Conference & Incentive Travel articles from February 2002

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from February 2002

Boosting business is worth the extra effort. (First Off).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Our coverline this month comes about as close as you can get to summing up the state of the industry at the moment. "Facing the challenge" is the way that a lot of C&I agencies seem to feel right now, judging by our annual incentive agency...

Vantage Point. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Vantage Point has launched a product called Fly for Lunch for the hospitality and incentive market. The programme comprises six one-day excursions for smaller groups to close European destinations.

Southport. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Southport is to offer virtual tours of its conference facilities. The images provide a 360 degree tour of Floral Hall, Southport Theatre Complex and the Arts Centre.

Travel Contacts. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Travel Contacts, the worldwide association of approved DMCs, will be running a series of roadshows in the UK and Europe. The first show will take place this spring during the week of March.

The ICC Birmingham. (UK Briefs).(interactive CD-ROM launched)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The ICC Birmingham is launching an interactive CD-ROM that provides conference organisers with helpful tools such at three-dimensional plans, maps and a directory of local facilities.

Jack Morton Worldwide. (UK Briefs).(Julian Pullan becomes director of operations)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Jack Morton Worldwide has appointed Julian Pullan director of operations.

The Conference Centre. (UK Briefs).(Lucy Curtis-Ward hired at Church House)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Conference Centre at Church House has appointed Lucy Curtis-Ward as general manager.

DFDS Seaways. (UK Briefs).(brochure launched)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... DFDS Seaways has launched a brochure for the MICE market to promote its onboard C&I facilities.

Telford & Shropshire. (UK Briefs).(Telford & Shropshire Marketing Partnership updates website)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Telford & Shropshire Marketing Partnership has redeveloped its website with more information on venues and services.

The International Centre. (UK Briefs).(Telford conference center pricing structure)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The International Centre, Telford has recently announced a day delelate pricing structure.

BTA campaign aims to restore UK confidence. (UK News).(British Tourist Authority marketing campaign)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... The British Tourist Authority (BTA) has launched a [Euro] 5m marketing campaign to pull in business after it stated 2001 was the worst year ever for UK tourism. The UKOK campaign will run until the end of March and work on two levels -- to...

UK price check. (UK News).(prices for conference facilities)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 1, 2002... Brief: A company planning a one-day conference for 100 delegates at a motor-racing circuit including room hire, two servings of tea and coffee and a buffet lunch. Prices are inclusive of all taxes. Donington Park, Corby 8 hr...

BACD to hold 2003 AGM in merseyside. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) has chosen Merseyside for the first time as the destination for its annual AGM next year. The AGM and spring convention will be held from 4-6 June 2003 and its venues are yet to be...

Six Cotinents calls offf talks with Starwood. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Six Continents has reputedly ended talks to buy Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide after the two companies failed to agree on a rice. The deal would have created on of the world's 1argest hotel operators with brands including Sheraton and...

Event planners anticipate one year recovery. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The majority of meeting planners expect their business to return to normal within 12 months, following the effects of 11 September, according to a report published last month by the Grass Roots Group. The online report into the effects of...

Ayscough launches conference agency. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Business travel management company Ayscough Travel has relaunched its internal conference division to operate as a standalone entity. The company will be known as Agenda and will initially consist of seven personnel. It will be headed up by...

Givenchy's modern outlook. (People and Places).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Givenchy recently held its national sales conference at the Shaw Park Plaza Hotel. The four-star hotel, situated near London's King Cross, St Pancras and Euston stations, comfortably accommodated the 200 delegates from across the UK and...

Avenue targets North East for second branch. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Avenue for Conferences & Events has opened an office in the North East to complement its existing Surrey-based operation. It will aim to service the agency's growing northern client base and drive new business in the region. The office will...

Absolute sets up division in East Midlands. (UK News).(Absolute Corporate Events)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Absolute Corporate e Events has opened a regional office in the East Midlands to increase accessibility for clients. The office, 15 minutes from Nottingham, will be staffed by Jill Fleming as account manager and Rachel Webster as account...

BA shifts gear for new marketing campaign. (UK News).(British Airways)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... British Airways (BA) has launched a marketing campaign after it commissioned research that found 73% of business leaders believe face to face is the most effective way of building and maintaining business relationships. The theme 'It's...

Cash beats travel in staff reward survey. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... More than half of the respondents to an annual motivation survey, commissioned by Capital Incentives & Motivation, said they do not receive a reward or incentive in their current jobs. In addition, when given the choice to choose their...

Major players join exhibitors at venue show. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The National Venue Show, taking place at the NEC from 17-19 September, has attracted two major industry associations as new exhibitors for this year. The Meetings Industry Association, the professional trade body for the UK, and...

Personal approach for agencies wins in uncertain times. (UK News).(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2002... The headlines are full of words like "merger", "integration" and "consolidation". They all mean just one thing. The big agencies are downsizing in anticipation of reduced business prospects in the aftermath of 11 September. Certain sectors,...

ITMA training workshop on incentive travel. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The ITMA is to hold a one-day training workshop, entitled Incentive Travel in Action, on 27 February at the Novotel London West. Designed for newcomers to the industry and for those with up to three year's industry experience, it is also...

Event title sees full rebranding. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Conference & Incentive Travel's sister title Marketing Event has rebranded its look and title and has a new editorial direction. Event will report on the exhibition and live events industry, providing clients with the latest business...

Cardiff bureau grabs [pounds sterling]23m of conferences. (UK News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Cardiff Conference Bureau has secured events worth more than [pounds sterling]23m to the Welsh capital this year and is looking to boost this further with a number of marketing activities targeted towards conference buyers. Head of the...

Covering Copenhagen's events. (Webwatch).(Denmark)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Wonderful Copenhagen has launched its redesigned website - www.visitcopenhagen.dk -- and its revamped design is an integral part of the tourism board's rebranding. This English-language site is use-friendly, with clear links to all...

Elite Hotels. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Elite Hotels has created a 24-hour conference package that includes an afternoon activity for delegates, such as a private yacht charter, 4x4 driving, laser-clay shooting and archery.

First Option. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... First Option, the hotel and conference booking agent, and Marriott Hotels are offering special delegate rates for small meetings in February and March.

NAC Stoneleigh Park. (UK Briefs).(National Agricultural Centre)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... NAC Stoneleigh Park has been re-branded Stoneleigh Park, dropping the abbreviation for National Agricultural Centre from its title.

The second Corporate Travel and Meetings Forum. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The second Corporate Travel and Meetings Forum will take place on board the MV Oriana from 24-27 September.

Chelsea Village. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Chelsea Village has appointed Abigail Torr as marketing manager.

Goode International. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Goode International, the marketing and communications firm, has created an events management department.

Corus and Regal Hotels. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Corus and Regal Hotels has launched the latest edition of its dedicated agents' brochure., offering standby rates for staff working in hotel booking and conference placement agencies.

Kyriad. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Kyriad, the French hotel group, has signed up its second UK property, the Princes Square Hotel in Bayswater.

Venuedirectory.com. (UK Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Venuedirectory.com has appointed Nick Celliers as UK sales manager and Lynn Harris as director of operations.

Best Western Hotels. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Best Western Hotels has launched a free conference service for the European market. This will be supported by a new website, www.firstplaceeurope.com.

The Incentive Travel. (Overseas Briefs).(Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings Asia)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) show will be hosted at the IMPACT Centre in Bangkok this year between 23 and 25 October.

The Barbados Tourism. (Overseas Briefs).(Barbados Tourism Authority)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Barbados Tourism Authority has appointed Petra Roach as vice-president sales and marketing for Europe, Africa and Australia.

SITE. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... SITE has undergone a website redevelopment to provide members with a more comprehensive service.

Dublin body will push for conference center. (International News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Industry suppliers in Dublin are set to raise the issue of the city's proposed conference centre at the national elections taking place sometime before June. The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO) has teamed up...

Perth is set to target UK incentive sector. (International News).(Australia)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Perth Convention Bureau is to launch a direct mail campaign targeting UK incentive planners in a bid to increase awareness of the destination. The campaign will source incentive buyers and invite them to visit Western Australia on a series...

Silversea boosts local activity. (International News).(Silversea Cruises increases marketing efforts)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Silversea Cruises is to increase its marketing spend in the UK and Europe at a time when most of its competitors are focusing on international markets. The cruise line aims to push its annual C&I occupancy up to 20%, after its year-long...

World price check.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... World Price Check One-day conferrence Brief: A company planning a one-day conference for 100 people at a motor-racing circuit, including room hire, two servings of tea and coffee and buffet lunch. Prices are inclusive of all taxes....

One-stop shop for suppliers is now the growing trend. (International News).(incentive travel companies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... I recently wanted to install anew bathroom at home: this would involve plumbing, electrical work and moving a wall. Preferring to support local tradesmen, I explained the task to three plumbers. Two declined to quote because of the wiring and...

Malaysia Airlines. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Malaysia Airlines is to reinstate its Manchester service to Kuala Lumpur. The route will resume from April 2002.

Crystal Cruises. (Overseas Briefs).(to inaugurate third ship Crystal Serenity)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Crystal Cruises has announced its 2003 itineraries, including the inaugural season for its third ship, Crystal Serenity, which launches mid-2003.

The Greater Phoenix. (Overseas Briefs).(Greater Phoenix, Arizona Convention and Visitors Bureau relaunches website)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau has relaunched its website, www.phoenixcvb.com.

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts. (Overseas Briefs).(opens a group desk for French properties)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has opened a group desk to deal with requests for its South of France properties.

The World Council. (Overseas Briefs).(World Council for Venue Management releases redesigned website)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The World Council for Venue Management (WCVM) has launched a redesigned website, www.venue.org, which provides enhanced resource information about the public assembly venue industry.

Raffles International. (Overseas Briefs).(manages Westin Stamford, Westin Plaza Hotels in Singapore)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Raffles International now manages the Westin Stamford and the Westin Plaza Hotels in Singapore, rebranded as Swissotel The Stamford and Raffles The Plaza, Singapore respectively.

Accor strengthens UK property quota. (International News).(Hotel firm to open properties in the United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... French hotel chain Accor is set to make major inroads into the UK meetings market with four properties due to open this year and a further three planned for 2003. The drive is being spearheaded by the launch of the group's flagship venue,...

Viennese variety. (People and Places).
February 1, 2002... After the events of 11 September, Business Travel Team and client ERF, the truck manufacturer, decided to hold the company's annual promotion and incentive event in Vienna and Munich instead of Chicago. The Business Travel Team knew they would...

ATC sets venue for Dreamtime. (International News).
February 1, 2002... The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) has announced its annual incentive travel event, Dreamtime, will be held in the Northern Territory between 14-19 September this year. "Holding Dreamtime in the Northern Territory will assist in...

Las Vegas CVB develops sales service focus. (International News).(Convention and Visitor Authority)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority has restructured its sales team to offer a more dedicated service. Each of its 17-member sales team has been assigned a geographical territory, market sector and a hotel patch to cover. Market...

AIME registers upsurge in UK buyer interest. (International News).(Asia Pacific's incentive travel trade show)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Asia Pacific's largest incentive travel trade show, AIME, has increased its number of hosted UK buyers, despite the difficulties of the global airline and economic situation. This year's show is expecting 41 buyers from the UK, a...

Reed to create ultimate listing. (International News).(Reed Travel Exhibitions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... EIBTM organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is to develop what it claims will be "the world's most comprehensive database of buyers and sellers" in the meetings and incentive sector. Expected to take two years to reach its optimum...

Austrian C&I market continues to grow. (International News).(conference and incentive)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The MICE market in Austria was worth approximately ATS 14.9 billion ([pounds sterling]670.4m) in 2000 and the market is growing at around 3% year-on-year, according to recently released figures from the Austrian NTO. This figure represents some...

Caribbean's low-cost option. (Pushing Frontiers).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Dominican Republic has become a popular choice for holidaymakers looking for a low-cost trip to the Caribbean but the surge of hotel developments has also created a variety of world-class conference facilities. The east coast resort of...

Selected Hotels. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Selected Hotels, the newly formed global association for hotels that specialise in congress and incentive tourism, has appointed Laurent Fuchs as its managing director.

JCC Jerusalem. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... JCC Jerusalem has appointed Mira Altman as director general.

Marriott International. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Marriott International has announced it is disposing of eight of its US hotels in a sales-and-leaseback deal with development company CNL Hospitality.

Jacaranda Travel. (Overseas Briefs).(Mediterranean)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Jacaranda Travel is offering the use of a motor yacht in the Mediterranean for small meetings. Delegates can join the yacht at Nice where they will be met by a helicopter or limousine.

The Australian Tourist. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Australian Tourist Commission has launched a meetings industry newsletter called Walkabout, and a dedicated MICE website, www.meetings.australia.com.

Gibralta Tourist Board. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Gibralta Tourist Board has begun marketing to increase its business tourism and meetings market.

Cyprus Tourism. (Overseas Briefs).(Cyprus Tourism Organization)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Cyprus Tourism Organisation recently hosted a fam trip to promote the island as a conference and incentive destination. Cyprus has seen a 10% increase in the meetings market since 2000.

SITE. (Overseas Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... SITE recently held its annual international conference in Lisbon. Delegates attending from 48 countries reported that business is rebounding following 11 September.

Poor service could jeopardise business. (Sounding Off).(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2002... I write regarding an issue which must be dear to many organisers' hearts, and forgive me if you have heard it all before. Even when we are busy, if we have a good experience at a hotel or venue, we like to drop our contact or the general...

Letters.
February 1, 2002... Interaction is pivotal for meetings Setting off for Nottingham before daylight one January morning in wind and rain, I couldn't help wondering if my journey was necessary. A carefully planned document would probably have presented our...

Ireland offers Volvo traditional hospitality: The combination of a good location, friendly atmosphere and cost-effectiveness helped make Volvo Penta's event worth braving the weather. (Case Study).(Volvo Penta's dealership conference)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The harsh winter elements of November did not deter 100 Volvo delegates from making the most of Irish hospitality when they took part in the company's annual UK dealership conference near Dublin last year. Volvo Penta chose organiser Well...

Honda celebrates in style. (Case Study).(Honda of the UK Manufacturing holds events for plant opening in Swindon)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Honda marked the opening of its car plant with both a family day for 5,000 staff and a high profile VIP ceremony. As Jennifer Creevy discovers, TRO had to pay special attention to timing to make the events work. Honda decided to stage two...

Changing times. (Special Report).(incentive travel trends, ranking of top incentive travel agencies)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... The 2002 annual CIT agency survey illustrates an industry in transition. The effects of 11 September and the general economic downturn have meant profit slumps for some, but as Jennifer Creevy discovers, new trends in value for money and...

The corporate county: With its favourable location and a raft of venue choices, Surrey is ideal for meetings. Despite fairly steep prices, Catherine Chetwynd finds its appeal to corporate groups is undiminished. (Surrey).
February 1, 2002... From a conference and incentive point of view, Surrey could be viewed as having either the worst or the best of all worlds. Unfairly, it is too near London to be considered real countryside and is almost as expensive, but it does not have the...

An evolving market. (Hungary).(Hungary is developing its tourism industry)
February 1, 2002... As the culturally rich nation of Hungary sets its sights on joining the EU in 2004, the country is busy developing its offer for UK corporate groups. With the on-site infrastructure improving all the time, the value-for-money element is only...

Reinventing the Cape. (Cape Town).
February 1, 2002... While enjoying an established reputation for its incentive options, Cape Town is focusing on dedicated meeting venues. Stephanie Roberts reveals this move is fast making it a world-class meetings choice. If the ICCA list of the world's top...

Far East Renaissance. (Hong Kong).
February 1, 2002... Hong Kong is keen to show buyers that its incentives go beyond cultural shows and a harbour backdrop and, as Stephanie Roberts discovers, it continues to reinforce this with quality infrastructure. Hong Kong prides itself on its many faces;...

United Kingdom. (Venue Focus).(new hotels, conference facilities)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... South Lodge Hotel in West Sussex will open its business centre in the autumn. It will have 12 meeting rooms for between eight and 60 delegates. Tel: 01403 891711 RE 684 The Bonnington Town House Hotel will open in May near Holborn. The...

International. (Venus Focus).(new hotels, hotel expansions, refurbishments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Ritz-Canton Orlando Grande Lakes Resort, is scheduled to open in summer 2003 and will have 23 meeting rooms and more than 8,000 metres (2) of indoor and outdoor event space. Tel: +1 407 529 2255 RE 697 Four Seasons Hotels and...

Paula Lorimer: Event director, International Confex. (In Person).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A lot of women lie about their age but not many claim to be older than they actually are. At the age of 17, however, Paula Lorimer, the recently appointed event director of International Confex, had to add on four years when she went for a job...