Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for 2 at

Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for 2 at The Westin Chicago River North

The Westin River North is a premiere downtown Chicago hotel offering a a full spectrum of services in the heart of the city. Discover magnificent views of the majestic Chicago River, skyline and more that will leave you inspired to explore the Windy City, including the Chicago Architectural Tours, famous Michigan Avenue shopping, the enchanting theatre district, with endless dining options, and “The Bean” at Millennium Park.

Stay now through April 20, 2016 and receive Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for 2 daily

Rates starting at:
Thursday – Sunday
$178.50

Monday – Wednesday
$255.50

Conditions:
*All rates subject to availability at the time of booking *
*Higher rate may apply over certain peak dates.*
*Rates apply for new reservations only.*
*Rates are per room/per night for single/double occupancy.*
*Pictures do not apply to a specific room type unless stated.*
*Actual room may vary from picture.*

Consortium Tours of North America | 212-684-0001 | ctn@ctntours.com | http://www.ctntours.com
244 5th Avenue
10th Floor
New York, NY 10001

AccorHotels Deutschland startet in 2016 mit neuem Führungsteam

AccorHotels Deutschland startet in 2016 mit neuem Führungsteam
Laurent Picheral übernimmt Deutschlandgeschäft und strukturiert um

Mit einer neu strukturierten Führungsmannschaft startet der Hotelmarktführer AccorHotels Deutschland in das neue Jahr. Der Aufsichtsrat der deutschen Gesellschaft, eine hundertprozentige Tochter der französischen AccorHotels Group, hat Laurent Picheral zum 1. Januar 2016 zum Vorsitzenden der Geschäftsführung bestellt.

Picheral hat als CEO HotelServices Central & Eastern Europe und Mitglied des globalen Vorstands der AccorHotels-Gruppe bereits seit 2014 die Verantwortung für Deutschland inne. Er übernimmt ab sofort zusätzlich die formalen Aufgaben des Deutschlandchefs, wodurch eine Zwischenebene abgebaut wird und das deutsche Team direkt an ihn berichtet. An seiner Seite steht Fabien Valentin als Geschäftsführer, Chief Financial Officer und gleichzeitig COO der HotelInvestment-Sparte in Central Europe mit eigenem Geschäftsbereich und Führungsteam.

Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender Volker Büring: „Laurent kennt Deutschland, den Markt und die Teams aus seiner Zeit als Geschäftsführer und Finanzdirektor der deutschen Gesellschaft zwischen 2003-2010 sehr gut. Wir freuen uns, dass er nun selbst die Deutschland-Geschäfte direkt in die Hand nimmt. Das gibt Deutschland in der Gruppe eine noch größere Bedeutung und einen direkten Einfluss. Wir freuen uns auf die weiterhin gute und vertrauensvolle Zusammenarbeit und gratulieren Laurent ganz herzlich zu dieser neuen Aufgabe.“

Laurent Picheral: “Ich freue mich, ab sofort die Aufgaben des Deutschlandchefs zusätzlich zu meiner Funktion für Zentral- und Osteuropa direkt zu übernehmen. An meiner Seite steht ein schlagkräftiges Team. Unsere Gäste, Partner und Mitarbeiter und deren Ansprüche verändern sich schnell. Deshalb müssen wir uns auch verändern. Mehr vernetzes, interdependentes Arbeiten nach Themen statt nach Hierarchien und Abteilungen sind die Stichworte. Deshalb bauen wir Hierarchieebenen ab und fassen Arbeitsbereiche zusammen. Wir verändern unsere Führungs- und Arbeitskultur. So werden wir mit unseren Prioritäten erfolgreich sein und zum Inbegriff eines modernen Gastgebers.”

Verbunden mit dem Führungswechsel ist eine Umstrukturierung im Bereich HotelServices mit einer kleineren Geschäftsleitung, die gleichzeitig auch verantwortlich ist für Central Europe mit Österreich und Skandinavien :

Eike Alexander Kraft ist Sprecher des Unternehmens, leitet die Unternehmenskommunikation und das Nachhaltigkeitsprogramm PLANET 21. In einem neuen, innovativen “Newsroom”-Konzept werden alle kommunikativen Fähigkeiten inklusive PR, Social Media, Blogger Relations und Customer Relations in der Mitte des Unternehmens zusammengefasst.

Gregory Maliassas leitet die Operations Luxury- und Upscale mit den Marken Sofitel, Pullman und MGallery. Zudem übernimmt er die Verantwortung für die markenübergreifende Hotelentwicklung von AccorHotels.

Francois Le Marec ist verantwortlich für Business Analysis und den Zentraleinkauf.

Im Bereich von Daniela Schade wird Distribution & Marketing inklusive Sales, Revenue Management und Loyalty zusammengeführt, um den Erfordernissen eines weiter zu stärkenden Direktvertriebs mit einem starken Kundenbindungsprogramm, einem darauf abgestimmten Brand-Marketing und der Umsetzung des Digital-Plans von AccorHotels gerecht zu werden.

Die Gesamtleitung für die Umsetzung des Digital-Plans und die digitale Transformation übernimmt Frank Schedler neben der Verantwortung für die IT.

Volkmar Pfaff leitet die Operations Midscale mit den Marken Mercure und Novotel. Zudem übernimmt er markenübergreifend für AccorHotels die Leitung über die gesamte Transformation, die Franchisepartner Relations und Food & Beverage.

Als dritter Geschäftsführer und Arbeitsdirektor der deutschen Gesellschaft fungiert Michael Verhoff. Er leitet gleichzeitig die Human Ressources und Economy- und Budget-Operations mit den Marken der ibis-Familie in Central Europe.

First ever Lumiere London launches today, 14 January 2016

First ever Lumiere London launches today, 14 January 2016
Spectacular free-to-attend four-night event to chase away the January blues and show the city in a new light.

Developed by creative producers Artichoke and supported by the Mayor of London, Lumiere London runs from 14-17 January 2016, 6.30-10.30pm. Free to attend, the festival will re-imagine London’s urban landscape and architecture in 30 artworks across four main areas: King’s Cross; Mayfair and Grosvenor Square; Piccadilly, Regent Street, Leicester Square and St James’s; and Trafalgar Square and Westminster.

With founding support from Atom Bank, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Heart of London Business Alliance, London & Partners and King’s Cross, plus additional support from a host of partners and sponsors, including Westminster City Council, Lumiere London will transform parts of London’s West End and King’s Cross into a glittering pedestrian playground.

Lumiere London aims to attract Londoners and tourists alike into the heart of the capital during what is traditionally one of the quieter months of the year. Festival visitors are being encouraged to explore the dazzling night-time gallery on foot, discovering parts of the capital for the first time and seeing familiar sights in a new light.

There are easy walking routes between many of the 30 exhibits and plenty of opportunities to stay and linger over a drink or a meal at the many venues and attractions along the way.

Suggested walking routes include: from Leicester Square through to Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey; from Piccadilly Circus to Grosvenor Square via Piccadilly Arcade and St James’s; along Regent Street via Carnaby to Oxford Circus; and from Euston Road to King’s Cross, Granary Square and beyond. The festival map is available to download at visitlondon.com/lumiere and will be distributed to festival visitors in London’s West End and King’s Cross during the event.

Founding Partner Bloomberg Philanthropies is working alongside Artichoke to enhance public engagement with Lumiere London and will host “The Heart and Soul of the City’ on Friday 15 January, an event at which Lumiere London artists will discuss and debate the life of the city, the public realm and how they can be transformed by communities and artists. For further details see visitlondon.com/lumiere.

Artichoke has worked with Team London, the Mayor’s volunteering programme for London, to recruit over 200 volunteers from across the capital; from sharing knowledge of the city and recommending places to eat and drink, they will assist audiences in discovering more about the artworks and help make the festival a success.

The full festival programme is attached in the press pack and can be downloaded along with further details and images from the press area on the dedicated website created by lead media partner London & Partners: visitlondon.com/lumiere.

THE OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE TEAM KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR AT PCMA CONVENING LEADERS IN CANADA

PRESS RELEASE
THE OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE TEAM KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR AT PCMA CONVENING LEADERS IN CANADA

Muscat, January 12th 2016 – The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre’s (OCEC) international promotional campaign continued in 2016 by participating in the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders held in Vancouver, Canada. During this highly influential event, the OCEC Team connected with key decision-makers and meeting planners and shared the tremendous possibilities of Oman as an emerging destination and the OCEC as the region’s business events hub.

“The OCEC has a unique partnership with PCMA and the development of strong relationships with professional associations is one of the cornerstones of our business development plan,” said Trevor McCartney, the OCEC General Manager. “We were able to leverage existing links and create new connections with associations representing some of the key industries for Oman’s 2020 economic diversification strategy. It was also a great opportunity to update the PCMA Oman International Advisory Board on the final preparations for our fast approaching launch in September 2016.”

The OCEC General Manager went on to explain that there is a great deal of interest in the business events industry in Oman as a country and the OCEC as a venue. According to McCartney, various elements prompting that interest include the Centre’s phenomenal facilities, the Sultanate’s outstanding natural assets, as well as the incredible wealth of intellectual capital in a variety of sectors and the opportunities of knowledge exchange it offers.

Richard L. Baltimore III, Adviser to the Omran Board of Directors, the Sultanate’s master developer of the OCEC, commented that “Networking among this prime concentration of over 4,000 senior international business meeting industry leaders afforded a prime opportunity to introduce and promote the Sultanate of Oman as a serious contender within the growing global convention and business events industry. Although less well known than some other established destinations, I found both North American and other attendees to be very receptive to representations about the historical richness and uniqueness of Oman and its people. Indeed, the OCEC will herald a wide range of new opportunities and serve as an ideal vehicle to showcase the Sultanate’s immense intellectual capital, while acting as a catalyst to promote economic growth, research innovation and entrepreneurship.”

In addition to various meetings with industry representatives from around the world, the OCEC Team also met with Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International. The company recently acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, creating the world’s largest hotel combined company with 1.1 million rooms in more than 5,500 hotels in over 100 countries. The new five-star hotel, situated at the heart of the OCEC precinct will be operated under the JW Marriott brand.

With more than 6,500 members and 50,000 customers, PCMA is the world’s leading organisation and definitive authority for meetings and event professionals. In 2014, the OCEC signed a strategic partnership agreement with PCMA and a group of 13 influential, international buyers visited Oman to experience the destination first-hand and participate in the inaugural PCMA Oman Advisory Summit- the first Green Field destination outside of North America to stage such a summit. A second PCMA Oman Advisory Summit will take place at the OCEC in September 2016.

IBTM ARABIA 2016 SET TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

IBTM ARABIA 2016 SET TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH LINE-UP OF 100% NEW HOSTED BUYERS IN THE 5 STAR LOCATION OF ABU DHABI

ibtm arabia 2016 (www.ibtmarabia.com), the leading event for the Arabian meetings, incentives, conference and events industry, is opening with a line-up of 100% new Hosted Buyers. ibtm arabia 2016 will host a global mix of agency, corporate and association buyers, with this year’s show seeing a 61% increase in the amount of corporate buyers attending.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, commented, “Once again, we placed emphasis on buyer acquisition; we focused on finding undiscovered buyers who were new to our show and targeted emerging markets where prospective Hosted Buyers were just starting to learn about the fantastic industry they’re part of. We focused on elite, senior level decision makers with purchasing power; 73% of our Hosted Buyers are senior management, Managing Directors, or owners. As a result, we have an impressive, global line-up of brand-new Hosted Buyers set to attend the show this year.”

At the same time, ibtm arabia will once again offer a mutual match system that will allow both buyers and suppliers the opportunity to select who they want to meet with and set up a diary of up to 30 pre-scheduled appointments. Last year the show produced 3,000 appointments between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, continued, “Our Hosted Buyers organize events such as conferences and meetings, incentive travel, business travel, luxury travel, and are interested in products such as hotels, Destination Management Services, conferences/meeting venues, and attractions and entertainment. With so many MICE industries represented at ibtm arabia 2016, our mutual match system will help eliminate non-relevant meetings while ensuring that both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers have control of their time and investment at the event.”

Hosted Buyers will attend from regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia, South America, and the USA. Just some of the buyers set to attend include Incentive Connect International (Australia), ALATUR JTB (Brazil), AW Europe (Belgium), Egyliere (Egypt), SAP SE (Germany), Provident Global Capital Group (Hong Kong), Korea Railroad Research Institute (Korea), B.V.Coca-Cola (Poland), Peugeot Citroen (Russia), Allama Company (Saudi Arabia), Kuoni MICE & Special Groups (Switzerland), Abbott (UAE), Cognizant (UK) and Meridian Meetings Factory (USA).

Just some of the exhibitors attending ibtm arabia 2016 include Anabas Travel (Japan), L’Amphitrite Palace Morocco (Morocco), Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (Oman), Saint Petersburg Convention Bureau (Russian Federation), Singapore Tourism Board (Singapore), Melia Hotels International (Spain), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (UAE), Rotana Hotel Management PJSC (UAE), Etihad Airways (UAE), Arsenal Football Club (UK) and Hard Rock International (USA).

This year ibtm arabia will take place at the exclusive 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi from 9th – 11th February. ibtm arabia is run with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways.

For further information about exhibiting or to apply to be a Hosted Buyer, please visit http://www.ibtmarabia.com. For any enquiries, please contact ibtmarabia@reedexpo.co.uk

For a video explaining the new pod show format please visit http://www.ibtmarabia.com/About-Us/

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE TAKES LEADERSHIP POSITION IN SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

MEDIA RELEASE

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE TAKES LEADERSHIP POSITION IN SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
In an important milestone, the Darwin Convention Centre has achieved the Bronze Benchmarking Standard through EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry.

“This achievement shows the commitment of the Darwin Convention Centre to continually work to improve its performance as an environmentally sustainable events venue. As a large venue with significant operating requirements, it has been a key imperative to introduce a number of sustainable practices and programs to minimize the environmental footprint of the Centre,” said Janet Hamilton, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre.

Situated in lush tropical surrounds of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct overlooking the Darwin Harbour, the Darwin Convention Centre is proud of its spectacular location. “We are a major venue in one of Darwin’s most popular visitor destinations, so it is important that we showcase sustainable leadership and help protect this beautiful environment,” commented Ms. Hamilton.

“Darwin Convention Centre has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability and is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference,” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck.

“By working with EarthCheck, the Darwin Convention Centre has joined other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet,” Mr Moore said.

With an ongoing commitment to achieve the highest environmental credentials, the Darwin Convention Centre will now aim to proceed from the EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status to EarthCheck Certified Status.

For more information about EarthCheck, please visit http://www.earthcheck.org. To find out more about the Darwin Convention Centre’s sustainability initiatives, please visit http://www.darwinconvention.com.au/sustainability-initiatives.html

For further information, images or comment, please contact:
Jo Taylor Marketing Manager
T + 61 (0) 8 8923 9000
E jtaylor@darwinconvention.com.au

Stokes Hill Road, Darwin NT 0800 Australia http://www.darwinconvention.com.au

Gemeinschaftsumfrage von IMEX America und MPI

Gemeinschaftsumfrage von IMEX America und MPI: 40 Prozent aller Meeting-Experten wünschen sich Verbot für Smartphones und Tablets bei Veranstaltungen
Harvard Business Review ist gleicher Meinung

Die meisten Menschen sind der Meinung, dass der Drang, häufig auf das eigene Smartphone und Tablet zu schauen Gespräche massiv stört, vom Gegenüber ablenkt und die Konzentration beeinträchtigt. Aber in welchem Umfang haben mobile Endgeräte tatsächlich einen negativen Einfluss auf Meetings und Weiterbildungs-Events? Und sollte es tatsächlich verboten werden, diese in Veranstaltungen zu benutzen?

In einer aktuellen exklusiven Umfrage, die gemeinsam von IMEX America und MPI durchgeführt wurde*, befürworteten 40 Prozent der Befragten den Vorschlag, mobile Endgeräte während Konferenzen zugunsten einer erhöhten Aufmerksamkeit gänzlich zu verbieten. Sie wünschen sich, dass die Teilnehmer vor einer Veranstaltung gebeten sein sollten, die Geräte auszuschalten und zu verstauen.

Diese „no device policy“ spiegelt auch die Meinung einiger Experten wie die der Redakteurin des Harvard Business Review Amy Gallo wider. In ihrem Bericht „the Condensed Guide to running Meetings“ https://hbr.org/2015/07/the-condensed-guide-to-running-meetings empfiehlt sie, dass Eventorganisatoren mobile Endgeräte verbieten sollten, da diese unvermeidbar störend seien.

Das Hauptargument in diesem Bericht ist die Meinung der Harvard Business School Professorin Francesca Gino, die Multitasking für einen Mythos hält. Die meisten Menschen glaubten, dass Sie multitasken können, während sie einem Redner zuhören – allerdings bestätigten Studien, dass dies nicht funktioniere. „Wir können einfache Tätigkeiten wie Gehen und Sprechen gleichzeitig umsetzen, das Gehirn kann komplexe Herausforderungen jedoch nicht gleichzeitig bewältigen“ so Gino. „Studien zeigen, dass Personen, die mehrere Tätigkeiten gleichzeitig realisieren wollen nicht nur 50% mehr Zeit benötigen sondern auch 50% mehr Fehler machen“ erklärt die Professorin. Der Neurowissenschaftler Dr. Daniel Levitin bezeichnet in seinem Buch ‘The Organized Mind’ Multitasking sogar als ‘diabolische Illusion’.

Hinweise dafür, weshalb Konferenzteilnehmer so häufig auf ihre Telefone schauen könnte eine Studie, die Warwick Conferences in Auftrag gegeben hat, geben. Diese fand heraus, dass 81 Prozent der Studienteilnehmer während ihrer Anwesenheit bei Weiterbildungsveranstaltungen Mails erhalten hatten, die ein sofortiges Handeln erforderten – einige davon sogar von den Chefs, die sie zu diesem Kurs geschickt hatten.

Carina Bauer, CEO der IMEX Gruppe erklärt: „Der störende und ablenkende Einfluss von Smartphones und anderen Geräten ist sehr groß. Mächtig ist aber auch das Bedürfnis und der Druck – ob gefühlt oder real –, häufig die eigenen Nachrichten zu prüfen und auf Anforderungen schnell zu reagieren.

Die Frage ist nun, ob wir uns grundsätzlich gegen die Nutzung von mobilen Endgeräten während Events aussprechen oder diese akzeptieren und sogar Konzepte finden, sie zu integrieren. Es gibt eine Reihe von Apps, die bei Veranstaltungen nützlich sein können, sofern sie im Sinne der Eventorganisatoren eingesetzt werden. Beispiele hierfür sind Apps, die die Zuhörermeinung veranschaulichen (Sli.do) oder sogar Apps, die das Telefon in ein Mikrofon verwandeln (crowd mics). Außerdem ist die Frage, wie wirkungsvoll und nachhaltig ein Verbot auf geschäftlichen Veranstaltungen tatsächlich umsetzbar wäre.

Eventuell wäre ein vernünftigerer Weg, den Eventteilnehmern Zeit und Raum zur Beantwortung wichtiger Nachrichten zu geben, so dass diese dann wieder voll konzentriert den Veranstaltungsinhalten folgen können. Letztlich sollte das zeitliche und monetäre Investment, das eine Veranstaltungsteilnahme mit sich bringt, dafür sorgen, dass die Teilnehmer sich auf die Inhalte der Veranstaltung konzentrieren können – trotz des Wunsches mit ihrer E-Mail-Kommunikation auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben.“

* Die Fragen der IMEX Gruppe waren Teil der vierteljährlichen MPI Meetings Outlook Umfrage, die im Herbst 2015 stattgefunden hat.

IBTM ARABIA TO CONNECT ELITE MICE INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS IN DYNAMIC THREE-DAY EVENT

IBTM ARABIA TO CONNECT ELITE MICE INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS IN DYNAMIC THREE-DAY EVENT

This year ibtm arabia 2016 will take place from 9th to 11th of February at The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers on the famous promenade of Abu Dhabi with views of the Arabian Gulf and Cityscape.

The Jumeirah is an iconic development showcasing some of the best meetings facilities that Abu Dhabi has to offer. The luxurious 5-star hotel offers prestigious features such as exquisite hotel rooms, fine dining, a health club and Talise Spa and two levels of boutique shopping at the podium. The property will create the perfect setting for bringing together meetings industry professionals from across the globe.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, comments, “The industry in the Gulf region is growing and certainly Dubai 2020 is having an impact on international buyers looking to place business at ibtm arabia. But the focus of this event is about creating a community, providing a one-to-one ratio of buyer to supplier and to mutually match the appointments, which means both buyers and suppliers can select who they want to meet“.

“ibtm arabia creates a true industry community, where participants stay in the same hotel and attend the same activities, from meetings to lunch, drinks to dinner. This enables genuine ongoing relationships to develop which leads to real business. ibtm events are not about the size of an event, it is about making that event 100% valuable to all attendees.”

ibtm arabia 2016 has seen an increase in the total number of buyers attending, as well as an increase in corporate and regional buyers. This year’s event will feature an impressive line up of new, fully Hosted Buyers, including Egyliere (Egypt), Helen Holidays (Egypt), Pomalo Travel (Jordan), Dakkak Holidays (Jordan), Piece of Cake (Lebanon), Belair Travel & Tourism (Lebanon), Kanoo Travel (Saudi Arabia), Allama Company (Saudi Arabia), Expotrade Global (UAE), Abbott (UAE) and QnA International (UAE).

All Hosted Buyers are handpicked, personally invited and verified against a strict qualification criteria, which requires that they are senior level decision makers with proven budget and business to place internationally. 80% of the Hosted Buyers confirmed to attend ibtm arabia 2016 have a budget over $5 million and organise a variety of events; 90% organise conferences and meetings, 80% incentive travel, 71% business travel, and 59% luxury travel. Confirmed Hosted Buyers this year have also indicated a variety of product interests: 88% indicated an interest in hotels, 80% in Destination Management Services, 66% in conferences/meeting venues, and 63% in attractions and entertainment.

ibtm arabia will also feature a number of new exhibitors, including Fairmont, Raffles & Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, Alpha Destination Management, Attikos Ilios S.A., Europe Hotel LLC, Golden Tours, Hill MICE Saudi Arabia and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. All exhibitors at ibtm arabia will have access to the pre-scheduled appointment system, which gives exhibitors access to the world-class corporate, association, agency and incentive buyers at the show.

Exhibitors will be able to pre-schedule appointments with the Hosted Buyers that they identify as relevant to their business interests with a diary of up to thirty appointments. Last year saw over 3,000 appointments between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors at ibtm arabia, which we expect to increase in 2016.

The ibtm arabia 2016 experience will also include a ‘Discovery Day‘, combining a dedicated Knowledge Forum with networking and activities around Abu Dhabi which will invite buyers and exhibitors to discover the region and specifically its leading MICE products and services while enjoying exclusive networking events.

The Knowledge Forum will feature world-class keynote speaker, Carol Talbot, who sets out to empower professionals and help them think differently about their approach to work. Her objective is to support professionals towards creating and delivering a vision for themselves, which will ultimately accelerate them towards succeeding in this industry. Carol will highlight the difference between those who attract success and those that don’t. She will also share some of her top leadership tactics, which will provide attendees with useful tips around how to influence people.

The combination of the pre-scheduled appointments and nine networking opportunities at ibtm arabia 2016 including Discovery Day, a Welcome Reception and Gala Evening ensures valuable touch points for everyone to help make meaningful connections.

Post show research from 2015 confirmed that 95% of both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers were satisfied with the event and the business they did. So, this year ibtm arabia plans to deliver the same experience, which will continue to deliver maximum return on investment for all suppliers and buyers participating.

For more information visit www.ibtmarabia.com

Westminster Abbey, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, and the Granary Building

Lumiere London, 14th-17th January 2016

Westminster Abbey, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, and the Granary Building at King’s Cross amongst locations set to shine in first ever Lumiere London.

Full programme and locations revealed for spectacular four-night event that will chase away the January blues and show the city in a new light.

The full programme for London’s first Lumiere light festival has been revealed today, a brand new event that is set to transform the city’s streets and buildings across four evenings this month.

Developed by creative producers Artichoke and supported by the Mayor of London, Lumiere London runs from 14th-17th January 2016, 6.30-10.30pm. Free to attend, the festival will re-imagine London’s urban landscape and architecture in 30 artworks across four main areas: King’s Cross; Mayfair and Grosvenor Square; Piccadilly, Regent Street, Leicester Square and St James’s; and Trafalgar Square and Westminster.

With founding support from Atom Bank, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Heart of London Business Alliance, London & Partners and King’s Cross, plus additional support from a host of partners and sponsors, including Westminster City Council, Lumiere London will transform parts of London’s West End and King’s Cross into a glittering pedestrian playground.

Lumiere London aims to attract Londoners and tourists alike into the heart of the capital during what is traditionally one of the quieter months of the year. Festival visitors are being encouraged to explore the dazzling night-time gallery on foot, discovering parts of the capital for the first time and seeing familiar sights in a new light.

There are easy walking routes between many of the 30 exhibits and plenty of opportunities to stay and linger over a drink or a meal at the many venues and attractions along the way.

Suggested walking routes include: from Leicester Square through to Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey; from Piccadilly Circus to Grosvenor Square via Piccadilly Arcade and St James’s; along Regent Street via Carnaby to Oxford Circus; and from Euston Road to King’s Cross, Granary Square and beyond. The festival map will be available to download at www.visitlondon.com/lumiere and will be distributed to festival visitors in London’s West End and King’s Cross during the event.

NEWLY-ANNOUNCED INSTALLATIONS INCLUDE:
At Westminster Abbey, French digital artist Patrice Warrener will use his chromalithe technique to “paint” the Abbey’s West Gate in an electric riot of colour. The Light of the Spirit will highlight the series of stone statues above the Great West Door including Dr Martin Luther King and El Salvadorean Bishop Oscar Romero, as well as parts of the two Western Towers built by Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor.

In Piccadilly, the Lumineoles light sculptures will dance with the elements, while on the façade of BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, leading stars and directors of British screen and TV will appear as part of 195 Piccadilly, a dynamic, technicolour artwork by Newcastle-based studio NOVAK, with a striking soundtrack by Ed Carter. Exploring the different genres of cinema and television and using images from BAFTA’s archive, including Michael Caine, Olivia Coleman, Idris Elba, Steve McQueen, and Julie Walters, the piece will draw out the architectural features of the building and refer to its origins as the home of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. (Supported by Levy Real Estate and in partnership with Heart of London Business Alliance and BAFTA 195 Piccadilly)

At King’s Cross, visitors will be able to explore the area, its buildings and spaces through 11 installations and projected artworks, including Circus of Light, a magical animation across the breadth of the repurposed Granary Building especially commissioned for the festival from Portuguese studio Ocubo, and Diver by Ron Haselden, a 17-metre light sculpture at the King’s Cross Swimming Pond Club.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
King’s Cross
· Light Graffiti, Floating Pictures (Sweden) in collaboration with Digital Art Center (Stockholm University) and Pew Square. An interactive installation that invites audiences to use torches on smartphones or any other source of light to hand to paint onto their surroundings. (In partnership with King’s Cross)

· Spectra-3: Lux, Field (UK). A living, sensing and moving light sculpture, attempting to connect with the people around it and with something far, far out there. (In partnership with King’s Cross)

Previously announced installations in King’s Cross:
· binaryWaves by Lab[au] (Belgium), Regent’s Canal
· Joining the Dots by Cleary Connolly (Ireland/France), Battle Bridge Place
· Litre of Light by Mick Stephenson (UK) with Central Saint Martins students and MyShelter Foundation Central Saint Martins Crossing
· Platonic Spin by Nathaniel Rackowe (UK), Regent’s Place, Euston Road

London’s West End
· Elephantastic by Catherine Garret/Top’lá Design (France)
A strikingly life-like elephant emerges from a cloud of dust to make his slow and heavy journey through the archway on Air Street between Piccadilly and Regent Street, bringing the sounds of the jungle to central London. (In partnership with Regent Street Association and The Crown Estate)

· I Haven’t Changed my Mind in a Thousand Years, Beth J. Ross (UK)
Two long-forgotten 11th century proverbs discovered in a medieval manuscript, re-written in neon and exhibited on the Piccadilly Arcade. (In partnership with Great Portland Estates)

· Keyframes by Groupe LAPS/Thomas Veyssiére (France)
Veyssiere’s trademark LED stickmen emerge from an un-noticed 19th century frieze at the top of Liberty House on Regent Street and run riot across the front of the building. (In partnership with Regent Street Association and The Crown Estate)

· Luminéoles, Porté Par Le Vent (France)
Floating along Piccadilly and lit from within, these graceful dreamlike creatures will dance with the elements, ebbing and flowing with the music and, creating beautiful colourful shapes as they go. (In partnership with Heart of London Business Alliance)

Previously announced installations in London’s West End
· 1.8 London by Janet Echelman (US), Oxford Circus
· Garden of Light by TILT (France), Leicester Square
· Les Voyageurs by Cedric Le Borgne (France), St James’s
· Shaida Walking 2015 by Julian Opie (UK), Broadwick Street

Mayfair / Grosvenor Square
· Aquarium, Benedetto Bufalino & Benoit Deseille (France).
A defunct red phone box in Mayfair becomes a living aquarium filled with goldfish. (In partnership with the Grosvenor Estate)

· Brothers & Sisters, Ron Haselden (France)
Part of a series of works created by Haselden over a number of years, this installation is based on drawings by schoolchildren from the Isle of Dogs, London, and transformed into large sculptures using LED embedded light-rope. (In partnership with the Grosvenor Estate)

· Sanctuary, Sarah Blood (UK). Sarah Blood’s installation of neon birdhouses nestles in the trees in Brown Hart Gardens, connected by a soundscape of choreographed birdsong. (In partnership with the Grosvenor Estate)

· Spinning Night in Living Colour, Elaine Buckholz (US). Buckholz reimagines Van Gogh’s painting All Night Café sampled like a spinning record with a shaking video camera and transformed into a series of moving line paintings. With an original sound score by Floor van de Velde and Elaine Buckholtz. (In partnership with the Grosvenor Estate)

Trafalgar Square
· Centrepoint. The giant neon letters that used to grace the top of London’s Centrepoint building find a temporary new home at London’s epicentre in Trafalgar Square. (Supported by Almacantar)
· Plastic Islands, Luzinterruptus (Spain). A series of glowing sculptures in the Trafalgar Square fountains. Made from thousands of recycled plastic bottles, the piece is inspired by and a commentary on the “Eighth-Continent”, the garbage patch of marine litter accumulated in the North Pacific Ocean.

Founding Partner Bloomberg Philanthropies is working alongside Artichoke to enhance public engagement with Lumiere London and will host “The Heart and Soul of the City’, an event at which Lumiere London artists will discuss and debate the life of the city, the public realm and how they can be transformed by communities and artists. For further details see http://www.visitlondon.com/lumiere.

Artichoke is working with Team London, the Mayor’s volunteering programme for London, to recruit over 200 volunteers from across the capital to help make the festival a success. From sharing knowledge of the city and recommending places to eat and drink, to helping audiences discover more about the artworks, this week is the last chance to sign up here: http://volunteerteam.london.gov.uk

The full festival programme is attached in the press pack and can be downloaded along with further details from the dedicated website created by lead media partner London & Partners: www.visitlondon.com/lumiere.

Recherchieren, filmen, bloggen: ITB Berlin in Echtzeit

Recherchieren, filmen, bloggen: ITB Berlin in Echtzeit
22. Presseworkshop „young press“ auf der ITB Berlin in Kooperation mit der Messe Berlin – „young press“-Bewerbungsschluss am Freitag, 12. Februar 2016

Berlin, 4. Januar 2016 – Nachwuchsjournalisten können sich ab sofort für den „young press“-Presseworkshop der Thomas-Morus-Akademie Bensberg auf der ITB Berlin bewerben. Der einwöchige Workshop bietet vom 7. bis 12. März 2016 (Montag bis Samstag) jungen Touristikern sowie Journalisten und solchen, die es werden wollen, die Gelegenheit, in der Redaktion „young press“ live vor Ort dabei zu sein und von zahlreichen Themen rund um die Reisemesse zu berichten. Die Thomas-Morus-Akademie veranstaltet das Projekt auf der ITB Berlin im Auftrag der Messe Berlin bereits zum 22. Mal.

Unter Anleitung von professionellen Reisejournalisten recherchieren bis zu 15 ausgewählte Teilnehmer des Workshop täglich neue Themen und erstellen Artikel oder Kurzfilme nach den Regeln des journalistischen Handwerks. Sie berichten von Trends und Neuheiten der Touristikbranche besonders auch im Bereich der Reiseangebote für Jugendliche und Kinder. Ebenso bloggen die Jungjournalisten ihre Ergebnisse auf dem eigenen Blog, www.young-press.de, sowie über Xing, Facebook und Twitter. Young press bietet damit auch in diesem Jahr eine intensive Einführung in den Reisejournalismus und ein „Training on the job“. Die Redaktion informiert so auch Journalisten und Besucher der ITB Berlin in Echtzeit.

Aussteller aus über 180 Ländern und Regionen, mehr als 110.000 Fachbesucher und Nachwuchskräfte aus allen touristischen Bereichen präsentieren auf der führenden Messe der weltweiten Reiseindustrie sowie dem weltweit größten Fachkongress, dem „ITB Berlin Kongress“, das globale touristische Angebot. Die ITB Berlin gilt deshalb auch als wichtiges Sprungbrett für Berufseinsteiger und Young Professionals.

Bewerbungsverfahren: Bewerben können sich Interessierte aus dem gesamten Bundesgebiet im Alter von 18 bis 25 Jahren unter Beilage von Arbeitsproben bis Freitag, den 12. Februar 2016 per Email oder postalisch bei: Thomas-Morus-Akademie, Frau Anne-Katrin Kleinschmidt, „young-press- Redaktion, Overather Str. 51-53, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach oder: akademie@tma-bensberg.de.

Wichtiger Hinweis: Die Zusagen erfolgen bis Freitag, 19. Februar. Der Kostenbeitrag für den einwöchigen Workshop in Höhe von 120 Euro wird von der Akademie unmittelbar nach Zusage in Rechnung gestellt. Das Programm sowie Hinweise zur Bewerbung sind auch unter http://www.tma-bensberg.de abrufbar.

Über die ITB Berlin und den ITB Berlin Kongress
Die ITB Berlin 2016 findet von Mittwoch bis Sonntag, 9. bis 13. März, statt. Von Mittwoch bis Freitag ist die ITB Berlin für Fachbesucher geöffnet. Parallel zur Messe läuft der ITB Berlin Kongress von Mittwoch bis Samstag, 9. bis 12. März 2016. Er ist weltweit der größte Fachkongress der Branche. Mehr Informationen sind zu finden unter www.itb-kongress.de. Die ITB Berlin ist die führende Messe der weltweiten Reiseindustrie. 2015 stellten 10.096 Aussteller aus 186 Ländern ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund 175.000 Besuchern, darunter 115.000 Fachbesuchern vor.

Treten Sie dem ITB Pressenetz auf www.xing.de bei.
Werden Sie Fan der ITB Berlin auf www.facebook.de/ITBBerlin.
Folgen Sie der ITB Berlin auf www.twitter.com.
Sie finden aktuelle Informationen im Social Media Newsroom auf http://newsroom.itb-berlin.de/de

Pressemeldungen im Internet finden Sie unter www.itb-berlin.de im Bereich Presse / Pressemitteilungen. Nutzen Sie auch unseren Service und abonnieren Sie dort die RSS-Feeds.