Conference & Incentive Travel articles from April 2004

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from April 2004

Show Guide: IMEX builds on success.
April 1, 2004... The second IMEX aims to strengthen its appeal by bringing together an even wider range of international organisers and suppliers, all eager to do business on a global stage. The IMEX team is set to deliver a second show at Messe Frankfurt...

First Off: Engage an audience or the marriage is off.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Twenty years ago or so when this industry was in its infancy, the venue and the destination were the be-all and end-all of corporate events. Yet for today's more sophisticated audience these elements are just the beginning - event content...

ABPCO offers alternative to European conference body.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has rejected the proposal for a European federation of PCOs (CIT, February 2004) and has submitted its own plan for a business tourism body with a wider remit. Following...

UK Price Check.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
April 16, 2004... Senior management event at a five-star location: 50 delegates for two days and one night, with a gala dinner, in June. Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, gala dinner, room hire and VAT PENNYHILL PARK, BAGSHOT 24-hour rate ...

Figures are positive for hotel occupancy.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... UK hotel occupancy rose by 2.1% in January 2004, compared with the same period last year, and room rates increased slightly. The figures come from the latest HotStats UK Chain Hotels Market Review, compiled by TRI Hospitality Consulting,...

Medical strategy lands Newcastle 2006 BMA event.(British Medical Association, Newcastle Gateshead )(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Newcastle Gateshead's strategy of targeting medical events has landed the city the 2006 British Medical Association conference. The event is worth pounds 1m to the local economy and will be held at the Norman Foster-designed Sage Gateshead...

News in brief: Jessica Blue named International Confex event director.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Jessica Blue was named International Confex event director on the eve of this year's Earls Court-based show. She had been the exhibition's event manager for the previous twelve months. Tel: 020 7921 8084.

News in brief: IBR finalises partnership deal.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... IBR has finalised a partnership deal with London agency Chester Boyd, which represents 27 unusual event venues in and around the capital. IBR becomes the sole provider of hotel accommodation solutions for its new partner. Tel: 01483...

News in brief: Jeremy Brinkworth takes over as chair of ICCA.(International Congress and Convention Association)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Jeremy Brinkworth has taken over as chair of the ICCA UK & Ireland chapter on an interim basis, following Jenny Salsbury's departure to take up a role overseas. Tel: 020 8563 3033.

News in brief: Bournemouth International Centre gets scheme approved.(expansion to add 1000 sq. m.)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Bournemouth International Centre has had an pounds 18m redevelopment scheme approved. Work will start in July to provide an extra 1,000 sq m of event space, and public areas will be refreshed. Tel: 01202 456400.

News in brief: Pump House Productions wins awards.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Pump House Productions has pointed out that, along with BTI UK, it was one of the agencies that won the Best Use of A Venue's Facilities Gold Award and the Best Use of Logistics Bronze Award at this year's ITMA Awards. Tel: 01763 848083.

News in brief: Website to be launched.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... www.equi.biz is a website being launched in May for the events industry, to bring together suppliers and organisers. Tel: 01932 831441.

News in brief: Conference & Incentive Travel subscriptions.
April 16, 2004... Readers who wish to take out a new subscription to Conference & Incentive Travel, or continue with an existing one for 2004, should call 020 8606 7500 or log on to www.citmagazine.com to arrange this.

Russell rebrands as TRO in a move to refresh image.(Russell Organisation renames itself TRO and creates a new logo)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Russell Organisation has unveiled a new corporate identity to 'refresh the way' it presents itself, according to senior management at the agency. The rebranding will see the company adopt the shorter version of its name - TRO - as well...

Maritz concentrates on its meetings work.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Maritz has sold its interests in corporate travel to concentrate on meetings and incentives business. The global move has been accompanied by a restructure of the UK operation, with Maritz adopting a sector-based marketing strategy. ...

Merger creates a new agency with history in events.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... SWM Partners, an agency that combines marketing expertise with a track record in event organisation, has launched following the merger of two firms. Marketing company m2i and events agency SW Consultancy united at the start of 2004. Billed...

The Hub includes venue finding as a distinct service.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Production company The Hub, part of the SLE Group, has extended its offering to include venue finding following client demands for a more integrated service. The Staffordshire-based business has launched Ashwell Events as a standalone...

Cotton steps down after Concorde deal.(Concorde Services acquires The Event Organisation Company and Vanessa Cotton steps down )(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Vanessa Cotton is to step down as MD of The Event Organisation Company following its sale to Chiswick-based agency Concorde Services. The acquisition coincides with Cotton's plans to move away from event delivery and focus on 'the strategic...

People and Places: Australian Tourist Commission.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Australian Tourist Commission hired a private pod on the capital's London Eye last month in order to host a networking evening for potential clients. A delegation of C&I suppliers from Australia was in attendance, including representatives...

Glasgow projecting a new image to buyers.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Glasgow is aiming to change event organisers' perceptions of the city through a five year, multi-million pound rebranding campaign. Using the strapline 'Glasgow: Scotland with Style', the campaign positions the destination as 'a...

Confex visitors source suppliers.(International Confex 2004)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Early research from International Confex 2004 has confirmed the majority of visitors attended to source suppliers and 60% commanded events budgets in excess of pounds 50,000. Research by Farrugia Leo found 81% of visitors influenced...

Toolkit: Venue.
April 16, 2004... What's this month's product and what does it do? Venue is a dedicated directory for conference and event organisers. It contains information on more than 8,000 venues and 3,000 suppliers in the UK and worldwide, with all contact details...

Caribbean may fill gap as trend away from US continues.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... There has been plenty of comment recently on the adverse effect of the new visa regulations to be imposed by the US. As one of the most popular conference and incentive destinations for the UK market this may, however, be more of a blow for UK...

Research indicates events are growing in importance.(MPI Foundation)
April 16, 2004... Live communication events continue to climb the global marketing agenda, according to research that found conferences and events are second only to direct marketing in terms of delivering return on investment (ROI). The research by...

World Price Check.(Illustration)
April 16, 2004... Senior management event at a five-star location: 50 delegates for two days and one night, with a gala dinner, in June. Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, gala dinner, room hire and taxes WESTIN PALACE, MADRID Accomm/room hire...

EIBTM report predicts growth of technology.(European Incentive & Business Travel & Meetings)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The ongoing digital revolution will change the face of the C&I industry, according to the EIBTM Technology and Travel Five Year Trends Report, published last month. The second in a series of three trends reports commissioned by the trade...

Singapore aims to increase delegate numbers by 2005.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Singapore is aiming to boost its C&I visitor numbers by almost 50% over the next two years. Last year saw 1.25m delegates arrive in the island city, and the hope is that this figure will increase to 1.8m by the end of 2005. The Singapore...

News in brief: Promotion for Monica Lee Muller.
April 16, 2004... Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre has promoted Monica Lee Muller to director of business development. Her role involves overseeing planning for the marketing and sales department. Tel: +852 2582 8888.

News in brief: SRS Worldhotels new portal.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... SRS Worldhotels has a new portal for conference organisers to access details of its hotels' meetings offer. The site, www.srs-worldhotels.com/worldevents, is backed up by 12 service centres around the world. Tel: +31 20 53 53 191.

News in brief: Pangkor Island Beach Resort appoints Surereps International.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Pangkor Island Beach Resort has appointed Supereps International as its UK representative with a brief to target the MICE sector. The 240-room resort recently upgraded its facilities. Tel: 020 7242 3131.

News in brief: MICE trade fair to be held at Brussels Kart Expo.
April 16, 2004... The 17th European MICE trade fair is being held at Brussels Kart Expo from 29-30 September 2004. The show will co-locate with marketing and communication event Marcom, and business gift exhibition Bugi. Tel: + 32 2 467 2862.

News in brief: Great Hotels Organisation launches niche alliance of hotels.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Great Hotels Organisation has launched a niche alliance of premium, independent hotels. Special Hotels of the World will feature properties that have unique features such as a spa or excellent cuisine. Tel: 020 7383 2335.

News in brief: Perth Convention Bureau improves services for disabled.
April 16, 2004... The Perth Convention Bureau is improving accessibility and services for disabled people with a view to Western Australia becoming the country's leading destination for these groups. Tel: +61 89 324 3355.

News in brief: MPI releases latest edition of textbook.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... MPI has released the latest edition of its practical textbook, Meetings and Conventions: A Planning Guide. Tel: +1 972 702 3000.

Las Vegas considers UK a primary market.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Las Vegas is stepping up publicity to consolidate its appeal to UK buyers, following a record-breaking number of conventions at one of its flagship venues. The UK has been the city's largest overseas market since the 9/11 attacks, and...

Project Matrix targets training.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... A pan-European project to define educational qualifications for the events industry aims to have devised training curriculums within two years. 'Our goal is to establish three levels of qualifications that will enable people to work as...

Pushing Frontiers: Isle of Man.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Isle of Man, with its own language, currency and laws, has long represented an opportunity to experience the unusual while staying close to home. Yet it has recently lacked a large venue for major conferences. That has changed with the...

Challenges come in waves yet vigilance must be unswerving.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... 'An attack on London is inevitable,' says the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. He was echoing the suspicions of many that the terrible bombings in Madrid will be followed by attacks on the UK in retaliation for the British Government's...

Jamaica Tourist Board aims to increase its UK business.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) director of tourism Paul Pennicook has outlined plans to drive up the volume of UK C&I business to the destination. A programme of fam trips for UK agencies during 2004 has been drawn up, which will include 'at...

Hotel alliance hopes to offer more choice.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... A new partnership of four hotel groups aims to offer more choice to UK C&I buyers for meetings and incentives venues. Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts has joined with the Kempinski, Rydges and Wyndham hotel chains to form the Global Hotel...

People and Places: Le Meridien.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... February saw the official inauguration of the new conference facilities at Le Meridien Villon, situated in woodland 19km from the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. More than 450 guests attended the gala opening, including several international...

News in brief: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre wins award.
April 16, 2004... Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre has won Best Conference Support Products for its Destination WA guide, along with Outstanding Marketing and Sales Person, at the Meetings Industry Association of Australia awards. Tel: +61 8 9338...

News in brief: Le Meridien announces new openings.
April 16, 2004... Le Meridien has announced 15 new openings over the next three years. The group's Art+Tech design concept will feature in two hotels - Le Meridien Frankfurt Airport and Le Meridien Tower Kuwait . Tel: 020 7301 2000.

News in brief: Eastern European destinations step up efforts.
April 16, 2004... Eastern European and Baltic destinations are stepping up their efforts for EIBTM 2004. Show organiser RTE says that Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine and Hungary have booked for the show, which runs from 30 November to 2 December in...

News in brief: MPI enjoys best-ever event.
April 16, 2004... Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has enjoyed its best-ever attended European event. March's Professional Education Conference Europe was boosted by a 25% drop in the registration fee. The Edinburgh event had 445 delegates. Tel:...

News in brief: Hague Convention Bureau appoints Gradwick.(Gradwick Communications (UK) has marketing campaign in the works)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Hague Convention Bureau and Rotterdam Marketing have appointed Gradwick Communications to be their UK representative. Director Paul Swain will develop a sales and marketing campaign targeting UK organisers. Tel: 01737 279110.

News in brief: Cape Town International Convention Centre launches website.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Cape Town International Convention Centre has launched its new website, www.capetownconvention.com, which includes a virtual tour of the venue and a newsflash service. Tel: +27 21 410 5000.

Analysis: The essential rules of engagement.
April 16, 2004... Despite advances in the technology of conference presentation much of the methodology remains unchanged. Yet by following basic principles, organisers can usually guarantee a captive audience. A Victorian time traveller dropping in on a...

Opinion: Sounding off - Video-conferencing has evolved and can cut event overheads.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Whether at a conference or on television, we have all experienced video-conferencing at its worst: the complex installation, the awkward delay resulting in both parties talking at the same time, and the uncomfortable 'I'm afraid we appear to...

In Person: Emma Bainbridge, Head of event management, BI Worldwide.
April 16, 2004... A mere six weeks into her new job at BI Worldwide, Emma Bainbridge is busy adapting to her role as head of event management at one of the leading companies in the events sector. Having already worked as an event organiser for 15 years,...

Case Study: Turkey provides cultural backdrop for trademark conference.(Marques)
April 16, 2004... European trademark association Marques has held its annual conference in a wide variety of countries. Ben Lerwill reports on how Istanbul provided delegates with a new experience. A full two-and-a-half years of planning and decision-making...

Case Study: Lex Transfleet reinforces key value.
April 16, 2004... At its 2004 Gala Awards Party Lex Transfleet presented many awards, but kept the audience involved. Lex Transfleet, a joint venture between the RAC and Lombard North Central, is an independent UK supplier of commercial vehicle...

Venuemasters Show Guide: Educational opportunity.
April 16, 2004... Now in its third year, Venuemasters is the only UK exhibition dedicated to showcasing the country's broad range of academic venues. Sarah Wild previews the event. This year's Venuemasters Exhibition, which takes place on 12 May at...

Spa Venues: The right balance.
April 16, 2004... Availability of spa facilities can now determine a venue's popularity. Sarah Wild reports on the trend towards providing stress-free environments. While encouraging delegates to lounge in a sauna may not sound like the best way of...

Spa Venues: A selection of the finest spa resorts.(Directory)
April 16, 2004... When delegates need breathing space to get into focus for events, few things match relaxation time in a spa. ELYSIUM BEACH RESORT - Paphos, Cyprus; www.elysium.com.cy Launched last July, ten months after the hotel, the Elysium's Aveda...

Museums & Attractions: 20 Of The Best Ideas.(United Kingdom)(Directory)
April 16, 2004... The United Kingdom offers an array of fascinating cultural venues, as Ben Lerwill discovers. BELFAST CASTLE Contact: Cathryn Gribbin, 028 9077 6925 Website: www.belfastcastle.co.uk Function spaces: 6 Maximum capacity: 200 seated...

20 Reasons to Visit Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.(England)
April 16, 2004... Two counties offering wonderful scenery and a host of inspiring venues. Mark Hillsdon reports. 1. While more than half of West Berkshire has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, the county is only an hour away from both...

Country Retreats: Attention to detail.
April 16, 2004... When looking for a venue away from the demands of city life, many organisers are heading for the country. Abigail Wills reports on the increasing popularity of the UK's rural locations. Country house hotels have a range of unique selling...

France Q&A: Tradition with a twist.
April 16, 2004... France is very much a known quantity, but the country has recently started to shake off the expensive price tag and is making an effort to freshen up its act, as Dave Saunders finds out. When considering France, many event organisers look...

France: Creative capital.
April 16, 2004... Paris has enjoyed a commanding position in the conference industry for many years, but faces stiff competition from new destinations. Colette Doyle reports on the French capital's response. Maintaining pole position in any field is always a...

France: Lille.
April 16, 2004... Lille, once the industrial heartland of northern France, is the European City of Culture 2004 and C&I suppliers in the city are hopeful the profile that comes with this accolade will help grow business. Rik Bollaert, sales director at...

France: Lyon.
April 16, 2004... With incoming MICE business showing stagnation rather than growth in 2003, the Lyon Convention Bureau could be forgiven for being a little reticent about prospects for the market. However, manager Valerie Ducaud is cautiously optimistic about...

France: South of France.
April 16, 2004... The UK makes up 40 per cent of the French Riviera's incoming MICE business. Last year, however, British business dropped five per cent, according to Henri Ceran, executive director of the soon-to-be-established Riviera Convention Bureau. 'The...

France: Toulouse.(city is capable of hosting events for up to 5,000 delegates)
April 16, 2004... The creation of a convention bureau last year is already paying dividends for Toulouse, situated in the southwest corner of France. The city is capable of hosting events for up to 5,000 delegates and the UK is the number one inbound overseas...

Barcelona: Premier league city.
April 16, 2004... Barcelona's sun has most definitely risen in the C&I market, but as Catherine Chetwynd reports, the Catalan city must remain vigilant if it is to capitalise still further on the results of its hard work. Barcelona appears to be invincible....

Venue Focus: Jury's Inn Chelsea.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Jury's Inn Chelsea is opening at the end of this month as the latest addition to the growing Jury's Inn brand. The 172-room venue is near the fashionable King's Road and close to some of London's most popular attractions, including Kensington...

Venue Focus: Grand Hyatt Mumbai.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Grand Hyatt Mumbai is the latest offering from the Hyatt group in South Asia. The complex includes 547 guestrooms and more than 2,787 sq m of conference space. This includes the 1,115 sq m Grand Ballroom, seven extra meeting rooms and a 799 sq...

Venue Focus: Northcote House.(Sunningdale Park )(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Northcote House at Sunningdale Park is the latest addition to Initial Style Conferences' portfolio. Following a pounds 2m refurbishment, the venue is available for training, meetings and corporate functions, with six individual rooms. Guests...

Venue Focus: Le Meridien renames its property in Mauritius.(Le Meridien Ile Maurice)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Le Meridien Ile Maurice is the new name of the Le Meridien property in Mauritius, formerly known as the Plaza Beach Resort. The change follows the completion of a dollars 10m (pounds 5.4m) refurbishment that brought the hotel up to five-star...

Venue Focus: Matfen Hall opens with an array of facilities.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Matfen Hall Hotel opened earlier this month, becoming the largest independent country house hotel in Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland. It claims to possess 'some of the most sophisticated and up-to-date conference and spa facilities of...

Venue Focus: The Balmoral in Edinburgh.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Balmoral in Edinburgh, a Rocco Forte property, has completed a pounds 7m refurbishment programme. The 18-month renovation saw an overhaul of the property's meetings spaces, including the Sir Walter Scott ballroom and seven additional...

Venue Focus: The Marriott Bucharest Grand.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel has become the first JW Marriott property in Continental Europe. The conversion will incorporate a series of upgrades and new amenities, including high-speed internet access in every guestroom. Tel: 0800...

Venue Focus: The Priory Rooms.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Priory Rooms is a new pounds 2m development in the heart of Birmingham. Able to accommodate between two and 200 delegates, the venue aims to offer a 'one-stop solution' to conferencing and meetings. Tel: 0121 236 2317 RE 949.

Venue Focus: Hilton International.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Hilton International has announced plans to further expand its portfolio of resorts. A total of 14 new properties will open over the next 36 months, increasing the number of resorts to 60 in 28 countries worldwide. New openings for 2004 include...

Venue Focus: Express by Holiday Inn Newport.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Express by Holiday Inn Newport has opened for business. With 125 guestrooms, the hotel also features five purpose-built meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 50 delegates theatre-style. Guests can also make use of a dedicated break-out area....

Venue Focus: The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel opened its doors last month, joining the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers as Starwood's second hotel in Vietnam. Centrally located within Hanoi's main business district, the 299-room property offers seven meeting rooms...

Diary: Let's go to ... Wollongong.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Where to then? I want prestige, romance, Conde Nast kudos... we're off to Wollongong. Pardon me? Something in your throat? Very funny. Not only is New South Wales's most pleasingly named city a short drive from Sydney, it's also billed as...

Diary: Now that they've done it, the fur is gonna fly.(Marketing Manchester)
April 16, 2004... Those canny folk at Marketing Manchester have struck on a novel way of captivating an industry that is always in need of constant pampering - a furry conference guide. The 96-page brochure is covered in a heartwarming maroon down, which is...

Diary: Tolkien of wild beasts ..(conference)(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Grumpy misshapen beasts are on their way to an upcoming Alexandra Palace conference, and we're not talking about Diary's ex-girlfriends here. Orcs and assorted Middle-Earth creatures are set to converge on the Lord of the Rings Fellowship...

Diary: Confessions of an Event Planner.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... As a newly appointed C&I sales person responsible for outbound destinations, I spent my first few months on the job helping a colleague organise fam trips to our overseas hotels. Finally set free to go it alone, I left with my boss's...

Diary: Dream destination.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Trade shows can be dangerous things. Proving that even the hardiest visitor might find three days of Confex hospitality hard going, this dozing delegate - who networked so hard his face became pixellated - found the round-the-clock alcohol and...