MIM110 - Future Special

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Interview

MISTERˇ ˇMIM MIHA KOVACIC

Special feature

THE FUTURE Destination

AUSTRIA

GETTING PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR A MEETING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED. MEETINGS PLUS ADDS VALUE TO YOUR PLANNING, AND WE MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER BY MAKING YOUR MEETING OUR PRIORITY.

The important thing is for you to focus on your meeting, not on how to get people there. That’s where we can help.

Quite simply, we have the advantage of a worldwide airline network which makes it easier for you to plan your international meeting across the globe. And we can do it through one point of contact, efficiently and at a great price. So the world opens up to you and everyone attending your meeting through the network of 26 member airlines.

Your people gain a lot too. They’ll get cheaper fares, coordinated flights and access to 980 airport lounges worldwide. They can also get frequent flyer benefits at every step of the way – from priority check-in and priority boarding, as well as all the advantages of priority baggage handling and additional allowances. And by simply downloading a widget you get the opportunity to check flight status anytime.

Just visit www.staralliance.com/meetingsplus

www.staralliance.com Information correct as at 04/2010

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© Andreas Von Einsiedel

EDITORIAL

MARCEL A.M. VISSERS Owner - Editor in chief

Que Sera, Sera: print or digital?

The word ‘future’ stands at the heart of this edition. What will the meetings industry look like in the future? I must return to my youth to find an easy answer. At that time I heard almost daily a song on the radio: ‘When I was just a child, I asked my mother, what will I be? ... Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours, to see.’»

Those were simpler times then and people went on living quietly. Now the questions have remained the same, but the answers have changed. In this special about the ‘future’, another question should be asked: ‘What is the future of printed magazines, including meeting of magazines?’.

WWW.MIMMAGAZINE.EU

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If I were to believe marketing guru Seth Godin, we are dead. He literally says: ‘I cannot imagine that in ten years we cut forests to make paper, that we print a newspaper or magazine and do door-to-door delivery. People with money and young people will most easily start using their android phones to get news. Newspapers and magazines give news of ‘Yesterday’.’ When I read this, I admit there’s some truth in it.

But you won’t see me – as a magazine maker – aiding and abetting this silent death. Not at all! My answer to

the guru: ‘The print landscape will change significantly in the future, but will never disappear. Magazines will need to report other news based on the input of highly specialised journalists who use their readers’ opinion as starting point. Editors who wish to participate in interactive webbing – such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs, videos, links to search engines – and still report yesterday’s news on printed paper, will disappear into thin air. Producing content with added value, that is the message for and of the future. Original stories and unusual angles, in-depth articles on a subject which the reader likes to read about, sitting quietly in chair. That’s the future for a magazine reader.

Producing content with added value is the message for and of the future!

If I write an article tomorrow about the transparency of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council), then I know that I will gain hundreds of readers. The trouble is: I’m not allowed to attend. That’s how ‘up-to-date’ our meetings industry is! Let’s not even mention ‘visionary’!

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Meetings Forest Founding Partners: HeadQuarters • MIM • Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre • Trees for Life

Left to right: Marcel A.M. Vissers, Ben Goedgebuure, Rémi Dévé

How we merged two Meetings Forests Can you imagine that I had never planted a tree in my life and suddenly found myself standing in a forest near Loch Ness with a shovel in my hand?

Spring was almost there and we were going to plant the first trees in the Meetings Forest we now share with the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC)…

TEXT MARCEL A.M. VISSERS

It was a festive mood when Rémi Dévé, Editorial Officer of HQ magazine, Ben Goedegebuure, Sales Director of the SECC, and I drove up to the Caledonian Forest in Scotland to formalise the merging of our respective Meetings Forests.

Under the capable leadership of Jane Beaton, Sales & Marketing Manager of Trees for Life, the charity organization whose aim is to restore the Caledonian Forest, each of us planted a Juniper Tree, officialising the merger. One month later, I received a mail from Jane saying: ‘It was great to meet you all here at Dundreggan and I checked your trees this morning: they are all doing well. The snow has gone and it is a bit warmer, so the leaves will be appearing on the rest of the trees soon, I hope!’

The collaboration between the SECC, Trees for Life and HQ & MIM magazines came into being spontaneously. A few years ago, when the idea of a Meetings Forest for the global meetings industry dawned on me, I never thought that we would get to 70,000 trees in such a short time. Of course this is mainly due to the already existing project of the SECC. When we heard each other’s plans, it was only natural to merge our two Meetings

Forests. After all, the ultimate goal is to compensate the meetings industry’s negative impact on the environment.

Alan Watson Featherstone, Executive Director & Founder of Trees for Life, was at the charity’s Dundreggan Estate, where the trees were planted and acknowledged the merger himself. During a brief speech, I told him I was delighted about our decision to combine our efforts and that I would make sure that we, as a publishing company using a lot of paper and travelling a lot, would play an important part in the development of the Meetings Forest. As a founding partner of this forest, I think we can actually do a lot of good.

Ben Goedgebuure added: ‘Corporate Social Responsibility continues to grow in importance amongst our clients, visitors and staff.

We’re really proud of our green credentials, it gives us the chance to balance any negative effects our events have on the environment. Everyone at the SECC was incredibly proud of the massive venue has made our contribution to Trees for Life and even prouder of the merging of our groves with the ones of MIM & HQ magazines.’

When we heard each other’s plans, it was only natural to merge our two Meetings Forests. After all, the ultimate goal is to compensate the meetings industry’s negative impact on the environment

To make donations: www.treesforlife.org.uk/groves/meeting_media_company.html

Trees, flowers, animals, insects and fish Restoring a forest does not just involve planting trees. Flowers should be replanted, animals and insects should be released and fish should be placed in the rivers. All this is possible with the Meetings Forest. You can buy twin flowers, a black grouse, a pine looper moth, a European beaver, or even an Atlantic Salmon at www.treesforlife.org.uk!

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COLOPHON MIM magazine IS THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE FOR THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY. IT IS PUBLISHED 6 TIMES A YEAR BY MEETING MEDIA COMPANY BVBA/SARL, WITH A CIRCULATION OF 5000 COPIES.

CONTENTS

In exclusive partnership with

INTERVIEW Mister MIM, Miha Kovacic

10

SPECIAL FEATURE The Future

15

SPECIAL DESTINATION Austria

23

^ ^

European Management Assistants Association.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: An annual subscription 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@MIMmagazine.eu.

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

Editorial Manager: Igor Hendrickx T: +32 (0) 761 70 54 igor@mimmagazine.eu Editors: Rémi Dévé Address: 59, rue René Declercq B - 1150 Brussels (Belgium) T: +32 (0)2 761 70 50 F: +32 (0)2 761 70 51 www.mimmagazine.eu Publisher: Meeting Media Company Marcel A.M. Vissers Mechelseplein 23, bus 1 B - 2000 Antwerpen (Belgium) www.MIMmagazine.eu

GENERAL Editorial Meetings Forest Event Review Sustainability EUMA

3 4 6 7 8

DESTINATIONS Switzerland Ghent - East Flanders Rotterdam Canada - Winnipeg The Hague Algarve

37 39 45 51 54 55

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

STAY TUNED FOR MIM111 + + + + +

Meetings Special Meeting & Training Centres EUMA Report The Belgian Coast France

…and as usual we interviewed a European Corporate Event Planner

Cover MIM110: Miha Kovacic was chosen as Mister MIM 2010 because he put South-East Europe on the map as a destination for meetings and incentives. ^ ^

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

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keep up to date with the MIM magazine website: www.mimmagazine.eu

19-04-2010 18:16:17

general > Event Review

event review Brussels Meetings Week

Brussels Tourism & Meetings Awards 2010 Brussels annually puts itself on the map as a meeting destination by organising its celebrated Brussels Meetings Week, a week entirely dedicated to the activities of Meetings, Conferences, Incentives and Events. It was launched with the Tourism Awards ceremony by which BI-TC (Brussels International - Tourism & Congress) rewards the initiatives that have contributed to the international reputation of Brussels.

Christos Doulkeridis, Brussels’ Minister for Tourism, Benoît Cerexhe, Brussels’ Minister for the Economy and Philippe Close, BI-TC President, presented 12 awards: 4 Tourism awards, 5 ‘Meetings Industry’ awards and 3 special BI-TC awards.

The Tourism Awards recognised initiatives in 4 categories: Green, Culture, Youth and Gastronomy. So, for example, the Green Walk, or 63 km of sign posted routes revealing the parks, woodlands and leafygreen areas of Europe’s greenest capital city, received an award, as did Cinematek

for its brand new contemporary setting.

The platform Voir et Dire Bruxelles was recognised in the Youth category for its Colours of Brussels initiative, surprising guided tours of Brussels in summer, starting out from BIP. The 4th Tourism Award was presented to Moeder Lambic for the opening of its outlet on Place Fontainas, enabling visitors to try more than 300 kinds of beer.

A special reprint of MIM’s very own ‘Brussels Special’ (MIM108) was well received by all readers The ‘Meetings Industry’ Awards were given to the European Commission Open Days, which gathered together 6000 people for some 120 seminars with a social programme. Dinner in the Sky, an incentive organised to collect funds by the Friends of the Bordet Institute, was also rewarded for its originality, while the Brussels Airlines event, marking its

joining the Star Alliance group, received the ‘Corporate Events’ category award.

Of the many trade fairs and exhibitions in Brussels, it was artbrussels that won the award for the most dynamic initiative as it brings together 175 galleries from all over the world and 3000 contemporary art-lovers. New places were also praised, particularly Chalet Robinson in Bois de la Cambre, harking back, as it does, to Belle Époque Brussels.

BI-TC was also keen to recognise initiatives or projects ‘In a Class of their Own’.

These are exceptional projects as the significance of their impact on the image of Brussels gives them a special status.

They are, first and foremost, Square and the Musée Magritte Museum, two leading lights of tourism in Brussels, which made an impression in 2009. The Wittamer firm also won a special award for its 100 years of existence in Brussels.

These inspiring awards were followed by a VIP programme spanning several days, a networking evening and the EMIF fair.

Clearly proving each time that a corporate event in Brussels can rely on the best of service.

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general > sustainability

k ICE International Get ‘green’ to IMEX With one of the meetings industry’s most important trade fairs coming up soon, planners are looking ways to get to Frankfurt. They should look no further. Recently the number as well as the speed of InterCity Express trains linking Brussels and Frankfurt has been stepped up to three daily connections and 3 hours. Thus creating a reasonably priced, simple and fast alternative to travelling by plane.

International ICE trains are a great example of how to travel quickly and comfortably between European cities. Trains are powered by electricity, so no carbon is emitted when they are running. The size of the carbon footprint of high-speed rail traffic is always lower than any other kind of travel, making it the ultimate way to travel sustainably.

The InterCity Express or ICE is the flagship of the high-speed trains of Deutsche Bahn. Apart from domestic use, the trains can also be seen in countries neighbouring Germany. There are, for example, ICE lines to Basel and Zürich, Switzerland.

There’s also a direct line between Paris and Frankfurt/Stuttgart, jointly operated by ICE and TGV trains. German and Austrian ICE trains run to Vienna and to Århus and Copenhagen (Denmark).

ICE trains also run to Liège and Brussels (Belgium), as well as to Amsterdam (Netherlands). With a top speed of 300 km/h, ICE whisks you to the centre of Frankfurt and to IMEX in record time: 3 hours 5 minutes departing from BrusselsMidi and 2 hours 16 minutes departing from Liège-Guillemins.

The ICE trains adhere to a high standard of technology: all cars are fully air-con-

ditioned and nearly every seat features a headphone jack which enables the passenger to listen to several on-board music and voice programmes as well as several radio stations. In 1st Class you can use your time constructively by preparing for a business meeting or use the time simply to relax. If you want to take the opportunity to work while travelling, there is a desk available at your seat that can be used for business activities between your destinations. The spacious and comfortable seating offers lots of legroom and ample distance from your neighbours. Almost all seats have laptop power points and specially designated areas provide interference-free enhanced mobile phone reception. Watch out for the mobile phone symbols in the carriages. Quiet zones are reserved for passengers who want to travel in peace.

With ICE trains, travel time doesn’t get wasted. You can enjoy wireless Internet access at DB Lounges and even while travelling aboard many ICE trains. No other means of transport offers better conditions than the ICE. You can create your own mobile office using seats with fold-out tables and laptop sockets and use your travel time for business or private interests.

Booking Your travel agency www.nmbs-europe.com NMBS Europe Contact Center: +32 70 79 79 79 ( 0.30€/min.)

International train stations When you book online or at the counter, you have the option of specifying whether you would like an aisle or window seat, face-to-face seating, row seating, or a seat with a fixed table.

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Keynote speaker 22 October 2010

Catherine Day

Secretary General of the European Commission When Catherine Day joined the European Commission (or European Economic Community – EEC – as it was then known) in 1979 there were only nine Member States, each country had its own currency, passports were needed to go between all countries, global warming was unheard of, Berlin was divided by a wall and the countries of Czech Republic and Slovakia did not exist. At that time, typists were recruited by the EEC to work in large typing pools. Computers were just coming onto the market and so typewriters were frequently used for correspondence. E-mail did not exist.

Catherine Day Secretary General of the European Commission

European Management Assistants, EUMA, is the only Europe-wide quality network of top management assistants who focus on their self-development and professional evolution, and reflect on the future of their profession. The association is a non-profit association, has no political aims and does not engage in political or trade union activities.

Catherine Day has been Secretary General since 2005 and her continued support ensures that EC AST Networking continues to play an important role. She has an M.A. in International Trade and Economic Integration from University College Dublin and went on to be the Loan Officer at the Investment Bank of Ireland in 1974. In 1975 she became EC Information Officer at the Confederation of Irish Industry and joined the European Commission in 1979 becoming an Administrator in Directorate-General III. Later she served in the Cabinets of Richard Burke, Peter Sutherland and Leon Brittan. Before becoming Director General for the Environment she served in Directorate-Generals (DG’s) of Enlargement and External Relations.

EUMA provides a forum for management assistants, employers and educators to promote an understanding of the training, experience and career opportunities necessary for the development of its members.

Catherine has worked in various areas over the last 36 years. She has been personally involved in banking issues, environmental and enlargement issues and she has seen the EEC that she joined become today’s European Union of 27 Member States.

Catherine recently said: ‘To me the EU means opportunity. I see its development over the last fifty years as a unique experiment in sharing sovereignty while at the same time enhancing national identity, giving each of its members the chance to achieve more for their citizens by working together than they could ever have achieved alone. The EU has been at the forefront of advocating and promoting fairness, promoting equality through practical programmes and

EUMA promotes an image of the management assistant as an essential element of the management team. EUMA was founded in 1974, and is currently represented by over 1,300 members in 26 countries.

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International quality network of management support professionals | w w w.eu ma .o rg

A brave new world Focus on what matters for your future!

funding, fighting against harassment and violence against women and promoting access to employment, training and support for female entrepreneurs.’

Alongside all these major political and structural changes, some smaller than others but still important changes have taken place at an administrative level.

One of the most important is the change in the role of the secretary/personal assistant. Ten years ago C Networking was born. It has since been renamed EC AST Network and is an internal network for all Assistants in the European Commission representing over 6,000 staff amongst them management assistants, secretaries, financial controllers and documentalists, whose objectives are very close to those of EUMA (such as providing members with opportunities to develop and enhance their skills, networking, identifying and exchanging best practices between the different services, to name but a few).

From the beginning, it was important to have the support of the most senior management for this grass roots network - and Catherine (at the time Director General of Environment) was one of the first to recognise the importance of the initiative.

EUMA is very honoured to have Ms Day as a keynote speaker on 22 October 2010.

The Secretary General of the European Commission is the senior civil servant of the European Commission. The SecretaryGeneral, who is responsible to the President of the European Commission, is in charge of the various DirectoratesGeneral, headed by Director Generals.

Within an organisation as diverse as the Commission, the Secretariat-General has a special role. It ensures the overall coherence of the Commission’s work – both in shaping new policies, and in steering them through the other EU institutions.

The EUMA 2010 International Conference is more than EUMA’s annual showcase event: it’s both a unique learning experience and a great networking opportunity for management assistants from all over Europe.

We are living in a brand new world! The past 20 years anything seemed achievable because money and trust where available in almost unlimited amounts, but that is no longer the case today. We have to face what is coming to us, face the future. And maybe this time we can have a different approach, by focusing on sustainable economy, by respecting norms and values, by looking at the long run, not just the quick wins. The EUMA 2010 conference will focus, not only on the bigger European picture, but also on what successful companies are doing to come out of these challenging times as winners.

PROGRAMME Morning + The European Focus Catherine Day, Secretary General, European Commission + Lean Management© Wouter De Ploey, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company + The Last Domino – Ignace Van Doorselaere, CEO Van de Velde + Debate with Management Assistants Frieda Van Wijck, Journalist & Broadcaster, VRT

Afternoon – Choice of two workshops amongst: + Developing a business partnership with your Manager Workshop Leader to be determined + From Stress to Wellness Marilyn Vanbesien, Business Trainer/Coach + Leave the office with more energy Workshop Leader to be determined + Norms & Values: how to make choices in your career Dennis Pedersen, HR Director, Genzyme + Discover the Path to Mastery - Robert Van de Walle, Judoka, Gold Medal winner at the 1980 Olympic Games + The Age of Latte Macchiato – Herman Konings, Futurologist

Friday 22nd October Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel Brussels, Belgium euma@downtowneurope.be www.eumaconference.be

This role carries with it particular responsibilities, for example, supporting the day to day work of the Commission, helping to ensure that EU laws are correctly applied, helping Commission departments in their contacts with civil society and supporting the President in leading on key policies, such as our partnership for growth and jobs, sustainable development and the debate on the future of Europe.

The Secretariat General is one of 40 Directorates-General (DGs) and specialised services which make up the European Commission and comprises approximately 600 staff, reporting directly to the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso.

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interview > Mister MIM

Mister MIM:

Miha Kovacic Putting South-East Europe on the map This is the fourth time in as many years that MIM magazine went looking for a Miss or Mister MIM in the meetings industry. With good grounds we can now say that it has become a real tradition to choose a remarkable character, passionate about his or her job and thoroughly dedicated to our industry. Miha Kovaˇciˇc certainly belongs to this select group of people.

Every other week we get a press release about a ‘new’ destination for meetings and incentives, but few of these destinations have known such a remarkable rise in publicity and interest as Slovenia and South-East Europe. Miha Kovaˇciˇc has been one of the main contributors to putting ‘his’ Slovenia and ‘his’ region on the map.

INTERVIEW AND TEXT IGOR HENDRICKX

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interview > Mister MIM

MIM: To start with, tell us a bit more about yourself.

Miha Kovaˇciˇc: I’m the fourth generation of my family working in a different tourism segment.

I started working in the leisure segment, but very soon I came to know the meetings industry. I knew immediately that for me there could be nothing else. My first employer was a PCO-DMC and it was here that I learned the basics of the industry.

The next challenge was setting up a conference department within the largest hotel in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. The next challenge was to establish Slovenia as a successful meetings and incentive travel destination and that lead to the formation of the Slovenian Convention Bureau. Currently, I’m in my second four year term as director of the bureau and my eyes are set on even bigger challenges for the bureau and Slovenia.

MIM: As director of Slovenia’s CB, could you tell us how you go about your job?

MK: Running a national convention bureau with only two people – myself included – is interesting to say the least. An even bigger challenge are the financial resources – or lack thereof. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. In the last four years we have linked over 70 members, put Slovenia on the European meetings map and raised Slovenian awareness of the meetings industry. We’re very much involved in the education and professional development of our industry in Slovenia and in cooperation with enthusiastic colleagues from the Slovenian meetings industry, we launch new projects each year about quality control, education, marketing, etcetera.

Slovenia has all the required ingredients for the development of a meetings industry. So far, the only things lacking are larger political support and larger awareness abroad of our potential. But that too is changing. Four years ago, only a few people in Slovenia It all started in 2007 when Meeting Media were aware of the meetings Company was celebrating its 15th anniindustry. Today the industry versary as a niche publisher. That’s when is spread all over the the MIM magazine team thought about country and is mentioned introducing an annual award-ceremony. in strategic documents on Actually, it wasn’t an award, but rather a national level. Politicians moment of recognition for the younger communicate with us, the generation – people who had taken a media writes about us and brave initiative in the meetings industry. the new generation wants Over the years, the Mr or Ms MIM title has join us. Last but not least, gained a broader meaning, much like the we’ve established important magazine. All dynamic, passionate and links between Slovenia creative minds in the European meetings and the other countries of industry qualify for the title.

South-East Europe.

The history of Mr and Ms MIM

“Four years ago, only a few people in Slovenia were aware of the meetings industry. Today it’s spread all over the country and is mentioned in strategic documents on national level.”

MIM: Could you tell us some more about South-East Europe as a meetings and incentive destination?

MK: South-East Europe is for many meeting planners a new destinations and many have called it ‘exotic’ Europe. The region consists of ten diverse countries, easily accessible in Europe. These countries have also something in common: hospitality and hospitable people, not found elsewhere in Europe.

The region is of interest for corporate events as the countries are offering excellent value for money bargains. Here, you can find international brand hotels as well as excellent independent properties.

Gastronomy – very important at corporate events – is of high quality and very diverse. Corporate events tend to be rather short in comparison to other events and that’s where the short distance from major European markets – only 2 to 4 hours flight time – becomes interesting.

Incentive providers are always looking for new experiences and South-East Europe has it in abundance. The nature is, simply put, fantastic.

Convention bureaus and established DMC’s will surprise every incentive provider with the possibilities of the region.

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interview > Mister MIM

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interview > Mister MIM

Facts & figures about Conventa + Meetings and Incentive Travel Show for the Region of South-East Europe + More than 100 exhibitors from Southeast Europe (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, FYROM) + Over 200 hosted buyers – event organisers from Slovenia and all over Europe + In excess of 3000 ‘one2one meetings’ www.conventa.info, info@conventa.si

Just to give a few concrete examples: Slovenia is only half the size of Switzerland, but has three geographic and three wine regions. Croatia has renowned Dubrovnik and numerous Mediterranean islands. Montenegro is often called the ‘Wild Beauty’, with fantastic sandy beaches and Europe’s deepest canyon, where you can enjoy an unforgettable three days rafting. Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is often called Europe’s ‘New Capital of Cool’.

MIM: The place to be and promote SouthEast Europe is probably Conventa. We visited it, but could you tell our readers a bit more about it?

MK: Conventa is the one and only meetings and incentive travel trade show for the region of South-East Europe. Once a year it brings clients from the whole of Europe into contact with most if not all suppliers of the region. It takes place in Ljubljana and lasts two days.

It’s not a typical trade show, as it is organised as a regional show with convention bureau partners from the whole region.

A lot of attention is devoted to each individual partner and to each individual guest. The core of the show is one2one meetings between buyers and exhibitors.

Social activities enrich the experience as wells as site visits and famtrips organised after the show.

We’ve also instituted the Academy Conventa Award. This rewards bold inventive projects in the meetings industry of South-East Europe. The Award recognizes outstanding congress products in order

to accelerate the development of the meetings industry in South-East Europe.

Through this award and through several lectures during the trade show, the Conventa Academy strives to raise the quality of professionalism in the region.

The idea was born in cooperation with a couple of our members. The Slovenian Convention Bureau is the main organiser of the show. My team and I are very much engaged with the organisation of the event and Go-Mice is the technical organiser of the show. Thanks to the successful and fruitful cooperation between our two teams, the show has become a great success.

Putting a new region on a highly competitive meetings market is a long term project. After the second Conventa, it became very clear that the show had created its very own niche in the market.

Evidence noticeably shows that it has already had much effect on different levels of the industry. Cooperation among the countries has been established, regional DMC’s and PCO’s are being formed, new congresses and meetings are being secured. In short, Conventa has already fulfilled many of its objectives and that after only two years.

MIM: In short, if our readers need to remember one thing for the future, what is it?

MK: I foresee that Slovenia will become established as a true meetings and incentive travel destination with high quality products and excellent service. A small but

fine country with a passion.

South-East Europe will also gather in strength and popularity. We want to gather the synergy in order to approach new markets and clients and in the near future we expect to attract non-European clients too.

Contact: Slovenian Convention Bureau Phone +386 1 569 12 60 info@slovenia-convention.com www.slovenia-convention.com

MIM’S WORD ASSOCIATION TEST transportation: connection within Slovenia is excellent but also within other countries of the region there are good connections meetings: capital cities have the largest meeting capacities, Dubrovnik has extensive meeting facilities. incentives: professional and experienced DMC’s and Incentive agencies provided endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences punctuality: is part of the programme of each meeting and event food: endless varieties of organic local specialties with excellent value for money drinks: superb wines from white to red with fantastic value for money culture: rich cultural heritage in each individual country of the region exclusive visits: natural wonders such as Postojna caves and mankind landmarks such as Dubrovnik and others hotels: from international chain hotels to independent properties, all with personalized and professional service airlines: national airlines plus European airlines operating daily flights to the region

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special feature > Future

special feature

The Future The sun’ll come out tomorrow

Globe © CERN

In our globalised society, all industries look to research and development to uphold and continue growth. We’re all familiar with the fact that competition levels, production processes and methods keep increasing rapidly. One needs to keep pace with modern trends and analyse the needs, demands and desires of their customers.

TEXT IGOR HENDRICKX

The meetings industry is no different. It’s an industry in transition, as meeting and event professionals develop methods, markets and best practices that will allow them to endure and thrive in these troubled times. Now more than ever, the meetings industry looks to the future.

+ Various studies and surveys show that a positive relationship between employees and employers forms a necessary of successful business plans.

This requires employee engagement and face to face contact is still the most trusted form of communication.

Perhaps, this is a good time to explicitly state the benefits and financial returns that can be yielded by companies utilising meetings and events, as seen in an Eventia white paper focussed on the UK market – but certainly also applicable on the European market in general.

+ Communication has an important role to play following the widespread negative publicity. Meetings and events are still the best way to inform and engage the public and they should be part of an integrated communication strategy for internal and external relations.

+ Finally, the tangible business benefits of face-to-face meetings outweigh the cost savings of alternative, virtual meetings. A small example: business travel increases motivation, performance and teamwork.

The following pages will further show what the meetings industry can expect from the near and far future and how it can adapt itself to future developments.

The Globe of Science and Innovation (Geneva) perfectly exemplifies the European need for research and development as well as the meeting industry’s part in it. (see page 37)

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special feature > Future

Optimism & Realism The meetings industry in 2010

Every year since 2001, MPI, in partnership with American Express, has asked their members to provide insight on emerging industry trends, including economic and societal developments that will impact the industry and our world. This information has a huge impact on our global industry. So what can we expect of 2010?

TEXT IGOR HENDRICKX

In the FutureWatch 2009, MPI reported that respondents were naturally concerned about the worsening economy and the expected budget cuts. Predictions indicated declines in every aspect of the industry, including budgets, number and length of meetings and attendance.

This pessimistic view seems to have been dropped for a more hopeful look at the near future. Cautious optimism and a sense of realism prevail amongst FutureWatch 2010’s 1832 industry professionals – most based in the United States but with significant numbers of respondents from Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Predictably, budget cuts are still a leading issue. However, in 2010 we will most likely see an industry focussed on organisational resources and levels of job responsibility.

In 2009 many companies were forced to freeze their budgets due to the economic downturn. Many meeting planners no longer had any control and were forced to drastically reduce the number and budget of meetings and other corporate events.

Though the budgets have been drastically cut in comparison to those of 2009, they are again fully in the hands of the corporate meeting planners, who plan to use them. 39% of suppliers see a gradual growth in their businesses, while one third even plans to commit more resources to building close relationships with clients.

Limiting travel distance and time is one of the most obvious results of smaller budgets: events will take place closer to home. Budget cuts have also resulted in lower staffing levels, which by themselves have produced a lot of other challenges.

Like we saw last year, planners like to wait until the last moment to confirm their events. This trend will be further strengthened by the above-mentioned budget cuts and by the fact that a smaller staff results into smaller events, which are ostensibly easier to organise on short term notice. That’s why many suppliers report that planners demand more flexibility and greater protection during contract negotiations. Another challenge is that fewer people have to do more with less. Individual planners expect to handle 27% more meetings than in 2009, without

Doing more with less additional staff to help. The same goes for suppliers, who have to increase their productivity to keep up with the demand of their job and with the additional difficulty of having to work faster. Many, including planners, worry that the increased pressure will contribute to errors.

The pressure is further on to show hard results for every flight taken, conference attended, sales call made, ... The trouble is that both planners and suppliers are still looking for efficient ways to exactly measure ROI – even though both are convinced

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special feature > Future

Every cloud has a silver lining of the necessity of meetings and other corporate events.

Of course, companies that book events aren’t just looking for ways to contribute to their profits. The demand has significantly risen for more educational meetings. The industry needs to listen to their clients to provide them with the best possibilities to learn, network and do business. While virtual meetings will not replace face-to-face meetings, they have become a part of the mainstream. The demand for better and more efficient use of virtual technology has also risen. No doubt this has partly to do with Generation Y influencing the industry. While last year virtual technology was still considered cumbersome by many, the comfort level has increased. It also offers a solution to cut costs and increase by allowing people who can’t attend live meetings to still attend virtually. Virtual technology also offers the opportunity to create a year-round impact for their events and to keep their spirit alive for 365 days. The growth of social media, web- and e-marketing has a lot to do with this.

Top Leading Meetings Industry Trends for 2010 1. Gradual industry growth 2. Poor or flat conditions continue 3. More strategic focus 4. More virtual meetings 5. Lower budgets 6. More outsourcing 7. More influential technology 8. Short lead times 9. Higher quality events 10. More use of social media

Finally, more and more companies chose to invest in more sustainable practices and they expect suppliers to include this trend in corporate events. After all, sustainable events are the perfect way to save money and to earn positive public relations at the same time. Identifying and prioritising programs that save money and contribute to environmental programs present a win win for meeting programs and public image. This interest in CSR is also noticeable with suppliers and is a potential differentiator for companies and associations that can demonstrate a strong commitment to effective CSR programs. We can only further emphasise this point by referring to MIM magazine’s 109 issue, which featured at least 16 pages devoted to sustainable meetings and incentives.

MPI’s FutureWatch 2010 summarises that the meetings industry can expect more budget cuts and more stringent budget control, improved operating efficiencies, slight staff reductions, close attention to value and ROI. For the year ahead, a broad range of respondents agreed that industry conditions would begin to improve in the second half of 2010, with 41% of suppliers and 28% planners predicting gradual industry growth. The added technological and sustainable values will add to this hopeful atmosphere of ‘doing more with less’.

The full report can be downloaded at www.mpiweb.org.

Meetings and incentives for Generation Y Rob Davidson, Senior Lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism at the University of Westminster, has determined five ways in which business events should be adapted to the demands and expectations of the ever more influential Generation Y.

1. Effective communication: the combined use of few words and strong images is better suited for Generation Y’s way of procession information. Generation Y depends on dynamic and visual learning. Too many words is a guaranteed turn-off.

2. Effective use of technology: this generation expects more and better use of technology in every aspect of conference and incentive planning. All information should be easily accessible online in attractive easy to use format. Complex websites and clunking presentations are taboo.

3. Interactive events: this is an interactive generation that needs to be involved in an event from the earliest stages onward.

Asking them for feedback on every aspect that affects them (programme, design, speakers, ...) will result in a sense of ‘ownership’ of the event.

4. Social and environmental sustainability: social and environmental events hold great appeal with the younger generations, who see them as an ethically sound antidote to the conspicuous consumption and elitism that can characterise business events.

5. Effective use of speakers: Y’ers expect shorter and more interactive education sessions that are also entertaining: edutainment and infotainment. A meeting with show-quality will be longer remembered than a dry and long session.

The future of face-to-face business events depends on an accurate understanding of how these events must be designed and run in such a way that they hold significant appeal for Generation Y participants, without scaring away the older generations.

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special feature > Future

Convention 2020

The meetings industry in the far future Anyone can predict the future for a year, but it takes a professional to predict what the future will bring in ten years time. And that’s exactly what we can expect from the findings of the ‘Convention 2020’ project, a collaboration of ICCA, IMEX and Fast future Research and the subject of seminars at both EMIF and IMEX.

looking view on how the industry might evolve and the implications for players across the industry value chain.

Rohit Talwar - CEO Fast Future Research

We know the industry faces many challenges arising from changing political attitudes to the meetings sector, technological change, economic power shifts, environmental pressures and evolving social attitudes. In the face of such pressures, it is important to stand back and use a range of futures research techniques to take a genuinely forward

The first phase of the study will be concluded in May 2010. This first phase makes use of an online global survey, a trend ‘wiki’ with blog and discussion forum on LinkedIn and regular newsletters. The complete results of the first phase will be presented at IMEX, but at EMIF Rohit Talwar, CEO of Fast Future Research discussed the preliminary results of the survey. The online survey ran from November 2009 to January 2010. A total of 1125 respondents from 76 countries completed the survey, the three largest groups of respondents came from the US (22%), Germany (12%) and the UK (11%) and the largest regional response came from Europe (59%) followed by North America (23%).

The results highlight that demand for live events is expected to hold strong out to 2020. Attracting customers will require significant innovation in event formats, business models, organisational capability and the use of technology. The expected proliferation of smaller and more specialised events will lead convention owners and venues to develop a range of business models and event funding approaches to succeed in a hypercompetitive environment.

A far greater focus on ‘enabling business’ will also be expected – ranging from ensuring the right people are there to facilitating on the spot transactions and proving the ROI. Advances in science and technology will provide for far greater personalisation of the entire event experience and total immersion of delegates in the content of events. This is an area that could become a major differentiator

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special feature > Future

Results Global Survey Convention 2020 + Reasons to Attend: The Quality of Networking (76%) was the biggest single factor that would encourage delegates to attend events, less than 50% cited price as an influencing factor and only 1% said they would not attend live events in 2020..

+ Meeting Demand: 74% felt their organisation would maintain their investment in live events in 2020, while 46% felt time and cost pressure might deter organisations from sending delegates and 59% felt their organisation would be investing far more in alternatives to live events.

+ Meeting Supply: 49% said there would be fewer but larger events, while 79% expected a growth in smaller more specialised meetings and 48% thought there would be an explosion in the number of free or very low cost evening-only meetings held in low cost venues.

+ Business Models: 77% believe events will need to offer strong price based incentives to attract the desired delegates, 60% expect to see a rise in pay as you go / pay per session type models and 76% think there will be far more opportunities to conduct transactions at events.

+ Event Technology: The most commonly expected developments are ‘Live video streaming to remote participants ‘(75%), ‘A social network before, during and after events’ (70%) and ‘All event content downloaded to our mobile phones’ (64%). Whilst more advanced immersive and experiential technologies were not ranked highly as individual developments, there was strong support for their potential applications when discussed subsequently in scenarios for personalisation.

Rohit Talwar said ‘Far greater focus on ‘enabling business’ will be expected – ranging from ensuring the right people are there to facilitating on the spot transactions and proving the return on investment. The next decade promises an uncertain economic climate where optimism and growth will be unevenly distributed across the planet, and where technology will offer an ever wider range of alternatives to live events. The challenge for the industry is to recognise the shifts taking place and embrace the need for innovation in event design and business models and to develop the professional capabilities required to survive and thrive in turbulent times.’

+ Personalisation: 79% expect a totally personalised technology experience and 70% felt this individual customisation would extend to areas such as food and seating. 93% believe that technology will enable capture and analysis of every activity, presentation and conversation.

+ Sustainability: 70% say ethical and environmental factors will continue to influence the decision to attend.

Carina Bauer CEO of IMEX said ‘With an expected proliferation of smaller and more specialised events, convention owners and venues will need to develop a range of business models and event funding approaches to succeed in a hypercompetitive environment.’

+ Convention Centre Challenges: The greatest competition to convention centres is expected to come from ‘Schools, universities and colleges’ (63%), ‘Museums, galleries and libraries’ (56%) and ‘Meeting facilities in office buildings’ (50%)

Virtual Meetings

– particularly for venues that can provide such ‘total experience’ solutions.

The next decade promises an uncertain economic climate where optimism and growth will be unevenly distributed across the planet, and where technology will offer an ever wider range of alternatives to live events. The challenge for the industry is to recognise the shifts taking place and embrace the need for innovation in event design and business models and to develop the professional capabilities required to survive and thrive in turbulent times.

Martin Sirk CEO of ICCA said ‘The results highlight that demand for live events is expected to hold strong out to 2020, but to attract customers will require significant innovation in meeting formats, business models, organisational capability and the use of technology.’

In any case, it looks like the next ten years will be much like the next year. A complete renovation of the ways in which we organise meetings and incentives can be foreseen. This is mainly due to the economic conjecture: renovation will be needed if the industry is intent on proving its worth.

Keep up to date and on the look-out for the results of Phase 2 on www.convention-2020.com

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special feature > Future

mimorables T H E F U T U R E B E G I N S TO D AY

MIMorable places and ideas can be many things: a new congress centre, an undiscovered special venue, a recently renovated classic, creative team building activities or a surprising combination of meeting and incentive. All these places and ideas have at least one thing in common: they are worth your time to visit or to make use of for your meetings and incentives. In short, they are MIMorable ...

TEXT IGOR HENDRICKX

QNCC

Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos Ciudad de Oviedo, Spain The Conference and Exhibition Centre Ciudad de Oviedo is already an icon of modernity in the city.

The centre takes the form of an ovoid under white steel ribs. It has a multipurpose hall, several halls and a large auditorium – its capacity of 2050 people makes it one of the biggest conference venues in Spain. To cap it all, a great mobile canopy begins at the main entrance and through a smart movement sifts the light, creating a large semi-covert area.

The centre is part of the Buenavista architectural complex, which includes a parking with more than 1800 spaces, a hotel with 150 rooms and an area for public use larger

than 30.000m2 - perfect for all kinds of events.

The centre will open for business later this year, but apparently conferences and other corporate events have already been booked for as far as 2014. www.pec-oviedo.com

Harpa, Reykjavik National Concert and Conference Centre Harpa gathers inspiration from the northern lights and the dramatic Icelandic nature. Situated in Reykjavik on the boundary between the land and the sea, the building stands out like a radiant sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour space as well as the vibrant life of the city. The plan of the building is simple: a concert hall, a rehearsal hall and a conference hall are side Palacio de Congresos Oviedo

by side. This simplifies the flow within the building. In addition there are smaller halls and rooms.

It’s possible to host different events simultaneously, without one interfering with the other. A terrace on the 5th floor provides can be used for minor exhibitions and performances.

Opening in Spring 2011, the centre will be like the month in the old Nordic calendar after which it was named: the beginning of summer, a period of energy and activity as nature awakes from a long winter sleep. www.harpa.is

Qatar National Convention Centre The QNCC’s façade resembles two intertwined sidra trees. In Qatari culture, these are beacons of

learning and comfort in the desert, a shady haven for poets and scholars who gathered beneath its branches to share knowledge; the QNCC will be the modern equivalent. 40.000m2 of exhibition space divisible into nine halls, a 2300-seat theatre, three tiered auditoriums, a conference hall, banquet space for up to 10.000 guests and an additional 57 meeting rooms. Solar panels provide 1/8 of all energy and Radio Frequency Identification is available for the tracking of delegates and building assets.

Opening in 2011, the QNCC will be the main meeting point in Qatar, which in itself is a natural meeting point close to the new economic powerhouses of India, Southeast Asia, and the Far East, as well as the consumer markets of the West. www.qatarconvention.com Harpa

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special feature > Future

Sheraton Malpensa

Gallery Hotel

Gallery Hotel, Singapore

K West Hotel & Spa, London

Located in the heart of Singapore’s dining and nightlife areas, the Gallery Hotel Singapore has a great location. Guests can walk to tourist sites such as Chinatown, the Mohamed Sultan entertainment district, and the trendy Robertson Quay area. Onsite is a chic French restaurant, bar, gym, art gallery, and four professional function rooms.

A favourite haunt of the music and media industries, K West Hotel & Spa is one of the hippest hotels in London. Outside the congestion zone but minutes to the West End, the hotel provides a soothing environment for small and medium sized events. The Garden Rooms with their real artwork, limestone and ribbed carpets form a nice setting for any meeting.

Are you bored of the same suggestions when it comes to the question of building an effective team and bored of the same old ideas?

K West has a unique bonding experience: a 3-hour recording session where colleagues really get to work together as a team. Singing and recording a tune and performing as a band ultimately brings the team together for meetings that rock! www.k-west.co.uk

The Gallery Hotel Singapore is known as being the first hip hotel in the city and the recipient of many prestigious awards for service and accommodations.

The architecture of the building and colourful interior design is unique, featuring three glass walls with breathtaking views of the Singapore River. www.galleryhotel.com.sg

K-West

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre Opening Summer 2010 and located adjacent to the Malpensa Airport, the Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre will offer a wide range of conference facilities and services in an attractive and ultra-modern

building. Over 2000m2 of meeting space, comfortable seating, stateof-the-art audiovisual technology.

Grab a cocktail or tasty treat at the Lounge & Snack Bar. Work out in their fully-equipped Sheraton Fitness, or simply relax in the indoor swimming pool and spa. And all this with easy pedestrian access to Terminal 1 of the airport. www.starwoodhotels. com/sheraton

balcony.

In addition the property will feature a state-of-the-art conference centre for groups of up to 300 people and will be the area’s premier venue for dining, business and incentive meetings and social events. www.theoitavos.com

Meetings Plus Meetings Plus is the Star Alliance solution for international corporate meetings that makes it more cost-effective and productive for meeting planners to bring people across the world together. It can be used for most meetings of 50 people or more. Benefits include one single point of contact, as well

Oitavos - Lounge

The Oitavos Hotel, Portugal Opening Fall 2010, the Oitavos is a 5-star luxury hotel, located just 20 minutes west of Lisbon and the airport. It will be the first luxury hotel and wellness spa developed on the Quinta Da Marinha Original property and will embrace, rather than compete with nature. Its bold design, sleek lines and elegantly simple interiors focus attention outwards – on the historical and natural elements of the grounds and the drama and romance of the Atlantic Ocean. Since space is a luxury at the office and in most hotel rooms, many will enjoy the 142 oversized rooms and their own

as discounts between ten to 20 per cent on published fares, depending on booking class, type of fare and airline chosen. Bookings will be made through the organiser’s appointed travel agency. www.staralliance. com/meetingsplus

Are you MIMorable?

Contact press@mimmagazine.eu

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destinations > brussels

AT FOREST NATIONAL YOU ARE THE VIP With our VIP arrangements you can experience every concert in an unique way. A celebration or simply enjoying a concert in style? Thanking your employees or spoiling your clients with a VIP treatment? Everything’s possible!

ORGANIZE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE EVENT For many years our stage has welcomed the biggest stars of the world.

How about organizing your event on our stage? Welcoming your clients amidst the autographs of the stars in the Graffiti Room? Your event, small or big, can be organized in our rock temple!

Make your choice on our website: www.forestnational.be or send an email to VIP@forestnational.be for more information.

8 I F S F ) J T U P SZ JT .BEF

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special destination > Austria

Special Destination

Austria

© Austrian National Tourist Office

Most people have a quite traditional view of Austria: snow-covered mountains, people skiing or hiking, folks in ‘Lederhosen’ and ‘Dirndln’, Mozart, waltzes, etcetera. The same people would probably be very surprised to see that Austria has been top-listed in international rankings as a location for meetings, events and conventions. These two views on Austria seem to contradict each other, but in fact they complement each other.

REPORT IGOR HENDRICKX

Visitors who get to know Austria on business often develop a fondness for this country. No wonder: the sheer beauty and diversity of its natural scenery is overwhelming. Think of sun-kissed Burgenland with its wide stretches of steppe landscape and hundreds of bird species, think of the gently rolling hills of the Wachau valley and its idyllic, terraced vineyards along the banks of the river Danube, or of Austria’s alpine west with its imposing mountain ranges and extensive alpine pastures. Think of lakes and rivers so clean you can drink their water or crisp mountain air. Here are a myriad of

opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, canyoning and rafting, but also skiing, snow-shoe rambling or cross-country skiing. In short, a country ideal for reinvigorating, inspiring and relaxing moments before, during and after any event.

Austria. Once again, it’s no wonder that Austria has got such a large historical heritage. Culturally, however, Austria has not once stopped growing and developing.

That’s why people will often find historic old city centres side by side with futurist

For many centuries, Austria was the heartland of an empire that at one point stretched from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea and from the Rhine to Czechia and Hungary. Artists, musicians, writers and other people in search of patronage came from all over Europe to be near the Habsburg rulers in

Nature & Sports Culture & Cities + Hospitality = 3 good reasons why it’s got to be Austria MIM 23

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special destination > Austria

A country like Austria inspires trust. In these challenging times, a destination that can hold its own internationally, offers a sense of security. © ANTO

Regularly top-listed internationally as a destination for meetings, events and conventions.

Vienna Lower Austria

Upper Austria

Burgenland Vorarlberg

Tyrol

Salzburg

Styria

Carinthia

architecture that has caused a buzz internationally, such as the Kunsthaus art gallery in Graz or the sober Lentos Museum in Linz. To soak up the atmosphere you can stroll through the medieval streets of Vienna, Graz or Salzburg and stop at a Konditorei for coffee or tea and various pastries.

Corporate events can be organised sideby-side with one of many cultural festivals.

The whole year round, Austria doubles as a stage for music, theatre and literature festivals. Think of the classical Salzburg, the Ars Electronica in Linz or the vibrant street festival ‘La Strada’ in Graz. Staging an event becomes much more spectacular with the Bregenz floating stage or the open-air stage at Grafenegg castle.

It’s clear that Austria has a lot of cultural and natural scenery. A successful corporate event, however, needs more than just an inspiring setting. Whether you’re organising a conference, a product presentation, a teambuilding exercise or any other kind of meeting or incentive,

you need the proper support to make it successful and unforgettable. Here’s where the famous Austrian hospitality comes in. Wherever you go, be it a skiing lodge, a wine tavern or a gourmet restaurant, you will stay on for hours on end, not least because there’s so much to enjoy.

The tasty Austrian cuisine – reinterpreted or traditional – combined with premier and new generation white wines, will be a revelation of quality and quantity gastronomic perfection. Wellbeing also includes finding the right accommodation – so it’s all the better that Austria’s hotels and inns have something to offer for every taste and preference. The utmost importance is attached to high-quality organic food, but also to sustainable, eco-friendly management. Customised technical facilities for any kind of meeting and event have long become a matter of course. Yet the real success formula of Austria’s meetings industry has less to do with technology than with heartfelt commitment.

vides the perfect destination for events that require beautiful natural scenery, a diverse and widely entertaining cultural background, modern professional support and genuine traditional hospitality. The following pages present the nine Austrian provinces in a nutshell.

Austria in short + Good accessibility due to its central location + Under 4 hours flying time from anywhere in Europe + Sports, cultural and culinary highlights all year round + Austria is a major business hub in Central Europe + Great scenic diversity within close range

In short, Austria’s meeting industry pro-

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special destination > Austria

Interview with

Alexander Kery, head of austrian business and convention network (abcn)

© Alexander Kaiser/Vorarlberg Tourismus

1. How did you come to be head of of the abcn?

My first encounter with the meetings industry was while working as director of sales and marketing at several five star hotels, including the ANA Grand Hotel, Radisson SAS and Intercontinental Hotels.

I started working for the Austrian National Tourist Office in 2001. First, in customer relations and then in the strategic sales department. Last year, the abcn was realigned and I was appointed as its executive in charge. It’s a great responsibility and an even greater honour.

2. Could you tell a bit more about this new congress and incentive department?

In accordance with Austria’s nine regional convention bureaus and leading commercial partners the Austrian meeting and congress marketing has been restructured in 2009. In order to secure efficient cooperation, the tasks have been shared between the organisations.

International marketing activities for the convention and meeting venue Austria is part of the public performance-related mandate of the Austrian National Tourist Office. abcn will continue to handle the core tasks of the meeting and convention marketing in cooperation with its networking partners.

3. How are the nine regional convention bureaus involved?

Who would be more familiar with what a region has to offer than the people who

live there? For this reason, we at abcn work closely together with our partners, the Convention Bureaus in Austria’s provinces.

They assist us in choosing a destination and come up with proposals for the right location for your event. Our local counterparts are always abreast of the latest developments and can recommend the best conference hotels, convention centres, venues and accompanying programmes.

4. Why should corporate planners consider Austria as a destination for meetings and incentives?

For years, Austria has been top-listed in international rankings as a location for meetings, events and conventions for many reasons – start with its easy accessibility in the very heart of Europe. Add economic and political stability and a high level of security which many organisers consider paramount. The country offers not only an ideal setting for touristic activities and state-of-the art infrastructure, but scores extra points with its high standards of service. Austrian hosts specialise in providing tailor-made offers for every request and every occasion.

Being successful with an event or a meeting has never been so important. Money is tight — and still we have to achieve a maximum output. A country like Austria inspires trust. A destination that can hold its own on an international level despite the economic crisis, offers a sense of security. But also the stable political situ-

ation, perfect infrastructure, and not least the strong service orientation of Austrian hosts are decisive for many organisers and planners.

5. What are your plans for Austria for the future?

For the marketing of Austria as a meetings and conventions destination in 2010 and 2011, the abcn has set certain priorities.

We’ll be implementing new and innovative workshop concepts all over Europe together with the convention bureaux of the federal states. We’ll be starting with this creative approach in April 2010. To boot, Austrian providers of the meetings and conventions industry will be top of the list. In addition to media co-operations, we’ll be effectively and visibly present at fairs in Europe and the USA: EIBTM and AIBTM, IMEX and IMEX-America, CONFEX and access. We’re especially interested in the markets of Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, France, the Benelux and the USA. Finally, the abcn will launch a fresh and functional Internet portal using state-of-the-art technology and design in the third quarter of 2010. As a prime digital source of information for international meeting planners – amongst other things, you’ll find a geographic, thematic venuefinder with a google maps application, it will entice them to opt for Austria.

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special destination > Austria

Green Events Austria © ANTO

Green Events Austria is an initiative promoting the adoption of standards for sustainable events and meetings in different categories. Over the last years, meeting organizers have been focusing more and more on sustainable use of resources, starting with caterers who use as much seasonal products from the region as possible, to green waste management, maximum energy efficiency or reliance on public transport. Here are a few of the many other examples of green measures taken by meetings industry partners in Austria.

Conventionland Carinthia In Austria’s most Mediterranean province, solar energy is the way to go. The Sandwirth business hotel in Klagenfurt, for example, is using solar collector technology to heat its water. Carinthia’s biggest advantage when it comes to sustainability is, however, that its conference -, meeting venues and hotels are within easy reach from each other. Once arrived in the destination, the attendee of an event can more or less do without any means of transport, thus reducing the carbon footprint to a great extent.

Congress & Messe Innsbruck While CoMe’s new congresspark igls has already been classified as ‘Energy Saving Building’, Congress Innsbruck shall receive the Energy Performance Certificate in the near future. Over the last few years total energy consumption was already cut down by 70%.When Congress Innsbruck was refurbished to receive a new main entrance, state-of-the-art energy technology solutions were put into practice. For instance, the foyer was fitted with floor heating and the heater coils of the foyer’s air condition were replaced allowing for low temperature heating in the entire building.

Hofburg, Vienna

One of the greenest countries in the World also thinks green

Whoever said that historical buildings can’t be made ecologically sustainable, has not yet visited the Hofburg in Vienna. The winter residence of the Habsburg monarchy was built with extra thick walls to keep the cost of heating to a minimum and today we’re reaping the rewards. Waste management includes a strict recycling policy, but also the use of local and seasonal products and the avoidance of non-disposable dishes. What little waste remains, is incinerated to create green energy. Finally, event planners are offered the experience and knowledge to plan green events.

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special destination > Austria

Carinthia

Mediterranean meetings Those who live in sunny Carinthia know that business and pleasure need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, the line between the two is blurred. But what else can you expect from one of the most attractive provinces for holidays and a popular venue for countless well-known events?

Carinthia’s name reflects this uncommon hospitality. In Celtic, ‘carant’ means ‘friend’, so Carinthia means ‘land of friends’. Carinthia offers a kaleidoscope of meeting and incentive possibilities: a wide range of sports, various exciting and interesting cultural gems, culinary delights and naturally the southern – even Mediterranean – vitality. Major cultural sights include the cities of Klagenfurt and Villach and the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.

The province’s capital and its surroundings have a lot to offer. When there are no trade fairs on, the Klagenfurt exhibition centre is one of Carinthia’s most popular event locations. Some 150 guest events – from concerts and TV shows, product presentations and exhibitions to conferences and meetings – are held here every year. Klagenfurt Technology Park is aimed at providing facilities and services for start-ups and growth-oriented companies.

At the Technology Park there are not only various conference and meeting rooms, but also a business lounge with top multimedia equipment.

There’s more to Carinthia than just its capital. In the middle of a wonderful lagoon on the shore of the Wörthersee, the

© Jilly Beach

© Sportschule Krainer Alm

Lindner Seepark Hotel Congress & Spa, combines business and holiday life in a fascinating way. The most striking feature is the bubbles facade, a dark-grey natural stone façade over which a light-coloured organic structure is spanned. On the same Wörthersee you can organise floating events. Sankt Veit, a pulsating small town north of Klagenfurt that can be rented as an event centre. You can hold a meeting in the city’s public garden, in the town hall or in an old church. And for a product launch the city’s main square or the shopping mall might be the right spot. Located near the town centre in Wolfsberg, the KUSS convention and event centre features unique architecture. Its foyer has a glass facade making it very light and affording views of the mountains from the modern rooms. The new Carinthian Music Academy Ossiach provides a comprehensive infrastructure in the special ambience of the Ossiach Monastery as well as in the harmoniously attached new building.

Apart from a multitude of different meeting facilities, Carinthia also offers a

Carinthia lives up to its Celtic name: ‘land of friends’ range of thrilling incentives. Be it rafting, medieval feasts in a castle, sled dog races or cooking seminars – all can be experienced in this southernmost region.

The Carinthian Convention Bureau is the central contact and service point for your corporate events in Carinthia. They’ll help you find what you are looking for in the wide choice available – quickly, professionally and free of charge. In its alliance, Conventionland Carinthia boasts the 59 best hotels and service providers that Austria’s southernmost province has to offer.

Conventionland Carinthia convention@kaernten.at www.convention.kaernten.at

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special destination > Austria

Tyrol

Heart of the Alps

Over the past decades, Tyrol has established itself as a place where tradition meets modernity. Meetings and conferences organised in this beautiful Alpine region benefit from numerous assets: a worldwide reputation for hospitality, easy accessibility and first-class infrastructures. The additional wide selection of outdoor activities and cultural and culinary highlights make Tyrol an all-in-one meeting destination.

Thanks to the many research and educational institutes and the Tirolean Future Foundation, Tyrol is a highly developed region for business and the meetings industry. The region can count on not one, but three dedicated congress centres.

The award-winning Congress and Messe Innsbruck offers more than 27 halls and rooms for up to 8000pax. One can choose from three separate modern locations: hold a green meeting in the city or in the idyllic nature. Opening in May after renovation works, the Europahaus Mayrhofen in the Zillertal allows you to organise seminars where others take their vacation.

Holding an authentic and contemporary conference in the ‘most beautiful village in Austria’ is entirely possible thanks to the Congress Centrum Alpbach.

Only 15 minutes separate your meeting in the valley from your incentive on the mountain top.

There’s also a wide variety of conference hotels in Tyrol, each with its own distinguishing feature. Parkhotel Hall has, apart from its design seminar rooms, an Art Nouveau function hall for corporate events. This Design Hotel lies in the picturesque town Hall in Tyrol. The Austria Trend Hotel Congress has one of the best locations in Innsbruck: next to the congress centre and the new cable car which will take you straight up into the mountains. Offering space and light, this trendy hotel has several seminar rooms.

Grand Hotel Europa combines Tirolean flair with Italian design right across from Innsbruck’s modern station. Its baroque ballroom was designed by the architect of Cinderella’s castle. The OBB offers quality connections to most Austrian and Central European cities, while the Tirolean Jet Services offers cost-effective charter flights the world over.

However, Tyrol’s nature and culture make it foremost an incentive destination.

The awesome Alpine landscape offers countless possibilities: mind-clearing bungee or parasailing, adventurous snow or mountain biking or simply hiking and skiing. Lakes and rivers provide more aquatic sports. Innsbruck itself is a city filled with culture and history and just 15 minutes from the mountains. Tyrol’s strategic location has dotted the landscape with impressive castles. Several examples of special venues: the Olympic Bergisel Skispungstadion, the medieval citadel of Kufstein, the crystalline Swarovski Kristallwelten, the thermal baths at the futuristic Aqua Dome and the unconventional Cube Biberwier-Lermoos. At all of these venues and hotels corporate events can be organised.

In short, Tyrol offers many possibilities – modern or otherwise – to transform the most simple of events in an unforgettable experience.

Convention Bureau Tirol convention@tirolmarketing.at www.convention.tirol.at

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special destination > Austria

Alpbach

Tirolean conference village The wonderful Alpine mountain backdrop, its situation on a sunny plateau, the well cared-for houses in the typical Alpbach building style and the fact that the locals are true to their culture and traditions are surely the main elements which shape Alpbach and make it so special.

Anyone who has been to Alpbach knows why this picturesque village has received prestigious awards, such as Austria’s ‘Most Beautiful Village’ and Europe’s ‘Most Beautiful Flower Village’.

The new Alpbach Congress Centre with its ingenious architecture represents a masterpiece of design, ambience, functionality and modern conference technology. So as to blend in with the homogenous architectural style the building was built into the slope and solely

Congress Innsbruck

the glass façade and the central glass cone are visible. They provide light for the congress centre’s interior. This way the use of energy is optimised and the impact on nature was kept to a minimum. With a total of 1585m2 the Alpbach Congress Centre has a plenary hall for 500 people, five flexible parallel rooms, two spacious reception areas and a café-restaurant.

The halls and seminary rooms have direct daylight and the view from the congress centre’s terrace towards the village and the surrounding landscape is unique.

Europe’s ‘Most Beautiful Flower Village’

Alpbach Village Alpbach Congress Centre

The Tirolean mountain village Alpbach is easily accessed via the airports of Innsbruck (57 km) and of Munich (160 km) and the motorway A12 (exit Kramsach, 9 km to Alpbach). Express train stations are Wörgl (25 km) and Jenbach (20 km). www.congressalpbach.com

Messe Innsbruck

congresspark igls

one company. three locations. congress und messe innsbruck

Contemporary since 1572* See for yourself. sales@come-innsbruck.at, Telephone: +43 512 5936-0

come-innsbruck.at

Member of:

* 1572: Year of construction of what is now the Dogana (Congress Innsbruck) in its original incarnation as the recreation and entertainment hall (Ballspielhaus) of the Imperial Palace.

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special destination > Austria

Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Classical Mozart meets unconventional conventions

Museum of Modern Art

After Vienna, Salzburg is most often second in the thoughts of visitors. The miraculous genius of Mozart permeates nearly every aspect of his city of birth and small to medium-sized meetings certainly benefit from this classical setting. There’s more to it than just that. Red Bull, originally from Salzburg, is an energetic example of the modern-day dynamism of the region.

Salzburg is synonymous with musical events and a rich cultural history. A perfect infrastructure, restaurants in modern, classical and medieval style, more than 10.000 hotel beds, splendid meeting locations AND all within walking distance.

Salzburg offers many meeting and event locations in and around the city, from traditional to modern or seamlessly combining both. The Salzburg Congress lies at the heart of what might be called the congress district of Salzburg. Its appealing architecture and modern technology combine harmoniously with the historic surroundings. The new Modern Art Museum overlooks the city from one of the surrounding hills. The breathtaking view from the terrace will enhance any event in the warm design setting of M32, the museum’s gastronomic restaurant.

Finally, the Amadeus Terminal 2 is Salzburg’s largest venue and can accommodate up to 1700pax. In the summer, this terminal is an excellent location for product presentations.

The above-mentioned congress district consists of several hotels. The Sheraton

Salzburg Hotel is connected to the congress centre and by itself offers the ideal framework for both small and large functions. Opposite the congress centre one finds three Imlauer hotels with a modern feel for tradition: the Crowne Plaza Salzburg – The Pitter and Hotels Stieglbräu and Imlauer. The Imlauer Group also has three special venues: the Pitterkeller – Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar, the Schloss Saal and the Stieglkeller overlooking the rooftops of the town.

A hotspot of classic and modern festivals and culture A bit farther but still very close, one finds hotels where tradition and modernity merge into an enjoyable experience.

Hotel Stein is a lifestyle riverside hotel.

Its rooftop terrace was chosen for several scenes in the latest Tom Cruise movie. Not much farther, one finds Hotel Sacher, owned by the same family as the famous namesake in Vienna. Here rooms are individually designed to create a

modern feeling with classical touches. In the surrounding hills lies Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. This exclusive hotel is housed in an old castle, while its modern spa is carved into the living rock – giving new meaning to ‘rent your castle’.

Finally, Salzburg has three modern conference hotels. Castellani Parkhotel Salzburg enjoys quiet surroundings not far from the city centre. Its garden is perfect for receptions or outdoor trainings. The Renaissance Salzburg Hotel represents the very best of Marriott’s designer chain and has the most rooms in the city and 17 conference rooms. NH Salzburg-City is 500m away from the congress centre and promises a pleasant and modern atmosphere: meetings with a patio.

Salzburg’s reasonable priced luxury locations and cultural richness are a favourite with congress organisers. Only during the high-point of the summer festival is the city crowded with tourists.

Salzburg Convention Bureau convention@salzburgcb.com www.salzburgcb.com

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special destination > Austria

Vorarlberg

Where four countries meet Vorarlberg, the westernmost and wealthiest province of Austria, combines the perfect working atmosphere with culture, nature, professional service and a distinct talent for staging successful events. World-famous festivals, the surprisingly lively cultural scene, internationally successful companies demand standards well above average. Vorarlberg knows how to stage events to the advantage of congress and conference guests wishing to combine business with pleasure or adventure.

The region is considered a European centre of modern architecture. Nowhere else in Austria is architectural design so daring, with ancient building traditions blending harmoniously with contemporary design. At the same time, Vorarlberg has pioneered ecologically sustainable architecture. The new architecture is found everywhere, in cities and villages, with private buildings and also hotels.

Vorarlberg boasts three convention halls: the architecturally dazzling Festspielhaus in Bregenz, winner of 2009 Best Centre Award as being top-of-the-league in its kind in Europe, the multi-purpose Kulturhaus in Dornbirn and the centrally located Montforthaus in Feldkirch. Add a bevy of other meeting and event locations, such as the classy nostalgic paddle steamer Hohentwiel on Lake Constance, the 16th century Jonas Schlössle, renovated to full splendour, the Dornbirner Messe fair precinct with its modern facilities, theatre stages and concert halls, and professional seminar and incentive hotels in the towns and mountain valleys.

The countryside of Vorarlberg entices visitors with attractive background programmes. Adventures out in the fresh air, nature experiences of the first order are top priorities on the agenda of Vorarlberg’s outdoor experts. They organise canyoneering, rafting and canoeing tours, accompany you every

Canyoning Team Vorarlberg

step of the way as you learn the techniques of rock climbing and rappelling in spectacular high-rope gardens. You can also, if the urge takes you, try your hand at paragliding.

Smartly orchestrated meetings and well staged events.

For lovers of water sports, Lake Constance is a multi-faceted and sophisticated water world. Sailing and rowing regattas are held here. Cruises on modern, comfortable boats as well as on the historic steamboat ‘Hohentwiel’ are on offer. For barbecue evenings, the shores of the lake offer many spots full of inviting atmosphere.

Several Vorarlberg ski areas number among the best in the world, particularly Lech-Zürs on the Arlberg. Skiing, freeriding and backcountry tours, cross country skiing, ice climbing, husky sledding, igloo building and torchlit hikes - everything is possible.

Yet even in rural regions of Vorarlberg and along the so-called Cheese Route in Bregenzerwald, contemporary architecture is ever-present. A striking glass and concrete building is the Cheesemaking

Bregenz Festival

© Convention Partner Vorarlberg

Hohentwiel

School in Egg, where visitors can make their own fresh cheese in just four hours.

Finally, one particular feature is the Convention Card Vorarlberg. The heart of the card is a barcode which can be fixed to any data carrier and which enables customised congress, seminar and supporting programmes, simplifying organisation too.

Convention Partner Vorarlberg service@convention.cc www.convention.cc

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special destination > Austria

Lentos Art Museum

Upper Austria

scalaria

Ars Electronica, Brucknerhaus

The three city-triangle Upper Austria has a host of modern, multi-purpose convention centres, both in the metropolitan triangle of Linz, Wels and Steyr, as well as in the Salzkammergut lake district. Upper Austria’s scenic diversity paired with a sheer endless array of culinary delights, rustic inns, alpine huts or local taverns are bound to please even the most discriminate tastes.

Upper Austria has an amazing total of nineteen congress & convention centres from the Böhmerwald region to the Dachstein massif. Upper Austria boasts exceptional diversity for any kind of meeting or event. Wels is known as an important city for shopping and the location of several gymnasium schools and higher vocational schools and also of a vocational college.

Furthermore, it is known for the Wels Fair, which takes place every two years in fall. Steyr is an ancient city with modern amenities, marketing its rich cultural and architectural heritage in tourism and is one of many other well preserved old towns in Austria. Finally, Linz was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and is home to a vibrant music and arts scene. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) is a museum and research facility on the north bank of the Danube and is a significant world center for new media arts, attracting a large gathering of technologically-oriented artists every year for the Ars Electronica festival.

The Palais Kaufmännischer Verein, located in the centre of the city, is a neo-baroque

with seven halls and rooms for up to 1800 guests. Furthermore its members assume social responsibility by supporting economically weaker people. Therefore charity events are also high on the agenda in Linz.

The cycling track along the Danube river is the most beloved river cycling path of Europe and an excellent idea for incentives.

From the three-city triangle, it’s only a stone’s throw to amazingly diverse natural scenery and a great variety of side programmes or separate events to choose from. The Mühlviertel district, with an abundance of fortresses and monasteries, is a much-coveted destination for glorious walks and rambles.

The picture-pretty Salzkammergut lake

district has fascinating mountains and woods alongside romantic lakes to offers.

It is known all over the world as a spot that has managed to retain its original, unspoilt authenticity. Also worth a visit are the century old Dachstein caves in the Hallstatt/Dachstein world heritage site.

Here, an unforgettable experience can be arranged, guaranteed to be the first time for many of your guests: spelunking. The region around the Kalkalpen national park holds a wide spectrum of outdoor activities and nature discovery in store. During winter it is possible to hold meetings and motivational activities in the snow.

The Upper Austrian Convention Bureau provides fast, competent and free advice for the organisation of events in the province.

They provide competent, impartial advice in planning and organising your event and became member of ICCA in 2009.

Convention Bureau Upper Austria tagung@oberoesterreich.at www.tagung.info

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special destination > Austria

Lower Austria Feel alive Krems

Grafenegg

The largest province of Austria and the second most populated, Lower Austria derives its name from its geographical location on the fabled Danube river, which runs from west to east through the state. Lower Austria’s major advantage is that the province completely encircles Vienna. Other factors include gourmet cooking, the great outdoors, art, culture and history.

Lower Austria’s location, surrounding Vienna, a major centre of commerce and the arts, is a big plus for organisers of conferences and meetings. The province is readily accessible by all means of transport and is close to the new EU markets of Central Europe. The province counts eight trade fair centres and three convention centres and an array of atmospheric venues for incentives and special events: castles and monasteries, art museums, Danube ships, historical sites including an Ancient Roman city, princely refuges or scenic landscapes. This province also has a remarkable selection of premium hotels.

In addition to a top-grade location in terms of business environment and infrastructure, stimulating environments are a vital ingredient for success. Those who opt for Lower Austria will be spoilt for choice: some forty premier tourist attractions and just as many greens, well-groomed hiking and cycling trails, or sumptuous gardens to take your pick from. Should you wish to add inspirational moments in pristine natural surroundings to your agenda, you

will ďŹ nd reclusive spots for contemplation and drawing fresh energy. The Waldviertel region, for instance, for meditation and self-withdrawal, the invigorating thermal spa region, the idyllic Weinviertel, or the climatic health resorts in the alpine south.

On top of that, Lower Austria offers a diverse backdrop for sophisticated and culturally inspiring social programmes.

The Wachau valley, for example, one of the most notable wine-growing regions in the world, was awarded world heritage site status by UNESCO for its unmatched beauty.

The second UNESCO world heritage site in Lower Austria, the Karl Ritter von Ghega railway up mount Semmering, is considered a historic feat of railroad engineering.

Historic art and culture has been preserved for centuries by the big monasteries. For a rendezvous with contemporary art, go and visit the exhibition centres in many of the major fortresses and castles and a string of different museums.

Alongside its cultural treasures, Lower Austria is famed for sublime culinary

treats, mouth-watering delicacies and heartfelt hospitality along the 830km of the Lower Austrian wine route or in some 260 inns that cultivate and preserve regional dining culture as their hallmark.

Lower Austrian wine route: 830 km of mouthwatering gastronomy and heartfelt hospitality.

With its many merits, Lower Austria is much in demand as a destination for professional events. Business travellers account for more than 50 percent of all overnight stays. Convention Bureau Lower Austria is a hub for handling inquiries and providing information and will help you to plan conventions, conferences, and special business events in Lower Austria.

Convention Bureau Lower Austria convention@noe.co.at www.convention-bureau.at

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special destination > Austria

Burgenland © Michael Brandl

Austria’s sunny meetings If you are not looking for an Alpine backdrop, you can always go to Austria’s most eastern province, Burgenland, characterised by its hilly landscape, Mediterranean climate with 300 sunny days per year, vast vineyards and hospitality. Its borders with Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia and its proximity to the airports of Vienna and Bratislava, make it a strategic place to organise a meeting.

Burgenland has got a lot of old frontier castles. These castles provide a feudal, but no less comfortable, framework for many conferences, seminars and other events.

The province is also closely connected to Joseph Haydn and Franz Liszt. These eminent ambassadors of music ensure a vivacious musical culture, including festivals and several cultural centres available for business events. Finally, many excellent Austrian wines originate here, benefitting the gastronomy of the region.

Lake Neusiedl, the ‘sea of the Viennese’, in the north of the province, is regarded as a paradise for water sports and is part of a unique nature preserve. From the Tower Lounge of the new business hotel in Parndorf, Pannonia Tower, one has a fantastic view over this area. With its 14 floors, the Tower is the tallest hotel in the country. 119 modern furnished rooms

Pannonia Tower

and six conference rooms for up to 220 people make the ‘Pannonia Tower’ an ideal location for corporate meetings and incentives.

The bridge between western and eastern Central Europe.

Nestled in the steppe-like landscape at the edge of the national park is the new St. Martin Spa & Lodge. The connection with nature is a central theme, which recurs in both the architectural design as well as in the programs. In addition to the traditional spa, emphasis is put on discovering and experiencing the ever-present nature.

This includes special discovery tours and exclusive excursions by jeeps.

Tower Lounge

Burgenland’s enchanting authenticity can be best experienced in one of the ‘Pannonian Living’ inns and guesthouses, dedicated to the preservation of Burgenland’s architectural patrimony. The lovingly revitalised homes, from the venerable Kellerstöckl Landhof to an elegant winery, combine dignified and highly aesthetic charm with modern comfort without the modernist additions. Some of the houses prove to be a veritable meeting havens.

Modern seminar hotels and several exceptional locations, such as Forchenstein castle, Halbturn castle and open-air museums, create a relaxed easy-going ambience.

In tandem with Burgenland’s proverbial hospitality and the warmth of its people – they openly welcomed all refugees of the Hungarian Revolution, staying here will do a world of good for body as well as mind.

Discover an idyllic yet dynamic cultural region – the bridge between western and eastern Central Europe.

Burgenland Tourism hoesch@burgenland.info www.burgenland.info

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special destination > Austria

Styria

Austria’s Green Heart Often called the ‘Green March’, because half of the area is covered with forests and one quarter with meadows, grasslands, vineyards and orchards, Styria is also home to Austria’s second largest city, Graz. With 43 meeting and incentive service providers, Styria is a land of opportunity. biking, hiking, Nordic walking and much more on Alpine pastures and meadows; or the enjoyment of crystal-clear water in the lakes, up in the mountains or down in the valley. Hotels, spas and other venues located in these surroundings are the perfect location for creating green meetings – in all the meanings of the word.

Austria’s 1# greenest region and 2# largest city Graz Kunsthaus

As a university town, Graz is brimming with ideas and is renowned for its research and educational facilities. It’s easy to find your way around the city centre with all the major amenities within easy walking distance, including hotels, restaurants, shops and the conference centre itself. Messe Congress Graz will satisfy the precise requirements of any customer and comprises the largest event venues in the city. Its congress|graz building is a neoclassical, technological and acoustic marvel. The stadthalle|graz boasts 6500m2 of open, pillar-free space and a further 19 meeting rooms in the adjacent messecongress|graz. Graz consistently earns a respectable score in the ICCA conference destination ranking.

An easy-going, modern, quintessentially friendly hotel in Graz is The Weitzer.

Its sister hotels are Daniel and Grand Hotel Wiesler. They stage all kinds of events: company celebrations, seminars, conferences, etcetera. And all booked and organised through one office, thus providing all the necessary experience.

© Steiermark Tourismus

Of course there’s more to Styria than just its capital city. Styria is the most densely wooded province in Austria with more than 57% forest area. There is an altitude difference of more than 2800 metres between the lowest point on the valley and the highest mountain peak and this brings about the characteristic and distinctive contrasts between glacier, mountains, Alpine pastures, forests, meadows, and valleys. Only Styria enables you to actively experience nature in this way – with everything in your immediate vicinity. Skiing, ski tours, rafting, canyoning or climbing in the mountains; mountain

The modern Europeum lies in the middle of Mariazell, a village hidden in a calm little valley, as the jewellery box of Styria. Its largest room can fit 600 people and everyone can enjoy the centre’s spa and the café’s spectacular view. Situated at the gateway to the Styrian Iron Road, Leoben can look back over a long mining tradition.

Here you find the new Falkensteiner Hotel & Asia Spa Leoben, which tailors to the needs of business travellers and conference guests with innovative architecture and modern conference rooms. An underground passageway runs to the exclusive Asia Spa with separate pool, relax and sauna areas. Nature & Wellness Hotel Höflehner has developed its own style of seminars and teambuilding programs.

The ancient Romans already were aware of the many qualities of Styria. So why shouldn’t you meet here to come up with refreshingly new ideas in this relaxing region?

Mur Island

Steiermark Convention info@steiermark-convention.com www.steiermark-convention.com

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special destination > Austria

Vienna

Capital Congresses As the capital of Austria and the former Habsburg Empire, Vienna has acquired lots of experience catering to international meetings and incentives. As the birthplace of the waltz and the operetta and as the hometown of many famous composers, Vienna is an undisputed musical metropolis.

Don’t be misled by Vienna’s romantic reputation! This city by no means sits on its laurels: it has used its centuries of experience to ensure that meetings take place in modern surroundings and that incentives take place in very trendy settings. Modern architecture complements the heritage of bygone days. With its large parks, tree-lined avenues, countless vineyards and the 21km long Danube Island, it’s one of Europe’s greenest cities.

While Vienna has as many hotels as you’d expect from a conference capital, an unusual amount of these are extremely trendy. Smaller groups will enjoy the Radisson BLU Style Hotel in the very centre of the city. Right next to the famous Café Central, its unobtrusive exterior hides a cozy and private design hotel. The Levante Parliament’s inner courtyard is a quiet and fashionable place to hold a corporate event. The hotel’s halls and rooms are decorated with original artwork, adding to its artistic profile. Hotel Das Triest has earned a lot of word-ofmouth celebrity publicity. Past guests include Johnny Depp and David Bowie.

The first hotel to have high-speed wifi, it upholds its modern reputation with an Apple computer in every room. Larger

groups that still want to enjoy an incentive atmosphere, will like Le Méridien Wien.

To its 8 fully equipped meetings rooms, it adds an equally well equipped fitness and spa, including private trainers and a pool.

Later this year, Sofitel will open its brand new flagship hotel – which is supposed to become an instant Viennese landmark. For something different, one should visit the Hollman Beletage. This is not so much a hotel, as a home away from home where services are rendered in an innovative and organic way. Its private theatre can hold 100 people.

want to create a medium-sized conference with a view. The nearby wolke 21 offers the same possibility but on a smaller scale. For a technological marvel, one should visit the platinum Vienna DO&CO. This modern venue has the latest in AV and provides a flexible setup. Finally, there’s the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center. One of the few mega-conference centres in Europe. It astounds by size and professionalism, being largely responsible for Vienna’s rating as one of ICCA and UIA’s highest ranking conference destinations in Europe.

Art, music, food, ...

Vienna is a way of life and a way of meeting One of the most exclusive incentive activities and venues can be found right in the centre of the city. At the newly opened Swarovski you can make your own dazzling jewellery. Add to this the possibility of a cocktail and your event will surely shine. In Donau City you can find two venues overlooking the city. Tech Gate Vienna is an excellent location if you

Vienna Convention Bureau convention@vienna.info www.vienna.convention.at

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destinations > Switzerland

Switzerland Inventing the future

Science and technology are most associated with the future, otherwise it wouldn’t be called ‘science fiction’. Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s best in raw output of scientific research and it should thus surprise no one that the Swiss meetings industry also reaps the benefits.

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva, has a new outreach tool for its scientific work: a futuristic centre for exhibitions, conferences and meetings. The Globe of Science and Innovation is a unique landmark and a symbol of Planet Earth.

seminars and conferences for up to 600 people. These places are equipped with the high-tech facilities in which the Institute specialises. www.rolexlearningcenter.ch The Metamorphosis in Lugano is a truly modular venue thanks to the latest of technologies. Thanks to a system made of led lights and barrisol placed on the ceiling and wall screens, the room is transformed every time in a unique way. www.publigood.ch/metamorphosis

www.cern.ch The new Rolex Learning Center of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is an outstanding feat of technology where it’s possible to organise

Rolex Learning Centre - Lausanne

© Hisao Suzuki

As we saw in our last issue, Switzerland is a great country for sustainable events, but that’s the half of it; in all Swiss cantons futuristic venues open their doors. Here are a few examples.

© Messe Luzern

with standing space for 5000 or seating for 4000. www.messeluzern.ch

Lucerne Fair has opened its first new hall. It is Switzerland‘s first Minergie hall (standard for energy-friendly built premises) and offers the entire range of modern comfort for trade fairs and events

Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau 41 44 288 12 71 scib@switzerland.com www.myswitzerland.com/meetings

We coordinate your meetings, incentives, conferences, events in Brussels (but also in Luxembourg, in Holland and Paris).

The Pepper and Salt® Event Group

since 15 years Pepper and Salt¨ Events

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www.pepperandsaltevents.com

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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

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destinations > Ghent

Ghent

© Kristof Flamen - Upsilon Advertising

Pictures © Tourist Office City Ghent

Historical and getting younger every year

We regularly write about Ghent and its surroundings as an interesting destination for corporate meetings and incentives … and with good reason. Ghent is a young and dynamic city with charming, medieval scenery. A student population of over 60.000 and regular modern culture festivals, ensure that Ghent has its sight firmly set on the future.

Throughout history, Ghent has always been a bustling centre of innovation. In the Middle Ages, luxury woolen cloth ‘made in Ghent’ was sought after throughout Europe. At one point it was even the second largest city in Europe after Paris.

During the Industrial Revolution, the first continental textile manufacture machines could be found in Ghent, making it a major centre of commerce and industry. In 1913, Ghent hosted that epitome of innovation: the World Fair. Furthermore, Ghent keeps this tradition of industrious innovation alive by having the largest student population in Belgium.

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We’re glad to say that the Gent Convention Bureau and the meetings industry of Ghent and East Flanders are just as determined to provide trendy hotels and venues in a sparkling setting: an eventful cultural life, numerous historical monuments, medieval and modern buildings, regional gastronomy and more.

Finally, Ghent is a quick and easily planned destination since it lies at the intersection of 2 major European highways, is less than 3 hours away by high-speed train from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne and merely 45 minutes from Brussels Airport.

Ghent City – A meetings industry in renovation The city of Ghent is of course the first thing that attracts people to East Flanders. Dozens of unique buildings represent a millennium of history and countless of possibilities for corporate planners. A number of well-equipped congress facilities, historical buildings, trend-setting museums, cinemas and theatres, and at least as important to the congress participants: hundreds of charming taverns and original restaurants.

A tour of Ghent’s many regional beers and jenevers can be arranged: the Town crier can take you on a unique pub-crawl and many breweries and distilleries organise

guided visits. One distillery even has its own meeting venue – though not in Ghent proper: Filliers Meeting Centre.

Because Ghent is the location of so many festivals, the city centre is being renovated to better accommodate them.

This KoBra-project also includes an event hall and will be finished in 2012.

As long as these works are in progress,

Oude Vismijn

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destinations > Ghent

Graslei

one can still organise events in the ‘Oude Vismijn’. This 19th Century neo-classicistic monument will reopen Summer 2010. With two industrial halls (pax 200 and 1000 – 500 seated), it’s possible to organise large and small corporate events with a view over the Leie and Lieve Rivers. The nearby Ghent Marriott offers modern accommodations for attendees and has a trendy cellar lounge for private events – all behind a medieval facade. Still within walking distance is Capitole Gent. Capitole Gent is a former Art Deco cinema from the 30s. Completely renovated, it has several break out rooms and can accommodate 350 guests at a seated dinner.

ICC Ghent

De Bijloke

A new city renovation site is ‘The Loop’.

The comparison with Paris’ Quartier Défense is easily made. This city within a city will be a concentration of international leisure, retail, exhibit and work in a high-quality, dynamic and stimulating environment with plenty of room for living and nature. Larger events can be organised at Flanders Expo. An astonishing 54.000m2 of exhibition space allows meetings from 100 to 5000 people. What’s more, Flanders Expo has firmly joined the future. After its latest renovation, the centre derives much of its energy from its photovoltaic roof. The meetings industry, naturally, will also be present.

Another concentration in and around Ghent of meeting venues and conference facilities is the Citadel site. The site lies within the so-called Arts Quarter and hides the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK), the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and the ICC ghent. With an auditorium for up to 1000 people and a number of multifunctional rooms, the latter is one of Belgium’s major congress centres and the place to be for meetings, exhibitions, etcetera.

One ‘cultural kilometre’ away, you find the final concentration of meeting possibilities: De Bijloke-site. De Bijloke offers the most diverse array of venues and opportunities: large, small, modern, historic, charming and neat. Over 750 years of architectural history and architectural styles are brought together at this World Heritage Site. The music centre offers an exclusive and prestigious setting for conferences, seminars, private concerts, meetings, product presentations and catering. The city’s new heritage museum (STAM) will open its doors here Fall 2010.

It’s clear that the city of Ghent is constantly renovating its meeting possibilities, while still maintaining its trademark high quality service. This compact city is filled with excellent congress and meeting venues and has an impressive collection of art, history and culture. Centrally located in a beautiful region and centrally located in Europe.

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destinations > Ghent

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Meeting & Incentive Guide 2010 st Flanders Ghent & Ea Ghent & East Flanders

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The organisation’s members are highlighted in this beautifully illustrated luxury brochure.

The brochure can be obtained free of charge via the website.

DE BIJLOKE MUZIEKCENTRUM GENT

T. +32 9 233 68 78 Jozef Kluyskensstraat 2 9000 Gent

Discover the vibrant heart of Ghent at the Ghent Marriott Hotel. Situated on the banks of the river Lys, the hotel combines all the elements needed to charm all segments of clientele: 150 luxurious rooms, 12 suites, 420 sqm of meeting space divided among 7 function rooms, all with natural daylight, Korenhuis restaurant, Poppi Lounge bar, underground car park and fitness centre.

Ghent Marriott Hotel

Enjoy, eat, meet and sleep What else do you need? www.marriottghent.com

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Korenlei 10 B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Tel. +32(0)9 233 93 93 Fax +32(0)9 233 93 94 info@marriottghent.com www.marriottghent.com

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destinations > East Flanders

The Cleythil Hotel

East Flanders Green and blue scenery The province of East Flanders is defined by a network of rivers, canals, brooks and mounds. To the south of Ghent, the fast flowing rivers carve through a wonderfully green landscape called ‘the Flemish Ardennes’.

To the east one finds the pride and joy of the Ghent Flower Show: azalea and begonia plantations.

Scenic artists have always been inspired by the landscape in the west. Plenty of opportunities for meetings and incentives that need nature’s special touch.

With more than 400km of navigable waterways, it’ll come as no surprise to anyone that water sports and waterside recreation are immensely popular.

Everywhere in the province you can take a guided boat trip. You can also hire a yacht for a day, go kayaking or take a 35km round trip. The numerous towpaths – a road from where boats were pulled along the river or canal – provide ample opportunity for cycling, walking or even horse riding. You can also follow the route of the famous Tour of Flanders.

Art and culture aren’t restricted to Ghent alone. Charming towns dot the province and each has its own story to tell, often accompanied by festivals and museums available for events. Oudenaarde was renowned for its tapestries and is still a textile industry centre. Sint-Niklaas was awarded the title of Most Pedestrian Friendly City in Flanders and has the

biggest market place in Belgium. The last example, Aalst, is known for its carnival festivities which rule the city for three days.

The amount of riverside castles in EastFlanders is also note-worthy. It could even be compared to the famous castles of the Loire. Many of these are also available for corporate events.. In a bend of the river Lys, 15km from Ghent, stands the Castle Ooidonk. It’s a beautiful example of Hispano-Flemish architecture. On the other side of Ghent, the Castle of Laarne contains a remarkable collection of silverware.

We’ve had the cities of the bourgeois, the castles of the nobility and we’ve come to the churches and monasteries of the clergy. In this category, there are two partners of Gent Convention Bureau who deserve extra notice. The Cleythil Hotel is

built on the foundation of a 12th century religious centre. It offers a combination of nature, modern comfort and design and is situated in between the medieval cities of Bruges, Damme and Ghent. This establishment is the ideal location for a residential seminar because it has a culinary toprestaurant, a sauna and a garden of some 11.000m2. You can organise corporate events and business meetings in Het Godshuis –Hampshire Classic. Established in a 19th century monastery, this majestic hotel with its monumental entrance, high ceilings and indoor gardens offers you plenty of opportunities in Flander’s Fields.

If you’re looking for quiet non-distracting and beautiful surroundings, East-Flanders is definitely the place to go ... and we didn’t even mention the gastronomy.

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E V EN T LO C AT I O N S Capitole Gent is een unieke locatie voor uw events, meetings of conferenties. Gelegen op het makkelijk bereikbare Gent Zuid, vlakbij het centrum, biedt Capitole Gent u de ideale ruimtes voor een succesvol evenement.

Capitole Gent is de beroemde voormalige Art Deco bioscoopzaal uit de jaren ’30 waar de grote sterren uit die tijd langskwamen, zoals o.a. Laurel&Hardy, Jacques Brel en Edith Piaf. Volledig gerenoveerd in de oude stijl, maar met alle nieuwste technische theatersnufjes, biedt deze zaal nu onderdak aan de bekendste nationale en internationale topartiesten en grootse theaterproducties en concerten.

In de grote theaterzaal verwelkomen we u en uw klanten in onze nieuwe VIP-loges, een nieuwe extra dimensie voor een exclusieve avond in stijl. Naast de grote theaterzaal, staan ook de VIP-bars, het restaurant, onze sfeervolle zolderzaal en onze annex ter beschikking voor uw evenementen. m2 Theater

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V I P CO R P O R AT E Capitole Gent ontvangt u ook graag, samen met uw klanten, collega’s of relaties, als VIP op haar voorstellingen. Het is de ideale manier om in een ongedwongen sfeer en in een luxueuze omkadering uw relaties te onderhouden. Een standaard business seat kan uitgebreid worden met verschillende cateringmogelijkheden, gaande van receptie met hapjes, een walking dinner, een zittend diner, ...

EVENT SERVICES Naast het aanbieden van de ideale locatie, kunnen we uw organisatie ondersteunen met onze eigen in-huis-diensten. Onze cateraar GUSTO zorgt voor een perfecte culinaire begeleiding van uw activiteiten. Ons evenementenbureau Two 2 Tango helpt u graag met de totaalorganisatie van A tot Z voor uw evenementen.

VOORDELEN Grote parking dichtbij Perfecte ligging in centrum Gent vlakbij toegangswegen Unieke culturele en historische locatie Capitole Gent Graaf Van Vlaanderenplein 5 B-9000 Gent T: +32(0)9 233 29 99 info@capitolegent.be www.capitolegent.be

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destinations > Rotterdam

Rotterdam World Port World City Rotterdam saw the establishment of the world’s first multinational corporation, the Dutch East India Company, in 1602. Thus the stage was set for this port city to become one of the world’s largest international ports with a large concentration of multinationals.

Whether in the past or in the future, Rotterdam has always been an important meeting place for corporates.

REPORT IGOR HENDRICKX

© Max Derata

The face of Rotterdam is defined by two things: the Maas River and the bombing during WW2. Apart from harbor facilities, industrial sites and other commercial structures, many hotels and venues are located on the waterfront, which provides visitors with an ever changing view. After WW2, hardly anything was left of Rotterdam’s historical city. Instead of trying to rebuild the city in an image of its past, the industrious people of Rotterdam decided to make a fresh start.

The results are everywhere around: spacious design with daring modern architecture. Very much a city of the future!

Though Rotterdam is not a capital city and only the second largest Dutch city, in many other ways it is the first city in the Netherlands. The industry and commerce have already been touched upon, but there is more. In 2001, the city was designated Cultural Capital of Europe: performance venues and dance and theatre companies provide a constant supply of art and culture. Presenting

everything from exuberant dance extravaganzas, to film festivals, to the start of the Tour de France, Rotterdam is proud to call itself the ultimate festival city in the country.

Newsflash! The Dutch cuisine is no longer limited to the cliché of cheese, buttermilk and orange juice. In 2010, Rotterdam is also the Culinary Capital of the Netherlands – a distinction earned by the presence of several Michelin star restaurants.

There are also many practical reasons for planning a meeting, a seminar or any other kind of event in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is centrally located and easily accessible in West Europe. Indeed, according to Rotterdam Marketing, most of the business travelers to the city originate from the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, the Benelux and France. One can arrive by plane at Amsterdam (only 26 minutes with the new Fyra train to Rotterdam Central) or Rotterdam Airport or by high-speed train from Paris, Brussels, London,…

© Hannah-Anthonysz

Modern, centrally located conference facilities are within walking distance of a variety of hotel accommodations, with nearly 4250 beds in the city proper and far more in the greater Rotterdam area. A business event will be supported, not only by an excellent logistical network, but also by a professional convention bureau which will help you find many surprising incentive ideas. Finally, the Dutch people are well known for ensuring that any corporate event will have a good price-quality ratio.

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destinations > Rotterdam

© Hannah-Anthonysz

Your inroad towards a successful event

Rotterdam Marketing As Rotterdam was ranked as second place on the ICCA list of congress cities in the Netherlands, it’s only natural for the city to have an excellent convention bureau.

The people of Rotterdam Marketing, the official name of the Rotterdam Convention Bureau, are as dynamic and young as the city itself. They also know the city and its many hotels, venues, incentive ideas, etc. like the back of their hands. Indeed, this became very clear to me while visiting many of the following sites with them: they often knew as much as the site managers themselves. They’re also quite happy to arrange contact with professional PCOs to handle the actual organisation of your corporate event.

Rotterdam Marketing offers independent advice free of charge to allow corporates and associations to plan quality conferences and seminars. For several-day events, their hospitality staff can serve your guests at your event by providing information, tips and public transport ticket sales. The HotelService Rotterdam is a free booking agency for business groups, arranging hotel rooms in the three, four, five-star category. In concrete terms, this means that guests in Rotterdam can reserve a room free of charge via one single point of contact. Partners of international congress attendees who booked via HotelService Rotterdam will receive a free stay in Rotterdam. This new hospitality campaign offers partners a free overnight stay, including breakfast, as well as a Rotterdam Welcome Card with many tourist discounts.

If you work in the international scientific, medical, economic, industrial, creative or port sector and would like to bring your European or global conference to Rotterdam, the municipality of

Rotterdam in short 1. Modern, centrally located conference facilities 2. Nearly 4,250 hotel beds in the city centre and more in the greater Rotterdam area 3. Accessible from 249 cities, in 99 countries, by 84 airlines serving Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Rotterdam Airport 4. Excellent public transport 5. Good price-quality ratio 6. Professional advice free of charge provided by Rotterdam Marketing Rotterdam is willing to offer its financial support via the Incentive Fund for International Association Congresses.

Rotterdam Marketing will be happy to answer any inquiry about this service.

Finally, there’s no need to worry about the sustainability of your event. Rotterdam Marketing and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative have motivated and mobilised the meetings industry in the city to become more sustainable. In Summer 2010 most if not all hotels and congress venues have signed a declaration of intent to attain the Green Key certificate within approximately 1 year. Rotterdam Marketing and Rotterdam Climate Initiative together with their new partners will make sure that any event organised in Rotterdam – 13th on the European Green City Index – is as green as it can get.

Rotterdam Marketing Stephen van Es account manager congresses and business events Vivi de Regt account manager associations PO Box 30235 3001 DE Rotterdam T.: +31(0)10.205.15.00 F.: +31(0)10.205.15.99 conventions@rotterdam-marketing.nl www.rotterdam.info

Special venues Often times venues reflect the history of their particular city. Rotterdam is no different: several venues are part of the city’s commercial and industrial past and have acquired a new future as locations for large and small events, others reflect the futuristic design of the city.

During the 20th century, Van Nelle was the foremost producer of Dutch colonial products: coffee, tobacco and tea. It was designed around the concepts of light, air and space, inspired by the ‘new building’ philosophy. The factory was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site before it was closed in the mid-90s. After renovation works, the complex was reopened to be used by design and media companies and for events. The many large factory halls and offices, can be rented for seminars, conferences, business fairs, product presentations,... I personally witnessed a corporate event in one of the large factory halls. Divided in three (walking dinner, auditorium and general room) for the occasion, the hall still easily accommodated 2300 guests. From the former executive lounge on the top floor, I could see how all participants arrived by car or by bus at the large complex. A corporate location for corporate events.

www.ontwerpfabriek.nl One of Rotterdam’s main attractions and a defining element of its skyline, is the Euromast. The 360° view over the city and port is impressive and can keep one entertained for hours. From top to bottom the Euromast seems to have been designed for entertaining business events.

On the ground floor you can learn about the history of the tower, which incidentally was built in 1960 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 96m higher the sky restaurant is available for receptions, meetings, banquets and parties.

Events here are appropriately called ‘Sky sessions’. The observation platform on top of the restaurant offers more than just a fantastic view. The more adventurous will

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destinations > Rotterdam

Cruise Terminal

© Jan van der Ploeg

Euromast

Westelijk Handelsterrein Van Nelle

be very interested in the abseiling and zip-wining possibilities. Perfect for that instant rush of adrenaline to clear the mind after a meeting. From the platform you can not only go down, but also upwards in the Europscope, a rotating elevator from where you can see as far as Antwerp by clear weather. It’s a must for every visitor of the city – whether leisure or business.

www.euromast.nl De Machinist is a meeting place for creative Rotterdam and for companies and organisations that want to be innovative.

This old college in the neighbourhood of the Euromast, has six spaces for meetings, presentations, drinks and parties.

The Schiehaven halls and Parkhaven Coolhaven are suitable for meetings from 4 to 35 people. The Society is a lovely room on the first floor, with balcony. The Europoort is a spacious room in the basement of the building. There’s also a cinema with cozy chairs and sofas which can be used for presentations for up to 40 people.

These spaces can be rented for social gatherings to 120 people. For party events, De Machinist can arrange for live music through their various artistic connections.

www.demachinist.nl As the world’s largest port, Rotterdam received a lot of transatlantic cruise ships.

The legendary liners of the HollandAmerica Line all arrived and departed from the same place: the Cruise Terminal.

Nowadays this historic building with its high and wide panorama windows has become a multi-purpose venue for large (2500pax) and small events (40pax).

The ever changing traffic on the river forms a nice background for fairs and

product presentations, but also for walking dinners and conferences. The large hall can be divided into 4 smaller spaces and, weather permitting, you can also organise something on the riverside terrace. The professional in-house event team is ready to support any kind of event with technology, furniture and setting, catering etc. The venue is located on Rotterdam’s iconic ‘Kop van Zuid’, a peninsula jutting out into the river and dominated by futuristic skyscrapers which makes it look like Manhattan – with small difference that here there is parking space for up to 750 cars. Let your event benefit from the grandeur of this classic location.

www.cruiseterminalrotterdam.nl Located in one of Rotterdam’s few remaining historical buildings, the WereldMuseum has been recently renovated and reopened its doors, not only for the general public, but also for meetings and incentives.

Indeed, I was much impressed by the lengths to which the management had gone to accommodate corporate events.

Apart from the very interesting and ever changing ethnographic collection, the museum has four large rooms available for different kinds of events. The former ballroom (220 pax) of prince Henry of Orange has been restored to its former glory: hidden behind these white walls, gold chandeliers and parquet floors are the most modern of amenities. The next door saloon (100 pax) has the same classic and technological furnishings. On the ground floor, a contemporary theatre can be used for presentations. On the top floor, one can also rent the Rijckevorsel-room. This boardroom is furnished in colonial style and, once again, with the most modern

of technologies, including a smartboard.

Except for the theatre, all rooms benefit from natural light and have a marvellous view over the river.

www.wereldmuseum.nl Behind the stately facades of the Maritime Quarter, you will find a unique complex of warehouses. Under a magnificent glass roof you can find modern art galleries and restaurants offering multicultural cuisine.

The Westelijk Handelsterrein is also used as a location for your reception, seminar, or dinner. The large number of different spaces offers a variety of options and the ability to create unique atmospheres.

Depending on the number of people, the occasion and your personal preferences they look at the most suitable space for your event. Everything is here to create an all-in event: catering in all forms, attractive decor, AV resources, creative minds and a professional staff.

www.wht-rotterdam.nl

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destinations > Rotterdam

De Rotterdam Since February, Europe has a worthy equivalent to America’s floating hotel and tourist attraction, the Queen Mary. Now you no longer have to travel half the world to organise an event aboard a retired ocean liner. ‘De Rotterdam’, the largest Dutch vessel ever built and the former flagship of the Holland America Line, is moored close to the centre of Rotterdam.

This cruise ship has been completely restored to its former

glory and now serves as a museum, a hotel and a venue – everything you need for an all-in corporate event.

The hotel onboard is run by Cruise Hotel. They offer a choice of several rooms or cabins: suite, royal, inside, outside, luxury. These 254 cabins can further be divided in three themes: Original, Manhattan and Bahamas. Though all facilities and cabins evoke the Golden Fifties, the comfort level has been upgraded to modern standards. The conference and event facilities

on board are run by On Board On Shore. They offer a full range of options to organise events and conferences for 25 to 3500 guests. The authentic rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Theatre, Grand Ballroom and the Sky Room, amongst others, make this one of the most exclusive conference and meeting venues in the Netherlands.

www.opderotterdam.nl www.onboardonshore.nl www.cruisehotel.nl

Hotels The hotels of Rotterdam vary from simple to highly luxurious, but there’s always room for business people, conference attendees and corporate guests. Service is always put first.

Delta Hotel Vlaardingen Manhattan

Located in the iconic Millenium Tower and in the middle of the city’s financial and business district, lies Rotterdam’s only five star hotel, the Manhattan Hotel. This used to belong to the Westin Group, but recently the hotel became independent in order to focus more and nearly exclusively on business travellers and corporate guests. An interview with William Cross, managing director, made clear that the Manhattan aims to be the first choice for corporate planners.

The hotel has a contemporary look and offers 231 luxurious guestrooms and suites. In addition to its direct connection with Conference and Congress Centre De Doelen, the hotel has conference rooms of its own. The signature feature of the Manhattan Hotel is their modern and contemporary service dressed in traditional hospitality, perhaps best illustrated by their ‘lobby-patrols’ and nice firm handshake.

www.manhattanhotelrotterdam.com In Rotterdam we’ve seen the strangest location for a hotel yet: a former power

plant practically next to the Maas River.

These two aspects are referred to in the name of the hotel: ‘Stroom’, which is Dutch for the current of a river as well as electrical current. Other unusual features include the open kitchen, the split-level open landing, the rooftop terrace and the video projection walls.

Meetings are sure to be different in this design hotel. Their largest room is the ‘Multimedia’-room with purple inspiring carpets and marquisette all round and can be used by both small as well as large groups. The ‘Urban Studio’ simulates the feeling of having a meeting at a friend’s cool apartment in the city. In addition there is an adjoining roof terrace for lunches…..or meetings with a view.

www.stroomrotterdam.nl Inntel Hotels Rotterdam-Centre is an experience- and design hotel situated in the heart of Rotterdam. This former Golden Tulip has one of the most magnificent views in the city. Its Panorama Tower has become a treasured part of the skyline, right at the foot of the Erasmus Bridge. The Panorama Room on the 16th floor is perfect for conferences, parties, dinners or meetings of any kind. Thanks to the breakout walls, large events and several smaller events are possible, but you’re always assured of a room with a view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

More on the incentive-side it’s important to note that this is the only hotel in

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destinations > Rotterdam

Rotterdam with its own wellness club with swimming pool, saunas and fitness centre, called ‘H2O’. Finally, because of its waterfront location, the hotel is peacefully located even though it’s still in the centre of the city.

www.designhotelrotterdam.nl The Carlton Oasis gives the best of both worlds: it lies within the city reach of Rotterdam and the pastoral province of Zeeland. With its 139 elegant rooms, 10 meeting rooms, amongst which the unique Ballroom for maximum 280 guests, 200 free parking places, the Carlton Sports Health Centre conference and banquet facilities and unforgettable dining,

Inntel Hotels Rotterdam - Centre

the hotel is the perfect choice for a memorable stay in Southern Holland.

A few examples of their meeting breaks: crossbow archery or tango dancing with the whole team. There are no standard concepts as they compose a tailor-made programme especially for you. Thanks to a well-oiled organisation and a professional team, each participant and each issue is attended to in an alert and flexible manner.

Meetings Sometimes you simply need to meet.

You need a practical location with all the necessary equipment and a solid service. In short, quality meeting locations without extravagance.

www.carlton.nl/oasis Partly built on the water, Delta Hotel is really determined to put Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, in the right perspective. That’s why every aspect, from the location to the interior design, reminds guests of the maritime origins of the city’s wealth. The result is a charming hotel in a unique location on the banks of a channel where the international shipping offers you an ever-changing view.

The relatively remote location also offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in your meeting, seminar or team building weekend.

Travelling the distance to Rotterdam’s city centre is an incentive in itself: taking one of the many high-speed water taxis offers you the opportunity to see the port and the city as they were meant to be seen.

www.deltahotel.nl

Regardz Meeting Centre Weena Point Rotterdam and Regardz Airport Hotel Rotterdam are both located close to Rotterdam’s two major transport hubs and both offer the same innovative and professional service.

Regardz Weena Point is located near the Central Station. Apart from their 15 meeting rooms with a total capacity of 200 guests, special attention should be called to their inspiration room, climate room and restaurant. Get inspired with Wii; warm up in the climate of your choice; refresh yourself with crunchy grasshoppers.

Regardz Airport Hotel can accommodate up to 1000 guests in 13 meeting and event rooms. These rooms are named after various airlines so as not to let you forget that you’re close to the international airport, while still meeting in a four star atmosphere.

www.regardz.nl

Rotterdam Airport Rotterdam Airport is conveniently located – only 6 kilometres from the city centre – and offers convenient services: connections to many important business centres, first class facilities, regular public transport to the city and ultra-fast checkin and check-out procedures.

However, there’s more to this airport than just that.

Few people know that it’s actually a location with royal aspirations: the Queen of the Netherlands usually welcomes foreign state visitors here, instead of at Schiphol.

The hangar where this usually takes place, can be rented

for events and is perfect for product presentations: the white, high domed ceiling and walls add extra lustre and a somewhat otherworldly effect to what’s on display.

On top of that, Rotterdam Airport offers the usual range of fully flexibly-seated conference rooms, ranging in size and suitable for conventions and events up to a thousand people. These

rooms are available in the terminal-building, at the fourstar Golden Tulip Rotterdam Airport Hotel and in the KLM Jet Centre and can be rented independently for a specific period of time, like before or after your flight. Off course catering and service can be met to your every need.

Sufficient parking space is available at all locations.

Rotterdam’s grand old lady of meetings and events is Engels Grandcafé Restaurants Zalen, right next to the Central Station. It’s an intrinsic part of Rotterdam’s city life and offers 30 meeting rooms with a capacity varying from 5 to 800 people, distributed over four floors.

The top floor houses an auditorium ball room and other areas including a rooftop terrace with a wonderful view of Rotterdam. Engels offers you a cost-efficient, multi-purpose solution in a classic setting and a practical location. In other words, Engels is an oldie but a goodie.

www.engels.nl For conferences, meetings and events in a truly businesslike setting, there’s only one address in Rotterdam: Beurs-WTC Congress & Event Centre at the heart of the city’s business and financial district.

This stylish venue has been classified as

www.rotterdam-airport.nl

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destinations > Rotterdam

Regardz Meeting Center Weena Point

De Doelen

a ‘5 Hammer’ conference centre. With its great diversity of rooms it provides the perfect top-class business location for all possible gatherings. The modern and freshly coloured rooms are designed and arranged around the impressive plenary hall and in such a way that – while all taking place in the same building – you never have the feeling of being cooped up.

The wide and high marble hallways and lots of windows , create an airy, yet warm atmosphere to do business in.

www.wtcrotterdam.nl ‘Ahoy’ is a word used to signal a ship or boat and can be used as a greeting, a warning, or a farewell. Ahoy Rotterdam is one of Rotterdam’s large-scale venues with a capacity of 10.000. Whether it’s for a huge event, a complete exhibition, or a more intimate event, Ahoy provides you with the ideal space and support. Their flexibility can make any event fit in this huge venue. This opens a world of opportunities for you. You can hire one unit of space or a combination of various interconnecting spaces. This would be suitable if you plan to hold a conference or lecture in a large hall first and afterwards want to continue in one or more smaller rooms.

It’s also possible to arrange, for example, a musical performance to conclude your conference on a lighter note.

www.ahoy.nl

For a variety of corporate events, one can visit Concert and Congress Centre De Doelen. This attractive and futuristic building can be home to cultural, professional and educational activities. Because it houses both a concert hall and a congress is exceptionally multifunctional. The venue consists of three complexes, each of which can be used separately. Each complex has its own entrance, a main lobby, roomy foyers and auxiliary areas.

State-of-the-art facilities in sound, projected image and light are standard in virtually all the halls and meeting spaces.

The experienced staff exclusively operates the facilities. That way their expertise guarantees the best possible technical support for any conference or event.

Especially interesting is the covered skywalk linking the centre to Rotterdam’s one and only five star hotel, the Manhattan.

www.dedoelen.nl

Gastronomy The Dutch restaurant guide SpecialBite declared Rotterdam to be the Culinary Capital of the Netherlands in 2010. Indeed, there are quite a few good gastronomic restaurants and the number keeps growing. For example, the Harbour Club can comfortable seat people for a business lunch or dinner and many other restaurants are present to add that special flavour to your event.

The prime example of Rotterdam’s newfound gastronomic delights, is Restaurant Parkheuvel. This restaurant sits on a hill near the city’s park and has a good view over the blue river on one side and a view over the green park on the other. However, it’s not for these panoramic reasons that Michelin saw fit to grant it two of its coveted gastronomic stars. In a luxurious and dynamic setting your guests can enjoy a culinary adventure. The chef Erik Van Loo is an award-winning and extremely experienced chef, to which every course attests. A private and intimate salon is

available for lunch, dinner, a presentation or meeting. An excellent cuisine and service staff will gladly and professionally attend to your every need.

www.parkheuvel.nl Rotterdam furthermore has a quartet of restaurants which combine events with culinary pleasure and more. MOOII overlooks one of the city’s historic harbours and offers a gastronomic and affordable menu for individuals or groups. MOOII has a private room for lunches, dinners and meetings and – if your event is too large – their catering service provides the culinary delights off-site. Allure is another restaurant from the same group. This restaurant has developed itself as a place for lovers of simple, contemporary food.

Group dinners and lunches can easily take place next to the cosy open fire or, weather permitting, on the fabulous terrace. The Prinses Theater provides spectacular dinner shows with song, dance and theatre. This old cinema has been transformed into an amusing and beautiful place for culinary corporate events requiring that extra touch. The location can also be rented for private caterers.

Finally, Schellings combines cabaret and cuisine into an exciting and unforgettable evening. There will be plenty of food for laughter and plenty of food served with the laughter.

www.restaurantmooii.nl www.restaurant-allure.nl www.prinsestheater.nl www.schellings.nl

Allure

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destinations > Canada

Winnipeg Celebrating art, culture… and meetings Imagine a city where arts and culture are celebrated on every corner, a city whose multiculturalism shines bright, a city with award-winning culinary creations from some of the best chefs in Canada and home to some of the country’s most celebrated fashion and jewellery designers. That’s Winnipeg, Manitoba – and it’s also a great place to meet. TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ & IGOR HENDRICKX

As one of the 2010 Culture Capitals of Canada, Winnipeg is a city where people truly can experience a wide array of world-class arts and culture on every corner every night of the week, from ballet to theatre to symphony and opera.

Meanwhile, several galleries and museums offer stunning and provocative local and international exhibits.

Winnipeg will also be home to the much anticipated Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Opening in 2012 and located at The Forks, the site where Aboriginal tribes have gathered for thousands of years, it will be a beacon for Canadians and for people around the world to explore human rights and to promote dialogue, understanding, and respect.

to 7200 people! This ‘Go Green’ certified facility combines state-of-the-art meetings technology with a wide array of distinct meeting rooms to offer meeting planners unparalleled service and flexibility.

Two meeting hotels also deserve some special attention: Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre for groups of up to 1950 and The Fort Garry Hotel and Conference Centre, which can accommodate up to 1000 attendees.

Where to meet

The city’s first class, state-of-the-art multipurpose sports and entertainment facility, MTS Centre is located in the heart of downtown and, as a three-concourse facility, it provides configurations for large corporate events, trade shows and largescale sports and entertainment spectacles. It’s also an ideal location for more intimate social and business gatherings.

As for meetings, Winnipeg Convention Centre, along with its many other amenities, is the place to be: it offers over 48.000m2 of meeting space, for up

Winnipeg’s four universities and colleges also offer the perfect setting for a variety of sized meetings and conferences. From

western Canada’s oldest university, the University of Manitoba, to the hip and urban location of University of Winnipeg, to the park-like setting of the Canadian Mennonite University, you’re likely to find the perfect university venue that will suit your needs best.

Many of the venues are a testament to the history of the settlement of Winnipeg and all are a reflection of prairie hospitality And if you want something that your guests will remember for years to come, you can try the many off-site venues that Winnipeg boasts. From Fort Gibraltar, a replica of a historic trading fort, to the

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destinations > Canada

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

rooftop of the Winnipeg Art Gallery to the Royal Canadian Mint, some of the city’s facilities are as unique as your needs. For instance, the interactive coin museum of the Royal Canadian Mint involves the visitor in unique learning activities including the ability to make your own souvenir coin and the opportunity to lift and hold

Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge

over 140 festival-days a year, every season is a reason to go out and celebrate. From the many, let’s mention the internationally celebrated Doors Open, the highly regarded TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival and some of Canada’s oldest, most respected and longest-running festivals, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Winnipeg

Getting up close and personal with nature is also possible in Winnipeg and that’s just great for pre- or post-meeting tours a 99.99% pure gold bar worth over $400,000 CDN. Many of the venues are a testament to the history of the settlement of Winnipeg and all are a reflection of prairie hospitality.

As for accommodation, what Winnipeg has to offer is great, with over 6200 hotel rooms citywide, 2600 located downtown.

Establishments throughout the city deliver superior meeting service, whether grand or intimate, one event or many. You’ll rest assured knowing that you’re receiving the best of Winnipeg’s hospitality when you tap into their strong sales and marketing partnerships, whether through Team Winnipeg or -Winnipeg Options West.

When festival meets nature Winnipeg’s festivals are a true reflection of the diversity, heritage and character of the community and have nurtured and encouraged the city’s creative environment. With

Fringe Theatre Festival and Folklorama.

Amongst many of Winnipeg’s musicians, one finds Neil Young, The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The IMAX Theatre in Portage Place is Winnipeg’s premiere downtown entertainment venue featuring an exciting mix of 2D and 3D IMAX films. Getting up close and personal with nature is also possible in Winnipeg and that’s just great for pre- or post-meeting tours. Naturally beautiful, FortWhyte Alive – within Winnipeg’s city limits - offers breathtaking scenic views of untouched Prairie landscape.

If you want to get out of the city, rest assured that Manitoba has a lot to offer too. Under the guidance of friendly interpreters, you can trek the nature trails of Oak Hammock Marsh, take a guided tour of the Marsh, go canoeing, view wildlife, watch a film in the multimedia theatre, enjoy a meal in the café and check out the

fun, interactive exhibits. For an experience of a lifetime, you can visit Churchill, commonly referred to as the ‘Polar Bear Capital’, for an unforgettable polar bear or beluga whale excursion. From thousands of fresh water lakes to sandy beaches to lush urban parks to over 30 golf courses located within city limits, the great outdoors simply abounds in Winnipeg. The weather too is attractive: according to Environment Canada, the province ranked first for clearest skies year round and second for sunniest province in the winter and spring.

Winnipeg is a city where people truly can experience a wide array of world-class arts and culture on every corner. The world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Le Cercle Molière – the longest running theatre company in North America, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Theatre Centre - Canada’s first Englishlanguage regional theatre, and Prairie Theatre Exchange are some of the many arts organisations in the city.

Contact In North America: Susan Frei, Director Canadian Tourism Commission Tel. +1 703 825 1134 Frei.Susan@ctc-cct.ca www.meetings.canada.travel In Europe: Roger Bradley Axis Travel Marketing Ltd Tel. +44 208 686 2300 roger@axistravelmarketing.com

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V

Hosting the world’s great events Visit us on stand B280 at IMEX, Frankfurt to hear more

www.meetings.canada.travel

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destinations > The Hague

audience. The Hague can truly be considered a leading city in contemporary dance at an international level. Home to the internationally acclaimed Nederlands Dans Theater, the Holland Dance festival, the Korzo theatre & production house and its CaDance festival.

Unknown The Hague?

The Hague Convention Bureau is highly experienced in all matters concerning congresses and events. They take pride in making their expertise and marketing know-how available to you. Contact them for information on the endless possibilities of The Hague, or for a free copy of The Hague’s new conference guide.

The Hague is an international metropolis combined with the stunning natural surroundings and exciting features of a seaside resort. The city offers excellent accessibility: located less than half an hour’s drive from two major international airports, it has several train stations and an outstanding public transport system. The world’s capital of Peace & Justice is also much more!

Historical venues, international charisma, beautiful surroundings and a broad range of cultural activities all guarantee that your stay in The Hague will be a memorable one.

A city of many faces!

The International Criminal Court will move to brand new premises in 2015.

According to the Danish architect Bjarne Hammer, the innovative new Court will breathe ‘harmony and peace’. The design is transparent, safe and eco friendly. Even the benches outside are part of a so-called safety plan. The garden accommodates plants and trees from all the 110 participating countries in this Criminal Court.

It is truly a world centre of deliberation, where any conference, large or small, will find a warm welcome.

At the same time, The Hague breathes Dutch authenticity with its historical city centre and a harbour buzzing with activity from fishermen and yachting enthusiasts - The Hague boasts a seaside

marina, unique in the Netherlands.

The beach also plays a vital role in The Hague. The Hague offers two seaside resorts, the fashionable Scheveningen and the more quiet Kijkduin. From trendy beach resorts to traditional beach pavilions, the beaches of The Hague have something to offer to anyone.

Contact Marianne Hoogeveen The Hague Convention & Visitors Bureau Square Vergote 14 B-1200 Brussels Tel. +32 2 734 86 66 Mob. +32 478 572 173 www.thehaguecongress.com

Facts & figures

The ICC will breathe harmony and peace The Hague is well known for its cultural diversity. The many annual festivals, museums and theatres cater to a broad

+ + + +

Total amount of rooms in 3-star hotels: 1,558 Total amount of rooms in 4-star hotels: 3,556 Total amount of rooms in 5-star hotels: 441 The Hague - Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: 35 km (22 min. by train) + Rotterdam The Hague Airport: 20 km to city centre + Biggest venue World Forum, capacity largest auditorium 2160 pax.

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destinations > Algarve

The Algarve experience A pictorial tribute

We probably don’t need to tell you that Portugal’s most southerly and cosmopolitan region has all the usual advantages you would expect to find in one of Europe’s leading conference and incentive destinations, do we?

Easy access from an increasing number of airports across the continent. Fantastic weather, especially in the key conference seasons. Top quality hotels and excellent meeting venues. A wide range of activities and incentive ideas. Professional support services. Exceptional value for money.

Of course we don’t.

But it’s the unusual that makes the Algarve really special. And we probably do need to tell you how many ways there are to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the Algarve.

See the Algarve: from endless beaches to the stunning interior, from Moorish castles to modern marinas, and from local culture to international sporting tournaments, you will never be short of new and exciting experiences. Marvel at the world’s top golfers and tennis players in action, thrill at the speed and spectacle of car, motorcycle or powerboat racing, and watch the past come alive at medieval fairs, carnival parades and historic festivals and traditional events.

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destinations > Algarve

Portimão Arena - Auditório

Hear the Algarve: music fills the air all year round, from jazz and fado to classical concerts, opera, pop and rock. The line-up of international artists who played in the Algarve last year ranged from Stewart Copeland, Chick Corea and the Buena Vista Social Club to Mariza, Joss Stone, Seal, Diana Krall and James Morrison.

More big names are planned for 2010.

Smell the Algarve: from the scent of orange blossom in Spring to the crisp mountain air and the salty breezes of the Atlantic coast year-round, the air here doesn’t get any fresher. Book a jeep safari, hire a yacht or power boat, fly high in a hot-air balloon, try your hand at watersports or devise a team-building exercise on land, sea or in the air, and experience the great outdoors in true Algarve style.

To really understand the appeal of the Algarve, you have to experience it for yourself Taste the Algarve: from traditional rustic fare to all types of international cuisine, from beach bars and country inns to gleaming golf clubhouses and gourmet restaurants, the food in the Algarve is a constant delight. Fresh fish and seafood? Authentic regional cooking? More

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Michelin stars than the rest of Portugal put together? Coming right up. And the superb choice of food is perfectly complemented by the best of Portuguese wine, to be enjoyed accompanying a meal or gala dinner, as a sundowner, or on a wine tasting or vineyard tour.

Touch the Algarve: feel the sand between your toes, the sun on your back, and the wind in your hair. Luxuriate in a sensuous spa treatment, or experience the adrenalin rush of a drive around the Formula 1-approved race track, a helicopter or light aircraft flight, catamaran sailing, karting or quad biking.

Solution In short, the Algarve has something to offer almost any event organiser, an answer to most questions, and a solution to most of your problems.

Tired of grey skies and events washedout by the rain? With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve enjoys the perfect climate to complement its spectacular coastline, making it an ideal destination in which to plan outdoor activities of all kinds.

Feeling land-locked? Stage your event on the beach itself, or take advantage of the seafront locations of many of the Algarve’s top hotels, trendy bars, Arabianstyle tents or ocean-view restaurants ideal for groups of all sizes. And with over 200km of coastline, a hundred beaches

destinations > Algarve Š Filipe Da Palma

Autodromo Internacional Algarve

Golf Vale do Lobo Marina Portimao

and scores of bays, coves and inlets, there’s plenty of room for everybody.

Bored with stereotypical hotels? The Algarve has a wide range of accommodation suitable for conferences, incentives and special interest groups, from private

Dozens of concerts, theatre shows and arts performances, as well as top international sporting events Dom Pedro Golf

villas and apartments to rural tourism complexes, spas and wellness centres, historic pousadas, chic boutique hotels, all-suite developments and luxury resorts, and from international brand names to a range of hotels operated by top Portuguese companies.

Looking for established events to which you can invite guests, or unique corporate hospitality options? The region hosts dozens of concerts, theatre shows and arts performances, as well as top international sporting events such as the Portugal Masters in golf and the Vale de Lobo Grand Champions tennis tournament. And this year will see an extension of the successful Allgarve festival, which combines music

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destinations > Algarve

Algarve calendar of events Just a selection of the many and varied events that take place regularly in the region: January Vila Joya Gourmet Festival February Carnival Faro Flamenco Festival

Marinotel

March Tavira Gastronomic Festival Superbike World Championship April Portimao Air Festival Vodafone Rally (motor racing) May Allgarve Festival (until November) Fiesa International Sand Sculpture Festival (until October) Algarve International Fair Algarve International Film Festival Algarve International Music Festival International Ferrari Challenge June Festival Med Lagoa Jazz Festival Iberian Windsurfing Championship July Arrifana Sunset Festival Algarve Classic Cars Cacela Velha Moorish Nights World Touring Car Championship Le Mans Series August Audi Med Cup (sailing) White Night Fatacil Trade Fair Olhao Seafood Festival Portimao Sardine Festival Silves & Castro Marim Medieval Fairs Rock One (music) Grand Champions Tennis September Alcoutim Cultural Festival Almancil Gastronomy Festival Better Living In Portugal (lifestyle) Formula 4 World Championship October Portugal Masters Golf Tournament Historic Motor Racing Festival

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With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve enjoys the perfect climate to complement its spectacular coastline, making it an ideal destination in which to plan outdoor activities of all kinds and the arts with gastronomy and sport.

Speaking of which, it’s impossible to talk about the Algarve without mentioning golf. It was one of the first things that put the Algarve on the international tourism map, and is the reason why many organisers continue to bring events to the Algarve. The region has over 30 top-class courses, including some of the most celebrated names in the international game, and a corporate golf day or intra-company tournament is an ideal opportunity for rewarding staff or entertaining valued clients and suppliers.

Some of the game’s superstars, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros, have all designed courses in the Algarve, and you’ll often see a famous face, golfing and otherwise, out on the greens.

The Algarve also has more than its fair share of show business and non-golfing sporting glamour, and you could easily find yourself rubbing shoulders with celebrities from other walks of

life – Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher head the list of Formula 1 racing drivers who have tried out the new Algarve Race Track, and the likes of Cliff Richard, Hugh Grant, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo are regular visitors to the region.

Why not join them? With new airline routes serving cities such as Birmingham, Geneva, Milan and Madrid, new hotel openings from Crowne Plaza, Conrad and Six Senses, and new events and activities all planned for 2010, now is certainly the time to visit.

The Algarve is unique. Come and experience it for yourself.

Algarve Promotion Bureau (ATA) Avenida 5 de Outubro, nº 18 Phone 289 800 403 Fax 289 800 466 ata@atalgarve.pt www.algarveconvention.com

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