Today
media par tner of EMIF Responsible Publisher : Marcel A.M. Vissers, Mechelseplein 23, 2000 Antwerp
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The new EMIF has arrived! Nobody can explain better what EMIF is about than someone who’s working for this trade fair the whole year round. Within easyFairs/Conevex Heidi Smitt is responsible for the Business Services fairs. EMIF belongs to this group, but also Management Assistant, Business Gifts, Visual Com, Retail Systems, Commercial interior & design. But she immediately added that 75% of her time is devoted to EMIF! Could you tell us something more about the new course EMIF is steering? Since I didn’t have any experience in the meeting industry before I joined the organisation in April 2008, it wasn’t hard to re-evaluate the project from scratch. You can still explore new terrain without prejudice. I thought it seemed appropriate to first of all listen to the needs and ambitions of the players in the meetings industry. So, the first weeks we were mainly asking around about the demands and wishes of the exhibitors and the visitors and we opened our minds to criticism. That’s the fastest training possible. In order not to lose touch with the market we also started two clubs which we regularly meet: EMIF EDP (EMIF Devoted Professionals) and EMIF Y3 (Young Dynamic Buyers). We’re implementing the useful advice of the members as much as possible. It’s safe to say that the new course that EMIF is steering now is strongly inspired by the input we received from the market. Next, it was up to us to transform this input into new clear objectives and the right actions, which I want to explain. We want to raise the number and the quality of visitors by raising the marketing budget meant to attract visitors, developing our database, and sharing our database with other organisations in the meetings industry. Furthermore, we aim to maximize the innovative character of the fair with a new
and contemporary location, new branding, new exhibitors, and by promoting innovations to our visitors and integrating them in the fair itself. Within this framework we’re also working on the events character of the fair. In my opinion, each and every person involved should experience a visit to the fair as something attractive, pleasant and useful, and not merely as a sales platform. Increasing the affinity with all parties involved is another objective. Therefore we have to maintain contact with and set up win-win partnerships with the major players in the meetings industry. This way of working also results in a wide offer of attractive content-filled programmes for associations and corporates during EMIF 2009, such as the associations programme in cooperation with the ESAE, round-table discussions with MIM and HQ magazine, and MCI, an educational by MPI, and a seminar by Rendevenement. The networking possibilities and ROI for the attendants need to be optimized as well. A VIP night and directly afterwards a VIP networking event in the exhibition hall will definitely contribute to this. Finally, we have to keep on stressing the European character of the fair. I think we should compare EMIF to an active spider that’s starting to spin its web in Brussels. Strategically this is definitely the right choice, since the local potential is definitely at hand here. Moreover, the density of the ‘web’ is very high in the Benelux. The cobweb gets thinner as we cross bor-
Heidi Smitt Unit Manager Business Services
ders but there are still important points of attachment all over Europe. This shows in the Hosted Buyer Programme which has a preponderance of Benelux visitors, but also buying potential from other European countries.
What’s your role within EMIF? To put it briefly: restoring confidence in EMIF and turning the fair into an unqualified success again. Of course I’m not doing this by myself. Since I’ve arrived at Conevex/easyFairs, the EMIF team has also welcomed new motivated staff members.
What will be the impact of the crisis on EMIF? The combination of a perceptible recession and a market confidence that needs to be regained will definitely lead to a somewhat lower number of exhibitors compared to last year. We can live with that, as long as we reach the intended number of visitors, because that’ll be an important sign to grow in the future. Next to that, we want to use the recession to our advantage by attracting visitors through strong content themes which can be a guide in these challenging times. Another good motivation not to miss out on EMIF!
EMIF TODAY 1
Everyone welcome in the Flanders Lounge Like every year the Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau is present at EMIF, right next to the Flanders Lounge, and close to the VIP Lounge.
The Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau is presenting the new 'Official Meeting Guide to Flanders & Brussels'
New in 2009 But what's new for this year? Well, first of all the Convention Bureau will proudly present the fresh 'Official Meeting Guide to Flanders & Brussels' - 2009 edition at the EMIF fair. In this brochure the services and products of around 700 suppliers from the Flemish and Brussels region are presented.
werpen Toerisme & Congres, and Meeting Limburg. But this year they're also welcoming two new players: Meeting in Mechelen and Meeting in Leuven. A total of around 80 suppliers will be represented in the Flanders zone.
Everyone welcome! Moreover, every local Flemish convention bureau will be joining in: Meeting in Brugge, Gent Congres, Westtoer, Toerisme Knokke-Heist, Toerisme Oostende, Ant-
EMIF TODAY 2
True to tradition, all visitors of the EMIF fair are welcome in the Flanders zone to have a beer, a nice cup of coffee or - more importantly - a pleasant chat.
Contact Jan Wittouck Executive Officer Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau Meeting Point Belgium tel.+32 2 504 03 55 fax: +32 2 504 04 80 www.meetingpoint.be
MIMmagazine.eu Competition 'the biggest buzz @ EMIF 2009'
EDITORIAL MARCEL A.M. VISSERS Owner - Editor in chief
WHO’S MAKING THE BIGGEST BUZZ @ EMIF 2009? Just like last year, the exhibitor who does the best communication & networking job to draw visitors in and do business on their stand will be rewarded. It's not about luxury stand-building & design, although the latter can obviously help communicate a strong marketing message. It’s about people and how they communicate on a fair.
will be awarded in two categories – one national for Belgian exhibitors & the other: international. The judging will take place today, Wednesday. The Awards will then be presented on the winners stands. Both winners will feature in EMIF TODAY 2, published (and distributed) on the 2nd day of EMIF! with the judges’ appraisal of why they were chosen.
PS: Remember that ‘buzz’ does not mean noise, loud music or repetitive videos which disturb business discussions & drive neighbouring exhibitors mad…
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The 8 edition, a brand-new start 'Visitors can definitely expect to be dazzled, right from when they enter the show,' says Heidi Smitt, responsible for the Business Services fairs. This goal can only be strengthened by the new location: the prestigious Tour & Taxis. With her grandeur, history and charm, it is the ideal location for a lively and sassy show such as EMIF. It is for this reason that all additional activities, such as the Associations Programme organized with ESAE, the Corporate Seminars and the VIP events will all take place under the same roof.
can already see a certain concentration on today’s economic climate, and more importantly, how to beat it or even make use of it.
A Tale of Teamwork As in previous years, EMIF has teamed up again with several partners in the industry. Most important goal of these partnerships: enhancing the international platform for the Meetings Industry and providing relevant content during the event. A number of seminars during both the Associations and the Corporate programme have been compiled by Industry media, associations and professional organisations, in order to maximize the quality of its content and to establish a clear focus on the specific expertise and interests of visitors. However broad the range of subjects, we
© Andreas Von Einsiedel
The EMIF TODAY Award for the Biggest Buzz @ EMIF 2009
The Cream of the Crop Needless to say, EMIF has put a lot of energy into staying in touch with the market, and thus offering more quality and in-depth content during the show. However, there’s still no proper trade show without, well, a trade show! The cream of national and international exhibitors in the Meetings Industry will enable visitors to indulge in inspiring (and moreover: recessionproof) ideas for their events.
Starting up again One of the most difficult assignments for a pilot is starting up again - making a new start. That means he has to put out his feelers at maximum strength to be able to get the plane back in the air during the landing without touching the ground. Giving full throttle and assessing the surrounding factors correctly just to stay in the air... A miscalculation could be fatal. Sometimes a trade fair also needs to start up again. Transferring from one fair organizer to another without losing too much exhibitors, it's not an easy task. It's often sink or swim because exhibitors are expecting a lot from the new management team, and rightly so. The new start of EMIF last year wasn't flawless. The new course wasn't indicated well enough. This year we confirmed our position as a strategic partner, together with a few colleagues, and we put our back into EMIF to let the fair rise to a good height again. A few factors were better assessed, like communication, location and time of the fair. If the pilot of EMIF keeps flying at full throttle, a nice future lies ahead, because a big meetings industry fair in Brussels the beating heart of Europe - is no luxury. I'd even say it's a must! EMIF TODAY 3
Your event needs our experience 12, boulevard Royal • L-2449 Luxembourg • Tél.: + 352 24 16 16-735 • Fax : + 352 24 16 16-8952 www.leroyalluxembourg.com • reservations@leroyalluxembourg.com
Pamper your meeting at the CINQ MONDES Spa in Dolce La Hulpe Brussels Holding your meeting at DOLCE LA HULPE BRUSSELS has always been a peaceful experience thanks to its amazing and unique location amid the Sonian Forest. But with the opening of a CINQ MONDES Spa, early February, you now have the opportunity to combine your meeting or event with a unique Spa experience.
Be sure to check www.dolcespa.be for more details about the CINQ MONDES Spa. To combine your Day meeting with a 30-minute Spa treatment and a 30-minute well-being group activity, book the Zen Day Meeting Package for only € 159 per person.
Dolce La Hulpe Brussels Chaussée de Bruxelles 135 1310 La Hulpe Pieter Allaerts +32 2 290 98 25 pieter.allaerts@dolce.com www.dolcelahulpebrussels.com
Photo: Jörg Hejkal
In this 800 m2 Spa with a timeless atmosphere of pure luxury and serenity, up to fifteen people at a time can enjoy a private personal massage or treatment. A wide range of CINQ MONDES treatments are available, from 30 minutes
upwards. An ideal opportunity for you to offer your meeting delegates, clients or colleagues an unusual well-being experience which will leave them relaxed and inspired. DOLCE LA HULPE BRUSSELS also offers you the possibility to reserve this piece of heaven on earth for a whole day or an evening as an ideal and original place for a teambuilding event.
May your convention be successful. Enjoy your stay!
During the day a successful convention. At noon an epicurean break with a glass of Moselle wine and a gourmet meal. In the evening a reception with a gastronomic climax in a venerable abbey or a medieval castle. Let the day fade away afterwards in one of the cosy bistros of the old town with its unique ramparts, a cultural monument of the UNESCO world heritage. Discover the diversity of the City of Luxembourg!
tel. (+352) 22 75 65 fax (+352) 46 70 73 e-mail: convention.bureau@lcto.lu www.lcb.lu
We are looking forward to welcoming you at our booth 2219/2220 during EMIF 2009 on March 18th and 19th, 2009 at Tour & Taxis in Brussels.
18 March 2009
EMIF 2009 Corporate and Association Programme Corporate Programme 11.00-12.00: “When people come together magic happens” Hugo Slimbrouck, Ovation Global DMC
15.30-17.30: Seminar by Febelux/Expobel 15.30: Reception 16.00 - 16.30: Workshop 'Calimero & Co' 'How can exhibitors and visitors get the most out of trade shows?' Guest speaker: Christophe Landuyt, Senior-Consultant, Expo-Id
ESAE Association Programme in conjunction with EMIF Main sponsors Associations Programme:
10.30 Essential regulatory briefing for association managers in Europe
· Gérard Legris · Head of Unit responsible for
· 16.00-17.30: MPI Educational 'The Role of DMCs and Convention Bureaus'
in difficult times Christophe Raudonat - Executive Director, International Association of Young Lawyers (Brussels)
16.30 - 16.45 Break 16.45 - 17.30: Learnshops presentation: 'Interaction between an event and PR, web, social media & buzz marketing' Guest speaker: Stefan CEULEMANS, Business Developer VO-event Vision of Communication (VO Communication) 17.30 - 18.00: ExpoBella Awards 2008
14.00 Planning membership drives
Transparency, Relations with Stakeholders and External Organisations, European Commission Updates on anti-trust legislation, governance and accountability and the registration of associations.
11.10 Tips for European Associations
18.00-19.00: MIMmagazine.eu Round Table Debate
Karin Wouters
'The Readers’ Voice' NB: upon invitation ONLY
11.45 Refreshment Break
on Surviving the Recession
14.30 Roundtables - animated by MCI List of Topics: Navigating VAT, Social and Viral Marketing, Enhancing your Educational Strategy, Revenue generating, Membership Relevance, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, Working with Volunteers 16.00 Refreshment Break 16.30 Intermezzos: 'Diamond Sponsor' 16.45 How to stimulate the interaction between the members of your organisation and attract more members by tapping into the power of LinkedIn Jan Vermeiren - Networking Coach 17.45 Wrap up
18.00-20.00: VIP Opening trade show 20.00-22.30: Fabulous VIP Networking Evening
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12.15 Strategical approach on how to
cope with these challenging times
18.00 VIP visit to the exhibition
Helga Severyns - Senior Director of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP, Brussels)
20.00 VIP Networking evening at the VIP lounge
13.00 Lunch (in VIP area)
22.30 Shuttle to hotel
10.00-12.00: 'Trends in Corporations' 10.00-10.30: Power of Motivation Hugo Slimbrouck, Former President SITE Global
10.30-11.15: MCI Round Table Sessions
· Insourcing vs Outsourcing · VAT Recuperation · Payment Schedules 11.15-12.00: Speaker to be confirmed 12.00-13.30: Seminar by Rendevenement 'How to get your guests to network during your event?' Maarten Vanneste, Abbit Meeting Support Jan Vermeiren, Networking Coach
Optional off-site VIP Programme VIP guests are offered an optional off-site programme on the 19th of March by BITC.
· Tour 2 includes: Husa President Park Hotel, La Tentation, Théatre de Vaudeville, The Dominican
09:00-10:00: Shuttle from hotel to Tour & Taxis (only for hosted executives from abroad)
13:30-14:30: Cocktail & lunch offered by BITC at EMIF, Tour & Taxis, Possible departures March 19:
10:00: Departure Brussels Site Visits; organised by BITC · Tour 1 includes: Hotel Bloom!, The Claridge, Le Chatelain All Suite Hotel, Le Bozar
AM: Shuttles from hotel to Tour & Taxis, Airport or Train station PM: Shuttles from Tour & Taxis to Airport or Train station
© Andreas Von Einsiedel
19 March 2009
Corporate Programme
MIMmagazine.eu Corporate Talk 18 March - 18.00-19.00: MIMmagazine.eu Panel Discussion The Reader's Voice 'The psychological impact of meetings, events and motivitional experiences (more familiarly referred to as incentive trips) on their participants' Four important corporate executives, such as SWIFT, will talk about their own event, and a corporate psychologist will throw in his opinion afterwards. This will definitely give new insights into the value of meetings, events and motivational experiences.
This not-to-be-missed debate will be moderated by MIMmagazine.eu's founder and editor in chief Marcel A.M. Vissers. Would you like to be a part of the exclusive audience of twenty people who have pre-registered? Go to Events at www.MIMmagazine.eu
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OSTEND YOUR CONFERENCE BY THE SEA When you want to combine business with pleasure... Ostend is the place to be! Ostend has every asset imaginable to provide your organisation and your conference guests with a more than successful convention. The city’s combination of beach and business is unique in Flanders and our team’s expertise is entirely at your service. Would you like to learn about the wide range of convention possibilities in the City by the Sea? Then, please contact our Mice department for a brochure or a site inspection. MEET US AT EMIF The Mice Department of Toerisme Oostende vzw and its partners will be present at the EMIF Fair (booth n° 3020) on the 18th and 19th of March in Tour & Taxis Brussels. We would be glad to present you our novelties. In order to receive a free entrance ticket, please contact our Mice Department.
Toerisme Oostende vzw / Mice department Monacoplein 2, 8400 Oostende T: +32(0)59 255 317 - mice@toerisme-oostende.be
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