Conference & Incentive Travel articles from September 2004

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from September 2004

First Off: Market research is money well spent.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... What are conferences really worth to a destination? It's a question that many convention bureau chiefs must struggle with, particularly when it is posed by those who fund them. The fact is, it is often very difficult to quantify the value of...

CVBs update data on event expenditure around the UK.(Convention and Visitors Bureau)(United Kingdom)
September 17, 2004... The UK's national convention bureaus are pooling their resources to get a better understanding of the economic contribution of conferences to individual destinations. Research being co-ordinated by Visit Scotland will seek to provide...

Excel appointment boosts conferences.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Excel has underlined its commitment to the conference sector by appointing a head for conferences and events. Vanessa Cotton becomes the inaugural managing director following a reorganisation at Excel. This will see the exhibition venue...

Corporate events lead bookings in London venues.(receptions bookings)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... London venues are experiencing a rise in party and receptions bookings from the corporate sector. A survey by consortium Unique Venues of London (UVL) discovered that more than 75 per cent of corporate bookings were made up of receptions,...

UK Price Check.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Company and customer conference: 175 delegates for one night, two days, with a black tie dinner in March 2005. Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, room hire, VAT DE VERE CARDEN PARK, CHESTER 24 hour rate ...

News brief: Visit Britain 'Discovery'.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Visit Britain is to hold a 'Discovery' event for international buyers and media in October. The three-day event will take place at Cardiff's Celtic Manor Resort. Tel: 020 8846 9000.

News brief: Clarke as chairman.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Conference Centres of Excellence has announced Chris Clarke as its new chairman. Clarke has been general manager of hotel services for Accenture for 11 years. Tel: 024 7652 3222.

News brief: 'MICE line'.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Moat House Hotels has launched a dedicated C&I reservation service. Its 'MICE line' is manned by a specialist team and provides clients with a one-stop contact point for all booking requirements. Tel: 0845 367 0061.

News brief: Marketing Manchester leads initiative.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Marketing Manchester is to lead an initiative that hopes to generate pounds 20m of economic benefit to the north west by 2007. The priority will be to target potential international conference visitors. Tel: 0161 237 1010.

News brief: Venuemasters reports increase.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Venuemasters has reported an increase in sales leads of 15 per cent in the first six months of the year. Figures have been boosted by the launch of a free online venue-finding service. Tel: 0114 249 3090.

News brief: LDA to invest.(London Development Agency)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The London Development Agency is to invest pounds 3.5m over the next four years to create top-quality chefs, hotel managers, tour guides and hospitality staff. Tel: 020 7680 2000.

News brief: BACD to relaunch website.(British Association of Conference Destinations )(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The BACD is relaunching its website at the beginning of September. As well as a redesign, the site will boast a new section which will keep visitors abreast of investments and developments around the UK. Visit: www.bacd.org.uk.

Wright becomes new operations head at TFI Group.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... TFI Group has appointed Julie Wright as head of operations, following a three-month freelance placement at the London-based company. Wright, formerly of rival agency Talking Point, will manage the delivery of all aspects of events,...

Jack Morton looks to post-Olympics boom.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Events agency Jack Morton Worldwide, which launched last month's Olympic Opening Ceremony in Athens, is tipping the city to increase its share of the C&I market. Jack Morton's president of international operations Lois Jacobs confirmed...

P&MM adds to promotions arm with Fotorama.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Motivation agency P&MM has acquired Fotorama UK, the fixed fee promotions company, to complement its sales promotion division. Fotorama will continue to operate as an independent brand. P&MM director David Lebond will head the new business....

Brown moves to Beetlenut to develop clients.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... London-based live events and communications agency Beetlenut has appointed Stephen Brown as business development director. The former senior account director at Euro RSCG Skybridge aims to develop new client relationships, and believes his...

Turner leads production at agency MJM.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Marketing and communications agency MJM has appointed Catherine Turner as senior producer. The role will see her work on strategies and implementation programmes for national and international events. Turner, who has been in the industry...

People and Places: Science Museum, London.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Christmas arrived early at London's Science Museum, which hosted a 'sophisticated seasonal celebration' for buyers on 17 August. Around 35 corporate event organisers attended the lunch, which was designed to highlight the suitability of the...

Head for Marketing Birmingham at last.(Neil Rami)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Birmingham aims to 'realise its true potential as one of Europe's leading cities for business and tourism', following the appointment of a new chief executive at Marketing Birmingham. Former CEO of The Newcastle Gateshead Initiative Neil...

Tourism minister gives awards.(best international case study in business tourism)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Minster for Sport and Tourism Richard Caborn will be present at the second National Conference on Business Tourism. The minister will present awards at the conference for best UK case study and the best international case study in business...

Toolkit: Venueplan.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... What's this month's product? Venueplan, an online, interactive event planning system launched in July after three years of development. What does it do? It allows the online user to organise and oversee the various aspects of an...

Why ROI is a burning issue for everyone in the C&I industry.(Return on investment)(Conference & Incentives industry)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Return on investment - it's top of the agenda. Not surprising because without it, businesses could not survive. The same is true for suppliers. Just imagine the scenario: the nervous business development manager of a new resort presents a...

International News: Cairns takes AIPC prize for the best convention centre.(International Association of Congress Centres')(Cairns Convention Centre)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Cairns Convention Centre was last month voted the world's best, after winning the International Association of Congress Centres' (AIPC) annual Apex Award. The accolade, described as the ultimate recognition among convention centres, was...

International News: World Price Check.(conference management services)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 17, 2004... Company and customer conference: 175 delegates for one night, two days, with a black tie dinner in March 2005. Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, room hire, VAT CLONTARF CASTLE, DUBLIN 24 hour rate ...

International News: MIA's Kennedy wins professional award.(Meetings Industry Association)(Paul Kennedy)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Meeting Professional International has awarded former Commonwealth Conference & Events Centre managing director Paul Kennedy formal recognition for service to MPI and the meetings industry. The chairman of the Meetings Industry Association...

International News: Vancouver Centre development will treble its capacity.(Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre has been given the go-ahead for an expansion programme that will treble its size. The Cdollars 500m (pounds 212m) development will increase exhibition, meeting and ballroom facilities to 47,870 sq...

International Brief: Meetings & Weltra trade show.(Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Meetings & Weltra, a trade show for the MICE industry, is being held at the Brussels Kart Expo on 16-17 March and 28-29 September 2005. Each show is expected to attract 4,000 decision-makers. Tel: +32 2 467 2862.

International Brief: Fiera de Madrid celebrates.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Fiera de Madrid is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a EUR100m (pounds 67.4m) enlargement which will see the construction of two new pavilions. The venue has had its best trading year ever with a EUR155.32m (pounds 104.7m) turnover. Tel:...

International Brief: Convention Industry Council awards.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The Convention Industry Council has awarded its Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification to 16 professionals following exams in Frankfurt and Singapore. The awards are part of the CIC's attempts to establish CMP as a globally...

International Brief: Moroccan Tourist Office launches website.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The Moroccan National Tourist Office has launched a website, www.visitmorocco.com, which aims to be a portal for travellers to the country. The site includes information on travel, excursions and activities as well as an interactive map tool....

International Brief: Hilton Group appoints headhunters.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Hilton Group has appointed headhunters to find a new chief for Hilton International, its hotel division. The post has been vacant for the past 18 months. Tel: 020 7856 8000.

International Brief: Tourism Trade Fairs elect committee.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The European Tourism Trade Fairs Association has elected a new executive committee at its AGM in Moscow, aimed at strengthening central administration. Tel: 020 8939 9000.

International News: Japan widens MICE campaign to the UK.(Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events)(United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Japan is to extend the focus of its Yokoso Japan campaign to the UK in an attempt to build awareness of its MICE offering. Launched in 2002, the campaign, which highlights new regions in Japan and tourism products, commenced in key...

International News: Jamaica hosts 2005 trade event.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... European delegates are expected in greater numbers at next year's Caribbean Marketplace 2005. The three-day event, which is one of the region's key trade shows for both business and leisure tourism, is being held in Montego Bay, Jamaica,...

International News: Pushing Frontiers - Fujairah.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Fujairah, the baby of the UAE's seven emirates, located on the eastern part of the Arabian peninsula by the Gulf of Oman, is enjoying a surge in interest from international groups. The emirate's tourist board announced a record growth of 48 per...

International News: Groups can really make a difference in deprived areas.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Incentive travel seeks to push back boundaries. Geographically, that includes choosing destinations which could be described as deprived. Yet surprisingly few groups contribute anything to local communities beyond local taxes and job...

International News: Conference centres should support local communities.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Global conference centres should play a greater role in supporting their local communities, says a leading figure in the international property industry. Speaking at last month's AIPC general assembly in Edinburgh, David Bucknall, chairman...

International News: Record business for Australia's regions.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Australia's business tourism sector has bounced back after two soft years, according to figures from the Perth and Sydney Convention Bureaus. Western Australia secured a record Adollars 84.74m (pounds 33m) from business tourism in 2003-04,...

International News: People and Places: Marseille/Provence.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Maison de la France hosted its annual Evenement France weekend in July, and invited 68 event organisers to experience the charms of Marseille and Provence. After arriving at Marseille Provence airport, delegates were welcomed by the French...

International Brief: Oh appointed.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Millennium & Copthorne hotels has appointed Gerry Oh as senior vice-president for global sales and marketing. He will be based in Singapore. Tel: 020 7872 2444.

International Brief: IMEX calls for entries.
September 17, 2004... IMEX is calling for entries for its IMEX Industry Awards. The awards focus on hot topics in incentive travel, meetings and events. Entries must be received by 31 January 2005. Visit: www.imex-frankfurt.com/award-apply.php.

International Brief: P&O La Manga for sale.(Peninsular and Oriental)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... P&O has put its La Manga complex up for sale for around pounds 100m. The company has has faced losses in its ferry division. Visit: www.pogroup.com.

International Brief: GEP adds.(Global Events Partners)(destination management companies)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Global Events Partners, the partnership of global DMCs, has added Canadian partner Road West Destination Management. GEP now covers 60 destinations. Tel: + 202 775 5800.

International Brief: Dearmer appointed.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Shangri-La Hotels has appointed Ian Dearmer as director of sales and marketing for its Dubai property. Tel: + 9714 405 2819.

International Brief: Meier appointed.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Leading Hotels of the World has appointed Thorsten Meier European managing director of its joint venture Leading Group Sales. A redesignedMeetings and Incentives Directory will be published this year, and interactive booking is to be added to...

International Brief: Raffles finalises alliance.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Raffles International Limited has finalised a strategic alliance with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India's largest hotel group. The Taj Group owns 70 hotels in 48 locations around India. Tel: 020 7300 1838.

Analysis: So who really tops the ICCA tables?(International Congress and Convention Association)
September 17, 2004... The reputation of a destination can rise and fall according to its place in the ICCA rankings. But how well do they represent actual visitor numbers - and how is the industry representing them? The MICE industry is an increasingly global...

Opinion: Sounding Off - Fams need better focus from buyers and destinations.(familiarization trips)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... There has been much debate in the industry about fam trips and how destinations try to avoid the freeloader from infiltrating them, lured by free flights and accommodation. So it was with some incredulity that I came across an exhibitor at...

In Person: Rick Taylor - Head, South African Tourism Convention Bureau.
September 17, 2004... Only three months into his new role at the South African Tourism Convention Bureau, Rick Taylor is eager to focus on the multi-faceted appeal of Africa's top C&I destination. His path to tourism began in Lausanne, Switzerland, as he studied...

Case Study: BP event at the top of the world.(BP Marine)
September 17, 2004... BP Marine rewarded its top employees with a memorable visit to Peru, where they enjoyed an extensive programme of activities. Sarah Wild reports. With UK groups constantly on the look-out for new and exciting incentive destinations, it is...

Edinburgh: New meets old.
September 17, 2004... Edinburgh is a city steeped in tradition, but it is working hard to let event organisers know that it is keeping up with the times and offering the modern too, reports Sarah Wild. Nowadays, there is no such thing as low season in Edinburgh....

Edinburgh: Capital Radio at the Adventure Centre.
September 17, 2004... Close to Edinburgh airport, the Adventure Centre fitted perfectly with Capital's theme of Reaching New Heights, reports Sarah Wild. Having chosen the motivational theme of Reaching New Heights, there could be only one possible choice of...

Edinburgh: SunGard's annual client conference.
September 17, 2004... Edinburgh pulled out all the stops for a delegation from SunGard, which utilised a wide range of hotels and venues for events, says Sarah Wild. Edinburgh's conference product was put to the test in June, when the city was selected by IT...

Academic Venues: Academic excellence.
September 17, 2004... Having dedicated event management teams means that academic institutions can offer a flexible option for groups and add a sense of prestige to conferences, says Clive Walker. Universities, colleges and public schools are increasingly...

Academic Venues: Leading academic venues for meetings.
September 17, 2004... A round up of learned institutions, from the modern to the historic, that are going all out to win top marks. ASTON UNIVERSITY, BIRMINGHAM Contact: Lynne Snow Website: www.aston.ac.uk/conferences Number of meeting spaces: 24 Maximum...

Wales: North star.
September 17, 2004... Often overshadowed by the south, North Wales is keen to make its mark by using its own charms to attract events organisers, says Richard Hammond. Away from Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and the big cities of the south, a quiet revolution is...

Show Preview: National Venue Show.
September 17, 2004... This year's show at the NEC has attracted 370 exhibitors and is supported by a wide selection of trade groups, reports Stuart Derrick. For a show that is the new kid on the block in the venues market, the National Venue Show has made quite...

Cyprus: Back in favour.
September 17, 2004... Now in the EU fold, Cyprus is investing in its hotel stock to take advantage of growing accessibility, reports Yasmin Razak. As ten new members joined the EU on 1 May this year, there was a deluge of comment regarding emerging destinations...

Cyprus: 20 things to do in Cyprus.
September 17, 2004... 1 With its array of sandy beaches, Cyprus has a vast selection of coastal activities, but Jackie Coupe, travel manager at The Motivaction Group, organised a more unusual incentive. 'We did a mini-shipwreck whereby the group spends a night...

Cyprus: A selection of the finest spa resorts.(Annabelle)(Columbia Beach resort)(Le Meridian Cyprus)
September 17, 2004... When delegates need breathing space to get into focus for events, few things match relaxation time in a spa. ANNABELLE - PAPHOS WWW.THANOSHOTELS.COM The five-star Annabelle offers a secluded location, and guests wishing to be pampered...

Cyprus: Meetings hotels showcase.(St Raphael hotel)(Amathus Beach hotel)(Hilton Cyprus)
September 17, 2004... Upmarket properties are improving all the time on Cyprus, making the island appealing to C&I organisers. CORAL BEACH - PAPHOS WWW.CORAL.COM.CY Training camp for the British Olympic Association for the next decade, the Coral Beach has...

Middle East Luxury: Desert mystique.
September 17, 2004... It's luxury all the way in the countries of the Middle East, and the region is targeting high-end meetings groups with its palatial hotels and exclusive incentive ideas, reports Dave Saunders. Despite the political unrest in certain areas...

Switzerland: Swiss surprises.
September 17, 2004... The country at the heart of Europe is reinvigorating its venues and attractions, reports Suzy Bashford. If Switzerland's selling points were restricted to its snow-capped mountains and its renown as a chocolate producer, it is unlikely the...

Russia: In from the cold.(travel)
September 17, 2004... Russia has long been overlooked as a top destination by the C&I sector, but a shift in politics and attitudes is drawing organisers to the country's many attractions. Ben Lerwill reports. Few destinations can offer the enigmatic charms that...

Show Guide: M&IT stands to deliver.(Meetings and Incentive Travel)
September 17, 2004... Around 3,000 visitors are expected at this year's October show, where a hosted buyer initiative includes overseas markets. Ben Lerwill previews what will be on offer at Olympia. The emphasis at October's M&IT show, the 12th to date, will...

Venue Focus: Outrigger Waikiki adds to its C&I facilities.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has finished a two-year renovation of its flagship Waikiki Hotel. Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, has augmented its C&I appeal with a new executive boardroom and a 24-hour business...

Venue Focus: Historic mansion opens for larger events.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... English Heritage has opened the doors of a Jacobean mansion and grounds to C&I planners seeking a location for events for up to 10,000. Based near Cambridge, Audley End House and Gardens was the former country palace of King Charles II. The...

Venue Focus: Tussauds Planetarium/Showdome.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Tussauds Planetarium has undergone a massive makeover and was relaunched last month as the Showdome. Its events space is spread across three levels, and guests can party with Spiderman in the Zone area, which caters for receptions of up to 350....

Venue Focus: Semiramis Hotel.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Semiramis Hotel aims to be the trendiest hotel in Athens. A member of the Design Hotels group, it has 52 rooms and features a meeting room suitable for 100, with views across the pool and an adjoining terrace for break-outs and cocktails....

Venue Focus: Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire has expanded its meetings offering with the opening of the Brooklands Suite. It features a grand hall for 600, two training suites, 11 syndicate rooms and an additional 80 guestrooms. Delegates can also...

Venue Focus: Camden Palace.(Mint Group)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Camden Palace will be reopening this month following a six-month refurbishment programme by nightclub operators, the Mint Group. Renamed KOKO, the historic North London venue has been restored to its former theatrical style and offers a number...

Venue Focus: Raffles.(Caribbean resort)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Raffles has added a new Caribbean resort to its luxury portfolio. Set on Canouan Island, the Carib-Indian name for island of turtles, guests at the retreat may book a room, suite or villa and use the golf course or relax in the glass-bottomed...

Venue Focus: Mallory Court.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Mallory Court, the Warwickshire country house retreat, has opened its doors to the MICE industry with the launch of the Knights Suite. The conference and function room can accommodate 120 delegates theatre-style and is complemented by 11...

Venue Focus: Vila Sol Spa and Golf Resort.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Vila Sol Spa and Golf Resort is slated to open this month in Vilamoura. Guests can stay in the modern rooms in the main building or enjoy traditional Algarve decor in the villa rooms. The five-star property offers meetings and sports...

Venue Focus: Summer Lodge Hotel & Restaurant.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Summer Lodge Hotel & Restaurant in Evershot, Dorset, is in the process of renovating the interior of the Georgian manor house and the surrounding gardens. Work is nearly finished on the executive boardroom and public rooms, and a spa will open...

Venue Focus: Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya is welcoming conference business in Barcelona. The third hotel in the city from Expo Hoteles and Resorts has seven versatile meetings rooms for ten to 50 people and a well-equipped auditorium seating 100. Tel: +34 93...

Diary: Let's go to... Samarkand.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Ooh, sounds exotic. What's the lowdown? It's big, it's bold, and it's nestled in the south of incentive hotspot Uzbekistan. I'm sold. So why are we going? Good question, improbable answer. Not only does Samarkand boast some sublime Islamic...

Diary: Shaggy tale of life's preferred luxuries.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Diary firmly believes that life's true beauty lies in its rewards - especially when you get a small chocolate left on your pillow. And the rest of you agree, it seems: results from this year's National Incentive Survey show Caribbean holidays,...

Diary: So hard to stomach.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Give or take the odd batch of contraband business cards, the worlds of C&I and international smuggling share little. Abdomen-clenching news for all airport frequenters last month, though, when a man was arrested for looking shifty in a...

Diary: Confessions of an Event Planner.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Taking a group to Moscow was a lifetime dream, so I was determined it would go well. Preparations went smoothly, with my only, rather whopping, mistake being forgetting to organise a long enough visa. On arrival, I was horrified to discover...

Diary: Competition.(Le Mas Candille hotel)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Each month, CIT will test your observational skills and give away a fantastic prize. This month, readers can win a magnificent hamper, courtesy of Le Mas Candille hotel, near Cannes on the popular Cote d'Azur. The hamper contains a selection of...

Diary: Jonny B Better.(Hilton Newcastle Gateshead)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead opened last month to an act of marketing genius, when media darling and all-round good egg Jonny Wilkinson undertook to plant a celebratory punt over the property's six storeys. Amid cries of 'I thought he was...

Meet England: Comment - A country waiting to be rediscovered.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... The old adage 'familiarity breeds contempt' can perhaps be applied to British event organisers considering England as a destination for conferences and incentives. Despite the country's diverse product and number of C&I venues - more than 5,000...

Meet England: Liverpool promotes its conference offer.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Liverpool is using its upcoming status as European Capital of Culture in 2008 to drive its transformation as a conference destination. The city's bid to attract a greater share of meetings business was underlined recently when it picked up...