OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE ANNOUNCES AUGUST OPENING DURING IMEX FRANKFURT 2016

OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE ANNOUNCES AUGUST OPENING DURING IMEX FRANKFURT 2016

 

Muscat, April 20^th 2016 – Showcasing the tremendous possibilities of Oman as a destination and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) as the world’s convention venue of choice, the OCEC, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, participated at premier events industry exhibition; IMEX Frankfurt 2016. At the influential event, the Ministry of Tourism and the OCEC held a media conference to officially announce the highly anticipated opening of OCEC Phase One on 15^thAugust, 2016 and the launch of the Oman Convention Bureau, created to provide regulatory assistance for business tourism in Oman and spearhead growth of the emerging industry.

Commenting on both announcements, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism said: “A unique and irresistible country with delegate appeal in abundance, Oman is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting meeting, convention, and exhibition destinations with the catalyst being the nation’s pillar project, the OCEC. IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is a valuable opportunity to present the formidable array of assets that make Oman such a dynamic meetings environment and to introduce the Oman Convention Bureau and its diverse services to the global events industry.”

Outlining the strengths that make Oman an oasis of opportunity, Her Excellency highlighted the Sultanate’s robust economy, flourishing enterprise culture, immense intellectual capital, reputation as one of the world’s safest and most tranquil destinations, and its youthful and ambitious multi-cultural population. She also pointed out the Sultanate’s wealth of natural assets including an enviable location at the nexus of East-West trade routes, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture and heritage. The Under Secretary went on to emphasise the investment that has been made in infrastructure to support Oman’s business tourism, including the redevelopment and expansion of Muscat and Salalah International Airports; the construction of new regional airports in Duqm and Sohar; the expansion of Oman’s Air’s network route; the establishment of new budget carrier Salam Air; and the construction of many new hotels.

Trevor McCartney OCEC General Manager added: “The OCEC is ready for business and we can’t wait to meet the world! With our Phase I facilities coming online on 15^thof August 2016, we are set to impress with 22,000 superb square metres of flexible column free exhibition space and ten state-of-the-art hospitality suites supported by a full service kitchen, staffed by expert chefs. On top of that, the purpose built OCEC Precinct is just four kilometres and ten minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport, conveniently located close to the myriad of cultural attractions in Muscat, and within easy reach of an array of luxury hotels and resorts, stunning beaches, mountains, desert and wadis – ideal for sightseeing and a host of outdoor activities.”

McCartney added, “IMEX Frankfurt 2016 was a great platform that helped us nurture global networking opportunities with potential clients interested in bringing their business to Oman and the OCEC as one of the world’s most compelling events destinations.”

While participating at IMEX Frankfurt 2016, the OCEC engaged in a series of pre-scheduled appointments with high profile organisations and professional associations from sectors pivotal to Oman’s economic diversification strategy. To find out more about the OCEC, please go to: www.omanconvention.com.

Business Events Canada honours international partners at ‘Canada Vision Awards’

Business Events Canada honours international partners at ‘Canada Vision Awards’

Business Events Canada (BEC), the division of Destination Canada responsible for bringing meetings, conventions and incentive programs to Canada, hosted the sixth version of its annual Vision Awards on Tuesday 19th of April during the IMEX 2016 trade show for MICE professionals held in Frankfurt, Germany.  During a regal evening to praise innovation and partnerships in promoting Canada, BEC recognised international clients and media who share a common vision “To inspire the world to explore Canada”. Awarded clients were:

The vision award for ‘International Customer of the Year’ was presented to Grassroots, this category awards a company that has worked closely with the BEC and its partners to bring a significant piece of business to the country. Grassroots’ confirmed group with Dentons is set to bring 1,500 delegates to Canada. The award was received by PJ Mitchell, Account Director at Grass Roots Meetings and Events.

The vision award for ‘Partner Organisation of the Year’ was given to MCI Dublin, this category awards an organization that has collaborated with Destination Canada to expand Canada’s presence and advance its brand on the global stage. MCI Dublin has been instrumental in progressing BEC’s vertical ICT sector in Dublin as well as being a constant ambassador to their end user clients pushing Canada. The award was received by Mark Berry, National Sales Director at MCI Dublin.

The vision award for ‘Media Partner of the Year’ was presented to C&IT, Conference and Incentive Travel Magazine, for countless and quirky articles including coverage on Northwest Territories. The award was received by Jack Carter, Senior Reporter, Conference & Incentive Travel Magazine at Haymarket Media Group.

Emma Cashmore, Managing Director of Axis Travel Marketing, the European GSA for the BEC, commented: “The Canada Vision Awards are a great way for us to showcase to the global meetings industry the successes that we have enjoyed by building on valuable collaborations with our partners. We are delighted to host this special evening as it allows us to honour our partners who have shown their continuous support and become Ambassadors for the Country”.

Melbourne to host largest ever Chemical Congress in Australia

Melbourne to host largest ever Chemical Congress in Australia

Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the 17th Asian Chemical Congress (17ACC), and will be part of the Royal Australian Chemical Institutes (RACI) 2017 Centenary Congress, which will be the largest chemical congress ever held in Australia, in celebration of RACI’s centenary.

RACI has partnered with seven prestigious chemistry conferences, now including the 17ACC, to present what will be the most premium congress of partner conferences running concurrently, and covering the breadth of chemical science, to celebrate RACI’s 100 years of existence.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said this will be one of the most significant congresses in the world for chemistry.

“Events of this calibre put Melbourne and Victoria on a world stage, and contribute significantly to our economy. Business events are the highest yielding sector of the Victorian visitor economy, delivering an economic contribution of $9.98 billion and 65,000 jobs annually,” Mr Eren said.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) secured the 17ACC, which will be the largest conference within the umbrella congress, and is anticipated to attract 1,200 delegates over 3 days and deliver $6.2 million in economic impact for the State.

“Securing this meeting is a major coup for Melbourne and Victoria and provides great recognition of our expert chemistry sector,” said MCB Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger.

“Melbourne’s thriving chemistry community makes it the ideal city to advance the science and practice of chemistry.”

Melbourne’s winning bid was a testament to the successful collaboration between the Bureau, government and industry partners.

“Our ‘Team Melbourne’ approach to both bids and business events themselves means we can deliver events that exceed expectations and leave a lasting legacy on the local and global community.

“17ACC will boost public interest in chemistry and has the potential to unify chemists to drive new policy outcomes,” Ms Bolinger said.

Immediate Past President of the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies, Prof. Dr. Supawan Tantayanon, said she and her colleagues were looking forward to holding the 17ACC in Melbourne.

“With RACI being headquartered in Melbourne the chemistry network is extensive. We are confident that by choosing Melbourne, the 17ACC will attract the world’s top research chemists as well as provide opportunities for emerging young chemists from all over the world.

“MCB in collaboration with RACI and industry submitted a bid that answered our objectives, and demonstrated its track record in staging major conferences in this sector,” Prof. Dr. Supawan Tantayanon said.

Professor Mark Buntine, Centenary Congress Chair said the 17ACC will be one of the hallmark meetings of the congress.

“The RACI 2017 Centenary Congress will be the biggest chemical congress ever held in Australia and the 17ACC will play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of local and international chemists to progress and display their work,” Mr Buntine said.

The RACI 2017 Centenary Congress will attract 3,500 delegates over five days, and bring $22 million in economic contribution to Victoria. The Festival will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in July 2017.

IMEXrun doubles in size to 800 registered participants

IMEXrun doubles in size to 800 registered participants

After two sold-out 2015 editions in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, the IMEXrun was back in Frankfurt and now twice the size, bringing with it opportunities to accelerate business via networking in a fun run along Frankfurt’s River Main. The IMEXrun, inspired by Rio de Janeiro, took place during IMEX in Frankfurt 2016 and was again a sold-out edition. The run was developed and organised by sports by tlc, a company driven by its strong belief in the unique ability that sport has to enhance corporate responsibility, personal development and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The fun run was supported by Riotur, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau and Embratur and took place on April 20th at 07:00 am.

800 participants were expected at the free of charge event which was open to all IMEX participants. Visit.Rio offered each runner a t-shirt in their national colours and has also introduced an award for “Most Active Nation”, reflecting this year’s Olympic spirit, won by Spain.

“We are delighted to be partnering with sports by tlc to hold the IMEXrun again. Since its launch a year ago, the event has become an important part of our wellbeing initiatives and is hotly anticipated by exhibitors and buyers alike. We are grateful to Rio and Brazil for their continued support of this event” says Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX.

Alfredo Lopes, Executive President of Rio de Janeiro Convention & Visitors Bureau, states: “IMEXrun Frankfurt is an excellent opportunity for all the MICE professionals to establish a great synergy, through a sports & business spirit. The event has been a creative way to show how dynamic is our city. These are the kind of action we aim to offer to the Tourism industry, reinforcing the natural vocation of Rio de Janeiro to be a destination of congresses and events, business, well-being, sports and leisure.”

Antonio Pedro Figueira de Mello, Rio de Janeiro Tourism Secretary confirms that “the run that is inspired by Rio de Janeiro is already an important part of IMEX. It generates a positive expectation between exhibitors and buyers and it attracts a great number of participants, with whom we keep a relaxed and efficient contact.

Diogo Assis, group events by tlc CEO states “we are happy this fun run grew to a higher level in only 1 year, and also proud that the industry adopted in large scale such an initiative which offsets all the great social events around IMEX and connect people through sports”.

The IMEXrun is an important part of IMEX’s “Be Well at IMEX” initiatives. These include a selection of health & wellbeing education sessions, the new Be Well Lounge which is a device-free space to take time out or join relaxation or mindfulness classes and an online wellness guide with useful tips including healthy food options on offer at IMEX cafés and exhibitor stands.

30 photos in high-resolution for a WeTransfer download

Photo album available on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.458421107690308.1073741845.265284097004011&type=3 

IACC Undergoes Re-branding and Launches New Logo

IACC Undergoes Re-branding and Launches New Logo

(London, UK April, 2016) — IACC announces the re-branding of the association.

IACC has experienced rapid growth in its membership and global reach. Being the only global association to represent small to mid-sized meetings focused venues and influenced by exciting innovations it is seeing from members, IACC has identified that the brand needs an update in order to represent all 378 members in 22 countries. The new brand addresses the needs of a dynamic, changing market place, while leveraging the brand equity IACC has built over 35 years.

In developing their new branding, IACC conducted extensive research with members and industry stakeholders across 4 continents. The association worked closely with members and industry ambassadors to talk about what the brand said about them now and what members wanted it to stand for in future. IACC took these findings and concentrated all ideas into a set of brand pillars which are aligned with the core values by which it wants to live and to foster a feeling of collaboration, connectedness and impactful outcomes.

Today IACC’s membership reflects more than just conference centres, each branded in individual ways, but all providing the same high quality standards and delivery of exceptional meetings that began in the 1980’s under IACC.  Member venues include conference centres, seminar houses, day meeting venues, corporate universities, and meetings-focused hotels and resorts. The association will no longer refer to itself as theInternational Association of Conference Centres, but will simply be referred to as IACC.

Alex Cabañas, IACC President comments “This is a monumental time in IACC’s 35-year history.  We are an exclusive association of the brightest minds and exceptional meeting venues in the world and we are excited to celebrate who we are today and who we want to become with this fresh new logo and identity.  This gives us a refreshing new look that reflects and projects a modern, forward thinking and innovative personality, which remains a unique characteristic of the IACC global community.”

The new logo has been designed to reflect a sense of symmetry, with each shape overlapping in unison to further illustrate the strength and alignment of universal connectivity. The four symbols represent the four brand pillars which are the signature qualities and attributes that exemplify the IACC experience.

IACC’s Brand Pillars
Exclusive meeting venues, by design
At the forefront of meetings innovation
Globally connected network of passionate members
Curators of exceptional meeting experiences

Mark Cooper, IACC CEO comments “As we continue to grow and expand the association globally to thrive in what is undoubtedly a fast changing meetings industry, the brand needed to evolve to acknowledge this.  I am excited to share with our members and partners, the brand pillars which speaks to the creative bridge to the incredible unity of our members globally.”

Following the launch, the new brand will be at the heart of new publications, communications and marketing and in a soon to be re-launched website. Logos and usage guidelines are available to download from IACC’s website here and see the unveiling of the logo on video on IACC’s YouTube Channel.

IACC wishes to thank all the members and their industry partners who contributed to the research and interview stages of the exercise, and the global volunteer group for their time, patience and expertise in developing the new logo.

Eventtechnologie der Zukunft

Eventtechnologie der Zukunft, CSR als Werttreiber und Destinationsmarketing in schwierigen Zeiten Spannende Fokusthemen im IMEX Weiterbildungsprogramm

Auch in diesem Jahr bietet die IMEX in Frankfurt ein breitgefächertes messebegleitendes Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm an, das sämtliche Trends und Herausforderungen der internationalen Veranstaltungsbranche beinhaltet und wichtige globale Entwicklungen berücksichtigt. So startete der erste Messetag gleich mit einer Fülle spannender und inspirierender Weiterbildungseinheiten und Formate, zwischen denen die Zuschauer und Aussteller auswählen konnten.

Destinationsmarketing in bewegten Zeiten
Wie kann Destinationsmarketing in schwierigen Zeiten aussehen? Diese Frage beleuchtete die englischsprachige Hot Topic Session „Destination Marketing in difficult Times“, moderiert von Dominik Deuber, CEO Domset und Gründer des MICE Clubs. Elisabeth Van Ingelgem, Director Convention & Association Bureau von Visit Brussels, Dr. Bettina Bunge, Geschäftsführerin Dresden Marketing GmbH sowie Clément Laloux, Direktor des Paris Convention Bureau standen Rede und Antwort, wie einzelne Destinationen auf die unterschiedlichen Ereignisse der letzten Wochen und Monate reagierten und welche Strategien zur Anwendung kamen.

Eventtechnologie Quo Vadis?
Eine Veranstaltung ohne Technologie? Undenkbar! Aber welche Tools die Planung und Organisation von Veranstaltungen wirklich vereinfachen und welche die neuesten Entwicklungen sind, erfuhren die Teilnehmer der heutigen IMEX Technology Tour, moderiert vom Social Media Profi Christine Fuchs („the social fox“). Dabei wurden wesentliche Fragen behandelt und beantwortet, die den Teilnehmern bei der Bewertung und Selektion des umfangreichen Angebots an Eventtechnologien helfen:

• Wie kann Technologie meine Arbeit erleichtern?

• Wie funktionieren Tools aus den Bereichen Eventorganisation, Marktforschung und Social Engagement?

• Was muss ich bei der Auswahl eines Anbieters beachten?

Corporate Social Responsibility als Werttreiber in der MICE-Branche
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) steht auch in der MICE-Branche zunehmend im Fokus und entwickelt sich stets weiter. Dabei sollte das Konzept sich schlüssig in die Gesamtstrategie eines Unternehmens einfügen. Diese IMEX-Tour, moderiert von Tanja Knecht, 4Good Consulting, vermittelte aktuelle Beispiele aus verschiedenen Bereichen und Schwerpunkten des Veranstaltungsmanagements. Die Teilnehmer besuchten ausgewählte Messestände und erfuhren, wie CSR und Nachhaltigkeit jeweils strategisch verankert und praktisch gelebt wird. Die Messebesucher konnten so wertvolle Praxis-Tipps mit nach Hause nehmen:

• Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit, Profitabilität und Qualität gleichzeitig steigern – wie geht das?

• CSR als Werttreiber – konkrete Ansätze und gelebte Beispiele

• Wertschöpfung durch Wertschätzung – warum alles im Unternehmen anfängt

Tanja Hagelberg, Leiterin des Event-Zentrums des ifw Institut für Weltwirtschaft, bemerkt über ihre Teilnahme: „Ich komme aus dem öffentlichen Dienst und meine Erwartung war, Einblicke zu erhalten, wie ich das Thema Corporate Social Responsibility intern implementieren kann. Die Tour hat mir wertvolle Impulse und konkrete Anregungen hierfür gegeben. Wir planen demnächst eine interne Tagung und ich werde sicherlich einige der heute gehörten Ideen ganz konkret dort einbringen.“

Das „Play Room“ – spielerisch zum Eventkonzept

Basierend auf dem großen Erfolg auf der IMEX America präsentierte die IMEX in Frankfurt neu in diesem Jahr erstmals das „Play Room“ – eine interaktive Kreativzone, in der innovative Herangehensweisen an die Veranstaltungsplanung spielerisch erprobt werden können.

Ziel dieses Formats ist es, Denkmuster zu durchbrechen und einstudierte Prozesse auch einmal zu hinterfragen. Von der „5 Minutes Success Story“, bei der die Teilnehmer einer Veranstaltung sich zur Einstimmung gegenseitig ihr bestes Erfolgserlebnis des letzten Jahres erzählen über die Schaffung spielerischer Lernumgebungen mittels bunter Karten und Malstifte bis zur Methode der „Random Acts of Weirdness“, bei der die Teilnehmer möglichst verrückte Ideen entwickeln sollen – sie erhielten eine Auswahl an Möglichkeiten, die schnell und einfach im eigenen beruflichen Umfeld angewendet werden können.

Joao Gil, Managing Director Equinocio, Acticades de Tempos Livres aus Portugal ist begeistert: „Inmitten des turbulenten Messetreibens war das ‚Playroom‘ wie eine Ruhezone, in der es unbegrenzt Zeit und Raum für Kreativität gab. Besonders interessant für mich war zu sehen, wie gelöst die Stimmung ist, wenn man den Ideen einfach einmal freien Lauf lassen darf. Ich habe mir einige Methoden notiert, die ich sicherlich anwenden werde.“

Über 180 Aus- und Weiterbildungseinheiten auf der diesjährigen IMEX in Frankfurt garantieren jedem Teilnehmer genau die Inhalte, die seinen persönlichen und geschäftlichen Bedürfnissen entsprechen. Am „Inspiration Hub“, an dem sämtliche Weiterbildungsformate stattfinden, vermitteln Experten wertvolles Trendwissen zu den Themen „Business Skills“, „Creative Learning“, „Diversity“, „General Education“, „Health and Wellbeing“, „Marketing/ Social Media“, „Personal Development“, „Sustainability“, „Technology“, „Trends“ und „Research“. Zudem können  CMP/CEU und ISES Punkte bei einer Vielzahl der Sessions erworben werden.

German buyers invited to Visit Qatar at IMEX Frankfurt

German buyers invited to Visit Qatar at IMEX Frankfurt

Qatar Tourism Authority to host buyers’ breakfast, in advance of familiarisation trip to destination

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will be exhibiting alongside 15 partners at IMEX Frankfurt this week, showcasing a full range of hotels, DMCs, event management companies, and state-of-the-art venues, including Qatar National Convention Centre and the recently opened Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

QTA will be hosting a buyers’ breakfast at the global event, in advance of a familiarisation trip to Qatar in the fall of 2016. Corporate meetings and conference organisers, as well as representatives of associations will be invited to visit the country’s world-class venues and facilities, and attend match-making sessions with the relevant local industry representatives.

Qatar is a rapidly growing hub for education, sport, research, and healthcare, as well as oil & gas. With Qatar Foundation’s Education City hosting branch campuses of 8 international universities, and the cutting-edge Qatar Science & Technology Park, the country offers eye-opening experiences for conference attendees of any background, both inside and beyond the walls of its venues.

Business visitors to Qatar also benefit from unique cultural experiences, courtesy of landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses collections of masterpieces spanning 1,400 years of history.

In 2015, nearly 40,000 people from Germany visited Qatar. The visits come as Qatar steps up efforts to target German-speaking European markets, setting up a representative office in Berlin in early 2015.

A substantial number of visitors to Qatar are business tourists, attending a vast spectrum of events staged annually. Qatar’s tourism strategy seeks to triple the number of business events tourists by 2030, contributing at least half of the country’s revenue from tourism spending. In November 2015 QTA launched the Qatar Business Events brand, consolidating the image and promotional efforts of stakeholders in Qatar’s business events sector.

Find Qatar Tourism Authority at Stand D620, IMEX Frankfurt, 19-21 April 2016.

Iceland enjoys successful growth strategy in tourism

Press Release from the the Icelandic Ministry of Industries and Innovation 

Iceland enjoys successful growth strategy in tourism:
30% growth in Icelandic tourism and 84% of visitors would like to return 

Iceland’s growth strategy in the tourism industry has become a benchmark for the global tourism industry. It reflects, amongst other things, the results of Iceland utilizing the opportunity that presented itself through the unexpected volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 that “shut down” Europe and Iceland for days. The tourism sector in partnership with the Government used the volcanic eruptions as an opportunity to create a global campaign called “Inspired by Iceland” that boosted the inflow of tourists, now estimated to reach 1.7 million this year, up from 500 thousand in 2010. Tourism has grown to be one of the most important industries in Iceland, generating more foreign revenue than any other industry.

Ragnheidur Elín Árnadóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, will visit the IMEX exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 19^th 2016. The Minister will chair the Politicians Forum as well as take part in an open debate on topics relating to the international meetings industry. IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany, is one of the largest tourism exhibitions and conferences in the global tourism industry.

“Iceland has over the past few years enjoyed growth far beyond any forecasts and the sector is expected to continue to grow. Last year 1.3 million tourists visited Iceland, a 30% increase from 2014. This year 1.7 million tourists are expected to visit the country, more than five times Iceland’s population”, said Ragnheidur Elín Árnadóttir Minister of Industry and Commerce as she opened the IMEX Politician Forum in Frankfurt. ”This increase represents a challenge for us, as tourism has historically been very seasonal but we have been able to change that picture and attract more visitors during the off-season period and can therefore be optimistic for the future of the industry.”

The increase in the number of tourists and the growth in revenue is partly due to the award-winning Inspired by Iceland marketing campaign, where the focus has been on promoting Iceland as a destination for all seasons. Also more frequent flights and increased general interest in what Iceland has to offer during the winter season, including the Northern Lights as well as music, art and design festivals which draw thousands of guests all year round to the country. Surveys show that 95% of those who visit Iceland are satisfied with their trip and 84% say they would like to return.

Iceland is primarily a nature destination, both summer and winter, but it also has a strong offering when it comes to the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions). This market represented 7% of Iceland´s tourist market in 2015, an 11% increase from 2014. The growth of the MICE market supports the overall objectives for Icelandic tourism to decrease seasonality as well as to encourage higher spending levels overall. It also contributes to better utilization of resources and long term positive economic impact and growth for the destination.

Let’s meet in the middle
Iceland is well located, only 5 hours away from North America’s East Coast and 3 hours away from mainland Europe. Around 25 airlines operate from Keflavík International Airport during summer, serving over 80 destinations around the world. To put this in context, there are more weekly departures out of Iceland to North America than from the capitals of Norway, Sweden and Finland combined. This puts Iceland in a unique position when it comes to access to the country and for connecting people from all over the world in international meetings and conferences.

Tourism has played a major role in Iceland’s economic growth in recent years and generated thousands of new jobs. Today the tourism industry generates more foreign revenue than any other industry in Iceland. Iceland also ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Index, being 18^th out of 141 countries in the category “tourist services”.

MARITZ GLOBAL EVENTS BECOMES NEW PARENT COMPANY OF MARITZ TRAVEL AND EXPERIENT

MARITZ GLOBAL EVENTS BECOMES NEW PARENT COMPANY OF MARITZ TRAVEL AND EXPERIENT

New Name for Parent Company Demonstrates Company’s Global Capabilities as Industry Leaders

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (April 19, 2016) – Today, Maritz Global Events becomes the new parent company of meetings and events industry leaders Maritz Travel and Experient. While the companies have been global leaders for decades, the new brand repositions the companies for long-term success and continued global growth as clients and the industry are becoming increasingly global.

Announced at the Maritz Global Events booth at IMEX Frankfurt to clients and partners, the company shared the purpose of the company and the extensive benefits it will provide both clients and partners.

“We believe the name, Maritz Global Events, more accurately reflects who we currently are as a company and where we are going in the future,” said David Peckinpaugh, president, Maritz Global Events. “Maritz Global Events effectively and efficiently brings together the industry-leading power of Maritz Travel and Experient. This alignment ensures we collectively and consistently deliver exceptional event experiences to our clients and their guests anytime, anywhere.”

For a combined 100 years, Maritz Travel and Experient have been focused on providing the best event solutions for clients. Creating a strong parent entity gives the companies more competitive and industry advantages, allowing them to showcase collective offerings and capabilities, including their deep expertise in face-to-face events, unparalleled buying power, unique experience design methodology, and distinctive approach to global events solutions.

“This brand is a recommitment to our clients, our partners and the industry that Maritz Global Events – along with its divisions Maritz Travel and Experient – is a major global player and will continue to be in the future,” Peckinpaugh said. “By strengthening our global position through this brand alignment, we will be able to better advocate on behalf of our clients throughout the industry.”

Maritz Travel and Experient will not be changing the way they operate or deliver services to the market. As divisions of Maritz Global Events, Maritz Travel and Experient will remain focused in their respective market sectors. Maritz Travel primarily serves the corporate market, while Experient focuses on serving associations, tradeshows, government, sports and enthusiast markets, as well as others. Each division will adopt a parent company identifier in its name: A Maritz Global Events Company.

Maritz Global Events will be focused on leading the collective companies’ global strategy and capabilities, its industry-leading experience design methodology, and the fight against human trafficking.

ABOUT MARITZ GLOBAL EVENTS
Maritz Global Events brings together the industry-leading power of Maritz Travel and Experient to transform people and business through the event experience. For decades, our family of brands has been designing and delivering exceptional global experiences to our clients and their guests. As an industry leader, Maritz Global Events leverages its strong global partnerships, cutting-edge technology and negotiating power, to provide exceptional event experience to each guest, every time, everywhere.

COPENHAGEN’S JONAS WILSTRUP STEPS UP AS NEW BESTCITIES CHAIR

COPENHAGEN’S JONAS WILSTRUP STEPS UP AS NEW BESTCITIES CHAIR

BestCities Global Alliance, a strategic collaboration between the world’s premier meeting destinations, today (19 April) announced the appointment of Jonas Wilstrup, Convention Director of Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau, as its new Board Chair.

Taking on the baton from Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention Bureau and elected by the BestCities Board, Jonas will play a pivotal role in the Alliance’s ambitious plans for growth, his first appearance as chair being at a breakfast for visiting media at IMEX Frankfurt this morning.

Wilstrup has been running Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau since January 2014, cementing the city’s position as a leading meeting and convention city.  Previously, in his progressive career, Jonas has held positions at the Danish Chamber of Commerce and the Danish Association for Hotels and Restaurants, where his responsibilities included lobbying efforts, eco-labelling and exports.

Alongside senior representatives from the other eleven BestCities convention bureaus – Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver – Wilstrup will be a driving force in positioning the Alliance as an innovative industry leader.

Karen Bolinger, said: “Over the two years, BestCities has refined its offering and value proposition for our clients.  Having forged strategic partnerships and relationships with organisations such as PCMA, Kenes Group and INCON, BestCities has strengthened its position and profile as thought-leaders for both the industry and associations. Thanks to his strong vision and leadership, Jonas is ideally placed to help BestCities build on that success and drive BestCities forward to the next stage in our tactical development.”

Jonas says: “BestCities is the biggest and most established Alliance in our field and I look forward to extending our position even further”.  Our Client Advisory Board (CAB), is also providing in-depth insight into association planners’ needs, concerns and industry trends impacting on the way congresses should be planned and run – from the global economy to the impact of Generation Y.  BestCities guarantee our clients well-informed strategic guidance and practical support, delivering lasting legacies, way beyond clocking good delegate numbers and well-known speakers.

“Core learnings from our CAB sessions will also shape 2016’s revamped annual client workshop – now known as the BestCities Global Forum – is our most important business development opportunity in the calendar.  Hosted in Dubai this December, the Global Forum will see us team up with our strategic partners, PCMA, offering interactive, educational sessions which help delegates advance the purpose of meetings to ensure longer term legacy development”.

“With a number of successful bid wins under our members’ belts this year, the Alliance will continue to build on our strengths, helping associations make partnerships with a multitude of BestCities destinations.  This not only ensures the highest possible quality standards, but will see the benefits left by a congress in one host city, carried forward to the association’s next destination as they learn from best practice.”

The BestCities Global Forum will take place from 4-7 December in Dubai.  For more information on BestCities visit www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA