Issue Contents
|
Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group |
Heather Gough, Sales Director, IMEX Group |
Meetings integral to economic development IMEX Politicians Forum |
Jeff Busch, Vice President of Events & Communication, MPI |
|
IAEE |
ASAE |
|
Philippe Fournier, President, IAPCO |
Michael Gehrisch, President & CEO, DMAI |
ICCA all set for Association Days Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA |
Eric Rozenberg, Chairman, MPI |
|
tmf |
IMEX Wild Card Programme |
Rewarding your green achievements IMEX Green Awards |
New standards for environmental best practice Environmental IMEX |
Pioneering technology at Techno-How IMEX Techno-How |
IMEX Professional Development |
|
IMEX |
Chris White, Chairman & CEO, GEP |
|
Nikki Williams, Director of Hosted Buyer Programmes, |
Enlightened leadership at PCMA Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, PCMA |
|
Edgar Hirt, President, AIPC |
Brenda Anderson, CEO, Site |
Briefing interview - Viva the Venetian! Ron Reese, VP of Corporate Communications and Eric Bello, VP of Sales for the Las Vegas Sands Corp |
A great cause and a great experience Jon Bradshaw, Business Development Director, IMEX Group |
Word of mouth - faster than the internet? Paul Flackett, Managing Director, IMEX Group |
Matthias Schultze, Managing Director, GCB German Convention Bureau |
IMEX Briefing November 2010 pdf |
IMEX America TV launches
|
Excitement builds for 2011
This combined Briefing provides the latest updates on IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America; showing the full extent of our excitement, enthusiasm and readiness for the months ahead.
Our plans for IMEX in Frankfurt 2011, which
will be our ninth show, continue at great pace. The
hosted buyer programme is once again set to
deliver outstanding business opportunities with over
3,800 buyers expected, including 25% from the
growing long-haul markets including Brazil, India
and China. Demand to bring buyers from Eastern
Europe also continues to rise.
Our New Vision programme is an increasingly
important part of the show for buyers and also
exhibitors. The quality of the education our partners
deliver and the sheer choice of sessions on offer
allow buyers to gain important added value from
their three days in Frankfurt. Additionally, the value
of initiatives such as the Politicians Forum and
Future Leaders Forum ensure that IMEX is a real
focal point for the worldwide industry.
With just less than a year to go, the excitement
surrounding IMEX America continues to grow. Exhibitors from across the world and across all
sectors of the industry are now committed to the
show, including over 25 of the major hotel groups
who will also be participating in the hosted buyer
programme by inviting their top clients to attend.
The quality of the programme is also demonstrated
by the participation of such corporations as Maritz
Travel whose annual senior-level Customer Event
will attract up to 100 Fortune-500 corporate clients
and top agencies including Carlson Marketing,
Conference Direct, Experient, HelmsBriscoe and
Global Events Partners. MPI – our Strategic Partner -
ASAE and PCMA will also be attracting their
members to attend as hosted buyers.
During the summer we announced several new
alliances including our major media partner –
Northstar Meetings Group. We are also delighted to
announce a major marketing alliance with the
world’s largest meetings management technology
company, Cvent, and have several more high-level,
strategic alliances to be launched over the coming
months. These complement our formal partnerships
with the leading industry associations around the
world. Our ability to leverage all these relationships
for the benefit of exhibitors is extremely important.
As many exhibitors who’ve already signed up testify,
for them IMEX America represents “a sound
investment”, the promise of “excellent results” and “a chance to shape the future”.
|
Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group |
Sitting at the heart of the meetings industry, be assured, that wherever it takes place in the world, IMEX will always deliver outstanding business opportunities as well as much more than ‘just’ an exhibition.
On the road to success
-
Latest exhibitors for IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America
Demand for space at IMEX America has been outstanding since launch and we are delighted to have such a large and diverse set of exhibitors from around the world already committed, including Los Angeles, Greece, Monaco, Germany, Mexico, Silversea Cruises and Disney Destinations to name just a few. Over 25 major hotel groups are already confirmed including Marriott, Starwood, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Carlson Companies.
Sean J. Mahoney, Global Vice President of
Corporate and Incentive Sales, Silversea said: “Silversea has experienced incremental business
from IMEX in Frankfurt. We are excited about
exhibiting at IMEX America. From the organisation
to the highly qualified buyers, IMEX is a smart
investment.”
Gary Sain, President & CEO Orlando CVB
stated: “We are very much looking forward to IMEX
America. As an international destination brand, it is
important for us to tell our compelling story to
customers face to face.”
And John Meissner, Executive Director - Corporate Markets, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Inc told us: “We are extremely excited about attending IMEX America. The hosted buyer programme will bring serious customers to meet with us.”
Our plans for IMEX in Frankfurt continue at
great pace. Switzerland Convention and Incentive
Bureau, the Hungarian National Tourism Office and
Kuoni Destination Management have all increased
space. Belgium, the Canary Islands, Iceland Convention and Incentive Bureau, Monaco, Mexico,
Portugal, Turkey and Tourism Australia will be
among the thousands exhibiting. The hotel sector is
again set to be a strong part of the show with over
40 major groups committed. We are also pleased to
welcome back Hyatt.
|
Heather Gough, Sales Director, IMEX Group |
Finally, I’d like to welcome Alex Donaldson as our new Sales Manager.
Meetings integral to economic development
The eighth annual Politicians Forum at IMEX in Frankfurt in May received a record attendance of 32 politicians and civic leaders from 16 countries, and 63 industry leaders. The aim of the Forum is to demonstrate the economic value of the meetings industry, leading to greater understanding of how meetings and events can deliver far-reaching economic and social benefits to destinations and communities. The overriding message from this year’s Forum was that meetings are integral to economic development. There was also strong emphasis on the positive impact that hosting other types of events such as sporting, celebratory, governmental and cultural has on the future meetings business of the host destination. |
 |
| Politicians Forum 2010 |
Rod Cameron, Director of International Development for AIPC called for politicians to embrace the wider benefits of hosting events: “By hosting events you get the chance to profile yourself, show off your local community, build networks and do all of the things that will help you advance not just your tourism business but your whole economic development strategy.”
Hein Verbruggen, President, SportAccord, and
honorary member of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC), used Beijing and Vancouver
Olympics as examples to demonstrate the
advantages of hosting sporting events,
including the revamp of urban areas,
improvements in sustainability, social
legacy and the blaze of media attention
that generates unrivalled opportunities for a
destination to promote itself to the world.
The ninth Politicians Forum co-organised by
ECM (European Cities Marketing) and AIPC
(International Association of Congress Centres) and
held under the auspices of JMIC (Joint Meetings
Industry Council) will take place in Frankfurt on 24
May 2011. IMEX is also working closely with key
industry trade associations, including CIC and JMIC,
on an American Politicians Forum in Las Vegas.
To hear Rod Cameron discussing the value of the Forum visit www.imex-frankfurt.com/politforum.html
MPI and Meet Different
-
Major education programme for IMEX America
As the major education provider and strategic partner for IMEX America, the team at MPI (Meeting Professionals International) is actively working to deliver a unique and creative programme in the spirit of MPI’s well known Meet Different event.
Previously a stand-alone conference held
annually by MPI, Meet Different will now evolve into
an innovative signature approach to delivering
exceptional content. Topics presented will align
with key trending business initiatives like the quest
for talent, the future of meetings and strategic
meetings management. However, they won’t
always be delivered in traditional settings and will
focus on connecting attendees with contemporary
experts from around the world both inside and
outside the industry.
At IMEX America, MPI will deliver an innovative
and inspiring learning experience not only in their
Monday pre-show day of education, but also with
three powerful morning keynotes each day of the
show delivered by experts who are true change-agents
within their fields.
|
Jeff Busch, Vice President of Events and Communication, MPI |
Leading up to IMEX America, MPI is hosting a series of webinars which began last month that will focus on the key thought leadership initiatives and deliver a taster of a live Meet Different learning experience. The inaugural webinar focused on how the industry is experiencing a time of transformation and addressed how to tackle these massive changes with exciting new technology to be able to contribute to a fast moving, ever evolving workplace.
Additional webinars are scheduled for December
2010 and February, April, June and August 2011.
New curriculum blueprint
A critical component of a good performance-based learning programme is a curriculum blueprint. This determines how skills and knowledge should be combined into modules, and the sequence in which learners will progress through their course of learning.
Nearly three years ago, the
IAEE CEM Commission approved
a new CEM Learning Programme
Curriculum Blueprint. This details
the essential concepts required of
a competent exhibition and event
management professional. The
Blueprint is intended to be a living
document that will be reviewed
and updated at regular intervals
so that the programme remains a
dependable source of specific and
current practical knowledge
regarding the management of
exhibitions and events.
IAEE volunteers recently
served as advisors to ensure that
each module is complete and
contains relevant information. Focus areas included international
exhibition management,
environmental responsibility,
technological resources and
sustainability.
A number of courses are
going to be held in conjunction
with IMEX America next year. These include Event Marketing;
Housing and Registration
Management; Exhibition and
Events Sales Fundamentals and
Strategic Planning
and Management.
ASAE angle on Association Day
-
IMEX America Association Day
Association Day 2010 |
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, in partnership with ICCA and MCI, is really looking forward to providing the content for IMEX America Association Day, which is scheduled for October 10, 2011 in Las Vegas. In addition up to 100 ASAE members will attend Association Day and IMEX America as hosted buyers. |
Based on the success of Association Day at IMEX in Frankfurt, the educational content will be structured in a similar fashion. The day will address the needs of CEOs and senior staff and build on the brand of the ASAE ‘Great Ideas Conference’. The sessions will provide the opportunity for attendees to step back from their day-to-day routines and be exposed to fresh, new thinking. The ASAE focus is always on the learner and the impact of the learning, not on the speaker.
An introductory lunch will be followed by two
separate educational sessions interspersed with a
networking break. The day’s programme will round
off with a series of facilitated round table
discussions and an evening reception – Association
Evening. Association Evening will also be open to
exhibitors allowing them to meet hundreds of
association buyers before the show opens.
The education will explore ‘the apps explosion’ and what it means for meetings; how to go
international with meetings; leadership; new
revenue streams, membership and business models
for associations and much, much more. The
complete programme for Association Day will be
finalised and announced in March 2011.
A long view from IAPCO
 |
IMEX is a highlight on everyone’s calendar in the meetings industry. It is our “passage oblige” and we all look forward to May in Frankfurt, and also to next year when we will attend the inaugural IMEX America. Once again in Frankfurt IAPCO will be
presenting its research, revealing the economic
value of the meetings organised by its members |
| Philippe Fournier at Conventions India Conclave. | |
Not only is IMEX the place for celebration, learning and networking it is also the show where business takes place. Many regional seminars were born from contacts we made at the exhibition last year. Recent events generated included the IAPCO regional seminar in Lavasa, plus an invitation to present on the industry’s future at the Conventions India Conclave.
 |
Philippe Fournier President, IAPCO |
Finally, be prepared for some stimulating debate come May 2011. IAPCO’s topic for its seminar in Frankfurt will be ‘So you think in-house conference managers are better? Let us show you why not.’ Given the subject matter, we’re hopeful that lots of professionals from both sides of the debate will turn up to share their views.
Cutting edge at DMAI
DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International) is making destination marketing education available to professionals around the world through its new online ‘Live Learning Center’.
Complementing the association’s face-to-face offerings, the online centre provides recorded education to destination marketers everywhere. Over 20 hours of recorded education from DMAI’s 96th Annual Convention can be accessed instantly on topics such as: a DMO’s role in sustainability; marketing to Chinese consumers; culture as a key economic driver; a case study regarding New Orleans’ master tourism plan and Google and the global consumer.
The online Live Learning
Center features new education each
month after DMAI holds its monthly
webinar. Typically held the last
Wednesday of each month, these
one hour webinars cover timely
topics in destination marketing and
focus on providing immediate
takeaways for improved results.
Upcoming topics include ‘The Future
of DMO Financing - Public vs Private
Resources’ and ‘Cloud Computing -
From Concept to Reality’.
Also housed in the Live Learning
Center are free one-off webinars including a recording of its highly
popular 2010 IMEX in Frankfurt
seminar ‘Emerging Destinations -
How to Establish & Build a CVB’.
|
Michael Gehrisch, President & CEO, DMAI www.destinationmarketing.com |
DMAI will expand upon this popular topic of developing and establishing a convention and visitor bureau in its educational seminar at IMEX in Frankfurt on 26 May 2011. Continuing in its long tradition of presenting destination marketing based education at IMEX events, DMAI will also hold an educational seminar at the inaugural IMEX America.
IMEX is an
Alliance Partner of
DMAI and both
shows are DMAI
endorsed.
ICCA all set for Association Days
-
ICCA's plans for IMEX America and IMEX in Frankfurt
Our programme of networking, education and
client-interaction at IMEX in Frankfurt works so
well for our members that we are creating a
matching programme for IMEX America.
Obviously we’ll be introducing custom designed
content but the scale of our
involvement will be virtually on a par with
Frankfurt from year one.
ICCA is working closely with ASAE on the IMEX
America Association Day programme, and will be
identifying prospective association hosted buyers
both within and outside the USA. There will be a
two-day Association Expert Seminar where ICCA
members and association executives can learn about
one another’s strategies and business philosophies,
as well as getting to understand key market trends.
There will also be specialised ICCA Data training to help ICCA members from outside the USA
understand the US outbound market.
The outline programme for the flagship Association Day at IMEX in Frankfurt 2011 has just been announced with the focus on innovation and incorporating new technology such as mobile apps. Over 300 association buyers are expected to attend the Day’s education.
|
Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA |
We see IMEX America as a tremendous opportunity for our 900-plus members around the world, and our primary role is to help the exhibiting members extract as much value from their presence as possible – as we do for IMEX in Frankfurt. We also believe that IMEX America will transform the understanding of US destinations about the potential value of international meetings both from the corporate and association sectors, and we’ll be showcasing ICCA’s range of tools and data that can assist these destinations to improve their penetration of these markets.
Briefing interview - Meet the new chair of MPI
Briefing asked Eric Rozenberg, new Chair of the MPI Board and facilitator of the IMEX Meetings for Success forum in Frankfurt to tell us about his hopes and ambitions for the future.
Briefing: Congratulations on becoming the first Chair of the MPI Board from outside North America. What are your ambitions for the organisation?
Thank you! This is a crucial time in the history
of MPI and I am thrilled to be involved. We are
the largest meeting industry community in the
world. Now, we establish ourselves as the place
people go for content, the lighthouse of the
industry. It will be our job to provide our
community members with the tools and
knowledge they need to succeed personally
and professionally.
Briefing: Now that public sector spending is being curtailed it looks as though meetings suppliers are going to be more reliant on business from the association sector. Do you have a sense of how this will play out?
We see growth in both the corporate and
association business; however, the association
sector is expecting continuous and extensive
growth into 2011. Nearly one-third of global
association executives experienced a higher
actual or planned attendance for their 2010
events than in 2009, according to research by IMEX and ICCA. As for the future, almost one third
of associations will run more meetings in
2011, and a massive 53% project higher
attendances. According to the respondents of
MPI’s August Business Barometer, associations
and corporate clients have seen the greatest
increase in activity.
Briefing: We see from your Twitter feed
that you take inspiration from some very
talented business ‘gurus’ such as Seth
Godin, Steven Covey and the TED
network. What difference has social
media made to your professional life?
Social media has been an unexpected blessing
in my professional life. Along with many of
our members, I have connected online with
peers and created beneficial business
relationships, but the most rewarding piece of
social media has been the quality and quantity
of inspirational ideas. At our recent
educational conference in Vancouver, MPI’s
World Education Congress, the events team
was able to reflect inventive styles and event
ideas discovered through social media.
Our recently updated website
(www.mpiweb.org) also reflects MPI’s
recognition of the potential power of social
media for associations. I highly encourage
members to connect with me on the site and
discover the latest updates.
Briefing: We all spoke a lot last year
about the ‘new normal’, which defined a
new approach to business post global
downturn. Do you think we will ever get
back to the ‘old normal’ or has
globalisation changed that forever?
I wonder if the ‘old normal’ ever existed. Our
world is constantly evolving and the speed of
change is accelerating. I believe we would lie
to ourselves if we were hoping or expecting a
return to ‘what it was before’. Globalisation is
obviously having an impact but moreover, I
think technology is changing our world, and
our business world, by allowing more access
to knowledge, new opportunities for everyone
irrespective of country of origin and an
increase in the influence of transparency and
authenticity. Change is the only constant, or
the only ‘normal’ if you want.
tmf spots market gap
The French-speaking association sector is currently very popular among international convention bureaus. Many of them have boosted their marketing activities there, observes tmf GmbH, market research specialists for the meeting and incentive market. Moreover, Eastern Europe is now a rapidly rising market.
Johanna Fischer,
Managing Director of tmf
GmbH, explains: “At the
moment, France and
Belgium especially are being sought out by the
convention bureaus. Many international
associations, which organise important and well
attended congresses abroad, are located in one of
these two countries. Such congresses mean a great
boost for the economy of the region. Who would
not want to get a piece of that cake?”
tmf’s survey of French-speaking event planners has shown that both associations and corporations
prefer southerly destinations for their corporate
events. Spain and Italy head the rankings, although
destinations such as China, the United States and
Brazil are also near the top of the list.
Fischer reports: “For us, not only are established
meeting markets of interest, but we also want to
identify where the trend is heading and which
markets will be relevant in the future. tmf has
identified Eastern Europe as a place of increasing
interest. So far, South American destinations and
Asia have been in great demand. However, this
trend is now changing and heading towards events
within Europe.”
Wild Card works!
 |
The Wild Card programme that has proved so successful at IMEX in Frankfurt has launched for IMEX America. Two free exhibition spaces are available for US, Canadian, South American or Caribbean exhibitors from emerging destinations, or new venues in emerging destinations, that have not previously attended an international show within the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Winners also receive marketing support, accommodation in Las Vegas and a ticket to the Gala Party. The Wild Card provides an excellent platform to launch new destinations and venues to the meetings industry. The Polish city of Poznan – a 2003 winner - exhibited on their own stand for the first time in 2010. Katarzyna Parysek from the Poznan Convention Bureau reported,“The opportunity to showcase our offering via the Wild Card has been a significant contributing factor in our journey here today. The affiliation with IMEX was extremely positive for us.” Apply for the IMEX in Frankfurt Wild Card programme here www.imex-frankfurt.com/wildcard.html until 12 November 2010. |
| Poznan, 2003 Wild Card winner. | Destinations or venues from across the United States, Canada, South America and the Caribbean are invited to enter the Wild Card Americas programme here www.imexamerica.com/wildcardamericas.html until 1 June 2011. |
Rewarding your green achievements
-
IMEX in Frankfurt Green Awards
Applications for the 2011 IMEX in Frankfurt Green Awards, jointly run with GMIC (Green Meeting Industry Council), are now open.
The Awards are:
Green Exhibitor: Entries are welcome from
exhibitors who can demonstrate how they are
reducing the environmental impact of their
exhibition stand at IMEX in Frankfurt. Application
deadline: 4 March 2011
Green Meetings: Rewards meeting organisers who
make significant efforts to green their meetings
from using green venues through to planning
sustainable programmes. Application deadline: 28
February 2011
Green Supplier: Recognises meeting suppliers who
can demonstrate how they are reducing the
environmental impact of their operations through
planning, implementation and evaluation.
Application deadline: 28 February 2011
Commitment to the Community: Nominations
are open from anyone involved in meetings,
incentive programmes or conferences which took
place in 2009 or 2010 that
have demonstrated
innovative efforts to
benefit a charitable
initiative of choice.
Application deadline:
28 February 2011
On collecting the
Commitment to the
Community Award 2010, Tom Griffin, Manager of
Research and Social Responsibility,
Tourism Toronto said: “All of us at Tourism Toronto
are enormously proud of our Relax, Recharge &
Renew programme, not only because it gives a
much-deserved break to parent heroes, but also
because our members have supported it
wholeheartedly all the way. The response from the
meetings community has also been very positive, as
the programme has become another example of
how the industry can continue to share in the gift of
giving”.
Application forms for the 2011 awards can be
downloaded at www.imex-frankfurt.com/howtoapply.html
New standards for environmental best practice
-
Environmental IMEX
Since launch IMEX has set out to establish new
standards for environmental best practice in
the exhibition industry. As a result, this year,
IMEX in Frankfurt reduced its total waste
output by 30 tonnes compared to 2009 and
reduced paper waste by 8 tonnes and
cardboard by 7.5 tonnes. IMEX also sets yearly
environmental goals for the recycling and reuse
of a wide range of other materials including
carpeting and visitor badges.
Helping IMEX reach its goals for 2010 were the
exhibitors who signed up to be part of the IMEX
Green Team by reducing the promotional material
handed out during the show, leaving their stands
clear of waste and using hydroelectric power for
their stands. With major stand holders such as Spain
and Germany taking part this made a significant
impact. The scheme will be expanded for 2011
with further details being announced nearer the
show.
New initiatives for 2011 includes a USB stick
amnesty at IMEX in Frankfurt, where delegates will
be asked to bring their spare (pre-cleaned) USB
sticks to Frankfurt to deposit them in a collection
point at the show. All USB sticks collected will then
be donated to schools in India.
A new environmental initiative called ‘badge
back’ is planned for IMEX America. As attendees
leave the exhibition they can recycle their badges in
designated badge boxes, each box representing a
different legacy project in the local area.
IMEX America’s Official Sustainability Consultant MeetGreen® will be ensuring that IMEX America achieves its environmental objectives in 2011, setting green standards for transport, food and beverage and the venue in particular.
www.imex-frankfurt.com/environmentalimex.html
www.imexamerica.com/sustainabilitycenter.html
Pioneering technology at Techno-How
-
IMEX technology
IMEX America is offering three
companies free Techno-How
Zone exhibiting space. Those
eligible will be young, up and
coming technology companies
from across North and South
America, who are pioneering
new and innovative technology
products that add a new
dimension of value, feedback,
speed or interactivity to an
event or meeting. As well as
free exhibiting space the
winners will receive marketing
support and an invitation to
the IMEX America Gala Party.
At Techno-How’s sister event –
Tech Tap at IMEX in Frankfurt this
year products including digital
business cards, cutting edge event
management software and
audience response systems were
on display. Michael Westerberg
from Delegia AB a 2010 Tech Tap
exhibitor, describes “a great
experience on the stand”.
New for IMEX America will be
the Gadget Bar located in the
Techno-How Zone, where meeting
planners will be able to play with
the coolest new gadgets for the
industry. Experts will be on hand
to answer any questions and
provide advice.
Applications are now open for
Techno-How here www.imexamerica.com/techno-how.html
For more on Tech Tap see www.imex-frankfurt.com/techtap.html
Campfire education at IMEX
-
Learning at IMEX
At IMEX 2010, Convention 2020 – held in the Professional Development and Innovation Pavilion and led by Rohit Talwar, Global Futurist and CEO of Fast Future Research – proved a must attend part of the programme. Delegates packed the room and an extra session was added to share the latest findings from the research programme sponsored by IMEX and ICCA. 2011 Frankfurt will see his return and delegates can look forward to more from year two of the Convention 2020 programme. Talwar explains, “These sessions will explore how changes in the world around us could impact destinations, venues, associations and other event owners and highlight how the industry is responding to the emerging challenges and opportunities.”
Meanwhile at IMEX America LearningCurve
Zone exhibitors will showcase the best education
and training for the meetings industry, giving delegates the chance to discuss how to drive their
business forward with the most innovative and
forward thinking experts. There will be shorter drop-in
workshops and hands on sessions called ‘campfires’ - small intimate circles of up to 10
people. Topics for the campfires will range from
social media, CV writing and cross-cultural skills.
The social media campfires will be run by John
Nawn, the founder of ‘The Perfect Meeting’ and
former Vice President of Education for PCMA, Nawn
comments, “Social media is ideally suited for
meetings and events. From engaging with your
audience before an event, to delivering just-in-time
information during your event, to keeping the
conversation going after the event, social media
represents a tremendous opportunity for event
marketers and event planners to accomplish their
business objectives.“
www.imex-frankfurt.com/whatson.html
www.imexamerica.com/whatson.html
Announcing IMEX America TV
-
IMEX America TV
The IMEX Group has partnered with
Convention News Television to launch IMEX
America TV, a new online video
network that will inform viewers
around the world about events
connected to IMEX America.
Convention News Television will
produce interviews and video in
advance of IMEX America, and daily news-style
coverage during the trade show in October 2011.
“These videos will help connect IMEX with
members of the meetings industry around the world and will demonstrate the marketing power of online
video. Its impact is only now starting to be
realised”, says Bill Peeper, VP of Sales and
Marketing for Convention News Television.
Videos will be posted on the IMEX
America website, emailed to the IMEX
database, and distributed via social
media. This offers exhibitors
important new marketing and profile
opportunities. Companies can be a
part of the videos and have their messages
distributed to a targeted audience beyond the trade
show’s immediate audience during the show.
To be sponsored by Carlson Companies, IMEX America TV has now been launched, featuring interviews with our Chairman, Ray Bloom, along with a host of endorsements from our partners and alliances. Watch a one-on-one with Ray on his new model coming to Las Vegas, October 2011.
Positive endorsement
Business is picking up. Planners and buyers are
looking to revive their
meetings and incentive
programmes and GEP (Global
Events Partners) and Krisam
Group stand ready to meet
their needs. With a handpicked
collection of 240 hotels
and 65 destination
management companies
worldwide, the two
companies will allow IMEX
America attendees to easily
preview multiple sites and
resources for upcoming
incentives and events.
Both companies are working with IMEX America to help bring 100 planners to Las Vegas. During the show, GEP and Krisam will also be hosting an event where planners can network and meet with hosting hotels and DMC partners.
 |
Chris White, Chairman & CEO, GEP |
GEP has been exhibiting at IMEX in Frankfurt for the past seven years. Launched in 1999, GEP includes more than 65 leading destination management companies (DMCs) around the world. Celebrating 35 years as an industry leader, Krisam Group, a membership organisation, is the top national sales company representing independent and unique hotels and a leading advocate for meeting planners. Combined, Krisam and GEP offer a unique one-stop solution for meeting professionals worldwide.
Hosted buyer excellence
IMEX in Frankfurt continues to develop as a ‘hub’ around which intermediaries hold their board meetings, customer and other key events. Both HelmsBriscoe and MCI will hold internal meetings during IMEX week to capitalise on the industry being in one place at one time.
One example of how we deliver powerful
added value through the quality of our hosted
programme, is our relationship with SportAccord, who are bringing a group of buyers to Frankfurt for
the first time in 2011. The organisation represents
sports governing bodies from all over the world
with its buyers responsible for placing huge events
such as The Master Games, which
attracts 30,000 plus attendees, as
well as Grand Prix and other high
grossing global events.
Demand from intermediaries
to deliver buyers from Eastern
Europe continues to
strengthen with increasing
interest from the Ukraine,
Azerbaijan and other
former Soviet Union
countries. The growing
markets of South America,
including Brazil, plus China and India will again be
well represented in 2011, with long-haul buyers
accounting for up to 25% of our Frankfurt
programme.
When IMEX America opens in Las Vegas next year it will have the largest hosted buyer programme of any show in the US. However it is not just scale but quality that makes IMEX America a powerful business proposition. With intermediaries including Starwood, Marriott, Intercontinental, Conference Direct, HelmsBriscoe, HPN, Global Cynergies, Carlson Marketing and Maritz Travel we have set a high benchmark, ensuring large numbers of highly qualified buyers from all industry sectors including strong representation from both the association and corporate markets.
|
Nikki Williams, Director of Hosted Buyer Programmes, IMEX Group |
Finally, I’d like to welcome Alan Ford, our new Operations Manager across both shows, Suzanne Medcalf who will be working in our New York office for IMEX America and Vicky Standen, new Account Manager for IMEX in Frankfurt.
Enlightened leadership at PCMA
Our goal for the PCMA (Professional
Convention Management Association) annual
meeting, Convening Leaders, in Las Vegas is to
provide relevant, valuable education that will
help our industry achieve success in 2011.
PCMA’s focus is on ‘need to know’ and not ‘nice
to know’ information. More than 3,000
meetings industry professionals attend
Convening Leaders each year for 60 or more
education sessions and incredible opportunities
to forge strong relationships with leaders in
the industry.
At IMEX in Frankfurt PCMA will present a timely
education session for industry professionals involved
in the planning and execution of international
meetings, and also showcase the latest PCMA
programmes, events, products and services.
Another important development for 2011 is the
fact that the PCMA International Summit will co-locate
with IMEX America in Las Vegas in October. The PCMA International Summit, held on October
13 and 14 (immediately after the show), will bring
together a select group of meeting professionals
and suppliers for high-level discussions on the state
of international meetings and the current challenges
related to conducting business in the global
marketplace. Attendees will share ideas, best
practices and learn from their colleagues.
 |
Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, PCMA |
PCMA will be attracting some of their most influential members as hosted buyers to both IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America – with up to 150 forecast to attend IMEX America alone.
AIPC Summit success
For the past five years, the AIPC International Sales and Marketing Summit has provided convention centre marketing executives with an invaluable opportunity to get together, exchange information and insights and get the latest perspectives from key client and supplier groups.
The Summit, at IMEX in
Frankfurt, is a rare chance for
collective discussions on key issues
at a time when industry
conditions are changing rapidly
and marketers need to look at
every available option to
communicate and act more
effectively. Evolving rate
structures, changing timeframes
for decision-making and
contracting, a new world of
technology and the emergence of
new approaches to bidding and
evaluating facilities and
destinations are all factors that
demand the broadest possible
look at how strategies must
respond to change – and the
Summit is the perfect place to do
that.
We have IMEX to thank for
its continuing success, as they are
not only a supporter but through
the exhibition have created the
conditions that ensure a critical
mass of attendance by
representatives from all over the
world, which ensures the widest
possible range of input to our
discussions.
 |
Edgar Hirt, President, AIPC www.aipc.org |
AIPC is the pre-eminent international association of convention centres, with a mission of encouraging, supporting and recognising excellence in centre management. Its global network has over 166 leading centres in 53 countries, with the active involvement of more than 650 centre management professionals.
Timing is everything
The other day I was on a conference call with Site member volunteers from several countries. It went something like this…
Patrick joined the call from NYC armed with his
second cup of coffee for the day. Debbie rang in
from the UK with thoughts of that nice glass of
wine after work. Ping connected from Beijing while
her colleagues were preparing for sleep. Cheryl
clicked in from California where dawn had just
ushered in a new day. And Sean
arrived on the call with his passport
in hand having just
cleared airport
security. An hour
later, with our objectives met everyone went back
to their respective time zones, duties, their jobs and
personal lives.
There’s something magical about this attitude. The past couple of years the industry has evolved
and all of us have been challenged to find ways to
get more done with less. I want to dedicate this
column to Site members who still find time to contribute to the industry and to Site. Site
members have stepped up and we are grateful for
it. Our network remains vibrant based on the
dedication of 300 plus volunteers of committees
and chapters, an incredible number.
 |
Brenda Anderson, CEO, Site www.siteglobal.com |
It reminds me of a conversation I had many years ago with Ray Bloom. I asked about his secret for success and he responded, “It’s simple. It’s people. It’s the relationships.” I couldn’t agree more. Don’t forget the Site International Conference will take place from 4–7 December in Cape Town, South Africa this year.
Viva the Venetian!
IMEX America is delighted to be working with The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas. Briefing spoke to Ron Reese, VP of Corporate Communications and Eric Bello, VP of Sales for the Las Vegas Sands Corp to find out more about this iconoclastic hotel complex.
Briefing: The Venetian, Sands Expo and Palazzo combined form the largest LEED-certified building in the world and the company has a number of green initiatives in place. Can you tell us more?
Ron: The combined Venetian, Sands Expo
(both LEED-LB Gold Certification), and Palazzo
Las Vegas, which in 2008 received LEED for
New Construction Silver certification, now
comprise the largest LEED building in the
world!
To minimise energy usage, The Palazzo uses energy-efficient light bulbs and the suites in The Palazzo feature a master power switch enabling guests to turn off all lights when leaving. Sensors in the suites adjust the temperature automatically according to guest occupancy. The entire resort uses a sophisticated building automation system that monitors and optimises heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting levels.
The largest solar thermal system in the US is mounted on the roof and provides hot water for swimming pools, spas and a portion of domestic hot water. Overall, the Las Vegas property saves about 73 million kWh annually against the LEED baseline performance. This is enough to power more than 6,500 average American households for a year.
Both The Venetian and The Palazzo
recycle more than 55% of solid waste, making
Las Vegas Sands Corp. the largest recycler on
the Strip. Over 75% of food waste is recycled,
either as animal feed at a local farm or as
compost.
Briefing: What do your regulars tell you
they appreciate most about The Venetian
and The Palazzo?
Eric: The Venetian and The Palazzo are all-suite
properties located at the epicentre of the
Strip. The size of the suites and amenities on the property are what the guests love most
about us. Our suites start at 650 sqf and
include sunken-living rooms and Italian marble
bathrooms. We have two of the best
nightclubs in North America in TAO and Lavo
plus casino bars such as the Laguna
Champagne Bar or Fusion Bar. The properties
boast the largest spa in the Americas, the
Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, a seven pool
complex, and high-end shopping at The
Grand Canal Shoppes and Shoppes at The
Palazzo. We even have a Walgreens for those
basic necessities. Our guests never have to
leave!
Briefing: I’m sure your staff have had
some unusual requests for help during
meetings and exhibitions. What was your
most challenging request?
Eric: A couple of recent requests that we
delivered on include the GM Experience where
we set up a complete mechanical fashion
show for their product line. We also did the
build-out of a full McDonalds on the ballroom
floor for McDonald’s franchise dealer meeting.
That was a sight to see, a whole McDonalds
set-up inside a ballroom.
Briefing: Las Vegas is obviously a hugely
competitive hotel marketplace. What
makes The Venetian and The Palazzo
extra special, and what are you most
proud of as a company?
Eric: What makes The Venetian and The
Palazzo special is that we have everything and
anything that a guest could want all in one
location. We have more meeting and exhibit
space than many major cities - and all in the
one building! But what makes our property
extra special though, and that we’re most
proud of, is all of our team members who
work hard each and every day to create the
elegant, glamorous and unique experience you
can only find here at The Venetian and The
Palazzo. From top to bottom they go out of
their way to provide the unmatched AAA®
FIVE-Diamond service that keeps our guests coming back time and time again..
See www.imexamerica.com/travelandaccom.html for great rates and early booking discounts for IMEX America participants plus how to book
A great cause and a great experience
-
IMEX Challenge 2010
In October 2009, the IMEX Challenge was launched with the announcement that Poland would host the first event. The Convention Bureau of Poland agreed to support the initiative along with the Warsaw Convention Bureau, local DMC Meeting Designers and Radisson Blu, Krakow, and the project began to take shape. We found a Warsaw family fostering 13 children who had applied for a grant to renovate their garden. It was agreed that the family would be sent on their first ever holiday to the Radisson Blu in Krakow, leaving a team of meetings industry volunteers to work on the garden.
This September the Challenge
volunteers - 22 people from Poland, San
Diego, NYC, Dubai, Germany, Atlanta,
UK, Ireland and Iceland – transformed the
garden over three physically demanding but
emotionally rewarding days. Two tonnes of soil,
five tonnes of sand, two tonnes of wood chipping,
hundreds of plants and over 325 hours of combined
labour were put in to the project. A wooden
summer house, a small rock garden, a pirate-ship
play area, new flower beds and a new climbing area
were built.
There are times in life where you realise you are part of something special and the few days the IMEX Challenge team spent in Poland was one of those times. A great cause, a great group and a great experience. Watch this space for news on the next Challenge in 2012!
|
Jon Bradshaw, Business Development Manager, IMEX Group |
Word of mouth - faster than the internet?
With so much focus on social networks, ever
changing technology and the thirst for ‘apps’ I
find more and more that the long established
‘word of mouth’ communications format is
proving to be better and better.
There is an inherent trust in the verbal opinions of respected industry leaders and colleagues, their reasoning and their beliefs. As we move on with the development of our second show, IMEX America in Las Vegas, this becomes more apparent. The verbal awareness has never been more obvious than at recent industry gatherings around the globe.
People are talking about the new opportunities
to be found at the show, basing opinions on the
successful pedigree of its established forerunner in
Frankfurt. A high level of expectation has been
created on the basis of previous results and a ‘need
to be there’ philosophy. The combination of a great
location, proven strategies and chances for success
for the participants, are major talking points at
industry gatherings.
|
Paul Flackett, Managing Director, IMEX Group |
Of course this wealth of verbal endorsement creates in turn heightened levels of expectation, something else for dissection and discussion around the industry meeting places. We are meeting this challenge head on with new ideas and enhanced show formats, it is after all important to keep the conversations flowing. It maybe some 12 months away but already IMEX America has created a huge impact of interest for those who want success. See you there!
Germany’s green leadership
Currently Germany has its best opportunity to establish itself as one of the leading locations for sustainable events. Not only is the German government setting international standards in environmental protection and energy efficiency, but German convention centres and meeting hotels are also among the international pioneers in this field.
As part of its responsibility for a greener
meetings and conventions industry, GCB German
Convention Bureau, IMEX in Frankfurt’s strategic
partner, is actively involved in a new project - the
new ISO standard 20121 for sustainable event
management which is to be completed by the time
the 2012 Olympic Games kick off in London. The
standard will produce an internationally recognised
framework for staging green events.
Being involved in developing the new ISO
standard is just one of several initiatives that help
the GCB position itself as a pioneer for ‘green
meetings’. We represent the interests of our 240
members in the German Standards Committee for
Sustainable Event Management. Our website www.germany-meetings.com has a separate ‘Green
Meetings’ area offering comprehensive advice on
sustainable event planning including a CO2
Calculator. On March 1 and 2, 2011 the GCB will
organise a Green Meetings & Events Conference in
cooperation with EVVC (European Association of
Event Centres).
 |
Matthias Schultze, Managing Director,
GCB |
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our times. And when it comes to finding effective strategies to address this challenge, Germany is setting important goals: as a stimulator for political processes but also as a host for meetings and conventions with worldwide impact.