Conference & Incentive Travel articles from August 2002

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from August 2002

FIRST OFF: Finding a definition beyond the jargon.(travel)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Can you tell your RCR from your RFP? And do you know the difference between a DMC and a PCO? Most industries use jargon to some extent, but it seems the conference and incentives sector makes a particular habit of it, despite the fact it's...

BACD report finds more spend fewer delegates.(British Association of Conference Destination)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The combined value of non-residential and residential conferences to the UK economy rose by 10% last year to reach pounds 7.3bn, according to a recent report. The British Association of Conference Destination's (BACD) Conference Market...

UK Price Check.(Hilton hotels)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... TWO-DAY AGM Brief: Costs are based on 200 people attending a two-day AGM. Costs include dinner, overnight accommodation, meeting room hire, tea and coffee breaks. The prices include taxes. THE CONRAD HILTON, LONDON Meeting cost...

ABPCO signs up with BTP in show of unity.(Association of British Professional Conference Organisers joining British Tourism Partnership)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has been accepted into the British Tourism Partnership (BTP) as the body steps up its campaign for Government recognition of business tourism. 'The BTP can now...

MIA survey sees meetings sector start to recover.(Meetings Industry Association)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The Meetings Industry Association's (MIA) UK Conference Market Survey 2002 has revealed the average number of meetings organised by companies fell slightly against last year, from 9.7 per company to 9.2. A similar scenario was found in the...

UK BRIEFS: Savoy Group introduces new phone line.(for meeting planners )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Savoy Group has introduced a new phone line for meeting planners booking conference space and accompanying hotel rooms. Tel: 0800 800 72869.

UK BRIEFS: Bateaux London introduces evening cruise package.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Bateaux London has introduced an evening cruise package suitable for groups costing pounds 35 per person. Tel: 020 7695 1806.

UK BRIEFS: Warwick Castle offers team-building days.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Warwick Castle now offers team-building days. The castle offers a range of activities for up to 70 delegates. Tel: 01926 495421.

UK BRIEFS: Birmingham Convention Bureau announces hotels to offer discounts.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Birmingham Convention Bureau has announced that more than 100 of its member hotels and venues will be offering discounts of up to 50% off delegate rates during July and August. Tel: 0121 603 2000.

UK BRIEFS:.(Staffordshire Stoke-on-Trent Conference Bureau guide)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Staffordshire Stoke-on-Trent Conference Bureau has published its annual conference guide for 2002-2003. Tel: 01782 232076

UK BRIEFS: Renaissance Derby/Nottingham hotel launches website.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Renaissance Derby/Nottingham hotel has launched a dedicated website for meeting planners - www.think-M1.com. The site includes suggestions on how to improve teamwork, productivity and the performance of business events. Tel: 01773...

UK BRIEFS: Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth hotel offers special rates.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth hotel in London is offering day delegate rates of pounds 35 and 24-hour rates of pounds 99 during August. Tel: 020 8757 7858.

UK BRIEFS: Leeds United forms the Premiership Club.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Leeds United has instigated the formation of a forum, called the Premiership Club, for conference and banqueting managers at Premiership and first division football clubs. Tel: 0113 367 6463.

Acclaim joins up with Peak Events to widen service.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Live events agency Acclaim has teamed up with Peak Events in a bid to offer a broader spectrum of services. Acclaim will be able to make use of Peak Events' research division. It produces the Peak Report - an annual research publication...

TRO takes on staff after account wins.(The Russell Organization)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The Russell Organisation (TRO) has embarked on a staff recruitment drive following its recent Orange and LloydsTSB account wins. Two business development managers have been appointed. Deborah Ingham has joined as head of marketing and...

PEOPLE AND PLACES: Sanyo seeks sales in Surrey.(trade show)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Sanyo staged its annual trade show and product preview at Surrey's Pennyhill Park Hotel earlier this year for the tenth year running. The event pulled in 120 buyers from Sanyo's key retail partners, such as Dixons and Comet. 'Initially the...

Agenda secures Chubb and AXA for its C&I roster.(firm to produce group events for Chubb and AXA)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Conference agency Agenda has won accounts to produce group events for two blue-chip clients, AXA and Chubb. Agenda - which relaunched in February as a standalone firm from its parent Ayscough Travel - has previously worked for Chubb on its...

Skybridge wins rights to use Big Brother house.(for corporate functions)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Skybridge has won the exclusive rights to offer the Big Brother house as a venue for corporate functions when filming of the current reality-TV series comes to an end at the end of July. The property, in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, was made...

New EICC hall adds large event appeal.(Edinburgh International Conference Center)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is to add a pounds 25m extension, earmarked for completion in 2006, in a bid to attract larger-scale conferences to the city. The increased capacity is expected to more than double the...

Yorkshire in call for big C&I budget hike.(Yorkshire Tourist Board wants increase in funding for business tourism)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) is calling for a huge increase in funding for business tourism after a study found the C&I industry to be one of the most profitable sectors. The YTB maintains it needs pounds 20m to improve its product....

Go opens up net provision for its corporate base.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Low-cost airline Go has developed an exclusive-use website for its corporate travel clients. The site is being tagged as 'Go For Business' and will be available to business customers via its existing Go-Fly website via an authorised...

No familiarity can breed contempt in your audience.(speakers need to consider their audience)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... How heartening it was to see two columns in the last of issue of CIT focusing on elements of good communication. At the risk of testing readers' patience, I'd like to share my own feelings on the subject. Mine is a forlorn appeal to all...

Southport gets conference lift.(conference industry in Southport, Sefton, England receives financial support)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Southport and the borough of Sefton are to receive a pounds 2.3m cash injection to bolster the area's conference scene. The scheme's aim is to increase overnight stays in conference accommodation by 12%, as well as attract an estimated...

Bmibaby selects Cardiff Airport as second UK base.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Low-cost airline Bmibaby is operating from Cardiff International Airport, making it the airline's second base in the UK. Details of the airline's destinations are as yet undisclosed, but flights will start at the end of July. While a...

Birmingham takes lead from partners.(Marketing Birmingham)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2002... Birmingham Marketing Partnership has restructured and relaunched to take a more proactive approach to pulling in international conference business. The body will henceforth be known as Marketing Birmingham, incorporating Birmingham...

WEBWATCH: Puerto Rico celebrates online.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau is celebrating its 40th anniversary by launching www.meetpuertorico.com. The content of the site is divided into four main sections: what to do, where to stay, where to eat and where to meet. Each section...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Conference Guernsey.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Conference Guernsey has appointed Ken McVey as company chairman. Tel: 0118 934 5542.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Austrian Airlines.(Valerie Kadanka)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Austrian Airlines has made Valerie Kadanka its sales executive in the newly relaunched UK C&I department. Tel: 020 7434 7389.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at The Hilton Cardiff.(Doris McIntyre)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Hilton Cardiff has seen Doris McIntyre become sales manager with responsibility for conferences and banqueting. Tel: 029 206 46300.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at ILLICO Events.(Sarah Wright)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... ILLICO Events, the events production division of agency IBR, has appointed Sarah Wright to the post of account director. Tel: 01483 520770.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Bournemouth International Centre/Pavilion.(Sarah Loveless )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Bournemouth International Centre/Pavilion has made Sarah Loveless the venue's conference manager. Tel: 01202 456506.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Thistle Hotels.(David Thornby)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Thistle Hotels has appointed David Thornby as its director of meeting and events. Tel: 020 7895 2236.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Tower of London introduces hospitality packages.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... HM Tower of London has introduced four additional corporate hospitality packages. Tel: 020 7488 5662

NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Jumeirah International opens London sales office.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Jumeirah International has opened a London sales office based at the Carlton Tower hotel, one of the group's two properties in the capital. Tel: 0800 082 8000.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Dubai bureau will offer coordinated approach.(Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has confirmed the Dubai Convention Bureau will be operational by 1 August. 'The bureau will allow us to offer corporate buyers a far more coordinated approach,'...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Australian puts Cairns on map.(Australian Airlines to offers flights between United Kingdom and Cairns, Australia)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The launch of single-fare carrier Australian Airlines in September is expected to increase the number of UK delegates into Cairns, its primary hub. The airline will be flying between Cairns and six Asian cities with UK connections -...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: World Price Check.(meeting, accommodation costs in Belgium, United States, Australia)(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Two-day AGM Brief: Costs are based on 200 people attending a two-day AGM. Costs include dinner, overnight accommodation, meeting room hire, tea and coffee breaks. Prices include taxes. HILTON, BRUSSELS pounds 58,340...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Vienna bureau secures 2004 meetings wins.(Vienna Convention Bureau)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The Vienna Convention Bureau has garnered conference business for 2004 that will generate around 21,000 bed nights and contribute an estimated EUR8.4m (pounds 5.4m) to the national economy. From 11-14 May 2004, the Austria Center will host...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Kempinski Hotel Atlantic Hamburg offers discount.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Kempinski Hotel Atlantic Hamburg is offering a discounted day delegate rate in July and August of EUR55 (pounds 36) per person. Tel: +49 4024 39 54.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at American Airlines.(James Beer named vice-president for Europe)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... American Airlines has appointed James Beer as London-based vice-president for Europe. Tel: 020 8577 4712.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Oberoi Hotel, Bali wins award.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Leading Hotels of the World has named the the Oberoi Hotel, Bali as the overall winner of its Commitment to Quality Awards 2002. Tel: 020 7290 1000.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: African Ethos appointed as UK rep.(Linyanti Explorations appoints representative in United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... African Ethos has been appointed as the UK representative for Linyanti Explorations, which operates safaris in Botswana. Tel: 01403 243 619.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Air Partner opens in Dubai.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Air Partner, the aircraft charter broker, has opened a sales office in Dubai. Tel: 01293 844802.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at DMC United Touring Co.(Mudi Devendra named operational manager at destination management company)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... DMC United Touring Company Dubai has appointed Mudi Devendra as operational manager. Tel: 020 7372 4844.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Raffles International and Okura negotiate alliance.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Raffles International and Okura, the Japan-based hotel chain, have negotiated a strategic alliance allowing both companies to implement joint business development opportunities and marketing activities. Tel: +41 1 893 1045.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Six Continents invests in expansion.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Six Continents, the international hotel chain, is set to invest EUR140m (pounds 90m) in an expansion strategy across Germany for its Express by Holiday Inn brand. Tel: 020 8847 3711.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at Seadream Yacht Club.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Seadream Yacht Club has appointed Beate Grodum as business development director. Tel: +45 421 3484.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Industry warned on separatist stance.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The European Parliament vice-president and chairman of the all-party group on tourism, James Provan, has cautioned the C&I industry not to distance itself from the mainstream travel and tourism sector if it wishes to gain the recognition it...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Puerto Rico's hotels set for centre boom.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Puerto Rico is expanding its hotel infrastructure over the next two years to complement the opening of the Puerto Rico Convention Centre in 2004. New openings include the Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar with 174 rooms, 91 apartments and...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Perth Bureau to host meetings with pounds 10m value.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Perth Convention Bureau has secured four international, in addition to four national, conferences, which are expected to generate more than Adollars 28m (pounds 10m) for Western Australia. Collectively, the conferences are set to...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Organising foreign events can leave planning all at sea.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Event planning in the UK follows a pattern. Talk to the client, grasp their needs, and come up with a concept within budget. Then meticulously plan the event, double check everything, arrive on site early and, presto, deliver a successful...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: California looks to grow UK business.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... California Tourism is to target the UK corporate and incentive market more proactively, in an attempt to grow its share of international conference business. Marketing activity will include fam trips, online elements and attending trade...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: People and Places - EIBTM hosts awards dinner.
August 1, 2002... The second EIBTM Awards ceremony, in association with CIT, was held at a gala dinner at the Hotel Intercontinental in Geneva, and was attended by industry representatives from all across Europe. French agency Auditoire scooped the...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Malta boosts its conference offer with new venues.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Malta is developing its conference infrastructure in a bid to increase its market share. New additions include a convention centre and five-star hotel. The convention centre is set to open in February 2003 and will be adjacent to the...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Rimini bureau to implement C&I quality scheme.(Riviera di Romagna Convention Bureau establishes quality control standards for its conference offer)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Rimini's Riviera di Romagna Convention Bureau has established a set of quality control standards for its conference offer. The move is based on the results of a 12-month research campaign that polled local industry operators. The research...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Meeting Madrid announces new hotel openings.(Madrid, Spain)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Meeting Madrid, the Madrid convention bureau, has announced that a further 35 hotels will open in the city between now and 2004, boosting its hotel capacity to more than 7,200 rooms. Tel: +34 91 588 2900.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Principal Promotions offers group rates.(Astir Palace, Athens, Greece)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Principal Promotions is offering group rates of pounds 49 per person per night at the Astir Palace in Athens. Tel: 020 7485 5500.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Jolly Hotels launches website.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Jolly Hotels, the Italian hotel chain, has launched a website - www.jollyhotels.it - which features a number of C&I elements. Room layouts, details of technical equipment and event menus can be accessed and users can request online quotes. ...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Paris-Nord Villepinte launches incentive product.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Paris-Nord Villepinte is launching a new incentive product. Meeting planners booking a seminar, convention, or training session at the French events venue will be entitled to claim either a day at the Parc Asterix theme park or the use of the...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Sydney Convention Centre hosts IT event.(Gartner Symposium/Itxpo, Sydney, Australia)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is to host the Gartner Symposium/Itxpo IT event. It is anticipated that the event, taking place in November this year, will generate Adollars 49.4m (pounds 18m) for the region. Tel: 020 7317 7434.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Shangri-La Hotels invests in renovation.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Shangri-La Hotels is to invest dollars 130m (pounds 85m) in the renovation of 14 of its properties over the next two years. Tel: 020 8747 8484.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Mandarin Oriental Miami introduces offer.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Mandarin Oriental Miami has introduced its Fantastic Meetings offer, which runs until the end of September. Tel: +1 305 913 8288.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: IMEX show exceeds own expectations.(Frankfurt, Germany)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... IMEX has reported a growth in confidence for its Frankfurt-based show as exhibitor and buyer numbers look set to increase. The original predictions put exhibition space at 7,000 sq m and the number of hosted buyers at 2,000. Organisers Ray...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Impact expands to attract major future business.(Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Bangkok's Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre is to invest dollars 12m (pounds 8m) in expanding its facilities. The first phase will be completed by the end of this year. The expansion is viewed as a long-term investment to equip Impact...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: UK buyers head to MCI Solutions.(trade fair to focus on Benelux region)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... More than 60 UK buyers are expected to attend a Benelux-focused C&I trade fair this summer. The inaugural MCI Solutions runs from 25-26 August, and is being organised by the MECC Maastricht under the auspices of the Association of Dutch...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Pushing Frontiers - Qatar develops its offer.(infrastructure in place for hosting conventions)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Qatar lies halfway along the coast of the Arabian Gulf and borders Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. Just a third the size of Belgium, the country is fast developing its infrastructure and its C&I offer. Qatar Airways operates 11 flights...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Wonderful Copenhagen launches guide.(Denmark)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Wonderful Copenhagen has launched a guide to unusual venues in the Orestund region, which includes Copenhagen and Malmo. Tel: +45 33 25 74 00.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Cape Town to host forum in 2004.(International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus to meet, South Africa)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Cape Town is to host the International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus Global Executive Forum in 2004. Tel: +27 21 487 2718.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at Jumeirah International.(Guy Crawford)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Hotel chain Jumeirah International has appointed Guy Crawford as corporate director of operations. Tel: 0800 082 8000.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at Vision Hotel Group.(Frederic Frerejean)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Vision Hotel Group has appointed Frederic Frerejean as sales director for France and Benelux. Tel: +33 1 42 70 74 45.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Alicart Restaurant Group takes group reservations.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Alicart Restaurant Group, which represents six award-winning New York restaurants, is taking group reservations from event planners. Tel: +1 212-675-9790.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Regent Hotel Sydney re-brands.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Regent Hotel Sydney has re-branded as the Four Seasons Sydney. Tel: +61 2 9238 0000.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Tourism Whistler relaunches website.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Tourism Whistler has relaunched its website, www.mywhistler.com which features information on accommodation, activities and events. Tel: +1 604 938 2795.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Eurostar offers free upgrade to groups.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Eurostar is offering groups of more than four who travel first class a free upgrade to Premium First until September. Tel: 08705 186 186.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Chicago Trek and Global Management merge.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Chicago Trek and Global Management Service have merged to form a combined DMC service for Chicago and the western states. Tel: 01993 851590.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Appointment at Choice Hotels.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Choice Hotels of Europe has appointed Helena Cookson as director of corporate sales. Tel: 0800 44 44 44.

OPINION: Sounding Off - All too familiar tale of late withdrawals.
August 1, 2002... David Hackett, executive vice-president of TMO, one of the largest agencies in the C&I industry and a columnist on this very magazine, saved me pounds 55 last week just by showing up at a dinner. He proved to be a useful investment, unlike...

CASE STUDY: Matrix revels in Sun City spirit.
August 1, 2002... Although keen not to travel too far for winter sun, hair product maker Matrix was persuaded to try South Africa's activities and laid-back style - a popular choice as Stephanie Roberts reports. Sunshine, an extensive range of activities and...

HOTEL SURVEY: Back on track - While last September's events had an effect on the industry, clients are travelling once more and incentive organisers are keeping up their standards, reflecting a mood of cautious optimism.
August 1, 2002... As with other industries, the hotel industry has suffered over the past year for reasons that are now all too familiar. Some observers say a panic market has emerged with hotels dropping rates and flooding the sector with price promotions. This...

MANAGEMENT TRAINING CENTRES: Centres of excellence - Management training centres have added to their offer with improved catering, leisure facilities and very competitive rates, as Colette Doyle discovers.
August 1, 2002... The designation 'management training centre' may conjure up an image of austere places of learning with little in the way of frills, but in reality these venues are giving hotels a run for their money when it comes to the variety of events they...

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & BERKSHIRE: Home county value.
August 1, 2002... The fortunes of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire venues are linked to those of London, but they also offer bucolic charm, tranquility, easy access and value for money, as Abigail Wills finds out. For the counties of Berkshire and...

UK PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRES: Built-in flexibility - While purpose-built centres are keen to host large events, flexible design enables them to hold smaller meetings as well. Mike Levy investigates.
August 1, 2002... Is big always beautiful? Some of the UK's largest purpose-built convention centres seem to think so. Venues such as the ICC in Birmingham, the Harrogate International Centre (HIC) and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) like to...

CRUISING: Off-shore agenda - Cruise operators are recognising the value of the meetings market by designing both ships and charter packages to appeal to corporate users, as Julia Gosling finds out.
August 1, 2002... A cruise is a classic incentive reward. Winners of incentive trips might fret over the more mature demographic make-up of their fellow passengers, but a Caribbean cruise is nonetheless a glamorous prize - and certainly something envious friends...

CANADA: West coast rediscovered.
August 1, 2002... Vancouver is adding a portfolio of hotels and venues to back up its incentive offering to make the long-haul flight from the UK more than worthwhile, as Stephanie Roberts reports. The dramatic landscape of Canada's west coast province of...