MICE Benelux - Summer Edition

Curaçao Marriott, ideal for business and leisure travelers

This oceanfront 5 star luxury resort is the place to be, providing an elegant hotel experience. Just 15 minutes from the airport, 5 minutes from Willemstad and opposite WTC. A perfect backdrop for any kind of event, including corporate incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and retreats. The tranquil beach is right in front with easy access to the crystal blue waters of Curaçao.

EVENTS SPACES & ROOMS

With 12,000 square feet of meeting spaces, we are ready to welcome you and your next group or event. We host small to large groups up to 800 guests, 13 flexible outdoor and indoor event venues, many with stunning ocean views. An array of outdoor spaces are available for meetings, events, weddings and special occasions, each with individual character and enhanced by impeccable Marriott service.

ROYAL BALLROOM

Our most modern meeting space, largest on island, the Royal Ballroom, is the perfect space to plan ballroom weddings, conferences, banquets and more. It is sectionable to ensure to cover any event size and connected with our precious and

WORK & PLAY FACILITIES

There are 328 modern guest rooms and eight luxurious suites with ample amenities and workspace including a laptop safe. Work out in our state of the art fitness centre or take a swim in one of the 2 pools of which one is for adults-

only. Other hotel amenities include a kids club, diveshop, activity centre and a special walking and running path.

DINING CONCEPTS

Once you enter Curaçao Marriott, the first thing you’ll notice is the open-air environment. The spacious lounge overlooks the ocean and here you’ll find the lively cocktail bar, the Zala Gastro Lounge and the Izakaya Sushi Bar. On the ground level, you can enjoy a delicious meal at ÇSpice restaurant. There’s a food and beverage service by the pools but you can also sit down for a drink, snack or full meal at the Salty Iguana Ocean Grill.

BONVOY MARRIOTT

There are plenty of interesting bonuses for members of the Bonvoy Marriott Loyalty Program. With discounts and special offers at 7,000 hotels and resorts in 131 countries.

We invite business travel experts to come and visit us. Please send us an e-mail and we will be happy to request a visit for you.

info@caribbeanreflections.nl

lush Royal Plaza area, the perfect setup for an outdoor event or reception.

Curaçao Marriott Great Room Balcony

Germany is hot!

Everyone knows: Germany is business minded. But also common knowledge: Life can be good at our neighbors’ place. We have presentations from Cologne, Nurnberg, and look at the EURO 2024. Also, with IMEX coming soon, we have all the info on what is happening in Frankfurt.

Multi Interview Incentive

We ask three experts from incentive specialists and ask them about the latest trends, inflation, hot destinations and whatever else in on their mind. Essential reading!

COLOPHON

Editor-in-chief

Tijn Kramer

tijn.kramer@travmedia.nl

Editors Belgium & The Netherlands: Arjen Lutgendorff, Sharon Evers, Dylan Cinjee, Bart Matthijs, Jan Peeters, Theo de Reus, Rahanna van Stapele, Tim Rosman (columnist).

Press relases and info: info@micebenelux.com TRAVelMEDIA

MICE Benelux. Arendstraat 33A, 1223 RE, Hilversum. www.micebenelux.com

Design: Iris Beenen

Publishers: Tom van Apeldoorn T.J. van Apeldoorn

Antwerp is amazing

There is so much more than meets the eye. Yes, Antwerp is fun, partylike and all with good beers. But business may be even better. Wonderful venues, new hip neighborhoods and fine dining. The fashionable city continues to amaze.

Sales & Marketing: Sales and information about advertising, etc. tina@travmedia.nl (0031-35-6728855), dennis.ebbers@travmedia.nl (0031-35-6728852),

MICE BENELUX is a TRAVelMEDIA publication.

SUBSCRIPTION: 29 euro per year

Year 19, issue 1

Our Journey in the Right Direction

55 Charging Stations on the ABC Islands

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are popular destinations where many TUI guests enjoy their vacations annually. It’s important that future generations can continue to enjoy these islands. Therefore, last year, we embarked on a great project together with a local organization; Dynaf to install 55 charging stations on the ABC Islands. With this initiative, we aim to encourage electric driving and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.

Electric Touring

The ABC Islands are ideal for electric driving due to short driving distances, allowing you to easily tour around without constantly needing to recharge. However, currently there are not many electric (rental) cars available due to a limited number of charging stations. By installing 55 charging stations spread across the three islands, we aim to break this vicious cycle and create a comprehensive network for electric cars.

We hope this will encourage car rental

companies and car dealers to expand their electric vehicle fleets. And together accelerate the transition to electric transportation on the islands.

TUI Charging Stations

We’re installing the charging stations in collaboration with the local company Dynaf. They will be located at various places, including hotels and public locations such as supermarkets and popular tourist hotspots. Additionally, some charging stations will be installed with solar carports in places where electricity is not readily available, such as remote beaches.

The Count Stands at 9

On Curaçao, 9 charging stations have already been installed, with numbers 10 and 11 to follow soon. You can find them for example, at Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Curaçao, Bahia Apartments & Diving, and Papagayo Beach Resort. But we’re not stopping there. In total, there will be 30 TUI charging stations on Curaçao, 15 on Aruba, and 10 on Bonaire. TUI is pleased to contribute to making the beautiful ABC Islands a little greener. This way everyone can continue to enjoy these delightful Caribbean destinations. Now and in the future.

Tijn Kramer, Editor-in-Chief

MICE Benelux

Make it happen

Why do we do what we do? As you can read in our interviews with specialists working in the industry, the MICE business is back, but it is not all a field of roses. Inflation hits hard, geopolitical challenges cause disruptions and one never knows what Mother Nature is up to, as we saw in Dubai. But in all fairness, this is nothing new. Our industry has seen the best of times and the worst of times, yet here we are.

And that is something to be proud of. In a world that polarizes you all bring people together, make sure they learn from one another, can talk or have a laugh together about cultural differences rather than raise fists. Learn from one another, share food together and speak about the future of our children and friends.

So pat yourself on the back if you are not too busy, which you probably are. But we need to travel and learn more than ever. Make it happen, my MICE friends!

Tijn Kramer

IAEE, MPI, and SITE relaunch Global MICE collaborative TRENDS & TRIPS

Collaborative brings three of the industry’s best-known associations — IAEE, MPI and SITE — together to provide the global community of business event professionals with a ‘best of’ collaboration, initially focused on education. MPI brings networking, thought leadership and education for meetings; SITE for incentives; and IAEE for conventions and exhibitions. We bring indispensable connections to our combined communities of over 110,000 MICE professionals located all over the world.” Paul van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI, added, “Over the past three years the business events industry has seen significant change in workforce composition. Some reports show that upwards of 60 percent of industry professionals are new and the average age has declined by nearly 10 years. This brings forth a significant opportunity for new, fresh thinking, yet also demonstrates the need for skill development. Our MICE Fundamentals course provides the perfect pan-industry immersion for those new individuals entering this amazing industry. It also provides the perfect primer for the more specialized certification programs that each of our individual associations offer: IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program; MPI’s Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM); and SITE’s Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) and Certified Incentive Travel Professional (CITP).”

A new pan-industry partnership is relaunching this month, with three association powerhouses teaming up to deliver two inspiring educational offerings designed for new MICE industry talent.

The Global MICE Collaborative (“the Collaborative”) is a joint initiative of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events® (IAEE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). With an overarching aim to advance the global meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions (MICE) industry, the Collaborative provides a convenient single solution for education and training to accelerate workforce development and destination capabilities within the business events industry worldwide. Initially launched in 2018, the Global MICE

Collaborative delivered educational content in Shenzhen (China) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) before the global pandemic imposed a mandatory pause in its activities. The Collaborative has now re-launched with a keynote on Business & Event Trends for MICE Professionals at The Meetings Show, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (April 17-18, 2024) followed by MICE Fundamentals: Conference, Exhibition & Incentive Events, a one-day course available in-person in Germany on Monday, May 13, 2024, the day before IMEX Frankfurt commences. This course will also be available at future industry events, which will be announced in later communications.

Commenting on the re-launch, IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, said, “The Global MICE

SITE CEO Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, concluded, “As more regions, countries and cities around the globe recognize the hard dollar and soft power contribution of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, the demand for professionally trained business events executives is increasing. That’s why the leading associations in the industry have joined forces to develop the best MICE workforce in established and emerging markets worldwide. IAEE, MPI and SITE look forward to expanding the scope of our ‘Collaborative’ and to serving an industry that currently makes a $1.6 trillion USD contribution to global GDP.” Further details on the Global MICE Collaborative and registration for the MICE Fundamentals course are available at micecollaborative.com/

Top trends 2024 by the IRF

The Incentive Research Foundation has released its signature study, The IRF 2024 Trends Report. Some findings are the following: Incentives and recognition continue to be important tools for organizations. Leadership sees their value, employees are motivated by them, and the industry is positioned for a successful year. Yet given the current economic climate, incentive professionals are balancing the need to create transformative programs with the reality of inflation and budget constraints.

“The demands of a changing workforce raise the expectations for incentives to boost engagement, build company culture, and motivate improved performance,” said Stephanie Harris, President, IRF. “As we enter 2024, incentive professionals face increasing pressure on budgets while still developing strategic and creative ways to deliver exciting, motivational programs”

The top trends for incentive, reward, and recognition programs in 2024 include:

Increasing importance of incentives to motivate today’s workforce: Incentive and recognition programs are considered a key to culture building and are instrumental in bringing together and motivating a more dispersed workforce. Next, Inflation continues, and budgets are hit hard: While incentive program budgets are increasing, prices are often rising at a faster pace. Budgets are often increased to maintain a program, and do not indicate incentive program growth. And of course, Artificial

Intelligence is increasing efficiency and impact: With transformative potential, AI can be used to enable greater personalization in rewards and shift towards true individualization, tailoring travel experiences and merchandise rewards to specific employees. Finally, The workforce is getting younger and priorities are shifting: Programs that utilize points, gift cards, and spiffs align with younger workers’ preference for frequent, authentic recognition.

ADVERTORIAL

“Benefit from attractive flight, travel and product awards”

PartnerPlusBenefit is the corporate bonus program of the Lufthansa Group airlines. Dorine Brandenburg, NB (New Business) / SME (Small/ Medium Enterprise) Manager for the Netherlands, tells more about the latest developments.

Why is a loyalty program ideal for my company?

“Participation in PartnerPlusBenefit enables small and mediumsized companies to optimize their travel costs, regardless of whether the company has one or a hundred employees.”

What kind of rewards then?

“As a participant you benefit from a wide choice of attractive flight, travel and product awards. Now also with the latest award: buying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for saved BenefitPoints. And while the company and its employees earn

BenefitPoints for the company on business trips, Miles & More members can also earn Miles on their personal Miles & More account.”

The program has recently been upgraded, what has changed?

“Yes, we released the updated PartnerPlusBenefit program in July 2023 with more transparent logic and calculation for collecting points.”

How can companies apply for PartnerPlusBenefit membership?

“Registration is quick and easy via partnerplusbenefit.com. Companies that have questions can contact us by telephone from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm via telephone number: 0031 (0)20 - 7218908.”

Uncomplicated, Unhurried, Unexpected: Host Your Next Event in Vibrant Nuremberg

Imagine a place where history and cutting-edge innovation collide, where seamless organization meets a vibrant cultural scene, and where getting around is a breeze. Welcome to Nuremberg, your ideal destination for a truly unforgettable event.

NürnbergConvention, a powerful alliance between NürnbergMesse, the renowned exhibition center, and CTZ, the Nuremberg Convention and Tourist Office, offers a one-stop shop for event Our NürnbergConvention Bureau removes the stress from event organization, providing you with: Experienced professionals guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful

Benefit from local knowledge and insights to create a program that resonates with your

Short communication channels: Enjoy direct access to key decision-makers, streamlining the planning process.

Nuremberg caters to events of all from intimate product

launches to sprawling international conventions. Whether you envision a sophisticated gala or a unique experience like a gingerbread baking class in traditional costume, NürnbergConvention helps transform your vision into reality. But why choose Nuremberg? Here’s what sets this captivating city apart:

• A Perfect Blend of History and Modernity: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Nuremberg’s past, with its iconic medieval architecture juxtaposed by contemporary design. Hold your event in a historic setting or utilize state-of-the-art facilities – the choice is yours.

• Innovation Hub: Nuremberg is a powerhouse for cutting-edge ideas. This dynamic city boasts a thriving scientific community and a long history of groundbreaking inventions. Spark creativity and ignite discussions in this

stimulating environment.

• First-Class Infrastructure: Nuremberg is easily accessible, with a central location in the heart of Europe. The city boasts excellent transportation links, including a 12-minute metro ride from the airport to the central station, and a further 8-minute connection to the convention center. Getting around is effortless, allowing your attendees to focus on the event itself.

• Multicultural Tapestry: Nuremberg welcomes people from all walks of life, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. This diversity adds a unique flavor to any event, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange.

• Beyond Business: Nuremberg offers a wealth of leisure activities for attendees to unwind after a productive day. Explore the charming neighborhoods, indulge in delicious Franconian cuisine, or delve into the city’s fascinating history. NürnbergConvention provides a dedicated app to help attendees discover hidden gems and create lasting memories in their free time.

Nuremberg is more than just a convention destination; it’s an experience. Let NürnbergConvention Bureau be your partner in creating an event that surpasses expectations. Uncomplicated, unhurried, and unexpected – your success is our priority.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact Nürnberg Convention Bureau today and let’s make your next event truly unforgettable!

New clip to promote Cologne as a congress destination

Cologne, MICE-perfection on the Rhine

Cologne, February 05, 2024 A new video clip from the Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) of Cologne Tourist Board shows event planners that Cologne, with its large portfolio and countless possibilities, is an outstanding destination for meetings and conventions. The film material was developed to meet the increasing demand for more comprehensive presentation options for the city and is now available free of charge.

choice for international conferences and events.

• Rich History and Culture: Immerse yourself in Cologne’s captivating history, from its magnificent cathedral to its charming lively squares.

The two-minute clip depicts the customer journey of a congress participant in the city from arrival to the evening program and provides a comprehensive insight into the many offers of Cologne's conference landscap e. In addition to the most diverse and sometimes unusual locations, a perfect infrastructure, short distances and experienced event experts in the city are waiting to make an unforgettable business trip possible. The clip is aimed at event planners who need high-quality material to promote their event in Cologne for their websites or presentations and also serves as a travel incentive. In addition, it offers event participants and committees authentic impressions of the congress experience in Cologne and thus closes a gap in demand for both target groups.

• Modern Appeal: Cologne is a city that thrives on innovation. Experience its contemporary art scene, renowned research institutions, and versatile architecture.

• Thriving MICE Industry: Cologne provides state-of-the-art facilities, experienced event planners, and a supportive infrastructure to ensure a seamless and successful event.

The film is now available on YouTube. The CCB cordially invites interested parties to use the clip and convince themselves of the advantages of Cologne as a congress destination.

• Local Focus: Cologne embraces its communities, offering unique experiences that showcase the city’s authentic character.

For further information and inquiries, please contact the CCB

LOOKING AHEAD:

Cologne, the vibrant metropolis on the Rhine River ever so nearby, beckons you to experience a perfect blend of history, culture, and contemporary energy for any MICE-event. Whether you’re planning a business conference, an amazing event or teambuilding incentive, Cologne offers an unforgettable experience.

MICE ON THE MOVE

BEYOND NUMBERS:

About Cologne Tourist Board

Cologne Tourist Board is the official tourism organization of the city of Cologne and thus the first point of contact for visitors from all over the world, whether they're coming here on business or to spend their leisure time. Together with its partners, Cologne Tourist Board conducts marketing activities all over the world for Cologne as a travel destination and a convention venue. Its aim is to enhance the city's image and to position Cologne and its surrounding region as an attractive tourist destination and an outstanding convention location in the German and international markets. In the process, it aims to boost added value for the economy of Cologne and the surrounding region.

About Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB)

The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events (MICE) sector is experiencing a surge in Cologne. The city’s wellestablished infrastructure, coupled with the recent opening of the colossal Confex convention center, positions Cologne as a premier destination for large-scale events.

Cologne’s success goes beyond mere figures. The city boasts a thriving cultural scene, evident in the high proportion of visitors drawn by cultural events. Additionally, Cologne’s star-rated hotels have recorded the highest increase in revenue per room, signifying a rise in demand and a recognition of the city’s exceptional quality.

The Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) as part of KölnTourismus GmbH is responsible for the congress sector. Organisers benefit from the CCB as a neutral contact point with many years of experience, a broad network and free -of-charge services. The CCB provides individual and personal support in planning all kinds of events: conferences, congresse s, meetings and incentives. www.locations.koeln

HERE’S WHAT MAKES COLOGNE A COMPELLING CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT:

• Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of Europe, Cologne offers excellent accessibility, making it an ideal

Contact: Kim Waltenbauer, Corporate Communications Tel. +49(0)221. 34643 232, kim.waltenbauer@koelntourismus.de #visitkoeln

Cologne is continuously innovating. A new video clip from the Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) of Cologne Tourist Board shows event planners that Cologne, with its large portfolio and countless possibilities, is an outstanding destination for meetings and conventions. The film material was developed to meet the increasing demand for more comprehensive presentation options for the city and is now available free of charge. For further information and inquiries, please contact the CCB.

About Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB)

The Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) as part of KölnTourismus GmbH is responsible for the congress sector. Organisers benefit from the CCB as a neutral contact point with many years of experience, a broad network and free-of-charge services. The CCB provides individual and personal support in planning all kinds of events: conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives.

MEET

THE COLOGNE CONVENTION

BUREAU!

Together with its partners Koelncongress GmbH, Maritim Hotel Köln, Hilton Cologne and Köln-Dusseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt, the Cologne Convention Bureau look forward to meet you at our booth F125 (Hall 8) at IMEX, or contact us through our brand new website locations.cologne

© Shutterstock, R. Classen.

Tim Rosman, columnist

Return on invested time is crucial

In the event sector, various trends are emerging. Events are increasingly becoming a strategic part of marketing and communication policies. They are becoming more interactive, with short, powerful, and small-scale sessions. Generative AI facilitates effective matchmaking during networking sessions, all within the overarching theme: event attendees maximizing the return on their time.

There is no sector immune to AI. In ours, it enhances and automates visitor matching possibilities, ensuring they connect with the right counterparts during events. The more data visitors provide about what they are seeking and whom they wish to engage with, the better the networking matches become, thus optimizing their networking time effectively.

From broadcasting to mobilizing

This emphasis on time is also evident in event agendas. More shorter conferences are emerging, featuring half-day programs that commence with networking lunches. Programmatic content, like networking, is meticulously tailored to match supply and demand. Less boring plenary sessions with a single speaker broadcasting while others listen, but more short interactive power sessions that mobilize attendees’ knowledge. AI will also support in this aspect.

Physical value-added

It may seem contradictory to digitization: the enormous demand for physical gatherings. However, it’s not a contradiction; it complements each other. 2022, the first year after COVID-19, was the best year ever for the events industry. Everyone wanted to meet physically again. That urge remains but is complemented and supported by digital technology to extract more value from it.

From gathering to experience

Thus, the ‘traditional’ event is shifting from a gathering to an experience, ensuring the message resonates better. Events are finally becoming more integrated into companies’ marketing and communication strategies. This is evident in the increasing budgets aimed at making attendees more part of an active community and less of a passive audience.

Let’s embrace innovation and shape the future of events together!

Tim Rosman has been active in the event and live communication industry for over 20 years and is therefore a real event geek. He is President of the Dutch chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and works with great enthusiasm and pleasure for the FokkerTerminal in The Hague.

Sustainability, DEI and Inflation

Enormous impacts and great fun

Rutger Hoorn is Vice President of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Ovation. A well known name within the industry. About the latest trends, challenges and why we have the best job in the world.

By Tijn Kramer

The company is a household name within the MICE industry. Ovation Global DMC is a leading Global Destination Management Company, headquartered in Geneve, with offices around the world. Over 30 years Ovation specializes in designing and executing event objectives from logistics to high-end programs. As industry leaders, Ovation Global DMC plays a key role in the meetings and events world. I

Hello Rutger, a brief introduction of Ovation?

We have been servicing associations, corporations and agencies in 100+ destinations throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, North America and South America for more than 30 years. Ovation was set up in the early 1990s in Ireland and initially focused primarily on the Irish inbound market. That went so well that they naturally looked into working in other countries as well. So in early 2000, multiple offices were rolled out. And so we continued to grow little by little. In 2024 we have 32 offices worldwide. In other places we have entered into strategic partnerships with small local DMCs. They must of course meet our high standards. There are currently 42 in total. Together this is of course a very nice global network. We have an office in all ‘Tier 1’ destinations, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations we have a network of good DMCs as strategic partners.

What impact has Covid had and where are you now?

At the time of the pandemic everything was dramatic. We are only now in a phase where things are stabilizing a bit. We have most of the people back, but to some extent we still miss the knowledge of colleagues who have all left. You see that in more places, of course.

But the business is back?

Absolutely. In fact. We still say no to customers a lot. We have to, simply because larger projects have priority and that also applies to returning customers over one-off projects or customers.

What role do you have?

My job is to manage large accounts, large corporate accounts. Looking for new customers, going to trade fairs,

doing sales. But also maintaining the quality of all our 42 strategic partners. With the necessary extensions to other destinations. Or just downgrade. Downgrading certain destinations because no business or too little business goes there.

With 42 partners, I can imagine that you face constant quality control.

That’s a constant in my job. Absolutely. Meeting the people, meeting the team, understanding how they work. What kind of proposals they send, what their quality is, financial control, financial diligence. It is an ongoing quality control process. My job is mostly problem solving, because problems are global, but at the same time I also give pats on the back. Everything to ensure high quality.

Do you see countries that are particularly popular?

You see trends. In 2016 everyone wanted to go to Iceland. It was really impossible at that moment, but at some point it stabilizes again. Portugal is in high demand. Just like Croatia and Greece. We are also seeing a huge number of requests coming in for Vietnam and Thailand. Colombia, Costa Rica are also hot. But within the trends it is important that the value remains good. Portugal still has value but I am very afraid if that changes, it could disappear again.

Where do those customers come from for these destinations?

Globally, American customers still predominate with their budget and group size. There is still the American incentive craziness. Because incentives are really a big thing there. I sit on the trustee board of the IRF, the Incentive Research Foundation, and it still shows that the large customers and large budgets still exist. And they are coming to Europe and now increasingly in Australia and parts of Asia.

Do you have any insight into the Dutch market? Do they spend a little more? No, they don’t spend more. Every time I see a Dutch application coming in, I hope that the budgets will also align with what they want. But I see almost as often that that is not the case. Then you have to make adjustments. You then have a different type of hotel, adjustments to the program. But there is still friction there. In general, I see that budgets have not grown along with inflation, let’s put it that way. When will that return? Maybe inflation needs to go down first and then budgets

go up a bit… I don’t know. Europe often stays nearby.

What impact does sustainability have on your business?

Huge, but I still don’t think it’s going strong enough. It has enormous consequences, also in business terms. Worrying may be a strong word. But the impact it will have on our business. As an industry, we are still very dependent on the large projects that are still coming in. If that suddenly goes down... and people indeed choose closer to home. This will then have an impact on our local offices and the revenue model. Because then you see the big budgets and the big players who stay closer to home. Then the countries surrounding it, ‘the green zones’, will benefit enormously. But the countries that are further away from those large HQs will suffer because they will receive fewer large projects with large budgets.

What consequences does that have?

There may be a shift where there are literally fewer DMCs in certain

destinations. I think that is a logical consequence. These DMCs will certainly become more involved in the MICE market in the local area. Where they will serve local large corporations. And focus less on the incoming business of international companies visiting the country.

And what do you do about sustainability yourself?

We are really actively working on this. Not only the parent company, but also the local parties are fully committed to obtaining all the necessary certificates. We have sustainable directors and sustainable project managers in each team. Because make no mistake. If you don’t prepare for that, you’re going to hit your nose at some point. Because at some point it will become law. And then you fall by the wayside if it all has to be carried out at some point.

The trend of inclusivity. How do you go along with that?

We automatically go along with this. Because of course we also have a lot of new people, who are all young. And they all literally grew up in it. Even if it’s something from the last few years. I spent five years in America myself. The DEI (Diversity, equity and inclusion) principles started there. We are also rolling out many events in America that must be truly inclusive. But it does depend on the customer. It also varies by state, and a certain political background. They think that is important, or less important. But the DEI principles are of great importance to us and they are automatically included.

What impact has Zoom had and continues to have?

It has a positive and a negative effect. Positive: You can have a face-to-face meeting much faster, like we do now, for example. We don’t have to be together anymore. But that also loses a little bit of its personality. But you still miss the personal contact a bit. And it is still so terrible important. But it really does have a positive influence, sustainability-wise. It has become an indispensable part of our entire world.

Did it cost the sector money?

The rise of Zoom and Teams actually saved us. Being able to maintain contact

with customers in this way is essential for the revival of the events industry. We were able to maintain the relationships. So it certainly helped us to get back to where we are now. Our business was dead during the pandemic anyway. So really this was the only way to get back into the business of maintaining relationships and continuing with what we wanted to do. And now post-pandemic, the boundaries have shifted again as to what we do digitally and when we measure live. Because the virtual part has gone down again.

What is the impact of inflation?

The impact is totally unbelievable. Our biggest risers in terms of costs are the transport companies. Plane tickets, of course. Now 99% of the DMC is not responsible for the airlift. But that has a huge impact on the corporate end user. And that automatically has an impact on the budget they have for the rest, including for the DMC. You now have to constantly have a conversation with the customer that the budget of five years ago no longer fits the same program.

Despite all the challenges and setbacks, what makes this industry so special?

People, people, people. It is a peoples business. We all have an opinion. We love to chat, we love a party. And we travel a lot. Well, look, I say it often. We are

probably not millionairs, but we live like one. We see so many really nice places. We are pampered. But we also have to work really hard to get the money on the table.

Lufthansa Group Meetings & Events Attractive flight solutions for global events ADVERTORIAL

Lydia van Leeuwen, Account Manager Netherlands. Global flight solutions for events.

What does Lufthansa Group Meetings & Events do?

“With Meetings & Events, Lufthansa Group helps an organization to arrange cost-saving individual trips to and from the event for the participants. With a network of approximately 300 destinations in approximately 100 countries, we are the ideal partner to fly participants to events. Our offer is aimed at organizers and visitors of conferences, trade fairs, corporate, sporting and cultural events.”

Why would a company use Meetings & Events?

“It offers attractive flight solutions for global events. We can book flights not only with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines,

Eurowings, Lufthansa and SWISS, but also with our partners Air Canada and United Airlines. In addition, our codeshare partners offer additional travel options.”

What are the further benefits?

“There are numerous benefits, not only in terms of organization, planning and implementation, but also for the participants of events. The event organizer can choose whether the discounted tickets are issued via a special booking link, or via a selected travel agency. Includes appropriate material that the company can use to communicate our offering to event participants. Delegates to contracted events, and one traveling companion, receive discounted flights. In addition, they can be flexible in choosing their travel dates, up to seven days before and after the event. Lufthansa Group’s global route network guarantees the best possible connections to international events.”

Top Reasons for Meeting Planners to Join MPI

A membership with Meeting Professionals International provides countless benefits that will allow you to grow both personally and professionally. Our members tell us that these are the top five reasons for joining:

Global connections will grow your network. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including 15,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has nearly 70 chapters and clubs in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Expand your professional capabilities through the MPI Academy’s powerhouse of educational and career resources. Gain clock hours with ondemand webinars, study for the CMP or future-proof your career through one of our many credential certificate programs.

Contribute to the advancement of your community and our industry by volunteering on one of MPI’s boards or as a chapter leader. Or join one of our nine MPI Communities to help enhance membership, community benefits and business resources for self-organized interest groups.

About MPI

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Euro 2024 is coming

A hot football summer all over Germany

One of the greatest sporting events in the world is set to take place in Germany. The UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. The group stage runs until 26 June, with the knockout stage beginning on 29 June.

It will be the ideal nearby possibility to take clients to some of the most exciting football games around. We do a small round up of all the venues, matches and base camps.

WHO HAS QUALIFIED FOR EURO?

The draw for the final tournament was held in Hamburg on Saturday 2 December.

Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France

Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine

Group F: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia

HOST VENUES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (current capacity: 71,000)

Cologne: Cologne Stadium (43,000)

Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (62,000)

Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)

Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (47,000)

Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)

Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (49,000)

Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (40,000)

Munich: Munich Football Arena (66,000)

Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (51,000)

Basecamps and sustainabilty

Hosts Germany have announced they will reside in Herzogenaurach in Bavaria, title holders Italy have picked Iserlohn in North-Rhine Westphalia and UEFA EURO 2020 finalists England have chosen Blankenhain in Thuringia. All teams will check into their base camps at least five

days before their first match, aiming to extend their stay in their “home away from home” until the final, which takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 14 July.

Having for the first time included sustainability as a criterion in the

Visit us at IMEX Booth F125

It´s that time again!

Europe‘s leading trade fair for the global MICE industry, IMEX Frankfurt, is opening its doors to exhibitors and visitors from 14 - 16 May 2024. Take the opportunity to discover the full diversity of Cologne as a conference location. Together with our partners Koelncongress GmbH, Maritim Hotel Köln, Hilton Cologne and Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt, we look forward to finding inspiring ideas for your next event.

Arrange an appointment now!

Netherlands games

tournament regulations, the match schedule has been designed for teams to play their group stage matches only across two regional clusters in order to reduce travel distances for teams and fans between the host cities. This favors team delegations traveling by train – offered through a partnership with Deutsche Bahn – or bus from their base camps to the match venues during the group stage, leaving a much smaller carbon footprint than at previous tournaments.

While anticipation will be growing in the chosen localities ahead of the teams’ arrival, the local population can look forward to each team conducting a public training session ahead of their first match, giving fans a chance to experience the stars of the tournament up close. Many venues have committed to using their selection as a team base camp to make further infrastructural investments in their training sites, which will benefit the local communities long after the tournament has concluded.

(source: UEFA media)

16 June Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, 15:00)

21 June Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, 21:00)

25 June Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, 18:00)

Belgium games

17 June Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, 18:00)

22 June Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, 21:00)

26 June Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, 18:00)

And the elimination games:

1/8 finals 29 june- 2 july ¼ finals 5-6 july

½ finals 9-10 july

Final 14 july 21h00: The Netherlands-Belgium (perhaps other teams)

Confirmed team base camps:

Albania – Kamen

Austria – Berlin

Belgium – Ludwigsburg

Croatia – Neuruppin

Czechia – Norderstedt

Denmark – Freudenstadt

England – Blankenhain

France – Paderborn

Germany – Herzogenaurach

Hungary – Weiler im Allgäu

Italy – Iserlohn

Netherlands – Wolfsburg

Portugal – Harsewinkel

Romania – Würzburg

Scotland – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Serbia – Augsburg

Slovakia – Mainz

Slovenia – Wuppertal

Spain – Donaueschingen

Switzerland – Stuttgart

Türkiye – Barsinghausen

Georgia – Velbert

Poland – Hannover

Ukraine – Wiesbaden

Trendy and

fashionable Amazing Antwerp

Oh beautiful Antwerp. A city that is difficult to capture in a few words. Of course there are the well-known Belgian highlights, from good beer and a bag of fries to typical warm hospitality. But Antwerp is just that little bit more. Fashion, design, art, innovation. And much more. Antwerp is renewing itself again and again.

Of course you go to the famous center, the cathedral, the quay, the shops and a beer at the bar ‘t ‘Elfde Gebod’ (Eleventh Commandment). Cozy and the heart of tourism. But the soul of Antwerp lies often in the other places, like in any worldly city, in neighborhoods around the center. Hip, trendy, businesslike, exciting. Let’s go for a stroll.

Antwerp, Belgium, is known for its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions. Here are some of the hippest neighborhoods in Antwerp: First stop: Het Zuid, or “The South,” a fashionable and upscale neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and chic cafes. It’s a hub for art and culture, with attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Fotomuseum Antwerp (FoMu). Het Zuid also boasts beautiful squares, such as the bustling Marnixplaats and the elegant Zuidplein. Or what to think of ‘t Eilandje, or “The Little Island,” is a former harbor district that has been revitalized into one of Antwerp’s hippest neighborhoods. It’s known for its modern architecture, trendy bars, and waterfront dining options.

Highlights include the MAS Museum (Museum aan de Stroom), the Red Star Line Museum, and the historic docks. It has a (post-)industrialist feel that will make any event here just a bit ‘’extra cool’. Zurenborg is on the other hand a trendy and eclectic neighborhood known for its beautiful Belle Époque architecture, lively streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s home to quirky shops, hip cafes, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines. The neighborhood is also known for its colorful Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, including the iconic CogelsOsylei street. Stadswaag is a lively and diverse neighborhood known for its youthful energy and multicultural vibe. It’s home to the University of Antwerp campus, as well as a vibrant student scene with trendy bars, cafes, and street food vendors. Stadswaag also hosts regular events and markets, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. Groen Kwartier is a former military site that has been transformed into a trendy residential and leisure destination. It’s known for its green spaces, stylish apartments, and upscale dining options. The neighborhood is anchored by the impressive former military hospital, now converted into

luxury apartments and a food hall. Obviously, there are lot of options for finding a cool venue.

Antwerp offers a variety of venues for events of all types and sizes, from conferences and conventions to weddings, concerts, and cultural gatherings. Here are some of the best venues for events in Antwerp: Antwerp Expo is one of the largest event venues in the city, offering over 20,000 square meters of exhibition space across multiple halls. It hosts trade shows, conventions, concerts, and other largescale events throughout the year. Then there is the FMCCA. The Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp is located adjacent to Antwerp Zoo and Antwerp Central Station, FMCCA is a modern conference and event center with state-of-the-art facilities. It offers a range of meeting rooms, auditoriums, and exhibition spaces suitable for

conferences, seminars, and corporate events. De Shop is a versatile event space housed in a former monastery near Antwerp’s historic city center. It features a main hall with a capacity of up to 1,000 people, as well as smaller rooms and outdoor areas that can be adapted for concerts, parties, conferences, and cultural events.

MAS

Het Eilandje district offers several unique venues for events, including the MAS Museum, Red Star Line Museum, and various waterfront locations with stunning views of the Scheldt River. These venues are ideal for corporate events, receptions, and cultural gatherings. Elzenveld Conference Centre is located in a historic complex of buildings near Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady. It offers a range of meeting rooms, auditoriums, and banquet halls suitable for conferences,

seminars, workshops, and private events. De Roma is a historic theater and concert venue located in the Borgerhout district of Antwerp. It features a beautiful Art Deco interior and hosts a diverse range of cultural events, including concerts, film screenings, theater productions, and dance performances.

Of course there is a wide choice of hotels. Let us take a moment to consider one: Hotel Julien, a beautiful artistic hotel with a very nice boardroom for intimate meetings in the heart of the city. As said, there is still a lot to discover. More hotels, outings, workshops, and whatnot. We will definitely come back!

Nice, more than a leisure destination

This old city in France, boasts a vibrant and diverse business climate characterized by a blend of traditional industries and emerging sectors. As one of the key economic hubs on the French Riviera, Nice offers a favorable environment for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to multinational corporations.

The city’s strategic location along the Mediterranean coast positions it as a gateway to Europe and the wider international market, facilitating trade and investment opportunities. Its wellconnected transportation infrastructure, including an international airport and efficient rail links, further enhances its accessibility and connectivity.

Nice’s economy is multifaceted, with key industries spanning tourism, hospitality, technology, healthcare, and research. The city’s renowned tourism sector, fueled by its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage, attracts millions of visitors each year,

contributing significantly to the local economy.

In recent years, Nice has also emerged as a hub for innovation and technology, with a growing ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and tech companies.

The presence of Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s largest science and technology park located just outside the city, further bolsters Nice’s reputation as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. With that spirit, there is also a new fresh addition to the hotel scene that caters to leisure and business alike. Anantara Nice, the well loved luxury brand of Minor

Hotels, huge in Asia and up and coming in Europe (for example the Krasnapolski in Amsterdam is now an Anantara). This luxury hotel in Nice, housed within a historic building boasting a Belle Epoque façade from 1848, underwent a complete renovation by award-winning studio David Collins, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis, and TBC Interiorismo Studio, adopting a contemporary style. Its prime location makes it convenient for exploring the beautiful Place Massena and the renowned Promenade des Anglais. The hotel offers a contemporary ambiance complemented by highend furnishings and facilities. Guests

can indulge in signature treatments at Anantara Spa, enjoy panoramic views at the SEEN by Olivier Rooftop Bar, rejuvenate at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or simply relax on the beach with a cocktail.

Each of the hotel’s 151 suites and rooms facing the Mediterranean and Albert 1er gardens has been newly redesigned and decorated in a contemporary style, exuding luxury and sophistication inspired by the Mediterranean and the golden era of Côte d’Azur. Most rooms offer either garden or sea views, with many featuring balconies or terraces. Accommodation options range from deluxe to premium, junior suites, and large-scale suites.

Guests can indulge in exceptional cuisine curated by Chef Olivier da Costa at SEEN, offering contemporary Mediterranean fare, including Niçoise specialties, seafood products, and black truffles. The

restaurant’s stunning setting provides 360° views of the city and ocean from both indoor and outdoor tables. The hotel’s Anantara Spa offers a luxurious retreat for reconnecting body and mind, with expert professionals providing unforgettable experiences using marine “Haute Couture Cosmetics” from THALION and natural essential oils from the Grasse region with CHO Nature.

Guests can unwind in the sauna and hammam before relaxing in the spa’s dedicated relaxation area.

For events, the hotel features 800 sqm of brand-new multifunctional meeting and event venues, including the grand Le Riviera Ballroom, a state-of-the-art boardroom, and a breathtaking rooftop terrace ideal for any occasion, offering a truly remarkable experience.

Seaside Collection: ideal choice for business

Elevating MICE Experinces

with

Seaside.

Seaside is an owner managed hotel collection that as founded in the 1970s by the German entrepreneur Theo Gerlach.

Our focus on the MICE business sector offers a unique and tailored experience for corporate events and gatherings. With a portfolio of 12 exclusive resorts and city hotels across Germany, the Maldives, Spain, and the Canary Islands, the Seaside Collection provides an array of options for hosting MICE activities in diverse and stunning locations.

For MICE organizers and attendees who would like to celebrate their event or business trip on the Canary Islands, Seaside offers several advantages:

1. Exclusive Locations: Each property is carefully selected for its prime location, whether it’s a scenic coastal retreat or a serene island getaway. These locations provide a picturesque backdrop for meetings, conferences, and incentives.

2. Luxurious Accommodations:

The Seaside Collection prides itself on providing four and five star accommodations that blend luxury

with comfort. From spacious rooms to upscale amenities, guests can relax and rejuvenate after a day of meetings or exploring the destination.

3. Personalized Services: With a focus on personalized service, Seaside ensures that every aspect of the MICE event is tailored to the organizer’s needs and preferences. From event planning to catering, the dedicated staff members go above and beyond to exceed expectations.

4. Gourmet Gastronomy: Guests can indulge in gourmet dining experiences featuring regional ingredients and culinary delights. Whether it’s a special dinner or a casual networking reception, Seaside´s restaurants and catering services offer a diverse range of menu options to suit every palate.

5. Relaxing Environment: Our hotels provide a relaxing environment that fosters productivity and creativity. With

amenities such as spas, pools, and beach access, guests can unwind and recharge between MICE activities.

Our properties in the Canaries:

- Grand Hotel Residencia***** (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World)

- Palm Beach***** (a member of Design HotelsTM)

- Seaside Sandy Beach****

- Seaside Los Jameos Playa****

Overall, the Seaside Collection’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and diverse portfolio of properties make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to host successful and memorable MICE events.

Only on Ibiza

Back to nature, back to the essence…

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Ibiza, Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel stands out as a unique blend of luxury accommodation and rustic charm. Spanning across a vast thirteen-hectare estate, the hotel offers a tranquil retreat reminiscent of a quaint village, complete with beautifully manicured gardens, inviting pools, and elegant courtyards. It is ideal for small high end groups and once in a lifetime events.

At the heart of Atzaró’s appeal lies its strong connection to nature. The estate boasts abundant orange groves and a lush vegetable garden, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is imbued with the essence of the Mediterranean landscape.

Dining at Atzaró is a delightful experience, with restaurants and dining spaces seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on stunning terraces or enjoy the cozy ambiance of indoor areas adorned with authentic rustic décor. The farm-to-fork concept takes precedence, with organic produce sourced directly from the estate’s vegetable garden and locally-sourced meats and fish featured prominently on the menu.

La Veranda, the hotel’s flagship

restaurant, offers a diverse selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes against the backdrop of the lush gardens.

Meanwhile, The Orange Tree, a seasonal garden restaurant, provides a serene setting for guests to enjoy their meals amidst the beauty of nature.

Beyond dining, Atzaró serves as a versatile venue for various celebrations and events. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or intimate affair, the hotel’s extensive gardens, elegant pavilions, and picturesque backdrops provide the perfect setting for any occasion.

Located on the pristine beach of Cala Nova, Atzaró Beach further extends the hotel’s hospitality to travelers seeking a memorable dining experience by the sea.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ibiza and experience the tranquil luxury of Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel – where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature and savor the simple joys of life.

DMC Talk: S’Tours from Morocco

“Capable

of great things...”

Morocco is a beloved destination, just ask the experts. Such as Hicham Belhadfa, Managing Director of S’Tours. A nice chat about all the exciting things happening in Morocco.

By: Tijn Kramer

Please be so kind to introduce your DMC?

We have been around for a little bit over 40 years to be more exact. We are one of the longest standing DMC’s in the destination. We also organize congresses and events. We have organized the largest congresses and events that have taken place in the country. The latest one was in October 2023, where we proudly organized the IMF and the World Bank annual assembly for about 14,000 people. Today, in 2024, we are one of the biggest longest-standing leisure companies or tour operators in this country. We bring in somewhere between 18 to 20 thousand clients a year.

‘What you saw in the World Cup last year, that was us’

What markets are important?

Our main markets, in general, are the European markets for the reasons that are obvious – proximity. Morocco is very close to Europe, history, culture, a lot of things that we share. So leisure has worked really well for us in Europe. Other markets like Asia also work really well, and North America, but not at the same scale as the European market, of course. We are also into business travel. We represent

Hicham Belhadfa

American Express Global Business Travel in Morocco. We have been representing them now for exactly 20 years. We are their preferred suppliers for meetings and events as well. We are also the official company for the Moroccan Federation of football. What you saw in the World Cup last year, that was us.

We know Marrakech is very popular, but can you tell me a bit about the rest of the Morocco landscape.

Marrakech now is indeed like its own brand. I think Marrakech is in competition with Morocco. Marrakech is so well-known in the world to where people now when they think Morocco, they think Marrakech first. Marrakech is a city that has been developed in that sense to make sure it’s

a city that has the infrastructure ready for incentives. But Fez is also a city where incentives can be done. Fez is one of the oldest cities in the world. We’re talking about 13th century’s old. Fez used to be the capital of Morocco. Fez is a city where the first ever university and library in the world were built. It is a city where you can go to the desert, to the has the uh the largest old medina in the world. Agadir also is a city that can be used! Beautiful with a lot of luxury hotels that can accommodate incentives as well. And tangier is another city that will surprise. And do you know it only takes two hours to get from Tangier to Casablanca by high speed train, versus five hours a couple of years ago. How is Morocco doing as a destination? Tourism is booming. Morocco is doing really well.

We enjoy political and economical stability compared to a lot of countries around us. So we’re very proud of that.

There really seems a buzz around Morocco…

Yeah, there is. I have to agree with you. Morocco is between an hour and three hours away from most European capitals. That’s a huge plus. When you’re in Europe and you want to do something completely different, completely exotic, then you travel to Morocco. But you’re traveling to a different continent. Very exotic. So, of course, we feel that Morocco in the last probably seven to ten years, we have taken advantage of what happened around us, of all the Arab springs, of all the instability around us. So Morocco probably did a great job staying stable through all of that.

Offering that stability and safety that clients are looking for. Yeah. And then we have a very good tourism promotion office that’s doing a great job, especially during COVID and after COVID.

Morocco is hosting the Africa Cup in 2025 and then co-hosting the World Cup in 2030. That must give the Moroccan population a great sense of pride, I imagine. It does. It does. It just shows that we’ve come a long way to where now we got the trust of probably one of the highest authorities of organizing large events to trust us and give us this honor of organizing an event this big where you have people from all over the world coming here and exploring Morocco. It also gives the Moroccans the pride in a sense where it

pushes you to do better. The infrastructure has to be really where it needs to be, really quickly. We’re talking in terms of transportation, hotels, accommodation in general. So Morocco now, anywhere you go, you’re going to find construction. Working really hard on it to be ready.

Can you tell me a bit about Moroccan cuisine?

It’s something that we’re very, very proud of here in Morocco. We take our food seriously. We love it. Yeah. We’re known for having a lot of appetizers. And we have great wines. There are important wineries and there are a few of them in Morocco. In the Casablanca region and we have a couple also in central country near Meknes, that are really well known.

All in all, things are changing a lot in Morocco?

I think that we changed a lot in a sense where we we love Morocco very much. That’s what changed in Morocco: we’re not ashamed to say it now and to say that we love our country and we’re engaged in all these changes. Changes that we see around us when, we see the leadership of the country, we see how engaged they are and how much they work and what they have done. It also gives us a sense of pride and to engage and to get behind that and to do our part. Morocco is an old country from but also with a younger generation that wants to show the world that we’re capable of doing great things.

Three experts on the latest trends

The ever changing world of incentives…

What is the state of affairs within the incentive travel market in the Benelux? Which destinations are doing well, what are the challenges and trends? We ask three highly respected ladies in our industry. ‘Incentives remain a great tool’...

Marjolein Smeenk, Co-owner Myles: ‘Aluxurious position!’

How is the incentive market doing?

It’s going very well, 2024 is a fantastic year, we notice that there is a great deal of need in the business world for connection, celebrating successes and team building. Our clients are also already busy making plans for 2025. We have already received several large confirmed bookings for next year.

What trends do you see in general?

There is more demand for travel by bus or train as an alternative to flying. We are also seeing a small shift from incentive travel to corporate events, in the form of company festivals, staff parties and conferences.

Are there destinations that are becoming more or less popular?

Some destinations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East due to wars/political

an increasing demand for destinations outside of Europe. Think of Marrakech, the Emirates, South Africa, China, South Korea, Japan and Cuba.

What trends do you see?

Trips and events are generally requested at shorter notice. Requests for a trip that will take place within 3 months are much more common than before. Clients remain critical of budgets. Unfortunately, due to all rising costs, airline surcharges,

Marjolein Smeenk and the Myles-team

etc., there is often less budget left to develop a fantastic program in detail and sometimes concessions have to be made. Group size has been the same for years; on average between 30 and 100 people, with outliers up to 300 people. For events and conferences, the numbers are generally higher than for trips. Due to the many requests, we ourselves are more critical of pitches and we regularly decide not to pitch when we are asked because we simply do not have time for this. We realize that this is of course a luxurious position!

How important is the ecological part?

We notice that clients are more concerned with traveling in a more sustainable way compared to a few years ago.

To what extent do geopolitical events (Ukraine, Gaza) determine the choice of whether or not to proceed with an incentive, or its location?

That certainly plays a role. We currently do not actively offer certain destinations (e.g. Jordan, Riga, etc.).

Are you noticing the consequences of inflation?

Yes, unfortunately, due to all the rising costs, airline surcharges, etc., there is often less budget left to develop an incredible program in detail and sometimes concessions have to be made.

Has anything substantive changed in the form of the incentive since Covid?

Not necessarily. In the first two years after Covid, the emphasis among clients was very much on bringing teams together and making new memories together. Now the goals of the trips are again as before: e.g. target achieved, celebrate successes, reward teams, celebrate company anniversaries, etc.

How do you see the future of the incentive?

Although we believe that incentives will continue to exist, at Myles we always try to look ahead and organize much more nowadays! Consider the company events as mentioned above. (for more information about Myles: www.myles.nl/incentivereizen)

Annemieke Stuurman, Director

GI

Travel: ‘Motivatewith a message’

How is the incentive market doing?

The incentive market is still going well, even though we see that the incentive trip as a pure reward trip for staff and customers is increasingly combined with a business aspect, which gives more content to the trip and to and inspire trip participants more. To motivate with a message.

What trends do you see in general?

Trends such as sustainability (eco-friendly, accommodations and activities where this is evident), authenticity (getting to know/

experience unique local experiences and combination of traditions and local culture), vitality (healthy offering, good balance between intensive and relaxation, nature in group and incentive trips), inspiration (behind the scenes at companies or behind the scenes at entrepreneurs with a unique and special story).

Are there destinations that are becoming more or less popular?

Unfortunately, due to all the tensions in Europe (Russia-Ukraine, Israel), countries in the Middle East are less popular. Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia are particularly popular, but also closer to Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium.

Annemieke Stuurman

Are there incentives outside Europe and what are popular destinations?

USA, Canada, Japan, China, South Africa, but here too often not just purely incentives but more inspirational trips with a good mix in the program offered and often also with a business part (e.g. company visits or networking appointments)

What trends do you see regarding financial options, lead time, pitching, group size?

We see that the lead time has become shorter, which certainly makes it challenging given the high demand and lower supply, especially on flights and specific accommodation suitable for MICE. The challenge is then greater to meet what the customer has in mind, but with

creativity and flexibility, a right solution can always be found to fix everything as desired.

How important is the ecological aspect for companies and what can you offer to your customers to help with this?

The ecological part is increasingly becoming a fixed value based on company demand, but as travel professionals we have a very important advisory role in this and to guide the customer towards the right choice regarding sustainable options. Our partners with whom we work to realize a trip invest on all fronts in this area and it is up to us to ensure that the trips are organized and booked as ecologically responsible as possible. As a company we find it very important to contribute to

this. Unfortunately, development in this area is slower than desired (for example in the area of train offering), but we follow the development by proactively including it in our offering as soon as it becomes available. We recently organized a great incentive trip with the Nightline night train to Switzerland for a good IT customer of ours and by managing customer expectations regarding transport by night train, we also organized a top program on site that was carried out as sustainably as possible. it was a great success and certainly worth repeating.

To what extent do geopolitical events (Ukraine, Gaza) determine the choice of the client?

These events largely determine the choice

The Event Masters team

whether or not to proceed and, especially in the preliminary stages, the choice at all for these destinations or destinations around these countries.

Are you noticing the consequences of inflation?

We certainly notice this as flight prices and room prices in particular are a lot higher due to inflation. The price per person for an incentive and group trip has increased considerably and where there used to be more room for fun additional activities, different choices now have to be made to achieve a good program.

Has anything substantive changed in the form of the incentive since Covid?

After Covid, there have certainly been some changes in terms of content. Vitality and Authenticity have become more important focal points in a journey. More into nature and, above all, less to tourist attractions but more off the beaten track or looking behind the scenes at small-scale entrepreneurs with a special story.

‘Something magical always happens when a group travels’

How do you see the future of the incentive?

Incentives remain a great tool for companies to motivate staff or retain customers. When guiding our incentive trips, we still see and experience that something magical always happens when a group of colleagues or customers get away from it all together on a trip and in a completely different environment. It affects the group dynamics but also the mutual bond. There has been a change in the incentive as a pure tool from just fun to the incentive that really has more of the aim of giving participants something substantive on a trip by inspiring them, giving them a unique experience and experiencing something together. creates beautiful shared memories that last.

Experiences and perceptions inspire and connect. Using such an experience in the right way helps companies to convey their story to individuals, groups, customers or colleagues and thus motivate and vitalize them. As Barents, we are happy to contribute to this with our various brands (GI Travel, Holland Destination Management, Partners & SAM, HDM Sports and Marathons International)

Evelien Schepers, head of international events at Event Masters:

‘Sometimes the destination is decisive’

How is the incentive market doing?

Understandably, after a period of revival and growth in 2023, the market now appears to be stabilizing. Returning to a more structured annual planning and a long-term focus is a typical response after a period of uncertainty such as that caused by the pandemic.

We also feel this in the figures. In addition, we also see the impact of the energy crisis and geopolitical events on decisionmaking. That said, we feel that 2024 is the year of consolidation and stabilization. Customers are becoming more discerning in their choice of destinations and will pay

more attention to risk assessment and management, as well as the content and positive impact of their programs. It is therefore important for agencies like ours to adapt to these changing circumstances and to remain flexible in our offering. Customers often only have 1 chance per year to achieve their objective with an incentive / event and therefore the final result of this event becomes increasingly important.

What trends do you see in general?

Customers are increasingly critical and take a very well-considered approach to choosing a destination or program. The combination of the different program elements must be the right mix. This mix mainly consists of: ‘Destination & Travel Time’ (unique and easy travel time) And ‘Combination between content and relaxation and ‘Experience and positive impact on the destination and the target audience’

Are there destinations that are becoming more or less popular?

Every experience at Event Masters is tailor-made for the customer and therefore unique in its kind. However, we do notice that customers are increasingly looking for a sustainable destination where they can enjoy authentic experiences.

Evelien Scheepers

The travel time must be justified, the accommodation original and the program drawn up in such a way that it is full of surprises.

Outside Europe any popular destinations?

At Event Masters we see that 80% of our trips stay within Europe. There are several reasons for this: Time to spend on site, Budget, Ecological point of view 20% of our trips are outside Europe and these are really projects where the customers aim to completely immerse their guests in a unique experience.

Sometimes the destination is decisive, for example: the world expo in Japan or an incentive linked to a specific destination through the link with the product and sometimes it is the experience of the destination and the adventure itself that is decisive.

What trends do you see?

Budgets remain under pressure. The end customer is critical and he/she is certainly critical about spending budgets. In addition, on the purchasing side we only see the consequences of global inflation, so that means that we as an agency have to be inventive and creative.

All the elements (the right accommodation, correct flights, mix of activities) have to be right and that sometimes requires very challenging puzzle work.

Fortunately, we see that end customers are becoming more aware of the time it takes to correctly prepare a project and they also see the correlation between timely briefing an agency and the end result of the proposal.

We advise our customers to give us as an agency at least 3 weeks to develop a tailormade proposal. We then present it on site and in the best cases we have feedback within 2 weeks.

That’s a comfortable pitching process. If we are still on average 6 months before the production date, we believe that we can spend enough time on their project to deliver a beautiful end result. What we have also seen over the years is that customers are becoming more aware of the workload associated with writing a proposal. A pitch between 3 agencies is common and often keeps us on our toes, but fortunately being played against each other with more than 6 agencies has become a rarity.

We also try to make our customers at Event Masters aware of this. An entire chain is set in motion when sending out a briefing and it is up to each of us to ensure that this is as sustainable and correct as possible.

How important is the ecological aspect for companies and what can you offer to your customers to help with this?

The market and, by extension, our entire society needs dummy-proof solutions to deal with our current lifestyle in an ecological and, above all, sustainable way. We see many initiatives emerging, but it is important for us at Event Masters that we choose solutions that become second nature. We want to ensure that it does not become a demand from the market, but rather a matter of course that we offer this to our customers and that our suppliers offer it to us. We want to create a positive impact on our event participants, but certainly also the local population at the destinations and the entire ecosystem behind them. With Event Masters we are a Travelife partner and I myself have the Travelife certificate. As an intermediary, our job is primarily to inform and educate. We can ensure that our customers are aware of the various initiatives being taken on the

market and we can work as an inspiration for our suppliers at destinations worldwide. We therefore ask our partners to sign our Code of Conduct in which we pay a lot of attention to sustainable entrepreneurship in all possible facets of the term.

To what extent do geopolitical events (Ukraine, Gaza, etc) determine the choice of whether or not to proceed with an incentive, or its location?

Experience is paramount when organizing meetings and incentives. Every participant must feel comfortable and the goal of the event is only achieved when everyone can return home feeling satisfied and satisfied. Safety is a very important factor here. We see that customers are consciously choosing “stable” destinations and taking a critical look at the geopolitical situation of a location.

Has anything substantive changed in the form of the incentive since Covid? As far as I am concerned, the change did not only occur after Covid. It is a trend that

we have been seeing for several years. The substantive quality of an event at home and abroad takes precedence. Participants must return home inspired and this can be achieved in various ways; with an interesting keynote speaker, unique incentive experiences that they cannot experience privately, or a conceptually strong story that will resonate for a long time.

However, the period during Covid when we were not allowed to travel has strongly shown how much people need foreign adventures.

How do you see the future of the incentive?

As mentioned above, Covid has really driven home the importance of foreign adventures. A person travels to be inspired, to relax and to connect with fellow travelers.

Incentives are here to stay and are one of the strongest forms of live communication.

ADVERTORIAL

Sustainability,

It brings people together and creates a lasting memory.

However, I do see some important developments happening in the coming years. I strongly believe that technological developments will not stand still and will play an increasingly prominent role in incentive planning. The experience will be highly personalized and that is what the end customer wants. A tailor-made story with the right accents. Tools such as Open AI will ensure that incentives are increasingly personalized based on individual preferences, behavior and needs. Sustainability will play an undeniable role in the future. It is the role of the MICE sector to correctly inform our customers about this and to guide our suppliers towards a sustainable and socially responsible way of doing business.

It is and remains a very challenging sector and, in my opinion, one of the best jobs. We only see happy people who we can surprise with unique experiences.

a key goal with a clearly defined

Madalena Zorro, Key Account Manager & Sustainability Market Anchor Northern Europe

explains why traveling with Lufthansa Group means flying more sustainably.

What are Lufthansa Group’s sustainable objectives?

“The Lufthansa Group is making effective climate protection a key goal with a clearly defined path to carbon neutrality: compared to 2019, the Lufthansa Group plans to halve net carbon emissions by 2030, and by 2050, the Lufthansa Group plans to halve net carbon emissions reach. So zero CO2 emissions. This will be done by accelerating fleet modernization, continuously optimizing flight operations, using SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and offering innovative procedures that make passenger flights CO2 neutral.”

path

What are the options to reduce flight-related CO2 emissions with the Lufthansa Group?

“Through Compensaid, the Lufthansa Group offers customers a convenient platform that allows travelers to choose from three options. The first option is to use SAF: the platform calculates the price difference between SAF and fossil kerosene. Customers only pay the surcharge for SAF. The second option is to support high-quality CO2 offset projects from the non-profit organization MyClimate, where CO2 is offset over a period of 10 years. The third option is a combination of both. Lufthansa Group has expanded its sustainable travel solutions with Green Fares. This tariff product includes full CO2 compensation in the price by using 20% SAF and 80% compensation of CO2 emissions with climate action projects. When it comes to business travel, corporate customers can replace fossil fuels by purchasing SAF directly from the Lufthansa Group and receiving a Scope-3 emissions reduction certificate.”

Once in a lifetime trips on board… Wonderful, unforgettable, unimaginable…

The

cruise sector is expanding in the MICE market.

And

for

a refined small segment expedition cruises are cream of the crop. Set sail with us for the adventure of a lifetime…

By: Tijn Kramer

Depending on budget, location and group size more and more is possible for a high end incentive, an amazing parting gift or the way to clear your teams mind without interruption. You can do relatively short expeditions in Northern Europe or the Arctic and longer ones in the southern hemisphere. Most of the times, the operators are the same as they switch their ships with the passing of the seasons. One such party is Albatros Expeditions

from Denmark that has two state of the art ecological ships: the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros. We board the latter. Brand new and in perfect condition. We have the good fortune to leave from Ushuaia but the trip will give you a proper idea what to expect from a expedition with this company, also in Europe on shorter yet also very impressive trips. But of course, an expedition cruise to Antarctica is the dream of every true traveler. But

take note, expeditions cruises are nothing like the floating mega-ships full of entertainment and so on. These ships are much smaller with at most a few hundred fellow passengers. However, luxury, entertainment, comfort and relaxation are assured, as we experience. However, the emphasis is more on “expedition” than on “cruise.” Education plays a significant role, as does the entirely justified attention to environmentally responsible travel.

Contemplative

Exciting! We have just boarded the brand-new Ocean Albatros of Albatros Expeditions and are sailing out of the Beagle Channel. We expected some Spartan features but this is all very comfortable. There are 95 cabins and suites on board, all equipped with every convenience. Spacious to very spacious rooms, hotel quality beds, excellent showers, ample closet space, TV with the latest films, coffee and tea, and even a balcony for us. A delightful place to retreat and read a book or contemplate the sea. Have a chat with friends, new and old. On board, you can satisfy your appetite at a fine restaurant, with a very generous lunch buffet and daily changing à la carte options. The house wines are excellent, and for those celebrating, there’s a fantastic wine list with prestigious names from Burgundy, Tuscany, and Napa. Also a beautiful observation lounge, a library, a large briefing lounge for daily updates, several bars, a sauna with a view, a small gym, and wellness facilities with massages. Excellent and personalized service, what more could one want? Oh yes, two outdoor hot tubs and an infinity pool on the deck.

Preparation

Nothing can fully prepare you for the reality of the extreme beauty of the continent Antarctica. As a continent and destination, Antarctica is like no other in the world. An ice cap 1.6 kilometers thick, winter temperatures down to 80 degrees below zero, drifting ice floes the size of a cozy provincial town, and penguins, oh so many penguins. Photogenic seals, fat sea lions, shy whales, orcas, and numerous

other superheroes of the animal kingdom that have managed to adapt to the cold. But also: no souvenir shops, no Starbucks, no litter, no military base, and no neon-lit hell called “Bar Street.” In a moment of clarity, humanity decided in 1959 that Antarctica would be regulated by the Antarctic Treaty. So, it belongs to no one, and its use is strictly for peaceful and scientific purposes.

OUT OF THE BOX

Mudroom

The excitement is almost childlike, as if a pirate in the crow’s nest shouts, “Land ahoy!” The sea is calm, and in the distance, the first ice floes appear, inhabited or not by a few penguins. First, we approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands. It’s a familiar first stop, consisting of about twenty islands with rugged, rocky, and partly snowy terrain. The first stop is Half Moon Island, named after its shape. In subgroups, the Zodiacs are loaded after the guests have changed in the “mudroom.” A safe and warm outfit with a life jacket, warm waterproof boots, and the sturdy expedition parka (spoiler: you get to keep it after the trip!). Adrenaline hangs in the air as you step into the Zodiac for the first step on the island. The adventure has begun.

Penguins

Chinstrap penguins, Adélie penguins? Before the trip, I could roughly glean some knowledge from the Happy Feet film I

once watched. But behold: the not to be underestimated argument for a journey with the Ocean Albatros: the educational sessions on board are of a very high standard. Each member of the roughly twenty-person multinational guide team has their own expertise. There are plenty of academics, scientific researchers, professional nature photographers, and even a member of the prestigious Royal Geographic Society. The team shares a passion for the continent and adventure. But there are also fun creative sessions (dumpling making course!) and game nights.

Sustainable

We are fortunate. Due to the relatively fast journey through the calm (lucky!) Drake Passage, there is time for a second landing after Half Moon: Barrientos Island. And like every landing, this is accompanied by all the necessary ecological and sustainable measures that are reiterated time and again. Not only cleaning boots

when boarding and disembarking at each landing, but also marking out the terrain that may be walked on, respecting nature. All accompanied by a hawk-eyed look from the expedition team to ensure nothing remains that shouldn’t, or is taken away that should. Clear agreements have been made by all shipping companies, and they are adhered to very carefully. Moreover, the new ship is one of the most sustainable in its segment.

Stephen King

One of the other special surprises is a landing on Deception Island, a name worthy of a Stephen King novel. But the next stop on our expedition (we no longer call it a cruise) must be the crown jewel of our journey. The mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula. You can rightly say that if you’ve visited the islands, you’ve been to Antarctica... but with your boot in the deep snow of the mainland, you truly feel like the legendary explorer Amundsen. At least, that’s how I imagine

it in anticipation of our intended landing at Neko Harbor. Because the Ocean Albatros now sails through the Antarctica of nature documentaries with overwhelming white-

‘Adrenaline hangs in the air as you step into the Zodiac’

blue landscapes, glaciers, and icebergs. Ice floes everywhere, left, right, large and small, lonely or in formation. A high level of Gaudi in shapes. In the distance, whales spout, and at the many penguin colonies in the distance (yet, none seem to dance). The captain navigates the Albatros through the impressive ice formations that only emphasize our insignificance as temporary visitors. We are guests in the ice paradise.

Playground

We are clearly in Antarctic waters that also serve as a playground. There are several excursions available for enthusiasts to book: kayaking, a snowshoe hike, and actual camping overnight on land. And the free classic: the Polar Plunge. A dive into the icy depths, for the real daredevils. It must be said, however: like any landing anywhere, excursions are also weather-dependent. In any case, no two expeditions to Antarctica are the same. Even our next landing suddenly encounters more adventurous conditions with strong winds and snow. With snowcovered eyebrows, we climb the hills of the Antarctic island Danco, named after the Belgian explorer Emile Danco of the famous Belgica expedition of 1897-1899, with a young Roald Amundsen on board as first mate (as mentioned, a curious guest can learn a lot on board). Some 125 years later, we have a small taste of the harsh conditions of then. It’s cold, the snow is deep, the sea sturdy and the sky is darkish gray. And I feel fantastic. Whomever has to opportunity to make such journeys, will never forget it.

All about business and learning

With a global range of exhibitors, learning sessions that dig into today’s most pertinent issues and opportunities to build new connections, IMEX Frankfurt 2024 is

set to be a show with impact.

‘In planning IMEX Frankfurt, we’ve been more intentional too. We’ve taken a close look at our attendees, what they want, and why they want it,’ explains IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer. ‘Doing business will sit front and center of the show, along with opportunities for event professionals to broaden their global connections. A visit to IMEX Frankfurt will be an efficient and enjoyable experience from start to finish, and one that enables planners to supercharge their desired results.’

A strong roster of suppliers representing

destinations, venues, hotels and technology is already confirmed for the show, taking place 14 – 16 May.

The Asian market is growing significantly with Macau, Malaysia, Korea and Singapore all expanding their presence at the show. They join a broad range of European destinations from Croatia, Finland and Ireland to Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

The area of the show floor devoted to technology is set to see a flurry of activity with Cvent increasing its space and

new additions including TranslateABLE. Alongside the global destinations, all the major hotel groups will be present including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Radisson and – new to the showLangham.

Learning program

“Impact is the opportunity to make a difference in what’s often a complicated world. The ripple effect of impact can be far-reaching, with results seen immediately or the seeds sown for the future.” Tahira

Endean, IMEX’s Head of Programming outlines why event professionals should embed impact into their professional and personal lives. It’s IMEX’s Talking Point and a topic that resonates throughout the education program at IMEX Frankfurt, May 14 – 16.

The program of professional and personal development – now live - is a comprehensive range of more than 150 learning sessions reflecting the way people now live and work. Attendees can ‘pick and mix’ across seven tracks to suit their skill requirements including a new track, Impact.

Highlights from the seven learning tracks:

Business Practices – Summiting Kilimanjaro: Life lessons from the peak – a group of event professionals from around the world reunite to share how the challenge of climbing the highest peak in Africa made a life-changing impact on both their personal and professional lives. Managing tight budgets today - According to Global DMC Partners’ latest Pulse

Survey, higher costs are the number one challenge for planners. A panel of event professionals will explain the art of budget optimization when attendance is unpredictable, costs remain high, and lead times are shrinking.

Event Marketing – sessions on this topic cover the use of AI to analyze and identify trends as well as exploring event strategies through the eyes of marketing leaders. The aim is to understand how they’re merging technology and content creation, building partnerships, prioritizing sustainability and engaging audiences while crafting creative experiences.

Experience Design – Are cities and destinations catalysts for social impact in the meetings industry? – this will highlight how European destinations support meeting planners in creating legacy and look at the role played by cities and destinations in driving social change.

From brand storytelling to customer storyfeeling - Pigalle Tavakkoli, founder of the School of Experience Design, explains why her session is vital in the current market: “Experience Design allows us to go beyond simply designing the form and function of a product, event or service, to also design attendees’ emotions, memories and behaviors. It moves us from designing by intuition, to designing with intention how attendees feel and think, ultimately transforming their behavior forever.”

Impact - Wonder Walks – a new format for 2024 – is where creative director Robert Dunsmore will shed fresh light on the show with a guided tour themed around biophilia - the positive impacts of spending time in and aligning with nature. He’ll seek out nature-inspired activations and booth designs that planners can weave into their own events.

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY® to transform sustainable event planning, powered by memox – This creative practice now

used by companies around the world, offers a fresh and exciting route into understanding and tackling complex business problems. This session will explain how, whether you’re an AFOL (adult fan of lego), or not.

Technology & Innovation – AI-Revolution: Transforming the Meetings IndustryAnthony Vade, Event Experience Strategy Director at Encore, will guide attendees through a series of real-world use cases demonstrating AI’s role in enhancing event planning, execution, and attendee engagement.

Untangling event technology to power the next generation of events - A panel explains how technology can be used to problem-solve and showcases some of the latest ideas set to revolutionize the meetings industry.

Trends & research – Incentive Travel Index by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE); AMEX GBT’s Event Marketing Trends report; ExpoPlatform’s Event Tech Forecast and MPI’s latest Meetings Outlook are just some of the industry’s hottest research reports to look out for.

Wellbeing – Tough Talks – a new format for this year - are focused discussions with speakers who are unafraid to tackle challenging topics. These are safe spaces for open and honest conversations about grief and male suicide, anxiety and the impact of peri and menopause. Ciara Feely, author and sales enablement strategist, will deliver a Tough Talk on the menopause. She explains: “My session will be an organic conversation, very much led by the people in the room. I’ll start by sharing my own experience and then open the floor to others. The aim is for people to leave feeling they’ve been heard, they’ve had some of their issues resolved and – importantly – that they’ve found their tribe!”

IMEX FRANKFURT SPECIAL

Interview

with Mike Ford

‘How to beat a burnout’

What’s the story behind your company name, Grateful Lemon?

It encapsulates the two of the most simple, yet important elements that can transform your life:

1. Living with gratitude and appreciation in replacement of expectations. Amazing things happen to you when you adopt this mindset.

2. Starting everyday with a glass of lemon water encapsulates the power of small yet significant healthy habits and provides the energy to live life.

Without energy, we never fulfil our potential. Lemons might only play a small part, but it’s a great place to start!

Do you practice the Grateful Lemon principles?

Yes, alongside other core principle. My

must-do each morning is to quieten the mind before i start my day, be it via meditation or taking the dog for a walk (or both!). This always sets me up for a good day

You want to ‘encourage people to adopt small yet very powerful habit shifts so they can live their best lives.’ Can you give some examples of small habit changes?

To make a change to their lives, people need to understand why change happens and how to make change. Why do 91% of new year’s resolutions fail? It’s because people focus on the goal, they don’t focus on the habits.

To make something a habit you have to start small and be consistent. For example, if you’ve set a goal to run a marathon, don’t start day one of your training by trying to run 10 miles – that’s one way

to guarantee that you won’t continue! Incorporate your aim into your daily routine – and build up slowly - so that it gradually becomes habit.

You’ve worked with many high achieving sports professionals including Paralympians, footballers and rugby players. What did you learn from working with these individuals?

We can learn some really vital lessons from the world of sport – the thing that’s struck me most is how athletes are unapologetic about their need for recovery. Take, for example, Harry Kane. When he was interviewed after England’s win at the World Cup last December, he acknowledged their success, but asserted his teams’ need to take time out and recover before the next match.

In many ways, we’re no different as event planners! You could say we’re ‘corporate

athletes’ and have the same need to factor in recovery time! The amount of rest we’re able to have outside of work has a direct bearing on our professional performance. There’s a direct correlation: physically, mentally and emotionally. We need to learn how to master the dance between stress and recovery.

Event professionals should look at how they can embrace the concept of recovery: let’s not celebrate long hours or weekend working. Instead, let’s lean into those small but powerful changes to a daily work routine – by holding walking meetings, ensuring no back to back meetings, for instance. This is not suggesting doing less. Indeed the opposite. It’s recognizing when you need the ferocious commitment to get a job, project or event done and then ensuring you embrace the need for recovery too.

What was your own experience of burnout and how did it influence you?

A few years ago I’d reached a point where I decided I couldn’t carry on with the way I was living my life. My work life balance was out of whack and had been for a long time. For as long as I can remember I’d worked long hours, spent time away from home travelling, not prioritizing a decent night’s sleep. That was simply normal for me.

One day, the penny dropped. I was on holiday with my family and had joined a board call. I had a sudden realisation: the people most important to me were all enjoying their vacation together and I’d chosen to spend time away from them doing work!

I walked into the office as soon as I returned home and said I was leaving. I didn’t know what the repercussions would be, but I knew it had to happen – and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Burnout and overload are now commonplace - it’s the number one reason people leave their jobs and it’s a major problem in our industry. Our data shows that seven out of 10 people in the hospitality and events industry are on the road to burnout.

With so many people struggling, I felt I could use my experience to offer some solutions. My focus now is on helping people understand what action they can take to improve their lives, reframe and reduce stress and shift from surviving to thriving. The Energy Audit gives people a clear picture of their current energy state and wellbeing and the trajectory they’re currently heading in.

This data is powerful and it’s often the prompt someone needs to reevaluate their lives It’s all about getting someone excited about – and truly believing in – the positive impact they can make on their lives.

Our new Talking Point at IMEX is Impact. What does Impact mean to you?

On a personal level, impact is about how one or two small habit changes can make big, long term difference to your life - more energy and greater wellbeing, for starters. On a professional level, impact is about creating enough contagious energy to change behaviours within your wider community.

Mike Ford is founder of Grateful Lemon and speaker at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 His sessions:

• How to beat burnout and build a foundation of sustainable performance

• Why embracing the cold is not as crazy as you think

IMEX Frankfurt’s program of professional and personal development – now live - is a comprehensive range of more than 150 learning sessions reflecting the way people now live and work.

IMEX Frankfurt takes place May 14 – 16.

Mike Ford

The positive side

Ciara Feely, Author and Sales Leadership Trainer, is delivering one of the new Tough Talks at IMEX Frankfurt 2024. Her session focuses on menopause at work - highlighting what can be done in the workplace and also raising awareness for the positive side of the menopause. Ciara outlines the current industry approach to this issue...

There’s a demand for honest and open conversation in our sector around the menopause: I ran a workshop on menopause at MPI WEC last year. The room could accommodate 100 people and I wondered how many people would show up. The upshot? We filled the room! The overriding response from attendees was relief – people came up to me afterwards (even at the airport!) to thank me for creating a safe space to talk.

The ripple effect of menopause is being felt throughout businesses: it’s costing the UK economy alone £10bn to recruit and retrain people to do the jobs menopausal women have left, as well as the cost of absence due to menopausal symptoms.

They key to unlocking support for women in the workplace starts with a simple conversation: I’ve spoken with workplace culture experts including Great Place To Work who have advice for businesses looking to create a supportive working environment for menopausal women. Their number one tip is to foster communication and give women a safe space to talk – or simply listen if they’re not ready to go all in. My advice to women would be to give yourself this gift and to take the time to slow down and tune into yourself. You can’t do that going at 100 miles an hour!

I’d like to see more men join the conversation: It’s a mistake to think that this conversation is just for women. Men need to feel free to join the discussion and ask questions - and I know they’re keen to do so. A friend of mine is a nurse who runs her own health and safety company. She ran a session on men’s health for a large company and broadened it out to include the menopause. The audience – all men – talked for over an hour about this topic alone. It’s clear they need to feel included in the conversation in order to understand what’s happening to their family, friends

and colleagues. My sons are both 13 years and now know all about the menopause – male allyship is important, regardless of age!

There’s still room for improvement: There were almost 100 women in the room at my MPI WEC workshop last year and not a single one had a menopause policy at their place of work. It’s over a year later and I’d say the situation hasn’t changed. Menopause needs to be fundamental part of the culture of communication in any company.

We still need to get past the negative rhetoric around the menopause: There’s a lot of talk about the physical symptoms – hot flushes, mood swings, lack of sleep – and not enough about the positive side. Once a women is supported she can bring her best self to all aspects of her life – both personal and professional. ‘Wisdom’ is the watchword here. As women, we’ve ‘been there, done that’, grown in confidence and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with others. Surely a vital asset for any organization?

Let’s continue the conversation at IMEX Frankfurt: My session will be an organic conversation, very much led by the people in the room. I’ll start by sharing my own experience and then open up the discussion. The aim is for people to leave feeling they’ve been heard, they’ve had some of their issues resolved and – importantly – that they’ve found their tribe!

Ciara Feely, author and sales enablement strategist is delivering one of the Tough Talks at IMEX Frankfurt. A new learning format for this year, Tough Talks are kind conversations facilitated by those navigating these challenges - from menopause and perimenopause, to men’s mental health and suicide.

More details about the show’s education program can be found here. Register to attend IMEX Frankfurt 2024 from May 14 to 16 – for free - here.

Ciara Feeley

Jan Peeters, columnist

Greenwashing, more sensitive than ever

The climate challenge is too serious to leave communication about it to marketing or public relations departments. Of course, this is not a dig at the marketing or PR managers – but their job is to present the company and its products in the best way to consumers and all stakeholders. And then a communication trick may be used. Nothing wrong with that.

When it comes to the strategy of a company - or an entire sector - in terms of sustainability, we are long past the station with the “nice words and flashy messages”. Every company and soon also every individual will be judged on concrete behavior, concrete actions and concrete results of all this. There are no more shortcuts to sustainability. The travel sector can score on almost every part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with concrete results. Our sector provides employment, contributes to the Gross National Product of many countries, and has the capacity to lift people out of poverty.

However, in terms of CO2 emissions, like many other industries, we have a much more difficult story. That makes sense: in most cases, traveling involves an intense use of means of transport, most of which are polluting.

A lot of work is being done to reduce CO2 emissions from the cruise and aviation sectors, among others, but if we are honest, we know that this is a long, sustained and very expensive effort. We must also dare to admit that.

Advertising “sustainable travel”: tricky. Developing labels that move towards “Fly Green”: misleading information. Sayings such as “together on the way to a more sustainable world”: you can be severely punished for that.

It’s not the fines that will hurt the most. It is the consumer’s contempt for “such practices” that is dangerous.

It is time for us to be modest and honestly admit that the efforts we are making today cannot immediately be translated into concrete results. Just about every bona fide airline is renewing its fleet these days, resulting in less polluting aircraft. We must also dare to say that almost every order for new aircraft leads to an expansion of the fleet - and therefore to more flights and not necessarily less pollution.

I know: it is because there is growing demand from traveling consumers that more and more planes are flying around. But claiming that we are “working sustainably” or “moving quickly towards zero emissions” is not true for the time being. And we must dare to admit that. Any form of greenwashing, whether intended or not, makes a company vulnerable these days. Because it is easier for consumers to point the finger at “unauthorized communication practices” than to make the decision themselves to travel differently – or less. We still have some time to develop the right technologies, to convince the government that we need support on our way to a more sustainable travel sector, and to devise the necessary long-term strategies.

In the meantime, the old wisdom of Mark Twain applies: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Attractive flight offers for the participants of your event

Whether you’re organizing an international trade fair, a European conference, a company meeting with 30 participants or a major event – the Lufthansa Group airlines can help you to arrange cost-effective travel options to a wide range of destinations.

Each individual can book their own flight at a reduced rate through the Lufthansa website or at any travel agency – and can fly Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings to your event anywhere in the world. On North Atlantic flights, our partnerships with Air Canada and United Airlines, as well as many other flights operated by our codeshare partners, offer additional travel options.

With Meetings & Events you benefit as the organizer, and so do your event participants

Attractive prices – great-value fares and *ediwdlrow

Cost savings – there are no booking fees with online bookings

Worldwide flights – optimal connections to over 340 destinations in more than 100 countries with Lufthansa Group airlines and our partners

High degree of flexibility – arrival and departure can take place up to seven days before and after the event

Prompt availability – flights can be booked immediately at reduced rates after signing a contract via lufthansa.com or through a travel agency

Custom exclusivity – participants can choose any travel class to fly, accrue Miles & More award and status miles and lounge access** *Does not apply to flights departing from Japan ** Award and status miles and access to lounges will var y depending on the airline and travel class booked.

For further information or quote, please see: lufthansa.com/meetingsandevents_en or contact Wouter.Marsoul@brusselsairlines.com

Meet Switzerland.

Zwitserland werkt gewoon. Betrouwbaarheid, stiptheid, politieke en economische stabiliteit en echte natuur om te ontdekken. Het afwisselende landschap, de schitterende bergen, de vele meren, de aantrekkelijke steden en het goed georganiseerde openbaar vervoer maken het verblijf aangenaam en veelzijdig.

Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau geeft onafhankelijk advies en informatie over meetings, incentives, congressen en evenementen in Zwitserland. Doe vrijblijvend een beroep op onze expertise.

Voor informatie en advies:

Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau

Kerstin van der Veur

T 020 - 620 92 29

E kerstin.vanderveur@switzerland.com

Lake