MIM No.105

Th e m e e t i n g s a n d i n ce c e n t i ve t ra rave v e l m a g a z i n e f o r c o r p o r a t e p l a n n e rss ve … e n r i c h e d w i t h p r i n t e d b ra i n foo o d ffoo r d e c i s i o n m a ke k e rrss

MIM maga M maaga gazi zine ne ne Afgiftekan g ntoor-Bureau de d déppôt ô: 28800 Mechelenn 1 Published 6 times a year: Feb, eb, b,, Ap A r, Jun Jun,, Sep, S No N v,v Dec Editio t n June n 2009 – P4A9 4A90322

Corporate Interview

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Jaguar Land Rover FILIP VERSTREKEN

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© Andreas Von Einsiedel

Travel psychologists exist!

EDITORIAL

MARCEL A.M. VISSERS Owner - Editor in chief

Mid May a remarkable message appeared in my big e-mail box and it was titled JMIC-IMEX Webinar: ‘Predicts the Shape of Recovery in Corporate Meetings'. The meaning of all this (and the complete text from the e-mail) can be read in the news section of www.MIMmagazine.eu I'll keep it short so I'll write: a group of meetings industry experts have put their heads together and made a statement about the current financial crisis and the effect it has on corporate meetings.

I want to state in advance that in general I agree with what they say but I want to throw some light on one thing in particular. In the message the professionals say: ‘Panellists agreed that meetings and incentive programs had in some cases been unfairly associated with corporate

The general public has the perception that corporate meetings or events are nothing more than extravagant parties, orgies of eating and drinking and costly trips for a privileged group

WWW.MIMMAGAZINE.EU

spending excesses…' But they don't mention another word about these so-called unfair statements, which are supposedly made by journalists. However I think that the general public has the perception that corporate meetings or events are nothing more than extravagant parties, orgies of eating and drinking and costly trips for a privileged group of employees, clients or business relations. I've checked this perception wit a few travel psychologists. I didn't even know that there was a speciality in psychology like this and I've discovered this domain in a KLM airplane by coincidence. And now wild horses

couldn't drag me away from the subject.

The (astonishing) answers from the experts were generally like this: 'Incentive organizers, corporate planners and so on mostly have themselves to blame for this bad reputation because they always communicated in these terms. I've only read few texts in which purely the motivating effects on the participants of an incentive trip and the psychological advantages for the business climate are mentioned. I always hear how great those (expensive) trips were and how nice the food and drinks were during the exuberant gala dinners were and how many big and special friendships were started in the late hours at the bar of the - again - chic hotel. But I've rarely heard about the true nature and the essence of an incentive trip. The problem lies with all the people who are involved in the organization of business meetings and events and not with the public opinion or the press. They select what they like to hear anyway. So, it's about time that the right message is sent out.'

And with this last sentence I get back to what was said by the professionals: ‘While the hour long webinar covered a wide variety of perspectives, there was general agreement that three key areas had to be addressed; first, a greater effort to communicate the role and importance of meetings; second, to enhance the strategic value of meetings, particularly from the perspective of participants, and third, to devise and practice better measurement of meeting outcomes in order to document and demonstrate their value.’

I add a fourth key area myself: travel psychology! And again: read on www.

MIMmagazine.eu my first text about what psychology says about the effect of traveling on people. Who's interested in this subject can register on the same website for a Corporate Meeting which will be organized in the SWIFT offices in Brussels, and... a travel psychologist will be present!

CONTENTS

COLOPHON MIM magazine IS THE TREND-SETTING TRADE JOURNAL FOR THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY IN BELUX. MIM MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ENGLISH AND COMES OUT 6 TIMES A YEAR AND HAS A CIRCULATION OF 5000 COPIES, PUBLISHED BY MEETING MEDIA COMPANY BVBA/SARL. SUBSCRIPTIONS: An Annual subscription in Belgium costs 75 EURO (excl. 6% tax) and comprises 6 magazines. In order to subscribe, go to www.MIMmagazine.eu or send an e-mail to subscribe@meetingmedia.eu.

Editor in chief: Marcel A.M. Vissers T: +32 (0)3 226 88 81 marcel@meetingmedia.eu Managing Director: Cécile Caiati-Koch T: +32 (0)2 761 70 52 cecile@meetingmedia.eu Director: Sophie Molle T: +32 (0)2 761 70 53 sophie@meetingmedia.eu

Editorial Manager: Steven Kins T: +32 (0)2 761 70 54 steven@meetingmedia.eu Editor: Rémi Dévé Address: 20, rue Paul Wemaere B - 1150 Brussels (Belgium) T: +32 (0)2 761 70 50 F: +32 (0)2 761 70 51 www.mimmagazine.eu

GENERAL Editorial Round Table: Incentive Houses, Cruise Companies and Airlines CSR Trends

10 15

INTERVIEWS Cover Interview - Jaguar/Land Rover

6

BELGIUM SITE Belgium Chapter

18

INCENTIVE HOUSES

19

CRUISES

28

ABROAD Brazil Australia Groningen France Switzerland Thailand

26 27 30 33 34 35

Special Destination Supplement Malta

Publisher: Meeting Media Company Marcel A.M. Vissers Mechelseplein 23, bus 1 B - 2000 Antwerpen (Belgium) www.meetingmedia.eu

D est i n a t i o n Re p o r t M a l ta i s a s p e c i a l e d i t i o n of M I M m a g a z i n e N o 1 0 5 - J u n e 20 0 9 p u b l i s h e d by M e e t i n g M e d i a Co m p a ny ( Be l g i u m) - w w w. M I M m a g a z i n e.e u

SPECIAL MIM SUPPLEMENT Afgi g ftfekanto t or o -BBureau de déppôt ôt: 280 Mec 2800 eche heleen 1 Editio Edi tionn June June 20 2009 09 – P4A9 P4A9032 032

Photographer: (Cover, cover interview) Paul De Cloedt

Design: UPSILON advertising, Gent T: +32 (0)9 267 39 40 info@upsilonadvertising.be Printing: Cartim - Destelbergen

3

MALTA WHERE MEETINGS HAVE A SPIRIT

REGISTER NOW ON THE MIM MAGAZINE WEBSITE! WWW.MIMMAGAZINE.EU ➔ FOR SUBSCRIBERS - simply log in to read the magazine online or the extended versions of key articles.

➔ FOR OTHERS - just subscribe directly on the website and you will instantly have access to in-depth content online.

MIM magazine sets great store by sustainable development and therefore chose environment-friendly FSC certified paper which comes from a controlled source.

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

➔ And the good news is there are even more developments to come

Stay tuned!

MIM > Interview > Corporate

MIM 6

MIM > Interview > Corporate

Filip Verstreken

Jaguar - Land Rover Loves Cars, Needs Incentives When Filip Verstreken, Corporate Sales Manager BeLux for Jaguar and Land Rover, starts talking about his latest incentive trip to the Namibian desert with a group of car dealers, it might stimulate the audience to test drive a Defender and drive, drive, drive... and enjoy infinitely. Filip is a car lover all the way, that's why he's working in an 'automobile house'. He only has one company fear, he told: 'if anyone were ever to take away the management tool of incentive travel, my marketing model would completely fall to pieces, because well-chosen and well-considered incentives appeal to all innermost feelings of the participants.’

INTERVIEW MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND STEVEN KINS - PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL DE CLOEDT

MIM: Could you introduce yourself to the readers of MIM magazine?

Filip Verstreken: 'I've been in the car industry for almost 20 years now, so I don't have to explain to you how passionate I am about these miracles of engineering.

After only one year as a salesman I became sales manager for Saab Beherman in Antwerp, and after another year I became Zone Manager for Mazda Beherman Auto. Then I switched over to my beloved English manufacturers: Rover, Land Rover and MG. For a little while I stepped out of the importing business. Land Rover was owned by BMW at the time so I launched Land Rover Metropool in Antwerp then. In the meantime Land Rover got sold to Ford so I returned to the Land Rover importer and Jaguar was then added to the portfolio. I became the Corporate Manager BeLux for both brands.

'I deal with all the contacts with the government (fire departments, police, army, local authorities, forestry, and civil engineering) and with the leasing compa-

nies. As an indication, half of our cars go to companies, mostly in lease contracts.'

and XF we invited journalists to Nice or Sevilla, and for new Land Rovers we often invite them to Scotland, a great location to test these vehicles.

'We are represented all over Europe, with factories in Birmingham and Liverpool, our headquarters in Gayden, and national sales companies, like the one in Belgium.

'Sales incentives are initiatives from the local markets. Each year we organize an incentive for Land Rover or Jaguar Dealers, a nice trip with all the frills, and a sales incentive for our Land Rover or Jaguar sales people. The next year it's the other way round. I believe these trips are of the utmost importance, because they have four goals: improve sales (if you sell that many cars you can go on a trip to Namibia, Brazil,...), also the

MIM: What kind of events do you organize?

Filip: 'The entire car industry definitely feels the consequences of the crisis but I believe I can say we offer exclusive products so our business is still running on a reasonable level. To stimulate sales we do three things: sales incentives to boost sales numbers, dealer conferences with presentations of our new products, and activities for clients that are linked to our brands, for instance the Land Rover Experience in Scotland or Morocco.

The same Experience is also available in Namur and Tournai where they first get instructions on how to drive a 4x4, after which they can try our cars.

'Sometimes dealers take their own customers on a trip, e.g. Jaguars on Nürbürgring. Or we organize golf tournaments for clients. Trips for car journalists are also indispensable, for instance when we launched the new engines in the XK

With a regular meeting you can't get the same effect as with an incentive trip contact between dealers improves in the environment of an incentive (if they know each other better, they'll work together better, e.g. switching cars between dealerships), share their own experiences, problems,... (so it's an educational experience), and improve the contact between the main company and the dealers. Also, we ask them to bring their wives, so they

MIM 7

MIM > Interview > Corporate

IN A FEW WORDS, HOW IMPORTANT HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS BECOME? transport: no low-cost airlines, sometimes chartered planes which we personalize punctuality: important meals: quality is important, but this has evolved and got better drinks: no alcohol if they need to drive afterwards! spare time: people like to discover the town on their own sports/culture: in Sicily we saw the Etna, in Brazil we went to the historic city of Salvador de Bahia, but everything needs to be in the right measure surprise moments: in Namibia we arrived with small planes, and got back in a big DC60. We incorporate many surprise moments. There was an aperitif in a nice setting in Namibia but we 'forgot' the drinks, so someone jumped with a parachute from a plane with them. We purposely leave out certain things from the programme atmosphere: often a band is playing when we get somewhere CSR: this year we gave 60 Land Rovers to the Red Cross, and we're the only brand that has a CO2 offset programme for 150 EUR more than the catalogue price; Climate Care supports wind energy in China, environment-friendly heating in Tanzania, ... hotel: important; the Estonia Lodge in Namibia was great, we also had an old colonial hotel in Palermo, the Four Seasons in Nice, and The Breakers in Palm Beach. gadgets: for journalists and clients, but dealers already have them conference rooms: we pay attention to this.

Try to look for something that fits with the brand. Before, Land Rover went to places that exuded adventure, now it has to be more 'design', in line with how the brand has evolved. coffee breaks: carefully tended exclusive visits: we'll get a new Range Rover model year 2010, which we want to introduce in pre-première to a selected crowd.

In Delvaux they'll visit the atelier, will be able to create business card holders with their initials, have a walking dinner, presentation, and workshops.

MIM 8

These trips have four goals: improve sales, improve the contact between dealers, share experiences and problems, and improve the contact between the main company and the dealers understand better why their husbands need to work as hard as they do (laughs).'

MIM: How do you pick your destinations?

Filip: 'Definitely for Land Rover incentives we try to incorporate the adventurous character of the brand. Our last trip was to Namibia, where we got off the plane and started driving through the desert in Defenders. We went from Windhoek to Swakopmund and stayed in lodges. Dealers absolutely loved it! Other destinations we've used are Scotland, and Tanzania, where the ruggedness of our cars really comes to life.'

Conferences Filip: 'New products are presented to our European and international

dealers and employees during conferences. They land in a (often non-commercial) airport, where they can admire the new car for the first time, and they can immediately start driving in the mountains with them, where we plan some stops of course.

We give them a nice hotel, good food, and some info sessions, and people get home completely pumped up. We definitely try to look for centrally located destinations with good weather, great hotels and great roads to drive around. A 4x4 parcours around Lake Garda is only one recent example. In June and July we'll go to Geneva to introduce the 2010 models.'

MIM: Do you work together with a professional organizer?

Filip: 'We often work with a British

organization and everything's always perfectly organized.

You can't do exclusive stuff like this yourself. Belgian Air Travel, Exceptions, Wonderman are incentive houses we've worked with, but they have to be organizers that feel at home in the car industry.'

MIM: When can you call an event a succes?

Filip: 'A sales incentive, conference or event can be called a success if the participants have learned something, are enthousiastic about the trip and the new products and if they talk about it during the next sales meeting. I often receive a 'thank you' e-mail afterwards and that says it all.'

MIM: Imagine if your superiors would decide to cancel these events...

Filip: 'During the crisis we discussed the necessity for organizing them, but for all the arguments I've given above we have to keep on doing this. It would be a bad signal if they canceled them and at the same time they would definitely take away a great marketing tool. With a regular meeting you can't get the same effect as with an incentive trip. It's important that dealers get away from their dealership for a little while because it's hard work, very stressy and if you place them into a more relaxed atmosphere, they start talking, and settle down.

'In any case, the main office keeps showing the new products to the dealers, so it's necessary anyway. Getting new cars to Brussels for instance wouldn't be the same thing because you can't create the same laid-back atmos-

phere. During staff meetings I explained the importance of these events. Also, during product presentations we try to invite as much employees as possible to motivate them as well.

'It's all about people. Someone has to design, build, or sell our cars, and if you can encourage those individuals, the company can feel the advantages. An incentive is something we've been doing for years and we see that it helps and that sales go up. The presentations of new cars definitely need to be good, because there's only one first impression. If you do that in the right environment in the right way...

'We have the advantage of having a special product that's distinctive from others, and we promote that in a particular way. Is it obvious that I'm proud of 'my' two car brands that stand for British class?'

Understanding creates Networking.

Networking creates Experience.

Experience creates Knowledge. Knowledge creates Technology. Technology creates Convenience. Convenience creates Well-being.

Well-being creates Feeling. Feeling creates Motivation. Motivation creates Participation.

Participation creates Meetings. Meeting creates Understanding!

MIM: Which qualities does a corporate organizer like yourself need?

Filip: 'Experience is really important, since you start noticing more and more details over the years. This is a people's business, so you need to know who you're dealing with: what are people's sensitivities?'

MIM: Do you recall a really extraordinary event?

Filip: 'I was fortunate enough to witness several absolutely memorable trips, but one of our best brought us to Tanzania, with the Gorongoro crater around Kilimanjaro - a stunning backdrop for our off-road machines.'

www.austrian.com www.acv.at www.messecongress.at www.vienna.convention.at

MIM > Round table

How are the

s e s u o h e incentiv

a tradition of being >> MIM magazine has built up nizers. Even when all ears to the incentive orga rent bells our round new times are ringing diffe ost all-round motivais the m believe in one thing: travel rform better. But each year gly on str o wh ls na sio es of le to pe table is set for the pr ecific stimulus to incite peop tice this when about twenty represp t os m e th is l ve tra e tiv able to no tor and incen t incentive travel. We were lines gathered around the oval meeting table of ou ab ly nt re fe dif k ea sp le peop es, cruise companies and air sentatives of incentive housAirport hotel. TEX T MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND STEVEN KINS the Crowne Plaza Brussels

in Belgium doing?

This time we witnessed another kind of discussion. Everyone wanted to defend their industry. One thing became clear quickly: communication is obviously the main thing for the future.

Terminology It's all a question of giving things the right name. SITE gave a new definition to 'incentive travel'. From now on they're calling it 'motivational experiences'. Elie Lores-Blanes of SITE Belgium recognizes that the term 'MICE' used to group eve-

Marc Lambert - Antipodes:

Businesses are more and more aware that they do not stand alone in society and that one needs to work together to survive in this turbulent world and economy MIM 10

rything nicely together. After all, meetings are not always motivational, sometimes it's pure business, so, SITE tried to find another terminology instead of MICE to respond to the client's needs. Raymond Desmet of Initiative believes MICE was an accepted term, but he acknowledges that incentives came under fire because of the bank crisis. Even when a company is doing great, they can't show it. From Initiative's point of view, incentive travel should even be organized when things aren't going that great in order to keep stimulating people. But the word itself is under fire, so we either have to change names or wait and let the whole thing blow over. Even organizations like Initiative aren't uniform in their opinion and the issue remains high on the agenda. Denying it would be stupid of course.

Still, it's not necessary to run along with the panic situation. People can tolerate less and less from each other, so they do things they wouldn't have done before, thinking 'if I'm doing bad, I can't have it that another one is doing good.' Also, clients go 'shopping' more than before.

Before, there was competition between four agencies, now maybe six or seven.

Obviously, the world has changed and

the crisis has added to this. The sector itself caused the bad situation for a big part, just as Panos Tzivanidis said in MIM No. 103, and now everything has to settle down a little.

Identity crisis The question the incentive industry can ask itself is: Have we been selling ourselves as a party industry? Rik Gerits of I2P rightly wonders: Is every incentive a party?? An incentive is not always a trip, it can even be a coupon for a gastronomic dinner, a concert ticket, or driving a car for a day. It's literally a reward for an effort, for a goal that has been obtained.

Clearly an incentive is not a clear-cut concept. Annemie De Rooy of Mind and Motion notes that often a seminar is included in an incentive trip. Some people consider organizing an incentive as not done, but now is the time more than ever to organize one. People have to work creatively with the concept, to motivate people, and putting a seminar in a trip takes away the negative aspect. However, 60% of what Annemie organizes is still pure incentive.

As many things, the concept of what's an incentive changes year by year, says Raymond pragmatically.

MIM > Round table

Raymond Desmet - Initiative:

Tina Joris - THA:

Elie Lores-Blanes - SITE Belgium:

Incentives came under fire because of the bank crisis.

Even when a company is doing great, they can't show it

The current situation is an excellent opportunity to see what we can get out of the concept of an incentive

percieved that clients are looking elsewhere quicker now and they also ask for more

Against the ropes

you're less troubled by a bad image, and an incentive is considered as just another management tool. Not often do they meet a company that only does incentives, mostly they want a whole communication package, which is a much broader instrument, but the advantages are not yet clear in Belgium. Every department can have its incentive. So, other countries are also troubled by the crisis, without this affecting the perception. That means people have to communicate in the right way. The incentive industry took a beating but Tina is not surprised, since some incentive trips are not communicated in the right way, which makes them seem over the top to the outside world. The current situation is an excellent opportunity to see what we can get out of the concept of an incentive.

Glitter and glamour don't belong to today's world anymore, that's over. We have to pour a new sauce over it.

Raymond Desmet regrets that Initiative hasn't been communicating. A few designs are on the table to decide which direction should be taken, not to improve business, but to show what's an incentive. An incentive is only a part of something bigger, a whole marketing plan needs to be behind it. Perhaps the added value of the integrated system needs to be stressed.

more often now. The taxman is controlling what's happening during incentive trips and if the books aren't in order...

Elie percieved that clients are looking elsewhere quicker now and they also ask for more. 'But we shouldn't forget that we're in a people's business', he immediately added. Clients don't work with agencies but with a representative of that agency.

Everyone can adapt prices, but the quality of the services is the main thing. Incentive houses don't sell merely programmes, but also services. Finding new clients is hard, but losing one can happen in an instant.

David Reculez of Eagle Travel Agency agreed that fiscality isn't easy and added that it's much more flexible abroad. The Treasury is not up-to-date with the current developments.

Quite a few companies are hit by the financial crisis, so, it's only logical that the meetings industry is affected as well.

Kathy Thoeye of Club Med feels that some companies are in some trouble, but they have to reward certain departments who are fighting to get good figures. In other words, meetings, incentives and events can't be cancelled completely.

HRG's Caroline Rivel denounces the fact that some people are trying to break incentive travel. People should be proud and answer back to the hairsplitters, instead of feeling guilty. Companies are afraid to say they still have incentive programmes, but they organize them nonetheless. After all, it's part of people's paycheck!

Elie notices that incentive travel is still the main part of incentive programmes, and it's what helps a company the best, because people keep talking about a trip.

The most striking example of the effects of the crisis is the Fortis debacle in Monaco, says Mark Verheyen of Incentive Reizen.

It was actually about Fortis Insurance, which was doing OK, so those people had the right to go on a trip! That paints a good picture of the current situation. It's impossible for a company to fire people and organize incentives on the other hand.

But the future is still bright. A slight setback doesn't mean we should panic.

Answering the crisis Tina Joris is glad that THA does more than just incentive travel, they also organize award shows, marketing tools, and motivation programmes. That's the advantage of being connected to an English group:

Change client base?

Some incentive houses do because they need to find other clients, remarks Rik. Before, they said: everything that's below a certain budget, we don't need. But now they're fishing in the same pond of clients more aggressively. Fiscality is never mentioned but people are keeping that in mind

DMC groups DMCs are an excellent contact point in unfamiliar destinations and some of them are grouped together, but do incentive houses work with groups of DMCs? Rik understands that they save costs by being represented by a group and that some DMCs in such a group are interesting, but not necessarily all of them. In his opinion, a few DMCs that are part of Euromic work in a very professional way, so he would work with them, but not necessarily with others.

Elie sees other opportunities. Other DMCs are represented in Belgium by someone, like Patricia Bogaert. Being part of a group is not necessarily a guarantee for quality.

Incentive houses have to see if they want to work with them. Of course, it's convenient to talk to just one representative.

David links the two professions: 'It's a peo-

MIM 11

MIM > Round table

Caroline Rivel - HRG:

I have a lot of requests for Belgium or neighbouring countries, and less for the exotic locations

ple's business with us, but also with DMCs. Having a personal contact with them is necessary. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Anyway, it's not easy to create a programme in a destination you don't know without some help over there.'

Tellus' Enzo Piccoli, on the other hand, sees the necessity of a quality label.

The DMC department of @dmire is part of Global Events Partners, which is supposed to be the biggest group according to themselves; says Raymond Desmet. Often they only have one representative in each country. @dmire was looking who was checking the quality the most and who had the best marketing plan. They also work with GEP if they go to a country they don't know and want to be sure of the quality of the DMC. Using a controlled partner is an advantage and as a DMC being a member of such a group is also an advantage.

Tina was wondering: 'When does a representative have an added value? If they give you info on which DMC is the right one for you.' Clearly, honesty is an important issue here.

Different needs It's no secret that the market has changed, and the exotic destinations had to make room for closer or second-tier destinations. Elie was organizing a 5-day trip to Brazil for a big company, but due to the recent problems, they changed it to 3 days in France, which meant a cost reduction of 2000 euro. The incentive business goes in waves and the crisis serves as

MIM 12

Mark Verheyen Incentive Reizen:

Contracts were signed in 2008, while today there are a lot of special prices in hotels and airlines

an alibi for some. In September it might change. Often, budgets were made last September, before the crisis really hit, so the complete picture will take shape after September 2009. Clients make requests later than before, 3 or 5 months in advance, and they don't want to pay a lot in advance.

Caroline noticed that the size of groups has been changing as well: she does feel that big groups are less big. 50 people changed into 35. Big contracts continue to exist but there are also a lot of last-minute bookings. She also has a lot of requests for Belgium or neighbouring countries, and less for the exotic locations. It involves a lot of comparing as well, and clients become more demanding. I used to direct the clients a little, and now they are directing me.

Mark sees another problem. Contracts were signed in 2008, while today there are a lot of special prices in hotels and airlines, so now you can buy a lot more for the same money. Now it's no problem to have 100 people in a plane. Clients can see that and feel more or less cheated.

Other new developments are clients who cancel contracts and organize everything themselves (Caroline), who better read the general conditions (Kathy), and who don't want destinations that 'sound' exotic (Tina). Trips to Montenegro, Vilnius or Bulgary become more popular now, and there's still a lot of good material in Europe. Companies look for safety too, but Elie immediately added that safety is also

David Reculez - Eagle Travel Agency:

I've noticed the need for privatizing planes and cruise ships, and we need to keep proposing new ideas to keep incentives original, it's always a product under development. a matter of perception.

Rik said that an incentive for clients and distributors is not the same as for inhouse employees. The ďŹ rst two stay, others might be cancelled. Enzo concluded that we're in a state of change for the moment, a delicate situation.

CSR? For some companies CSR is something that goes without saying, for others it's just a trend, according to Tina Joris. Nine out of ten winners of the SITE Crystal Awards in Montreux did a CSR event. Elie is a bit more expectant: It should be a long term effort. It's not about going to a poor destination once, giving them football shoes and leave.

Corporate Social Responsibility is the new keyword for corporate management in the new century, according to Marc Lambert of Antipodes. Businesses are more and more aware that they do not stand alone in society and that one needs to work together to survive in this turbulent world and economy. Additionally research has shown that employees feel an increased connection and motivation when they work for a company that stands for their values. Implementing a CSR policy helps a company to motivate and connect with its personnel and relations, do something positive for society and earn it back with stronger bonding and highly motivated personnel without extra costs. Either way it is a win-win situation for both the society and the organization

MIM > Round table

Cruises Communication is the key We got the question to unite the incentive houses with cruise companies and airlines. Cruises gained ground in the incentive world, but communication with incentive houses didn't go smoothly. Is this still the case? Rob van Leeuwen of Cruise Connection could respond that they have a couple of contacts with incentive houses, but since they don't always have a concrete request, they should know the cruise companies are there to help. That's why they try to communicate in the best possible way.

Popularity Cruises have become more and more popular in the private market but apparently there's still some work to be done in the incentive sector. Elie, for instance, has been approached by a cruise company one single time in 18 years, so he doesn't really know the product.

Objections David remarks that a cruise suggests there's only one single place for leisure and work.

Caroline has some experience in this field, she has sold several cruises. She spots one important downside to a cruise: as an organizer you arrive in the destination at the same time as the client, so there's no time to correct things that aren't going right. Then you really have to be able to trust the DMC you're working with. You can't do a lot of exclusive things onboard. Quickly, Rob picked up on the subject, explaining that groups get an onboard coordinator.

Eric Rozenberg of Ince & Tive sees two problems. First of all, the number of people you want on the ship is too big or small. You don't want to eat at another table of another company on the same boat. Secondly, cruises are not flexible,

mainly because of the fixed dates. Again, Caroline could speak from her own experience, and she knows that sometimes there's a gap, allowing organizers to do things at that time. Tina also mentioned other examples showing the lack of flexibility: meals are only served at two different times, so if you have an exclusive excursion, you take the second dining but your evening animation is limited then.

Apparently people are scared off by this, while she admits that she noticed a lot of interest in cruises the last few years. You can't charter the cruise ship. If a client asks for a cruise, it's hard to differentiate from other incentive houses because you can't change anything in the ship.

What many people don't know is that there are special cruises for incentives, remarked Rob. Everything depends on the way you look at it, as Gualtiero Togneri of MSC Cruises observed. Either you see the ship as a floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another or as a destination on itself. It's even possible to privatize one part of a restaurant. There's an evolution towards more flexibility, and a demand for creativity and originality, but

Rob van Leeuwen Cruise Connection:

On a cruise ship, a lot of variation and extras are possible so incentive agencies can always be an added value

a cruise is a product that's still original because not a lot of people went on one.

Elie agreed but added you can only go to an onboard restaurant...

Gualtiero admitted: 'I'm the first to admit that we thought we had an incentive package that's ready to sell, so we underestimated it. But now incentive houses are proposing cruises to their clients and that's the different approach.'

Raymond gave his perspective: 'If you have a group of the wrong size, you have to go to a big ship and privatize a part of it. I have to admit we don't know what's possible on big ships like that.

They're not built for incentive groups. If you have to walk to the restaurant, you have to mingle with other people on the ship, so you lose the private part. You have to make up for that with the land programme.'

Caroline saw a more general problem: 'You sign a contract and later you see ads announcing prices at 20% of the price you paid... It's the same problem as with hotels, but it makes a cruise less exclusive as an incentive when prices make it accessible for everyone.

But apparently you can anticipate to situations like this, as Gualtiero responded that some regions and some periods are more apt to see special prices, so then you might get a less 'nice' public.

Privatizing a ship is another option but of course it costs money and according to Tina 'it's worthwile to privatize, but it brings along a lot of extra logistic stress.'

Gualtiero Togneri - MSC Cruises:

Incentive cruises have potential, if only incentive houses would include a cruise in their propositions now and then

MIM 13

MIM > Round table

Gina Verkouter - Star Alliance:

Airlines Things haven't always run smoothly between incentive houses and airlines, so a round table would be a great time to express their mutual concerns. But first, let's start with what airlines do for groups.

Today, for groups of 10 to 500 people, there are no arrangements between the 24 partners of Star Alliance, was the disturbing message that Gina Verkouter

Elie Lores-Blanes - SITE Belgium:

percieved that clients are looking elsewhere quicker now and they also ask for more Eric Rozenberg - Ince & Tive:

The only person who decides is the client and we need to keep that in mind. We need to provide an added value Kathy Thoeye - Club Med:

Some companies are in trouble, but they still need to reward certain departments who are fighting to get good figures MIM 14

of Star Alliance brought up. From 2010, however, there will be a new product, called Atlantic Plus, with Continental Airlines and Air Canada. What does exist, and is unique with Star Alliance, is the Plus Programme: all partners together have a programme giving discounts to groups of at least 500 people coming from at least three different countries and two continents. You just have to go to the website, register, and specify the group. Your contact will be the best airline for that specific case, you'll get a code that all participants can use when booking the flight. With that code, the agency can book, or individuals can do it themselves.

A relevant question brought up by Eric is: How is it possible that some airlines are open to exclusive extras, and others aren't?

Apparently, and according to Gina, every airline has its own rules... Brussels Airlines is more flexible but local representation is so very important. Group seating and booking isn't that difficult, but still the situation isn't going to get any better due to the current budget cuts and the reduction of staff.

Elie was able to give another example of goodwill - or lack thereof: on a return flight from an incentive trip to South Africa, a husband and wife couldn't sit together and it's things like this that ruin the whole experience you worked so hard to create.

Of course, Eric has a point when he says it shouldn't be a matter of goodwill, it should just be possible.

Tina puts it even more strongly: Since 9-11 it's never been fun to work with airlines, it's the hardest part of the whole organization process. Also Raymond could feel the arrogance of airlines towards incentive houses.

Gina claims it's a matter of manpower.

The service calls are outsourced to cheap countries. And more efforts are made for the meetings industry than for others, so

Group seating and booking isn't that difficult to organize, but still the situation isn't going to get any better due to the current budget cuts and the reduction of staff Rik Gerits - I2P:

An incentive for clients and distributors is not the same as for inhouse employees. The first two stay, others might be cancelled Annemie De Rooy Mind and Motion:

Some people consider organizing an incentive as not done, but now is the time more than ever to organize one you can imagine that other sectors have to deal with even more issues.

Caroline finds this a bad excuse to tell the clients, while Tina blames the low prices but she also has questions about the YQ taxes (Fuel and Insurance Surcharge).

According to Gina, prices are going down and everyone has to follow. Airport taxes are normal, but YQ taxes are actually a strange thing. Apparently, the Net price is the advertized price plus the YQ tax.

MIM > CSR Trends

CSR Trends The sustainable meetings industry continued Despite the economic downturn, the awareness of the need to implement Corporate Social Responsibility principles and the attention devoted to sustainable practices continues to grow for the organization of events and incentives. Apart from the positive and sustainable impact of environmentally responsible events, the implementation of CSR measures can bring a strategic advantage. At the same time, methods and means to come to ‘green events’ are increasing steadily.

TEXT NATHALIE REGA

Towards a Sustainable Meetings Industry Over the last years, companies, governments and the general public have come to the conclusion that the role of companies was much larger than just maximizing profit.

They started to realize that an organisation is inextricably intertwined with society and the environment and must therefore take corporate responsibility for its actions in regard to the 'triple bottom line' of people, planet, and profit. Simultaneously, event professionals recognized the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and integrated economic, environmental and societal considerations in the organisation of events, thereby having a sustainable and profitable future for all in mind.

To ensure the survival of events as relevant business tools it is vital to run them as environmentally efficient as possible. Especially since the high carbon impact of international travel brought the meetings industry in the spotlight of an environment increasingly focused on environmental, social and economic sustainability, as stated ICCA CEO Martin Sirk. A sustainable event implies supporting the host organisation’s prosperity, minimizing the environmental footprint, and having a positive and lasting human impact on the host community and stakeholders.

An ongoing trend It can be questioned to what degree companies and organisations actually are embracing the deed versus the words of CSR. Last year proved that the sustainable meetings industry is a trend that evolves with no signs of stopping.

At the 2008 summer conference of Eventia, the UK Events industry association, an increased CSR and sustainability awareness was identified as a major trend: Attendees reported a

MIM 15

MIM > CSR Trends

Adopting a corporate social responsibility mandate continues to be the main motivator for pursuing green growing interest in carbon-considerate hotels and venues and a larger demand for events incorporating CSR elements, including carbon reduction and offset.

Also the established trend away from long distance travel appeared to be further reinforced.

The MPI Business Barometer report of November 2008 identified ‘green events’ as a Top Ten Trend. Equally, a survey of senior executives in sales and marketing management positions conducted by EventView last year showed that in Western Europe 47 % of the respondents planned to implement green event initiatives within the next 12 months. Adopting a corporate social responsibility mandate continues to be the main motivator for pursuing green. However, the high rates suggest that marketers also seem to recognize the

importance to adapt CSR practices as a means to win customer loyalty and to gain a competitive advantage.

The EIBTM Report of December 2008 takes a closer look at the aspects of events organisation, which are actually influenced by an organisation’s policy on CSR: While 46% of the event organisers say all aspects of event organisation are influenced by CSR, 48 % also refer to the destination selection, and 31 % to the venue selection. Other aspects, such as travel arrangements, social activity programmes, and catering services that provide fair trade products, are mentioned by another 29% of the respondents.

Strategies for sustainable events + Green events The aspiration towards environmentally sustainable or ‘green’ events continues to be an important element of Corporate Social Responsibility within the meetings industry.

2008 has seen a significant growth in the use of technology and innovations that make events more sustainable. Webinars (web-based seminars) and webcasts are used more often to replace seminar formats and bring attendees together without requiring them to travel.

Virtual technologies offer another alternative to far distance travelling, which is becoming less evident because of upsets in fuel prices and the high carbon emissions.

Likewise, serious efforts are made to shove off the use of printed paper. The possibilities of on-line communication and advertise-

MIM 16

ment make the internet an efficient tool in this regard.

Using bio-based and recycled product offerings, replacing bottled water with water-filling stations and reusable cups, are other examples of how to make your events greener. Being innovative is the message.

If creativity is an issue, websites with information and services focused on sustainability for the meetings industry can present a helpful instrument. New and more sophisticated measurement tools have been launched to measure the ecological footprint of events and the return on CSR investments.

The Ecological Footprint Calculator or Best Places to MeetGreen, are just some examples. + The human factor But not only the green factor of CSR is at stake.

Looking at the other side of the coin, organis-

ers and suppliers should consider the impact of an event on the well-being of people who live and work in the destinations where the event takes place.

Incentives can enhance a company's social responsibility by integrating community service projects

+ Green standards and certifications To event professionals it is important to create sustainable policies and implement sustainable practices that are credible.

To respond to this demand, organisations are launching green standards or certifi-

In spite of the continued economic challenges, sustainable events are gaining ground into the programme, and by contributing to the local economy. Event professionals can also try to purchase in a more responsible way, by buying closer to the location of the event and consider fair labour practices associated with the production of conference items.

cations. They make it easier for professionals to clearly define what a green event is and provide ways to manage the implementation of CSR. The British Standard, BS 8901, a standard for Sustainable Event Management, is just one of the many sorts of standards introduced last year.

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MIM > CSR Trends

Will CSR keep on track at times of economic regression?

How will the trend of CSR practices in the event industry evolve, facing the difficulties of the current economic downturn?

It seems that in spite of the continued economic challenges, sustainable events are gaining ground.

European event organisers consider the economic climate and the pressure to reduce costs to be the issue that will influence this year's events the most, as shows the EIBTM Research Report of December 2008, ‘The Mood of the Market’.

Yet, since CSR issues were seen as the second major trend, it is to be doubted that they will lose their importance. Looking at the next ten years, 21 % of the same respondents believed CSR and environmental issues will be extremely influential, while 65 % of them thought they will be somewhat influential.

Currently, there is a strengthening busi-

Companies and organisations that commit themselves to sustainable principles, are finding they are prospering Cost or benefit?

Marketers also seem to recognize the importance to adapt CSR practices as a means to win customer loyalty and to gain a competitive advantage ness trend around CSR as a strategic business component. 86 of the top 100 largest publicly traded companies have CSR websites, according to the MPI report of February 2009, which is an increase of 48% compared to 2005. An increasing number are also completing sustainability reports.

It is often brought forward that sustainable elements are too costly to implement. One of the reasons companies might consider continuing to include green practices is that these measures prove to be cost effective. According to Meeting Strategies Worldwide, even in the present economic context, companies and organisations that commit themselves to sustainable principles, are finding they are prospering: consumers want to do business with them and employee retention is increased. It is stated that implementing basic green initiatives, like the replacement of bottled water, can already save money. And in the end, incentives that are compliant to CSR will strengthen a company’s reputation.

According to the Ernst & Young Report of December 2008, Global Hospitality Insights: Hospitality Going Green, ‘green programs can provide a competitive advantage as long as green activities are still optional in the market.’ But in the long run, green practices will become a baseline requirement in the meetings

industry, particularly as the cost of nonrenewable energy continues to increase.

Action is needed Event planners often take the initiative on CSR matters and can play an important role when it comes to influencing their companies to implement CSR practices.

Since they are the ones who choose the sites, the vendors, the speakers, they can make change possible. Even if companies have already adopted CSR practices and policies, event planners may still need to ensure they extend to incentives.

Implementation of CSR principles is growing on the supply-side of the meetings industry as well. More and more hotel chains are committing themselves to ‘go green’ by trimming energy and water costs and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

When it comes to creating sustainable events, planners and suppliers need to work together.

MIM 17

MIM > Belgium > Site

News from Each year we give an update on what's going on at Site Belgium Chapter, the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives. And who better to talk to than Elie Lores-Blanes, the President of this Chapter?

Last December, Site officially launched its new strategic vision, brand and communications platform during the Annual General Meeting at the Site Global Conference 2008 in Montreux, Switzerland. At its heart this new vision stays true to the organization’s essence of strong professional relationships with high ethical standards while positioning this unique industry as a key tool for driving growth and delivering business results.

In March of this year, following the suggestion of the Board, the members of the Site BeLux Chapter decided to change the name of the chapter to 'SITE Belgium Chapter' instead of SITE BeLux Chapter.

There were very relevant reasons to do so: + 'BeLux' was an artificial word. In this inter-

Belgium Chapter

Elie Lores Blanes

national environment, nobody knows what it stands for. The identification of the name 'Belgium' is a lot clearer, both geographically and image-wise. + Our chapter has not had any members from Luxembourg in the previous years.

Also, there is no interaction whatsoever with suppliers from Luxembourg in respect to the events we organize.

The International Conference 2009 will be held in Aruba from 30 October till 2 November. In today’s complex environment, meetings mean business. The intelligent business leader who believes in unleashing human potential through extraordinary motivational experiences will be the winner on a global stage.

The conditions and regulations being imposed on businesses today call for redefining operations and establishing a bold vision. The community of Site invites you to become part of the movement at this year’s Site International Conference: Business Without Boundaries.

Last year 2 Belgian incentive Travel Agencies were nominated for the Crystal Awards. Let’s hope that this year will also be a prolific year!

And to give some long-term vision, we are proud to present the next ESNEP that, after one year of absence, will take place in Porto from 9 till 11 of April 2010! www.site-belux.org

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MIM > Incentive Houses

Incentive Houses Why use one?

If you want to create a once in a lifetime experience for your team, there's only one address to go to: your preferred incentive house. Be it in Belgium, Brazil, Bulgary or Botswana, on a beach, in the air or on the water, they'll baffle you with ideas you've never even thought or heard of. On top of that, Belgian incentive houses are praised even outside of the country borders. So, on the next few pages you will find a selection of major and trustworthy incentive bureaus.

Perhaps you as a reader are not quite familiar with the possibilities of using an incentive house. What can an incentive house do for you in particular? Why use an incentive house?

Well, for a start it is a fact that incentive programmes consistently meet company's goals. Previous international studies by incentive magazines worldwide among their readership found that on average 80% of incentive programmes have reached their company's established goals.

Even if you want to start modestly, incentive houses can be of great help. It is their job to control the size and scope of the programme. And remember: they are not an expense; they will earn you money in the end.

INCENTIVE SPECIAL 2009

For more info on this subject, contact us: MIMmagazine.eu +32 (0)2 761 70 53 office@meetingmedia.eu

Now is the time more than ever to get your team to obtain goals and incentive travel is still the best way of rewarding someone and keeping them motivated, because... who can forget a trip?

And after all, a motivated staff is exactly what you need these days.

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25 MIM 19

YOUR INCENTIVE AND BUSINESS TRAVEL PARTNER 29 YEARS EXPERIENCE, PROBABLY THE BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE YOU CAN EXPECT

www.belgianairtravel.be - info@belgianairtravel.be Pieter De Keersmaeker - T: + 32 2 737 97 30

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Inventiveness is our major asset That we customise to its utmost limits Using a whole universe of specialist experience To which we add the touch of originality that spells ‘unforgettable’ Our sensitivity is your guarantee of perfect harmony with your corporate image… …and effective fulfilment of your objectives Creating projects that comply with your corporate policy And that totally respect your budget.

Incentives Meetings Conferences Congress Seminars Events

ZZZ DQWDUHV EH Val des Seigneurs 51 box 1 Herendal . Tel. : 32-2-761 10 23. Fax : 32-2-779 09 65 - derenesse.p@antares.be – Travel Lic. A 1564

Antipodes (in-Sight Incentives) goes East !

On our Market, Antipodes Voyages has long earned its excellent Marc Lambert reputation as Australia Aussie Specialist Specialists, but recently they added another cord to their already well furnished bow: Tour East! Tour East is recognized as one of the leading destination management companies in Asia and has recently expanded its network to include Australia & New Zealand. Tour East Australia is a joint venture between the Qantas Group and the Tour East Group.

The presence on the Belgian/European Market of this great company has brought a wealth of specialized knowledge and know-how to our doorstep!

the natural beauty, beaches, wildlife and the very best in hotels, touring and travel experiences make Australia definitely a highly desired destination!

Other Tour East Destinations Via the connection with the Tour East Group, Antipodes Voyages now also offer a number of exciting Asian destinations such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bali.

Destinations Down Under!

Australia has been and still is simply one of the most desired and dreamed-about destinations on our planet. The people,

solution for the MICE market as well as an excellent trackrecord for delivering tailor-made events & incentives to suit the clients’ specific needs and budget and providing that “Wow” factor!

Marc LAMBERT - Aussie Specialist Avenue Louise 479, box 46 1050 Brussels - Belgium T: + 32 (0)2 643 32 94 F: + 32 (0)2 629 81 88 M: + 32 (0)475 84 07 12 marc@toureast.be www.toureast.be

Your Partner in the MICE market!

Tour East Australia – and now by extension – Marc Lambert, offers a “one-stop”

MIM 21

Supplier of Professional Enthusiasm

Recovery star your 2010 inc ts with planning entives & even ts now!

Steenweg 233A ¬ B-9810 Eke ¬ Belgium Tel. +32 (0)9 385 41 52 ¬ Fax +32(0)9 385 44 47

e-mail: info@debuckincentives.com

website: www.debuckincentives.com

Travel designers & consultants

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. Alan C. Kay

In house services: Audiovisual techniques.

Digital photography.

Graphic design.

Video perfomances.

TV spots.

Inheritage family images management.

To convey each day the results of long reflexion efforts by our team thus not only stating who we are, but also what we promise to be, each day for our clients.

Our clients’ satisfaction is at the heart of all our endeavours.

To construct your incentives, conventions, your seminars, meetings and conferences.

To organise the launches of your products and your events.

To organise your «deluxe» tours.

To become your partner for the organisation of a high quality made-to measure trip. The spirit to serve.

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Avenue 9 Provinces, 16 B 5 | B-1083 Brussels | Belgium | Tel.: 32 (0)2 413 03 13 | Fax: 32 (0)2 413 03 19 elie@masterevents.be | TVA/BTW BE0445 021 746 | RCB/HRB 548951 | KBC 429 4035051 57 | www.masterevents.be

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Mind and Motion has as mission to be the best quality supplier in the organization of incentive trips, seminars, conferences and team buildings. It is our goal to organize your unique projects with specialized and professional solutions.

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MIM > Abroad > Brazil

Buggying in Camocim

The Trail of Excitements in Brazil Brazil. The mere name conjures up images of sun, bikini, beaches and fun. And like for most clichés a great part of it is true. But the country is a little more than that, especially when it comes to incentives, sports and culture. Last April, at the kind invitation of TAP, I was lucky enough to join a group of Hosted Buyers to discover the joys of Fortaleza and its surrounding region, in the north-east of the country, on a rightfully named Trail of Excitements. Here are the highlights of a rather eventful journey. REPORT RÉMI DÉVÉ

Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, is known across Brazil for its extended coastline, which comprises bars and restaurants along a 15 km infrastructure as no other place in Brazil has. It's also famous for its high sun levels during the whole year, its warm-watered sea, and its cheerful, good-spirited, hospitable people - a common feature of all Ceará inhabitants, I must say. Needless to say the entertainment level is quite high there, but my trip emphasized sporting activities and most of it happened up north.

For the sportaholics Camocim: Its rich natural beauty spans along 62 km of beaches with an almost

Sailing in the Parnaiba delta

MIM 26

unreal landscape full of coconut trees, mangroves, and white sand dunes. The omnipresent wind makes it the ideal place to practice wind sports like kitesurf and windsurf. Or if you’re into it, you can just buggy your way around: it’s quite fun! And if you need a special organizer there for your special group, the incoming agency inc-camocim (www.incomingcamocim.com. br) will be delighted to set up a tailormade programme for you.

Jericoacoara: Located 310 km from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara has some of the most beautiful beaches of the country.

With unpaved streets, the town preserves the charm and rusticity of a fishermen’s village. There tourists can enjoy astounding scenery, take buggy rides on its vast coastline or sail in the ponds of crystal clear waters, before watching the sun go down from an enormous, comfy dune.

Sound like paradise? It can well be…

Parnaiba: Situated in the province of Piauí, Parnaiba is also known as the Delta’s capital. Its natural landscape is truly post-card material. The delta enters the Atlantic through 5 river branches and offers more than 70 islands as well as uninhabited beaches. From the stunning combination of sea, sun, fresh water, mangroves and dunes emerges one of the richest

untouched eco-systems on the planet. A sailing tour of this natural sanctuary is definitely a must.

A little culture won’t hurt anybody A little more than an hour away from Fortaleza, you can find the most complete museum of Cachaça in the world, which the famous producer Ypióca inaugurated a few years ago, with great celebration,

Sound like paradise?

It can well be… in the first industrial unit of Ypióca. The museum boasts the largest wooden barrel in the planet, with a capacity of up to 374 thousand liters. There you can learn all about the famous Brazilian drink, sit in a period bar, drink delicious sugar cane juice or take a horse-drawn buggy ride and even pedal boats on a nearby drink or take a panoramic bus tour… www.turismo.gov.br www.flytap.com

MIM > Abroad > Australia

Incentives Down Under Last AIME in Melbourne was pretty busy. But I gladly took the time to meet with Kim Cassingena, TourEast Australia Account Manager, and Leon Ellas, TourEast General Manager Sales.

They told me what makes Australia so great as an incentives destination. INTERVIEW RÉMI DÉVÉ Kim Cassingena and Leon Ellas

MIM: What’s TourEast Australia all about?

Kim Cassingena: 'Incentives is where our expertise lies. We’re a relatively new company: we’ve been 18 months in the market place. But our skills date back ten years: both our name and brands are strong in the Asian market place.'

Leon Ellas: 'Although we’re a new company, we’ve been around for a very long time.

75% of Tour East is owned by Qantas: we’re one of the leading DMC companies in the country and a one-stop shop. Our very highly qualified staff know what large numbers are and can deal with them.'

Kim Cassingena: 'Our clients are top corporates working for top companies. We need to look for unique options for them.

I like to think we have the highest product knowledge, and there’s basically no limit to what we can offer!'

MIM: To what extent does a client differ from another?

Kim Cassingena: 'The emerging markets,

Marc Lambert

like Russia, need a little bit of guidance.

The returning travelers, like the Germans or the North Americans, have a clearer idea of what they want. The European market is different: clients from this continent tend to be more adventurous: when they come all the way here, they want to have the whole Australian experience, they want to be immersed in the Australian way of life.'

MIM: What are the most popular Australian destinations?

Kim Cassingena: 'Definitely Sydney and Melbourne. It has a lot to do with them being the gateways to the country. Since the movie Australia came out, a lot of people have been requesting the whole outback cattle experience far west in Australia or in the Northern territory.'

Leon Ellas: 'People also like to combine the many possibilities Australia has to offer. They start with Sydney and its beautiful harbour and continue in the outback. Remember that in this country you can be swimming in one state and skiing in another one! We are fairly unique: our country is also a continent!

Of course, the aim is client satisfaction: it all pretty much depends on what they want but we like to think everything is possible because Australia is equally diverse and unique.'

MIM: Could you describe the personal feelings Australia gives you?

Leon Ellas: 'In a multicultural country like ours, there are always changes so it makes sense to come back on a regular basis.

Even though we’re not that close, we’re very open, safe, friendly and lively. Every state you go to is different and will make you experience something different.'

Kim Cassingena: 'A lot of the convention centres throughout the country have recently been either upgraded or refurbished. We now have the possibility to cater for larger events. Regarding the hotel landscape, there are new developments everywhere: Melbourne is the best example of that, with the Hilton South Wharf next to the MCEC and the third Crown hotel due to open in 2010, among others of course.'

Leon Ellas: 'The state, the government, and the private sector invest a lot everywhere. When people come to Australia, they will be amazed with the array of possibilities that the country can offer.'

Contact Marc Lambert - marc@toureast.be TOUR EAST Sales Representative Europe Avenue Louise 479, 1050 Brussel Tel: +32 (0)2 643 32 94 Fax: +32 (0)2 629 81 88 Mobile: +32 (0)475 840 712 www.toureast.be www.toureast.com.au

MIM 27

MIM > Cruises

Cruise Interview: Peter Mathieu, Cruise & Ferry World Thanks to Peter Mathieu we no longer call a cruise ship a boat, but he knows much more about incentive cruises than just that. He's the chairman of Cruise & Ferry World, the official association for Cruises and Ferries enterprises in Belgium & Luxembourg, and has been a big promoter of cruises for years. Today C&FW represents nearly all cruise and ferry companies in Belgium and Luxembourg. INTERVIEW MARCEL A.M. VISSERS

MIM: After all the work that has already been done in this field, incentive organizers still mention the lack of flexibility on a cruise.

Peter Mathieu: 'I know, we need to learn to accept this, but not ignore it. A lot of travel agents know our products, but I have to admit that the incentive organisers have remained a bit behind. I think that we need to pay more attention to our communications with this group.

'Let’s just look at the notion that people have less freedom with a group on a ship.

A ship is complex, that’s true, but that does not mean that people can’t implement their own creative activity. Don’t forget, there are always new ships being launched on the market that are very much more designed to meet client demands.

'Another issue that comes up is paying deposits. I know that a certain shipping company asks for 25 Euro per person as a deposit to avoid people blocking cabins a long time ahead. That’s not a lot. But yet again, we need to learn to communicate about all these points in more detail. Do you know that 40% of the turnover of Cruise Connection comes from groups? So there is still a great future for Cruise Incentives!

Peter Mathieu Cruise & Ferry World

MIM 28

'And those who find freedom to be so important have an alternative – it’s one that

costs a bit more – and that is to charter ships. Then as a company, you can be your own captain.'

MIM: Are there cruise destinations that you really love?

PM: 'Alaska! So beautiful! Flora and fauna, ice and glaciers, light and air. PEACE! When you are on a ship you see things with other eyes. You see so much more.

Unbelievably beautiful!'

MIM: A cruise as a motivator, a reward and an image builder: can you just describe the driving forces behind each definition.

PM: 'I can put everything into one single description: romance, safety and prestige.

That’s actually the greatest content of an incentive these days.'

MIM: Just one more question. If I ask members of the public in the street: ‘if I say Cruise, what comes to mind?’ Most people think of eating lots of food. Getting fat!

PM: 'The new Celebrity ship has new cabins and new restaurants on board where everything is geared to wellness, wellbeing and healthy food. Developments that take place on land also follow on the water. There is a great emphasis even on cruises on being active!' www.cfw.be

©RCI

©RCI

MIM > Cruises

Short cruises out of Barcelona & Malaga:

a big incentive +

+

the Johnny Rockets** typical American diner to the Portofino** Italian restaurant and the spectacular 3-tier dining room, the Café Promenade, the Windjammer buffet, the Chops Grille** or Jade. (**with surcharge).

Night & day entertainment: twin-decked library stocked with over 3.000 books, cinema screening the latest release movies, Casino Royale caters for every gaming preference and slot machines, wide variety of bars and pubs and a disco to dance away the night, fabulous five-tier theatre showing Broadway-style shows and speciality acts.

The Conference Centre is located adjacent to Studio B (can be expanded to accommodate up to 1.350 guests) and is ideal for exhibitions and trade show events: configurable in a variety of theatre or classroom seating arrangements, sizeable from a single room into four breakout rooms, plus an executive boardroom and a multi-media screening room; wireless control of sound, light and temperature in the room.

Ship facts + + + + +

Gross Tonnage Length/Beam Draft/Speed Passenger Decks/Lifts Crew/Passenger Capacity

142.000 tons 311 m/48 m 9 m/22 knots 15/14 1.176/3.114

Public room capacities + + + + + + + + +

Theatre Schooner bar Lounge Screening room Studio B Viking Crown Lounge Casino Royale Connoisseur Club Night Club

1.362 130 350 60 900 335 418 30 240

Conference center + 2 meeting rooms + 2 meeting rooms + Combined capacity

100 80 360

Dining rooms + Combined capacity dining room - deck 3 - deck 4 - deck 5 - 2 private dining rooms + Portofino Restaurant + Chops Grille Restaurant + Windjammer Café + Johnny Rockets

1.889 843 502 544 58 77 70 796 248

©RCI

©RCI

Have you ever thought of organising a conference or incentive trip on a cruise ship? Navigator of the Seas in 2009 and Adventure of the Seas in 2010 offer 4 and 5 night short cruises sailing from Barcelona and Malaga. Our mix of state-of-the-art ships, leading-edge meeting rooms and conference technology, complimentary business services, onboard activities and exotic ports of call, all add up to the most productive, enjoyable and exciting functions experience ever. + Spectacular facilities: rock climbing wall (61 metres above sea level), ice-skating & in-line skating ring, 9-hole miniature golf course, golf simulator and full size sport court for basketball and volleyball. + ShipShape Health and Fitness Centre with breathtaking views over the sea; and ShipShape Spa which includes a beauty salon, sun deck and solarium with indoor and outdoor pools with whirlpool. + The Royal Promenade, four decks high and longer than a football field, offering shops, bars and a restaurant. + Fantastic variety of dining options from

For further information, please contact your travel agent or visit www.cruiseconnection.be (lic A5341).

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MIM > Abroad > Groningen

Meet Groningen and the Wadden Islands

Groningen riverside

21-23 August 2009

Rescue boat

Sailing

Groningen Congres Bureau and the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) are eager to welcome you on a trip to meet Groningen and the Wadden, in the north of the Netherlands. From 21 till 23 August you'll be hosted on a three-day trip to this unspoilt part of the country.

through the dune and forest area. You'll be introduced to the available teambuilding activities while having lunch after which it's due time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A trendy beach pavilion is the setting for the dinner and you'll spend the night in Terschelling.

Why come?

Meet Groningen You arrive around noon in the city where you'll be invited on a boat excursion on the historic canals of Groningen while enjoying a delicious lunch. You'll get to know the historic and modern architecture and you'll be given some time to breathe in the atmosphere of the city. In the evening you'll have a surprising dinner in an original location, followed by an overnight stay in Groningen.

Meet the Wadden The next morning you leave for Harlingen where you'll be picked up by a rescue boat. On the island you go on a bike tour along the original meeting facilities and there's also a small excursion

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Get to know the original meeting facilities and the refreshing ideas for teambuilding events

This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the original meeting facilities and the refreshing ideas for teambuilding events in this region. At the same time your taste buds will be aroused by the delicious local gastronomy and you'll be amazed by the excellent hotel accommodations in an exceptionally attractive and natural setting.

If you're interested to take part in this educational on Groningen and the Wadden, contact: An Van de Steen avandesteen@holland.com +32 (0)2 543 08 15 www.holland.com www.groningencongresbureau.nl

FROM THE OBVIOUS TO THE SURPRISING “I co-organize the annual convention of the Netherlands Museum Association. We consciously choose to have it outside the Amsterdam-The Hague area. The museum branch is well-presented and very active outside this area too, and, as the representative body, we can contribute positively to a specific region by having our annual convention there. For most participants travelling to a nice location outside the ‘Holland’ area is already a trip as such. In 2008 we had our conference in Groningen. And we liked it there.

“Groningen offers every facility – first and foremost, of course, the Groningen Museum. We are a non-profit organisation so our budget is rather limited. Groningen was quite attainable, though.

The overall quality was great, the hotels were excellent and everything was surprisingly affordable.

But what struck me most of all was the enthusiasm and the geniality of the people we worked with. You could just feel that it was really appreciated that we had chosen Groningen. Reactions were never blasé.

“The collaboration with Martiniplaza, Marketing Groningen and the Groningen Convention Bureau was truly heart-warming. They come up with many ideas, which I like. Everything around our 2-day convention was organised very accurately and efficiently and communication was open and good, both before and during the convention. When, for instance, at any time we asked for a list of all registrations, it would always be available. The purposive professional support we received was one of the reasons we had no fewer than 775 registrations. And our visitors were very content as well.”

JESSICA VAN DER PLUIJM

Project Co-ordinator Dutch Museum Association

GRONINGEN CONVENTION BUREAU Ubbo Emmiussingel 37b 9711 BC Groningen The Netherlands T +31 (0)50 316 88 77 F +31 (0)50 312 60 47 info@groningencongresbureau.nl www.groningencongresbureau.nl

CONGRES? ER GAAT NIETS BOVEN GRONINGEN!

MIM > Abroad > France © Cédric Helsly - MdlF

© Cédric Helsly - MdlF

© Lenôtre - MdlF

© Cédric Helsly - MdlF

© Cédric Helsly - MdlF

Grand Palais

Ever surprising France Authenticity, safety and reliability are the hallmark of all French destinations. The great variety of land- and cityscapes as well as strong regional cultures plus a shared dedication to unique experiences strikes a balance between tradition and innovation.

France has always been a preferred destination for Belgian MICE groups.

The reason is simple: an abundance of original and attractive ideas! Here just a selection to wet your appetite: + A responsible crossing of the Mediterranean Island of Corsica by addressing all the current environmental issues within an idyllic framework... + Discover the charm of Montmartre’s narrow streets, with its caricaturists and musicians dressed as poulbots + typical street urchins… + Relive the splendours of Louis XIV’s court at dinner at the Château de Versailles… + Pretend to be a movie star strolling down la Croisette and ascending the steps of the Palais des Festivals at Cannes… + Go on a wine rally in Burgundy and learn about wine tasting… + Admire Art Nouveau masterpieces in Nancy… + Learn to cook local specialities from the Lyon region at a cookery workshop… + Go on a search for the 'Secret of Wine',

a hunt created by Saint Emilion Excellence that will plunge the participants in a playful, interactive, educational and astonishing adventure following the 'Star' of the wine leading them to discover THE bottle that contains the secret of wine.

Whatever destination, style or theme you are seeking, you will find it in France. Come and mix business with pleasure, we all very much look forward to seeing you back in France soon!

Atout France, the national tourist board of France, has a dedicated meetings industry department: The French Convention Bureau. The main objective of The French Convention Bureau is to market and promote France as a destination for meetings, conventions and incentives. The French Convention Bureau functions as a liaison between foreign meeting, convention and incentive planners and the facilities and service providers in France. It offers free and impartial information and advice.

AT THE HEART OF YOUR EVENT The French Convention Bureau offers the combined powers of an entity made up of more than 130 members, each a true specialist in his particular sector of activity, and covers all aspects of business tourism.

Hotels, destination management companies, conference organisers, convention centres and bureaux as well as transport companies and local and regional tourist boards are widely represented. Furthermore, local representatives of Atout France have the professionalism, know-how, and market knowledge to help find solutions to meet clients’ needs and expectations.

AT THE HEART OF ALL DESTINATIONS The French Convention Bureau will advise you, assist you, and provide you with the know-how to make your event a success.

With The French Convention Bureau, France has never been closer to your next event.

For further information, please contact: Gudrun Ghesquière Atout France 21 avenue de la Toison d’Or 1050 Brussels T: +32 2 505 38 04 F: + 32 2 514 33 75 gudrun.ghesquiere@franceguide.com www.franceguidepro.com

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MIM > Abroad > Switzerland

Nothing says teambuilding like an event in

Switzerland

© swiss-image.ch

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/

Magnificent panorama Quality and service Reassuringly safe Cultural diversity Multi-lingual Short distance Traditional standing

metres above the ground at an adventure rope park. Switzerland is also the perfect country for mountain biking, but not necessarily in a conventional way. Try a ride through the wine-growing areas, cycling through the wine hills by day and tasting the product itself in the evening.

Climb a mountain together, on foot, before paragliding back down together with a professional pilot. Back on the ground, there are numerous ways to hurtle down a

Contact: Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau Myriam Winnepenninckx PO Box 1600 - 1000 Brussels T: +32 (0)2 345 83 57 F: +32 (0)2 345 35 52 myriam.winnepenninckx@switzerland.com www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings

© swiss-image.ch

© swiss-image.ch

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Switzerland at a glance:

© swiss-image.ch

Discover Switzerland by train in a glassroofed panorama car, in a vintage car, hotair balloon, horse-drawn sleigh, canoe, or on a dog sled, boat, mountain ride, scooter, pedalo, or by postal bus, helicopter, bike, horse, or why not on snowshoes? Any way you choose to do it, the abundance of affordable ideas to organize an incentive or teambuilding event is mind-blowing.

Your team will soon learn that it's not all fun and games when they're building a raft they will also use as a picnic location on the water, when they're using snow as a material to come up with fresh ideas, or when they're going through the whole process of cheese-making. Sports might bring out the competitive aspect of your team, so let them try out curling, toboggan racing, night skiing or golf, which is even possible on a glacier at an altitude of 3,000 metres, imagine that! Or test their nerves as they experience an avalanche situation where they need to use avalanche transceivers to rescue a buried dummy skier against the clock, or as they shoot an apple just like Swiss national hero William Tell did.

In need for an adrenaline rush? Just think about traversing a glacier and conquering the treacherous sea of ice while roped together, or crossing wobbly rope bridges 18

snow-covered mountain: try the new Airboard, a high-speed, air-filled bodyboard, 'zorbing', which involves rolling down inside a giant inflatable ball, or 'tubing', on giant inner tubes. On the water you can combine tactical skill with knowledge of the elements during a sailing race. Below the surface you will notice that the water is so clean that visibility during a diving session is exceptional, even deep down.

Don't be afraid you'll be twiddling your thumbs when the weather doesn't play along. Switzerland has museums, galleries and collections to suit every taste and you can even discover your inner artist and awaken your own creativity. Not everything has to be about effort or education all the time, so it's time to relax in the soothing environment of a wellness centre. Choose your style: from Roman-Irish baths to modern sauna complexes, from aromatically scented grottoes to steam rooms and crystal baths.

Nothing says teambuilding like working on a good cause together. Join in the haymaking in remote mountain villages, help with the protection of forests, with the construction of winter shelters for wildlife, or with a restoration project of a mountain footpath that suffered from storm damage.

After an eventful day you need a good night's rest, so pick the accommodation that suits you best, be it in an igloo, a mountain hut, a magnificent castle, elegant villa in the countryside, a Grand Hotel, tepee, or monastery. And then we haven't even mentioned more peculiar locations like La Claustra, a clear and stylish study in light and rock deep inside the Gotthard massif, or the clean air of the mountain hotels above 3,000 metres.

MIM > Abroad > Thailand

Maximize Your Inspiration In recent years, research studies have demonstrated the effect of light and bright sunshine on stimulating the brain and inspiring creativity. The bright skies and natural light of Thailand has formed the remarkable, cheerful characteristics of generations of Thai people. For years, visitors to Thailand have been exhilarated by the prevailing ambiance and welcoming smiles.

Cooking Workshop

This is why Thailand has become one of the world’s most favoured business event destinations. There is a real invigorating and stimulating effect that allows executives to see things in a different light, and to seek creative breakthroughs for corporate issues. Here, event delegates feel stimulated to raise their game and contribute their best to meet the challenges of business. Of course, it does help that Thailand offers so much more for vibrant events. Located in the geographical heart of Asia, Thailand offers magniďŹ cent backdrops for events, superior accommodation, state of the art equipment and professional operators, excellent food variety, international cuisine; and above all, impeccable service always with the world-famous Thai smile. Additionally, the cost of living in Thailand is much more appealing, compared with many Asian destinations, so all this comes with real value for money. So, locate your business events in Thailand and maximize ideas and let inspiration soar.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB welcomes your event with heartfelt sincerity. Check how much more Thailand offers. Visit www.tceb.or.th

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Discover the passion of art.

www.spain.info OFFICE ESPAGNOL DU TOURISME Rue Royale, 97 - 5ยบ, 1000 BRUXELLES SPAANSE DIENST VOOR TOERISME Koningsstraat, 97 1000 BRUSSEL Tel.: (02) 280 19 26 / 280 19 29 Fax: (02) 230 21 47 bruselas@tourspain.es www.tourspain.be www.spain.info/be