Conference & Incentive Travel articles from November 2003

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from November 2003

BTP meets with minister to enhance sector's potential.(Business Tourism Partnership)
November 24, 2003... The Minister for Sport and Tourism has met with the Business Tourism Partnership (BTP) to discuss ways to maximise trade from the business tourism industry. The BTP is confident that the Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, who took over...

ITMA forum calls for purchasing strategy.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... An ITMA forum last month urged the industry to draw up definitive guidelines on procurement. Speaking at the debate on 'Procurement in the Events Industry', held at Olympia, Skybridge CEO Randle Stonier stressed that progress lay in...

UK Price Check.(Illustration)
November 24, 2003... Seminar in a spa town Brief: 45 delegates for two nights, three days, in February. Costs include accommodation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, gala dinner, room hire and VAT THE OLD SWAN, HARROGATE 24-hour rate: pounds 12,780 Day...

Hackett identifies US trends likely to impact UK market.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Buyers in the US are insisting on writing their own contracts with hotels to ensure that they are not held liable for cancellation charges. This was one of the most dramatic industry trends from across the Atlantic outlined by BI executive...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Top Banana wins contract.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Top Banana has been awarded a contract to oversee a major conference for Tuffnells Parcel Express in January 2004. Tel: 0121 693 1850.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Fair held by The Association for Conferences and Events.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Association for Conferences and Events held its inaugural careers fair for the industry at the New Connaught Rooms, central London, in October. Tel: 01480 457595.

NEWS IN BRIEF: BACD welcomes members.(British Association of Conference Destinations)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The BACD has welcomed six further conference destinations as members: Bedfordshire, Craigavon, Hampshire, Newmarket, South Tyneside and Wakefield. Tel: 0121 212 1400.

NEWS IN BRIEF: London tops in survey.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Visit London figures show London tops a survey of international companies as a meeting destination. This coincides with the organisation's campaign to attract more tourism. Tel: 020 7932 2000.

NEWS IN BRIEF: The Bedfordshire Conference Bureau opens.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Bedfordshire Conference Bureau has officially opened, bringing together the private and public sectors across the county and providing a sole point of contact for all meetings sector enquiries. Tel: 01525 842153.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Launch of LCM Communications.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... LCM Communications, a new travel consultancy, has been launched by Lynne Morris. It specialises in marketing, events and PR for the travel industry. Tel: 01732 863048.

NEWS IN BRIEF: First Option wins contract.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... First Option, the hotel and conference booking agent, has been awarded a pounds 6m contract as service provider for The Boots Company. Tel: 020 7945 6030.

Grass Roots Group expands further as it buys Projectlink.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Grass Roots Group has bought motivation house Projectlink as part of its ongoing expansion plans. The acquisition makes the Grass Roots Group the largest player in the incentive and motivation market place. Grass Roots Group chairman...

Ovation challenges Bravo press release.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... A row has broken out between the founder and former MD of Irish agency Ovation, Ciaran Hynes, and the company's new shareholders. Hynes left in August to set up his own business after irresolvable differences of opinion over business processes,...

Montgomery launches meetings venture.(managed by Subject Matters)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Exhibition organiser Montgomery has launched a meetings division, Montgomery Events, to complement the company's existing services. The venture is being managed by Nicky Cornish and Emma Hilditch of consultancy Subject Matters, and will...

Archer aiming for client growth with new consultancy.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The founder of Archer Young Marketing has launched a marketing and communications consultancy, under the name Spring Partnerships. Stephen Archer and co-founders Samantha Taylor and Gareth Chick will focus on achieving growth and...

Agency rebrands in line with Swiss parent company.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Status has officially rebranded as MCI UK following its acquisition by the Swiss agency last year. Senior marketing manager Julian Swan said UK clients could rely on the same service they have enjoyed in the past, while 'benefiting from...

PEOPLE AND PLACES: Launch of hand picked hotels.(new hotel concept launched at Tower of London)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... In keeping with the historic characteristics of its own portfolio of properties, the Tower of London was selected for the official launch of Hand Picked Hotels, following a two-year rebranding exercise and a pounds 25m refurbishment project....

Newcastle rebrands for campaign launch.
November 24, 2003... North East tourism body the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative has rebranded to coincide with the launch of a ten-year programme of cultural events and investment. The new identity, which was designed by agency Different, will be used to...

Williams set to meet key figures.(EventScotland's new CEO, David Williams, is to meet event organisers in Scotland )(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... EventScotland's new CEO, David Williams, is to meet event organisers in Scotland as part of a mission to make himself known to the events industry throughout Scotland and the UK. 'I will also speak to local government decision-makers, plus...

TOOLKIT: Montage.(an advanced widescreen projection system billed as the future of projection)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 24, 2003... What's this month's product? Montage, an advanced widescreen projection system billed as 'the future of event presentation'. It has become newly available in Europe. What makes it so special? The hardware, incorporating three...

Establishing rights of workers will help business efficiency.
November 24, 2003... When was the last time you checked your contracts of employment? 'No time for that now, too busy trying to run the business' - I can almost hear the response. And it's official - things are tough out there and many organisers are working...

INTERNATIONAL: Kenya campaign aims to win back UK buyers' confidence.
November 24, 2003... The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) has launched its first-ever campaign targeting the UK C&I industry. A pounds 1.2m recovery fund set up by the KTB, with financial backing from the EU, will finance the marketing activity. The promotion aims to...

INTERNATIONAL: World price check.(price comparison between European hotel destinations)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Seminar in a spa town Brief: 45 delegates for two nights, three days in February. Costs include accommodation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, gala dinner, room hire and taxes DORINT SPA BALMORAL, BELGIUM Day delegate rate: pounds...

INTERNATIONAL: Gulf Air extends into destination services.(launchs destination management service for groups visiting Bahrain, Oman and Abu Dhabi )
November 24, 2003... Middle East carrier Gulf Air has launched a destination management service for groups visiting Bahrain, Oman and Abu Dhabi. Arabian Experience Destination Services (AEDS) has been well received by meeting planners during its launch in...

INTERNATIONAL: Western Australia bucks trend with good C&I figures.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Western Australia's business tourism sector is proving resilient to the uncertain global environment. The Perth CVB figures show a strong first quarter performance for the new financial year. A total of 8,770 delegates and 61 incentive...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Portuguese Tourist Board campaign investment.(invests pounds 2m advertising Euro 2004 football championships)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Portuguese Tourist Board in Lisbon has invested pounds 2m in a pan-European advertising campaign. It will centre around the Euro 2004 football championships, to be held next summer. Tel: 020 7494 5700.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Copenhagen ranking.(Copenhagen ranked as the world's fifth most popular congress city )(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Copenhagen has been ranked as the world's fifth most popular congress city by the Union of International Associations. This follows the announcement that the Danish capital hopes to unveil 2,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2004. Tel: +45 3325...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Appointment at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has appointed Barbara Pang as vice-president of sales and marketing. She will be based in Hong Kong. Tel: 020 8747 8484.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Majestic Barriere Hotel launch cookery course.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Majestic Barriere hotel in Cannes has launched a one-day corporate cookery course. Chef du Jour gives participants the chance to receive expert tuition from the property's Michelin-star chef, Bruno Oger. Tel: +33 4 92 98 77 00.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Appointment at Mexico Tourism Board.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Mexico Tourism Board has appointed Francisco Ortiz as CEO. He previously spent seven years working for media conglomerate Televisa. Tel: 020 7488 9392.

INTERNATIONAL: Pushing frontiers - Korea.(convention destination)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Last month the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) held its annual conference for 800 in Busan, South Korea. After hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2002, this event helped Korea showcase further its potential as a C&I...

INTERNATIONAL: Mexico creates a dedicated C&I division.(conference and incentives)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) has launched a dedicated division to handle increased levels of conference business coming into the country. The Office for Conferences and Conventions (OCC) was set up in October after six months of planning....

INTERNATIONAL: People and places - Iceland.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... In late September Radisson SAS and Icelandair organised a fam trip to Iceland to showcase the country's C&I offer. Participants took a direct two-and-a-half hour flight from Heathrow to Kevlavik airport on the outskirts of capital city...

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Appointment at Dolce International.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Dolce International, the global conference centre company, has announced the appointment of Peter Norman as senior vice-president, acquisitions and development Europe. Tel: 01732 863048.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Pan Pacific launches new website.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has launched a new website for its corporate customers, at www.panpacific.com. Tel: 0800 969496.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: Date fixed for ICCA Asia Pacific Youth Forum.(International Congress and Convention Association)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The 2004 ICCA Asia Pacific Youth Forum is to be held in Melbourne in February, immediately prior to AIME 2004. It will take 'Knowledge is Power' as its theme. Tel: +613 9593 3555.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: EIBTM 2004 to sponsor awards programme.(American Society of Association Executives')(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... EIBTM 2004 is to sponsor the American Society of Association Executives' 'Associations Make A Better World' 2003 awards programme. Prizes will be conferred at the EIBTM event late next year. Tel: 020 7727 8404.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: IMEX announces partnership.(Richard Lewis Communications)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... IMEX has announced a partnership with Richard Lewis Communications, the international institute for communication skills and cross-cultural training. Tel: 01962 771111.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEF: WTM 2004 increase.(world travel market)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... WTM 2004 is expected to be more than 5% larger than last year's exhibition. The show now has 190 exhibiting countries. Tel: 020 8910 7868.

IN PERSON: Dr John Heeley, Chief executive Experience Nottingham.
November 24, 2003... Dr John Heeley is a man with a purpose. The freshly appointed CEO at new tourism body Experience Nottingham has concrete ideas on what he wants to achieve in his role, and there is no reason to question the likelihood of their fruition. Having...

CASE STUDY: Rome is cultured choice for forum.
November 24, 2003... When choosing a destination that would reflect its creativity, ad agency Lowe & Partners struck gold with Rome. Abigail Wills reports on the ultimate stylish backdrop for an event. Lowe & Partners Worldwide chose Rome as the setting for its...

UNUSUAL VENUES: 20 of the best unusual venues.(Directory)
November 24, 2003... Natasha Blair discovers some unconventional destinations located throughout the UK. ALTON TOWERS Contact: Events team, 01538 704030 Website: www.altontowers.com Number of meeting spaces: 17 Capacity: 550 theatre-style in stateroom...

SPAIN: An extended welcome.(conference destination)
November 24, 2003... Barcelona may be Spain's premier business tourism destination, but other cities are improving their offer. Catherine Chetwynd reports. Spain achieved first place in CIT's top-selling destinations survey in March this year, demonstrating...

MALAYSIA: Back on the map.(... new hotels and convention centers attract tourists)
November 24, 2003... A MICE campaign and significant investments are raising the profile of Malaysia with UK buyers. Belinda Gannaway reports. Halfway through Malaysia's two-year MICE campaign, Meet & Experience Malaysia, the destination is enjoying an...

DUBAI: Dubai showcases its varied C&I offer.(conference and incentive locations)
November 24, 2003... Any global destination would be hard pushed to match the uniqueness and luxury of the emirate's venues. The Fairmont Dubai - +971 43 32 55 55 The 35-storey property opened in 2001,with 266 rooms and 128 suites, an auditorium, 18...

VENUE FOCUS: Modern conference centre opened in France.(Bordeaux Conference Centre)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Bordeaux Conference Centre was officially inaugurated in September and features a 3000 sq m multipurpose area. Described as a 'palace of glass, light and technology', the c27.5m (pounds 19.2m) development has been designed to complement the...

VENUE FOCUS: Scottish attraction becomes a unique venue.(Falkirk Wheel)(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Falkirk Wheel recently launched as a conference and events venue, following its official opening in May 2002. The world's first and only rotating boat lift is situated 45 minutes from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Its meeting facilities...

VENUE FOCUS: The Four Seasons Hotel Miami.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Four Seasons Hotel Miami opened for business in October. An entire floor of the 221-room property is given over to events space, including several meeting rooms grouped around an atrium courtyard and a ballroom accommodating 670. Tel: +1...

VENUE FOCUS: Ballinacurra, County Cork.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Ballinacurra is a newly renovated private residence in County Cork, and provides luxury accommodation for up to 30.The house was originally built in 1791 and is set in 30 acres of woodland. Tel: +353 21 4773573 RE 892.

VENUE FOCUS: Stocks Country Club, Tring.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... Stocks, a country club near Tring in Hertfordshire, recently benefited from a pounds 1m refurbishment. The 18-room Georgian hotel provides three private meeting rooms for up to 60 delegates, as well as a championship golf course. Tel: 01442...

VENUE FOCUS: The Westin Warsaw Hotel.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Westin Warsaw hotel has been officially opened in the Polish capital. The luxurious 361-room venue features meeting facilities and a ballroom as well as its own fitness centre, restaurant and bar. Tel: +48 22 450 8000 RE 894.

VENUE FOCUS: The Grove, a cosmopolitan country estate.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Grove, a cosmopolitan country estate, opened its doors in September. As well as three restaurants, the Leading Hotels of The World member also features meeting rooms for up to 750 delegates. Tel: 01923 807807 RE 895.

VENUE FOCUS: The Barbados Pavilion.(Brief Article)
November 24, 2003... The Barbados Pavilion is set to be fully operational by mid-December. The one-time military garrison is now an environmentally designed venue catering to the conference market. It can accommodate up to 150 delegates. Tel:+1 246 427 545 RE 896.