Conference & Incentive Travel articles from September 2008

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from September 2008

Tracker Briefs.(Phoenix Equity Partners acquired NIS Europe)(National Trust Co held conference)(Simon Woodward has been appointed at Surrey agency )(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... In C&IT News Tracker this month: Private equity group Phoenix Equity Partners acquired Expotel and hotel booking agency NIS Europe (23.07.08). The National Trust is returning to the Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre for its 2009 spring...

Choice Live restructure ends in account wins and job losses.
September 1, 2008... Choice Live has undergone a major restructure that has seen the agency cut half its staff. The company has put the cuts down to a pounds 100,000 investment in new event management technology. As a result, the agency made eight event...

AstraZeneca reveals details of its event management roster.(Zibrant)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Further details of AstraZeneca UK Marketing Company's (AZUKMC) agency roster have emerged, including its appointment of Zibrant, plus the soon to be merged Universal and Procon Conferences. It is understood at least six agencies pitched for...

Microsoft puts Fitch in charge.
September 1, 2008... Agency Fitch Live has been appointed by long-term client Microsoft to organise its annual Remix showcase. Remix UK 08 takes place at the Brighton Centre on 18 and 19 September and is the first of 17 international events this year. The UK...

Taylor departs as GRG rejigs.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Grass Roots Group's ten-strong events team is being moved to Marlow to work under its Maritz brand. The team will be overseen by Maritz managing director Nick Bender from 8 September, bringing the agency's events staff to 260. In a...

Universal and Procor to unite.(Procon mergers with Universal CIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... United Drug, owner of agencies Universal CIT and Procon, will merge the two to form one company on 1 October. The new company will be led by current Universal managing director Mike Ford. Ford said of the proposed move: 'By coming...

Fresh wins accounts and eyes acquisition.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The Fresh Group has announced wins with New Look, House of Fraser and A-Plant, and outlined plans to acquire another agency. Group managing director Nick Porter said the new business was worth pounds 1.5m to the Cheshire-based agency. ...

Scottish bank names Rapport.
September 1, 2008... Bank of Scotland has appointed Manchester agency Rapport Events to handle its 'Search for an Entrepreneur' events, which start this month. The competition - a partnership between the bank and The Sunday Times - involves ten regional heats,...

Oxford rowers to host groups.(Competitive Edge signed deal with Oxford University)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The Competitive Edge has signed an event deal with Oxford University's Boat Club. Events will take place from May-July at the club's Wallingford HQ, which now includes meeting space. The head coach will address delegates, who can also take...

Qatar quality.
September 1, 2008... The Qatar National Convention Centre has secured high-profile events ahead of its 2010 opening, including the 2011 World Petroleum Congress. The venue will offer 57 meeting rooms and 40,000m2 of exhibition space

The end of the world as we know it?(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... A cheery friend of mine in banking compared the current crisis to an asteroid hit. He added that the looming cloud of fallout is of a magnitude akin to that which exterminated the dinosaurs. And a CEO I dined with recently corrected me...

Hooker forms venture with Adding Value.(Adding Value Consulting )(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Agency Adding Value has teamed up with industry stalwart John Hooker to launch an event industry consultancy. Adding Value Consulting (AVC) launched on 1 September and is designed to 'help organisations grow their business, create best...

THA goes back into the black.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... THA Group has returned to profit, according to its latest annual figures. These show the agency reported pre-tax revenues of pounds 274,000 on a turnover of pounds 38m in the year ending 31 December 2007. This compares to a pre-tax loss of...

Carrier news.
September 1, 2008... Easyjet is introducing a new route from Gatwick to Salzburg, Austria this December that will run three times a week. Eurostar is adding an 11th daily service on the London to Brussels route in December, making an extra 7,500 seats...

Arculus steps into Excel role.(David Arculus has been appointed)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Excel London has appointed former Emap group managing director Sir David Arculus as its new chairman. Arculus replaces Tom King, who steps down, but will continue as a non-executive director. Arculus' career has also included senior...

Australian Dreamtime trip gets rescheduled.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Tourism Australia has confirmed the rescheduled dates for its flagship fam trip, Dreamtime, and announced it is to double the size of the European delegation on what it hints might be a dual-destination trip. The biennial event will take...

Kempinski in London retreat.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Luxury hotel group Kempinski has temporarily left London in a bid 'to consolidate its luxury status and its high-end services'. The centrally located Courthouse Hotel, and Kensington-based the Bentley came under the Kempinski brand as part...

One to watch.(Richard Moore)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Richard Moore, chief operating officer, THA Group. - Why are we watching him? THA Group recruited Moore in July to be its chief operating officer. He will be responsible for client-programme delivery and support teams, and will...

Appointments.(Stephen Humphreys has been appointed)(Sue Potton has been hired)(Ric Leutwyler has been hired)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Stephen Humphreys, managing director of Grass Roots Group-owned Project-link Motivation, has become president of Grass Roots America, covering operations in the US, Mexico, Venezuela and Columbia. Agency George P. Johnson has hired Sue...

Corporate Survey 2008: Budgets flatline as crunch bites.
September 1, 2008... C&IT's exclusive survey of 100 corporate clients' event strategies reveals a stagnating sector that needs to justify its budgets. James Thornton reports. With budgets for events remaining largely static and job fears coming to the...

Reader poll 2008: Vote for your top C&I stars and win a trip to Las Vegas.
September 1, 2008... The C&IT Reader Poll is back and this year you could win a four-night stay for two in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, courtesy of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Virgin Atlantic and The Palazzo. You'll...

Case study: Google hosts its vision of the future.(Conference notes)
September 1, 2008... The search engine's state of the nation conference brought together high-profile speakers with a blue-chip audience. THE BRIEF: Google's 'Zeitgeist' event brings together the company's most senior clients and industry partners from across...

Case study: Samsung's day of thrills.
September 1, 2008... British theme saw the firm's laptop arm enjoy fast cars and helicopters. THE BRIEF: Samsung's IT division is rapidly growing and has set a target of being the number one supplier of notebook PCs by the end of next year. The division wanted...

Venue Focus: Property bulletin.
September 1, 2008... Julia Buchanan reviews new developments from Jersey to Jordan. Aviator, Farnborough Airport Farnborough Airport's facilities have been bolstered with the opening of the Aviator property, managed by McCulloch Unique Hotels. The property...

Pushing Frontiers: Time for ... Kiev.(City overview)
September 1, 2008... Ukraine's spectacular historic and imperial capital is co-hosting Euro 2012. INCENTIVES Founded in the 5th century, Kiev is bursting with historic museums and monuments. See the Golden Gate of Kiev, the Opera House, Kreshchatik...

Agency Focus: The C&IT Challenge.
September 1, 2008... This month's brief is to run a three month pre-event marketing campaign using the web and other channels to motivate a retail client's staff to compete for an overseas incentive. We would develop a microsite as a hub for the client's...

Agency Focus: What makes me click.
September 1, 2008... Jeremy Shakerley, projects director, UKS&V I kick started my career in production at the BBC as a floor manager working on live shows such as Wogan and Blue Peter. This led me into the world of corporate live events and UKS&V. 18 years on,...

Agency Focus: 10 minutes with ... DRP Group.(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... Managing director Dale Parmenter tells Leanne Bell about the agency's future plans. Location Two offices: one in Covent Garden, London and the other in Hartlebury, Worcestershire Staff 57 What's the lowdown? DRP...

Academic Venues: Centres of learning.(Faber Maunsell )
September 1, 2008... Abigail Wills reviews the educational hubs that provide top facilities for groups of all sizes. For up to 100 - Reed Hall, University of Exeter Reed Hall was donated to the Royal Albert Memorial College, which went on to become...

In Person: Maida Atkins, Blackrock.(Biography)
September 1, 2008... The investment house's events head on service, standards and suppliers. Maida Atkins, head of events (EMEA) at investment management firm Blackrock, has found her dream job: 'I come into work each morning with a smile on my face because I...

Sounding Off: Irish service failings.
September 1, 2008... I have always associated Dublin and its surrounding areas - and all of Ireland for that matter - with the warm and friendly people and the culture that the country is so famous for. However, on two recent trips to the Irish capital, I was...

Event UK Preview: Show and tell.(Interview)
September 1, 2008... Stuart Derrick talks to Kate Disley, senior marketing manager for Event UK, about what visitors can expect from the rebranded show. - Why did CMPi rebrand the show? We took on the National Venue Show two years ago and took a critical...

Wales: Western approaches.
September 1, 2008... Wales' variety means it offers a winning formula across its regions. Mike Fletcher reports. - Cardiff Sleep tight: The Parc Hotel, located in the heart of the city, has undergone a pounds 15m refurbishment. The property, now under the...

South Yorkshire: Champion cities.
September 1, 2008... A blend of urban infrastructure and natural attractions has given South Yorkshire an edge in business tourism. David Atkinson reports on what makes the region a winner. There were celebrations on the Yorkshire South Tourism (YST) stand at...

South Yorkshire Showcase: The county's venue variety.
September 1, 2008... From the traditional to the quirky, South Yorkshire has a venue for every occasion. - Sedum House, Doncaster This environmentally friendly space has strong green credentials. It backs on to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Potteric Carr...

Edinburgh: The cultured choice.(resorts)(City overview)
September 1, 2008... The Athens of the North has the kudos to attract blue-chip clients Kunal Dutta reports. The Incentive As a city bursting with arts, culture and a thriving nightlife, Edinburgh is not short on activities. Yet the Scottish capital can...

Edinburgh Case Study: Network Rail in Edinburgh summit.(annual general meeting )
September 1, 2008... Britain's rail infrastructure firm wanted a venue for its AGM to reflect its heritage and future. The Brief Network Rail owns and manages the British Rail network. Each year the company holds an AGM attended by members of the public...

Edinburgh: Venue update.(Royal Yacht Britannia will offer space for dinners )(Norton House Hotel & Spa has opened new facility)(Novotel opened new facility)
September 1, 2008... The Royal Yacht Britannia will soon offer a stunning new space for dinners and receptions. The Lothian-docked ship will see its Royal Deck refurbished with an awning-style roof and glass wall, increasing its capacity to 250. Meanwhile,...

Historic Venues: Timeless attraction.
September 1, 2008... Five corporate and agency planners name their top classic properties. - Somerset House, London Recommended by Louise Patke, events manager, Microsoft Advertising 'Somerset House has a rich and varied history. The venue is a former...

Iceland: 10 good reasons to choose Iceland.
September 1, 2008... Its Norse mythology, volcanic landscape and hot springs are reason enough to visit Iceland, but its C&I attributes are also compelling. 1. Easily one of Iceland's most iconic attractions, the Blue Lagoon is a must for any incentive...

Mallorca: Balearic selection.
September 1, 2008... The largest of the Spanish islands offers a high standard of venues for C&I events. Clive Walker picks three hotels that meet the requirements in varying price bands. - EUR68 Day-delegate rate Blau Porto Petro This beach resort...

Portugal: Iberia's six-star solution.(Country overview)
September 1, 2008... Victoria Furness reports on how Portugal is upping its standards and tapping into its potential as a choice destination for planners. From the mountainous north and its Celtic legacy to the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon in the west, and...

Portugal: 72 hours in ... The Algarve.(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... Golf to gourmet dining on a three-day itinerary along Portugal's southern coast. DAY 1 10.55: Delegates arrive at Faro airport and take a minibus transfer to the O Patio restaurant situated in the village of Carvoeiro. 12.00:...

Portugal: Lisbon update.
September 1, 2008... Lisbon and its surrounding area continues to attract C&I groups, such as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Nokia, due to its accessibility - there are nearly 100 flights to Portugal's capital city from the UK each week - and a wealth of conference...

Cyprus: Is Cyprus value for money?
September 1, 2008... Susie Harwood asks four buyers if the Euro has ended the island's value for money appeal. YES - Jonathan Burridge, managing director, Quantum Mortgage Brokers When we went to the Aphrodite Hills last year for a three-day trip, it...

Cyprus: 72 hours in ... Cyprus.
September 1, 2008... Golf, 4x4 safaris and spa treatments are all on the incentive itinerary on this three day trip. DAY 1 09.00: The group meets to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Four Seasons, where they checked in the previous evening. The five-star...

Cyprus Showcase: The five-star collection.(Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel facilities)(Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts facilities)(Adams Beach Hotel reopened after a major refurbishment last March)
September 1, 2008... A selection of the most luxurious top-end properties from around the island. - Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Set in a 578-acre resort near Paphos, and featuring an 18-hole golf course, beach club, riding club and tennis courts,...

Russia: 10 of the best Hotels.(Company rankings)
September 1, 2008... Ben Lerwill highlights the high-end accommodation on offer in Russia. - Ritz-Carlton, Moscow The Ritz-Carlton opened a year ago amid much fanfare and headlines Generally speaking, it matches the hype, mixing imperial opulence and a...

Middle East Luxury Venues: The best in class.
September 1, 2008... With so many high-end properties across the Middle East region, it can be hard to narrow down the choices. Paul Oswell highlights some of the very finest properties across Arabia. - Best for Sea views Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, Abu...

Durban: Conference Cape.(city overview)(City overview)
September 1, 2008... Its modern convention centre and forthcoming international airport is set to make the city of Durban stamp its mark on the C&I atlas. Julia Buchanan rounds up the facts and figures. 320: Located in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa,...

Thailand: Service with a smile.
September 1, 2008... Top hotels, great service and value for money are fuelling Thailand's growth. Thailand is widely known as the 'Land of Smiles' - there are 13 different types of Thai smile or yim - and those working in the country's C&I industry have good...

Australia: Principal players.
September 1, 2008... Sydney and Melbourne are Australia's leading destinations for C&I. The Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne offer planners the perfect mix of ingredients for a long-haul incentive. Over the past two years, delegates from BAT, Pfizer,...