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HEADQUARTERS E U R O P E , M I D D L E - E A S T, A F R I C A

the EMEA Magazine for Association Executives Supported by ESAE, European Society of Association Executives, and UIA, Union of International Associations, Europe

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Meeting Media Company Meetings Industry Publishers Afgiftekantoor 2800 Mechelen 1 Bureau de D茅p么t 2800 Malines 1 Published 5 times a year: March, April, June, September & November Edition November 2011 - P3A9029

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ESAE & UIA THE ART OF LOBBYING

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COLOPHON HQ OR HEADQUARTERS IS A NICHE PUBLICATION FOR EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS HEADQUARTERED IN BRUSSELS AND ALL MAJOR EUROPEAN CITIES DEALING WITH THE ORGANIZATION OF WORLDWIDE CONGRESSES. IT IS PUBLISHED 5 TIMES A YEAR. CIRCULATION IS 5000 COPIES. Subscriptions Subscription amounts to 65 EUR (all incl.) in Belgium, 75 EUR (all incl.) in the EU and 95 EUR (all incl.) in the rest of the world.

The subscription entails 5 editions of HQ per year including the special edition Meeting Trends, as well as an online access to the website.

To subscribe: www.headquartersmagazine.com Editor in Chief Marcel A.M.Vissers T: +32 (0)3 226 88 81 marcel@headquartersmagazine.com Managing Director Cécile Caiati-Koch T: +32 (0)2 761 70 52 cecile@headquartersmagazine.com Account Manager - International Sales Kelvin Lu T: +32(0)761 70 59 kelvin@headquartersmagazine.com Managing Editor Rémi Dévé T: +32 (0)2 761 70 58 remi@headquartersmagazine.com Contributor Sarah Romy Edwards Design WALLRUS, Kortrijk T: +32 (0)56 24 94 44 info@wallrus.be Print Cartim - Destelbergen Supported by ESAE and UIA Address 59, rue René Declercq B - 1150 Brussels (Belgium) T: +32 (0)2 761 70 50 F: +32 (0)2 761 70 51 www.headquartersmagazine.com Responsible Publisher Meeting Media Company Marcel A.M. Vissers Mechelseplein 23, bus 1 B - 2000 Antwerpen (Belgium)

MARCEL’S COMMENT

HOW CAN THE PRESS ASSIST ASSOCIATIONS IN PUBLICIZING THE IMPACT THEY MAKE? This question was debated at the UIA Associations Round Table earlier in October. In my humble opinion it was the first time this was discusssed at an association congress. And it has to be warmly welcomed.

Let me be very clear: worldwide there are barely a handful of magazines focusing exclusively on association management. We are talking about niche magazines in our industry.

Headquarters EMEA and Headquarters Asia Pacific are part of it. I know for a fact the terms ‘association’ and ‘congress’ are not always easily understood by the outside world.

There's only one way to clarify the concepts: with examples. In every edition of the magazine there is a portrait of an association whose purpose and activities are explained, including how they organize their annual congress (see page 7).

We know from experience that these portraits are eagerly read by two groups of readers: by fellow association executives and by suppliers from the congress world. This is a way for an association to introduce itself to the rest of the world.

Association conferences are very important for magazines, because they hold a wealth of information and offer the occasional new trends. That’s how, a few years ago, we received a text about a new form of meeting from the World Diabetes Congress in Montreal.

They had arranged a Diabetes Café.

Instead of regular chairs, 150 blue gym balls had been inflated, representing the ‘blue circle’, ie the global symbol for diabetes. That was news!

These sort of things get a lot of attention from the press. Congresses with a decent fun level often make the

MARCEL A.M. VISSERS Editor in Chief headlines as well. How about the World Clown Association Convention in 2013 in Sarawak? It would be a pity to ignore such an event. Many associations still miss out on opportunities to share interesting news about their conferences with the rest of the world.

Lure the press to your event (press@headquartersmagazine.com)!

That was the message of the UIA Round Table.

» READ MORE ON WWW.HEADQUARTERSMAGAZINE.COM OR MARCELSBLOG.TYPEPAD.COM

CONTENTS DESTINATIONS

GENERAL Cécile Caiati-Koch

Rémi Dévé

NEWS ASSOCIATION PORTRAIT VIPARIS 2012 RATES & PLANNING

4 7 44 26

ESAE & UIA THE ART OF LOBBYING

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MALAYSIA BRISBANE SOUTH AFRICA GHENT MONACO SWITZERLAND RIMINI BONN

22 25 29 30 35 37 41 43

SPECIAL FEATURE HQ magazine sets great store by sustainable development and therefore chose responsible FSC® certified paper which comes from a controlled source.

More info: www.fsc.org ® FSC, A.C. FSC-SECR-0045

4 FRENCH CITIES, ONE BEATING HEART 46

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> HEADQUARTERS NEWS

AIME ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVES FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR Taking place on 21-22 February 2012 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will celebrate its 20th year in 2012 and the show organisers have acknowledged the milestone by implementing new initiatives.

Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibitions Director for AIME, said: ‘AIME is the largest exhibition showcase for the business events industry in Australia and it provides the platform to conduct meetings and network with exhibitors from all parts of the industry in a short space of time. We are constantly working on developing the show’s offering to keep the event fresh and dynamic. With this in mind and based on customer feedback, we are rolling out some new initiatives and changes in the lead up and during the show.’ New initiatives for 2012 include changes to the Pre Scheduled Appointments’ (PSA) online facility that will help make the meetings’ process more seamless for exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

AIME organisers will also be releasing details on a refreshed Social Program that will give attendees the opportunity to relax and network with new and existing business contacts. This refreshed Social Program will also showcase Melbourne’s premier event products, services and venues. Hosted Buyers have new options in AIME’s Pre Touring Program with the addition of two new tours to cover the Hume City region and a Melbourne coffee and cafe culture tour. www.aime.com.au

21 – 22 February, 2012

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BESTCITIES WELCOMES TWO NEW PARTNERS The international portfolio of BestCities partners continues to grow with the cities of Berlin and Houston. Making the announcement at IMEX America, Jerad Bachar, Incoming Board Chair for 2012, said: 'The BestCities Global Alliance consists of convention bureaux that deliver the world’s best service experience for international meeting planners. These premier meeting destinations already include Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan, Singapore and Vancouver and now welcomes the cities of Berlin and Houston. Both cities ably demonstrate the attributes to meet the strict BestCities criteria for membership.' www.bestcities.net

'The Glasgow Model' as a case study of the World Parkinson Congress 2010. They said: 'We had to come up with a new way of working unlike anything that we had done before that would not only address our client’s financial concerns but would create an even stronger bond that goes beyond a client – supplier relationship. We call this new approach The Glasgow Model.' www.seeglasgow.com

SOUTH AFRICA: IAPCO’S 40TH MEMBER COUNTRY South Africa

HOFBURG MD RENATE DANLER EXTENDS CONTRACT Renate Danler’s appointment as managing director of the HOFBURG Vienna was confirmed for another five years Renate Danler at a recent board meeting. The announcement comes as a clear statement of intent from the Hofburg, one of Europe’s leading conference centres, as it reveals a number of ambitious targets for the future. The decision to extend Ms Danler’s contract clearly shows the Hofburg’s commitment to continuity, while creating a stable foundation for strategic targets and planning activities. www.hofburg-wien.at

South Africa has become the latest country to be represented in the ranks of IAPCO members, bringing the total to an impressive 40 countries. And with the addition of new members African Agenda, based in Cape Town, South Africa, and Gyro Conference, based in Lillehammer, Norway, IAPCO now boasts 114 quality-driven members. ‘Some people may think this is slow progress, but IAPCO is about quality and ensuring that members who are accepted meet the criteria set,’ commented Jan Tonkin, Chair of the IAPCO Membership Committee, and Managing Director of The Conference Company, New Zealand. www.iapco.org

'GLASGOW MODEL' WINS ICCA BEST MARKETING AWARD A joint entry from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre won the ICCA Best Marketing Award 2011. The winner was announced during the closing session at the 50th ICCA Congress in Leipzig. Aileen Crawford, Head of Conventions at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, and Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, presented

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> ASSOCIATION PORTRAIT

THE KENYA SOCIETY OF ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS (KSA) A talk with Chairman Dr. David Otieno THE KENYA SOCIETY OF ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS (KSA) IS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION WHOSE FULL Dr. Dave Otieno

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN

TO QUALIFIED ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS WORKING IN KENYA. WE FIRST MET DAVE OTIENO AT MEETINGS AFRICA EARLIER THIS YEAR AT MEETINGS AFRICA AND QUICKLY FOUND OUT HE HAD A LOT OF INTERESTING THINGS TO SAY ABOUT HIS ASSOCIATION IN PARTICULAR AND ASSOCIATIONS IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD OVER IN GENERAL. INTERVIEW RÉMI DÉVÉ AND MARCEL A.M. VISSERS

HQ: Could you briefly present the Kenya Society of Anaesthesiologists?

Dave Otieno: The Kenya Society of Anaesthesiologists was registered in September 1994 under the societies act. Its operations are governed by a constitution which establishes a council and an annual general meeting (AGM).

The society is affiliated to the International World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) and the Kenya Society of Professionals. We see our mission as to promote and encourage the Science and Art of Good Anaesthesia in Kenya and as to ensure that the Standards of Training and Practice of Anaesthesia measure up to International Standards. That’s why we arrange regular meetings of the members of the KSA for scientific and social purposes, and liaise with bodies in other countries with similar interests.

HQ: Tell us about the events you organize.

Dave Otieno: All of our events are part of our Continuous Medical Education (CME)

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Sleep, Salvador Dali

We have recently realized that running a society is not worthwhile to members if it is not regarded as a business

programme we encourage our members to take part in. Our 20th KSA Annual Meeting will take place from 30th July to 1st August 2012, at the KICC in Nairobi: we expect at least 600 delegates as it will be held in partnership with four other bodies, amongst which the African Society of Regional Anaesthesia (AFSRA), the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) and The Kenya Pain Society (KPS). There is also the 5th All Africa Anaesthesia Conference, which will take place in Cairo in 2013: KSA is

involved in assisting the Egyptian Society of Anaesthesia to organize the meeting.

We also organize symposia on a regular basis on topical issues. Outside the main conference, we encourage our members to attend workshops, various courses and seminars.

We have recently realized that running a society is not worthwhile to members if it is not regarded a business. My presence at Meetings Africa this February 2011 and at

> ASSOCIATION PORTRAIT

the ICCA meeting in Nairobi this July has consolidated this opinion. We are now looking at KSA as a business in which members invest and hope to reap maximum benefits, which in turn will be of use to the communities and the country at large.

HQ: What is the association's decision process concerning the organization of a conference?

Dave Otieno: The executive committee makes most of the decisions, which have to follow our constitution. Once a year we hold the Annual General Meeting, where members gather to make, among other things, changes to the constitution and governance. It is at the AGM that we also decide where we will go next year for the next meeting - so the lead time is not that long!

HQ: What kind of venues do you need and what criteria must they satisfy?

Dave Otieno: We usually need hotels with conference facilities for at least 300 people, for that is usually the number of delegates attending local meetings. For the larger ones, we need bigger conference venues, like the one is Nairobi which perfectly suits our needs. The other issue we look at is the availability of the accommodation nearby, because, with accompanying persons and exhibitors, we usually need rooms for about 500 hundred people within easy, walkable reach of the conference venue.

But we never work with PCOs: we simply lack the experienced ones! We do have event organizers, but they do not have the knowledge and the experience to help us organize a professional meeting. As a matter of fact, we prefer working with groups of students and we train them according to our needs.

This is, for example, how we managed to organize a successful 4th All Africa Anaesthesia Conference.

HQ: According to you, how does an Africa-based association differ from, say, a European one?

Dave Otieno: Africa-based associations, at least medical ones, mainly run thanks to the good will of their members. Most of them are

supported by pharmaceutical industries which need to showcase their products - transparency is not their strength. I’m lucky enough to be part of the few (there are four in Kenya actually) who are genuinely interested in increasing the general quality of medical practice through investment in education.

But our governments have rarely viewed associations as useful partners in education, service delivery, job creation and promotion of the country’s image resulting in attracting visitors and foreign exchange. It’s really a shame, but associations rarely get any support or recognition even when they bring in all those benefits against all odds.

There are also members who see the association they belong to as a body whose sole raison d’être is to benefit them as much as they can, with little or no input from them.

They expect the association to be funded by some generous donor and be run by some philanthropists with unlimited resources.

All this leaves the existing associations in a state of constant restraint, barely able to manage from one meeting to the next. Those running the associations end up putting in a lot of their time and money and eventually get tired of it because of the lack of support from all ends of the chain. I hate to say it, but African associations rarely grow out of their infancy state. We also lack the conferencing culture: experienced PCOs, hotels, conference venues… you name it. This clearly is an obstacle to attracting participants we strive to get when we organize a meeting in Africa.

HQ: So there is definitely a lot to be done…

Dave Otieno: That’s for sure. But I’m an optimist and we’ll get there. We’ve got to think in strategic terms, That’s the only way we can grow as an association. For example, we need improve communication with our members through all available means, we need to establish and strengthen partnerships with the industry, like-minded organizations and other international societies, and if possible, also get government participation.

We never work with PCOs: we simply lack the experienced ones! We do have event organizers, but they do not have the knowledge and the experience to help us organize a professional meeting

My aim is to strengthen our educational offer and to improve the governance by creating structures that increase efficiency and service delivery at KSA. Last but not least, I want our members to be appreciative; I need them to become the leading partners of their association. That’s the only way we can become a professional society.

www.anaesthesiakenya.co.ke

HEADQUARTERS 9

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LOBBYING IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Current rules and practices THIS STUDY WAS REQUESTED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, EXTERNAL TRADE, RESEARCH AND ENERGY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ANNUAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME.

THE PRACTICE OF LOBBYING The EU's institutional setting as described above gives interest groups both advantages and disadvantages. Its machinery of decision-making full of links between the different bodies, and its variety of external linkages with the Member States, provide an almost infinite number of access points through which to lobby EU authorities. In such a differentiated institutional setting, the problem of interest groups is not a shortage but an over-supply of potential routes to influence.

However, the mere plurality of actors and the complexity of the decision-making process can be serious obstacles for private interest groups as well.

It is virtually impossible for any single interest or national association to secure exclusive access to the relevant officials or politicians, let alone to exert exclusive influence.

OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES In both the academic and the practically oriented lobbying literature, the wish for a level playing field for all actors in EU decision making is expressed. This may be compared with the eternal call for free and open com-

petition on the commercial market, in which every merchant still strives to become the single monopolist.

Van Schendelen has developed a model he calls the ‘game of triple P’ to describe some facets of these attempts to obtain political influence in a quasi-monopolistic manner. The game’s objective is to make the playing field more unlevelled; its participants try to place the friendliest persons in the best positions in the most beneficial procedures. When others start to argue over the contents of the issue, triple P players have already prearranged the playing field and limited the other players' movements by their early settling of the procedures, positions and people favourable to their cause.

On a more instrumental level, Berry suggested already 25 years ago that the tactics or activities they pursued fell into three broad categories: + techniques that are characterised by direct communication between lobbyists and governmental officials; these include private,

personal representations before people in government; testifying before congressional committees; and formal legal action; + methods by which groups lobby through their constituents; for this, the professional staff act as intermediaries, stimulating lobbying by citizens toward their government; + groups may try to change governmental policy by influencing elections or altering public opinion; techniques of this sort are contributing money to political campaigns, publishing voting records, releasing research results, etc.

More recently, Guéguen divided lobbying strategies in three categories: + negative strategies consisting of a face-on opposition to Commission proposals or by proposing untenable counter-proposals; + reactive strategies in which prudence

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prevails over action and initiatives: monitoring, meetings and a small amount of public relations; + pro-active strategies consisting of working constructively with the Commission in a spirit of partnership and credibility. Pro-active strategies are relatively rare, which is regrettable because the pro-active lobbyist also offers the legislator an authorised and competent technical opinion and credible proposals.

According to Coen, successful lobbying requires associations and firms to have established at least four strategic capacities: 1. the ability to identify clear and focused policy goals; 2. develop relationships and credibility in the policy process; 3. understand the nature of the policy process and institutional access; 4. look for natural allies and alliances to develop profile and access.

THE LOBBYIST'S WORKING TOOLS The lobbying process can be divided into several practical stages: fact finding, analysis, influencing and follow-up.

According to De Fouloy, the first step in building lobbying momentum at the European level is to assemble an information network within EU institutions and other associations that can provide an indispensable alarm system and a means of accessing vital information. The earlier the lobbyist intervenes in the legislative process, the more effective he is.

Most legislation is written by experts and officials at lower level. In many cases, these experts are the starting point for the lobbyist.

Higher level officials are only called on when there is a deadlock, an unwillingness to deal with the issue, or when there is a high political stake. Highlighting principles such as free movement of goods and persons, social cohesion, employment and competitiveness, on which European legislation and initiatives are based, enhances the profile of the lobbyist.

Direct advocacy of a case to policy makers is merely one element of a lobbying campaign.

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Many consultants do not or very little lobby themselves. The complete catalogue of activities may be summarised as follows.

ATMOSPHERE SETTING Clients will sometimes want initially to simply raise or enhance their corporate profile with decision makers, such as gaining access to policy makers, creating an attitude among policy makers conducive to the group’s goals, and influencing policy makers in the group’s favour. Much interaction by groups with policy makers, therefore, is not related to immediate concerns but intended to gain access or create an atmosphere that will be conducive to the group in making future government policy.

MONITORING Monitoring is frequently mentioned by practitioners as a key element of their work.

It means going through agendas and finding what needs to be copied to what clients. Monitoring is often recommended to be done at a more sophisticated level than simply trawling through transcripts of legislative proceedings and press releases. It can involve many forms of useful political intelligence.

COMMUNICATION WITH POLICY MAKERS The purpose of detailed monitoring and research is essentially to enable the lobbyist’s employer or client to develop messages related to public policy issues and to identify the most appropriate or effective ways of communicating those messages to relevant politicians and officials.

There seem to be three primary options or routes available: + Approach policy makers on the basis of issues: a lobbyist here would seek to demonstrate that they are aware that the target has a known interest in the relevant policy area. Politicians and officials generally accept that lobbyists often have a better understanding of the issues than they do. + Promise access to decision makers rather than knowledge of the issues: this tactic can best be summarised in the words of one consultant: ‘It’s not that you have a

huge academic background or skills, what will impress clients is knowing someone.’ + Knowledge of the legislative process: lobbyists often take the stance that processes are intended to make life difficult for anyone who tries to move things through, and that to be able to deal with them efficiently is a more important asset than detailed knowledge of issues.

ADVOCACY AND INFLUENCING According to McGrath most commercial lobbyists say that they are relatively uninvolved in advocacy. The lobbyist crafts a strategy and organises the campaign, but it is the client who primarily delivers the message directly to politicians and officials. More commonly, commercial consultants report that they see their role as being to advise clients on how to conduct their own lobbying of policy makers.

SOME PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING A large part of the lobbying literature is devoted to giving advice to persons and organisations wishing to establish a successful temporary or long-term lobbying operation.

With a view to the multitude of variables to take into account, they often take the form of rather general advice such as ‘the more thorough the reflection, the better the chance of success, although there are never any guarantees.’ In most cases these ‘how-to’ texts could be summarised by saying that you should demonstrate ‘intelligent and prudent behaviour’.

Indeed, for every specific political arena, lobbyists have to observe and consider the issues at stake, the stakeholders involved, the time dimension and the arena boundaries, and also to reflect on their best management.

Van Schendelen, again, summarises this by calling for a lot of ‘preparatory homework’ and ‘fine-tuned fieldwork’.

The full, unedited version of this article can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/civil_society/interest_ groups/docs/workingdocparl.pdf

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EU LOBBYING

Why should international associations (re)consider having an EU public affairs programme EUROPEAN UNION LOBBYING IS AN EXHAUSTED SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION, BOTH IN A POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SENSE. THEREFORE FINDING AN ANGLE THAT MAY INTEREST INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IS A CHALLENGE, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR SCOPE AND ISSUES. MONITORING AND LOBBYING EU ACTIVITY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT FOR MANY INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRY-LED. TEXT FRED SOUDAIN, MCI BRUSSELS

The quality of the EU regulatory and policymaking institutional setting (to start with the European Commission) is certainly not to be blamed. There is a clear demonstration that for many of the economic, social, sustainable and global challenges of our world, the best regulatory and policy debates often take place in Brussels.

MISSING THE INTELLIGENCE

Let me share 3 reasons to support this view.

Today, the EU is one of the largest policymaking institutions in existence. This is the result of both its successes and failures.

The success refers to the fact that it is the only developed intergovernmental policy and regulatory initiative, with such a large scope of areas in which it has policy-making powers; all professions and industries are affected by public initiatives introduced in Brussels. Jacques Delors, former President of the European Commission and father of the Single Market, had anticipated that 85% of all regulations affecting the life of companies, associations and citizens in Europe would be of EU origin. The reality today is probably not too far off!

Its failures are due to a strong political vision that has been notably absent for at least the past 15 years. This is obviously a statement that many leaders in Europe may challenge, but for several observers, both experts and EU citizens, the European Union project is simply not comprehensible.

For any serious international associations, missing the intelligence to capture the development of the EU regulatory or policy initiative, which may directly or indirectly affect their constituencies, can lead to a dramatic outcome.

Organisations such as the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) or the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) have learned that Brussels regulations may equally affect their business model and the core interests of their members. Anticipating such developments and reacting in a timely-manner so as to ensure that the draft EU regulations were adapted proved to be key.

This first reason allows me to address one important misconception: the belief that only EU associations can engage in dialogue with EU institutions. This is absolutely not the case. EU officials are open to dialogue with associations internationally, considering them as key experts for some of the regulatory content they need to address. The second reason for motivating or specifically re-moti-

vating international associations to develop a public affairs programme at EU level relates to the important normalisation and certification activities taking place in Brussels and in other European member-states.

Due to the intergovernmental nature of the European Union, in many international institutions such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the normalisation and certification processes that take place tend to influence other regions of the world. In the European Union, the nature of certification and standardisation is quite different from what can be observed in the United States for instance. Failing to understand this may affect many business models for associations developing a global growth plan.

FINAL REASON The final reason is probably the least obvious of the three. For some industries or professions, it may happen that the existing EU associations are not strong enough to be a reliable regulatory partner for the EU institutions. This obviously is not true for many sectors and professions that are present in Brussels with very professional team to serve their interests. However for those who do lack a strong position within Brussels, the active presence of international associations can prove to be indispensable to ensure that European market players or professionals can be served adequately.

Our work with many international associations of US origins allows us to discover that some professions were simply not represented at EU level. Under such circumstances, the European presence of such international associations is very much welcomed by EU leaders and officials.

In order to find out the relevance of EU lobbying and public affairs for international associations, a simple cross-analysis of their strategy and activities with a good understanding of the EU context is quite often enough to grasp when and how to act.

www.mci-group.com/associations

HEADQUARTERS 15

KNOCKING AT THE EU DOOR ‘WE NEED TO LOBBY THE EU’ CAME THE CALL. HOW OFTEN HAVE WE HEARD THAT PHRASE? BUT LOBBYING NEEDS MUCH MORE THAN A RALLYING CRY, IT NEEDS STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LOBBY THE EU AND IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT YOU DO, THEN WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LOBBY THE EU FOR?

This is the basis of any lobbying tactic. Know your goal, your purpose… Is it to make the EU aware of a generalised concept or situation? Is it for specific issues? Is the EU going to be interested in your issues? Or are you just ‘flying a kite’ to get some PR mileage?

Lobbying is not just attacking a particular government body and throwing ideas, statistics, figures and heartfelt beliefs for a cause, however, worthwhile that cause. It is about building relationships, working closely, understanding each other’s points of view and requirements. Relationships which can lead to friendships and close contacts, that is the secret behind successful lobbying.

The EU is a house of many doors. It is important to know on which door to knock.

Because of the early relationship, nurtured over the years, when a couple of issues surfaced which IAPCO felt required a ‘lobbying’ approach, contacts were available to point the way to the right door. And so, with that in mind, IAPCO went knocking on the door of the European Commission.

GETTING READY TO KNOCK IAPCO is one of a number of associations which represent the world of meetings and it is no secret that this industry believes in faceto-face meetings, which in itself is a successful lobbying campaign emanating from the Convention Industry Council. We also know that this physical meeting of the minds is also the most effective way to cultivate relationships and relationship building is the key to success.

IAPCO’s relationship with the EU began over 20 years ago, when the interpretation arm of the Commission became active members of the Association, and collaborated (1987) with the translation of the Meetings Industry Terminology - a dictionary of over 900 words translated into (now) 14 languages, but initially just the languages of the EU - because there was a need for the same end product. And so the relationship began…

HEADQUARTERS 16

One of the first considerations, is whether you, as the lobbyist actually have any ‘clout’, and so, as we walk towards the EC’s door, we remind ourselves of IAPCO’s presence in Europe - over 3,000 meetings per year and 70% of our membership network comprises European business - a strong entity that needs to understand the governmental influences that drive change and affect our business. The decisions that are taken at the European governmental level can have a tremendous impact on the meetings business.

Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to invite our industry in, to search for platforms to exchange information and to demonstrate the needs of our industry on the policy makers that serve the majority of our network.

We approached the door and were ready to meet with the DG Taxud and the SCIC D1 of the European Commission.

THE DOOR OPENS The exchange of hot issues begins. ‘Our meeting was extremely fruitful and our exchange of dialogue helped us each understand our positions and challenges,’ says Patrizia Buongiorno, Past President of IAPCO, when a key representation met Pia Michelsen from the DG Taxud and the representative of the SCIC D1 and the event manager of the ETF (European Training Foundation.)

Hot issue #1: Our friend, VAT. With the constant changes of VAT regulations, it is difficult for anyone to keep up and we in the event industry are no different. We took the time to describe the impact that changes to VAT regulations have to us and our clients (and our client’s clients) and the EC was all ears - keen to provide an EC VAT expert to attend the following IAPCO General Assembly to explain the latest regulations to the IAPCO members. The follow-up to this presence was a personal contact who invited members to make one-to-one approaches on specific VAT issues. In other terms: successful lobbying by a friendly approach.

Hot issue #2: Our other friend, RFPs. Each DG of the European Commission has

its own rules and regulations for submitting bids for EU Requests for Proposals. EU RFPs are infamous for being complicated, ever-changing and resulting in a large stack of papers to comprise the final bid. Yet, all in the industry are aware of this and we all trudge forward regardless - desperately trying to understand the nuances of the RFP process. The EC listened intently to our situation and agreed that each DG does in fact have different processes - but they also each have different needs. Very specific issues were brought forward - such as the challenge to include names of team members for long-term multi-year projects when the future is not as foreseeable when it comes to personnel changes. They heard our plight and explained the background as to why they need this information and the manner in which they needed it… not quite such a successful outcome to the lobbying as hot issue #1, but still the contact was made, the

relationship had some foundation, and the door was open.

Lobbying rarely yields immediate results, it’s a long-term approach. While the questions to the EC were not all met with specific answers, the first step in the relationship building was a success. The intention should be to build a lasting mutual relationship with the governance body that defines the rules that impact our business.

IAPCO knocked on the door of the EU and it was opened. Step 1 accomplished. Step 2, as with all lobbying, is to better understand the needs of the EC and the regulations that impact upon all of us - and at the same time, to continue to educate the Commission on our industry and its challenges.

unable to adapt, but those that simply cannot adapt quickly enough to outpace fundamental market trends. Bureaucracy and politics can create barriers for execution which may hinder the adaptability of any organisation in motion - and our industry needs to meet these barriers head-on. Successful lobbying is to create an environment [with the EU] to discuss topics that need special attention because we all have to realise that they have a direct impact in our business.

This article was provided by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, author Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, AIM Group International, Italy. IAPCO represents today more than 114 professional organisers, meeting planners and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events from 40 countries. info@iacpo.org / www.iapco.org

We should all be aware that companies that fail are not only the ones that refuse or are

FIRST STEPS TO EU ENGAGEMENT FOR ASSOCIATIONS MOST TRADE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS HAVE AMONGST THEIR KEY OBJECTIVE TO INFLUENCE POLICY OR REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THEIR INDUSTRY/ PROFESl Gen

Michie

SION VIS-À-VIS PUBLIC BODIES AND GOVERNMENTS. YET MANY ASSOCIATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THIS GOAL FROM MISSION STATEMENT INTO ACTION PLAN. BUDGET CONCERNS OR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE STRATEGY ARE OFTEN THE REASON.

Many European trade and professional associations have EU engagement as an objective but don’t know how and where to start. Congrex Belgium’s Michiel Gen (Association Manager) explains that EU engagement doesn’t have to mean expensive lobbying. The following will assist in understanding the first steps towards exerting influence in an effective yet affordable way by tapping into the expertise of the membership base

and volunteer leadership. Moreover, it is an excellent way to add to an association’s member value proposition.

BRUSSELS DECIDES It is estimated that between 60% and 80% of the legislation that currently affects professionals and businesses throughout Europe is decided in Brussels: industry standards, pharmaceuticals, competition, trade, funding of scientific research, clinical trials, environ-

HEADQUARTERS 17

YOUR 5 STEPS TO EU ENGAGEMENT 1. Be aware of what’s going on by monitoring specialised EU publications but filter out irrelevant information.

2. Identify the key people in the institutions working on issues affecting your members 3. Meet them at an opportune moment 4. Let your members do most of the talking. They are the experts.

5. Make good and timely use of opportunities to give input such as stakeholder consultations and expert groups

ment, professional qualifications, health & safety rules, consumer protection and food safety regulations, etc. For this reason, almost every business sector and many professions are represented in Brussels through a trade or professional association, including hundreds of non-EU interest groups.

OPEN TO EXPERT INPUT It may seem hard to believe, but the European Commission is a relatively small organisation. With only 25,000 civil servants - fewer than the city of Rotterdam - it drafts legislation that affects 500 million European citizens. Because of its small size, it lacks the necessary expert knowledge on every single regulatory or technical issue. This knowledge gap is filled by associations.

The participation of civil society organisations in the European policy-making process helps address the perceived democratic deficit that still prevails in European integration and adds to the legitimacy of EU legislation and policy. For this reason, EU institutions are extremely open to expert input provided by associations and regularly reach out in so-called stakeholder consultations or green papers. Responding to these opportunities is an easy and inexpensive way to give input from the perspective of an association.

EU officials are broadly familiar with the policy positions of established stakeholders and are constantly seeking input from stakeholders in niche fields of interest that are not yet being heard. This opens opportunities for smaller associations.

MONITORING Engaging the EU starts by staying abreast of what is going on. The EU frequently adopts new and amends existing legislation. It is therefore important for an organisation to maintain awareness of legislative and policy developments by monitoring relevant EU websites and specialised EU media, as well as to gather information from relevant contacts and through meetings.

Many European associations today are looking to increase their member value proposition. Monitoring and reporting on EU legislation and policy initiatives can add such value, and European associations are best placed to deliver this as opposed to national associations. Information gathered can be fed to members through the association’s website, regular newsletters or policy briefs.

HEADQUARTERS 18

LET YOUR MEMBERS DO THE TALKING Engagement is most effective when your members and volunteer leaders are directly involved. EU officials are very keen to hear from actual practitioners what impact their policies and legislation have in practice. In fact, they prefer to hear this directly from the practitioner rather than through the filter of a lobbyist or association executive. With the right guidance, nobody is better equipped to deliver this practical, technical or academic view than your members. When a piece of legislation or policy that has an impact on your field is being discussed, ask one of your volunteer leaders to come along to the meeting to share their experience. Be sure to tailor the message that you want to deliver and leave behind a document (one page!) containing the key messages that you want

your counterpart to remember. An added benefit of involving members directly is that the membership or volunteer leadership is engaged in a concrete project, building new bonds and loyalties.

EUROPEAN PROJECTS AND EXPERT GROUPS The European commission frequently calls on external specialists to sit on expert groups or advise as external consultants. The type of expertise may be scientific knowledge and/ or knowledge derived from practical experience. This opens up another opportunity for associations. By positioning an Association’s people in these roles, they can exert influence through the expertise of its members. The cost of this is negligible for the association as experts generally receive a per diem for their services and expenses. Similar opportunities exist with EU funded projects and thematic networks.

CONCLUSION Expert input is crucial for sound policies and an association’s members can deliver this expertise. Following these steps, an Association will be able to effectively engage the EU without having to hire a lobbyist, driving an association forward and differentiating its services from those of national associations. Providing members with timely and accurate information on changes in EU legislation or EU policies and the impact these may have on the business or profession of members will add significantly to member value proposition. Associations can monitor publications in-house or outsource to an AMC or consultancy with a representation in Brussels. They can, in turn, also advise on the opportune moment to meet with the correct people, providing guidance through the labyrinth in Brussels and Strasbourg - without the massive investment of an expensive lobbyist.

www.congrex.com

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UIA ı UNION OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION, AN UNIDENTIFIED SOCIAL OBJECT Towards a legal recognition of the freedom of association at European level FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS, EUROPEAN ASSOCIATIONS HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR THE CREATION OF A EUROPEAN STATUTE ALLOWING THEM TO DEVELOP TRANSNATIONAL ACTIVITIES. TEXT BY JEAN-MARC ROIRANT, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN CIVIC FORUM AND FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN ALLIANCE FOR THE STATUTE OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION

life, culture and the European social model is widely recognized, whereas the freedom of association is incorporated in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The wording of article 11 of the Lisbon treaty reflects the need for a Europe that enjoys the participation of its citizens and representative associations in its building process.

Jean-Marc Roirant

A EUROPEAN STATUTE FOR THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATIONS: WHAT FOR? Associations promote active citizenship within Member States and act as key service providers in the field of social economy.

Their role in shaping Europe’s democratic

HEADQUARTERS 20

BUILD EUROPE THROUGH ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP! If the European dimension is to be taken seriously, it appears necessary to recognize at European level a reality all Member States are already recognizing at national level, i.e. a tool enabling citizens to give practical substance to the freedom of association at the European, transnational level. The freedom of association at European level is a key element of a democratic society and of an active European citizenship. Giving citizens from differ-

ent Member States the possibility to gather together within a transnational organization duly recognized by public authorities would encourage and facilitate transnational exchanges. Transnational cooperation is crucial in building a common political culture.

FOSTER A CIVIC AND POPULAR OWNERSHIP OF EUROPE AND HELP CREATING THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC SPACE! By its symbolic outreach, this statute would represent an official recognition of the legitimacy and the relevance of European associations’ collective voice within the European civil dialogue and a more participatory European democracy, along with the provisions of article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Two years after the coming into force of the Lisbon treaty, we have to draw a state of play

of its implementation. While strengthening the outreach of representative democracy, the new treaty also foresees very important advancements regarding citizens’ participation in democratic life, setting out, along with the provisions of its article 11, the possibility for one million citizens to take the initiative and ask the European Commission to make a legislative proposal, as well as the obligation for all the European institutions to lead ‘an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and representative associations’.

We are still facing a wide gap between the European Union and its citizens, as revealed by the turnout in the latest European elections, by recent surveys which show the citizens of Europe’s lack of awareness of European citizenship and identity. The EU’s impossibility to give a strong political and institutional response to the different crisis it has been facing - financial, economic, social and political - and the predominance of the intergovernmental method in the European process can partly account for this civic disaffection.

In this context, it is more critical than ever to foster a civic and popular ownership of Europe and to promote the collective engage-

Associations promote active citizenship within Member States. Their role in shaping Europe’s democratic life, culture and the European social model is widely recognized

ment for a common project and the emergence of a European public space where the role and influence of organised civil society are fully recognised by the institutions.

RECOGNISE THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ECONOMY ACTORS! Associations and NGOs across Europe represent an important part of the social economy, as providers of social services or charities involved with ‘impoverished public’, defenders of cases of public interest involved in the democratic life: 84% of social economy enterprises in France are associations, while associative employment represents 78% of employment in the social economy field.

Of course, the situation is rather contrasted in the Member States of the European Union, because of their historical and cultural specificities. Associative life is particularly developed in Member States such as Finland (20 associations per 1,000 inhabitants), but less in countries such as Luxembourg, Malta, Latvia and Romania (less than one association per 1,000 inhabitants ). Countries of Rhine Associative model, like Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands are characterized by high professionalism of the voluntary sector, with a significant proportion of employees (even if volunteering is important in the Netherlands).

According to a report of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Social Economy in the European Union, associations play a very dynamic role in creating jobs. These organizations are showing great talent for creativity on the job market, by developing ‘employment trajectories leading from volunteering to remunerated activity, exploring new services they structure on the professional level, for example by recognizing the new professions or piloting the establishment of collective agreements.’

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR EUROPEAN STATUTES FOR ASSOCIATIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND MUTUAL SOCIETIES!

statutes for mutual societies, associations and foundations, to propose a feasibility study and an impact assessment for the statutes for associations and mutual societies and to complete the impact assessment for the statute for foundations in due course.

The wide cross-party support to this Declaration is a strong political signal from the European Parliament, highlighting the need for a ‘level playing field’ that provides associations, mutual societies and foundations with instruments and opportunities giving a European dimension to their organisation and activities.

So the first milestone - getting the support from European Parliament - has been reached. The most difficult is ahead us. The next awaiting challenge is to push the European Commission to use its legislative power to take up the initiative, particularly when there is no reference to the statute for European associations among the final 12 projects for 2012 Single Market Act that the Commission calls ‘Twelve levers to boost growth and strengthen confidence’. The current European Year of Volunteering should be a good opportunity to launch the process towards an official recognition of the legitimacy and the relevance of European associations' collective voice in a more participatory European democracy.

www.uia.org

1

2

3

Cf. Guide de la liberté associative dans le monde 183 législations analysées, coordinated by Michel Doucin, Haut Conseil de la Coopération internationale, La Documentation française, April 2007.

ICP's nonprofit sector initiated by the University Johns Hopkins: cf. Lester M. Salamon, Helmut K. Anheier et al, Global Civil Society : dimensions of the Non-profit Sector, The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies (Baltimore), 1999.

N°. CESE/COMM/05/2005 (CIRIEC - Centre international de recherches et d'information sur l'économie publique, sociale et coopérative).

Following a wide civil society campaign carried out by EASEA members, the European Parliament recently adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to take the necessary steps to introduce proposals for European

HEADQUARTERS 21

HQ > M A L AYS I A

Malaysia Truly Asia

70th IIA International Conference

CASE STUDY

own right,’ said Wee Hock Kee, Chairman, Host Conference Committee, IIA Malaysia.

‘Standing Tall’ is a call to the internal audit profession to assume even greater leadership roles in promoting and advocating sound governance standards and practices in both the private and public business sectors.

THE COMMITMENT AND FORMIDABLE EFFORTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL

‘Our partnership with the IIA Malaysia has made this event possible and a success. Their resources on the ground provided a high level of professionalism. From a meeting planner’s perspective, the local vendors were of high quality. Hosting the event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre was also a key to our success. Not only it is a world-class facility, the staff support was outstanding.

Furthermore, the support from the Malaysian government also played a large role in the success by helping to promote the event and to bring stature to the programme by attending and participating as key speakers,’ Augusto Baeta, Director of International Conferences for the IIA, commented.

THE INTERNAL AUDITORS CONFERENCE IN MALAYSIA AUDITORS (IIA) MALAYSIA IN HOSTING AND DELIVERING A GOOD SHOW IN THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED 70TH IIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011 HAS CERTAINLY BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF PHENOMENAL.

The IIA is the global leader of the internal audit profession with over 170,000 members in 165 countries, headquartered in Florida, USA. Setting a milestone in the IIA’s history, the IIA 2011 conference was the first in Asia and registered a record-breaking attendance of over 2,200 delegates for a conference held outside the USA. It also provided a platform to celebrate the IIA’s 70th anniversary on a high note.

Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular inaugural destination for global associations’ entry into Asia which capitalises on its strength as the gateway to the world’s largest region, plus the fact that Malaysia often attracts record attendance. Richard Chambers,

HEADQUARTERS 22

IIA Global President and Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘I am extremely proud that our global organisation had the opportunity to gather in one of the most vibrant, dynamic and diverse international cities anywhere.

Just as Malaysia has a history of long-held traditions and values, it is appropriate that this conference was held in Asia when the IIA was celebrating its 70th anniversary.’

‘Themed ‘Standing Tall’, it is particularly relevant as Kuala Lumpur is home to a unique international landmark - the PETRONAS Twin Towers, one of the tallest man-made structures on the planet. The Twin Towers perfectly symbolises the aspirations of Malaysians to ascend to new heights and be leaders in their

As the first business event to be held with subvention support from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Chief Executive Officer, Zulkefli Hj Sharif said: ‘We are very pleased with IIA’s achievement and the ‘Malaysia Boleh’ (can do) spirit shown by our local team including IIA Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre plus other

> M A L AYS I A 70th IIA International Conference

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Malaysia Business Tourism Green Programme

A cultural showcase of pewter-smithing

strategic partners in ensuring a successful conference. This is a real testament of our mission to be recognised as Asia’s hub for business events, providing the leading edge in terms of professionalism and best practices.’

As its contribution to greening the environment, the delegates of the IIA 2011 International Conference have wholeheartedly responded to MyCEB’s proactive eco-action to green the earth as part of the Malaysia Business Tourism Green Programme.

presented to our IIA 2011 conference delegates who have participated as a collective global effort from 93 countries in this green programme. We are confident as the roots of these trees grow deeper and stronger with time, so does the impact of the role of internal auditors on corporate Malaysia.’

Malaysia definitely gave its unique touch to the organisation of the IIA 2011 International Conference. As lauded by Baeta: ‘We were looking for a central destination in Asia that

Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular inaugural destination for global associations’ entry into Asia which capitalises on its strength as the gateway to the world’s largest region

Delegates were given the opportunity to contribute a minimum RM30 (7€) to the tree planting activity and a total of RM25,000 (5,762€) was raised to plant 250 trees at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).

Chambers said: ‘Our commitment to the environment and helping to make it more sustainable is an inherent part of our Global IIA’s corporate philosophy. A significant impact of this tree planting initiative is the opportunity

could attract delegates from other continents.

Delegates from 93 different countries attended the conference. Malaysia’s diversity and international flavour have made everyone feel at home. The Malaysian hospitality is second to none. We had high expectations regarding our event and Malaysia was able to meet all of them. We would certainly recommend Malaysia to other international associations and meeting planners.’

Concluding the interview, Yong Ngeak Choo, Executive Director, IIA Malaysia said: ‘The success of this event will give impetus for the Institute to take the lead and position Malaysia as the regional hub for the development of the internal audit profession in Asia Pacific - which represents the legacy of this event.’

CONTACT Ms Ho Yoke Ping General Manager, Sales & Marketing Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau T. +603 2034 2090 F. +603 2034 2091 pingho@myceb.com.my www.myceb.com.my

HEADQUARTERS 23

Arabs, Chinese, Indians and Europeans have long appreciated Malaysia’s position as a nexus for trade and meetings. So much so, they’re still here 600 years later.

Our predecessors once braved all manner of hazards to travel to Malaysia. Once here, they thrived amidst the many trade opportunities and warm hospitality of the local Malays. The result is a truly unique melting pot of cultures and customs. This infusion of influences makes Malaysians cosmopolitan and while we are forward-looking, we retain a strong sense of our traditions.

As the centre of Southeast Asia and strategically located between India and China, Malaysia knows how to connect the world with Asia. Malaysia is English-speaking yet multilingual; a vibrant emerging economic and business centre; and a great value-for-money destination. You will see it in our ability to host any meeting, incentive trip, convention and exhibition. Malaysia has all the first-world infrastructure you want in a destination enhanced by a fusion of Asian cultures, food and hospitality.

Malaysia - Asia’s Business Events Hub Scan this code to visit our website

MALAYSIA CONVENTION & EXHIBITION BUREAU (MyCEB) Suite 14.3, Level 14, Menara IMC, No. 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +603 2034 2090 Fax: +603 2034 2091 Email: info@myceb.com.my Web: www.myceb.com.my

HQ > BRISBANE

BRISBANE A World Scientific Hub Brisbane’s acknowledged reputation as one of the world’ scientific destinations of choice has been boosted by a series of major international conferences recently announced for Brisbane and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The conferences will attract some 9,000 leading medical, science and allied health experts to Brisbane from around the world.

They include the world’s largest meeting of water researchers and practitioners, the International Water Association’s World Water Congress in 2016 for 3,000 delegates.

The wins were the result of a motivated and united effort by ‘Team Brisbane’, coordinated by the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition

Centre with the collaboration of Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing.

Tom Mollenkopf, Chief Executive of the Australian Water Association, the host body for the World Water Congress, said it was an extremely enthusiastic and professional bid which received outstanding support from the sector, resulting in an unbeatable proposition.

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre provides the perfect venue to showcase Brisbane’s world leading science and this will be further enhanced with the completion later this year of BCEC on Grey Street, the Centre’s boutique expansion, specifically designed for meetings from 200 to 600.

The expanded integrated facilities and niche nature of the new venue has generated consistently strong interest particularly from the smaller international scientific meetings and associations who are impressed by the quality and flexibility of the development.

Newly confirmed meetings for Brisbane and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre include: + World Conference on Design and Health 2013 + Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescence Diabetes 2015 ( ISPAD) + International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) 2016 + International Water Association World Water Congress and Exhibition 2016

CONTACT BCEC (Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre) Alison Gardiner, Manager International Convention Bidding T +61 7 3308 3034 Alisong@bcec.com.au www.bcec.com.au

BCEC on Grey Street opening soon creating Australia’s most flexible meetings and events venue

T +61 7 3308 3063 E sales@bcec.com.au W www.bcec.com.au

H&J11361

e

more personal - more choice

The Centre is owned by South Bank Corporation and proudly managed by AEG Ogden

Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Melbourne, Australia 21-22 February 2012 | aime.com.au

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HQ

Game Reserve Conference

SOUTH AFRICA

Conferencing in the Eastern Cape AND WE KEEP EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA AS A MEETINGS DESTINATION, AS IT SEEMS THERE ARE MEETING GEMS POPPING UP EVERYWHERE WE TURN! THE NEW INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN EAST LONDON IS INDEED ATTRACTING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TOURISTS TO A PROVINCE WITH ENDLESS WHITE BEACHES AND MANY ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES. IN PORT ELIZABETH, FONDLY REFERRED TO AS ‘THE FRIENDLY CITY’, FACILITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT HOTELS, GUEST HOUSES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. One of South Africa's most fascinating areas, the Eastern Cape is situated at the end of the wild coast. It is a rugged, remote and fairly unpopulated stretch of gorgeous coastline situated between East London and Port Edward. Relatively unknown, it's quite easy to get there though - both East London and Port Elizabeth have airports, with easy access from the international airports of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg (all located a little more than an hour away by plane).

The Eastern Cape is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and home to the Xhosa nation. Its Addo Elephant National Park, the only Big 7 game reserve in South Africa (with buffalos, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, whales and sharks), and award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve are malaria-free reserves that are great Eastern Cape meetings locations offering opportunities for exclusive gatherings for

East London ICC

up to 50 people. Near Port Elizabeth, in adddition to rather classical meeting centre such as the Cherry Place Cafe and Conference Centre and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Conference Centre, you’ll find the Lalibela Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big 5 reserve with 3 luxury lodges and conference facilities for 110 guests.

The only beachfront convention centre in South Africa, the new East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) is becoming a sought-after venue for international conferences and has already won awards.

The convention centre offers high-tech meeting venues and world-class accommodation facilities that include the new 4-star 261room Premier Hotel ELICC and the adjacent 175-room Premier Hotel Regent.

The ELICC is located within the Marine Park Complex on East London's Esplanade with great views of the Indian Ocean and is just 15 minutes from East London Airport.

State-of-the art technology has been used in the convention centre’s meeting rooms that include a 600-seater auditorium, an exhibition floor with space for 90 stands, a hall that seats 850 delegates ballroomstyle and 2,200 cinema-style, as well as executive boardrooms, restaurants and

EASTERN CAPE HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE + Big 7 Game Reserves and long stretches of beach + Nelson Mandela Museum - tribute to a South African icon + The Addo Elephant National Park + Bloukrans Bungee - highest bungee jump in the world + The Garden Route National Park + The Sunshine or the Wild Coast - sun, sand, sea and loads of fun + The Valley of Desolation - lunar-like landscapes + A combination of bush and beach experiences

kitchens. No wonder cardiologists from across the world have just descended on East London in October this year to attend the South African Heart Association Congress 2011.

To unwind after a hard day’s work, East London's coastal nature parks offer fishing, diving, hiking, cycling and swimming adventures, while its Blue Flag beaches are the perfect places to relax. Further inland is the historical town of Graaff Reinet with its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. Graaff-Reinet also offers a good selection of quality conference and meeting venues. One example is The Palms on the banks of the Sundays River, which can accommodate 150 delegates.

CONTACT South Africa Tourism Tina Herold Business Tourism Manager Europe tina@southafrica.net www.southafrica.net

HEADQUARTERS 29

© Nelson Mandela Bay

> SOUTH AFRICA

HQ > GHENT

AUTHENTIC GHENT AUTHENTIC MEETINGS THE CITY OF GHENT IS A COMPACT, AUTHENTIC CITY WHERE THE PAST AND PRESENT CO-EXIST IN PERFECT BALANCE. AS A CONVENTION DESTINATION, IT BOASTS MANY STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES, WITH THE ICC GHENT AND FLANDERS EXPO TO START WITH, AND AN UNDENIABLE KNOW-HOW. IN TERMS OF PRE- OR POST-CONFERENCE OPTIONS, POSSIBILITIES ALSO SEEM ENDLESS…

CITY OF HISTORY AND CULTURE Ghent may be considered one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe and was given several names over the past: historic heart of Flanders, a city of all times, medieval Manhattan, Europe’s best kept secret.

Nowhere else can you find so much history per square metre as in the beautifully renovated and fully pedestrianised historic city centre. Walking through Ghent is like

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travelling through time, from the fourteenth century to the twenty-first, all blending uniquely together.

Three grand medieval towers form the city’s skyline. The Castle of the Counts’ impressive walls and merlons are a tourist’s favorite.

The adoration of the Mystic Lam by the Van Eyck brothers is only one of the many art treasures in the St Bavo’s Cathedral. The

three beguinages are tranquil oases of peace, classified as world heritage sites by UNESCO. A visit to the city is not complete without seeing at least one of the important and original museums of Ghent such as the worldrenowned Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K.), the Museum of fines Arts, the Design museum Gent, the Museum for Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT) and the new STAM - Ghent City Museum, all of which can be hired out for gala dinners or very exclusive gatherings.

CITY OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS In Ghent pounds the heart of a dazzling city of culture with music, theatre, film and visual arts. No wonder it is known as a city of festivals. Festivals that attract people from all over

> GHENT STAM

is a choice for every budget - 8 new hotels are even to open in the coming years.

CITY OF AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Graslei

Boekentoren

ICC ghent Sint-Baafsplein

Oude vismijn

the world, such as the Ghent Festivities (every year, third week of July), Gent Jazz Festival (every year in July), Ghent Festival of Flanders (every year in September-October) and the Ghent Film Festival (every year in October).

There is also the Ghent Floralies, a unique five-yearly flower and plant exhibition that shows the skills of ornamental gardeners, international florists and landscape gardeners.

With over 60,000 students, Ghent is the largest university town in Belgium. The presence of this young population leaves a dynamic mark on the city and this surely adds to the lively atmosphere that Ghent exudes.

The Ghent University has an international reputation and is a preferred university for prominent scientists.

Major international congresses are part of the day to day life in Ghent. A number of historical buildings were refurbished and are now open to the public for the use of organising all kinds of events. Not far from the historical centre, lies the international convention centre (ICC ghent) in the middle of a green area. With an auditorium up to 1,000 people and a number of multifunctional rooms, the ICC ghent is the ideal location for congresses and other events of various capacities. It will undergo a vast renovation in the coming two years. Just outside the city, Flanders Expo allows meetings from 100 to 5,000 people and has 54,000 m2 of exhibition space. A wide range of overnight facilities, from one to four star full service conference hotels, makes sure there

In the 2011 edition of the Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ guide, Ghent took the 7th place on the list of must-see cities. Ghent’s Light Plan was also crowned with the International City-People-Light Award in 2004. In a city such as Ghent, with a rich heritage and an exceptional city landscape, artificial light has become an indispensable architectural building-block. It has not only enhanced the experience, but also improved the city’s image as an active and distinctive cultural city.

In 2008 National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranked Ghent third in its list of 109 most authentic destinations, after Wachau and Ontario. The jury praised Ghent for its ‘brilliant mix of a wonderful past and a contemporary, vibrant city’, and great attractions like the above-mentioned Mystic Lamb, the Belfry tower and the Castle of the Counts.

Supported by a patronage committee made up of internationally reknown inhabitants of Ghent who are active in the music industry, the city has also earned UNESCO title of ‘Creative City of Music’. The confessed goal of the organization is to provide cities with an international forum in order to expand local capacities by exchanging know-how and experiences. Recent data indeed show Ghent scores high as a musical city, not only in terms of number of performances per 10,000 inhabitants (185) but also in terms of participation.

Last but not least, Ghent believes that sustainability is the way forward. By 2050 it aims to become a climate-neutral city, with the cooperation of companies, associations and citizens alike, led by the city council.

So far, four hotels have obtained the ‘Green Key’, an international eco-label for organisations. Other meetings venues will also be certified; a campaign was launched earlier this year. The first Green Keys are to be issued in 2012: ICC ghent and Flanders Expo will lead the way.

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inventive incentive ingentive

Gent, the Medieval Manhattan City of Knowledge and Culture “Creative City of Music” - Unesco “Third most authentic historical destination in the world” - National Geographic Traveler Gent’s Light Plan crowned with the ‘International City-People-Light Award’ Veggie capital of Europe

www.gentcongres.be | info@gentcongres.be

5036_GentConvBuro_21-27pub.indd 1

upsilon advertising

Your partner for Gent and East-Flanders!

20-04-2010 11:53:33

> GHENT

I N NOVAT IV E G H E N T An interview with Marc Bracke

GENT CONGRES IS THE OFFICIAL CONVENTION BUREAU FOR GHENT AND EAST-FLANDERS. HQ MET WITH MARC BRACKE, VICE PRESIDENT OF GENT CONGRES AND DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES AT GHENT UNIVERSITY, WHO ACTS AS A VITAL LINK BETWEEN CONFERENCE ORGANISERS IN BELGIUM AND THE INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY.

spect because congresses are getting smaller which heightens our profile as a congress destination.

HQ: What are Ghent's main assets as a congress destination?

STAM

HQ: How can Gent Congres help prospective event organisers interested in Ghent?

Marc Bracke: Gent Congres offers a number of useful services to event organisers. The Convention Bureau unites three key players in this initiative: East Flanders, participating as a community partner, Ghent University and the City of Ghent. The Bureau provides information on various aspects of the running of high-level events. Thanks to the generous assistance from the City Council and the public sector, we are able to offer access to a tight network of congress venues, accommodation facilities, partnerships and sponsors. We are particularly proud of the fact that we organise guided tours through Ghent during which prospective event organisers get an opportunity to network and establish contacts with local providers.

upsilon advertising

HQ: What are the links between the convention bureau and the university and how can associations benefit from them?

Marc Bracke: Ghent University certainly is a driving force because it is very active on the international front. There is a great deal of

investment in research and a genuine desire to develop the region of Ghent. A little known but interesting fact is the dual role the university plays: On the one hand, University Ghent is our client. On the other, it is also an essential provider to the Convention Bureau.

Through its faculties it enjoys membership of various international associations which helped create innovative spin-off companies in the region. And, of course, there will always be the need for international scientific organisations to convene.

HQ: Do you foresee any trends developing around associations that might have an impact on the global meetings and events industry in the near future?

Marc Bracke: There is a growing trend towards specialisation in all disciplines.

Congress facility providers feel that they need to review their inventory more often to respond to the ever increasing demands of attendees. People ask for more and more services but they certainly choose their congresses well. This enables leaner structures, synergies and mixed congress products. Ghent feels privileged in this re-

Marc Bracke: Ghent offers a remarkable array of historic monuments and local museums which have previously hosted scientific meetings and conferences. In terms of size, Ghent cannot compete with cities like Paris, London or Vienna but there is no need to do that. The focus on a smaller-scale infrastructure allows us to accommodate events that correspond to the need for a more intimate setting. The City of Ghent is continually improving its services and is proud to have expanded the range of congress accommodation facilities available. Congresses deliver a major boost to the local tourism industry as hotels are competing with each other for the lowest rates, so congress attendees can definitely use that to their advantage.

Thanks to the Bureau’s close relationship with the City Council, the City of Ghent has kindly agreed to fund the refurbishment of the International Convention Centre, a facility situated in the heart of the historic city core, which will help us bring even more events to the Ghent. This is a very dynamic city with a relatively young and multicultural population. Ghent is both a ‘festivities city’ and ‘a city of technology’. The spirit of innovation is very much alive in the streets of Ghent. Come and discover Ghent!

CONTACT Ghent Convention Bureau +32 (0)9 224 44 95 info@gentcongres.be www.gentcongres.be

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AUSTR ALIA’S POWERHOUSE OF IDEAS One of Darwin’s hidden assets is its world leading expertise in niche industries. Innovators from across all sectors are working on the cutting edge of mining, oil and gas exploration, indigenous health, renewable energy, and tropical knowledge.

Complementing Darwin’s status as an emerging global innovation hub is its purpose built conference venue. The Darwin Convention Centre is a hotspot of ideas generation, knowledge exchange, and network building. Boasting a slew

of prestigious industry awards, Darwin Convention Centre hosts the world’s most influential thinkers and doers from an unrivalled harbour front setting.

Next time you need to connect, create or innovate, make it Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory.

T. +61 8 8923 9000 E. sales@darwinconvention.com.au

www.darwinconvention.com.au

HQ

© DTC

© JC Vinaj

> MONACO

THE ADDED VALUES OF THE 'MONACO MEETINGS' OFFER: Grimaldi Forum Monaco

‘SMALL COUNTRY GREAT POTENTIAL’

The new Monaco Meetings offer AT THE LAST IMEX TRADE SHOW IN FRANKFURT IN MAY, THE MONACO CONVENTION BUREAU ALONG THE GRIMALDI FORUM REVEALED A BRAND-NEW, VERY COMPETITIVE OFFER: MONACO MEETINGS, DIRECTLY AIMED AT EVENTS ORGANIZERS.

Through a well-themed communication campaign, the two key players in the Monegasque business tourism want to promote Monaco as a ‘Small Country with Great Potential’, determined to shine a light on all the advantages Monaco offers as a prestigious events destination.

The Principality of Monaco is indeed quite a welcoming ground with its excellent hosting facilities, amazing infrastructures, excellent know-how and impressive quality of life. Over the years, Monaco has become a must-go destination on the international business tourism scene. Today, time has come to promote one of its master skills, a little less known one might add: competitiveness.

And in this field, the question asked by many, and rightly so, is the following: how to reflect

and react on such a concept? Well, simply by announcing a series of real advantages, summarized in one little announcement that directly speaks to the events organizers, and that is aimed at those generating more than 1,200 roomnights in the Principality.

The Principality of Monaco is quite a welcoming ground with its excellent hosting facilities, amazing infrastructures, excellent know-how and impressive quality of life Along these lines, the Monegasque Tourism’s slogan appears all the more striking, if ever relevant: ‘Need a venue?

+ + + + + + + +

complimentary site inspection one-stop shop destination flexible hotel rates special convention centre rates free welcome cocktail reception free coffee break free internet access special conditions for transportation from and to the airport and within the Principality

... and many other benefits

www.monacomeetings.com

We offer you a country!’ In order to answer the ever-increasing demands of planners around the world, many exclusive advantages and benefits are proposed, making Monaco one of the most astounding destinations for conventions in Europe.

This campaign is backed by a website entirely designed for the offer: www.monacomeetings.com. It gives a general picture of many advantages that not only the Monaco Convention Bureau and the Grimaldi Forum Monaco can provide, but also that the hotel partners will have the pleasure in supplying.

CONTACT Monaco Convention Bureau Sarah Rico +377 92 16 60 81 info@monacomeetings.com www.monacomeetings.com

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Co EI m B at e TM st an 20 an d d vis 11 H4 it 50 us

sensations © cicg, www.christophemichaud.ch

2 min. from CICG

The International Conference Centre Geneva A flexible and modular infrastructure to guarantee the success of your events 1 plenary conference room for 2’200 participants 22 rooms for 12 to 2’200 participants 4'000 sqm of polyvalent space

17 rue de Varembé CP 13 CH 1211 Genève 20 tél. +41 (0)22 791 91 11 fax +41(0)22 791 90 64 www.cicg.ch info@cicg.ch Owned by Building Foundation for International Organizations Member of

HQ

> SWITZERLAND

social realities. Members gathered in Geneva to share these.

© Arnaud Childeric-Kalice

10TH CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION IN GENEVA THE 10TH CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (ESA) TOOK PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA. IT TACKLED IMPORTANT ISSUES RELATED WITH HOW DEMOCRACY CAN WORK IN SUCH TURBULENT TIMES AS OURS, WITH THE INVITATION OF SEVERAL PROMINENT SCHOLARS IN THE FIELD.

The European Sociological Association (ESA) is an academic association of sociologists and a non-profit Europe-wide association made up of over 1800 members. It was established in 1992 and aims to facilitate sociological research, teaching and communication on European issues, and to give sociology a voice in European affairs.

© Sandro Cattacin

© cicg, www.christophemichaud.ch

CASE STUDY

ESA Congress

Europe is in the midst of massive changes, including the transformations in east and central Europe and the increasing integration of the European Union. Sociology has much to contribute to European level debates and developments. The ESA has an important role to play in organizing the European debate and setting the agenda.

Economic and social crisis in these turbulent times challenges both our sociological skills and our imagination. Since its beginnings as a scientific discipline, sociology has sought answers to the social questions that arise in different historical contexts. In turbulent times like those we are living in, when social inequalities tend to deepen and social cohesion is threatened, research agendas are frequently redefined and theories must be adapted to cope with new ideas and new

Gisèle Tchinda, ESA Secretary, explained why they chose Geneva as their main event destination: ‘We were willing to work with a very efficient local organizing committee, with experience in organizing this kind of events, and we knew the Geneva team was highly skilled and experienced. Thanks to its situation outside the European Union, Geneva is also a very interesting place to organize international conferences from an academic point of view. The University of Geneva could provide the space we needed to host our conference with more than 2,500 delegates, so we went for it!’

According to Gisèle, Geneva's assets as a congress destination are quite obvious and easy to list: ‘The city is easily reachable since it is in the centre of Europe and it is the home of a lot of international organizations. For us, it just made sense to go there.’

Prof. Sandro Cattacin, head of the Local Organizing Committee, continues: ‘The Geneva Convention Bureau was very important during the whole preparation process to get the ESA Congress in Geneva.

They helped prepare the presentation in Lisbon to convince the people that Geneva was an appropriate place to hold the Congress and got us all necessary information about other congresses in Geneva. They also helped choose a PCO, with appropriate discussions and arguments, and gave very useful advices for strategy problems.’

CONTACT Aline Christen Project Coordinator, Associations Meetings Geneva Tourism & Conventions T. +41 22 909 70 64 christen@geneva-tourism.ch www.genevaconventionbureau.ch

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© swiss-image.ch/Christoph Sonderegger

> SWITZERLAND

Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau presents

ENGADIN ST. MORITZ Where strategies are made with vision !

Meeting in Engadin St. Moritz

Engadin St. Moritz offers the perfect environment for conferences in an unspoilt and glorious natural setting. This Swiss high valley, located at an altitude of 1,800 metres, enjoys 322 days of sunshine a year and is one of the most appealing conference destinations in the Alps. The ultra-modern Rondo Convention and Event Centre, numerous top-class seminar and conference hotels as well as various mountain inns are available as venues for all manner of events with up to 500 participants.

CONFERENCE VENUES

Rondo Convention and Event Centre

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© swiss-image.ch/Ralph Freiner

The Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Region groups together 13 villages and resorts, including the world-famous town of St. Moritz.

The central region around the main resorts of scintillating St. Moritz and the inspiring glacier village of Pontresina offers more than 4,600 hotel rooms. Nearly half of these are to be found in the resorts’ celebrated five- and four-star hotels, offering a wealth of possibilities for hosting meetings in elegant setting; the remainder are in mid-range hotels of various sizes, as well as in more basic hotels, offering a host of facilities

ranging from rustic rooms decorated in traditional Engadin style to spaces showcasing the best in contemporary design.

The Rondo Convention and Event Centre offers a versatile infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the highest expectations. A large auditorium accommodating up to 500 people as well as seven seminar rooms and three foyers make ideal settings for small and medium sized meetings. Beyond Rondo’s walls lies Pontresina’s magnificent landscape of mountains and glaciers. Rondo is at a mere two to five minutes‘ walk from most of Pontresina‘s hotels, offering 1200 rooms.

+ uncountable possibilities for your leisure time + Rail Congress Ticket, valuable from every Swiss railway station and return, 2nd class CHF 66.00, 1st class CHF 99.00 + Easy access from Milan and Zürich airports + secure destination + 8% VAT only Engadin St. Moritz can offer you support with planning association events: + information and advice + researching and booking various locations and hotels (free online booking system) + arranging social programmes + supply of documentation material and candidature dossiers

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES In summer, Engadin St. Moritz is home to 580 kilometres of footpaths and 400 km of biking trails set against a spectacular alpine backdrop as well as three high-altitude golf courses. In winter, Engadin St. Moritz is transformed into Switzerland’s largest snow sports region. Sports, culture, culinary and wellness options abound, providing the most varied pastimes for conference participants.

CONTACT + FOR ENGADIN ST. MORITZ Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Organisation Convention Services T +41 81 830 08 13 - meetings@estm.ch www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/meetings

YOUR ADDED VALUES IN ENGADIN ST. MORITZ + professional equipped and handled venues with an emphasis on personal services + in summer season most of the hotels offer from a two-night stay upwards free use of mountain railways and public transfers + Pontresina and St. Moritz: two of the most appealing conference towns in one destination + unspoilt nature, mountain experience

+ FOR SWITZERLAND Myriam Winnepenninckx Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau T + 32 (0)2 345 83 57 myriam.winnepenninckx@switzerland.com www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings

k r b

D F

Š swiss-image.ch/Christoph Sonderegger

WANTED

LOONEY, VISIONARY PROJECT BUILDERS OBSESSED WITH WILD DREAMS OF BUILDING AN EXHIBITION Have you ever dreamed of building your own exhibition? Are you always keen to follow the hottest trend? Lyon Tourism and Conventions bureau and its partners can help turn your dreams into your very own business. Let us make your exhibition a success story.

Development Support| Partner Research Financial Support | Event Venue For more information visit www.expobooster.org

Ours is the commitment to providing you with a venue of great potential.

Yours is the pleasure of living moments that will be turned into an unforgettable experience in vast ultramodern spaces.

via della Fiera 23 — 47923 Rimini ph. +39 0541 711500 — fax +39 0541 711505 www.riminipalacongressi.it info@riminipalacongressi.it

Saturday October 15th 2011 inaugural event Sunday October 16th 2011 open day

HQ > RIMINI

Fireworks display

Official opening - ceremony in the Anfiteatro Hall

Foyer

INTRODUCING THE NEW PALACONGRESSI CONFERENCE CENTRE IN RIMINI

9,000 seats over in 39 rooms with cutting-edge technology

ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST VERSATILE CONFERENCE CENTRES IN EUROPE STARTED ITS CONGRESS ACTIVITY IN SEPTEMBER WITH A RICH CALENDAR OF EVENTS. ON OCTOBER 15TH THE OFFICIAL INAUGURATION TOOK PLACE, WHILE THE VENUE’S DOORS OPENED TO THE CITY THE FOLLOWING DAY. MANY ITALIAN AND FOREIGN PERSONALITIES PARTICIPATED IN THE VISIT OF WHAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO AN EVEN STRONGER POSITIONING OF RIMINI AS A COMPETITIVE CONFERENCE DESTINATION. The project was designed by architect Volkwin Marg of Hamburg’s Studio GMP, one of the fifteen leading names in contemporary town planning. Great care for the environment, modular conference layouts and wide exhibition areas (11,000 sqm), cutting-edge technologies available in each room and the possibility to host numerous events simultaneously are the key features of the new conference centre. Natural light is everywhere to be found, from the rooms to the common spaces, where a large foyer (4,000 sqm) guarantees high levels of comfort for delegates.

The names of the rooms refer to famous historical monuments and places of Rimini and evoke meetings, dialogue and hospitality. The

Piazza hall, which refers to Piazza Cavour, is the main hall, with 4,700 seats - it is 12 metres high and can be divided up to six independent spaces, thanks to modern, movable and soundproof partitions. Another distinctive element of the venue is the Anfiteatro hall, with a shell-shaped amphitheatre, facing the sea. It has a maximum capacity of 1,600 fixed seats and can be divided into two 800-seat rooms.

The total floor space amount to 29,000 sqm and includes the ground and the first floor, where the other halls, accommodating 20 to 4,700 people seated, are located. Worth noting is that every area can be easily equipped for catering. The Centre also boasts 500 underground parking spaces.

The Palacongressi is managed by the staff of the Rimini Convention Bureau, the one-stop shop for meeting planners wishing to organise events in Rimini.

CONTACT Annalisa Giannini, Sales Coordinator Palacongressi di Rimini managed by Convention Bureau della Riviera di Rimini Via della Fiera, 23 - 47923 Rimini T. +39 0541711500 info@riminipalacongressi.it www.riminipalacongressi.it

HEADQUARTERS 41

The Global Meetings & Events Exhibition 29 November – 1 December 2011 Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain

Five star business opportunities for meetings and events professionals Join over 14,200 industry professionals at the leading international event for the meetings and events industry, taking place in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Meet over 3,100 Global Exhibitors.

Senior level buyers and decision makers can also benefit from being fully hosted at the show.

“

“

If you only go to one show a year this is an annual must-attend event without a doubt.

Tim Procter – Air Charter Ltd.

Scan the QR code with your mobile to watch our show video and be inspired!

No code reader? Search for QR reader in your app store; download one of the selection of apps available.

Alternatively, visit our website to view the video www.eibtm.com

Find out more and register today at www.eibtm.com/MIM EIBTM is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Events Portfolio organised by

HQ

WORLD CONFERENCE CENTER BONN Meet where the parliamentarians formerly held their debates Under the slogan ‘Municipal Management of the Future: Innovative - In Touch - Regional’, the conference of the Association of Local Utilities (VKU) was held at the World Conference Center Bonn in October 2011. Some 1,000 managers and decisionmakers from local public utilities and waste-management companies as well as guests from the world of politics and business discussed current topics in the fields of energy, water and waste management in the unique surroundings of the former German Bundestag Plenary Chamber.

VKU-CEO Hans-Joachim Reck expressed his satisfaction with the facilities at the World Conference Center Bonn: ‘The former Plenary Chamber provides a historic backdrop for our conference. Holding a conference where government and opposition used to debate political procedures adds a special touch. In particular when modern conference rooms are combined with a lovely location right on the Rhine.’

Every year some 60,000 people attend the numerous conferences, meetings, product presentations and evening events at the World Conference Center Bonn. The conference center with the former Plenary Chamber, the adjacent Waterworks, the exhibit area and conference rooms offer a unique framework for large and small events of all kinds. It is located in the middle of Bonn’s former government quarter, in the immediate vicinity of the United Nations Campus, Deutsche Post DHL, the media broadcaster Deutsche Welle and a number of international organizations.

2011 VKU conference

Aside from the unique conference options, the Beethoven City of Bonn has all the merits that an attractive conference destination should provide: a central, easily accessible location with good connections to the international transportation network, an excellent infrastructure and a wide selection of hotels. Bonn also offers numerous options for a varied support programme.

www.worldccbonn.com

© World CCBonn

> BONN

HQ PLAN YOUR EVENT IN PARIS Enjoy a full array of hosting services at Viparis venues THE EXCITEMENT OF PARIS COMES TO LIFE AT VIPARIS VENUES, MAKING EVERY EVENT A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.

Viparis, the European leader in convention and exhibition centres management, offers a large array of 10 venues, all ideally located in Paris region and gathering 600,000 sqm of modular spaces to welcome all kinds and sizes of events.

In addition of a huge range of integrated hosting services, Viparis has created a complete range of hospitality services to welcome its customers in Paris: the Welcome Pack implemented in partnership with the Comité Régional du Tourisme Paris-Ile-de-France, Aéroports de Paris and the Comité des Expositions de Paris.

The Welcome Pack is a comprehensive programme that includes information, guidance and transport service to allow visitors, exhibitors and delegates attending international professional trade shows and congresses* to get the most out of their business journey in Paris.

HEADQUARTERS 44

A fleet of dedicated shuttles awaits visitors upon their arrival to France, at the airports and train stations, to ferry them to the doors of the convention and exhibition centre where their event is held. Hosts and hostesses great them and answer all questions about the venue, the event, the location of the shuttle buses, the timings and even about Paris in general. Promotion event banners are displayed at different locations in the airports and stations and, even more, along the main roads around Viparis venues.

In addition of a huge range of integrated hosting services, Viparis has created a complete range of hospitality services to welcome its customers in Paris: the Welcome Pack

Every year, the Welcome Pack runs during more than 100 days for 50 events. Free of charge, convenient, flexible, it gives a great exposure to the events and offers exhibitors, delegates and visitors a comfortable and efficient stay in Paris.

© Laurence Prat © Laurence Prat

© Laurence Prat

> VIPARIS

VIPARIS FIGURES + + + + + +

10 Venues 1,000 events 500 corporate events 125 congresses 9.2 milllion visitors 13 amphitheatres from 168 to 3,723 seatings + 239 meeting rooms + 28 multipurposes spaces + 34 halls 1,060 to 72,002 sqm

Viparis venues Cnit Paris La Défense, Espace Champerret, Espace Grande Arche, Le Palais des Congrès de Paris, Carrousel du Louvre, Palais des Congrès de Versailles, Paris Le Bourget, Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris expo Porte de Versailles and Le Palais des Congrès d'Issy.

more info: +33 (0)1 40 68 22 22 sarah.dupons@viparis.com www.venuesinparis.com

* Subject to elligibility criterias

HQ

© Christophe Hamm

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

La Petite France, Strasbourg

MONTPELLIER, NANTES, STRASBOURG AND TOULOUSE 4 French destinations, 1 beating heart Toulouse

IT MIGHT SEEM A BIT ARTIFICIAL TO DO A FEATURE OF FOUR DIFFERENT FRENCH CITIES, ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY USUALLY COMPETE TO HOST THE SAME KIND OF EVENTS. BUT, THOUGH MANY THINGS DRAW THEM APART, THEY’RE MORE SIMILAR THAN YOU THINK. CONSTANTLY DRIVEN BY INNOVATIONS, WITH A WILL TO MOVE FORWARD AND NOT REST ON THEIR LAURELS, MONTPELLIER, NANTES, STRASBOURG AND TOULOUSE ARE ASSOCIATION DESTINATIONS PAR EXCELLENCE - HERE THEY JOIN FORCES TO OFFER ASSOCIATIONS A WIDE

Montpellier

HEADQUARTERS 46

© Patrick Gérard

© Ville de Montpellier

RANGE OF OPTIONS. TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ

Anneaux de Buren, Nantes

© Christophe Hamm

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

In a market where events of all sizes have become commonplace, you have to be visible.

Today Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse have come together for a feature establishing a more efficient marketing, at the initiative of Headquarters and for this purpose only. With a high awareness of four distinct French destinations, the aim is to meet the congress organizer’s high demands.

Think about this: if you’re a pan-European association whose events have to rotate between destinations, this feature is made for you. In a way, Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse proudly stand in the four ‘corners’ of France and going to each of them - maybe not one after the other! - just makes sense, if you consider France as a destination of choice.

ALWAYS ON THE MOVE Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse never seem to stand still. Current events are always at the top of the list. Take accommodation for example. There always seems to be a new addition to the local portfolio.

In Nantes, for instance, a Radisson Blu hotel with more than 140 rooms will open in the very heart of the city in 2012, on the historical site of the old courthouse. In Montpellier as well, things are moving: the opening of the Crowne Plaza has added some useful rooms to an already rich accommodation offer; the inauguration of the Park&Suites Arena, a brand-new multifunction facility, has also added a lot to an already rich porfolio of meetings venues.

Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse are also attracting high-level researchers coming from the world over. Whether it be in ICT, aeronautics, the space industry, they all occupy today merited positions among the top ones in France, and this tendency that started few years ago is now intensifying. It is difficult to predict the scientific scenario with a perspective of few years, but the clever and open mentality of the people conducting research allows to expect the best.

Business tourism is also visible because Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse have attracted and are attracting leader industries of high technology: aerospace, nautical, transport, energy… and many others.

Take Toulouse for example: all scientific fields are represented in the destination, from research in medicine, biology and agronomy to mathematics and IT/communications, physics, chemistry and engineering, earth sciences and human and social sciences. Strasbourg also fares fairly good, with fields of expertise ranging from healthcare, chemistry, textile, ICT, imaging to photonics and optics, materials. No wonder the coming of high-profile events in these cities have contributed and will contribute to fascinating experiences!

TAILOR-MADE In this report, Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse will get the same

In a market where events of all sizes have become commonplace, you have to be visible. Today Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse have come together for a feature establishing a more efficient marketing

10 GOOD REASONS

TO CHOOSE MONTPELLIER, NANTES, STRASBOURG AND TOULOUSE 1. HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE CITIES + Over the years, the population of these cites has grown exponentially + Thousands of researchers

2. EASY ACCESS AND SUPERB HOTEL FACILITIES + European and international flights to and from many destinations + High-speed train station in the heart of city centres + Several thousands of hotel rooms, for all kinds of budgets, with more to come + Efficient public transport systems

3. EXPERTISE IN INNOVATION + World-renowned competitive clusters + Dynamic students’ population

4. GREEN AS IT GETS + Eco-commitment and sustainable destinations + Dozens of parks and gardens

5. A UNIQUE MIX OF PEOPLE-BASED EXPERIENCES + City centres moulded by history + Places that have always welcomed foreigners + Cultures of humanism

6. CITIES OF HISTORY AND DISCOVERY treatment and the same opportunity to introduce themselves. The specificities of each destination, its meetings capacities and facilities, a short list of association events and the testimonial of a foreigner will be highlighted, explaining the reasons why go there… or not! All of these four French cities have qualities and assets: your turn to judge which one best suits your needs.

Of course, local convention bureaus or centres are here to help. With years of experience, they can offer services well suited for all those planning on bringing together their clients, partners or members. As meetings professionals, they have the indispensable know-how and resources to help you achieve success. They will act as one-stop shops and will put a network of partners at your disposal for planning and organizing your event. You usually will deal with a single liaison representative while benefiting from the expertise of an entire team… You could hardly ask for more.

+ Dozens of pre- or post-conference possibilities, with UNESCO world heritage sites + Strategic locations at crossroads + Between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between mountains and oceans, between different countries

7. A REMARKABLE HERITAGE OF CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY + Zauerkraut, cassoulet, magret, foie gras, award-winning wines… + Dozens of major museums + Festivals and fetes galore

8. PLEASURE AND FRIENDLINESS COME HAND-IN-HAND + Thousands of restaurants + Endless shopping options

9. A CONTRACT BUILT ON TRUST WITH HUNDREDS OF SUPPLIERS + Hundreds of companies supplying top-quality, high-tech services, with just one aim - to make your event a success.

10. SPECIAL OFFERS FOR YOU + Tailor-made proposals by convention bureau and/or centres + Free urban public transport (under certain conditions) + Free culture pass (in certain cases)

HEADQUARTERS 47

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

Agropolis International

© JL. Girod

MONTPELLIER NEVER STANDS STILL A CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH WELL KNOWN FOR ITS PROGRESSIVE APPROACH, FLOURISHING BUSINESS PARKS, PRESTIGIOUS SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, OUTSTANDING TOURIST RESOURCES, THE CITY OF MONTPELLIER OFFERS A HOST OF OPPORTUNITIES. RENOWNED FOR ITS DYNAMISM AND FOR ITS UNIVERSITY FACULTIES, INCLUDING THE OLDEST FACULTY OF MEDICINE STILL IN OPERATION IN THE WESTERN WORLD, THE CAPITAL OF LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON IS ONE OF THE LEADING UNIVERSITY TOWNS IN FRANCE AND ONE OF SOUTHERN EUROPE'S MAIN BUSINESS CENTRES. FOR ASSOCIATIONS LOOKING FOR LINKS WITH A FRENCH CITY WITH A CLEAR-CUT IDENTITY, IT COULD WELL BE THE PLACE TO BE.

Montpellier is a city that seems to never stand still. In the last ten years, the city has not only seen France's highest growth in strategic jobs but it also boasts an excellent situation, especially for the 60,000 students in Montpellier's three universities, engineering and business schools. An outstanding centre for research, in ICT, medicine, pharmaceutical industry and biotechnologies, agronomy and water management, Montpellier is at the cutting edge of innovations of all kinds.

MEDICAL AND MORE Its medical sector has risen out of the city's ancient traditions. A large number of leadingedge research centres and laboratories have set up here, confirming Montpellier's reputation in the field of public and private science and medicine, with private leading-edge research centres aplenty.

The biotechnologies sector is also growing rapidly with the emergence of companies specialising in the field of health, agronomy and the environment. With major institutions in contact with some twenty higher educa-

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tion and research establishments working in the food industry sector, particularly the tropical and Mediterranean sectors, Montpellier also plays a major international role in North-South development and cooperation.

Those different scientific sectors have attracted a whole host of researchers, including internationally famous specialists, who sometimes serve as ambassadors when Enjoy Montpellier, the organization managing the main congress venues in Montpellier and promoting the city as a business destination, bids for a conference.

New York native Naomi Taylor is one of them. After pursuing studies in medicine and biology at Princeton, Yale and the Weizmann Institute and working in Connecticut and California, she decided to continue her medical research career in Montpellier and has now directed a scientific research group for the past 15 years there.

She explains her life in Montpellier: ‘Living in Montpellier is wonderful and like New York,

it has a wonderful diversity of peoples and cultures. For a relatively small city, it offers an amazing number of concerts, theatre, dance performances, wine tasting (Estivale), festi-

Montpellier is a city that seems to never stand still.

In the last ten years, the city has not only seen France's highest growth in strategic jobs but it also boasts an excellent situation vals, open-air movies and more; it’s impossible to take advantage of all of them but it’s fun just seeing what’s available. The large number of students also adds a lot to the vibrancy, and positive “craziness” of Montpellier, a place where there is a real creative spark.’

According to Naomi, Montpellier is more than just the city itself though. It is an incredible location from which to explore the Meditteranean Sea, exquisite vineyards and beautiful

© OT. Montpellier - Céline Escolano

© Laurent Vilarem

Park&Suites Arena

© L. Martorell

Auditorium Berlioz, Le Corum Congress Centre

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

MONTPELLIER THE HARD FACTS 1. ACCESSIBILITY

Pont du Gard

+ Montpellier Méditerranée international aiport 10 minutes away from Le Corum and 2 minutes from the Park&Suites Arena and the exhibition ground + High-speed train station ten minutes walk from Le Corum

© Luc Jennepin

2. 7,835 HOTEL ROOMS IN ALL CATEGORIES from budget to five-star hotels

3. LE CORUM CONGRESS CENTRE

NOVELTIES

Park&Suites Arena

© M. Guyonnet

In addition to new hotels which have just opened in 2011, like the four-star 146-room Crowne Plaza directly linked to Le Corum

4. PARK&SUITES ARENA AND EXHIBITION CENTRE + + + + +

The second biggest of its kind in France, the Park&Suites Arena is a brand-new multifunction facility - unique, innovative and exemplary in terms of sustainable development with 11,000 sqm of solar panel on its roof. Acting as a reference for multifunction facilities, it was just inaugurated in September 2010 on the Exhibition Centre area. As of 2012, it will be linked by tramway to the city centre and is already set to host one of the biggest congresses Montpellier has ever seen, with 2,500 participants expected in June 2012.

PAST AND FUTURE ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN MONTPELLIER + 11th World Congress on Endometriosis (WCE), 600 delegates, September 2011 + EUROMAT – European Congress and Exhibition on advanced materials and process, 2,000 delegates, September 2011 + Annual Conference of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, 600 delegates, September 2011 + 6th EU-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair, 300 delegates, September 2011 + 33th IDATE (one of Europe's leading market analysis and consulting firms for the telecom, Internet, and media industries) International Conference, 600 delegates, November 2011

Talking about tram lines and accessibility, Montpellier will boast two news tram lines as of April 2012, bringing the total of lines to four and making the tram network the longest in France.

Gala Dinner

St-Pierre Cathedrale

1 modular auditorium up to 7,500 seats 135,000 sqm of exhibition space 10 modular halls from 1,800 to 6,600sqm 75,000 sqm of outside space modular conference centre with up to 15 meeting rooms

Le Corum Congress Center

© Lilian Martorell

As an organizer of scientific meetings, she’s interested in taking advantage of some of the centrally placed venues: ‘I had the good fortune to work together with “Enjoy Montpellier”, the organization that facilitated and coordinated our efforts. Their input clearly goes a long way to fostering business tourism.’

+ 3 auditoriums (2,000, 745 and 318 seats) + 6,000 sqm for exhibitions + catering space for up to 1,000 delegates

Congress Centre by a footbridge, or which are set to, like Courtyard Marriott (4 stars, 125 rooms), Park Inn (3 stars, 110 rooms), Holiday Inn Express (3 stars, 90 rooms), there are two main novelties in Montpellier which are worth settling on a bit.

© St. Pierre

mountains. Within a half hour, you can be at luscious beaches, tasting wines from Pic Saint Loup vineyards and even climbing the Pic Saint Loup for breath-taking views.

She continues: ‘Montpellier, as the largest growing city in France, and the city planners though have done a great job at making many more areas of the city pedestrianfriendly and the bike sharing scheme works really well. The big change, on a logistics and esthetics level, is the tram.’

© Laurent Vilarem

© OT. Montpellier - Céline Escolano

© JL. Girod

2011 FO Congress in Exhibition Centre

HEADQUARTERS 49

© V. Garnier

La Cité Nantes Events Center

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

the Radisson Blu hotel in 2012

NANTES AT FULL SAIL A LEADING URBAN LOCATION IN WESTERN EUROPE, ON THE LOIRE RIVER AND CLOSE TO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, NANTES IS A FIRST-RATE DESTINATION OFFERING AN EXCEPTIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR EVENT. AN UNPRECEDENTED PROGRAMME OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IS BRINGING A NEW DIMENSION TO THE NATURAL ASSETS OF THE REGION OFTEN PRAISED FOR ITS HERITAGE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. WITH EXTENSIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY LA CITÉ NANTES EVENTS CENTER AND THE LIKES, NANTES OFFERS ALL THE CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL EVENTS. SELECTED AS THE EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL IN 2013, IT’S ALSO A DESTINATION PROUD OF ITS ‘ECO-ATTITUDE’.

Very accessible, Nantes, the sixth largest city in France, is becoming a truly international city boasting remarkably dynamic industrial, economic and scientific activities.

It’s a very attractive, historical destination, with a great drive for innovation, for moving forward. Promoting the city and hosting international events are the first and foremost important objectives of the people working at La Cité Nantes Events Center, the convention center.

INNOVATIVE & CULTURAL In 2010, Nantes was named a Hub city for innovation in the Innovation Cities Index by innovation agency, 2thinknow. And Nantes doesn’t stand still… Nantes St Nazaire International Agency was launched last October to strengthen the promotion of the destination at an international scale, notably thanks to the creation of a convention bureau and a website www.nantes-just-imagine.com.

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As a true metropolis where Jules Verne was born, Nantes is one of the major artistic and creative poles in France, a place where imaginary journeys have pride of place.

The cultural offering is almost expanding as we speak: under the umbrella of ‘Voyage à Nantes’ (a journey to Nantes), it’s a whole new experience that’s on display, with the unique Ducs de Bretagne castle, the famous giants of the Machines de l’île, the memorial museum dedicated to the abolition of slavery, the artistic laboratory called ‘la Fabrique’ or the Nantilus, the atypical floating barge.

LOCAL KNOW-HOW Ideally centrally located, La Cité Nantes Events Center is an unmatched forum for the demonstration and exchange of the region's cultural, economic and scientific skills and know-how.

Since 2006, La Cité has entered partnerships with the main research and educational estab-

lishments that contribute to local excellence: Nantes University Hospital, the Ecole Centrale de Nantes and Ecole des Mines de Nantes engineering schools, the IFREMER marine research institute, the IFSTTAR - French institute of science and technology for transport, development and networks, the ONIRIS agrifood and veterinary school and Nantes University. La Cité also works closely together with the seven competitiveness clusters based in the region: in biotechnologies/healthcare, materials/microtechnology/ mechanical engineering, ICT, agrifoods, transport, chemicals/materials, civil engineering and eco-building.

One thing is obvious in Nantes: the research, fundamental and applied, is increasing in quality and magnitude, with steps of giant Today, these initiatives have been taken even further by an ambitious ambassador program, dedicated to local scientists who promote the excellence of Nantes and its region both in France and abroad.

A SPANIARD IN NANTES Francesco Chinesta is one of Nantes’ prestigious amabassadors. He is currently Professor of Computational Mechanics at the

© P. Bassen

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

Le Grand Auditorium, La Cité

Machines de l'île - OTNM

Passage Pommeraye

Ecole Centrale of Nantes and titular of the European Aeronautics, Defense and Space – EADS - Corporate Foundation International Chair on Advanced Modeling of Composites Manufacturing Processes.

He explains: ‘I appreciate enormously this city with human dimension, vibrating at all the frequencies, in science, business, tourism, shopping, cultural offer, captivating all generations, a city where all religions, social classes, traditions and modernity, architectural styles including the impressive Loire castles, folklore and vanguardism, Britain and Pays de la Loire cultures, rivers and beaches, coexist harmoniously creating a captivating present in which past and future melt. Life is pleasant, rich and vibrant, it’s a destination that creates strong attachments.’

He has personally witnessed Nantes’ scientific and technological leadership, with the creation of Technocampus EMC2 for instance. He explains: ‘From a political point of view it was necessary to strengthen the Nantes’ place during the Power 8 Airbus plan aimed at minimizing the dispersion of activities of Airbus in Europe. Scientifically this was an opportunity for us (i) to become a centre of excellence in composites materials forming processes and (ii) to enlarge the number of applications in addressing all aspects of composite forming including their applications to automobile industry, energy and transport. Located near the airbus site, the Technocampus enables to test demonstrators on a scale of near to one.’

One thing is obvious in Nantes: the research, fundamental and applied, is increasing in quality and magnitude, with steps of giant.

© La Cité - D. Plard

© Nautilus Nantes

NANTES THE HARD FACTS

© V. Garnier

© P. Bassen

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

The city is attracting high-level researchers coming from everywhere in the world.

Nantes occupies today a merited position among the top ones in France, and this tendency that started few years ago is now intensifying more and more.

1. ACCESSIBILITY + 45 international routes (with direct flights) operate out of Nantes International Airport, recently awarded ‘Best European Airport’

by European regional airlines + 2 hours from Paris with 23 high-speed trains / day + Train station 5 minutes walk from La Cité Nantes Events Center + Eco-friendly public transport network

2. 7,000 BEDROOMS for all kinds of budget

3. LA CITÉ NANTES EVENTS CENTER + 3 auditoriums (2,000, 800 and 450 seats) + 16 meeting rooms for up to 300 people + Total exhibition space: 6,000 sqm

4. EXPO NANTES ATLANTIQUE + 63,000sqm of usable space, including 30,000 sqm of covered exhibition areas, 37,000 sqm from March 2013 + 6 exhibition halls + maximum capacity: 5,000+ people for a conference

As far as the meetings industry is concerned, Francesco praised La Cité as it develops a key role. He says: ‘People involved in these meetings appreciate very much the offering of the city, walking in the large pedestrian quarter, visiting its museums, the castle… enjoying shopping opportunities aplenty and the great variety of regional and international cuisine. The professionalism and friendliness of La Cité make possible, simple and easy the organization of any event, independently of its dimension, size and horizon.’

5. ONE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS PER MONTH AT LA CITÉ

GREEN AS IT GETS

PAST AND FUTURE ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN NANTES

La Cité Nantes Events Center operates at the heart of a territory that has, for the past twenty years, shown a strong commitment to sustainable development. As for the matter, the European Commission has recognized the city’s ongoing commitment and selected Nantes as ‘the 2013 European Green Capital’.

As an influential player in the development of the territory, La Cité has committed to ambitious goals for Corporate Social Responsibility. Besides its ideal location, its teams’ eco-friendly behaviour and the optimized management of its facilities, La Cité is committed to offering environmentally responsible services at each stage of an event. This is made possible with the assistance of an ecoconsultant, specialized in corporate sustainability and footprint audit (ADEME certified).

La Cité has taken a step further and become

6. TWO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS La Folle Journée de Nantes (classical music festival) and the International Festival of ScienceFiction (the ‘Utopiales’) every year at La Cité

+ 22nd EAIE Conference 2010 - European Association for International Education (September 2010)

+ 7th EADO Congress - European Association of Dermato-Oncology (June 2011) + 11th Biennial Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis - ESDA 2012 (July 2012) + Eurocities 2012 (November 2012) + International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Archti Engineering - OMAE 2013 (June 2013) + 6th Annual meeting of the European Association for Animal Production - EAAP 2013 (August 2013) + EcoCity 2013 (September 2013) + XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (August 2013) + The 64th CIRP General Assembly 2014 (August 2014)

one of the leading convention centres in France for its carbon footprint practices towards event organisers.

HEADQUARTERS 51

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

European Parliament

STRASBOURG IS KNOWN BY MOST PEOPLE AS THE SYMBOL OF EUROPE. IT’S TRUE OF COURSE, THANKS TO THE PRESENCE OF MANY PRESTIGIOUS EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS, BUT IT’S MUCH MORE THAN THAT. WITH A HISTORIC CENTRE LISTED TWENTY YEARS AGO AS WORLD HERITAGE BY THE UNESCO AND A ‘COMMUNAUTÉ URBAINE’ OF 470,000 INHABITANTS, STRASBOURG HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT A CROSSROADS, WHERE FIELDS OF EXCELLENCE HAVE PRIDE OF PLACE, WHERE MANY DIFFERENT INFLUENCES ARE COMBINED TO MAKE A UNIQUE DESTINATION. Walking through Strasbourg you immediately feel it’s fused into the Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has been a bridge of unity between France and Germany for centuries, especially through the University of Strasbourg currently the largest in France, and the coexistence of Catholic and Protestant culture.

Strasbourg is like a symbol for the German and French reconciliation and also the European capital of human rights.

FIELDS OF EXCELLENCE Economically, Strasbourg is an important centre of manufacturing and engineering, as well as of road, rail, and river communications. The port of Strasbourg is the second largest on the Rhine. In terms of city rankings, Strasbourg has been ranked 3rd in France and 18th globally for innovation.

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Alsace as a whole wants to strengthen its five fields of excellence through economic clusters that should help the transfer of knowledge. Alongside those clusters settled in Alsace - Alsace Biovalley, Vehicle of the Future, Fiber Innovative Cluster, Alsace énergivie, Hydreos - there are additional centres of expertise which include chemistry, textile, ICT, imaging, photonics and optics, materials, and home design and fittings. For an association looking for specific links with a destination in which to organize an event, Strasbourg boasts assets that will make some of its competitors blush.

No wonder the city has recently reaffirmed its confidence in a bright future. The new brand ‘Strasbourg the Europtimist’ clearly stresses the city’s European and international dimension and Strasbourg’s renewed

© C. Fleith

© C. Fleith

Erasme Auditorium, Strasbourg Convention Centre

Place des Tripiers

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

© L. Stadler

© Strasbourg Evenements - Philippe Stirnweiss

STRASBOURG KEEPS SURPRISING

faith in terms of its competitiveness in areas aplenty. This positive, pro-active attitude also involves Strasbourg Convention Bureau and the local players of the meetings industry.

As a one-stop booking office to draw up your specifications, the Bureau is like a guide that will ensure the best possible outcome of your event. It federates synergies and provides assistance, thanks to its extensive network of partners offering a comprehensive raft of customized solutions to your needs, and a unique set of skills and services.

A EUROPEAN IN STRASBOURG Originally from Madrid, Rafael Benitez is the Director of Programme and Finance with the Council of Europe where he has been working since 1994. Prior to his current position, he had other assignments including Head of the Counter-Terrorism Division, and Chief of Protocol. He’s been a real ‘Strasbourgeois’ for more than 17 years now.

He explains: ‘Strasbourg is a city with a very high quality of life. Life is easy and everything works. There is a wide array of things to do and a significant cultural offer, outstanding gastronomy and a beautiful countryside. The city has a well-preserved heritage and a lot of history to it. Germany and Switzerland are

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

nearby and Paris can be reached in a bit over two hours. People are friendly and open and willing to share and there is also an important expatriate community due to present of a number of international organisations and companies.’

According to him, Strasbourg has become more happening and more cosmopolitan over the years. The city always had the aspiration to be a crossroads but, now more than ever, takes pride in a clear-cut spot on the international map, as a lot of people from different countries visit it and some stay to work or live.

In terms of business tourism, Rafael Benitez puts it like this: ‘The business of congress and events has significantly developed over recent years. Some major official events

Strasbourg has recently reaffirmed its confidence in a bright future. The new brand ‘Strasbourg the Europtimist’ clearly stresses the city’s European and international dimension including the NATO Summit and the Council of Europe Summit have taken place here.

Together, the permanent presence of international organisations - the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights, the Eurocorps - has given additional visibility and attraction to the city as a place of choice for business tourism.

Music festivals, the European Fair, the modern art fair START and a significant number

of professional events, fairs and congresses add to it. This is an important dimension to Strasbourg’s business and international projection.’

STRASBOURG THE HARD FACTS 1. ACCESSIBILITY

NOVELTY WAVES Strasbourg won’t of course rest on its laurels.

In addition to a few hundreds hotel rooms in the forthcoming three years, thanks to Marriott Renaissance and aparthotels, the main development of the local meetings industry will concern Strasbourg Convention Centre. Situated in the heart of the prestigious European district, the facility already offers a total area of 50,000 sqm spread over two levels. Organizing or hosting about 350 events a year, it is managed, along the exhibition centre, by Strasbourg événements, which over recent years put a lot of emphasis in the hosting of association congresses, with many cross-border (namely French and German) ones.

But huge works are appearing on the 2014 horizon, as the restructuring and the extension of the venue have been agreed on.

When completed, the new Convention Centre will boast some additional 8,000 sqm, a third auditorium and more meeting rooms. Worth noting is also the new project of the Exhibition Centre, with 50,000 sqm to be ready in 2016. Directly linked to the Convention Centre, it will increase Strasbourg’s ability to host prestigious, large congresses. A new opportunity that Strasbourg événements is already actively preparing. To revitalize the European quarter, an international business district will also be integrated to this area in several phases, from 2018 to 2025, welcoming luxury business hotels, multinational companies, international organizations…

+ Strasbourg International Airport 15 minutes away from downtown Strasbourg (in addition, EuroAirport Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg and Karlsruhe Baden-Baden are just an hour or so away) + High-speed train station 15 minutes from the Convention Centre and 10 minutes from the iconic cathedral

2. TWO HIGH-SPEED TGV LINES TGV Est (Paris 2h20), new Rhin-Rhône TGV (Lyon 3h30)

3. 8,000 HOTEL ROOMS in all categories, from budget to four-star hotels

4. 6 TRAM LINES 5. STRASBOURG CONVENTION CENTRE + + + + +

2 auditoriums (2,000 and 900 seats) 11 meeting rooms (20 to 450 pax) 15 breakout rooms 9,000 sqm for exhibitions Catering space for up to 1,890 delegates

6. 2014: EXTENSION OF THE CONVENTION CENTRE 8,000 additional square metres, 1 auditorium of 600 seats, 6 meeting rooms, catering space, exhibition space of 3,000 sqm

7. CAPACITY OF THE ZÉNITH: 10,000 pax 8. HOME OF NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS

SELECTED LIST OF EVENTS AT STRASBOURG CONVENTION CENTRE 2010 European Material Research Society (2,200 pax), returning in 2012 European Pesticide Residue Workshop (500 pax) Eur. Society of Contact Dermatitis (800 pax)

2011 Spie Europe - Green Photonics (300 pax) 2nd International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials (1,200 pax) 12th International Conference on Methods and Applications of Fluorescence (400 pax)

2012 Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (900 pax) 22nd annual meeting of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (500 pax)

Modern & Contemporary Art Museum

© C. Fleith

© J.Dorkel

2013 Advanced Automotive Batteries (500 pax) Amnesty International France (800 pax)

HEADQUARTERS 53

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

TOULOUSE, A CITY WITH PERSONALITY

© Ville de Toulouse Patrick Nin

Capitole

WITH AN IDENTITY BUILT ON A RICH HERITAGE OF 2,000 YEARS, TOULOUSE IS A CITY WITH GREAT PERSONALITY: FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIMES, IT HAS INSPIRED GREAT HUMAN ACHIEVEMENTS. WITH AN INFRASTRUCTURE IN CONSTANT EVOLUTION, IT NOW INSPIRES GREAT MEETINGS TO CHOOSE THE DESTINATION. EASILY ACCESSIBLE, TOULOUSE IS BECOMING A BEAMING DESTINATION IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD. WITH EUROPEAN AND EVEN INTERNATIONAL AMBITIONS, IT SEEMS TO BE ON THE MAP AS NEVER BEFORE. Toulouse’s deep roots go way back into the past. The city and its region boast many important historical sites and some 80 museums labeled ‘Musées de France’. This coexistence of strong tradition and constant innovation makes it a natural site for the success of events of any size.

PINK, SPORTY AND FRIENDLY The ‘pink city’, as it is popularly known, cultivates the sense of hospitality one only encounters in Southern France and distinguishes itself by its elegance and its legendary hosting abilities. Toulouse is a colorful city, with traditional markets, lively outdoor patios where, when evening comes, generations fraternize.

Its gastronomy and famous ‘foie gras’, delightful southwest wines (must-eats and drinks for congress delegates!), the Canal du Midi, classified as a UNESCO site, and also its 160 gardens contribute to the quality of life.

Toulouse, the French and European capital of rugby, is also a city where values are trans-

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mitted. The great performances of their glorious team of the ‘Stade Toulousain’, seventeen times champion of France, bring together a team spirit and a taste for adventure. Tucked between mountain and sea, its geographical location is ideal and its climate a dream!

A STRANGER’S LIFE IN TOULOUSE To live in Toulouse is a privilege and the destination is highly coveted. With close to 800,000 inhabitants, the city is experiencing a great demographic expansion. For the last 20 years, 7,000 newcomers arrive each year, a record number in France that positions the pink city just after Paris.

Englishman Simon Thorpe is one of them. In France since 1982 and in Toulouse since 1993, he works on brain mechanism and visual recognition as a CNRS research director. His current interests are centered on understanding the phenomenal processing speed achieved by the visual system. He just organized the

14 July in Toulouse Exhibition Park

European Conference on Visual Perception in Toulouse.

He explains: ‘Toulouse has lot of character. It’s a very laidback, young destination - yet not too touristy. The presence of a great number of students and the dynamism of the engineering schools add a lot to the atmosphere.

Toulouse is of a definite human size, and yet the cultural offering is vibrant. You don’t actually feel deprived of anything when you live in Toulouse.’ According to him, Toulouse has changed a lot over recent years: it got bigger, but the creation of two metro lines made commuting quite easy. Some congresses qualify for the “Congress Pass", courtesy of

The ‘pink city’, as it is popularly known, cultivates the sense of hospitality one only encounters in Southern France and distinguishes itself by its elegance and its legendary hosting abilities the convention bureau - So*Toulouse - that gives free access to all public transportation to their delegates, thus enabling them to get around the city very easily.

Simon Thorpe adds: ‘In terms of meetings, one of the main assets of Toulouse is the

> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

strong presence and the professional support of the local hospitality and convention industry which share the culture of team spirit to serve effectively the interest of the events.

I personally experienced it when the European Conference on Visual Perception that was held in Toulouse. Everybody showed an enthusiasm that made the difference. I can also safely add that, for pre- and post-conference tours, Toulouse and its surroundings are hard to beat!’

WORLDWIDE POLES OF COMPETITIVENESS Toulouse’s economic leadership is of European level and contributes to the activities of the destination. The city is #1 in Europe and #2 in the world in aeronautics. It is also a European leader in the space industry and first in Europe for space communications, meteorology and climatology. With the ‘Aerospace Valley’, the destination is the first employment pool when it comes to aeronautics, space and airborne systems. It gathers 1,200 organizations providing 95,000 jobs altogether.

Toulouse also distinguishes itself in the health industry. The ‘Cancer Bio Santé’ and the ‘Cancéropôle’ of Toulouse are a mixture of medical research and innovation in the field. Other spheres of activities include more than 200 companies, and close to 1,000 researchers: the innovative agriculture and agro-industrial pole Agrimip has been designated first French pole of competiveness for numerous projects. Toulouse’s water industry is also recognized worldwide and at the heart

of the international debate on sustainable development.

Other sectors include biotechnology, attracting investments from big international groups, as well as ICT: with more than 50 years of expertise in technology research, Toulouse ranks 1st in France. When it comes to education, the city is the first pole of higher education in France after Paris, with 4 universities, 14 higher education schools, 5 international schools and 110,000 students.

NEW AND STATE-OF-THE ART IN TOULOUSE Toulouse is acquiring a new tool to achieve its European ambitions. It is a ‘new generation’ centre that will open its door in 2015 in Toulouse and propel the destination to the rank of the big European metropolis as far as international congresses are concerned.

Located to the north west of the city, by the airport, the site will be accessible very easily, especially by public transportation.

The building will have great capacities, for up to 5,000 people for congress and 8,000 for live performances, with 100,000 sqm of usable floor space, a modular exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 12,000 persons, 40,000 sqm of additional halls, 15,000 sqm of welcome and food and beverage areas, and an outdoor exhibition area of more than 40,000 sqm. Be careful what you wish for!

Serre volante

TOULOUSE THE HARD FACTS 1. ACCESSIBILITY + Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, 15 min from Toulouse city centre, a total of 86 routes, international flights to Europe, Africa and Canada and to every European capital + Toulouse Matabiau high-speed railway station right in the city centre

2. VERY EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NETWORK 3 metro lines, a new tram line, numerous bus lines, free electric shuttles

3. 11,700 HOTEL ROOMS ranging from budget to five-star hotels

4. MAIN CONGRESS FACILITIES + New congress and exhibition centre in 2015 + Pierre Baudis Congress Centre: 500-seat auditorium, 24 modular spaces (20 to 1,200 pax), 2,400 sqm of exhibition space + Toulouse Expo: 9 halls, 40000 sqm in total + Zénith de Toulouse: for up to 1,200 guests dinner style

UPCOMING ASSOCIATIONS EVENTS IN TOULOUSE + 15th AOC 2012 & PA3S (July 2012) + ISPA Conference (July 2012) + Congress of the European Calcium Society (September 2012)

+ ROCOND'06 (July 2013) + ESMRMB 2013 Congress (September 2013) + 20th IFAC World Congress 2017 (July 2017)

National Orchestra of Toulouse

HEADQUARTERS 55

UNITED KINGDOM

BELGIUM

H LIS ENG

L NNE CHA LUXEMBOURG

GERMANY

NANTES

STRASBOURG SWITZERLAND

IC NT A L N AT EA OC

I TA LY

MONTPELLIER

TOULOUSE

S PA I N

M

N A R E A IT SE D E

N

EA

N

MONTPELLIER

NANTES

STRASBOURG

TOULOUSE

Bertrand Rouanet Business Development & Marketing Director

Elodie Coudre Manager - Marketing and Development Department

Mireille Dartus Director

François Lafont Development Manager

Enjoy Montpellier Esplanade Charles de Gaulle BP 2200 34027 Montpellier Cedex 1

La Cité Nantes Events Center 5 rue de Valmy, BP 24102 44041 Nantes Cedex 1

Strasbourg Convention Bureau 34 rue du Tivoli 67000 STRASBOURG

So*Toulouse - Convention Bureau Arche Marengo A1 Allée Jacques Chaban Delmas 31500 TOULOUSE

T. +33 (0)4 67 61 66 32 sales@enjoy-montpellier.com www.enjoy-montpellier.com

T. +33 (0)2 51 88 20 08 elodie.coudre@lacite-nantes.fr www.lacite-nantes.com

T. +33 (0)3 88 13 41 33 mdartus@mystrasbourg.com www.mystrasbourg.com

T. +33 (0)5 81 31 30 22 f.lafont@so-toulouse.com www.so-toulouse.com