Conference & Incentive Travel articles from January 2009

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from January 2009

Now is the time to lead by example.(financial crises leading to layoffs in event industry)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... With unemployment figures set to cross the three million mark this spring, it comes as no surprise that the events industry - along with most sectors in Britain - is affected by job cuts, pay freezes and other cost-cutting activities. ...

Maritz goes in group rebrand.
January 1, 2009... The Maritz Europa name has disappeared from the events industry as parent company Grass Roots Group rebrands its UK event offer. Maritz becomes the events and communications division of Grass Roots, which incorporates the parent company's...

Robinson flies solo after THA.(Heather Robinson setting up her own agency)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... THA director (global sales and account management) Heather Robinson has left to set up her own agency. Robinson spent ten years with THA, the latest stint running from mid-2002 to December 2008. 'I helped move the business to the...

New Balance and Definitive team up again for conference.(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... Sportswear brand New Balance has revealed it will work with Manchester agency Definitive Events on its 2009 global conference. The event, which is expected to attract 700 delegates from 60 countries, will be held in the footwear and apparel...

HBI to outline sector changes.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Venue specialist HBI's latest Meetings Industry Report is to outline what it terms 'the new events landscape' following the financial turmoil that began at the end of 2008. The annual study, carried out by independent body Travel...

Survey reveals staff costs are pinning back agency profits.
January 1, 2009... GL Events, Grass Roots, Expotel, Europa Org, Motivcom, EDT Eventos and AIM Congress are Europe's highest pre-tax, profit-earning agencies, according to a new survey. The inaugural 2008 Financial Benchmark Survey of European Event...

M&S appoints Logistik for London conference.(Marks and Spencer PLC)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Marks & Spencer has appointed Logistik to run a quarterly staff conference for 650 delegates in London this year. The agency was awarded the business following a three-way pitch against undisclosed agencies. The event is scheduled to...

Top Banana Team eyes growth.(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Top Banana Team is projecting that its turnover will have grown by pounds 1m to pounds 3.5m in the year to 31 January 2009. This will mark the eighth consecutive year of growth for the Bath-based agency. Among the events run by Top Banana...

Eventia's shortlist is revealed.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Altitude Inspires, Banks Sadler and DRP Group are among the agencies shortlisted for the Eventia International Awards 2009. The awards, held in association with C&IT to celebrate excellence in the events industry, include categories such...

New Year's resolution? Team spirit.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... What a year 2008 was for our industry. We can assess the highs and lows, but it's also time to look forward and make a difference for clients and colleagues in 2009. As we start the New Year we will be relying on our teams - corporate,...

EIBTM News: Initial figures suggest ongoing rise in EIBTM visitor numbers.
January 1, 2009... Overall visitor numbers to EIBTM grew 6% to 7,992, of which 3,711 were hosted buyers, according to unaudited figures released at the close of the show. Reed Travel Exhibitions Meeting and Incentive Events group exhibition director Paul...

EIBTM News: Pharma sector best equipped to weather economic storm.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The pharmaceutical industry is the market best placed to survive the economic crisis, according to business development consultant Simon Cope. 'We are in the depths of a recession but the pharmaceutical industry is the best prepared to...

EIBTM News: Report predicts smaller events.(Report)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The financial, automotive, pharmaceutical and construction sectors will opt to hold less-extravagant events in 2009, says the EIBTM 2008 Industry Trends & Market Share Report. Compiled by University of Westminster business travel and...

EIBTM News: Visit London congress planners directory.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Visit London launched a free directory for congress planners at EIBTM. London for Associations offers associations and the not-for-profit market information on London's purpose-built conference centres, convention hotels and social, academic...

EIBTM News: Hotel Arts Barcelona taking bookings.
January 1, 2009... Hotel Arts Barcelona announced at EIBTM that it is now taking bookings for its new event space, Arts 41, due to open in spring 2009 Located on the 40th and 41st floors, Arts 41 will offer 1,000m2 of meeting space, with views of the city and...

EIBTM News: AIBTM set to expand hosted buyer schedule.
January 1, 2009... Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM), the new event from Reed Travel Exhibitions' (RTE) Meetings and Incentives portfolio and sister show to EIBTM, has already fulfilled its original launch plan. RTE Meetings...

Visitors expect cuts in budgets.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Client event budgets are expected to be slashed in 2009, according to almost 90% of attendees at C&IT Europe's Future Forecasts Seminar at EIBTM. None of the agency and corporate buyers or suppliers in the audience said client budgets...

GMIC consults BS8901 team.(Green Meeting Industry Council develops standards for the environmental impact)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) is developing a standard for the environmental impact of events, with Apex and in reference to BS8901. It is set for a mid-2009 launch. 'We aim to dovetail with the UK-based sustainable events...

Award winners.(Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. receives award)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Takeda, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant, was commended for its events work at the EIBTM Awards. German-based agency Face To Face won Best Conference Above 250 Participants for 'The Takeda House' event it organised for 500 delegates in...

MPI and RTE to bolster training.(Meeting Professionals International (Dallas, Texas) and Reed Travel Exhibitions announces global partnership )(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... MPI and Reed Travel Exhibitions announced a global partnership that will see the two companies collaborate on training and professional development. Under the partnership, which sees Reed become one of only four MPI global partners, MPI...

ME and Asia remain bullish.(Middle East)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Buyers in the Middle East and Asia are predicting event budget increases next year, while budgets in Europe are expected to fall, according to research presented at EIBTM. Of the 700 corporate and agency buyers across Europe surveyed for...

Analysis.
January 1, 2009... As the economic climate deteriorates, Leanne Bell speaks to staff who have already lost their jobs and asks what steps agencies are taking - if any - to cope with the downturn 29-year-old conference producer for international agency's...

Reader poll: And your winners are..(incentive hotel)(Report)
January 1, 2009... The votes have all been counted for C&IT's fourth Reader Poll and it's time to reveal your favourites. Susie Harwood reports TOP CONFERENCE DESTINATION With the exception of London, which holds on to the number one spot as top...

Volvo seeks urban style for XC60 dealer launch.
January 1, 2009... Although the car maker chose a local and low-cost venue to launch its XC60 model to its global dealers, it meant that more budget could be used to create the right setting. The brief Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) wanted to unveil the new...

Property bulletin: C&IT checks out the latest developments from Vietnam to Vegas.
January 1, 2009... ENCORE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas This new Las Vegas property from Wynn Resorts opened at the end of December and offers 2,034 suites. They feature the latest technology, including flat-screen TVs, as well as two-storey windows....

Pushing frontiers: Time for... Doha.(Qatar)
January 1, 2009... The Qatar National Convention Centre is set to increase its capital's reach. INCENTIVES Doha is on the Arabian Gulf, so it's perfect for marine incentives, such as scuba diving around Haloul Island's coral reefs or sailing on Doha...

Agency focus: Challenge - client restructure.
January 1, 2009... This brief is for a low-key conference in London for a financial client that has laid off 20% of its staff. The event is for 800 and should motivate staff and communicate the firm's plans. The Empire Cinema Leicester Square would be an...

What makes me click.(Kathryn Seal)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Kathryn Seal, managing director, Seal Events I started Seal Events almost seven years ago. Our client list ranges from multinational cruise lines to barristers' chambers, for whom we are lucky enough to organise a diverse mix of events....

Agency focus: 10 minutes with ... Banks Sadler.(Interview)
January 1, 2009... Chief executive Leigh Jagger talks to Leanne Bell about the agency's 2009 plans and targets. - Location: London, York, Paris, Dusseldorf and Warsaw. Staff: 89 employees in London, 39 in York, three in Germany, three in Poland and...

In Person: Jo Newark, Gap.(Occupation overview)
January 1, 2009... James Thornton meets the retail giant's communications manager and resident shopaholic. Jo Newark is European internal communications manager for high street retail giant Gap and, despite being a graduate in French and Spanish, says she...

Sounding Off: When the dust settles..(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... While the final three months of 2008 were extremely turbulent, I feel that the first quarter of this year will, at the very least, be the time when the meetings industry will be given a clear idea of the new landscape that it is dealing with....

Online poll.(Survey)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Are you holding more of your events in the UK in 2009? 53% No 47% Yes next month: Have the recent events in thailand discouraged you from pitching the destination? Vote now at www.citmagazine.com ...

UK Spa venues: 5 of the best spas in and around London.(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2009... C&IT highlights five retreats that are ideal boltholes from the capital. BEST FOR ORGANIC blends Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa, Bedfordshire Fans of organic produce will love the new Spa at Luton Hoo product range, a specially blended...

Sporting venues: Opening exchanges.
January 1, 2009... Jackie Boughton tells Mike Fletcher about Wembley's trials and triumphs in its first 18 months. A ranking in the top half of the 2008 C&IT Power 50 is testament to the hard work Jackie Boughton has put in to establish herself and the...

Sporting venues: Perfect pitches.
January 1, 2009... A selection of new and improved venues from the world of sport The home of English rugby, Twickenham, has increased its events space by 5,000m2 following the completion of its South Stand development. The long-awaited Rugby House venue...

Case Study: Leaders in Football at Chelsea.
January 1, 2009... Client: Executive Sport Event Conference Group size 1,000 Agency: In house Date: 7-8 October 2008 Venue Stamford Bridge Budget: Undisclosed Challenges: As this was a launch event, Executive Sport needed a high attendance of key...

UK Airport Venues Case Study: Cadbury rallies troops at Sofitel London property.(Company overview)
January 1, 2009... The confectionery giant holds an annual conference to motivate its sales teams. This year, with new teams and a travel incentive to launch, it also opted for a new venue. The brief: Cadbury holds an annual sales conference for staff...

UK Airport venues: 5 of the best recent developments.
January 1, 2009... The growth in air travel is leading to enhanced facilities for meetings at UK airports. SOFITEL LONDON HEATHROW Linked directly to Heathrow Terminal 5 via a covered bridge, the five-star pounds 180m Sofitel London Heathrow opened its...

Manchester: Urban renewal.
January 1, 2009... The latest wave of boutique hotel openings and its varied cultural incentives prove that Manchester's rebirth as a capital of cool is going to plan, as David Atkinson reports. Boutique chic Manchester has seen an explosion of...

Manchester: One city, two solutions.
January 1, 2009... Exclusive high-end events at contrasting properties demonstrate the city's venue variety. Client: Confederation of British Industry, North West (CBI NW) Event: Networking event Group size: 25 Agency: In house Date: 23 June 2008...

Belgium: 10 of the best Hotels.(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2009... Belgium's property offer stretches from city chain hotels to luxury forest retreats. By Victoria Furness. KEMPINSKI HOTEL DUKES' PALACE, BRUGES Located in a former 15th-century palace in the centre of the picturesque world heritage...

Frankfurt: The Main player.
January 1, 2009... Germany's financial centre is accessible and popular. Clive Walker has the figures to prove it. 125 Frankfurt International Airport is one of the world's most well connected hubs - 125 carriers fly to 307 destinations in 109 countries A...

Frankfurt showcase: Gala dinner venues.(Germany)
January 1, 2009... Frankfurt's dining options range from converted churches to futuristic nightclubs SAINT PETER'S CHURCH With its vaulted ceiling and vast stained-glass windows, St Peter's has been totally renovated into a one-of-a-kind event...

South of France: Provencal properties.
January 1, 2009... Leanne Bell selects three conference hotels on the Cote d'Azur at a range of budget points. EUR182 24-hour delegate rate Solution: Hotel Gray d'Albion Number of Rooms: 199 Largest Event Space Holds: 220 The Lucien Barriere...

South of France case study: McCloskey returns to Nice.(Le Meridien Nice )(Case study)
January 1, 2009... The coal industry expert held its annual conference on the Cote d'Azur for the seventh time. Brief: The McCloskey Group provides information on the international coal industry and holds an annual conference for its clients, senior...

Abu Dhabi: Cultural imperative.(Gillian Taylor)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... After a successful 2008, the emirate is now targeting the UK. The capital of the UAE has always had a strong meetings appeal for intra-regional markets, but 2009's array of openings could see Abu Dhabi make many a UK pitchlist. At EIBTM,...

Abu Dhabi: Up and coming.
January 1, 2009... The emirate is developing the infrastructure to equal its ambitious cultural attractions. JUMEIRAH The Jumeirah Etihad Towers project is set to open in late 2010 with a 60-storey luxury hotel tower featuring event facilities, 400...

Caribbean: 10 reasons to visit the Caribbean.
January 1, 2009... From jamming in recording studios to kicking back at exclusive retreats, Paul Oswell finds plenty for groups. 1. With the recent return of 007 to the big screen in new Bond flick Quantum of Solace, there's never been a better time for...

Australia: Australia's stars of the silver screen.
January 1, 2009... Baz Luhrmann's new blockbuster Australia will drive interest in the film's backdrops of Darwin and Western Australia. For somewhere so vast, Western Australia is something of a hidden jewel. Covering a third of the nation's landmass and...

Diary: People, parties, pics.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Got any interesting pictures that will let our Diary writer's imagination run wild? Any crazy company initiatives? Any moments you'd care to share? Send your pictures and stories to Conference & Incentive Travel, 174 Hammersmith Road, London...

Said & done.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... '... But above all, you must ensure that I look hot' - Visit London's Peter Spring issues the C&IT film crew with all-important advice on the show floor at EIBTM 'The smoking areas were fairly limited so ronnie wood and agyness deyn...

Pin board.
January 1, 2009... Starwood deviated from its usual straight soirees with a risque bash at Mamilanji. Unique World's Harvey and Hobbs, investigate the entertainment. Right Said Fred weren't too sexy for the Visit London Awards, while Chelsea invited planners to...