Conference & Incentive Travel articles from July 2003

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from July 2003

FIRST OFF: Is there no business like show business?(trade shows)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Trade shows are on the receiving end of some bad press at the moment. With both Confex and EIBTM recording nosedives in attendance, it seems visitors are staying away in droves and exhibitors are seriously questioning the value of...

NEWS IN BRIEF: CVB appoints conference sales executives.(Newcastle-Gateshead CVB appoints Claire Evans, Jessica Roberts)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Newcastle-Gateshead CVB has appointed Claire Evans and Jessica Roberts as conference sales executives. Tel: 0191 243 8814.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Guernsey Tourist Board appoints chief executive.(Stuart Pinnell)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Guernsey Tourist Board has appointed Stuart Pinnell as chief executive. Tel: 020 8237 7979.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Promotions at The Russell Organisation.(Rob Allen new CEO)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The Russell Organisation has promoted Rob Allen to the role of CEO. Keith O'Loughlin has been appointed as managing director and Michael Wyrley-Birch as client services director. Tel: 020 8232 7200.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Chester & Cheshire Conference Desk's event.
July 21, 2003... Chester & Cheshire Conference Desk will hold its second showcase event at Chester Racecourse on 14 October. Tel: 01244 405939.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Marriott Hotels launches section on website.(meetings section)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Marriott Hotels, managed by Whitbread Hotel Company in the UK, has launched a meetings section on its website (www.marriott.co.uk). Tel: 01582 499286.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Revelation Event Management appoints manager.(Jo Woods)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Revelation Event Management, the Bristol-based agency, has made Jo Woods business development manager. Tel: 0117 956 0777.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Sundail Options and Solutions expands its team.(Nigel Aldren appointed)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The Sundial Group's venue-finding arm, Sundial Options & Solutions, has expanded its team. Nigel Aldren has been appointed new business manager. Tel: 01604 731731.

NEWS IN BRIEF: LCB (London CVB) appoints marketing coordinators.(Minaxi Patel, Merete Hatlestad)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... LCB (London CVB) has appointed Minaxi Patel and Merete Hatlestad as marketing coordinators. Tel: 020 7932 2053.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Correction.(Correction Notice)
July 21, 2003... Correction - June's CIT incorrectly stated that the Ayrshire and Arran region does not have an airport. In fact, Glasgow Prestwick is in Ayrshire and runs ten flights from London Stansted daily. Tel: 01292 673754.

BACD survey shows sector overcoming the downturn.(British Association of Conference Destinations)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The value of conferences to the UK's economy remained static last year at pounds 7.3bn, according to the British Association of Conference Destination's (BACD) annual research. The report, the British Conference Venues Survey 2003 (formerly...

United States associations put United Kingdom top of the league.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... US association meeting planners have put the UK top in a poll of worldwide destinations, citing heritage, a common language and access as factors that would persuade them to bring their events here. The survey results were discussed at the...

Brinkworth takes on event tourism role at VisitBritain.(Jeremy Brinkworth)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... VisitBritain has appointed Jeremy Brinkworth as head of business tourism. Brinkworth will oversee the drive to boost Britain's competitiveness in the C&I and exhibition sectors. A key responsibility will be to look into the creation of an...

UK PRICE CHECK: Two-day seaside meeting.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Brief: A two-day meeting with overnights for 25 delegates at a seaside venue in September. Costs include lunch, meeting room hire, dinner and VAT. THE IMPERIAL HOTEL, TORQUAY 24-hour rate pounds 7,900 Catering: Included...

IBR victorious in Centrica pitch for pounds 10m of business.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Venue-finding agency IBR has won business worth pounds 10m from energy conglomerate Centrica. It will handle Centrica's UK accommodation-booking needs exclusively. Centrica, whose brands include British Gas, the AA, Goldfish and One Tel,...

Effective Business Events launches arm to fulfil meetings remit.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Corporate event agency Effective Business Events (EBE) has launched a conference management arm called Effective Business Conferences (EBC). The new company will allow EBE, and travel offshoot Effective Business Travel, to provide a total...

Malone Associates to break in raw talent.(Tim Collett, Adam King appointed)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Cambridge conference production agency Malone Associates is investing in new talent after landing business wins. US law company Baker & McKenzie and a UK utility company have both appointed Malone to produce internal communications and...

PEOPLE AND PLACES EVENTOLOGY.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The debut Eventology, the brainchild of event management agency Olive 360deg and internet broadcast specialist Fly On The Wall, was held at London's Congress Centre in June. Its aim was to showcase the range of new technology available to C&I...

Rand wins debut IHC support role.(International Hotel Conference)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Rand has won the contract to handle the inaugural International Hotel Conference (IHC), a spin-off of the US Annual Lodging Conference. Termed as a 'must-attend' event for the hospitality industry, the IHC runs from 17-19 September in...

Montpelier joins with CRS to offer broader service.(Montpeilier Collection, Corporate Reservations Service)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Corporate Reservations Service (CRS) and The Montpelier Collection have merged. Clients of CRS, the hotel booking and conference agency, will now be able to draw on the wider range of services offered by the Montpelier Collection. These...

Mersey Partnership lays out grand plan.(Liverpool, England)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Liverpool aims to be 'firmly established among the top 25 conference cities in Europe' by 2012, according to ambitious plans laid out by the Mersey Partnership, an alliance of more than 370 local businesses. The plans, which include a...

Swansea tailors events for free.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Swansea is looking to drive business with a free service to produce tailor-made C&I packages. The Swansea Conference Desk is already promoting a range of off-the-shelf conference packages with a direct mail push, but is keen to deliver...

TOOLKIT FACE2FACE.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... What's this month's product? Face2Face, broadcaster Noel Edmonds' latest venture, launched in June. How does it work? Face2Face is a nationwide network of affordable, 'near broadcast quality' video meeting facilities. Publicly...

Will events outfits seize the initiative for new business?(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... A recent article in Marketing magazine has hinted events could become the new black of the communications spectrum. It reported designers are the latest devotees to the art of face-to-face dynamics According to leading design agencies, the live...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: RTE supports MPI member drive through sponsorship.(Meeting Planners International)
July 21, 2003... EIBTM show organiser RTE is to sponsor 30 new European members of MPI, as part of the US trade body's move to drive membership on the continent. The partnership with EIBTM will allow for three new planner members for each of the nine MPI...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: Sol Melia in refocus on meetings brand.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Sol Melia has rebranded its C&I package for event organisers as part of an overhaul of its meetings services. The hotel chain's groups product is now called Meeting Sol Melia in a move aimed at raising brand awareness. The package has been...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: Gran Canaria set to target the UK's corporate market.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Gran Canaria CVB has launched a marketing campaign aimed at wooing UK C&I buyers. The 'Gran Canaria, an Island for Meetings' initiative kicked off with an evening presentation at the London Eye in late June, and will be followed by a...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: WORLD PRICE CHECK - Two-day seaside meeting.(Brief Article)(Directory)
July 21, 2003... Brief: A two-day meeting with overnights for 25 delegates at a seaside venue in September. Costs include lunch, meeting room hire, tea and coffee breaks, dinner and taxes. CARLTON INTER-CONTI', CANNES Room hire: pounds 3,102 Catering:...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: ICCA to officially endorse IMEX.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... ICCA is to officially endorse IMEX as a key event for the meetings industry following positive feedback from the 2003 show. Tel: 01273 227311.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: MPI appoints Colin Rorrie.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... MPI has appointed Colin Rorrie as president and chief executive. Tel: +1 972 702 3031.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: MCI opens an office in Paris.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... MCI, the Swiss event agency, has opened an office in Paris. MCI France will offer full event management and professional conference organising services. Tel: +33 1 43 17 31 25.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: The German NTO appoints chairwoman.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The German NTO has appointed Petra Hedorfer as chairwoman. Tel: 020 7317 0917.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Bermuda Tourism UK appoints marketing manager.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Bermuda Tourism UK has appointed Joy Winton as sales and trade marketing manager. She will work alongside Sarah Handy to promote the destination to the C&I sector. Tel: 020 7202 6364.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Shangri-La launches reduced rates package.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts has launched a reduced rates package called Meeting Advantage to encourage event bookings at its Asia-Pacific properties over the summer period. Tel: +852 2599 3323.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Small Luxury Hotels elects chairman.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Small Luxury Hotels of the World has elected Jonathan Slater, managing director of the Chester Grosvenor, as chairman. Tel: 01372 361873.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Paris Expos revamps its website.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Paris Expo has revamped its website (www.paris- expo.fr). The site enables event organisers to view details of the group's seven event spaces. Tel: +331 43 95 10 10.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Cairns Convention Centre wins three major congresses.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Cairns Convention Centre has won three major international congresses, including the World Federation of Sleep Research Societies. Tel: +61 7 4042 4200.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: ATC supports leisure push with C&I remit.(Australian Tourist Commission)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Australia is complementing a Adollars 20m (pounds 8m) consumer marketing drive with a dedicated Adollars 1m (pounds 400,000) push on business tourism to counteract the effects of the war on terrorism and SARS. Australian Tourist Commission...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: War foils Middle East alliance.(Iraq War)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Plans to form a marketing alliance for the Middle East have floundered (CIT, January 2003). The initiative, coined the Arabian Travel and Tourism Industry Alliance, was intended to help project a positive image of the region but was...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: PUSHING FRONTIERS - CUBA.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands and is, as yet, unspoiled by mass consumer tourism. The country offers an unusual product for C&I groups. Incentive activities on the island can include hiking and trekking in the area around...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: What's the appeal of a working trip as an incentive prize?(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... At a time when travel appears less popular and commerce is tightening its purse strings, it is quite normal for bolt-on products to come under increasing pressure to either prove their worth or be suspended. It is not surprising, therefore,...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: Hong Kong and Singapore run confidence campaigns.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Two of the countries most affected by the SARS outbreak have unveiled major campaigns to grow confidence among C&I buyers. The Singapore Tourist Board (STB) is launching a Sdollars 200m (pounds 70m) global programme, Singapore Roars, while...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: Green light for Dublin conference centre.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... The Irish government has given the go-ahead for a dedicated 2,000-seat conference centre in Dublin. John O'Donoghue, minister for tourism and sport, made the announcement on 25 June following consultation with tourism, promotional and...

NEWS INTERNATIONAL: PEOPLE AND PLACES - EVENEMENT FRANCE, LYON.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Lyon was the destination chosen for the annual Evenement France, organised by Maison de la France in association with a number of suppliers, including the Lyon CVB. Around 78 event organisers attended the three-day event, meeting French...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Valencia Tourism & CVB launch Valencia Card.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Valencia Tourism & CVB has launched the Valencia Card, offering free public transport as well as discounts on the main tourist attractions, entertainment and restaurants for conference delegates. Tel: 020 8748 7722.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Cape Town ICC inaugurated last month.(Cape Town International Convention Centre)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Cape Town International Convention Centre was inaugurated last month by President Thabo Mbeki. Tel: +27 21 410 5000.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Radisson SAS introduces range of incentive packages.
July 21, 2003... Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts in Germany has introduced a range of incentive packages called World of Experiences. These include activities such as bungee-jumping off a bridge in Cottbus, golfing and gourmet trips to Fleesensee. Tel: +41 1 986...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Vancouver-Whistler selected as host city.(2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games)
July 21, 2003... Vancouver-Whistler has been selected as host city for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tel: +1 604 935 3356.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Dolce International announces reduction.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Dolce International has announced a reduction in its Complete Meeting Package rates for UK clients until the end of September 2003 to combat the growing strength of the Euro. Tel: 01923 223880.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: The GCB updates two brochures.
July 21, 2003... The GCB (German CVB) has updated two brochures for the C&I market. Event organisers can order them free of charge via the website (www.gcb.de). Tel: +49 69 24 29 30 13.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: MM Consultants creates representation body.
July 21, 2003... MM Consultants International, with five Mediterranean-based DMCs, has created a representation body called Creative Destination Partners to target the UK. Tel: 0781 077 4900.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Cork CVB launches C&I guide.
July 21, 2003... Cork CVB has launched a C&I guide to boost its share of the global corporate market. Tel: +353 21 4815740.

ANALYSIS: Are trade shows worth the effort?
July 21, 2003... Trade shows make a huge dent in marketing budgets, but are they really an effective use of resources, and do exhibition halls reflect the industry in its best light? Ed Ainslie and Ian Taylor go head to head. YES Ian Taylor - Manager,...

OPINION: SOUNDING OFF - Ignoring common courtesy is no way to exhibit at shows.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... It was enlightening to visit IMEX and the EIBTM exhibitions as a hosted buyer. I had a high-profile event to place in mainland Europe in 2005 - the ABPCO Think Tank, which will bring about 30 leading UK PCOs together for our annual residential...

IN PERSON: Hamish Reid, Chair, BACD.(British Association of Conference Destinations)
July 21, 2003... If life had turned out differently for Hamish Reid, newly appointed chair of the BACD, he might have found himself being profiled not here, but in The Publican. 'When I was 18 I got it into my head that I wanted to run a pub - then someone told...

CASE STUDY: Reuters goes to work in Camden.
July 21, 2003... Reuters' management event took advantage of the Tram Studio's empty shell to create a dynamic work-based environment, as Abigail Wills reports. When global information company Reuters required a versatile venue for its senior management...

UK PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRES: Added attractions.
July 21, 2003... Ideal for big events, conference centres are now offering flexible space, improved catering and better customer care. When it comes to putting on larger conferences, dedicated purpose-built convention centres can offer organisers the space,...

MANAGEMENT TRAINING CENTRES: 10 of the best UK training centres.
July 21, 2003... Their mix of value and high standards is paying off for the UK's training centres. With economic uncertainty clouding the horizon for the foreseeable future, shorter, more intensive meetings are increasingly becoming the norm and event...

SHOW GUIDE: National Venue Show.
July 21, 2003... Show organiser Waypoint is predicting increased visitor numbers, and, as Sarah Wild reports, an enhanced event experience for all concerned. Fast establishing itself as a regular fixture in the event industry's calendar, the National Venue...

LUXURY VENUES: The comfort zone.
July 21, 2003... Whether it be their location, quality of service or facilities, some venues just exude class. Abigail Wills investigates the timeless appeal of luxury. Cost, location, name, service levels or facilities alone do not necessarily define a...

LUXURY VENUES: The international prestige collection.(conference facilities)(Directory)
July 21, 2003... A round-up of the latest developments and refurbishments from some of the world's leading luxury properties. MINA A'SALAM - Dubai, Tel: 0800 082 8000 Jumeirah International is opening Mina A' Salam in September this year The grand...

CRUISING: Making waves.
July 21, 2003... Cruise lines are targeting the C&I market with shorter and more flexible itineraries, and, as Julia Gosling finds, at a price that compares favourably with five-star hotels. The results of the 2002 Passenger Shipping Association survey...

BERMUDA: Premium package.
July 21, 2003... A change in its representation company and tax breaks for chains to refurbish hotels has strengthened Bermuda's bid to become a primary incentive destination for Europe's high flyers. Dave Saunders reports. Bermuda is imbued with a fresh...

TENERIFE: New perspectives.
July 21, 2003... Tenerife's CVB has worked to change its image from a seaside resort to a C&I destination via vigorous marketing and infrastructural developments. Colette Doyle finds much to impress. Developing a strong brand identity is essential to the...

VENUE FOCUS: Kilworth House refitted for corporate groups.
July 21, 2003... Kilworth House Hotel is a Grade-II listed, 19th-century country house estate situated within 15 hectares of parkland in South Leicester. The house has undergone a multi-million pound renovation to create a 40-room retreat. It offers flexible...

VENUE FOCUS: Iceland's Nordica property opens to public.
July 21, 2003... The Nordica Hotel opened in Reykjavik, Iceland, in April this year. The 284-room property is owned by Icelandair Hotels and was formerly known as the Hotel Esja. It has doubled in size having undergone extensive renovation and refurbishment....

VENUE FOCUS: St Martins Lane Hotel.
July 21, 2003... St Martins Lane Hotel will launch new meeting facilities in September. Studios 1 and 2 will accommodate up to 350 guests for a reception and up to 120 for meetings. The latest technology, including plasma monitors, wireless internet connection...

VENUE FOCUS: Glenddoch House Hotel & Country Estate.
July 21, 2003... Gleddoch House Hotel & Country Estate, 20 minutes from Glasgow in the Renfrewshire Hills, is offering double commission to agents booking events from July until mid-September. The hotel currently offers 39 rooms and conference facilities for up...

VENUE FOCUS: Baluarte, the Navarre Conference Centre.
July 21, 2003... Baluarte, the Navarre Conference Centre and Auditorium in Pamplona, Spain, will open in November 2003. The venue will offer an auditorium for 1,600 people, two modular conference halls for up to 800 and the 1,200 sq m Baluarte Hall for a...

VENUE FOCUS: Leptos Calypso Hotels & Resorts.
July 21, 2003... Leptos Calypso Hotels & Resorts, which operates the Coral Bay Hotel in Cyprus, will open the Thalassa Hotel in Paphos in October. The boutique property will have 76 rooms. Tel: 020 8340 8096 RE 857.

VENUE FOCUS: Bovey Castle in Devon.
July 21, 2003... Bovey Castle in Devon is to be developed into a luxury retreat by the former chairman and founder of Skibo Castle. The property will open to guests in spring 2004. Tel: 020 7245 6410 RE 858.

VENUE FOCUS: Pan Pacific Lodge Whistler.
July 21, 2003... Pan Pacific Lodge Whistler is to open an additional meeting space for 35 delegates this month. The group will also launch a second property in Whistler, The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, in December 2004. Tel: 020 7323 2133 RE 859.

VENUE FOCUS: Park Plaza Leeds.
July 21, 2003... Park Plaza Leeds, a four-star deluxe hotel, will open in August. The property will have 187 rooms and will be situated in the city centre. Two dedicated conference floors will provide 11 meeting rooms. Tel: 01338 04000 RE 860.

VENUE FOCUS: Fairmont Hotels.
July 21, 2003... Fairmont Hotels is to manage a 416-room resort in Puerto Rico, close to San Juan. The hotel will open in late 2005 and will offer 416 rooms, a Willow Stream spa and 3,000 sq m of function space. Tel: 020 7025 1600 RE 861.

VENUE FOCUS: The Capital restaurant in Knightsbridge.
July 21, 2003... The Capital restaurant in Knightsbridge is available for exclusive use. The Michelin-starred eatery can be hired for groups of 30 or more. Tel: 020 7589 1202 RE 862.

VENUE FOCUS: The Grand Hotel de L'Empereur in Maastricht.
July 21, 2003... The Grand Hotel de L'Empereur in Maastricht is to construct a further 70 rooms and seven conference rooms for up to 1,000 delegates. The new facilities will open in early 2004. Tel: +31 43 321 3838 RE 863.

VENUE FOCUS: Secret Hills - Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
July 21, 2003... Secret Hills, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, offers a variety of event spaces. The centre can host receptions for up to 90 people and the grounds can be used for team building. Tel: 01588 676011 RE 864.

DIARY: LET'S GO TO ... DUNEDIN.(New Zealand)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... I know this one. It's in New Zealand is it not? Well met, sir. It is a small city on the South Island, on the right hand side, and renowned as the Athens of the South. Ah, Athens - Doric columns, philosophy, hairless, oiled youths......

DIARY: Why eat maggots if you can take a flier?(Capital Incentives motivation survey)(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Last month saw the publication of the annual Capital Incentives motivation survey, and, despite the tough climate, it was heartening to read more employees are entering incentive schemes. Diary's eye, though, was caught by other more...

DIARY: CONFESSIONS OF AN EVENT PLANNER.(Brief Article)
July 21, 2003... Publicans can be a very traditional lot. Although they enjoy incentive trips, courtesy of their employers at the brewery, to some of Europe's finest destinations, they are rarely prepared for the subtleties of the local cuisine. All too often,...

DIARY: COMPETITION.
July 21, 2003... Every month, CIT will be testing your observational skills and giving away a fantastic prize. This month, thanks to our friends at Millennium Hotels & Resorts, we are offering readers the opportunity to win a luxurious two night break at the...

DIARY: Good sports.(Chelsea Village)
July 21, 2003... Its west London location makes Chelsea Village an ideal spot to stay for the fortnight whether you're an aspiring Wimbledon champion (having knocked out Lleyton Hewitt in the first round, the giant Iva Karlovic made a beeline for it from his...