MIM magazine, June 2008 by Meeting Media Company BVBA

S P EC I A L E D I T I O N

INCENTIVE SPECIAL ’08 Th e m e et i n g s a n d i n ce n t i ve t rave l m a g a z i n e fo r co r p o ra te p l a n n e rs … e n r i c h e d w i t h p r i n te d b ra i nfo o d fo r d e c i s i o n m a ke rs

MIM magazine Afgiftekantoor-Bureau de dépôt: 2800 Mechelen 1 Verschijnt 6 maal per jaar: feb, april, juli, sep, nov, dec Paraît 6 fois par an: fév, avril, juillet, sep, nov, déc Edition Juli-Juillet 2008 – P4A9032

INTERVIEW: GUY LE COMPTE EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING EVENT MANAGER BMW BELUX

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EDITORIAL FOCUS ON YOUNG AND VALUES… AND EUROPE! In this Incentive Special - already number 12 in the series of Incentive Trends and 1 issue away of MIM Magazine No. 100 - we have put on another set of journalistic eyes, focusing on young people. In all MARCEL A.M. VISSERS

CÉCILE CAIATI-KOCH

the interviews, the round table discussions and published texts you will ﬁnd a question or consideration concerning the way young people look at Incentive Travel Programmes and what they expect of it in the future. New values and norms are arising. Young people themselves are looking for ways for motivating. This is the latest focus.

S P EC I A L E D I T I O N

Organizers and participants of incentive trips are constantly going to the incentive oculist to adjust their incentive view. The words change, refinement and depths keep resurfacing. Even unexpected activities are admitted. What an interesting world! For example: The guests receive a serious Graffiti workshop, a completely unique activity! The 3 hour workshop is tailored and is guided by a top graffiti artist. Together with the group he will spray a big graffiti wall. At the end everyone will receive a panel of the graffiti they sprayed, as souvenir. Maybe a

INTERVIEW: GUY LE COMPTE EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING EVENT MANAGER BMW BELUX

nice idea to hang it in the ofﬁce as a memory.

Coverdesign: Johan De Kok

We have also noted, for instance, that the average age of the incentive cruise traveler has become younger. But we must also be aware of the fact that ‘cruises’ as incentive programme has a lot of MAIL:

preconceptions. Why would that be?

info@meetingmedia.be VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.mimmagazine.be

Once a year someone has to make a summary about the economic sector we operate in. And that is what we at MIM would like to keep on doing for you. Every year, again and renewing. In the future we will be focusing on Europe. A European Incentive Trends Book, that is our dream.

COLOPHON MIM99 – THE INCENTIVE SPECIAL EDITION OF MIM MAGAZINE MIMMAGAZINE (MEETING & INCENTIVE MEDIA) IS A LEADING SPECIALIST JOURNAL FOR THE MEETINGS, INCENTIVE, CONGRESS AND INCENTIVE BRANCH (MICE) WITH A BELUX DISTRIBUTION. MIMMAGAZINE IS BILINGUAL (DUTCH/ FRENCH) AND PUBLISHED 6 TIMES A YEAR. CIRCULATION IS 6,000 COPIES AND IS PUBLISHED BY MEETING MEDIA COMPANY BVBA.

Subscriptions: A subscription in Belgium amounts to 75 Eur (excl. 6% VAT). To subscribe, go to www.meetingmedia.be or send an e-mail to info@meetingmedia.be. Responsible publisher: Meeting Media Company BVBA Marcel A.M. Vissers Mechelseplein 23, b1 B-2000 Antwerp (Belgium) T: +32 (0)3 226 88 81 F: +32 (0)3 226 88 82 E: info@meetingmedia.be W: www.MIMmagazine.be Editors: Myriam Banaï Rémi Dévé Editorial Ofﬁcer: Steven Kins T: +32 (0)3 288 73 22 E: ofﬁce@meetingmedia.be Director of Sales & Marketing: Cécile Caiati-Koch T: +32 (0)10 86 62 66 E: cecile@meetingmedia.be

Together with you we keep on dreaming! Marcel A.M. Vissers - Editor in Chief

JULY EDITION 2008 - TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL

DESTINATIONS

EDITORIAL

MOROCCO

ROUND TABLE INCENTIVE HOUSES

GENEVA

40 42

CORPORATE INTERVIEW: GUY LE COMPTE - BMW

LUXEMBOURG

INTERVIEW: CLAIRE MASSART & GUY HANCIAUX

QUOTES OF DMCS

INITIATIVE

POLAND

SITE

WROCLAW

INTERVIEW: MARION SHAMMAH - AIR FRANCE

SERBIA

RESEARCH: GENERATION Y

MARSEILLE

TRAINS: RAIL1

NÜRBURGRING

GRONINGEN

BORDEAUX

INCENTIVE HOUSES

CRUISES

HOTELS

INTERVIEW: PETER MATHIEU CRUISE & FERRY WORLD

ROUND TABLE CRUISE COMPANIES

LUCIEN BARRIÈRE DEAUVILLE

SOFITEL BRUSSELS EUROPE

INCENTIVES AND FISCALITY

Design: UPSILON advertising Gent T: +32 (0)9 267 39 40 Print: Cartim - Destelbergen

The ﬁrst worldwide Meetings and Incentive Industry Blog Site http://marcelsmeetingmemories.blogspot.com/

MIM> ROUND TABLE INCENTIVE HOUSES

INCENTIVES ROUND TABLE ORIGINAL IDEAS FOR ORIGINAL CLIENTS

IT HAS BECOME A BIT OF A HABIT NOW. EACH YEAR, FOR OUR YEARLY INCENTIVE SPECIAL, WE GATHER SEVERAL BELGIAN INCENTIVE BUREAUS AND ASK THEM WHAT THEY THINK ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE INCENTIVES INDUSTRY. THIS YEAR WAS NO EXCEPTION: EACH OF THEM HAD VALUABLE INSIGHTS ON WHAT HAS CHANGED AND WHAT WILL CHANGE IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS AND YEARS.

DURING LAST YEAR’S ROUND TABLE, RAYMOND DESMET, THE PRESIDENT OF INITIATIVE, HAD LAUNCHED THE IDEA TO PUBLISH AN INTERVIEW WITH A CORPORATE ORGANIZER IN EACH NEW ISSUE OF MIM MAGAZINE, TO BROADEN OUR HORIZONS. AT THE START OF THIS ROUND TABLE WE WERE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE TOOK HIS ADVICE. IN THIS ISSUE WE HAVE A COMPELLING INTERVIEW WITH GUY LE-COMPTE OF BMW. LIKE A TRUE PRESIDENT, RAYMOND OPENED THIS YEAR’S ROUND TABLE WITH A WITTY REMARK THAT MADE US THINK: ‘LAST YEAR I SAID, INCENTIVE TRAVEL ORGANISER, IT MAY NOT BE THE OLDEST PROFESSION, BUT IT’S THE MOST-LOOKED-AT BY SOME. IT’S A JOB THAT KEEPS YOU SMILING. THIS YEAR I ADD: IT’S A JOB THAT COMPLETELY ABSORBS YOU. IF YOU ADD THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT TO THAT, YOU KNOW THERE IS NO TIME LEFT. IT’S A JOB THAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE!’

IT MAY ALREADY BE THE 12TH EDITION OF OUR INCENTIVE SPECIAL BUT, SINCE

DIFFERENT CLIENTS, DIFFERENT INCENTIVES Everyone agreed on this: clients are always expecting new ideas from incentive bureaus. Creativity is the keyword. Destinations, methods and ideas always need to be put in perspective. As Philippe vanden Durpel, of Initiative, said, ‘being creative is precisely what the clients do not and cannot do. They expect incentive planners to be creative for them.’ In fact, the type and size of the company will invariably determine the programme: two companies may have the same target but will have a completely different programme. Elie Lores Blanes, of Master Events, went even further: ‘That’s what makes our job so marvellous, if I dare say. The same destination or product can be sold to two clients but it will differ in every way in the end. What is totally innovative for someone can be supremely dumb for someone else. Destinations are like blank canvases on which we write and paint and where everything is potentially possible. That’s what makes us different from traditional travel agencies.’

THE INDUSTRY IS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AND EVOLVING, THERE ARE STILL MANY INTERESTING THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. LET’S DIG IN! TEXT MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND RÉMI DÉVÉ

MIMmagazine 6

The word ‘opportunity’ came back many times during our discussion: it surely is an important issue. For example, clients rely on

MIM> ROUND TABLE INCENTIVE HOUSES

A CUSTOMER GOOGLES CONSTANTLY AND DOES NOT REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE, OR WHAT LOOKS NICE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL IS NOT AT ALL FEASIBLE FOR A GROUP Philippe vanden Durpel, Initiative

MOST DIFFICULT ARE THE CLIENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEAS OR WHO DARE NOT TO MAKE DECISIONS. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY REALLY WANT. A CUSTOMER WITH IDEAS IS EASIER TO DEAL WITH Frank Bouckaert, De Buck

THE WORLD IS GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER. EVERYONE HAS ALREADY GONE EVERYWHERE AT LEAST ONCE. BEING REALLY ORIGINAL REQUIRES HARDER WORK Annemie Brackx, Thomas Cook Neckermann

incentive bureaus to pick the right destination at the right time. As incentives planners, they know what can be done at a deﬁnite place and time. For instance, with the dollar being not as strong as the euro at the moment, there are opportunities that did not exist a few years and even a few months ago. But at the same time, being able to surprise clients is increasingly difﬁcult. Ten years ago was all about dreaming and extravaganza. Today seems to be not so simple. Most of the time incentive bureaus must serve as ‘advisors’: they have to be able to tell a client that the destination he picked is not necessarily the right one. As Claire Massart, of Incentive Destinations, put it, ‘it’s a bit like a marriage: there is chemistry and magic involved with a client. A presentation that worked with one will completely fail with another.’ Frank Bouckaert, of De Buck, summarized the whole thing: ‘It all boils down to this: we really have to love our work, we have to dedicate ourselves to our job if we want to be good!’ The role of incentive planners is to present a destination in a way that was never seen before, but without forgetting the traditio-

EACH CLIENT IS DIFFERENT. THE SAME SUBJECT CAN TRIGGER TWO VERY DIFFERENT DISCUSSIONS. THE ANALYSIS OF WHAT THE CLIENT NEEDS AND WANTS TO CONVEY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO GUESS WHAT THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT NECESSARILY SAY Philippe de Renesse, Antares

INTERNET HAS CHANGED THINGS CONSIDERABLY. A FEW YEARS AGO PEOPLE DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE DESTINATION THEY WENT TO. NOW THEY GOOGLE IT UP BEFORE DEPARTURE AND ALREADY HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO SEE. IN FACT, THEY EXPECT TO SEE CERTAIN THINGS Elie Lores Blanes, Master Events

nal things that participants will surely want to see. The example of an incentive trip to Moscow was largely discussed. It is rather expensive but a two-day incentive is very well feasible. Of course you will have to go to the Red Square but you will have to ﬁnd a way to present it as originally as possible. As Jan Samyn, of Seauton, said: ‘it all depends on the content of the programme. You have to use the talents available in order to get

the right story and its typical colour features to your customer.’

TEAMBUILDING AND CSR Some consider incentives improved teambuilding. The majority of participants in our round table did not agree on this. Of course, each incentive has a teambuilding aspect. As Frank Bouckaert jokingly remarked, ‘misMIMmagazine 7

MIM> ROUND TABLE INCENTIVE HOUSES

THERE ARE NO REAL TRENDS IN DESTINATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO INCENTIVE TRAVEL. IT HAS BECOME QUITE DIFFICULT TO PROPOSE SOMETHING REALLY NEW TO CLIENTS THAT HAVE ALREADY ORGANIZED SO MANY INCENTIVES Anne Cormond, Preference

TODAY INCENTIVES ARE MORE ABOUT EMOTION AND SHARING. PEOPLE NOWADAYS WANT TO KNOW AND LEARN. THE ‘RAMBO’ ERA IS DEFINITELY OVER Claire Massart, Incentive Destinations

» sing the airplane all together can give a real fit of adrenaline to everyone’, but the whole notion of teambuilding seems to be slightly outdated and some think it even went out of fashion. Claire Massart said: ‘Today incentives are more about emotion and sharing. People nowadays want to know and learn. The ‘Rambo’ era is definitely over: beach games are finished.’

OUR CREATIVITY IS ALWAYS LIMITED BY THE BUDGET OUR CLIENT HAS! Dries Jacobus, Borealis

Elie Lores Blanes added: ‘People need to get involved now. They want to participate in a local project and help local people in every way they can. The goal is the same as before: people have to feel valuable. To do so, you must bring them to do something positive’. This is where incentives can be linked to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Annebel Verschueren, of THA Group, said: ‘We have been integrating CSR elements for quite some time now in our projects and we ﬁnd that corporates are also interested in this matter. It even happens that one group has done an activity - for example the painting of a classroom - and that the company decides another group will continue the job in the same village the following year.’ But doesn’t the need for a certain level of luxury come in the way then? Can CSR and luxury get along during an incentive trip? Everyone agreed that emotions stem from the reigning atmosphere, and not necessarily from luxury. But as Elie Lores Blanes put it, ‘emotion in luxury is what clients usually prefer! You can easily spend two days in the MIMmagazine 8

jungle with no bathroom as long as the journey ends up in a ﬁve-star palace!’ In fact, luxury is the perfect means to create astonishment and by using contrasts in the programme you can get a wow effect as result. And as Annebel Verschueren remarked, ‘the CRS factor can also be dealt with in different ways: for example, the price difference between a

ﬁve-star hotel and the use of tents can be given to a non-lucrative organisation.’

SELECTED TOPICS At the end of our round table discussion, we treated several major themes. All participants had sharp opinions on them. Some topics triggered heated debates, other issues

MIM> ROUND TABLE INCENTIVE HOUSES

IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME. YOU HAVE TO USE THE TALENTS AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO GET THE RIGHT STORY AND ITS TYPICAL COLOUR FEATURES TO YOUR CUSTOMER Jan Samyn, Seauton

MOSCOW IS RATHER EXPENSIVE, BUT AN INCENTIVE OF TWO DAYS IS VERY WELL FEASIBLE Raymond Desmet, @dmire and Initiative

THE CRS FACTOR CAN ALSO BE DEALT WITH IN DIFFERENT WAYS: FOR EXAMPLE, THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIVE-STAR HOTEL AND THE USE OF TENTS CAN BE GIVEN TO A NON-LUCRATIVE ORGANISATION Annebel Verschueren, THA Group

were just dealt with very quickly as everyone agreed on them.

LOW-COST CARRIERS Nobody ever uses them. If a client insists on ﬂying with them, then he has to sign a discharge to the incentive bureau, so it is the client’s responsibility all along the way. But Claire Massart remarked that low-cost airlines can be useful as they sometimes go to places that were inaccessible before.

things from the inside. Otherwise bus tours are long gone.’

THREE-STAR HOTELS

SPARE TIME

Sometimes they are useful, especially when participants are not used to ﬁve-star palaces, as it sometimes happens. But accommodation usually depends on the destination: you have to be ﬂexible, although three-star hotels seem to be the minimum requirement for everybody.

Spare time is exclusively devoted to shopping!

CULTURE The cultural aspect of an incentive trip is getting more and more important. But culture is here understood in the broad sense of the term. People will appreciate the quality of a guide, and they will also be very happy if they can learn something, like gardening for example. Philippe de Renesse said:‘it all lies in the way things are presented. You can organize very cultural incentives. For instance, in Budapest, a spy hunt à la James Bond can be set up all around the city.’ And as Annebel Verschueren remarked, ‘the only moment where participants can be passive is when they visit local people so they can learn

MEALS Gastronomy is very important – it’s a very big issue for Belgian participants, it is less true for the English. Incentive planners are not responsible for the weather, but they are for the quality of the food. On the whole, everybody agreed international meals are excluded, that local cuisine is preferable, that lunches must not drag for hours, but that dinners can last a little while. During meals, participants can also learn about the destination, about the way local people cook and feed themselves.

CRUISES None of our roundtable participants were big fans of cruises. Anne Cormond, of Preference, ﬁnds cruise ships ‘not very practical, as they are usually very, very big and there are tons of regulations to deal with’. In fact, if you

cannot charter an entire cruise liner, it is no use for anyone. The product itself does not answer the requirements of an incentive trip. How indeed can one be creative if everyone is on the same cruise, going to the same restaurant, etc.? Annebel Verschueren tempered the whole discussion: ‘Cruises can be interesting, as long as you understand that it’s exactly the same thing as organizing an incentive during winter sports. Either you like it or you don’t.’

DESTINATIONS A well-established fact: Northern countries are not very attractive, except for Iceland, which seems quite popular. But there are no real trends when it comes to incentive travel. Clients have already organized so many incentives that it is quite difﬁcult to propose something really new to them, Anne Cormond suggests. The best thing is to propose a destination that holds a big sport event at the same time, like Roland Garros for example. Some dare to propose an ecological destination, but between this and Dubai everyone will always choose Dubai! MIMmagazine 9

MIM> CORPORATE INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW GUY LE COMPTE - BMW BELUX EXPERIENTIAL INCENTIVES EXPERIENCING NEW EMOTIONS

Castellet

IT IS NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE, BUT IN GENERAL THE CAR INDUSTRY/SALES SECTOR IS A BIG USER OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMMES. FOR OUR INCENTIVES SPECIAL, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO MEET SOMEONE

X3 in the snow, the M3 on ice and gave rally cars a shot.’ MIM: What is the underlying philosophy in

WHO COULD EXPLAIN THE REASON WHY. WE CASUALLY CONVERSED WITH GUY LE

the creation of your incentives?

COMPTE, EVENT MANAGER AT BMW BELUX EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING DEPART-

Le Compte: ‘I always try to organize a journey participants would not be able to do on their own. It all has to be unique, prestigious, extraordinary. That’s what we tried to do for our 2006 annual dealers convention in Egypt. Of course people can ﬂy to Cairo by themselves, but they sure are not able to attend a gala dinner in the shadows of the pyramids just like we organized! In the same way, we chose to go to Munich in 2007: our ‘premium evening’ was held in the Kaiser Salle of BMW Welt, another thing that participants would not have been able to do had they been on their own.

MENT, AND FOUND OUT A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS… AND OF COURSE CARS.

INTERVIEW MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND RÉMI DÉVÉ

MIM: What kind of incentives do you organize? And how often?

Guy Le Compte BMW Experiential Marketing - Event Manager MIMmagazine 10

Guy Le Compte: ‘Every other year we design a reward programme that people in our sales department, that is mostly car dealers of course, can participate in. I’m in charge of the Belgian and Luxembourgish market, I have to deal with 66 car dealers. The idea is to reward top sales managers with an incentive travel that they will not forget. Last March for instance, I organized a four-day trip to Sweden for 50 people, who ﬂew there in turns in a private plane. The whole programme revolved around snow, ice and cars: participants tried the

‘For our end users we also organize what we call the BMW M Days. Again, the idea is to design an event that people will never forget. Last year we rented the Castellet - Paul Ricard car track for several days and had participants ﬂy there from Brussels in a private

MIM> CORPORATE INTERVIEW

plane for one day. On the whole 400 people took part in the incentive and ﬂew back with memorable images in their mind.’

MIM: In your opinion, how important are the following issues: transport, meals, hotels, free time, atmosphere, gadgets?

MIM: Is that what ‘experiential marketing’

Le Compte: ‘Since we usually deal with big groups, mostly over 150 participants, I find it easier to use chartered flights, which is more flexible and comfortable at the same time. But we do not always work with the same company, just like we do not always work with the same incentive houses: our brokers always offer three propositions among which we choose the best. As for meals and hotels, it all depends on the destination but we try to offer a good selection to our participants.’

is about?

Le Compte: ‘Precisely. Experiential marketing is all about ﬁnding new ways to get people to feel new emotions. It is also a newly created department inside BMW where we try to get some perspective, when we reﬂect on the manner we organize events and incentives. I am also in the advisory board of an online experiential forum where we exchange ideas on how we can touch people.’ MIM: What are your thoughts on incentive destinations?

Le Compte: ‘Going somewhere nobody has ever gone has become increasingly difficult. The destination has to be appealing to the greatest number of would-be participants as the age of our clients varies. We have to find the right balance between the content of the incentives programmes and the destination. But usually we decide where to go first and then what to do there.’

‘Free time is to my mind of the utmost importance. We used to overload our incentive programmes with a bunch a varied activities, now we try to be more flexible. For instance, in a four-day incentive trip, there will be two whole half days when participants can do whatever they want.’ ‘As for gadgets, we like to think we are original. During our BMW M Days, we had a cameraman shooting the whole thing. With the help of an editor, we offered our participants a four-minute film on a memory stick that people could bring home with them. Here experiential marketing gives way to final marketing: this short movie ended up on YouTube, thus touching even more people we had ever dreamt of.’

MIM: We are aware that the car industry is a big user of incentive travel programmes. Are there other interesting motivations or rewards that could compete with incentive travel?

Le Compte: ‘Here at BMW the ﬁnancial department designed a reward programme with a points system aiming at motivating our sales forces. But in the end we found that incentive travel is what remains quite popular. To my mind, nothing can beat the adventurous feel and the social aspect of an incentive trip. People like to be together in a far away place doing activities that they have never done before. Besides, we always try to design very ﬂexible programmes that are appealing to everyone. If participants are into sports, they will be happy; if they are more into culture, they will be too.’ Further info: - On BMW: www.bmw.be - On experiential marketing: www.experientialforum.com

sales force incentive Sweden 2008

EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING IS ALL ABOUT FINDING NEW WAYS TO GET PEOPLE TO FEEL NEW EMOTIONS dealer convention Egypt 2006 MIMmagazine 11

MIM> INTERVIEW CLAIRE MASSART / GUY HANCIAUX

Guy Hanciaux & Claire Massart

A JOURNEY TO MADAGASCAR TOWARD SUSTAINABLE INCENTIVES? IT ISN’T REALLY NEWS FOR ANYBODY BUT THE TREND IS TOWARD MORE SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY, PARTICIPATIVE INCENTIVES. CORPORATE CLIENTS DO NOT JUST WANT TO PLAY RAMBO IN THE JUNGLE ANYMORE. THIS KIND OF TEAM-BUILDING IS LONG OVERDUE. CLIENTS WISH TO LEARN, KNOW, TOUCH AND TASTE FROM NOW ON. WITH DMC PARALLEL 20 AND AIR MADAGASCAR AS PARTNERS, CLAIRE MASSART, OF INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS, AND GUY HANCIAUX, THEN WEA MARKETING MANAGER, CREATED ANOTHER KIND OF VOYAGE FOR THEIR 2007 INCENTIVE TRIP INVOLVING FOUR GROUPS OF 60 PEOPLE. THAT WAS THE GREAT JOURNEY TO AND AROUND MADAGASCAR, WHICH TOOK PLACE LAST SEPTEMBER. CLAIRE AND GUY, WHOM I CHATTED WITH AT THE PICTURESQUE MOULIN BANAL, WHERE INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS IS HEADQUARTERED, SHARED THEIR BEST MEMORIES OF AN INCENTIVE FILLED WITH EVENTS AND EMOTIONS. INTERVIEW RÉMI DÉVÉ - PHOTOS CHRISTIAN WEIDEMANN

MIM: Tell me about the genesis of the project.

Claire Massart: ‘At ﬁrst Guy told me he wanted to organize a journey to Madagascar. I was a bit puzzled because to my knowledge there weren’t many things to do on the island.’ Guy Hanciaux: ‘I thought of Madagascar because I wanted to offer another kind of destination to the brokers of Winterthur. Mass tourism is not exactly what comes to mind when one thinks of the island. I thought it would be interesting to organize a completely new concept in a still unexplored land. WinMIMmagazine 12

terthur is famous for its prestigious incentives. We had to live up to our reputation.’ CM: ‘The project actually took two years to see the light of day. We did a lot of trips back and forth to prepare. That’s how we realized there were opportunities to do something with and for the Malagasies.’ GH: ‘To our mind, the incentive must be organized according to the very nature of the destination. It does not work the other way around. It would be a mistake to have a preconceived idea of an incentive and to try to

apply it some place in a sort of ‘colonialist’ attitude. It is better to analyze what the destination has to give and to offer.’ MIM: So what did you actually do in Madagascar?

CM: ‘Of course we couldn’t leave out the most traditional tourist attractions. So at ﬁrst we travelled throughout the north of Madagascar in small groups of 30 participants. But during our preparation it had quickly appeared that there was something interesting to do along the ‘route de la vanille’. The scenery was beautiful; the people

MIM> INTERVIEW CLAIRE MASSART / GUY HANCIAUX

were welcoming. But at the same time there was no hotel to accommodate us. And we wanted to explore other places than Nosy or Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.’ GH: ‘That is when we decided to build a tent camp in the middle of nowhere, on the ‘route de la vanille’, near a small village called Darain. To do so, we worked hand in hand with Fanamby, an NGO which has been promoting biodiversity and ﬁghting poverty for some years now in Madagascar.’ CM: ‘As a camp, we needed big infrastructures like water tanks and security staff. With the help of Fanamby, we got the people from Darain involved. They helped us build the camp and make the tents. Now they run 10 out of the 18 tents we left and the way they live seems to have greatly improved. They also use our water tanks: we are proud of the legacy we left. It was deﬁnitely a sustainable incentive!’ GH: ‘It is in fact the main idea of the incentive. We could not just go there without helping the Malagasies in some way. It would almost have been indecent.’ MIM: Is there anything else you are particularly proud of?

CM: ‘Since the participants spent also some time on the west coast, in Anjajavy, where there is the unique ‘relais et châteaux’ of Madagascar, we decided to make a donation to ‘Ecoles du monde’, another NGO which helps to educate children of small villages. Winterthur agreed to donate 3500€ to the school of Majenga and Incentive Destinations added the same amount. They used the money to extend their premises.’

TO OUR MIND, THE INCENTIVE MUST BE ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO THE VERY NATURE OF THE DESTINATION

INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS Since 1995, the motto of Incentive Destinations is to serve each client as a

GH: ‘The interesting thing is how sensitive to this issue our insurance brokers became during the incentive. Their awareness of what they could bring to the children did not diminish when they came back. Quite the contrary in fact. Some of them are still making donations as we speak!’ CM: ‘I strongly believe that it is important to create an emotion. Once it is there, people tend to act and react accordingly.’ MIM: So do you think there is a kind of CSR approach to incentive trips?

GH: ‘Deﬁnitely. But it does not mean that it is the only kind of incentives we will organize in the future. Projects and journeys have to vary. The danger lies in repetition.’

VIP. They are the preferred suppliers to

CM: ‘We did not change the world in Madagascar. But I like to think that we contributed to it a little. On a practical note, it would also be relevant for all the incentive houses that organize trips with the help of NGOs to have a kind of databank listing who did what with whom so we can take things further and not work on our own all the time.’

many companies on the Belgian market. Its approach is unique: they try to ensure a unique experience and to adapt to the requirements of its clients. On a humanitarian note and with the ﬁnancial help of its clients, they supported schools in Zimbabwe, developed water pumps in the region of Rathambore,

GH: ‘People want to be generous, but they need to feel they are free to do it whenever they want. It is our responsibility to create situations when they feel it is normal to get involved.’

in India, and sponsored the exhibition ‘Voyages-Visages’, whose proceeds went to the Fondation Reine Paola. Contact: Claire Massart

Further information

claire.massart@incentive-destinations.eu

www.fanamby.org.mg

www.incentive-destinations.eu

www.ecolesdumonde.org MIMmagazine 13

MIM> INITIATIVE / SITE

INITIATIVE QUALIFIED INCENTIVE PROFESSIONALS INITIATIVE IS A RATHER YOUNG ASSOCIATION, ESTABLISHED IN THE SUMMER OF 1999, WHICH INTENDS TO EMPHASIZE THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INCENTIVE TRAVEL SPECIALISTS AND REGULAR TRAVEL AGENTS. TODAY, INITIATIVE HAS DEVELOPED INTO A STRONG, WELL-STRUCTURED ASSOCIATION. Given the association’s strict membership criteria, it is the Associations aim that membership remains limited to the true, dedicated professionals, operating in our market. Initiative counts on its members’ profound industry knowledge and relations, in order to improve related training and research. Also, since it is a Belgian entity, it actively addresses the various problems which currently arise from local laws, taxation and other market practices, speciﬁc to the industry. Why should you - as a corporate reader - select an Initiative member for the organization of your next incentive trip?

Because Initiative members emphasize: - That there is a fundamental difference between creative incentive travel specialists and regular travel agents. - Incentive travel is a business tool that should be handled by specialist professionals only - That the communication and marketing aspect is a crucial component in the success of an incentive travel project - That making a project proﬁtable it is not only a right, but also an obligation in order to assure the continuity of business and the quality of their products - That it is their responsibility to constantly

improve the quality of products and services - That they have a responsibility towards their clients, suppliers, personnel and other members of Initiative and that this responsibility must prevail over any other interest. info@initiative-group.be www.initiative-group.be

Raymond Desmet President Initiative

SITE THE SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE & TRAVEL EXECUTIVES FOUNDED IN 1973, SITE IS THE ONLY INTERNATIONAL, NOT-FOR-PROFIT, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION DEVOTED TO THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN INCENTIVES,

well as contact details of all its members.

A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR GLOBAL INDUSTRY. SITE PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND INFORMATION SERVICES TO THOSE WHO DESIGN, DEVELOP, PROMOTE, SELL, ADMINISTER, AND OPERATE MOTIVATIONAL PROGRAMS AS AN INCENTIVE TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY IN BUSINESS. Currently SITE has over 2,100 members in 87 countries, with 34 local and regional chapters. Members represent corporate executives, incentive companies, destination management companies, travel & event planners, ofﬁcial tourist organizations, transportation companies, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, trade publications, and supporting organizations such as restaurants and visitors attractions.

SITE BELUX CHAPTER Chapters play a crucial role in communicating the needs of the regional/local area and are instrumental in setting the direction of the international Society. Since 1986, SITE

MIMmagazine 14

Chapters serve SITE members and other incentive industry professionals by providing education programs, information services and networking opportunities.

It also offers descriptions and slideshows of Belgium and Luxemburg, e-mail addresses and websites of all members, the national and international agendas, as well as downloadable logos. Elie Lores Blanes

NEW WEBSITE! The renewed www.site-belux.org is meant to be an informative and interactive platform which unites all possible information on SITE BeLux Chapter and SITE International. Apart from useful information on SITE International, it focused mainly on the Chapter’s members and its activities. The visitor can ﬁnd detailed information on all Chapters’ past and upcoming activities as

CONTACT: To lean more about the SITE BeLux Chapter upcoming events, please visit www.site-belux.org and/or contact: Elie Lores Blanes President SITE BeLux Chapter T: 02 413 03 13 F: 02 413 03 19 E: sitebelux@site-belux.org

MIM> INTERVIEW AIR FRANCE

AIR FRANCE THREE QUESTIONS TO MARION SHAMMAH MARION SHAMMAH IS THE GROUPS AND INCENTIVES SUPERVISOR FOR THE BELGIAN AND LUXEMBOURG MARKET AT AIR FRANCE. FOR ALL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS OF MEETINGS AND INCENTIVES OUT THERE, SHE PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN SATISFYING CLIENTS. SINCE AIR FRANCE AND KLM MERGED SHE CAN PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH AIR FRANCE FLIGHTS OR WITH AIR FRANCE AND KLM FLIGHTS COMBINED. CLIENTS HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN FROM THIS SITUATION. MARION SHAMMAH EXPLAINS US WHY.

INTERVIEW RÉMI DÉVÉ

MIM: What is your mission at Air France

ings for groups?

Marion Shammah: Since AIR FRANCE merged with KLM, we have been able to Marion Shammah: Here at the Groups and provide clients with a wider range of possibiIncentives department we are a team of four lities. AIR FRANCE and KLM do not necesprofessionals entirely dedicated to satisfying sarily have the same network and the same any need a client may have. Only few airlines frequency of flights: now one complements in Belgium still have a group department lothe other. For example, if a client wants to cally. We play a kind of ‘advisor’ role and we combine Santiago de Chile and Lima, he will try to be as pro-active as we can to offer cusfly out with AIR FRANCE and fly back with tomers options if we think that, for instance, KLM. We could not offer both destinations they have everything to gain from leaving a before. That allows us to be more flexible bit earlier or later than they had planned in when trying to satisfy the requirements of the first place. We provide profitable altera particular client. It is the same thing when natives to everdealing with big demanding custogroups – say 150 WE PROVIDE PROFITABLE ALTERNAmers. persons: we can TIVES TO EVER-DEMANDING offer to divide it Internally we use CUSTOMERS between KLM a new tool called and AIR FRANCE. TIGRE that alWe are now able lows us to be quicker and more efficient at to provide customers with a better and finding solutions and booking flights. In the more efficient service. future travel agencies will have access to TIMIM: Are there destinations that are parGRE WEB, via our professional site airfrance. ticularly popular at the moment? biz, allowing them to check availabilities and Marion Shammah: China seems to be the book the groups on-line. destination where everyone wants to go. DuMIM: What has the AIR FRANCE/KLM bai and Caracas are quite popular as well. We marriage changed when it comes to bookfind India is more and more requested. La and what can professional organizers expect from you?

Marion Shammah

Réunion is an interesting destination reached by our new B777-300 which is more economical and respects the environment by reducing the emissions of CO2. Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France are also reached by the same modern and comfortable aircraft. The very nature of incentives also appears to have changed in the past few years: there is definitely a trend towards more responsible, eco-friendly incentives. At AIR FRANCE our fleet is quite young; the three first A380 planes are on the way: we have been and will be able to significantly reduce the impact on the environment. Clients are becoming more and more sensitive to this issue. www.airfrance.be

MIMmagazine 15

MIM> INCENTIVES AND GENERATION Y

INCENTIVES AND GENERATION Y A NEW PERSPECTIVE ALL BUSINESSES MUST ADAPT THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND THE INCENTIVE INDUSTRY IS NO EXCEPTION. INCENTIVE TRIPS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN FOSTERING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE SAME COMPANY AND ACHIEVING GREATER BUSINESS RESULTS. MOST OF THOSE WHO INVEST THEIR TIME IN PARTICIPATING IN SUCH EVENTS ARE MEN AND WOMEN IN SOME FORM OF EMPLOYMENT. FOR THEM INCENTIVE TRAVEL IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR CAREERS AS AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF MOTIVATION AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. TEXT ROB DAVIDSON, UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER, AND MADY KEUP, CERAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS

Rob Davidson

MOST Y-ERS MAY BE CHARACTERISED AS BEING INDEPENDENT AND CONFIDENT IN OUTLOOK BUT AT THE SAME TIME NOT SELFISH

This article examines the particular characteristics of Generation Y, i.e. those who were born 1977 and 1995, and investigates how incentive programmes can be designed in such a way that they appeal to this youngest, but fastest-growing, segment of employees. We will refer collectively to the cohort under consideration as ‘Generation Y’, and the term ‘Y-er’ will be used to denote an individual member of Generation Y.

coddled, well-informed, open-minded to diversity, technically-enriched generation’. Most Y-ers may be characterised as being independent and conﬁdent in outlook. At the same time, they are not a generation particularly characterised by selﬁshness. Indeed, the majority of commentators list tolerance, concern with equality and fairness and a deep-seated social consciousness as major attributes for this generation.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GENERATION Y

Y-ers tend to have high expectations of themselves and are tenacious and questioning, as well as highly vocal and full of energy and innovative drive. Generation Y have, above all, high expectations that life should be fun and therefore place high priority on their personal life and leisure time.

In many ways, today’s twenty- and thirtysomethings differ considerably from previous generations of employees. They are gradually accounting for a greater percentage of the workforce. 2008 is a critical year for the intergenerational balance of power. This year, for the ﬁrst time Generations X and Y collectively will be able to out-vote Baby Boomers. The salient characteristics of Generation Y may be summed up, as Bryan puts it, as the ‘most MIMmagazine 16

Nevertheless, there is little evidence to suggest that, as a whole, this generation shows signs of being hedonistic or indolent. On the contrary, Y-ers tend to demonstrate a deep-seated desire for ongoing education, which they regard

as the key to success in professional life. Some commentators have described them as ‘lifelong learners’, for whom continuing education and training is perceived as the norm rather than the exception. Predictably, Generation Y’s acquaintance and aptitude with technology in all of its forms, from an early age, considerably sets it apart from previous generations. This is the first demographic to grow up with the internet and it is clear that they view the Web as a 2-way communications tool. Their high level of technological skills and their preference for instant communication and social networking tools have made Generation Y into efficient multitaskers. But persistent exposure to high-tech tools is also cited by several commentators as a contributory factor behind the phenomenon that Generation Y appears to desire everything on demand, anytime, anyplace, with a pronounced tendency towards the need for instant gratification and markedly shorter attention spans than previous generations.

MIM> INCENTIVES AND GENERATION Y

ADAPTING INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES TO GENERATION Y PARTICIPANTS The needs and expectations of Generation Y regarding their participation in incentives, are in many ways very distinct from those of previous generations. The rest of this article reviews those differences and suggests ways of creating incentive programmes that will appeal to this latest cohort of employees.

Lynch emphasizes the use of images: ‘Generation Y depends on visual learning. All their lives, they were raised on graphics, games, the Internet and online games. This is a generation whose marketing has been pictorial and graphic… to attract them, you need to be dynamic in your use of graphics and pictures’.

phones, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, podcasts, virtual meeting environments, RSS feeds, videos, widgets, mash-ups, wikis, moblogs, and social networking sites… Learners who use these technologies every day expect technology to be seamlessly interwoven into learning situations, i.e., meetings’.

EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

EFFECTIVE DESIGN OF INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR GENERATION Y

EFFECTIVE WAYS OF COMMUNICATING INFORMATION ABOUT INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES TO GENERATION Y

This generation expect more – and better – use of technology in every aspect of incentive planning. They expect all information about the event to be online – in an attractive, easyto use format.

Y-ers respond to communication that understands their uniqueness, their particular way of receiving and processing information. The key to effective communication with Y-ers is to use as few words and as many strong images as possible. Generational marketing expert Ann A. Fishman believes that this age group think differently: they think in text-messaging format – short, very short, efﬁcient copy is required.

Factual information and teasers about incentive trips can be sent to younger participants using their preferred means of communication: the mobile telephone. Indeed, what US commentators Ramsborg and Tinnish say about technology and meetings also applies to technology and incentive trips: ‘The full capabilities of technology must be exploited before, during, and after a meeting. Blogs, mobile

- More involvement at the design stage Gen Y is an interactive generation that is used to being consulted for feedback on almost everything that concerns them. As a result, they are used to interacting with service providers of all kinds. Incentive planners targeting this age group are advised to involve them, from the earliest stage, in the design of the programme, choice of activities, and even the selection of speakers, so that they feel a sense of ‘ownership’ of these events. - More attention given to Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental issues MIMmagazine 17

MIM> INCENTIVES AND GENERATION Y

Y-ERS EXPECT ALL INFORMATION ABOUT AN EVENT TO BE ONLINE – IN AN ATTRACTIVE, EASY-TO USE FORMAT

» At EIBTM in 2007, Andy Besent of the InterContinental Hotels Group identiﬁed a greater concern for CSR and the need to have some interaction with the local community at the conference or incentive travel destination as two of the most distinguishing characteristics of Generation Y as participants in such events. Y-ers also appear to care more about the human environment, and are uneasy about the apparent elitist aspect of many incentive events, particularly when these take place in destinations marked by widespread poverty and disadvantage. Progressive incentive planners respond to these concerns by giving their participants the opportunity to take time out to interact with the local community during the event and to ‘give something back’.

CASE STUDY: HOW Y-ERS DEAL WITH INCENTIVES IN PRACTICAL TERMS It is nice to have a theory, but how does

promotes and directly communicates the

Rob Davidson’s argument translate into

excitement of possible rewards, thereby

real life? From April 27th to 30th in Krems,

creating emotional wants for winning the

Austria, was held the 23rd International

rewards.

Tourism Students Conference. Students presented several case studies, some of

+ company e-newsletters: Each week

which directly conﬁrmed what Davidson

Inter-Windows plc sends out company

argued in his article, especially when

e-newsletters to the dealers. E-newsletters

it comes to using the latest technolo-

communicate important updates of the

gy available. It is also to be noted that

incentive program.

others were more traditional in their approach to incentives: they did not have

+ online score board: a graphic and very

a CSR angle or were concerned with team

visual representation of each partici-

activities for example.

pant’s score makes the results visible and recognize the performance of each sales

- Team activities Generation Y have grown up studying together, working together and playing together. They enjoy the team spirit that this creates and they respond well to team activities (not necessarily competitions) in incentive programmes.

In ‘The Las Vegas Experience’, Andrew

representative. Photos of front runners in

Kao, Sakae Kimura, Lauren Hawkins and

the competition are highlighted.

Josh Ouzer, of the University of Nevada, had to present a solution to increase

+ video clips: Each week, a video clip

overall sales of Inter-Windows plc during

focuses on various aspects of the packages

winter months that are known not to be

to arouse a desire to win the trip.

the most proﬁtable period in the industry.

Given Generation Y’s interest in ongoing, lifelong education, activities which teach them something that they will ﬁnd useful in their professional or personal lives will hold particular appeal for them.

They created an on-line game to motivate

+ text messages: Every week, participants

sales representatives, dealers, and in-

receive motivating and reminding messages

house sales representatives. The prize

on their cell phones. Messages let them

was a trip to Las Vegas.

know how much time is left and furthermore remind them about the prizes and the

For the incentive program to be a success,

whole trip.

CONCLUSION

they planned a thorough Internet based

The continuing success of the incentive travel industry depends upon achieving a ﬁrm understanding of Generation Y’s needs from such programmes and communicating with Y-ers on their own terms. If incentive programmes do not adapt to meet the needs of this generation, Y-ers will refuse to participate in events that do not interest them or motivate them.

communication and a wide range of

This case study is emblematic in the way

technological tools were used, appealing

they use technology in every aspect of

to Y-ers as they are used to and especially

incentive planning. As Davidson argues,

making the whole thing very visual:

Y-ers ‘expect all information about the

MIMmagazine 18

event to be online – in an attractive, + interactive website: it allows all partici-

easy-to use format.’ And that is exactly

pants to monitor their own progress, as

what happened here, thus making this

well as the progress of others. The website

particular study a success.

A taste of train travel... by

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a Mediterranean adventure

Cosmopolitan, sunny, high-spirited, hospitable… Words fail to describe France’s second biggest city adequately. But don’t worry: the TGV will whisk you there at high-speed for a ‘live’ encounter. MARSEILLES: THE PORT, THE CALANQUES AND THE BOUILLABAISSE…. > 300 days Mediterranean sun per year and a pleasant cooling wind. > The TGV Méditerrannee connects Brussels or Lille with Marseilles in a record time. > Three trains a day.

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DEEP IN THE SOUTH AND STILL SO NEAR. Without delays due to trafﬁc jams or péages. On the rendezvous are also: the Mediterranean Sea, the Canebière, the old port, the Quai des Belges, pétanque, Notre Dame de la Garde, bouillabaisse, aioli, pastis and sunny Provençal wines…Marseilles is at the same time a gastronomic paradise, a top location for concerts and festivals, and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for writers, poets, singers, ﬁlmmakers and photographers. A wonderful cocktail of museums, art galleries, restaurants, terraces and bars.

Our other MICE destinations: Amsterdam Avignon Bordeaux Disney ® Resort Paris Frankfurt Cologne Luxemburg Lyon Paris London

> Ask for our MICE brochure or contact us for more details.

Groups & Incentives Hallepoortlaan 40 - 1060 Brussels tel. 02 528 27 18 - fax 02 528 27 93 - group@rail1.be - www.rail1.be

MIM> INCENTIVE HOUSES

out in When you want to go

WHY USE AN INCENTIVE HOUSE?

that’s when we come

- to the picture.

Belgium’s only SITE Crystal Award Winner Organiser world’s best staff incentive 2006

outgoing & incoming incentives meetings | seminars | tailor-made travel Oudekerkstraat 44 | B-8200 Brugge T +32 (o)50 67 42 67

www.borealisdmc.com

We in Belgium are very privileged to have such a wide range of incentive houses. So, on the next few pages you will ﬁnd a selection of the major and trustworthy incentive bureaus. Perhaps you as a reader are not quite familiar with the possibilities of using an incentive house. What can an incentive house do for you in particular? Why use an incentive house? Well, for a start it is a fact that incentive programmes consistently meet companies goals. Previous international studies by incentive magazines worldwide among their readership found that on average 80% percent of incentive programmes have reached their companies established goals. Even if you want to start modestly, incentive houses can be of great help. It is their job to control the size and scope of the programme. And remember: they are not an expense; they will earn you money in the end.

Borealis Action Travel @dmire Antipodes/In-sight Antares BCD Belgian Air Travel Guava Carlson Wagonlit Club Med De Buck HRG Incentive Destinations Master Events Omnitravel Pauwels Seauton THA Group

20 21 21 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 31 31

MIM> INCENTIVE HOUSES

ACTION TRAVEL DELIVERING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS ACTION TRAVEL HAS BEEN CREATING MEMORABLE TRIPS FOR THE BELGIAN CORPORATE WORLD SINCE 1983. incentive trip or conference: our professional multi-lingual team will be more than happy to surprise you with a creative proposal and highly competitive prices!

ACTION TRAVEL

Obviously, we have an extensive expertise in Europe too, where cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Naples, Budapest, Prague, Vilnius, Riga, St Petersburg and many others hold no secrets for us. Do not hesitate to contact us for your next

Our aim is to create fantasies from people’s dreams and wishes to go beyond their ‘expec-

73 Rue St Bernard, 1060 Brussels T.: +32 2 343 73 99 - F.: +32 2 345 10 78 E.: actiontravel@actiontravel.be W.: www.actiontravel.be Founded in: 1983 Staff members: 8 - License: A 1226 Contact person: Aleixo de Queiroz, Géraldine de Queiroz, Hélène Bouillet, Magali Swennen, Laurence Hulshof Member of: SITE, IATA

@dmire, and you’ll return with a smile An admirable way towards productive goal achievement with cost-effective, motivational and rewarding tools.

Activities We meticulously handle and arrange: • Marketing and communication strategies • All travel and land arrangements • Teambuilding exercises • Logistic and administration services • Technical advice and set design • Business gifts and Concepts • Social and tailor-made programs • Special Event & product launches • Promotional activities

Our Strength: • • • • • • •

Creativity and inventiveness Passion and fascination Flexibility and know-how Personal approach Commitment and quality control Worldwide network and partnerships We de!ne and share client’s objectives

brigitte.boone@admire.be raymond.desmet@admire.be President Initiative (Belgian Association of Quali!ed Incentive Organizers) Gemeenveldstraat 93 1652 Beersel - Belgium tel: +32 2 361 65 59 fax: +32 2 361 65 58

www.admire.be Travel Lic.: A5999 Global Certi!cation in Meeting Management – CMM Member of:

4526

tations’ with a professional approach all the way. We are experts in Latin America particularly Brazil and Cuba, the USA and Canada, Southern Africa and Asia where Myanmar, China, India and Vietnam are our favourites.

MIM> INCENTIVE HOUSES

Exciting

Unexpected

Natural World-class

ANTIPODES VOYAGES/ IN-SIGHT INCENTIVES: SALES REPRESENTATIVE TOUREAST & QANTAS HOLIDAYS AUSTRALASIA TOUREAST Australia - Incentives & Business Events offer “a complete one stop solution” to our customers worldwide. Like yourselves, we are committed to delivering the highest quality level in creative programs, with reliability, professionalism and personalized services in the arena of meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Why Australia? Simply one of the most desired, dreamed-about destinations on the planet. Our people, natural beauty, beaches, wildlife and the very best in hotels, touring and travel experiences offer you and your customers a highly desired destination for their next travel reward or business event for 2008/2009 and beyond! Sydney in particular has been recently voted No. 1 city in the world by Conde Nast. The destination is laid-back, vibrant, sunny and safe - exactly as you would imagine. You can MIMmagazine 22

swim and surf by day, enjoy unique Australian fusion cuisine which we are renowned for, whilst enjoying a round of drinks with the friendly locals. You can sell us in three simple words: VIBRANT | HARBOUR | CITY. There’s no place in the world like Sydney! Tour East Australia and Marc Lambert have an excellent track record for delivering amazing Events whilst providing a very competitive and “value for money” destination. Please consider our services and including Australia in your recommendations.

REPRESENTATION IN BELGIUM/ TOUR EAST GROUP OF COMPANIES Australia, New Zealand, Thailand (Laos & Cambodge), Vietnam, Hong Kong and Indonesia (Bali).

ANTIPODES VOYAGES / IN-SIGHT INCENTIVES MARC LAMBERT TOUR EAST - Sales Representative Europe (based in Brussels - Belgium) Avenue Louise, 479 box 46, Louizalaan 1050 Brussels

T: +32 (0) 2 643 32 94

As a respected Destination Management Group throughout South Paciﬁc and Asia as well as outbound worldwide, we provide you quality assurances being jointly owned by the Qantas Group and Tour East Group of Companies. Contact us for a sample or for any program recommendations or quotation needs.

M: + 32 475 84 07 12 F: +32 (0) 2 629 81 88 marc@toureast.be - marc@in-sight.be www.toureast.be - www.in-sight.be

Inventiveness is our major asset That we customise to its utmost limits Using a whole universe of specialist experience To which we add the touch of originality that spells â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unforgettableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Our sensitivity is your guarantee of perfect harmony with your corporate imageâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Śand effective fulfilment of your objectives Creating projects that comply with your corporate policy And that totally respect your budget.

Incentives Meetings Conferences Congress Seminars Events

!!!!"""#$%&$'()#*(! Val des Seigneurs 51 box 1 Herendal . Tel. : 32-2-761 10 23. Fax : 32-2-779 09 65 - derenesse.p@antares.be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Travel Lic. A 1564

EEN RONDREIS DOOR DE GESCHIEDENIS VAN LEICA SEDERT HET BEGIN VAN DE 21E EEUW

Meetings Incentives Conferences Events Group Travel Strategic Meetings Management Production & Creative Services

. ) # (. . # #) + ( ) ) $#(()' ). -. ! # ! *" ( ) .,,, " $". " ! . '$*%' &* () " ... $# . . . # .#*" '.

YOUR INCENTIVE AND BUSINESS TRAVEL PARTNER 28 YEARS EXPERIENCE, PROBABLY THE BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE YOU CAN EXPECT

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

License A1533 IATA since 1980 Member of Fonds de Garantie Voyages

GUAVA… and the world is at your feet. You can come to GUAVA for communication, events and international projects. We believe frontiers are there to be pushed back, in every aspect. That’s why we don’t only occupy ourselves at GUAVA with creative and fresh concepts. We are also pleased to break geographical barriers. For your congress abroad, seminar, teambuilding, product launch or customer event we will dot the i’s and cross the t’s. GUAVA bvba > Straatsburgdok > Noordkaai 21 > B-2030 Antwerp > Belgium Phone: +32-3-204 10 90 > info@guava.be > www.guava.be

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BELGIAN AIR TRAVEL

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER PRESENTS A UNIQUE CHALLENGE EVERY TIME.

WITH CWT, MEETINGS AND EVENTS HAPPEN SEAMLESSLY. C AR LSON WAGON LIT TR AVEL

MEETINGS & EVENTS Conducting meetings and events is an investment in your business and your people. More than 600 specialists at Carlson Wagonlit Travel work with clients around the world to produce impactful meetings and events that meet their business objectives and maximize the return on investment while reinforcing essential ties. Beneﬁting from the company’s expertise in global travel management, the meetings and events professionals at CWT can handle complex logistics, help you deﬁne and implement policies, and establish best practices that generate savings of 10 to 15 percent. All good reasons for us to get together. Contact your CWT Events Team by e-mail to incentive@carlsonwagonlit.be or by phone 02 258 10 10. www.carlsonwagonlit.be

MIM> CLUB MED

CLUB MED BUSINESS MAKE BUSINESS WORK WITH PLEASURE WITH CLUB MED BUSINESS, YOU CAN ORGANISE YOUR INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES AND CONFERENCES IN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATIONS ALL OVER THE GLOBE. SO MAKE THE MOST OF OUR PROFESSIONAL APPROACH AND THE SUPERB QUALITY OF OUR SERVICES AND START PLANNING YOUR EVENT TODAY. Every company is unique because it is made up of men and women who are also unique. Bringing them together on the same project, making them share new and intense experiences and giving them the opportunity to develop and bond. At Club Med Business, whatever your destination, every event provides a tailor-made answer in one of our Resorts. Club Med Business can meet your conference and incentive needs by offering a selection of nearly 80 Resorts located all around the world, not to mention our ﬁve-masted yacht. Our Club Med Resorts, including ski Resorts, are all situated in stunning settings and ﬁrst-class locations, helping to create a unique atmosphere. Stimulating and full of character, our Resorts add some soul to your projects. Over 30 of these locations offer conference centres and/or meeting rooms equipped to host your conferences, conventions or business meetings across Europe and the world. Guaranteed to ensure your comfort in captiMIMmagazine 26

vating settings, our facilities have been carefully designed to cater for all groups. At each Resort you will ﬁnd accommodation of the highest quality as well as ﬁrst-class restaurants and a wide range of sporting activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s extreme or more laid-back pursuits you are looking for, the activities are supervised by specialised G.Os® and focus on both relaxation and dynamism. Motivate your teams by immersing them in other cultures. Enhance group cohesion by going on trips lasting from a few hours to several days. Whether it’s a reward, incentive or a team-building trip, we have the perfect solutions for you: team-building activities, sports challenges, themed evenings, cocktail parties, trips, and many more! So much more than just the ordinary business event, any conference or incentive organised by Club Med Business marries pleasure and professionalism perfectly.

Please feel free to contact us to learn more about our product range.

CONTACT: Club Med Business Av. Louise 59 1050 Brussels T: +32 2 535 25 20 F: +32 2 535 25 29 cmb-belgium@clubmed.com Staff Members Club Med Business Belgium : 6 Licence: A 1002 Contact persons Club Med Business Manager: Kathy Thoeye Sales Managers: Philippe Bresou - Catherine Herregods - Frank Nijs Projects Coordinators: Kathleen Van Genechten - Stephanie Van Zeebroeck

Supplier of Professional Enthusiasm

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

e-mail: info@debuckincentives.com

website: www.debuckincentives.com

IT’S NOT JUST AN INCENTIVE, IT’S A BREAKTHROUGH.

At HRG we understand that every meeting, incentive and event is held for a reason. To excite and inspire clients or staff, to move business forward or to achieve the breakthrough that will make a real business difference. That's why we always begin by making your goals our own. We then use our unique access to the world's most remarkable and

For further information, please call Caroline Rivel on +32.3.825.56.84 or email caroline.rivel@hrgworldwide.com www.hrgworldwide.com/eventsandmeetings

inspiring venues, together with our proven logistics and corporate travel expertise, to bring unrivalled value to every occasion. The result is a meeting, incentive or event that delivers more for your business. That's because at HRG we believe you deserve nothing less.

EVENTS & MEETINGS MANAGEMENT

Bringing events to life

Corporate Travel Services

The best way to predict the future is to invent it Incentives, Seminars & Tailor made programs for FIT and GROUPS

INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS Travel designers & consultants Ofﬁce@incentive-destinations.eu www.incentive-destinations.eu

Le Moulin Banal 4 rue des Comtes de Robiano 1440 Braine Le Château Tel: + 32 2 463 42 64 Fax: + 322 469 13 36

4534

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SEAUTON International Congresses & Incentives

‘big enough to deliver, small enough to care’ SE AUTON

In 2009 Seauton International Congresses will organize the 29th International Symposium of the ISSA Construction Section in Brussels. It will be the ﬁrst big event to take place in the SQUARE (the former Palais des Congrès).

Seauton has a worldwide experience in organizing large projects. We organize seminars, congresses and incentives throughout the world; going from a seminar in Bruges, a short stay in Marrakech to a congress in Singapore. We have clients all over the world and we are used to handle complex projects. Quality always comes ﬁrst, together with ﬂexibility and creativity. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information! SALES RESPONSIBLE

Jan Samyn jan.samyn@seauton.be

SEAUTON International Congresses & Incentives / Naamsestraat 151, 3000 Leuven, Belgium / T + 32 (0)16 30 99 90 / F + 32 (0)16 58 56 78 / sales@seauton.be / www.seauton.be

Advertentie_SEAUTON.indd 1

20-06-2008 16:51:25

Because it IS the thought that counts At the heart of any great solution is a great idea. Executing these ideas effectively and beautifully is central to success. We see every client brief as an opportunity to apply our creativity. This is the thrill of the job. Finding new and exciting ways of doing things underpins what we believe makes us different. We challenge, we create and we solve. This is “The THA Effect”.

Innovate Communicate Motivate

Experience the THA effect Vier Armen - Quatre Bras Steenweg op Mechelen 455/16 455/16 Chaussée de Malines 1950 Kraainem, Belgium

THA Group NV/SA

Tel : +32-2-272 44 40 Fax : +32-2-272 44 45 Email : info@thagroup.com www.thagroup.com

MIM> INTERVIEW PETER MATHIEU

CRUISE INTERVIEW

PETER MATHIEU - CRUISE & FERRY WORLD reluctant. It is often about restricted freedom.

IN KEEPING WITH TRADITION EACH YEAR WE ASK PETER MATHIEU, CRUISE & FERRY WORLD’S CHAIRMAN, A FEW POINTED QUESTIONS. PETER HAS BEEN A BIG PROMOTER OF CRUISES FOR YEARS. ‘NEVER CALL A CRUISE SHIP A BOAT’ IS ONE OF HIS FAMOUS SAYINGS. BUT HE ALSO HAS A FEW OTHER INTERESTING BRAINTEASERS UP HIS SLEEVE. ONE EXAMPLE IS

PM: I know, we need to learn to accept this, but not ignore it. A lot of travel agents know our products, but I have to admit that the incentive organisers have remained a bit behind. I think that we need to pay more attention to our communications with this group. Let’s just look at the notion that people have less freedom with a group on a ship. A ship is complex, that’s true, but that does not mean that people can’t implement their own creative activity. Don’t forget there are always new ships being launched on the market that are very much more designed to meet client demands. Another issue that comes up is paying deposits. I know that a certain shipping company asks for 25 Euro per person as a deposit to avoid people blocking cabins a long time ahead. That’s not a lot. But yet again, we need to learn to communicate about all these points in more detail. Do you know that 40% of the turnover of Cruise Connection comes from groups? So there is still a great future for cruise incentives! And those who ﬁnd freedom to be so important have an alternative – it’s one that costs a bit more – and that is to charter ships. Then as a company, you can be your own captain. MV: Which trends do you feel are important?

PM: If we say that an average cruise lasts seven nights, then we are seeing a shift to shorter and

longer cruises. Three to four days for an incentive programme or city-trip style outing. And there are now cruises lasting ten days and longer for people who ﬁnd seven days too short. That’s something new! MV: Are there cruise destinations that you really love?

PM: Alaska! So beautiful! Flora and fauna, ice and glaciers, light and air. PEACE! When you are on a ship you see things with other eyes. You see so much more. Unbelievably beautiful! MV: A cruise as a motivator, a reward and an image builder: can you just describe the driving forces behind each deﬁnition.

PM: I can put everything into one single description: romance, safety and prestige. That’s actually the greatest content of an incentive these days. MV: Just one more question. If I ask members of the public in the street: ‘If I say ‘cruise’, what comes to mind?’ Most people think of eating lots of food and getting fat!

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

HIS EXERCISE ABOUT WAKING HOURS! INTERVIEW MARCEL A.M.VISSERS, EDITOR IN CHIEF

MV: During the Round Table discussion with

People think: there is no room for freedom and creativity on board Reply: ‘See my account of the number of waking hours on board!’ Example of a 7-night cruise on board the Royal Caribbean International ‘Voyager of the Seas’ represented in Belgium and Luxemburg by Cruise Connection nv.

members of the Cruise & Ferry World we found a great deal of enthusiasm. As chairman do you share this optimistic view of cruises in general and in particular with regards to incentives?

PM: Absolutely. Cruises are very successful, or should I say they are sailing along. This means that sales and demands are coming in at a regular pace. That applies to all the shipping companies. We are seeing a growth of between 15 and 20%. In fact what we see now is the snowball effect from the efforts we made earlier. The seeds we sowed – information, workshops, ship visits, interviews – are all beginning to yield their fruits. There is a new generation of young people who have discovered cruises from their parents. They are much less prejudiced about them. They are now a lot less unknown and unloved.

DATE 19/07/08 20/07/08 21/07/08 22/07/08 23/07/08 24/07/08 25/07/08 26/07/08 1

HARBOUR Barcelona, Spain Villefranche1, France Livorno2, Italy Civitavecchia3, Italy Naples4, Italy Palermo, Italy At sea Barcelona, Spain

ARRIVAL 10h00 07h00 07h00 07h00 07h00

DEPARTURE 19h00 19h00 19h00 19h00 19h00 19h00

06h00

Villefranche: access port for the Côte d’Azur; Monaco, Nice, Cannes, etc.

Livorno: access port for Tuscany and Florence and Pisa for instance

Civitavecchia: access port for Rome among others

Naples: the city, but also Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii

Examples of themes: pizza, maﬁa, vespa, casino, pasta, shopping, glitter & glamour, Ferrari, Grand Prix, yachts, etc. Number of ‘waking’ hours during this cruise: 08h00 (get up) – 24h00 (go to sleep) = 16 hours per day x 6 days = 96 hours During 7-night cruise with one day at sea: 96 ‘waking’ hours, during 57 of which the ship is in port (approxima-

MV: And if I ask incentive organisers about Cruises as incentives they are always rather MIMmagazine 32

tely 60% of the time). Time and space enough therefore to let yourself go doing individual and creative things, at no less than ﬁve (six if you count the departure location) different destinations.

MIM> CRUISES ROUND TABLE

ROUND TABLE FOR CRUISE COMPANIES ARE THERE RIGHT CRUISE SHIPS FOR INCENTIVE ORGANISERS? WITH ALMOST THE REGULARITY OF A CAPTAIN’S WATCH, WE INFORM COMPANIES ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES AVAILABLE FOR USING A CRUISE AS AN INCENTIVE. WE WANT TO GIVE PRACTICAL INFO TO OUR READERS, SO WE WANT TO KNOW: DO THE CRUISE COMPANIES HOST MANY INCENTIVES ON BOARD OF THEIR SHIPS? AND WHAT’S THE MARKET SHARE OF INCENTIVE CRUISES? INTERVIEW MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND STEVEN KINS

to your choice you can create the classical or the modern sea experience, mini cruises or sea trips. You can’t compare it to cruises with their typical shows at all. The Norwegian coastline is an attraction by itself, sometimes even night activities are possible in daylight, in midsummer. There’s a great demand for the route Oslo-Trondheim-Bergen.

FLEXIBILITY ON BOARD MIM: A lot of incentive agencies say: what a hassle to organize incentive trips on a cruise ship.

Olivia van der Ghinst - Star Clippers: Cruises are starting to get into fashion but there’s also a lot of fear involved because it’s unfamiliar. Riet Goetschalckx - Cruise Plus: Incentive houses are afraid to hand over things, they think they’ll be unable to be completely creative. They are not aware that - although we have fixed hours and fixed locations - a lot is possible. van der Ghinst: It should be comparable to a hotel-based programme, so the personal touch is very important for incentive houses because the client expects that, and we have to keep it that way. Depending on the requests we get, we can have some branding aboard, exclusive excursions or competitions. Star Clippers is very flexible; we even offer menus and people can choose excursions a la carte. Goetschalckx: Of course, a smaller ship is easier to charter and personalize than a bigger one. Gregory Lamoot - SeaDream Yacht Club: 40% of the ships are chartered, the rest is FIT business. The ship can even be painted in the colours of the company! Robert Pascual - Costa Cruises: We may have large ships, but communication is very easy with us, for instance in the newspaper on board or through the TV screens. The lounge or even excursions can be personalised, so a lot is possible, even on a big ship. Goetschalckx: What does the company want to achieve? That’s the main question. For instance, they want to give their top salesmen a great feeling, but these people are also competitors, so they should be able to do things together but also separately. Gregory Lamoot: I remember a son who rented the whole ship for his father and his mo-

MOST OF OUR REQUESTS COME FROM INCENTIVE HOUSES AND ABOUT 30% COMES DIRECTLY FROM CLIENTS Olivia van der Ghinst - Star Clippers

ther could pick the route. Gualtiero Togneri - MSC Cruises: Indeed, large can also be ﬂexible. We organised an incentive for the people of Cola. They had 200 people on board on a total of 3000 passengers. They were the ﬁrst to get off the ship, had excursions cut down to size, and we only served Cola brands. The advantage is that there are so many rooms that you can work with different groups at the same time.

MIM: I can feel more ﬂexibility...

Van der Ghinst: Probably because of the experiences we’ve already had, we worked together with more incentive bureaus and listen to their requests. Claes: Cruise people used to be more stubborn, but nowadays the world’s more open and ﬂexibility is the only way to meet the client’s wishes.

INCENTIVE HOUSES ARE NOT AWARE THAT - ALTHOUGH WE HAVE FIXED HOURS AND FIXED LOCATIONS - A LOT IS POSSIBLE Riet Goetschalckx - Cruise Plus

You only have to organise so that you don’t disturb the other passengers. Personalization is also possible on large ships and can even be cheaper than on smaller ships. Josée Claes - Bureau Scandinavia: We tra-

MIM: Is there a growing demand from incentive bureaus?

Togneri: They send requests a bit quicker now, but we’re always in competition with an on shore proposition.

CRUISE PEOPLE USED TO BE MORE STUBBORN, BUT NOWADAYS THE WORLD’S MORE OPEN AND FLEXIBILITY IS THE ONLY WAY TO MEET THE CLIENT’S WISHES Josée Claes - Bureau Scandinavia:

vel alongside the Norwegian coast and we also have activities on land, in 39 harbours. People can get off in harbour 1 and hop on in harbour 2, so we can offer another service. There are 11 ships a day and according

Claes: It’s also because of the younger image of a cruise. Ten years ago, cruises were only for the rich people. Lamoot: Travel bureaus are more interested but the incentive bureaus don’t get the mes-

MIMmagazine 33

MIM> CRUISES ROUND TABLE

COMPANIES HAVE CUT THEIR BUDGETS. NOW TRIPS ONLY LAST 2 TO 4 DAYS INSTEAD OF 10 Gregory Lamoot - SeaDream Yacht Club

sage and stay behind with their requests. Goetschalckx: We get more requests directly from companies. Incentive bureaus are not coming to us, they don’t see the potential. Togneri: Often, incentive houses have never been on a cruise themselves. We invited 50 of them but only one person accepted the invitation... Togneri: Most of the time, there’s only one point of address so a lot of info is lost underway and the eventual decision maker doesn’t get the message and thinks: not a cruise? Goetschalckx: That’s right, you can give as much information as you want... Van der Ghinst: Most of our requests come from incentive houses and about 30% comes directly from clients. Sometimes it’s difﬁcult to get all the incentive houses together on one trip but most of them can say, whenever they give a quote: can we come by for one or two days to get an idea? Goetschalckx: The product sells itself or doesn’t sell at all. Togneri: And someone who’s been on a incentive convinces the client afterwards.

PEOPLE ONLY GO ON INCENTIVES FOR 3 TO 4 DAYS SO WE OFTEN HAVE TO CUT A 7-DAY TRIP IN HALF Robert Pascual - Costa Cruises

NOW INCENTIVES ARE ALSO AIMED AT THE FAMILY AND ON A CRUISE, IT COSTS A LOT LESS TO BRING ALONG YOUR PARTNER Gualtiero Togneri - MSC Cruises

SOME AGENCIES SEND A REQUEST TWO MONTHS BEFOREHAND LIKE FOR AN ON SHORE PROGRAMME, AND THEN IT’S HARD TO EXPLAIN THAT EVERYTHING IS PLANNED TWO YEARS BEFORE Kim Serron - Navicruise

DESTINATION TRENDS Lamoot: We have two destinations: The Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The airports are important: Nice, Barcelona, Rome... and should be close to the harbour of departure. There’s also a maximum of 110 persons because of the ﬂights. Kim Serron - Navicruise: I can also stress the Mediterranean. We had three ships but because of the demand we brought in another two. Japan and New Zealand have joined our list for the long trips. Some agencies send a request two months beforehand like for an on shore programme, and then it’s hard to explain that everything is planned two years before. Van der Ghinst: That type of requests is easier for large vessels. We go to Athens, the eastern Mediterranean and Croatia is deﬁnitely worth visiting. Hotels and other facilities are not so great there, which makes a cruise a perfect alternative to explore the region. We can also offer attractive rates for French MIMmagazine 34

Polynesia. You can compare it to China and Australia budget-wise so it’s an exclusive destination. Pascual: We also offer the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and also the Far East, Mauritius but people only go on incentives for 3 to 4 days so we have to cut a 7-day trip in half. We have smaller groups of 50 to 70 people as well. Claes: Of course, we stay in Norway for our trips. You don’t need nice weather, you need the appropriate weather for your destination. Goetschalckx: I noticed a huge change: it used to be Alaska and Montréal, so that were longer ﬂights AND longer trips, now it can only be for 3 to 4 days and sometimes they even prefer 2... It’s a shame that many destinations are left untouched. That’s why the Mediterranean is an asset: you can go there on a short trip, you get nice weather and it’s nearby.

WHAT ABOUT THE COST? MIM: There’s a lot of prejudice about the cost of a cruise incentive.

Togneri: We can compete with hotels. A while ago, companies used to travel further and further away, making it more expensive, while nowadays they ﬂy to the Mediterranean almost for free, which makes a cruise at a competitive price possible. Lamoot: Companies have cut their budgets. Now trips only last 2 to 4 days instead of 10. Goetschalckx: Many of our guests want top luxury in a short amount of time. Togneri: Incentives used to be cut to size for the person in the company, now it’s also aimed at the family. On a cruise, it costs a lot less to bring along your partner. Claes: A while back, people went to one destination for three weeks, but with our hectic lives, travellers went on shorter trips, also in regular tourism.

Incentives, seminaries, conventions

IN VOGUE

All aboard… to the open sea! All the charms of a trip, without the transfers or the lloss time. The infrastructure of a grand hotel hotel. of time And the incomparable emotion that is evoked by the sea, the ports… An incentive cruise is a must: there is nothing better to create an event! “By deﬁnition: an event has to stand out, be exceptional in all of its aspects… Therefore it is not that surprising that the cruise is such a success. On a ship, you loosen the rope. The change of scene and the simplicity of organisation combined with a very attractive rate for an all-inclusive package are seducing. Beyond the impact, the conﬁguration of our liners offers the ideal infrastructure: everything takes place in one unique setting, with a very professional service and staff, which allows a perfectly regular timing. All our clients agree on this point: no loss of time, only good times! Whether it’s all about stimulating the sales, winning the loyalty of your associates or organising your annual convention: the cruise is truly incomparable.”

Minicruise, maximum impact The event: 900 franchisers gathered for their annual Convention aboard the Costa Serena, the latest newborn of the Costa ﬂeet. Day 1: Informative meeting, opening of the Convention, welcome drink, casino evening and disco. Day 2: Plenary convention, stopover in Barcelona and excursion ashore, Captain’s drink and gala evening. Day 3: Work meetings in subcommittees and stopover at Ajaccio. Night on board. Day 4: End of this unique experience, good work, the teams are motivated and united. Mission accomplished!

“The incentive cruise has the wind in its sails and guarantees unique experiences and memories”

Create the event • Ships with up-market infrastructures: Costa Cruises puts a fleet of the latest generation at your disposal and offers you more then 500 destinations. • Mini cruises of 3, 4 or 5 days. Organised in the Mediterranean with specific logistics and programs, they respond to all your needs: incentives, seminaries, congresses, events, etc. • 30 to 3000 persons: the programs are delivered all inclusive and organised with extreme precision. And all along your event, you will enjoy the benefit of a unique interlocutor. • Tailor-made solutions to respond to all your questions and to personalise your events. • Entirely private spaces: salons, restaurants, conference rooms or theatres… Everything for an optimal comfort in order to ideally mix work and pleasure. • Set course for excellence with Costa For a personalised proposition or any information, contact your travel agent or : incentive be.costa.it www.costacruises.be 02 506 11 11

Soon in 2009 : 2 new ships with high technology equipment!

MIM> CRUISE CONNECTION

CRUISE CONNECTION INCENTIVE AND CRUISING: THE PERFECT MATCH! IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO FIND THE RIGHT INCENTIVE, CONFERENCE OR MEETING VENUE TO REWARD AND INSPIRE YOUR STAFF OR CUSTOMERS. AND WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE MOTIVATING THAN GOING ON A CRUISE WITH US? THE INNOVATIVE FLEET OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN BOASTS 21 SHIPS, THE MODERN CELEBRITY FLEET HAS 8 SHIPS AND AZAMARA CRUISES OFFERS TWO SMALLER SISTER SHIPS. OUR CRUISES DISCOVER THE WORLD: ALASKA, THE CARIBBEAN, THE MEDITERRANEAN, MEXICAN RIVIERA, NORDIC FJORDS, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND YES, EVEN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.

The ideal way to turn your incentive into a successful trip: - instead of staying in one place, your ship will call at different ports; - our crew will offer you a personal service: your cabin steward makes sure that your cabin stays perfect and the barman remembers your favourite cocktail; - all ships dispose of all facilities of any land based hotel - and even more; - a whole range of activities: art auctions, comedy, broadway, disco...

During a trip on board of our ships is included: - your cabin and sea transport; - meals and 24 hour cabin service; - entertainment; - meeting rooms and material; - a group coordinator. If required, we can personalise your cruise with give-aways in the cabin and pre-paid drinks, so you get a complete all-in formula and you can keep your budget better under control. Incentive trips are an important part of our business. A key point is our skill to understand and communicate your needs quickly and efﬁciently. Do not hesitate to contact us for any further requests.

Cruise Connection nv/sa De Damhouderestraat 15 B-2018 Antwerpen T: +32 (0)3 226.43.03 - F: +32 (0)3 226.42.35 E: info@cruiseconnection.be W: www.cruiseconnection.be

Welcome to the World’s Best To experience the Crystal Diﬀerence, contact your Preferred Crystal Cruises Agent in Belgium

Cruise Plus Voted World’s best more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history

Grote Markt 72, Sint-Niklaas Phone: 03 780 76 60 E-mail: info@cruiseplus.be Or visit www.cruiseplus.be (www.crystalcruises.com)

E ver t hought o f a n i ncentive a t s ea ? MSC Cruises invites you day after day to see things from another point of view: colleagues, customers and partners will be different, more spontaneous and direct in an environment that prioritizes well-being and fitness. And this renewed energy will enhance the success of your business, allowing you to tackle it with the same energy of athletes, but with the peace of mind of anyone who feels in perfect shape. Enjoy your meals while doing business. Regional and international dishes, tasty specialties and premium class service will make you savor the magic of being “tempted” by food. Business meals, gala dinners and evening buffers, available on MSC Cruises’ ships, offer a special blend of dishes, meetings and opportunity that are worth savoring to the full.

Incentive holidays organized by MSC Cruises are designed to satisfy and meet the specific needs of your human resources. The life and events organized on board will reinforce the links of your team. Chatting next to the pool, playing a mini golf game, taking part in an excursion or learning a new dance step are perfect opportunities to strengthen relationships and consolidate team work and corporate identity. When it comes to business, nothing can be left to chance. We know very well how important it is to carefully account for even the smallest detail. Our experience, style, absolute seriousness and professionalism offer you the warranties you need. At the end of the incentive, you will certainly notice how your image has been reinforced by the unforgettable and unique experience you have enabled your guests to experience.

If you require any further information, please contact MSC Cruises : 02/334.94.64 - info@msccruises.be

www.msccruises.be

MIM> BUSINESS CLASS

DURABLE EVENTS IN MOROCCO BUSINESS CLASS HAS BEEN A WELL KNOWN MOROCCAN DMC FOR OVER 15 YEARS. AS A REAL STRATEGIC AGENCY SPECIALIZED IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY,

customer to all of the inhabitants, an activity or assembly with the children in the schoolyard carried out by all of the participants. Other options are currently under way, such as education about renewable energy and water supply.

THEY OPERATE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. FOR INCENTIVES, SEMINARS, PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND ALSO FOR ALL CLIENT’S ENDLESS IDEAS, THEY HAVE THE KNOWHOW TO BRING PROJECTS INTO LIFE. THEIR MOTTO IS: WE HAVE IDEAS, LET’S SHARE THEM! A WHOLE SELECTION OF LUXURY BIVOUAC CAMPS, HOTEL BOUTIQUES AND CHARMING RIADS ARE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED.

This agency is not afraid of reinventing itself: thanks to new software, their working methods are adapted to people’s current lifestyle, allowing to send an attractive and practical Powerpoint presentation to the incentive agencies. ‘In the same way,’ adds Samuel Régnier - Director of Business Class, ‘our customer-agencies will from now on have private access to our Internet, for example to download an invoice or to obtain various tools of assistance, animations, video clips, etc.’ For more information, contact and meet us at EIBTM in Barcelona on World of DMC’s stand. As a real agency specialized in the meetings industry, Business Class covers the whole territory. To anticipate the tendencies and the market trends, to innovate, create emotion, the single event, it is there that the essence of their savoir-faire resides. Business Class invests in a permanent way, in the research and the development of new resources. The more daring the ideas of customers are, the more the creativity and the talent of the team are stimulated. 2008 will be a year of great innovations and durable events… Business Class has chosen to concentrate on durable development in Morocco and thus to develop responsible initiatives. But the objective is also to allure a public that is already an expert in the destination and seeking innovation. MIMmagazine 38

THE CONCEPT OF RESPONSIBLE INCENTIVES The idea is to be able to suggest clients to contribute to the realization of an action which has a direct and notable impact on the daily lives of the populations they have met. Several options were launched and a ﬁrst programme was born.

IMMERSED IN BERBER GROUND… Business Class proposes a programme which can be broken down into several modules according to the manpower of the group, its proﬁle, the time granted to this activity, etc. In a few words: a departure in a 4x4 from Marrakech to the Atlas and its surprising landscapes, a nice little walk, an arrival in a Berber village, a convivial and strong meeting with the children, the teachers and the inhabitants of the village, a lunch offered by the

Contact: Samuel REGNIER Managing Director T: +212 (0) 24 44 84 09 F: +212 (0) 24 44 85 03 sregnier@businessclass.ma www.businessclass.ma

MIM> GENEVA

THE SMALLEST OF THE BIG CITIES A PERFECT LOCATION IN THE VERY HEART OF EUROPE The city is situated on the banks of Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva, at the mouth of the Rhone River and is bordered by the Jura Mountains to the west and the French Alps in the east. Geneva is ideally situated to maximize delegate’s attendance from Switzerland, Europe and the rest of the world.

GENEVA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

FREE GENEVA TRANSPORT CARD

The Geneva International Airport offers direct regular ﬂights to over 100 international destinations.

Every visitor spending one night in one of the city’s hotels receives a free Geneva Transport Card with validity for the entire

FLIGHTS FROM GENEVA

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland with 185,431 inhabitants. It is also the capital of the Swiss Canton of Geneva. The city prides itself on being one of the most beautiful and cultured cities in the world, combining the splendours of nature with a rich palette of historic and architectural offerings. Geneva is often described as the ‘smallest of the big cities’. It provides everything a European metropolis can offer without the drawbacks of distance, travelling time, pollution or chaotic urban planning. Today, Geneva’s humanitarian role and activities are more important than ever and the city is widely recognized as the city of peace and of major international organisations such as the United Nations Organization (UNO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Ofﬁce (ILO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), etc.

FLIGHTS NETWORK

Scheduled Airlines In addition, a number of specialized bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), give Geneva a major role in the development of technical standards and copyright law. Geneva has been a cultural centre for many centuries and home to many creative spirits in the ﬁelds of science and art.

ONE OF THE SAFEST CITY IN THE WORLD Geneva scores highest on the safety and stability front. Potential visitors will be pleased to learn that Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

MIMmagazine 40

European Non-European

Scheduled Destinations Europe Intercontinental

49 33 16

104 80 24

Highest Weekly Frequencies 238 x London (LHR,LGW,LCY, LTN, STN) 81 x Paris (CDG, ORY) 63 x Zurich 56 x Brussels 53 x Munich 52 x Amsterdam 48 x Frankfurt 42 x Madrid

duration of the stay for unlimited use of the entire public transportation network, covering trams, buses, local trains as well as yellow taxi boats operated by the Society des Mouettes Genevoises. This includes the transfer with public transportations from / to the airport. Since January 2008, an 80 minutes free public transport card is offered to all passengers arriving in Geneva by plane.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES Geneva has 2 main conference centres: - The International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) is equipped with the latest technical facilities and its variable geometry

MIM> GENEVA

now gives great organisational ﬂexibility, making it possible to hold either a single large conference (2200 delegates), two or three smaller simultaneous meetings (rooms for 1000, 750, 225 and 225 delegates). There are 20 additional rooms in the centre. - Geneva Palexpo is located only 4 km from the city centre & its lakeshore and only 500 meters from the airport. It is one of Switzerland’s largest, fully-integrated, international exhibition and conference centres (exhibition space: 102’000 sqm / 1’010’000 sq.ft).

Savoie

UN Building Water Fountain

Meeting planners will be able to ﬁnd accommodation to suit a group of almost any size. Geneva has a total capacity of 130 hotels ranging from 1* to 5***** with over 9200 bedrooms. CICG Congress Hall

HOTEL MEETING CAPACITIES

AVAILABLE (SELF CONTAINED / UNDER ‘1 ROOF’)

CATEGORIES

1000 – 1600

3 hotels

5★★★★★

500 – 1000

5 hotels

4★★★★ and 5★★★★★

300 – 500

9 hotels

4★★★★ and 5★★★★★

150 – 300

16 hotels

From 3★★★ to 5★★★★★

15 - 150

25 hotels

From 3★★★ to 5★★★★★

SOCIAL EVENTS & EXCURSION POSSIBILITIES

welcoming and prestigious hall and auditorium in the heart of Geneva which can easily host up to 1000 guests.

GALA EVENING AND RECEPTIONS Geneva offers a large choice of prestigious venues for gala events. For example:

GRAND THÉÂTRE The Geneva Opera House, with its imposing 19th century facade, faces one of Geneva’s main squares and parks. It can host in its elegant premises gala dinners for 270 persons and receptions for up to 450 persons.

ARIANA MUSEUM Completed in 1884, The Ariana Museum with its palatial Italian architecture is situated in the very heart of the neighbourhood of the international institutions, next to the United Nations. The museum was built to present collections of ceramics and glass. Surrounded by a park, the Ariana Museum is an elegant venue to host either a gala dinner or a cocktail for up to 200 persons.

Ariana Museum

BÂTIMENT DES FORCES MOTRICES (BFM) This motionless vessel was erected in 1886 directly on an artiﬁcial island in the river Rhône in order to supply Geneva’s households with drinking water and also to regulate the water-level of the lake. This beautiful building has been changed into a

FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

For more information, please contact:

Geneva has more than 1,100 restaurants and offers an extremely varied choice of cuisine from all over the world. Geneva currently offers 7 restaurants awarded with Michelin stars.

Geneva Tourism & Convention Bureau T: +41 (22) 909 70 70 gvacb@geneva-tourism.ch or see www.geneva-tourism.ch

MIMmagazine 41

MIM> LUXEMBOURG

LUXEMBOURG: COOL COUNTRY, HOT INCENTIVES YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO VERY FAR TO BE COOL. IN FACT, LUXEMBOURG IS ONLY A FEW HOURS FROM BELGIUM BY CAR OR BY TRAIN AND OFFERS AN ARRAY OF INTERESTING ACTIVITIES TO DO. SITUATED AT THE CROSSROADS OF LATIN AND GERMANIC CULTURES, THE COUNTRY PROVIDES AN EXTREMELY VARIED AND STIMULATING LIFE, IN EVERY AREA YOU DESIRE, WHETHER YOU FEEL IN A GREEN MOOD, IN SHAPE OR IN NEED OF WINE OR INTELLECTUAL FOOD. MULTILINGUAL - EVERYBODY SPEAKS FOUR LANGUAGES: FRENCH, GERMAN, ENGLISH AND LUXEMBOURGISH -, WITH AN OPEN SPIRIT, IT COULD BE A NICE PLACE TO BRING A GROUP OF PEOPLE WISHING TO DO A DIFFERENT KIND OF INCENTIVE. WHY NOT TRY IT? TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ

FOR THE MIND Incentive trips do not necessarily mean running in the jungle like Rambo. Journeys can sometimes have something to offer to the mind. The modest size of Luxembourg stands in sharp contrast to its lively cultural scene, connected with a rich historical heritage. In fact, Luxembourg City as well as the country as a whole (the second smallest one in the world after Malta!) ﬁnds it hard to stand at a standstill. I was personally impressed by one cultural meeting point: the abbey of Neumünster, situated in the Grund, at the bottom of Luxembourg City. An ancient prison and abbey, it was refurbished in 2004 and is now the home of the Cultural Routes programme. The initial concept was to demonstrate in a visible way, by means of a journey in space and time, how the heritage of the different countries of Europe represented a shared cultural heritage. This programme is all about giving pride of place to cultural tourism, with a view to sustainable development. At the moment they are trying to promote their efforts to the MICE industry. MIMmagazine 42

It could indeed be an interesting and original way for an incentive group to discover Luxembourg.

the end on the movie credits. A nice initiative that makes you feel like a star!

Downtown, incentive house Events&More organizes popular ‘urban safaris’. The goal is to discover Luxembourg City as if it was the ﬁrst time. It is a kind of treasure hunt ﬁlled with mysteries and anecdotes, far from the traditional guided tour of the city. People are divided into 10-person groups and they have to get involved by taking up challenges, answering questions, solving mysteries. Learning here is like a game: at the end of the day, you will know more about Luxembourg City than your own hometown!

FOR THE BODY

For those who like movies, Meetincs elaborated a different kind of team-building based on acting and directing. Here you will not only see how a short length movie is produced but you will be part of it, behind and in front of the camera. Several teams are given a script, then they record different shots in various locations and gather later on to view the result of their team work. Each person receives a DVD and their names appear at

An incentive trip can definitely be a time to relax or to get in shape. On the 40 hectare park of the Domaine Thermal of Mondorfles-Bains, at the heart of the Moselle, you can plunge into the sources of well-being and visit Mondorf Wellness, with its range of treatments, Mondorf Le Club, a fitness and watering centre, Mondorf Les Thermes, a centre for thermal cures. Patrick Le Meur, Mondorf Parc Hôtel Manager, says: ‘Our facilities allow us to welcome any kind of incentive groups. The Domaine is so big that it offers many possibilities regarding team-building activities.’ After relaxing, you can definitely go to the Mullerthal region, Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland and Lower Sure, rightly considered by hikers as a real paradise. With its bizarre rock formations, its peculiar geology and its marvellous views, the landscape provides an inten-

MIM> LUXEMBOURG

sive perception of nature. Well marked routes as well as circuits form an interesting hiking net. The new Mullerthal Trail of 100 km, which opened last autumn, is a real treat for all fans of nature: it offers all the scenic peculiarities of the region. Of course, incentive houses there have a lot of great ideas. If you like nature and challenges, event designer New Spirit just created - among many other activities obviously - a brand new adventure park located in the woods of Moulin in Altwies. A unique experience in Europe, it is a two-by-two course combining sport activities with team-building. Indeed, a group can be divided into couples ready to walk in the trees. No one can go forward or even move without the help of his sports mate. Talk about team-building!

Mondorf

FOR THE MOUTH An incentive trip in Luxembourg would not be quite complete without some kind of gastronomical experience. As they say about food there, they have quality like the French and quantity like the Germans! If you don’t have an appetite like Gargantua, you can make a stop at the Villeroy&Boch factory, near the Château des Septfontaines on the outskirts of Luxembourg City. They offer what they call ‘attractive incentives’: a visit of the factory could be a good way to make your mouth water just thinking about what you’re going to put on those plates and in those cups! As for wine, Luxembourg was, until England produced wines, the smallest and coolest wine-producing area of Europe. The Grand Duchy grows Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, all of which are produced as varietal wines. There is also a Crémant de Luxembourg, which many experts agree is like a very good champagne. All of these wines can be enjoyed during group tastings. I was lucky enough to visit the Maison Schmit-Fohl in Ahn, where Nathalie Reckinger, of the Commission promoting wines and crémants, told us all about the quality of wines in Luxembourg.

Villeroy & Boch

New Spirit adventure park

Make your dream event a success

Incentive house Emotion had another great idea I got a taste of while staying at the Grand Hôtel Alfa Luxembourg and its reﬁned brasserie that will be completely refurbished next year. With wine and cheese expert Christian Marteau, they created a playful tasting of various wines and cheeses that go along particularly well together. It is a nice thing to do for all wine lovers eager to discover the mysteries of Luxembourg’s wine-growing culture that goes back to thousands of year. Contact: Olivier Barbieux o.barbieux@visitluxembourg.be Annette Declerck-Gaspard info@visitluxembourg.be

Ofﬁce du Tourisme du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg 75 Avenue de Cortenbergh 1000 Bruxelles T: +32 (0)2 646 03 70 F: +32 (0)2 648 61 00 www.visitluxembourg.be

87 ROUTE DE LUXEMBOURG - L.7240 BERELDANGE TEL. +352 26 33 26 96 EMAIL. INFO@EVENTSANDMORE.LU

MIM> DMC

DMC’S TAKE THE FLOOR MIM CAN OFFER YOU ALL KINDS OF DESTINATIONS, BUT WHAT DO THE DMC’S HAVE TO SAY FOR THEMSELVES. SEE IF THEY CAN CONVINCE YOU TO COME AND ENJOY THEIR DESTINATION.

BYZANTIUM, ISTINPOLIN, CONSTANTINOPLE... WHATEVER NAME YOU WANT TO GIVE, ISTANBUL HAS A STYLE THAT COMPARES TO NO OTHER METROPOLIS; A STYLE THAT WILL DEFINITELY TRIGGER THE ‘WOW EFFECT’ OF THE MOST INDULGED OF TOP PERFORMERS. Karin Paquay – Senior Partner DMT Destination Management Turkey

THE POWERFUL SUN, THE MYSTERIOUS MOONLIGHT, THE COLOURFUL CITIES ARE COMPLETED BY THE SOUND OF THE OCEAN AND THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE! PORTUGAL – A COUNTRY MADE OF DIVERSITY AND PASSION! Marta Soares and João Moreira - DMP Events Portugal

WITH AN URBAN BEACH - COMPLETE WITH LUXURIOUS BEACH HUTS, A COURSE THAT TIGER TAMED AND A ‘NAKED’ GARDENER, THE GROVE IS A GROOVY GRAND DESTINATION WITH A QUIRKY AND OFTEN HUMOROUS OUTLOOK, FAVOURED BY THE MOST DISCERNING GUEST - LONDON’S COUNTRY ESTATE WITH A TWIST. Emma Maguire - The Grove

NYC: CELEBRATED IN COUNTLESS SONGS, FEATURED IN ENDLESS MOVIES AND BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM EVERY ANGLE. A VIBRANT CITY BURSTING WITH CREATIVITY, AMBITION, ADRENALIN. AND, NOW, A WEAK CURRENCY. WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE? Ina Lee Selden - Manhattan Passport

BELLA ITALIA: SOME THINK OF THE PENINSULA AS ONE LONG VINEYARD SURROUNDED BY BLUE WATERS. FOR OTHERS THE IMAGES ARE OF FRESCOES AND DOMES. STILL OTHER CHERISH MEMORIES OF CUISINE, LAUGHTER AND THE FREEDOM TO DO NOTHING AT ALL. Nadia Colaiuda & Patrizia Rapisarda - Rendezvous Italiano

BULLFIGHTS AND GRAND PRIX, PRADO AND GUGGENHEIM, FLAMENCO AND JAZZ. SPAIN IS NO LONGER A COUNTRY OF CLICHÉS, BUT A FASCINATING MIXTURE OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. José Miguel Gimeno - MT Global

A VISIT TO CYPRUS IS A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CENTURIES: FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE EGYPTIANS, GREEKS, TURKS, ROMANS, OTTOMANS, VENETIANS AND OTHERS WHO FILLED THIS SMALL, 9.000 SQ. MILE ISLAND WITH ENDURING TRACES OF THEIR CIVILIZATIONS. Pambos Solomonides - A.D.A. Travelscope

L U Créateur d'é d'événements événements depuis 1996 X Congrès, Incentives, Teambuilding à Luxembourg et sa Grande Région. MeeTincS, c’est une équipe de professionnels à votre écoute, qui met E son savoir-faire à votre service. M Mais MeeTincS, c’est aussi la création de concepts innovants et exclusifs, een matière de Teambuilding : B CASINO , le casino des vins, Chasse Œnologique, dans les Caves Saint Martin, O Acteur d’un Jour, tournage d’un court métrage, Geocaching dans la ville, découvrez Luxembourg autrement,... U Faire confiance à MeeTincS c’est vous garantir le succès de votre R événement en alliant efficacité, encadrement et logistique. G MeeTincS, la pièce essentielle à la réussite de votre événement by MeeTincS

&NF FSWFJMMFNFOU FU QMB BJTJS E EFT TFOT

100 km Trail 100 % nature

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MIM> POLAND

LET’S MEET IN POLAND! Traveling by air from Brussels, you find a good partner in LOT Polish Airlines, who flies to all below mentioned cities in international or national connections. The comfortable and short transport enables to discover Polish regions through diversified programs: is it survival in nature, traditional country style, design, music or contemporary art, you won’t be disappointed. In this way you can find yourself as a Casanova in Warsaw, back in time, in love with a famous actress, for whom you have to duel with the aristocrat Branicki. Or you can be invited to lunch by the Polish King in the ‘Castle on the Water’ in Lazienki Park. What about becoming a Polish worker, rebuilding the capital stone by stone after war ravages? Gdansk is a strong contender to a top place on the list of Poland’s major conference & incentive venues. The city of Gdansk, the adjacent seaside spa of Sopot and the harbor city of Gdynia form an urban sprawl called Tricity. For many centuries in the cozy streets of Gdansk jewelers have been famous for their amber jewelry, set in gold or silver. In the region of Gdansk, you’ll experience some nocturnal adventures in the Malbork Castle, as if the Teutonic Knights still lived there. To the east of Gdansk, in the region of Warmia-Mazury, you suddenly become part of the Pirates of the Great lakes, in the quest of the Amber Room. Or you’re being introduced in the rituals of the Gal Indian tribes, that inhabited the region in the Middle Ages. More to the east, you discover the real treasures of Polish nature, Europe’s largest natural marshland habitat along the Biebrza River. Or you’ll stand eye in eye with the European Bison in Bialowieza National Park (listed by Unesco).

POLAND IS A 1000 YEAR OLD COUNTRY, ONE OF THE LARGEST IN CENTRAL EUROPE (312.000 SQ KM) WITH A POPULATION OF ALMOST 39 MILLION AND A WIDE RANGE OF HISTORIC CASTLES, LUXURIOUS PALACES AND PRECIOUS NATIONAL PARKS. POLAND IS ALSO THE HEART OF EUROPE’S HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT: GUESTS APPRECIATE ITS WARM WELCOME, TRADITIONAL CUISINE AND FRIENDLINESS. THE SUPPLY OF HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS IS VERY WELL ADAPTED FOR BUSINESS AND INCENTIVE TRAVELS. LOTS OF BELGIANS EXPERIENCED ALREADY THE ENTHUSIASTIC AND CREATIVE MINDS OF YOUNG DMC’S AND PCO’S OF WARSAW, CRACOW OR WROCLAW.

MIMmagazine 46

Exactly between Warsaw and Gdansk, in the castle of Golub Dobrzyn, you’re awaited for a meeting with the ghost of Princess Anna Vasa, alias the White Lady. Castles, knights, Middle Ages - that’s the atmosphere of this region Kujawsko-Pomorskie - dominated by two red brick cities situated on the Vistula River. Bydgoszcz is a signiﬁcant centre with important events of music and theatre. Torun is the native town of Nicolas Copernicus. It’s a living reserve of gothic architecture. Nowadays it is a university-city and cultural, business and conference centre. Certainly enjoy the treat of Poland’s best meads and the famous Torun gingerbread!

MIM> POLAND

Wielkopolska region and Poznan city are conveniently located in central Poland at the crossroads of many trans-European routes. Po-

znan has been ﬂourishing since ages on trade and industry. Who says Wielkopolska, says horse riding and dining in the old manors and farms. The castle of Rydzyna turns you into a sophisticated aristocrat, unless you prefer the forests in the north of Poznan for some NATO military exercises, driving a real army tank. Don’t ask for the exact location, though, it’s top secret! In the south of the country lies Cracow, jewel on the crown of Poland. Historic buildings, the Royal Wawel complex and dozens of stylish

restaurants, clubs and pubs form the scenery for your charming stay there. How could you - being in the artistic and cultural centre of Poland - resist to a bohemian party in Cracow’s most famous club ‘Piwnica pod Baranami’? Or to assisting to a typical Polish wedding in the underground of the Medieval Salt Mine of Wieliczka? And how would you experience rafting down the river Dunajec in company of the real Highlanders, who breathe the spirit of the Tatra Mountains.

CONTACT: Convention Bureau of Poland www.poland-convention.pl

Polish Tourist Organisation in Brussels www.poland.travel

Interested in best ideas for incentives in Poland ? Contact us to get the manual “Conventions and Incentive Travels Poland” elaborated by Convention Bureau of Poland. tel: 00 32 (0) 2 740 06 20 - e-mail: bruxelles@pot.gov.pl

Your logical choice for traveling to Poland Koszalin Kołobrzeg

Gdansk Bydgoszcz

BRUSSELS

Szczecin

WARSZAWA

Poznan

WROCLAW

DAYS

ORIGIN

DEPARTURE

DESTINATION

ARRIVAL

LO 232 LO 236 LO 234

1234567 123456 123457

Brussels Brussels Brussels

07.50 09.55 19.15

Warsaw Warsaw Warsaw

09.50 11.55 21.15

LO 235 LO 233 LO 231

123456 123457 1234567

Warsaw Warsaw Warsaw

07.05 16.25 19.45

Brussels Brussels Brussels

09.10 18.30 21.50

LO 240 LO 239

.2345.. .2345..

Brussels Wroclaw

11.15 08.25

Wroclaw Brussels

12.55 10.25

LOT Polish Airlines has been present on the Belgian market for almost sixty years. At present, the Polish airline connects Brussels with Warsaw 3 times a day and is offering in addition 4 ﬂights a week to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia. As from his hub – Warsaw Frederic Chopin airport – LOT offers convenient connections through a well-developed network of 10 domestic destinations and as part of the Star Alliance network, we also offer valuable beneﬁts with our Miles and More program.

www.lot.com

Rzeszów

Kraków

Direct connections Bus connections

4505

FLIGHT NUMBER

Katowice

MIM> WROCLAW

WROCLAW AND LOWER SILESIA: WHERE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Wroclaw Opera House

Ossolineum Library

MEETING AND INCENTIVE PLANNERS ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR NEW DESTINATIONS ON THE EUROPEAN MAP. AS IT TURNS OUT, WROCLAW, LOCATED IN LOWER SILESIA, IN THE WESTERN SOUTH OF POLAND, IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THEM. ALMOST HALF WAY BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC, THE

Market Square

wers all along the way: ‘open-minded people’, ‘relaxed and laid-back atmosphere’, ‘sense of openness and hospitality towards newcomers’. Could there be better reasons to give Wroclaw and Lower Silesia a try?

CITY AND THE REGION HAVE ALREADY PROVEN A WORTHY HOST FOR A WIDE-RANGE OF PROMINENT REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS. NOW AS BOOMING AND YOUNG AS THEY ARE, THEY OFFER NUMEROUS INCENTIVE OPTIONS THAT ONE MUST NOT MISS.

TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ

Like many of you, I had trouble locating Wroclaw on a map. Situated strategically between Prague, Warsaw and Berlin, the city actually boasts a transportation network connecting the region with the whole of the continent. On my way from the airport, I found that Poland at first glance seems to distance itself from the stereotypes of the dark communist times. In search of freedom and openness, Wroclaw and Lower Silesia appear to be constantly trying to find the right balance between western modernism and ancestral traditions. Reflecting this ambivalence, Poland’s fourth largest metropolis shows a unique mixture of little streets and grand buildings, of state-ofthe art facilities and ancient venues. Some highlights definitely include the Market Square, the vibrant centre of the city offering MIMmagazine 48

more than 200 restaurants, cafes and pubs in and around, its verdant character with its many parks and open spaces (make sure to check out the fascinating Botanical Garden that was founded in 1811, as well as the Japanese Garden, one of Wroclaw’s residents’ favorite leisure spots) and the university with its lavish Baroque interiors. In fact, what is really striking about Wroclaw is that the youth seems to be everywhere, leading the city toward a bright future, giving it a forward-looking feel. This youthful optimism is almost tangible: in Wroclaw itself, every sixth resident is a student! The consequence of this situation, that is nowhere else to be found in Poland, is easy to understand. Whenever I asked my different hosts what they think is the main asset of the region, I got the same ans-

In terms of incentives ideas, Wroclaw and Lower Silesia offer a wide range of possibilities. While historical sites can serve as the foundation for individual and group travel packages, cultural institutions can become special settings for an engaging social program. Creative planners may also let their imagination go crazy, as the city and the region boast a broad palate of tourism and experience-based leisure time that can be combined to make motivating incentive packages for corporate customers. According to my experience, two things particularly stand out. First, the visit of Cathedral Island, the oldest part of Wroclaw, can be transformed into a rich multicultural experience. High-quality concerts can be integrated at key points during tours along cobblestone streets that echo with the sounds of horse-drawn carriages. Second, the Odra River, with its numerous islands, canals and bridges, provides the ideal setting for relaxed cruises as well as sportier activities like kayaking trips for small and larger groups.

MIM> WROCLAW

ARTANIMA, AN AGENCY LIKE NO OTHER During my stay in Lower Silesia, I was

Pawlik: ‘Lately I have organized a boot

lucky enough to meet with the dynamic

camp where all the women were in charge.

director of one of Wroclaw’s top agencies.

My client wanted to reinforce the sense

Magdalena Pawlik has some interesting

of self-conﬁdence of the women working

insights on what the city and the region

in the company. And it worked beyond my

can offer in terms of incentives.

wildest hopes. The men actually felt comfortable not being the only ones in charge

MIM: What kind of incentives do you

for a while, while the ladies learnt the best

usually organize?

traditional Polish military songs!’

Pawlik: ‘Mostly role-playing games. It is a very good way to solve problems that may

MIM: What would you say to people

have arisen within a company. In these

wondering if they should come to

games, the employee becomes the CEO and

Lower Silesia for an incentive trip?

If you are a bit of an adrenaline seeker, this

the other way around for a short period of

Pawlik: ‘I would tell them that it is a region

is the right place to go – as the name clearly

time, so that each of them can get some

where mysteries are yet to be unveiled.

sets it. Located only 55 minutes away from

perspective! We also help improve commu-

After all, we only started talking about the

Wroclaw, Adrenalina Park offers a wide range

nication between the different services of

history of the country ten years ago, before

of activities that can be prepared for individu-

a given company. We organize motivational

that, there was no interest in it. And many

als as well as organized groups. I was lucky

outdoor activities mixing everyone up. But

things have to be discovered. This search-

enough to try three of them – all of them

putting them in a extreme situation, we al-

ing for mysteries, this historical sense of

were highlights of course.

most force them to get to know each other,

belonging can be integrated into an incen-

so that when they get back, communication

tive trip. And that is what makes the region

runs more smoothly.’

so attractive, along with the openness of its

A few examples: + Outdoor paintball: if you want to take revenge for nasty things some of your

inhabitants of course.’ MIM: What is your best souvenir as an

colleagues may have done to you, this is

WWW.ARTANIMA.PL

incentive planner?

ADRENALINA PARK

definitely the right activity. It may take several hours and includes different scenarios of games on an open-air field. + Zorbing: Securely attached inside a gigantic PVC ball, you roll down the hill. You will find it impossible not to laugh the whole way down. + Quad biking: Probably the most popular activity among groups. Trips can last hours in the beautiful Silesian countryside, just outside the park. + Zip-line: Adrenalina Park boasts the longest zip-line in Poland: 320 metres. Believe

TIMETABLE

www.lot.com

me – it’s an unforgettable experience!

BRUSSELS - WROCLAW FLIGHT N°

FREQUENCY

ORIGIN

DEPARTURE

DESTINATION

ARRIVAL

ROUTING

LO240

.23.5..

Brussels

11.15

Wroclaw

12.55

nonstop

LO236/LO3843

12345.7

Brussels

09.55

Wroclaw

14.15

Via WAW

LO234/LO3849

12345.7

Brussels

19.15

Wroclaw

23.30

Via WAW

WROCLAW - BRUSSELS FLIGHT N°

FREQUENCY

ORIGIN

DEPARTURE

DESTINATION

ARRIVAL

ROUTING

LO239

.23.5..

Wroclaw

08.25

Brussels

10.25

nonstop

LO3844/LO233

12345..

Wroclaw

14.40

Brussels

18.30

Via WAW

LO3848/LO231

12345.7

Wroclaw

18.00

Brussels

21.50

Via WAW

Contact: Lower Silesian Voivodship Regional Ofﬁce in Brussels 22-28 Avenue d’Auderghem 1040 Brussels T: +32 (2) 740 27 26 - ofﬁce@lowersilesia.pl Convention Bureau Wroclaw Ul. Wystawowo 1 - 51-618 Wroclaw - Poland T: +48 71 347 51 87 - F: +48 71 347 51 85 info@convention.wroclaw.pl MIMmagazine 49

MIM> SERBIA

DO YOU KNOW SERBIA?

Dragacevo village

SERBIAN CULTURE IS WARM, INVITING AND HOSPITABLE. SERBIAN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY FRIENDLY, GENEROUS

ethno villages where you can experience the true atmosphere of Serbian hospitality spirit, old craft making and home-made food and wine.

AND COURTEOUS. IT WON’T BE UNUSUAL FOR YOU TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO’D GO OUT OF THEIR WAY JUST TO BE HELPFUL.

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade, should be your first stop, because it’s the most vibrant and interesting city in the Balkans, and a mere 2-4h flight from major European cites. It has a rich history, anchored by the Kalemegdan fortress overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers, with a lot of museums, galleries and theaters, and a very active nightlife with over 150 floating restaurants and clubs.

DO YOU KNOW THAT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF THE DANUBE FLOW LIE IN SERBIA? All of the 588 km of the Danube ﬂow in Serbia offer many extraordinary sightseeing and adventure opportunities through rafting and sailing. The Iron Gate is one of the most unique places on the whole Danube. It is situated in the region of the Djerdap National park, famous for its many Roman and medieval fortresses and beautiful landscapes.

Viminacium

ancient Roman Empire. Most of them have changed the very appearance of the world known until then. This itinerary includes several sites like Singidunum (ancient Belgrade), Viminacium, Felix Romuliana (emperor palace), Mediana (birth place of Constantin the Great) and Ustiniana Prima. Serbia gives you the opportunity to return to the age of gladiators and emperors and to build the strong team spirit which deﬁned the success of Roman Empire. Beautiful, diverse landscapes still undiscovered by mass tourism as well as a rich and exciting history make Serbia the ideal place for your team to relax and come up with fresh and new ideas.

Djerdap

DO YOU WANT TO FEEL LIKE A ROMAN EMPEROR? Belgrade

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE WORD ‘SALAS’ MEANS? Hospitable people with their smile and enthusiasm will help you to discover ‘salas’ MIMmagazine 50

Certainly one of the most interesting packages is the Roman Emperors Cultural Itinerary in Serbia. The fact that seventeen Roman emperors were born, have ruled and have been living in the territory of today’s Serbia attests to the importance of Serbia in the

Contact: IGOR KOVACEVIC Associate Serbia Convention Bureau T: +381 11 313 97 86 scb@serbia.travel

Ireland. The perfect place to meet.

Ireland is the top choice for your corporate meeting, conference or incentive trip and, beyond the boardroom, you’ll find a land that’s never short of surprises and one which lingers on in the mind long after you’ve left it. Your guests will be motivated, ready to tackle new challenges and with a renewed sense of drive for your business objectives. Ireland stands out as a unique business destination, but look further than the excellent facilities, highly trained and flexible workforce and booming economy and you’ll find a country rich with spectacular scenery and excellent leisure activities. All this, in addition to an impressive selection of places to stay with opulent castles, grand

country manors, ﬁve-star resorts and chic urban retreats makes Ireland the perfect destination to rejuvenate and revitalize the body and mind. In equal proportion, you’ll ﬁnd top entertainment, excellent pubs and restaurants, luxurious spas and incredible historical sights. What’s more, since Ireland is the friendliest destination the world as voted by the Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008, you’re guaranteed a warm, Irish welcome and ‘craic’ - a uniquely Irish term for fun - wherever you decide to go. So come and discover the craic for yourself! Sign up for our e-newsletter and learn more about meetings, incentives, conferences and events in Ireland by logging on to www.irelandinspires.be.

For more information contact: Caoilin O’Callaghan - Business Tourism Assistant Tourism Ireland - Louizalaan 66 Avenue Louise - 1050 Brussels - Belgium Tel. +32 (0)2 643 2125 - cocallaghan@tourismireland.com

MIM> MARSEILLE

MARSEILLE INCENTIVES UNDER THE SUN MARSEILLE. JUST THE NAME CONJURES UP IMAGES OF A DYNAMIC AND ENTHRALLING CITY, A LUXURIANT REGION WITH SO MANY ACTIVITIES TO TAKE PART IN UNDER THE SUN. THE MULTI-FACETED NATURE OF THE SOUTH EUROPEAN CAPITAL MAKES IT UNIQUE: WITH THE EUROMÉDITERRANÉE PROJECT ON ITS WAY, MARSEILLE IS BROADLY OPENED TO THE WORLD AND WELCOMES ITS VISITORS LIKE NO OTHER. IN THE BRIGHT AND ENTICING PROVENCE, HER LEGENDARY CONVIVIALITY IS SURE TO CHARM YOU. SURROUNDED BY PROVENCAL HILLS AND THE FAMOUS CALANQUES, MARSEILLE OPENS TO THE MÉDITERRANÉE AND THE BEAUTIFUL BAY HOUSING TINY ISLANDS. INCENTIVE PLANNERS HAVE LEARNED TO USE THE BEST OF WHAT MARSEILLE HAS TO OFFER. BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO DOWN THERE EXACTLY? LET’S FIND OUT!

Calanque plage

you name it, Marseille has it. In fact, the town’s backcountry possesses many mysteries yet to be unveiled. To do so, why not try a rally in a nice convertible car? That’s what Deluxe Vacations offers. The aim is to discover small villages and to get to know the local people in a way that tourists usually do not. A roadbook is provided to participants in order for them to find their way. They will also have to answer a questionnaire about the region. All means are good to find the answers: the ones who can manage will surely arrive first!

REPORT RÉMI DÉVÉ

ON THE SEA ON THE GROUND It is no secret. Marseille beneﬁts from a wide range of infrastructures to make any professional event successful. With her many cultural and natural resources, some even consider her a small heaven for any incentives trip. Marseille Convention Bureau and some incentive houses often work hand in hand to create special programmes aiming at discovering the town and its surrounding region in a very special way.

its digital rally in the historical part of the city. From the Vieux Port to the ‘Panier’, equipped with a roadbook and digital camera, participants follow a well thought out itinerary interspersed by enigmas and riddles allowing people to earn points. A selection of stops are planned along the route to discover the typical activities and products of Marseille. The afternoon is spent driving Harley-Davidson engines to discover Marseille from a biker’s point of view!

But an incentive stay in Marseille and her region would not be complete without some kind of activities on the water. Sand or pebble beaches, wild creeks or well-preserved coves, along its 42km of coastline, Marseille boasts a variety of shores that would satisfy even the most demanding athletes. From an initiation to diving to a relaxing trip on a state-of-the-art sailing boat, a wide range of teambuilding activities can be organized on or near the sea for those who are not afraid of water!

Traditional guided tours are long gone. Downtown-based incentive agency LSO proposes a very interesting way to discover Marseille with

Hiking in the Garlaban mountains, biking in the countryside, climbing magniﬁcent calanques, treasure hunting in the city centre:

Here again LSO and Deluxe Vacations have nice ideas on the question. They propose two experiences worth trying. Their nautical raid in the

MIMmagazine 52

MIM> MARSEILLE

Cassis

MARSEILLE BOASTS A VARIETY OF SHORES THAT WOULD SATISFY EVEN THE MOST DEMANDING ATHLETES

Vallon des Auffes

bay of Marseille is in fact a treasure hunt on ‘zodiac’ motorboats. While trying to solve riddles and facing enigmas, participants have the opportunity to discover the beautiful coastline, the numerous calanques, the charming small harbours of the city, and - last but not least - the islands of the bay like the Frioul islands and If island with its fortress. The sailing day in the calanques is a much more relaxing full-day cruise in the bay of Marseille between Marseille and Cassis, either on board of vintage boats or maxi catamarans. It’s yours to decide! For real athletes eager to demonstrate their bravery and courage, water sports can happen not only by the sea. Breath-taking areas around the Calanques make an interesting setting for invigorating kayak tours, which will sure bring any group closer together. This kind of activity, at any rate ﬁlled with emotions and laughter, can last a half or a full day.

GOURMET MARSEILLE French regions all have their spécialités. The Marseillaise one has plenty and it would be quite a pity not to have a taste of them during an incentive trip. In Marseille, you can take lessons on how to cook the real bouillabaisse, the tra-

Le Panier

ditional Provencal ﬁsh stew. There are as many recipes for bouillabaisse as there are families in Marseille, and local restaurants dispute which versions are the most authentic. On the Vieux Port, during the marché au poissons, a chef will tell you all about the secrets of the most typical dish of the region… according to him of course! Wine tasting, as well as olive oil tasting, is quite a popular activity. Everywhere in Marseille and her region, from small villages to trendy restaurants, you can taste the best products that the country has to offer. In the picturesque village of Cassis, you can attend a tasting of the famous Cassis wine in a private vineyard. And that is only one example. Marseille and her surroundings have many other interesting palate experiences to deliver. If the body needs feeding, the mind sometimes does as well. Marseille’s candidature for European Capital of Culture will be mobilizing all cultural, economical, educational and athletic forces for the beneﬁt of a big project. In the meantime, programmes including souvenirs of movie director Marcel Pagnol, the painters of the Estaque such as Braque, Derain or Dufy, a visit to the famous Vélodrome stadium or a fun outing to the Fashion Museum can be arranged to make any Marseillaise incentive worth remembering!

More details

MARSEILLE CONVENTION BUREAU Corinne FREANI 2 Rue Beauvau 13001 Marseille T: + 33 (0)4 91 13 89 02 F: + 33 (0)4 91 33 00 47 cfreani@marseille-tourisme.com www.marseille-congres.com www.marseille-tourisme.com

DE LUXE VACATIONS Stéphane TARRAZI 53 Rue Grignan 13006 Marseille T: +33 (0)4 91 54 04 08 F: +33 (0)4 91 55 50 04 info@deluxevacations.fr www.deluxevacations.fr

LSO MARSEILLE PROVENCE Thomas Dretschkow Le Noilly Paradis 146 Rue Paradis 13294 Marseille Cedex 06 T: +33 (0)4 91 53 64 20 F: +33 (0)4 91 81 33 64 provence@lso-intl.com www.lso-intl.com

MIMmagazine 53

MIM> NÜRBURGRING

Meetings designed success

THE NÜRBURGRING WHEN LEGEND MEETS INCENTIVES

for

Brand new hotel in the heart of the « Vieux-Port ». 189 rooms, 11 meeting rooms, 12 suites, Solaris restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness, free Wifi & DSL.

Are you a car fan? A speed addict? An adrenaline junkie? If you are, then the Nürburgring must be at the top of your list. Indeed it has stood like no other race track for events, emotion and the fascination of motor sport for almost a century now. Ideally located in the heart of the volcanic Eifel, right in the centre of Germany, it seems actually close to everything. The Rhine-Main conurbation with Frankfurt or Mainz is just around the corner, as well as the large cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and the Ruhr industrial region. And the team there is ready to propose a wide range of activities to make your incentive successful. Who said cars were just cars? Although everything revolves around motor sport on the Nürburgring, there are sure many different emotions you can experience. With F1 bolides, jeeps, sportscars, motorbikes, trucks, classic cars and modern classics, there are about 100 races to witness a year on the modern Grand Prix track and the famous Nordschleife. If you are in an adventurous mood, you can drive through the area in your own offroader, in a quad through the Eifel, with a motorbike, a simple bike or in a Viper over the Nordschleife or by mountain bike through the so-called Green Hell!

Contemporary design, free high speed internet access and 100% guest satisfaction guaranteed, everything you need for a successful meeting. ...Over 155 destinations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Radisson SAS Hotel Marseille, Vieux Port 38 -40 Quai Rive Neuve 13007 Marseille, France Tel: +33 (0)4 88 92 19 50 Fax: +33 (0)4 88 92 19 51 sales.marseille@radissonsas.com marseille.radissonsas.com

One can say it bluntly: business tourism is always in season around the Ring. Action, adventure and entertainment: everything seems possible for corporate customers eager to be transported in another dimension. And when you know the ‘Nürburgring 2009’ project is on its way a grandstand, boulevard, indoor arena, event hall, welcome centre and indoor attraction section will be added to the already existing facilities - you may wonder: would it have it all? www.nuerburgring.de

Holland Showcases 2008 Refresh your perspective on Holland A Fresh Dutch View on Jewelry Rodrigo Otazu www.rodrigootazu.com

A Fresh Dutch View on Accessories rag-bag www.ragbag.nl

You know Holland, don’t you? You know us because of our wooden shoes; You know us because of our orange madness every April 30th on Queens day. But do you really know Holland? We challenge you to ‘Refresh your perspective’ during Holland Showcases 2008. For more information and pre registration visit:

www.holland.com/showcases

MIM> GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN UNFAMILIAR, YET SURPRISING NEIGHBOURS

Groninger Museum

GRONINGEN, THE UNIVERSITY CITY OF THE NORTH WITH OVER 180,000 INHABITANTS, IS THE 7TH LARGEST CITY AND THE 5TH CONVENTION CITY OF THE NETHERLANDS. ITS COMPACT AND CLEARLY STRUCTURED CITY CENTRE IS A TRUE ASSET. MOST OF THE CONVENTION CENTRES, THE CITY NIGHTLIFE AND MOST HOTELS LIE WITHIN A TWO KILOMETRE RADIUS FROM EACH OTHER, AND ABOUT 3400 BEDS ARE AVAILABLE IN HOTELS, WHILE THE SURROUNDING AREA OF THE CITY OFFERS HIGH QUALITY ACCOMMODATION, IN RESTORED MANSIONS, COUNTRY HOUSES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTIC BUILDINGS.

reason that NH Hotel de Ville and the Martini Hotel have expanded or will expand.’

Jaap A. Westerhuijs

Jaap Westerhuijs - director of Groningen Convention Bureau - started the Convention Bureau in 1996 and in 2004 it became an independent organisation. ‘We advertise as Groningen Convention Bureau but in fact we represent the whole northern region.’ As the northern metropolis, Groningen is the place to organise your events. ‘It’s a matter of charisma and hospitality.’ But there are certain ambitions as well: ‘I would like a large ﬁve-star hotel at the Main Square, in the Forum complex for instance. After all, a larger supply creates a bigger demand. An extra 120 rooms would be great. It’s for good MIMmagazine 56

‘Our guests appreciate the fun, compact city with its nice little bars and restaurants. We have the image of a friendly, old city and the options for an excursion are unlimited: walking across the mud ﬂats of the Wadden, a seal nursery, sailing in Friesland or cycling in Drenthe, a round trip on the water, the many churches with their beautiful organs in almost every village, the renovated Bourtange fortress, the Groninger Museum, exploring the nightlife (without closing times!)...’ ‘Of course, with Martiniplaza we have the perfect congress centre. The Theater room - the third largest room in the Netherlands - can seat 1,600 guests and there are over 25 other rooms, with capacities varying between 25 to 750 guests.’ Groningen fulﬁls a central function in the northern part of the Netherlands. The largest city in the region, it is easily accessible via Groningen Airport Eelde. Groningen is an old city with a rich history but a young atmosphere, due largely to its university. As the second-

oldest university city of Holland, Groningen is home to about 40,000 students, approximately 4,000 of whom come from abroad. The mix of students and locals give the city its youthful feel, and the average Groningen resident is only 34 years old! Groningen is famous for its nightlife; bars are not subject to externally imposed closing times, so there’s always something going on in the city. Groningen is a very hospitable place, and received the title of Best Inner City of the Netherlands for 2005-2006 for its high quality of urban planning and design, good accessibility and security. Wubbo Ockels, Holland’s first astronaut and professor of Aerospace for Sustainable Engineering and Technology, comments on ‘his’ city: ‘the minimal traffic in the city centre helps to give Groningen its nice atmosphere. As a pedestrian or cyclist, you can easily find your way through the city. Groningen has a large number of cafés and I enjoy having dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants, which have an excellent price-quality ratio, again because of the many students in the city.’

MIM> GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN HARBOURS MANY EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ANY KIND OF EVENT: HANZE SOCIETY This one year old property in the Oude Boteringestraat in the centre of the city offers meeting facilities in its attractive medieval setting with two restaurants, two bars, a library and reading room.

MARTINIPLAZA An excellent location for meetings of any size , Martiniplaza is easily accessible and has a large amount of rooms, the largest being the Theatre room for up to 1,600 guests, a restaurant for 200 guests and its theatre café for 100 visitors makes it complete.

THE OOSTERPOORT AND STADSSCHOUWBURG (CITY THEATRE) One and the same management controls these two typical Groningen multifunctional properties with a nice cultural touch. The Oosterpoort has capacities for 50 to 1200 guests and the large foyer with two bars and a garden view is perfect for parties, receptions, lunches or dinners.

THE REMONSTRANT CHURCH Why not take your event to the completely restored church in the Coehoornsingel? Now it has become a multi-purpose property, managed by the Aa-kerk foundation. The 19th century façade hides a 21st century interior: transparent, light and spacious, with six meeting rooms, each with its own atmosphere.

THE COENDERSBORG The restaurant in Groningen South has undergone a true facelift. The Coendersborg can offer business package deals for a whole day for mee-

tings up to 200 guests and dinners for up to 550 guests. These historic premises are surrounded by age-old trees, a large lawn and parking space.

ALLERSMABORG Last year the Allersmaborg has reopened in the village of Ezinge. Just like in the old days, it’s a meeting place for students and researchers of the University of Groningen, but it’s also open to congresses, seminars and meetings for up to 100 guests. The quiet atmosphere and unspoilt scenery are unique.

Sailing in Friesland

THE FRESIAN CONGRESS CENTRE IN DRACHTEN With a history in horse studbooks, this centrally located convention centre offers endless possibilities for small groups as well as for a 1000 guests. Choose between the meeting package deals or request a personalized offer, options are plenty.

POST-PLAZA This royal building with 17 adjustable rooms is the meeting centre in the heart of Leeuwarden and it has kept many authentic elements from its past as a post ofﬁce. You can even combine your event with a round trip of the canals of Leeuwarden.

THE HAVIXHORST

Cycling - Hoornsemeer

The property where ages ago the carriages of baron Jan Arent Godert de Vos van Steenwijk found a roof has been recreated as a facility with six stylish rooms in a quiet environment, where the shiny cutlery is waiting for you in the restaurant. Tailor-made arrangements can be created for the business market.

Walking across the mud ﬂats

THE WADDEN You hop on the boat and you immediately feel released from everything you left ashore, relaxed, informal and at ease. The advantage of organising something on an island is that no one can go back to the mainland after half past ﬁve, because that’s when the last boat leaves. The Frisian Islands with the most elaborated facilities are Texel, Terschelling and Ameland, while Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog are perfect for smaller groups. All sorts of special activities are possible: a pick-nick on the beach, a meeting in the dunes, a drink in a lighthouse, parachuting from the Ameland airport and of course walking across the mud ﬂats of the Wadden are only a sample of what you can do.

Contact:

JAAP A. WESTERHUIJS Director - Groningen Convention Bureau Ubbo Emmiussingel 37B 9711 BC GRONINGEN the Netherlands T: +31 (0)50 316 8877 F: +31 (0)50 312 6047 info@groningencongresbureau.nl www.groningencongresbureau.nl

MIMmagazine 57

MIM> BORDEAUX

THE LUXURY OF BORDEAUX IN ALL ITS GLORY WORLD CAPITAL OF THE WINE INDUSTRY, BORDEAUX HAS ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING A TREMENDOUS REVIVAL SINCE A FEW YEARS. AFTER HAVING KNOWN A GOLDEN AGE IN THE 18TH CENTURY, THE CITY BECAME SLIGHTLY LOST IN THE MAZES OF THE MODERN AGE. FAR FROM THE DULL AND INDUSTRIAL IMAGE OF THE ’80, THE CITY, TRANSFORMED BY THE COLOSSAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN IN 2002, FINDS ITS AUDACITY AND ITS EFFERVESCENCE THAT IT ONCE LOST. AT THE

You could easily let yourself be pampered in this ocean of luxury and voluptuousness, but it would be a pity not to take advantage of this magnificent pied à terre to go and discover the surroundings. From the Regent Grand Hotel, it takes no more than 2 minutes on foot to reach the banks of the Garonne, which have been recently completely restored. Not to be missed: La place de la Bourse from where one is able to admire, the 18th century façades, by looking at the reflection of the water - so typical of Bordeaux. Classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the city shows a unity of a classical and neoclassical architecture which has remained unaltered for the last two centuries.

BEGINNING OF THIS URBAN REVOLUTION, THE REGENT GRAND HOTEL BORDEAUX REINVENTED LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL OF GIRONDE. TEXT MYRIAM BANAÏ

Moving up towards the north, at the side of the Garonne, one is able to rejoin the neighbourhoods of the Grand-Parc and the Chartrons, known in the past for its numerous wine merchants. Considered by many as the world capitol of wine, Bordeaux shows traces everywhere of its numerous and prestigious vineyards. SaintEmilion, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Sauternes, Pomerol… So many vineyards at your disposal spread around Bordeaux, which are able to welcome groups for exclusive wine tasting sessions. As at Château Beychevelle, situated in the village of Saint-Julien, where one is able to learn the basics for the manufacturing of the ‘grand crus’ in an enchanting location. The castle and its elegant classical architecture is a dream setting for the organization of an event followed by a visit to the ancestral cellars.

The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux in the heart of the renaissance of the Bordelais grand luxury

Spring 2008, Place de la Comédie in Bordeaux. The Regent Grand Hotel has recently reopened its doors after years of renovation. ‘The hotel has always occupied a special place in the hearts of the people of Bordeaux – The Bordelais. A mass of people came to the opening of the hotel..’, explains Marion Talbot, communication manager of the Regent Grand Hotel. ‘Everyone had a remote souvenir of the place which has always been a part of the collective memory.’

to restore all the luxury and the prestige of this mystical location. The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux rises again today in the form of a reﬁned and extravagant palace. The super trendy interior, displaying tones of red and violet is signed Jacques Garcia. The celebrated architect of the Hotel Costes in Paris has been able to give back all the charm of the 18th century to this historic building, and add some comfort and a modern touch.

The neoclassical style of the hotel’s façade reminds people, like a mirror, of the front of the Grand Theater, both identically created by the architect Victor Louis in 1776. ‘Even though the location has only been a hotel for a short period of time, it has always been surrounded by a certain mystical aura, regardless of the stages through which it has passed. This is certainly caused by the historic scenes and legends that have occurred here’, Marion Talbot continues.

‘We have created this place as a ‘city resort’. It doesn’t function merely as a hotel but also a brewery, a gastronomic restaurant, a bar, a winter garden, a wine cellar, a private club, a spa and a gallery which is entirely dedicated to feminine fashion.’ It totals 23 000 m2 beneﬁtting from an ideal location, right in the historic centre of Bordeaux, not far from the banks of the Garonne or businesses. ‘With its 150 rooms, of which several exceptional suites, able to welcome more than 700 people for conferences or receptions, the hotel becomes a destination in itself!’

It’s the group of Rezidor SAS who, with its top-of-the-range Regent brand, has been able MIMmagazine 58

Not far from there, at Pauillac, in the ancient hamlet of Bages, the Château Lynch Bages has remained practically unchanged since the 16th century. On 90 acres opposite the Gironde, the owner Jean-Michel Cazes primarily produces Cabernet Sauvignon to the highest level, putting it on the same level as certain prime wines. As a true example of Bordeaux, today the domain also houses a ‘Relais & Château’ (lodge and castle) and a charming and reﬁned restaurant. The purity of the decoration is emphasized by the presence of a contemporary art collection of masters such as Alechinski, Titus Carmel, Arroyo and Jan Voss. And remember the possibility for small groups to participate in the cooking or oenology lessons for the enjoyment of the food and wine lovers.

MIM> HOTELS

HOTELS

experience the dolce difference

HOTELS ARE A STRONG SUPPORTING ELEMENT IN MAKING YOUR INCENTIVE WORK. THEY SYMBOLIZE CHARM, ATMOSPHERE AND UNIQUE SETTINGS, OFTEN OFFERING EXTRA RECREATIONAL POSSIBILITIES TO ENSURE THE PERFECT SURROUNDINGS FOR LEISURE AND BUSINESS STAYS. AND WHAT OF THE SPA FACILITIES? MORE COMPANIES ARE PRESENTING TREATMENTS AS PART OF AN EVENT EXPERIENCE. THEY KNOW THAT HEALTH IS A MATTER OF BODY AND MIND: EXERCISE AND TREATMENTS HELP TO KEEP THEIR INCENTIVE PARTICIPANTS HIGHLY MOTIVATED.

Offer your meeting delegates the opportunity to enjoy the summer with our Complete Meeting Oxygen package, including: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Overnight stay in a guest room overlooking the forest Plenary meeting room with A/V package Continuous refreshment buffet 3 meals a day, including an interactive outdoor lunch among: Mediterranean plate

❖

Lunch box

A free relaxing and revitalizing activity among: Tao breathing

❖

Barbecue

Energy booster

Qi gong approach

Free access to the fitness room, indoor pool, sauna and steam bath

Complete Meeting Oxygen offer From 275€ / person *This offer is valid upon request and availability for new group bookings taking place in Dolce La Hulpe Brussels from July 1st until September 30th, 2008 and confirmed from 1stJuly. The outdoor lunch will be replaced by an indoor buffet in case of bad weather. Each relaxing group activity can be given in English, Dutch or French. This offer can not be combined with other promotions or previously negotiated agreements.

LA HULPE BRUSSELS a Hotel, Resort & Conference Destination 135, Chaussée de Bruxelles • 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium Book your next meeting now: Isabelle Jamet, Director of Sales (e) isabelle.jamet @dolce.com • (t) +32 (0)2 290 98 21 lahulpe.dolce.com United States • Canada • Europe European Destinations: Paris, Provence, Brussels, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Munich

Goûter l’instant

- Crédits photos : Guetty Images, photothèque Groupe Lucien Barrière, E. Cuvillier, photos non contractuelles. © 2008 Groupe Lucien Barrière SAS au capital de 1 429 582 € - Siège social : 35, boulevard des Capucines - 75002 Paris.

savourer les grands moments.

Et si vos événements professionnels s’offraient de nouvelles émotions ? Etablissements où l’authenticité et la convivialité sont reines, les Hôtels Barrière conjuguent en un même lieu l’ensemble des infrastructures indispensables à la création de vos événements d’entreprise. Dans ce cadre d’exception, Barrière Event Solutions met à votre disposition des professionnels confirmés et 100 % disponibles ainsi qu’une logistique éprouvée pour offrir à vos clients et à vos collaborateurs un projet original, personnalisé et parfaitement réussi.

CONTACT Mathilde ROSE

+33 (0)1 42 86 12 18 mrose@lucienbarriere.com Landmark conference & incentive destinations in France PARIS - DEAUVILLE - LA BAULE - CANNES - DINARD - ENGHIEN-LES-BAINS - LILLE - MARRAKECH

www.meetings-barriere.com

MIM> HOTELS

BARRIÈRE EVENT SOLUTIONS

Hôtel du Golf Barrière - Deauville

Normandy Barrière - Deauville

Centre International de Deauville

BARRIÈRE EVENT SOLUTIONS OFFERS A WHOLE RANGE OF LUXURY DESTINA-

ROOMS FOR YOUR MEETINGS

TIONS THROUGHOUT FRANCE DEVOTED TO COMPANY EVENTS. THE HÔTELS BAR-

3 ﬁve star hotels , 720 rooms, 49 meeting rooms (up to 600 guests), 1 theatre (400 seats), at the CID, 1 adaptable auditorium (523 to 847 seats), 11 restaurants, 5 bars, 2 casinos, 2 night clubs and 2 x 27-hole golf courses.

RIÈRE IN PARIS, CANNES, DEAUVILLE, DINARD, LA BAULE ETC… ARE ALL MECCAS OF FRENCH CULTURE, CAN BE REACHED EASILY AND ADD A UNIQUE QUALITY TO YOUR SEMINARS.

ACCESS Barrière Event Solutions organizes board meetings, incentives and major events with efﬁciency, creativity, expertise and hospitality to make sure your company events are an outstanding success.

DEAUVILLE, SEASIDE AND COUNTRYSIDE COMBINED The perfect combination of sandy beaches and green pastures, Deauville is a lively resort that hosts company events all year round. The large catering capacity and numerous sport, business and leisure facilities make this a favourite destination for complete and highly convivial seminars.

The Leading Hotels of the World, offers luxurious, charming and elegant settings. Due to numerous adaptable rooms, this hotel can cater for all sorts of events, ranging from private board meetings to private hire of the entire building for international-scale conferences.

HÔTEL DU GOLF BARRIÈRE NORMANDY BARRIÈRE The Normandy Barrière is a wonderful example of local Norman architecture: picturesque pinnacles, chequered stonework and halftimbering. Located in the town centre, the hotel has a wide range of meeting rooms on offer, all naturally lit, with direct access to the theatre Casino Barrière in Deauville to wind up your events in style.

ROYAL BARRIÈRE Facing the sea, just a few yards from the famous Boardwalks, the Royal Barrière, one of

- Deauville Airport – Saint Gatien - Gare du Nord, Paris by Thalys + a 2-hour train journey - By car: a 4-hour motorway drive from Brussels

SPECIAL SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2008 OFFER Residential package* at the Normandy Barrière and the Royal Barrière from € 281 Residential package* at the Hôtel du Golf Barrière from € 239 * Residential package (single room, breakfast, conference hall, breaks, lunch and dinner) in a single Classic room, subject to sales terms and conditions, availability and subject to maximum number of rooms reserved for this offer.

3 minutes from Deauville centre, the Hotel du Golf Barrière’s impressive silhouette stands proud among the perfectly kept green lawns of the Golf Club. Surrounded by nature with breathtaking views over the sea and surrounding countryside, and conveniently just outside the town, this hotel is ideal to enjoy your seminar as one would a break in the country, while relaxing and enjoying the discrete environment.

Your dedicated sales contact: Mathilde ROSE T: +33 (0)1 42 86 12 18 F: +33 (0)1 42 86 12 13 E: mrose@lucienbarriere.com www.meetings-barriere.com

MIMmagazine 61

MIM> HOTELS

SOFITEL BRUSSELS EUROPE, A WARM WELCOMING IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

IN THE HEART OF THE EUROPEAN DISTRICT OF BRUSSELS ON THE CHARACTERISTIC JOURDAN SQUARE LIES THE SOFITEL BRUSSELS EUROPE. A MODERN BUT NEVERTHELESS WARM HOTEL, WHERE PERSONAL AND HUMANE SERVICE IS A PRIORITY. ITS 149 ROOMS MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE TEAM TO GIVE A PERSONAL SERVICE. JAN VLAMINCK, FRONT OFFICE MANAGER, AND JEAN-BAPTISTE DE BOCK, GROUPS & EVENTS MANAGER, TELL ABOUT THEIR VISION AND ROLE IN THE SERVICE OF SOFITEL BRUSSELS EUROPE.

MIM: The Front Ofﬁce manager, everyone passes by him, what impression does that have on you?

Jan Vlaminck: ‘The front office is indeed the place where all the information and communication to the guests goes to. Fortunately I’m not alone for this task! And that is also the key to the success of our philosophy to strive to be the most humane hotel of Brussels. My team is very important and I am very picky concerning my staff. Most important to me is the diversity of cultures, professionalism and individuality which goes together with the hotel’s philosophy. The consequence of this can be seen clearly in our spontaneous five-star service. One of our guests described it to me like this: ‘at last a hotel that has understood what a guest needs, a sincere welcoming feeling, spacious and well arranged rooms without superfluous options.’ Such compliments of guests encourage me and my staff to continue and to profile ourselves this way.’ MIM: What’s the difference with the concierge?

Jan Vlaminck: ‘The concierge is part of my team and forms a harmonious unity with the reception. I ensure that this harmony is preserved and I add directions. These are of course necessary to guarantee a continuity in our service. Still I ﬁnd it of greatest imMIMmagazine 62

Jean-Baptiste De Bock - Jan Vlaminck

portance that everyone in my team puts a personal touch in their work. This can differ from one function up to the other but also because of individual experiences or even the different cultural backgrounds of my team members. Our concierge is a real expert in that area. Through his broad experience in Brussels hotels he knows how to adapt perfectly to the needs of our guests. He regulates everything you could wish for; if you come for a meeting, or a weekend in Brussels, he and his team always stand ready to spoil you with real luxury: personal contact, he’s always near and really looks after you during your stay.’ MIM: Have you noticed any mentality changes with the guests the last couple of years?

Jan Vlaminck: ‘In the past years during my career as a front ofﬁce manager I’ve indeed seen an enormous evolution. The biggest change probably doesn’t come from the guests themselves, but from the more important role of the Internet. This Internet gives a total transparency to all the hotels and consequently the guests who come to Soﬁtel Brussels Europe are more aware about their choice of hotel. You can comment as a guest without problem or write a review concerning a hotel, publish photographs, but you can also consult previous entries. A

hotel has absolutely no inﬂuence in this new way of evaluating hotels. That’s why we’re extremely proud that Soﬁtel Brussels Europe is now listed as the most appreciated hotel of Brussels on Tripadvisor, one of the largest review sites. That’s the crowning glory of everything I’ve realized with my team.’

After concluding his studies in hotel management in the Institut de Gestion hôtelière in Namur, Jean-Baptiste immediately jumped in the event sector of the hotel trade. After a ﬁrst experience in the Tulip Inn Brussels Boulevard, he was transferred to the 5-star hotel the Stanhope of the same chain. This latest experience in the European district of Brussels, was a complete welcome to lead an important department of the Soﬁtel Brussels Europe as Events Manager. MIM: Can you tell us how you see hopitality in your department?

Jean-Baptiste De Bock: ‘The Soﬁtel Brussels Europe has given me the chance to build the Events department as from the opening of the hotel in 2006. With pride we noticed that after approximately 2 years of being operational, we belong to the best conference centers of Brussels. Already in 2006, we received the MPI award for ‘Venue of the year’. In an almost daily fully booked ﬂoor with conference rooms, we welcome all kinds of top-level events.

MIM> HOTELS

Jean-Baptiste De Bock - Jan Vlaminck

WITH PRIDE WE NOTICED THAT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS OF BEING OPERATIONAL, WE BELONG TO THE BEST CONFERENCE CENTERS OF BRUSSELS

‘Of course, the key of this success lies mainly with the ‘hardware’. A complete ﬂoor with tastefully dressed conference rooms, which are provided with modern technology, all have natural daylight, and are lain in a splendid modern 5-star hotel, are not easily found in Brussels. But what’s more important, is the personalized service and the high quality of catering which we offer our guests. When all this ﬁts nicely, the budget that companies or institutions want to spend on all kind of events, becomes of minor importance. Understandable, if you know the aim of most of the events: Meet with senior management, invite high placed participants for readings, or present customers the newest evolution in their sector. ‘To guarantee that personalized service, you obviously need on the one hand an operational team with the necessary experience, and on the other hand what we call dedicated conference organizers. The latter are the contact during the reservation process, but also during the event, and even at the payment. So

from beginning to end the guest remains in contact with the same person, who will go to the extreme to turn the event into a success. ‘The permanent search for the maximalisation of service has also caused change in our internal structure. Where at the beginning room reservations for individual guests and group reservations were a single department, this has now been split up into two components: group reservations now belong to the Events department, individual reservations coincide with the Front Ofﬁce. On the one hand this shortens the distance between the individual reservations and the reception. Thanks to this smaller distance the communication has naturally improved, and the reception is informed of all the necessary details. On the other hand, the person who is responsible for organizing residential seminars is no longer in contact with several departments, and the complete process can be dealt with by means of a single Groups & Events coordinator.’

Enthusiasm, Quality, Transparency, Reputation and Efﬁciency are the main company values. The whole staff puts those values in action every day to make the guests feel at home. Do you want to experience this yourself, contact Jan Vlaminck or Jean-Baptiste De Bock and they’ll take care of your request.

More details

Soﬁtel Brussels Europe Place Jourdan 1 1040 Brussels Jan Vlaminck Front Ofﬁce Manager H5282-FO@accor.com T: +32 (0)2 235 51 06 Jean-Baptiste De Bock Groups & Events Manager H5282-SB@accor.com T: +32 (0)2 235 51 15

MIMmagazine 63

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Trendy venues in a historical setting Tailor made advice for meetings incentives - congresses - events Tourism Antwerp | Antwerp Congress Grote Markt 15, 2000 Antwerpen Phone: +32 3 220 81 81, Fax: +32 3 220 81 32 inge.marstboom@stad.antwerpen.be lieven.corneillie@stad.antwerpen.be www.antwerpen.be

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MIM> INCENTIVES AND FISCALITY

INCENTIVES AND FISCALITY WHAT IS ALLOWED AND WHAT IS NOT? BUSINESS RELATIONS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE STRICTLY BUSINESS. FROM TIME TO TIME, IT IS NICE TO INJECT A LITTLE PAMPERING AND A LITTLE FUN TO THEM. IN THIS WAY, INCENTIVES AND EVENTS CAN BE A GOOD WAY TO DO BUSINESS, SO THAT COMMUNICATION RUNS MORE SMOOTHLY. BUT WHAT’S LEFT OF THIS COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE IF THE RECEIVER OF THE INCENTIVE OR THE INVITEE RUN THE RISK OF HAVING TO PASS VIA THE TAXMAN AFTERWARDS? FISCAL KNOWLEDGE IN THIS FIELD IS VERY IMPORTANT. BUT WHAT IS ALLOWED AND WHAT IS NOT? ARE THERE GENERAL RULES THAT HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED? OR

ﬁlms and some details of an educational or professional programme so that you are able to prove the business aspect of it. On the whole, when it’s a one-day trip (with a return the same day), there will not be any problem. But it will be more difﬁcult when it lasts several days, with lots of meals and sometimes a high entertainment factor.

So one cannot stress enough the importance of communication and documentation regarding incentives. The general rule would TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ then be the following: taxation must be taken into account when organizing incentives. For fiscal assessment within companies As a general rule, an incentive is always conFrom the taxman’s point of view, the value of is generally a result of faulty communication sidered an extra reward, therefore what is the incentive matches the amount of money between different departments. Indeed an called a ‘benefit in kind’. As a result, there paid by the company, although this value can incentive is usually an initiative taken by the are both direct taxes and VAT that have to of course be different for the consumer. marketing or the sales department. As a rebe applied to them in the financial year after sult, the financial services, usually not proWhen the incentive is a trip – and we all they were received. Within the company giperly informed, discover what they have to know how popular a trip to a far-away ving the incentive, it’s deductible as businesspay at fiscal inspection, sometimes two or related cost as long three years later, and as the receiver of the they ask information ONE CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF incentive is identified, to the marketing deCOMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REGARDING INCENTIVES partment. This can be by means of fiscal form 281.50. If he’s not, theproblematic if no recountry is as incentive –, there has to be a re’s an assessment of 309% to the company. asonable answers can be given to them, due business aspect to it. Sheer entertainment is Needless to say that the identification is a to staff change for example. badly viewed: the fiscal principle with incennecessary thing to do! As far as the receiver For more information, please visit the follotive travel is in fact comparable to gifts. In is concerned, the incentive is taxable as a ‘bewing websites: this particular case, there must be clear links nefit in kind’ when it is clearly linked to his between – let’s say – the location, the veprofessional activity. www.sbb.be nue, the travel program and the company’s With 28 offices in Flanders and the Eastern activity. There’s a case of this employee of In terms of VAT, basic rules apply. At purchase, Cantons, the experienced staff of SBB gives an insurance company who received a travel VAT must be paid, except when the incentive specific advice on all aspects of accountancy, package as a gift but had to pay taxes for it is offered. In this case indeed, the incentive tax law and environmental legislation. as the taxman found out it was pure leisure can be considered VAT-free because after all, and had no connection with the company’s the incentive is a gift, as it has not been sold. www.taxbackinternational.com activities whatsoever. If VAT is paid, then a regularisation has to be Established in 1996, Tax Back International done afterwards for the VAT deducted at the specializes in international tax reclamation serMany wonder about the amount that can moment of the purchase.The difficulty devices. It offers clients a unique approach in the be deducted from an incentive. The full rives from the commercial relationship with international tax recovery industry by assisting amount of the trip is in fact rarely accepted the client. But keep in mind this basic fact them from all over the world ranging from as fully deductible advertising costs. From a that will save you a lot of trouble: taxation sole proprietors to blue chip corporations. taxman’s point of view, it’s important to doof the supplier does not necessarily exclude cument the trip with pictures, maybe short the fact that the receiver can also be taxed.

DOES IT DEPEND ON THE KIND OF EVENTS OR INCENTIVES THAT ARE ORGANIZED?

MIMmagazine 66

Harvey World Theme Party Dinner, Kuala Lumpur

Give them an incentive that brings Give them

great satisfaction. Malaysia.

Tioman Island

A trip to Malaysia is one of the greatest rewards anyone could ask for. Whether you're planning a laidback holiday or an adventure-packed getaway for your group, we have all sorts of programmes and attractions to suit every need. In the day, you can reward them with the unique experience of island hopping and underwater adventure where they'll discover a plethora of exotic marine life. And when the sun sets, they can let their hair down at a lively theme party, specially planned with them in mind. Then, they could spend a day exploring the wilderness of centuries-old rainforests, soak up the atmosphere of our entertaining nightlife or simply stroll through bazaars and savour authentic Malaysian cuisine. So for an incentive trip that will truly excite the senses, choose Malaysia and let your team of high achievers enjoy an experience that's truly Asia. List of events: • Sarawak Regatta 1 – 3 Aug 2008 • Malaysia International Fireworks 15 – 30 Aug 2008 • Merdeka Month Celebration 31 Aug 2008 • FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 7 – 9 Nov 2008 • Terengganu Monsoon Cup 2008 27 Nov – 1 Dec 2008 • Malaysia Year End Sale 29 Nov 2008 – 4 Jan 2009 For more events, please log on to www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia 19th Floor, Convention Division, Menara Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603 2615 8188 Fax: 603 4042 5135 E-mail: enq-convention@tourism.gov.my Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

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