NR 0 – AUGUST 2010
• M eet us • S outh A frica without v uvuzel a’s • s tilet to’s in the s and • A m essage from I ndia
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Thanks!
Belle Epoque Ballroom, Hilton Antwerp
Glittering events, from 5 to 500 Wherever travel takes you in Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg or further afield - if you’re staying for business or for pleasure - Hilton Worldwide hotels are at the heart of the action. Nowhere is that more the case than in the Netherlands with the opening of Hilton The Hague in July 2010 bringing a new face to a city famous for the art of hospitality. At Hilton Worldwide hotels, a dedicated team of professionals will transport your participants to new horizons and transform any event into an occasion to sparkle.
We are very proud to present the first issue of SHARE TODAY. After 8 months of brainstorming, designing, developing and producing we finally can show you the first result, our nr 0 issue. In this process we were very fortunate to have great sparring partners with a special thanks to Sjors van der Woerd (www.ziltmagazine.nl), Ellen van Ree (our travel journalist guru) and Roos de Haan (www.roosdehaan.nl). Sharing already started in our process to build SHARE TODAY as editors, translators, photographers and colleagues from the field helped us by just listening or giving valuable feedback. A thank you to Mark Mosselman, Jos Beltman, Mieke Zwart, Lorrie Harrison, Michael Diederich, Toine Doreleijers, Sieto Jonkers, Gijs Bierenbroodspot & Robertjan Lievaart, Erik Vermeulen, Eddie Wassink and Marc de Roo. Not to forget our friends and family who had enthusiasm and trust in our idea. All these supports motivate us to go forward and to make SHARE TODAY a success. Yolanda
& Kim
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At our hotels one thing remains the same - a warm welcome !
To book your meeting: hiltonforbusiness.com
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04 editorial Welcome by Yolanda & KIm 06 story More in for adventure, be a ranger yourself! 09 check it out Three extraordinary places 10 eye witness A message from India 12 s u s ta i n a b i l i t y DIY How green is your event? 16 once in a lifetime Stiletto’s in the Sand 19 column ‘Sh ... it happens!’ 20 g r o u p s S -X X L Let’s sting it! 24 close & personal The ‘Ildsjel’ of Authentic Travel 26 snap shot 28 zoom in Inspiring New York 31 column ‘Take action!’ 32 F o r Y o u r I n f o r mat i o n Hotel industry reborn 35 l e t m e e n t e r ta i n y o u Books, sites, fun & more 37 food for thought
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e dito rial
e d itor ial
Facing a
good
challenge
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When I was about 7-years-old, I used my mom’s ironing board as travel desk to ‘sell’ tailor-made trips all over the world. My portfolio, a scrapbook I called Handmade Travels, was full of pictures, destinations, hotels and things to do in a world I could only dream of. Years later, I discovered my forgotten scrapbook and realized traveling always had been, and always will be, my love. Besides the delight of discovering the world, I like to read, shop, write poems, sail on our small boat (only in good weather!) and have long dinners with friends and family. My favorite destination? Africa, especially on safari. I once took a ranger course sleeping out in the open with creepy crawlies; my feet pointed toward the fire to keep wild animals at bay; even taking a turn at nighttime guard duty. Quite a victory for this lady who loves luxurious places, nice clothing and having her makeup and hair done! That mix – luxury or sometimes the absolute other side – is really me. You can find me kayaking between growlers in Alaska, climbing the Horns in Patagonia, sunbathing on a cruise ship or tracking wild life in Africa. No wonder I ended up in the travel business. Facing a good challenge is also part of the mix. Having worked for more than 20 years for CWT Meetings & Events (most recently as Commercial Director), I found myself ready for new adventures this year. Being a person who likes to create, inspire, discover other cultures, and travel, it was clear I didn’t want a new line of business. When Kim and I learned we shared the same dream, things came together. Many months, brainstorms and meetings later, we have lift-off. You’re reading our industry’s first international digital magazine on your screen right now! The world is fascinating and constantly changing. So is our business. We believe that value and return on investment will be key indicators of success in the near future – a great reason to share global knowledge and experience today. SHARE TODAY is this ‘global platform’, an international network where Meetings and Events Professionals partner to discover and learn together. On these pages you can share your favorite venues, concepts, projects and special destinations and benefit from others’ knowledge, experience and expertise. It’s win-win for everyone.
Bridging
gap generation
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Launching an E-magazine in a digital world – isn’t that something for the Y-generation? Honestly speaking yes, and I have to admit I am not even close anymore. On June 4, I not only turned 43, but celebrated 16 years of marriage with my husband, John. My daughter is much closer to the Y-generation. At 14, she uses her Blackberry 24/7 and is constantly ‘pinging’ around with her friends. But the benefit of being a 40-something is having learned important lessons in life. And besides the learning, there is the earning: earning clients’ respect. Surprising clients with unique corporate events and creating sensational concepts in sizes from small to XXL has been my profession for 20 years. I have been fortunate to work with passionate partners around the globe; creating events in venues from urban cities to remote locales, from serene mountain hideaways to hectic ethnic markets. Maybe it is because of my age (mwah….I do not want to sound like a grumpy incentive travel professional!) but the time has come to change gears. Share Today brings a brand-new concept to our industry. The goal is to build bridges between travel pros: Beijing meet Sicily, Marrakech meet Oslo! On these pages you’ll discover an invigorating meeting place where colleagues connect to share valuable tips, ideas, information, knowledge and expertise. If you and I were part of the Y-generation we’d probably connect our 500+ Facebook or LinkedIn friends on our iPads. But our way
is different: we want to share true and authentic experiences, small stories, great pictures and wow recommendations. And that is what Share Today is all about. I have a partner in crime. (It’s double the fun to start as a team.) Yolanda and I are two Dutchies sharing one big dream. But isn’t dreaming what the Dutch are famous for? History books are full of VOC ships sailing the seas, discovering legendary trade routes, and making history. We count on our great-great-grandfathers’ spirits to help us make our own waves. Will you join us? Share Today is a podium for all of us.
Being on the cutting edge of Meetings and Events in this business climate is both challenging and exhilarating. We’re glad you’re along for the ride!
Share your thoughts, voice your feelings and leave your mark!
Yolanda Logt
Kim Alderden
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STO RY
More in for adventure, be a ranger yourself!
No, it’s not a dream After a beautiful drive along the breath-taking coast, you and your group arrive at your lodge. Perched high above the beach, your room is brimming with luxurious appointments: a claw-foot tub with candles, cinnamon soaps and creams presented on a wooden tray; a basket of exotic fresh fruit; even a fairytale scroll placed on your good-night pillow. Enjoying the amenities, breathing in the spectacular view of turquoise ocean and rolling waves, you hear a knock at the door.
te x t an d p h oto Yolan d a L ogt
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STORY
C h eck it o u t
Check-It-Out
The owner invites you and your companions for a sunset walk. After a short, steep descent to the unspoiled whitesand beach, you dip a toe into the water. Brrrr! Quite a surprise, as you’re visiting one of the warmest continents on earth. Strolling the waterline, watching the curling waves iron the sandy beach flat, you’re captivated once again by the beauty and serenity of this enchanting land. Rounding a bluff, you spy a small inlet. A waiter stands waiting. Your table, placed atop a rocky outcropping, is set with white linen, candles and Proteas, the national flower. Caught totally by surprise, you’re soon toasting with champagne and dining on fresh lobster. The sound of clinking wine glasses mixes with the group’s easy laughter. But the sky is turning red and the sun is disappearing into the ocean. Everyone turns silent – captured by the moment. An enchanted ending to another great day in South Africa.
Let’s give you a handful of ideas: • After a short training session, experience the excitement of being your group’s tracker or guide on a game drive. • Make your own wine at one of the Stellenbosch’ wine estates (arriving by helicopter makes this event all the more chic!) • Always wanted to cook like Jamie Oliver? Cook with the locals at Bokaap and enjoy your own meal served tableside.
• Enjoy the jazz and bask in the rhythm of a private house-concert in one of Capetown’s townships. • In the mood for philanthropy? Schedule a charity soccer match: your team against the Soweto team in one of the World Cup Stadiums. Who will be the champions? • Eager for even more adventure? Shark cage diving is the ultimate underwater thrill!
These high-end possibilities are only the beginning. South Africa is also great for leadership programs and team building events, sports activities, retreats and executive brainstorming getaways. 8 share today | 00.2010
takes you around the globe to ‘meet’ extraordinary places. Ackergill Tower A unique property on the edge of Scotland. Staying at Ackergill Tower is like staying at a friend’s estate where you can walk the dog whenever you like. This stunning castle is available for events ranging from corporate meetings to weddings and parties.. A wooden tree house combined with state-of-the-art technical specs where major deci-
sions or a creative strategy can come to fruition. In addition, the surroundings lend themselves to a variety of events; a secluded beach for immense bonfires, a lake for fishing, a world class racing track for Land Rover experiences and the possibility to walk to a neighboring ‘earl’ for a cup of tea. www.amazingretreats.com
Two months after the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa is more prepared than ever to receive your groups. With new infrastructure developed specifically for the Cup – stadiums, airport improvements, luxury accom modations – South Africa is an exciting, fresh, professional venue for meetings and events. Before the World Cup, some people feared price-gouging, crime and inflated prices here. Others were convinced the Cup itself would be a constraint to travel. However South Africa proved more than able to deliver, establishing herself as a one of the world’s finest new destinations. Often described as many-countries-in-one, South Africa’s history, nature, culture, wonderful wines, excellent cuisine, luxurious hotels, great service and warm people are all ingredients for an incentive event that your clients will rave about for years to come. From standard arrangements such as pairing a congress with a post-event tour to Capetown or a safari trip, to exclusive, tailor-made concepts such as this impromptu seaside feast, South Africa is sure to delight and enchant your clients. <
But now is the time to make the discovery for yourself; let South Africa surprise you!
De Verdwaalde Boer A real Dutch name in the Southern part of Africa; located in Constantia near Cape Town. A Dutch wine entrepreneur designed this Cape villa to host his clientele, but the good news is that this dream villa, spacious enough for small groups, is also for rent.
De Verdwaalde Boer consists of 8
Finca los Jarales Madrid has a lot to offer, but if you’re looking for a true and authentic ‘finca’ (Spanish for farm house) for an XXL group, move north to Finca los Jarales.
The finca is a mere 45 minute drive from Madrid. The countryside will surprise you with its rolling hills and beautiful sunsets. Los Jarales is unique as it comes with flowery patios, original horse stables, a wine cellar, an open air bull ring and…an owner who plays the leading
luxurious double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a cozy living room, kitchens, wonderful terraces with stunning views and much, much more. The best feature however is their ball-book, full of the best wine contacts in the region which they are more than willing to share with you. Or how about blending your own wine by following a master class? www.deverdwaaldeboer.com
role in the horse show.
Combine these settings with good looking Flamingo dancers and passionate guitar players and you will have a night to remember. www.fincalosjarales.com share today | 00.2010
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E Y E W I TNESS
Dear Friends I am off to Assam for two weeks to join my wife, who is enjoying the rains back home. She has finally managed to convince my mother to share her secret recipe, river fish slowly cooked, wrapped in a banana leaf with the hottest chili in the world, Bhut Jolokia. In my native tongue, Bhut means Ghost, so it is the Ghost Chili (try doing a Google search). We are developing an exclusive gourmet tour, where there will be exotic food cooked with Bhut Jolokia. It will be a no fuss; no sauce kind of gourmet tour, plus it will be super hot. We will keep you posted. During my recent trip to Deogarh in Rajasthan, I realized that our Company chauffeurs are such a huge resource pool when it comes to “experiences on the road,” impromptu and unpretentious. My chauffeur Pappu from Jodhpur added so much to the journey. From Jodhpur airport we went straight to Pappu’s favorite snack joint in Rohet. Prahlaldchand Mangilal is world famous in Rohet for his Kachoris, a round flattened ball made of fine flour filled with a stuffing of baked mixture of yellow lentil, gram flour, black pepper, red chili powder, salt and other spices. It’s about 45 minutes from Jodhpur, you may want to stop here briefly for a cup of tea or a cold drink and stretch your legs.
Message from
India
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Later on, at Pappu’s recommendation we stopped at the shrine of the Bulllet Baba. Faithfuls come from far and wide to pay respect to, believe it or not, a 350 CC Royal Enfield motorbike. The story goes that Om Bana, the son of a local feudal lord died in an accident while driving this 350 CC Royal Enfield motorbike about two decades ago. Pappu shared stories of the “miracles” of Om Bana who had helped and “continues to help” chauffeurs in distress. Whenever Pappu passes this route he has to, like all other chauffeurs, pay respect to Bullet Baba and his 350 CC Royal Enfield. For me, it was amazing to see undiluted faith in motion, especially as the shrine is sustaining a number of people and their livelihoods. Please include a stopover here in all itineraries of your Deogarh bound clients from Jodhpur. It’s an oddity that your clients will treasure.
Fort Seengh Sagar
Did you know that the nondescript town of Sojat en route to Deogarh supplies 40,000 tons of Mehendi (Heena) worldwide? Many of your clients must have given you a feedback about how thrilled they were to apply Mehendi on their hands and feet in Rajasthan. Well, that Mehendi comes from Sojat. When we passed Sojat, Pappu told us that the tiny town is world famous for its Mehendi. We stopped there to buy some Mehendi and met the amiable Vikas Tak. Vikas was kind enough to show us around his Mehendi factory. We would be happy to organize a stopover at Sojat for your clients, should they be interested in knowing more about a local business that is rocking globally. Vikas is willing to organize local village women who are expert Mehendi artists for your clients who don’t mind doing a temporary Mehendi tattoo as well and that too at no extra cost. Thank you Pappu, you are a rock star!! We reached Deogarh around lunch time and checked into Fort Seengh Sagar. Meghmallar my favorite room was looking stunning and inviting as before. Kuntil Baruwa
Kuntil Baruwa is an explorer and travels all over the Indian subcontinent to make friends with locals. With Distant Frontiers, he manages the Destination Knowledge Centre which is responsible for product ideas and experiences that are fun, fascinating and challenging. Distant Frontiers is a mid-sized destination management company that enjoys the backing of an international network, specialized in the corner of the world they know best; where they are hands-on and sure of giving their clients the best: The Indian subcontinent.
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S u stainabilit y D I Y *
green event?
How
is your
More and more clients are expecting you to deliver sustainable events. Lots of corporates, especially multinationals and government agencies, include corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their marketing strategy. You may wonder about their motivation. Is the green label a response to societal pressure or a new tool companies use to push sales and show the world how responsible they are? te x t an d p h oto Yolan d a L ogt
Whether CSR is a serious economic trend or just marketplace hype, the fact is the Meetings and Events Industry is doing its utmost to offer clients socially responsible options. This is spawning a new trend: providing certification for event companies that give their clients socially responsible choices or demonstrate social responsibility themselves. Many in our industry are jumping on the bandwagon. Think of Green Key, Green Globe, Rain Forrest Alliance, Event Greening and Travel Globe. You can probably add other names to the list.
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Su stainabilit y D I Y *
SUN CITY
Generally there are two approaches to CSR: Green Washing and Green Adopting. Green Washing has serious drawbacks. Because it is not integrated into the company’s marketing strategy, employees are often unaware and uninvolved, and there’s no fit with the corporate culture. The result is a program that lacks vision and rarely adds value. An example? Think of a program where bank employees paint homes for the elderly. p h oto r u n 4 sc h ools
However, you could easily turn this idea into Green Adopting. How about offering it to the paint industry by using the client’s own paint products and repeating the event each year at a new location? With the right internal communication and marketing, the program would improve morale throughout the whole company. A firm I worked with extended this concept not only by providing paint, manpower and supplies to help an orphanage and school in Brazil paint their buildings, but also use the subject for brainstorming, leadership programs etc at home. I can tell you, the strategy was a winner! The client quickly experienced an upswing in employee morale and commitment.
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THE TABLE BAY - CAPE TOWN
VICTORIA FALLS - ZAMBIA
Legendary hotels for the best of incentives in Southern Africa www.suninternational.com 91 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré - 75008 Paris - Tél : +33 1 58 71 50 23 - Email : marketing@suninternational.fr
And while we are helping clients become more socially responsible, many in our industry are going green, too. Again, the key to success is to make sure the activity is a good match for your company. One example of linking strong corporate values to an inspiring philanthropic cause comes from a sporting event company that supplies clothes, shoes and soccer balls to Run4Schools, an African project that improves kids’ lives by getting them off the street and onto the soccer field. Opportunities here are endless. While some event companies donate in-kind products, services or staff-power, others prefer to earmark a fixed percentage of company profits to one charity each year. Let’s go back to the issue of certification. Certifying green venues, hotels and products can be tough while individual countries offer their own guidelines and international standards are still unavailable. A global ‘green’ label with measurable standards is the ideal, but the start-up will surely entail some pretty nasty political and economic hurdles. Anybody out there looking for a challenge? But you don’t need to wait to make an impact. One way we
can all start now is by simply asking ourselves: How green is my event really? Perhaps you began by booking an awardwinning sustainable venue. Good start – but do you know if they use a CSR caterer? Often big venues have 2- or 3-year catering contracts negotiated on price, not a commitment to serving organic food. What can YOU do to avoid unpleasant surprises? Simple: just keep asking questions and use common sense.
Other tips: • Think about social, economic and environmental impacts from the start. • Use the 3-Rs: reduce, recycle and reuse. • Communicate electronically to save paper. (Why do you think we set up a digital magazine?) • If possible, minimize impacts of travel by choosing your destination carefully and staying at only one location. Using public transportation instead of exclusive transfers can be great fun, too! • Be energy- and water-wise. (i.e. Tap water is safe to drink in many countries – why use bottled water?) • Don’t forget to factor in the wellbeing of the local community as well as your delegates and suppliers. • Most important of all: raise awareness of your green efforts by sharing best practices with clients, suppliers and colleagues. (Use SHARE Today as your forum.)
I invite you to read more. Sustainability DIY*, a feature in the coming issues, will help you see not only what you can do, but how simple sustainability can be. Till than!
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O NC E I N A L I FE TI M E
Stiletto’s in the Sand Yes! That wonderful feeling when you’ve made the impossible possible; we all recognize it, don’t we? Or that moment you arrive at a stunning location or enter a gorgeous setting and know it will only exist here & now? We call these experiences ‘Once in a Lifetime’. We are happy to share these great stories with you here.
Question: Can you challenge your demanding client with an out-of-the-box idea? Answer: A designer tented camp in the Palmerai gardens outside the medieval walls of Marrakech. Guests: Oops….450 ‘ladies of the good life’
The concept was ‘a dash to Marrakech’. A 24-hour celebration weekend where guests were taken into the city life during the day, and celebrations were held under the stars at night. At dawn the busses arrived at the camp and only then and there everybody heard that they were not staying in a hotel… Hilarious questions came up; can I wear my stilettos tonight? Is there electricity for my curling iron? The evening under the stars was magical! Everybody belly-danced the night away…
But ACTIV TRAVEL did it! It seemed impossible at first but the team from ACTIV TRAVEL in Casablanca loves a good challenge. Together with their local supplier they designed a spectacular camp of tents under the stars. White cotton tents filled with beds, each one covered with real linen sheets and colorful comforters. Carpets rose petals and beautiful candles, real showers and lavatories.
From the sight of the Destination Management Company Hicham Tahri, Activ Travel Morocco “At Activ Travel we love working for event professionals who know how to communicate their enthusiasm and have the ability to push you to your best. This little extra communication skill really gives you the energy to push the boundaries. That’s what happened during this project.”
tex t Kim alderden photo Robert A arts
MARRAKECH When you visit Marrakech in Morocco you either hate it or love it. The hustling, bustling medina might overwhelm you - exotic smells, screaming street vendors, snake charmers whistling at the hissing and slithering contents of their baskets and teeny tiny alleys where you can never find your way back. But ‘wow’, isn’t it great for events? A totally different world than most of the modern cities we tend to use for incentive programs. Situation: A NO GO on a well-designed proposal of three European cities.
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This is what we can call a WOW experience and this is what guests experienced upon arrival. Camp security was almost invisible in the dark, but they were there: general security, fire brigade, medical assistance, etc. No risk was taken for an operation of this size.
SCENERY The idea for this event was to have guests experience a magical evening, a real introduction to Moroccan culture. The highlight was a recreation of a “Moussem” - a traditional feast where locals celebrate the end of the harvest in the Palm grove area surrounding the city of Marrakech. According to the legend, the Palm Grove was created in the 11th century by Youssef Ben Tachfine, who also founded the city of Marrakech. Its luxuriance is said to be caused by the date pits discarded by the soldiers quartered here in those times. This restful place with 13.000 green hectares is dedicated to relaxation and the good life, lying in the shadow of one of the 180.000 palm trees. CHALLENGES For this particular event there were a series of challenges we had to tackle: • Selling the idea of an encampment knowing that 90% of the group were ladies that needed a minimum comfort level. • Persuading the encampment supplier to build an extra 40 showers to end up with a total of 70; making sure that all these ladies will not have to stand in line for the bathroom. • Within a limited time (3 days) building more than 200 tents with twin beds, plus a full sit down dinner encampment for 450 persons in a limited space. • Organizing the signage so that everybody could find their tent and their way in this ephemeral village. • And last but not least, keeping more than 400 Dutch ladies busy and happy!!! Working so closely with all parties involved, helped us build a Unique travel experience and create an Inspiring program, using a distinctive location that made it Memorable. Event production Activ Travel in alliance with ATP Event Experts
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colu mn At the age of 10, she already won first prize in a writing competition for a Dutch newspaper and fell in love with writing. Ellen van Ree works as a freelance journalist/editor for a variety of magazines, mostly related to the travel industry. Her passion for writing, as well as for other cultures, traveling and life are apparent in her features. SHARE TODAY welcomes Ellen as one of its columnists. She will lead you through a world of experiences written with humor, creativity, inspiration and sometimes provocation. Just read and experience it for yourself!
‘Sh ... it happens!’ The long line for the Singapore Airlines check-in desk speaks for itself. Delay? Worse… flight cancelled! Here I am, stuck at Bombay airport on my way to Bali with a stopover in Singapore, all by myself. A young man dressed all in black, with lots of small bags, big bags, and even some sort small table as luggage, and with that typical, irritating smell of a long stay in India without one bath or shower makes flirty eye contact with me. Yep, the price you pay when you are a young woman travelling alone. Later that evening, in one of the comfortable hotel where Singapore Airlines puts their stranded passengers for the night, we finally talk at the dinner table. Well, talk isn’t the right word - it is very clear that this American started a bad LSD trip a long time ago and never finished it, so his communication is a bit weird, funny; he talks only in staccato words. “Me. Go New Zealand. I am Juggler. Juggler! JUGGLER!! STREET ARTIST.” To prove his skills he rapidly flips a coin through his fingers. WOW. MAGIC!! The next day it’s the same old story. Mr. Magic misses his connection at Singapore airport to New Zealand again, and it’s clear that my flight from Singapore to Bali is postponed till the next day. Again, Singapore Airlines puts passengers in a hotel for the night. Mr. Magic and myself in the same hotel… Mr. Magic is an artist, but a poor one. Not one penny in his pocket. And he is thirsty. “ME. BEER.” I tell him I don’t have enough money 18 share today | 00.2010
to offer him a beer. A small lie; my second to him. In Bombay he tapped on my door in the middle of the night and when I opened it he spoke two words: “ Sex together?” I answered with two words as well: “Me pregnant,” before I slammed the door in his face. That was my first lie. Anyway, the big marble entrance hall of a huge hotel in Singapore seems to be the perfect stage for Mr. Magic. He juggled and juggled and I assisted him by walking through the audience with his smelly black hat to collect their monetary gifts. After 30 minutes we had earned enough to get drunk on beer - he was extremely good! We moved to the hotel bar. There I found out that Mr. Magic had a few more tricks up his sleeve - literally! He was tattooed all over his body. Small on words, but big on body-art paintings. But people who have a tattoo often can ‘smell it’ when others also have one. Or more. And that evening he could smell it. He took his stinky long-sleeved t-shirt off, and then his trousers. Proudly he showed his body, covered all over. Arms, legs, belly, back…hundreds of them! This was the signal for the other visitors of the hotel bar to proudly show theirs. So there I was, the only woman in the hotel bar, surrounded by six men from Singapore who started a striptease! Shirts, ties, t-shirts… The moment they dropped their pants I decided it was “time to move on.” It’s an experience I treasure and will never forget for the rest of my life… share today | 00.2010
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gro u ps s - x x l
Let's sting it We all know that the size of a group doesn’t necessarily influence the success of your event. With smaller groups you’re usually better off simply because there are more choices when it comes to locations. That’s why every issue we’re going to focus our spotlight on an event based on a certain amount of participants; from small to XXL. In this edition we take you to London for a large event for about 350 guests.
te x t kim al d e r d en
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grou ps s -x x l
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www.meetingselect.com
info@meetingselect.com
Forget Buckingham Palace – this summer, all eyes will be on the new occupant of another famous London address. The Sting, a major European clothing department store, already well established in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, opened their new flagship store at 1 Piccadilly Circus in July and ATP Event Experts were there to ensure the opening celebrations went with a bang! Occupying the premises of the now de-funked entertainment retail chain Zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastore) and located on one of London’s most famous shopping streets Piccadilly Circus, The Sting brings a refreshing variety of clothing brands under one roof, many of them still relatively unknown here in the UK. Planning The Sting’s arrival in the UK was an exciting project. The ambition of the owner is endless. But his philosophy is simple and clear. ‘No frills’ in the business model of his company. You need to ensure that you purchase that fabulous T-shirt inside the store because you cannot order it via the web, as no online sales are available. Sting’s owner strongly believes in his strategy; a premier shopping location will result in stunning sales.
Dynamic Brand & Start: ATP Events was approached almost a year ago with a request to plan and organize the launch celebrations on the 8th July 2010. Flying in nearly 350 guests (some of them with specific individual travel wishes) from the Netherlands, in two waves was an exciting challenge for the team. The first wave of guests from The Netherlands arrived on Thursday 8th July for the Grand Opening. Accommodation for the guests was reserved in The Sanderson and St. Martins Lane Hotels and dining was arranged at a convenient restaurant behind Regent Street. After dinner the guests continued to Club 24 where they danced the night away. Locations were carefully chosen on walking distance from each other. Central London locations need careful consideration as coach transportation in the West End needs to be avoided at all times because of loading and parking restrictions.
Recruitment for the London sales staff became an event on its own. The London recruitment drive was triggered by clean and crisp advertisements that lead to over 1000 young applicants. Interviews were held at the ‘hip and happening’ Sanderson Hotel, before the second round selection process continued at Club 24. The second wave of guests arrived on 10th July, not before a huge problem was solved… The chartered aircraft was cancelled at 2 am in the morning, only 5 hours before check-in! Never a dull moment in the event industry; but this was a challenging one! The beginning of summer holidays made it happen that no other flight option could be found, bus companies were driving their summer schedules and time was running out. Last and final call; the train. Hurray for Eurostar. The Sting is not only a cool brand but also a cool client to work for. In these hectic hours they remained calm and could instantly react on the new situation, there was a GO. On the other hand the ATP team across the channel made it happen on the London site. The reserved champagne ride in the London Eye (www.londoneye.com) was much later than planned but a great entrance to the London scene followed by a tour of The Sting for a first hand view of this exciting new addition to the London shopping scene. To see more on the Sting opening and castings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ase-BVrRRnk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIaiEcFRPmA
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close & pe rsonal
Karina Fürst te x t Yolan d a L ogt
The ‘Ildsjel’ of Au thentic Travel
Fire Soul
When you meet Karina Fürst, it immediately strikes you. So much positive energy and fire. Her
eyes light up when she talks about her company and her biggest passion: people. Where does this passion come from? Time for a more close & personal conversation with this authentic traveler!
FROM TRAVELER TO FOUNDER Professionally, Karina’s career started at the ‘Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne’. After that she worked as a conference interpreter and in travel business for many years. On a more personal level Karina kept looking for more meaning in life. She started to explore the world. She lived in Spain, Colombia and USA, learned the languages and especially all she could about the cultures. Her best teachers were the authentic local people and Karina started wondering why visitors often only consume a country and do not learn more about local culture, traditions and nature. It hit her that tourism played a key role in the way people experienced a country. And it still does, even today. “I always saw another path for the travel industry, but did not know how and where. I have been working in this industry since my education. I travelled and lived around the world and learned from all the different cultures. That became the foundation of my work today.”
ILDSJEL Since 1990 Karina has been living in Norway. She has raised her two children and started her DMC agency: Authenticore Travel. Through her work she came in contact with ‘Ildsjels’, meaning ‘Fire souls’. People who burn for something, who live their dream. Very passionate people who look for more than superficiality. Karina started to think more and more about a travel concept with these ‘fire souls’ as a meaningful and valuable addition. 24 share today | 00.2010
Ildsjels are extremely anchored in their local nature and culture and therefore the best ambassadors to invite you into their lives. They have natural authority and talking to them is fascinating because of their enthusiasm and ‘fire’. They capture attention and manage to make guests curious and willing to discover new things and different ways of life.
Getting to know locals and rural destinations with their traditions and culture in an authentic way. It is so simple. For example, let people harness their own dogs with the dog sledding, let them learn from the ‘musher’ how you built up a good team, what the qualities are of a good leader and why the dogs love what they do. This small change results in moving from consuming an activity to participating in an activity. Another message comes across. “I started to burn for creating new types of activities. To create programs, based on the philosophy of the ‘Ildsjels’, the ‘Fire souls’. I realized that the ‘Ildsjels’ were too spread out and often not found. Because although passionate about what they do, marketing & sales is not what they are good at. They do have websites, but who finds them? I organized destination development weekends with them and through long dialogues we discovered many new activities. Activities none of us had thought about before. Seeing the incredible effect the authentic experiences have had on the guests over the years, I now see it as my mission to base incentive programs on that value. Authentic, meeting local Ildsjels and learn from them about culture, traditions and nature.”
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Karina has developed her concept further under the name Authentic Travel, soon to be launched. Her dream is to inspire others. To SHARE her ideas, so that colleagues in other countries start to think similar and participate in the mission to add value to events. Her tip for the events industry? Give your guests the right ‘pair of glasses’. Let them see your country as it really is, from the moment they arrive till the moment they depart. Karina believes we are bridge builders. We build bridges between cultures. That is often forgotten. If you include the principle of building bridges into your business, from operations to bus drivers and guides, it will open doors and let others see how your culture really is. Nothing artificial but unique. When clients are part of unique and authentic experiences, they will never forget. And that is what Karina stands for. “My general believe is that you need to ask questions, not just supply answers. We should dare to think differently, to stimulate and challenge both agencies and corporate companies to explore new directions and work more transdisciplinary. It is important to think differently. It adds value, even if it is a bit provocative. That is why I like the idea of SHARE TODAY. It is different and authentic. It adds value and it has guts. It has fire.” The right moment to end an interview with a very passionate lady, a real fire soul, a true Ildsjel!
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snap s hot
China: an intriguing continent with unique faces and places that brings you enormous possibilities for cases. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the next edition!
p h oto jos beltman
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zoom in
New York
These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you
te x t l u x e cit y g u i d es p h oto y olan d a logt
City Life is always inspiring. That’s why we bring a quick glance at a major city in SHARE TODAY. The expert eye of Luxe City Guides is at the spot to scout the lifestyle of today.
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New York Think New York, think Manhattan. For a city bought for just 60 guilders in 1626, she ain’t doing too badly. Nary brutal winters, nor stifling summers can dampen the indefatigable gumption of this most iconic of all iconic cities. From cupcakes to knishes, and Mesopotamian art to molecular gastronomy, this unendingly fascinating hub of metropolitan life self-invents on an hourly basis. Majestic, grand, kitsch, the tops, the bottoms, the kit and the kaboodle, NY is one huge and mercurial melting pot. It’s really worth remembering that there is a $300 invisible line in NYC. Dip below it, and for the most part you’re in bedsit-land – with all that it implies. Even at the top end, rooms in this city can be literally Lilliputian and cost more than a Goldman Sachs bonus. Yes, it’s exactly like Sex and the City – glamsy dept stores, unending boutiques, steaming manholes (err..), parping taxis, gorgeous everything and barely enough time in the
day. If you can’t empty your purse and max your plastic in this town, you’re dead, get buried. One of the many joys of this city is the wealth of fantastic food at incredibly affordable prices – you really don’t have to break the bank to eat great dishes from world-class chefs like Jean George’s alumni Willy Dufresne, whose 12 course, $140 tasting menu at wd-50 is frankly pretty good going (although the dining room is a mite dull, Willy…). But what about the life enhancing martini? In the city that invented the beautiful drink it’s not surprising that there are several very good exponents, not least the King Cole Bar. Don’t forget; tipping is a matter of life and death. In restaurants and cafés doubling the tax works well, in bars add a dollar per drink. If the service really sucks don’t tip, but prepare to explain yourself and/or run fast. As usual, www.luxecityguides.com takes the research exceptionally seriously so not to worry they missed the hotspots. Take a look at their webshop, easy piecy ordering for just $9,99.
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colu mn ’ He w ho r e t ur ns f rom a j our ne y is Let us introduce you to another columnist, Toine Doreleijers. He lives in Austria
no t t he s a me a s he w ho l ef t ’
and the Netherlands, is married and father of two sons. Toine enjoys life by
(C hine se prov er b)
travelling, being adventurous (ever heard of ‘suppen’ and telemarken?) and passionately bringing people into action. It’s no wonder that Toine works as an independent trainer, a coach and an events organizer. Energetic is the word that suits Toine best. His finest hour? A leadership journey with Native Americans in upper Michigan, USA. There’s no need to say that Toine has a lot to share.
Take action! be part of the ‘Movie of Life’
AU T HE N T IC ORE cr e ate s e x per ie nc e s w i t h c on te n t ba sed on loc a l ins pir e d peopl e
action, a change and a movement towards a better life and a healthier world. A movement based on the believe that you have to start with yourself. Not with others, but with you.
The two ladies initiating this magazine take action. They are inspired to be part of the ‘Movie of Life’. They move forward by travelling, meeting inspiring people and experiencing fascinating places and they want to share these experiences with you. To inspire you.
In essence a lot of people understand this need for action and change. Maybe you also feel it inside. But where do you start? A first step is your own mindset, you start from the inside. Let yourself get inspired. If your mind gets inspired, you get inspired. If your mind decides to move forward, you move forward. So, you can decide to ‘get inspired’. Inspiration can be found on every street corner, it is all around you. Not just in big things, on the contrary! Very often it is seen, felt and experienced in little things. All you have to do is to open yourself up for it.
Get inspired The global crisis, pollution and global warming bring instability and insecurity like unemployment and financial and health problems. More and more people get affected by becoming frustrated, scared and even paralyzed. Passively they let their energy float down the river of life and add nothing essential. Waiting for others to bring the solution, they are not aware of the active role they can play. The easiest way to apologize for passive behavior is to convince yourself that others are to blame. But try to be honest and take a step back to look at the situation with a more objective view. Ask yourself what is my share? Did I play a part in getting into this crisis; did I do something to prevent it? This is a reflective question; the start of an
(f ir e soul s ) w ho l i v e t heir dr e a m a nd bur n f or some t hing . W e bel ie v e t hat our t r a de ins pir e s to be cur ious a bou t o t her cult ur e s , t r a di t ions a nd w ay s of l ife .
Disc ov er w i t h us
T HE SO U L OF NOR WAY www.authenticore.no | Uranienborg Terrasse 9 | 0351 Oslo-Norway Tel.: +47 22 06 50 20 | info@authenticore.no
Life is like a movie. To shoot a movie you have to ‘take action’. Action means movement. To take action in life you must get inspired.
Photo: Heidi Widerøe
This magazine helps you do that. Let the mind travel. The places, the faces and the cases; it may all be a sparkle of inspiration for you, just as it is for these two ladies. Your world is changeable. Get inspired, take action and move forward. Join them in the ‘Movie of Life’. If you start moving, others will follow. Enjoy your inspiring journey…
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FY I
Hotel Industry
Reborn
Despite setbacks, the meetings and events hotel industry is alive and kicking. Some say, it’s stronger than ever. te x t an d p h oto Yolan d a L ogt
While the worldwide economic recession could not knock it out, the industry was dealt its most serious blow with the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökul in Iceland this year. The ash cloud paralyzed the entire international meetings and events branch, especially the European market. A survey of the International Congress & Convention Association, sampled May 2010, shows 70% of those businesses questioned reported a negative impact.
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The effects were not limited to Europe. Destinations on the west coast of the USA and countries as Malaysia suffered fewer registrations, more cancellations and keynote speakers delayed. But one positive effect of the eruption emerged: hotels and hotel chains were forced to be more flexible, cooperative and creative - not only in the short term, but particularly when planning for the future.
Huge market It’s a fact that 800 more events took place in 2009 than 2008 and when the 2010-11 ICCA statistics are released, most expect the trend to continue. The figures reflect growth in the association meetings market plus improved events reporting from ICCA members. But the question for the hotel industry remains: How to achieve higher occupancy and sell more meeting space in a weakened economic climate and a changing market? Flexibility and cooperation One answer could be improved cooperation and communication. Examples can be found everywhere. Hotels are relaxing cancellation and alteration policies. Companies are taking care to make their requests as precise as possible, avoiding blocking more rooms than they eventually confirm. The time of long-term relationships between suppliers and organizers has lost ground. And the market is becoming more responsive. Some hotels in Amsterdam have voluntarily downgraded their rating from five- to four-stars to become more attractive to companies tightening their own belts by authorizing employee stays in four-star hotels. The result: Amsterdam’s hotel market has become more open and competitive. Innovation and tools Market challenges are spawning innovation, too. The Rezidor Hotel Group has introduced its eXperience Meetings Concept in Benelux and France which offers 20 destinations in 14 countries and promises “the very best in meeting facilities throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa”.
Their portfolio includes Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn, Regent, Country Inn & Suites and Missoni. Their 10 customizable packages include upgrading, simplified organization and original suggestions. All are available for limited, moderate and high-end budgets. More info: www. rezidorexperiencemeetings.com While other chains are developing tools that help Meeting and Events planners access information, record travel expenditures, make group requests, and track reservations for both rooms and meetings, Hilton Worldwide goes even further by combining tracking with sustainability. They recently launched LightStay, a proprietary system that calculates and analyzes the environmental impact of any meeting or conference at a Hilton property. The program is a plus for meeting planners who can factor in the environmental impact of hotel stays and meetings when making purchasing decisions and provide corporate customers with impact meeting data for their own sustainability reporting. In a market calling for transparency and reports, this kind of responsiveness is more than welcome. Click here for more info. Challenges ahead? Hotels may face new challenges as virtual meetings gain popularity. While some managers have jumped onto the bandwagon, participants at a Meetings Professionals International (MPI) conference held last June in The Hague say face-to-face meetings will never be replaced: the ultimate combination – video conferencing paired with onsite meetings – is the wave of the future.
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let me entertain you
For meetings we suggest
the extraordinary
let me ente rtain yo u
ksBooksBooksboo websites
Angelika Taschen Taschen’s
Free high-speed Internet access* available to meeting delegates, 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee and contemporary surroundings - all you need for a successful meeting. Choose from 200+ hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa. From A for Austria to Z for Zambia - discover wonderful destinations and hold your next meeting in Paris, Dubrovnik, Zurich, Frankfurt, Moscow, Rome, Vienna or Birmingham ... *For a full list of participating hotels, please visit www.radissonblu.com/freebroadband
radissonblu.com/meetings
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As they say themselves, the Luxury Travel Collection, the finest online directory for the discerning traveler. Why not use it to find the finest for your client or delegate!
Besides having beautiful bookstores, Taschen also issues books themselves, like the Taschen’s Berlin, Paris, New York and London editions. The books compile great insiders tips for all the very best hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to ensure visitors a wealth of ideas and to guarantee that their stay in the city will never have a dull moment. Even browsing through the beautifully illustrated books will give you plenty of insights, even if you are an event professional. A true recommendation!
Thijs Heslenfeld COLD - Sailing to Antarctica
Thinking big? That’s our business.
www.xoprivate.com
After his successful HOT -Life in the Australian outback - chosen as the best travel photo book of 2009, Thijs Heslenfeld came out with a new book: COLD – Sailing to Antarctica. On board the sailing ship Europa he made a spectacular journey along the coldest, most dangerous and deserted place on earth--Antarctica. COLD is a compilation of his most beautiful pictures that will make you feel the elements of nature.
www.amazingretreats.com Rough Guide & Rough Guides - Make the most of your time on Earth The hundreds of must-do experiences from around the world will inspire everyone. From intrepid travel adventures such as mountain-biking along the world’s most dangerous road in Bolivia to suggestions for the perfect places to stay. For amazing wildlife why not go on a polar bear safari in Canada? Don’t forget the world’s most spectacular festivals including Mali’s amazing Festival in the Desert. Whether you are tempted by the prospect of living in an African village or tagging dolphins on the Spanish coast, there’s all manner of ethical travel experiences that will give you plenty of ideas for your next event.
Looking for a real Scottish castle or a historic manor house exclusive for your group in the UK? Go to this website and find authentic and amazing properties of an exceptionally high standard to accommodate your group and give them an unforgettable experience.
www.businessevents. australia.com Interested in Australia for your next event or meeting? Don’t forget to go to this website. The website is easy to use and very extensive; it even provides presentation tools and case studies. Well done Australia!
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foo d fo r t ho u g ht
‘A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination’ Nelson Mandela Activ’Travel Partner
54, Bd Moulay Youssef Rés Moulay Youssef Bât J, Rdc. 20000 Casablanca Maroc Tel : + 212 522 27 04 04 Fax : + 212 522 27 42 42 Email : info@activ-travel.net www.activ-travel.com 36 share today | 00.2010
Activ’Travel France
Safran RP 39 bis Avenue Paule Doumer 75116 Paris France Votre contact: Sabine & François Aucoin Tel : + 33 145 047 545 GSM : + 33 668 617 545 Email: safranrp@aol.com
Activ’Travel UK
Unit H The Annexe The Business Centre Wharf Lane, Bourne End Bucks, SL8 5RU, UK Your contact: Gillian Moulden Tel : + 44 (0) 1628 532020 GSM : + 44 (0) 1628 521116 Email: mouldenuk@aol.com
p h oto Yolan d a L ogt
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