvements in and around Nairobi, Tribe, one of the very best in this sector, is probably too far away from KICC to be a viable option.

But it’s great if you like shopping at The Village Market (and who doesn’t?) and you also need to visit the United Nations.

Plenty of choice

In more or less the opposite direction there are options worth considering: Ole-Sereni, Eka Hotel and even The Boma.

Uniquely, Ole-Sereni has unobstructed views across Nairobi National Park while Eka is on the busy Mombasa Road. Both are super convenient for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The Boma, an imposing hotel owned by the Red Cross, has a quieter setting but is just that bit further from JKIA, although it is closer to KICC.

These hotels have seen a significant increase in bed nights as a result of Kenya’s expanding MICE sector and this has been excellent for business

All three are perfect for executives, but the downside is the draining battle to reach the central business district from a location on Mombasa Road.

for an area with lively evening entertainment and a sprinkling of rather nice eateries within easy walking distance.

Classy

Further afield, it’s worth considering the new and beautifully presented Hemingways Nairobi in nearby Karen. All these hotels are making it possible to cater more effectively for the needs of tourists coming to the destination for business and leisure. In the context of business travel, these new hotels have undoubtedly seen a significant increase in the number of bed nights as a result of Kenya’s expanding MICE sector, and this has been excellent for business.

Over in Westlands, the Sankara has carved out a reputation as a classy property with top-notch cuisine and a location that cannot be bettered if guests are looking

But, wherever you choose to stay in Nairobi, you’ll be sure to find just the right hotel at the right price and in the right location.

Then there’s the Crown Plaza on Upper Hill and the soon-to-come dusitD2 on Riverside Drive, an area previously overlooked in terms of hotel location.

And on Chiromo Road, as you go up to Westlands, there is no denying the grand presence of the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel with its exquisite ambience. All these are just a short taxi ride from KICC.

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Nairobi restaurants

Good food, great chefs, wonderful cuisine I

s there really another East African city to compare to Nairobi? Well, I can’t really think of a rival when it comes to good food.

Nairobi is chock-full of culinary surprises – all of them pleasant. From fast food to the finest of fine dining, here is a city that caters for all tastes.

Good food and an amazingly eclectic range of restaurants are what make the city a real favourite for those from overseas attending events at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

But it’s not just in the quality of the food and the dining experience that Nairobi revels in its diversity. It may come as a surprise to first-time visitors that Nairobi has, for example, more than three Japanese restaurants (Furusato, Haru, Misono and Sushi Soo) and two Brazilian restaurants (Fogo Gaucho and Pampa Churrascaria).

Outside the top hotels, any list of fine dining restaurants would probably include Tamarind Nairobi and Tamambo (both owned by the Tamarind Group), Seven Seafood & Grill (an exquisite eatery at ABC Place) and The Lord Erroll (in Runda). Also recommended is Brew Bistro (good food mixed with craft beers).

Chinese

For something quick and of consistently good quality, the Spur restaurants at the Southern Sun Mayfair and the Eka Hotel on Mombasa Road both fit the bill with sizzling steaks and mouth-watering ribs.

Look out for special ‘all you can eat’ nights.

And there’s no end of Chinese (Zen Garden, Panda and Mister Wok), Italian (Mediterraneo, Trattoria and Osteria), Ethiopian (Abyssinia), Lebanese (Cedars and Phoenician) and Indian (Open House and Haandi) restaurants. None will disappoint.

There is also a good sprinkling of eateries serving Continental cuisine as well as restaurants with no particular national style.

A key reason why Nairobi’s restaurants maintain such a high standard is that, thanks to its wide variety of climates, Kenya has the most wonderful selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, not to mention homereared beef, pork, lamb and even goat.

Another factor is the incredibly high standard of Kenya’s catering schools and the vigorous training regimes in top hotel kitchens which effortlessly turn out chefs by the dozen.

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In addition, Nairobi’s top hotels have restaurants of the highest calibre, so it is not always necessary to venture out – although it’s always a good idea to mix elegant in-house offerings with an evening out in the city.

The list of memorable restaurants within the leading hotels of Nairobi is a long one.

Among the most recommended are: Tai Chi (The Stanley), Mandhari (Serena), Luca (Villa Rosa Kempinski), Muhibbah (Sankara), Bhandini (Intercontinental), Tatu (Fairmont The Norfolk), Pango (Fairview), Moonflower (Palacina) and Big Five (Ole-Sereni).

Carnivore Then there is the dining event that is Carnivore – a must for any visitor from abroad. Once offering a selection of local game and part of the same group as Tamarind, the restaurant is still famed for its grilled meat, although its menu is less exotic than in the past for conservation reasons.

And let us not forget Kenya’s own contribution to global cuisine, nyoma choma (roasted goat meat) served with ugali and kachumbari. For an unforgettable and truly local experience, try Njuguna’s on busy Waiyaki Way. No trip to Nairobi is complete without savouring a dish of choma accompanied by Tusker lager served baridi sana. Sheer heaven.

Catering for all tastes

Good food and an amazingly eclectic range of restaurants are what make the city a real favourite

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Festival events

Kenyans celebrate the joy of life through m.i.c.EVENTS! F

estivals are celebrations that serve to highlight unique aspects of the host community. They also meet specific purposes that generally lead to the spread of cheer and offer a form of educational experience.

Festivals are attributed to factors within the scope of religion, such as the Eid Festival held by Islamic communities, as well as thanksgiving and even agriculture.

In some communities in the world, religious commemoration and giving thanks for good harvests can package into one reason for a festival, such as Halloween and Easter.

Entertainment has become a part of festivals across the world. In this issue of Mikutano we take pride in going through this increasingly popular form of meetings in Kenya and look at how festivals bring people together.

In days gone by, the only prominent festivals held in Kenya were school drama and music festivals. In more recent times, however, Kenya has spread out from the traditional festival settings that drew the nation’s schools together to compete for the accolade of best performance.

We highlight some of the most celebrated Kenyan festivals that have come to prominence in our society over recent years and have also appealed even more strongly to visitors. With the holidays around the corner, let us venture into the season’s happenings.

Smithsonian Festival Kenya found a showcase for its culture and way of life at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held in the United States capital, Washington, on 25 to 29 June and 2 to 6 July. The festival was held outdoors between the Smithsonian museums.

At the Smithsonian Festival, Kenya’s exhibiting theme was Kenya Mambo Poa (meaning ‘Kenya Good Things’). Kenya participated in the festival and showed its dynamic nature to the rest of the world.

In the programmed event, Kenya was able to present the ways in which the people of Kenya are balancing protection of their valued cultural and natural heritage with the challenges and opportunities for change in the 21st century.

Festival visitors had a chance to interact with craftspeople working with everything from clay to soapstone to recycled

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In days gone by Festivals date way back into history, each with its own meaning and boundaries. In those far-off days, festivals were associated with social organisation and political processes as well as religion.

In Ancient Rome, for example, there was Saturnalia, a holiday in honour of Saturn, the god of farming. This festival, which began in the Roman forum on 17 December, involved a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, a public banquet, private gift-giving, continuous partying and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms.

Gambling was permitted and masters provide table service for their slaves.

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Festival events materials. Visitors also had a chance to learn about important fossil discoveries by taking part in a model dig site from the Great Rift Valley. To add to the fun, they had a run with Kenya’s Olympic athletes, a dance to both traditional and contemporary music from many regions of the country, a discovery of how Kenyans live among and work with some of the most magnificent wildlife in Africa and even learned how to tie the Swahili khanga, a form of clothing that is wrapped around the body, usually waist down or on top of the hair, and also about the kofia, a form of headgear from the Lamu Archipelago.

Visitors were able to have this entire package plus have the all-time Kenyan life experience in the United States.

A reflection of creativity and dynamic experiences of the Kenyan people,

whether they live in urban or rural, coastal or inland environments, were all shared here. There was story-telling and a screening of the award-winning film ‘Nairobi Half Life’ that allowed the audience to understand the challenges faced in Kenya and other developing countries in the east.

Mombasa Carnival, which celebrates the traditions and ethnicity of tribes in Kenya.

This vibrant festival is held in November in Kenya’s second city, which has been influenced by African and Arabic customs for many years. For this reason, it portrays African and Arabian cultures exceptionally well.

The Smithsonian Festival came in at an opportune moment when Kenya has only recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence. The festival was a way of showing the world the bitters and sweet and also gave room to show prospects for the future days.

The Mombasa Carnival features multinational floats and colourful parades along with music and dancing. Many people can be seen strolling through the streets in unusual costumes all day long.

Stalls sell a wide range of goods and special Kenyan dishes are available everywhere in the city during the carnival.

Mombasa Carnival Other major festivals in Kenya include more recent annual events such as the

From the south, we take you up north to Loiyangalani (meaning ‘place of many trees’ in the native Samburu tongue), a

Finding something new to be cheerful about is always a good thing

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Fun, fun, fun

small town on the south-east coast of Lake Turkana. This town is home to El Molo, an almost extinct community. Its main industries are fishing, tourism and gold panning.

Loiyangalani is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in northern Kenya because of the unique cultural experiences offered by El Molo, Turkana and other villages. In June 2008 the first Lake Turkana Cultural Festival was held at the Desert Museum in Loiyangalani, which mirrors the cultures and lifestyles of the eight communities in this area.

In June 2014 the festival aimed to celebrate and help preserve the cultures of the El Molo, Samburu, Gabbra, Rendile, Watta, Dasannach, Pokot and Turkana peoples.

Other well-known festivals in between the two opposites of Kenya include: • Lamu Cultural Festival • The Laugh Festival • Kenya International Film Festival • Slum Film Festival • Ferodo Concours d’Elegance • International Camel Derby • Barbecue Festival • The Cake Festival • Blankets and Wine Festival • Arts Festival • Hay Festival • Kenya Safari Rally • Oktober Beer Festival • Lamu Yoga Festival • Love Whisky Festival • African Food and Cultural Festival • Coconut Festival • Kenya Tourism Week.

This list serves to celebrate the union of different people around the country, coming together because of the love of a particular aspect of life.

Prominent This quarter of the year is most prominent for these festivals that round up many individuals to celebrate and commemorate certain unique things. Whether it’s food or classic cars, there is something for everyone and every need.

As the Christmas spirits set in slowly and surely, the mood for the festivals is all up and smelling good in the air. Celebrate and do it well and don’t be left out in the celebration and fun. Finding something new to be cheerful about is always a good thing.

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Out and about

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR BEAUTIFUL COAST Exploring the variety of Mombasa County

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W

hen it comes to travel, Kenya is a land of infinite variety. Every county is special in its own way, from administration to other intricate aspects. Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic communities and other groups and each place has its own unique appeal.

Traditionally, in Kenya, when the holidays come round, many of us think about retreating to the coast.

Easygoing

It’s beautiful at the coast. Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and the other coastal towns are full of life and easygoing people

Sometimes, when we go down south, we forget there is so much to see and enjoy.

It’s beautiful at the coast. Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and the other coastal towns are full of life and easygoing people. Every time we go from the city to our home town for a family Christmas gathering, a stop by Mombasa is always welcome.

Being at the coast in December is like bringing down the whole of Nairobi and other cities, carrying the good spirits and positive auras to the south to make every December experience memorable.

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Stanislaw Tokarski / Shutterstock.com

Old walls and splendour There’s a new splendour within old walls. Mombasa town was a very different place in days gone by.

It was a land of fortresses with a colourful history.

Predominantly, it was home to Arab traders from whom the present inhabitants of the coastal region have inherited their culture and language.

In these oceanfront towns, even the present-day descendants have the semblance of Arabs, with their lighter skin and their knowledge of the Arabic language, from which Swahili words are borrowed.

The much visited County of Mombasa is home to a magnificent fort in the centre of the town built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a centre of administration and military defence.

Fort Jesus is a landmark in Mombasa. In spite of the erosion to its coral walls, the fort is still in good condition when you consider it was built in 1591.

The fort bears witness to the first successful attempt

by Western civilisation to rule the Indian Ocean trade routes, which until then had been under Eastern influence. It was built in the shape of a man, with watch towers from which the Portuguese could see far out across the ocean and resist attack by warships.

Out and about Riding the beach camels, relaxing on the sands, buying ice cream at Yul’s in Nyali, visiting the new Java for a milkshake, going to Bamburi, enjoying a night out at Bob’s Bar, going on a sea safari, jet skiing and simply relaxing in the hotel pool – these are not new experiences for most Kenyans when it comes to making memories at the coast.

To retain the white sandy beaches, to maintain the jobs of many, to improve the beach hotels – there are only a few of the things we constantly wish for. We want to see the preserved coastal forests grow and to witness our children and grandchildren running in the sun and building sandcastles and having a positive future in their own land.

As the coastal lands of Kenya experience certain hardships in the current time, we note with sadness that 2013 and 2014 have been far from easy for the inhabitants of these beautiful lands, which have been played such a key role in the national economy in terms of revenue from tourism.

We are spreading a message of peace and love using the coast region as an example of what is admirable.

It is important that the coastal lands and their people should be encouraged through these trying times and that the wrongdoers and law-breakers should be found and brought to justice. What has been the way of these lands from ancient days needs to stand in the same strength – just like the fort and the Old Town itself.

What’s done is done, but it is never too late to forgive and allow the scars to heal and move on to better days. The coast is in the prayers of the Kenyan nation. It is important to know that the things that hurt these small groups of people hurt the country as a whole.

Conventions Looking forward, we know that Mombasa itself plays a huge role in efforts to host major conventions. The growth of Mombasa is dependent on being at the centre of business for the East African Community; and it is our responsibility as citizens to encourage one another to stop the hate from flowing.

The time will soon come when you want to go down to the coast, when you aren’t restricted, when you feel safe, when you feel it’s right and when you feel free because good things are here to stay. As you dream of drinking the sweet premature coconut waters, eating the spiced Swahili dishes and feeling the summer breeze in your hair, always remember that, truly, there’s a new splendour within old walls.

Fort Jesus is next to the Old Town of Mombasa. Both features are a big part of Kenyan history and the fort is now a Unesco World Heritage Centre administered by the National Museums of Kenya.

The Old Town is on the eastern side of Mombasa Island next to Tudor Creek. It takes about 30 minutes to walk across the Old Town, which is circular in shape and covers about 180 acres. The area contains ancient buildings and is home to the biggest fish market at the coast, where you can even buy shark and squid. mikutano 39

Around the world

It’s always worth eyeing up the competition…

E

very convention we choose to attend is guided on the base of the types of association we will tend to gain and all the possible outcomes that will lead to satisfaction at the end of it.

captivating, uniquely designed and inviting convention centres.

Conventions are nothing new. The MICE industry has taken off in other regions around the globe. As Africa strives to match up with prominent meeting venues across the world, much work needs to be put into the game.

Peachy

The United States is still the top destination for conferencing and conventions, while Europe commands the largest share of the MICE segment and over time has become a major player in this business.

But other places around the world are coming in at full speed to steal a little of the glory. Here are some of them.

All peachy and fine, we look at some of the best cities in the world when it comes to a classy affair when an event is concerned. We ravel you with the aspirations of the region to become further part and parcel of the convention world by looking at some of the world’s most

The MICE industry has taken off in other regions around the globe

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The dreams that we have and a reality that waits is gravitated around the individuals who give us a unique experience.

Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Florida Florida’s Orange County Convention Centre makes its mark on the world map by offering first-rate conference solutions. The convention centre is located on International Drive, in the heart of the area’s tourism district, only 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

This beautiful convention centre has two facilities: the West Building and the North/South Building. The interior of the centre is vast, with 2.1 million sq ft of exhibition space and all the facilities required to cater for a successful flow of events in terms of conferences and exhibitions. Expert service providers are on hand to take good care of catering, telecommunications, technical services and other key requirements for a successful event.

Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia

Vancouver Convention Centre, British Columbia, Canada

Adelaide, the state capital of South Australia, has been dubbed ‘the 20-minute city’ because of its speed of access and comfort of travel. The convention centre offers world-class facilities and a dedicated team to ensure the success of any event that chooses a home host in Australia.

The Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, an island city in a spectacular location between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. The city offers a host of activities for visitors and tourists.

Adelaide is a charming place – a city of culture with a wide variety of tourist attractions and a resident population known for their hospitality.

The multipurpose convention centre offers a range of affordable and versatile MICE facilities, with up to 14 fully serviced and equipped meeting rooms. The standard of service is impeccable and commendable.

With its excellent services, technical capabilities and high-quality banqueting, the VCC has made a name for itself among the world’s leading conference centres.

The centre has a flexible design with East and West Buildings that allow separate events to be held simultaneously. There is ample space for exhibitions and meetings. The most striking features of the building are its marine habitat, built into the foundation, and its six-acre ‘living roof’.

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Around the world

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre

The award-winning Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre is an imposing multipurpose venue located in the heart of the city on the north side of Hong Kong Island. The centre offers a beautiful view of Victoria Harbour and is strategically located close to the city’s business district. Many leading hotels – and the business district – can be reached on foot via covered walkways.

Dubai, with its vast stretches of land, towering skyscrapers, hot beaches and ravishing city life, is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The international convention centre is located in the heart of the city at the hub of the region’s busiest commercial district. It has a flexible design suited for multifunctional utility. With over 1 million sq ft of exhibition space, ample parking and ready access to the airport, the centre is one of the world’s most popular MICE destinations.

For organisers of conventions, the centre offers stateof-the-art technology and support services. With its huge interior spaces, the centre can accommodate up to 140,000 visitors a day. Cleanliness is maintained at all times both in the centre and across the city. Delegates will find plenty of interesting things to occupy their free time away from the conference room.

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Travel incentives

L

ife is a set of transitions all lined up in a unique and different way for each and every one of us.

TRAVEL – the best way to broaden your mind

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In life, we move from one step to the next and, in the same way, we take in each breath. Sometimes, though, all this is so normal, we hardly take the time to determine just how much each chance we live through is worth embracing in a special kind of way.

All things come in a kind of tradition – something we grew up with. Saying things like ‘This is how it usually goes’ is the norm for cultures and people the world over.

We can accept that many people do not like to go the extra mile, do not like to think outside the box. But then I ask: what is wrong with changing things that we can change, given a chance?

We grow up reading in various places of learning, but why did we do this? It was always in the back of our minds that we do the things that we do so that eventually we can live a productive life, secure a better job, a better chance, a better home.

Learning is a sequence of events that never stops, no matter how old you grow or where you go. Today, you’ve come a long way and I congratulate you. However, my suggestion is that you go further.

Day to day

Now that you have the job you want and you earn the money you once never had, you deserve a break – a chance to reflect and find yourself so that you can move towards a different kind of new. I know you’re looking forward to the weekend and your well-earned work leave. I know you want to cover up during the day and perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink in the evening.

So we are where we are. We have some of the things that once we only wished for and we have a long way to go. In our day-to-day lives, we learn through hundreds of other lives in our workplaces, in places of learning, on the streets, in cafés, at meetings.

It’s the norm, I know. But what about trying something more thrilling? Just before you update to a new phone, why don’t you use the money to go somewhere you’ve never been before? Life is not worth living without trying something new. Surely, for all the years you’ve toiled, you

In our learning days, we knew that opening a book was also opening up a new mindset, a new way of seeing life and living it in a different way through the lives and experiences of the characters in those stories we encouraged one another and pushed ourselves to read.

Now that you have the job you want and you earn the money you once never had, you deserve a break might want to know how other people do it and why they do it.

Appreciation of life comes in various ways.

Reading is a pretty good way and travel is a sure other way.

Take a break from the routine you’ve never broken for the past three or four years and reward yourselves or your employees. Take a trip down south, up north, to the east or the west; just go somewhere new and learn something you never knew.

How to grow productivity Incentives have been a major item in the meetings industry. By spearheading change, incentives have served as a learning plate.

Corporations the world over are embracing the need to reward hard-working employees in order to motivate them to give an even better output in the coming days.

Incentives are a major part of the MICE business around the globe. That’s the meaning of the ‘I’ in the acronym that in full stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

As you consider a form of reward, such as shopping vouchers or money kitties, why not try a small trip instead. For both you and your employees, it could change your whole outlook on life.

The knowledge that comes from different places around the world is shared by the whole company and the rewards of growth are better in the future. mikutano 45