Pacific World Unveils its New Selection of Venues for Meetings and Special Events

Pacific World Unveils its New Selection of Venues for Meetings and Special Events

Award-Winning Destination and Event Management Company Introduces
Unusual Locations that Fully Engage and Captivate Guests, Immersing Them in the Destination Culture

SINGAPORE (July, 2017) – Pacific World – one of the world’s leading global destination and event management companies – is delighted to introduce its new selection of event venues and immersion experiences designed to fully engage and captivate guests. As creative experts at the forefront of global event planning, Pacific World strives for emotional engagement when choosing venues and creating experiences in order to drive more successful outcomes. From a gastronomic journey beneath the Barcelona Opera House to the exploration of a traditional native village in Bali, Pacific World has curated new locations and world-class events that deliver exceptional results.

“We are continuously looking for new venues that are not just cool and stunning, but will achieve our clients’ meetings and events goals,” said Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager of Pacific World. “2017 events are now well under way, and our teams around the globe have been selecting and sharing their findings and choices. We have found that most of the spaces selected answer to the latest industry trends. Clients are craving for immersive experiences to engage with the local destination, culture and tradition. Each of these venues inspire planners to think outside of the box on many levels, and they are the basis to creating unforgettable experiences for years to come.”

Pacific World has identified a growing interest in private residences, natural outdoor locations and conceptual venues that highlight culture and gastronomy for meetings and events. The company’s global network of local insiders has been hunting for these special places and have discovered fascinating new venues and uncovered authentic gems.

In Paris, France, they’ve discovered a private luxury apartment located at a bespoke address nestled in the heart of the Right Bank, Marais neighborhood. This 17th century apartment offers a wonderful view overlooking one of the oldest and most elegant squares of Paris along with sumptuous living and dining rooms featuring a private art collection and elegant furniture belonging to the owner, a local art auctioneer and connoisseur. A vaulted cellar connected to the apartment by private elevator is ideal for a wine aperitif. Outfitted with the most exquisite and refined materials, this exceptional setting will be a fit for event planners looking to connect with the most sophisticated side of the city. Likewise, Pacific World has activated new events at private residences in Singapore, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and other major European and Asian cities.

“Our clients are craving unique, immersive experiences where they can engage with the destination’s culture and traditions,” said Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager of Pacific World. “We align the location and experience with our client’s goals – and devise events that engage attendees on many levels, creating an unforgettable experience of a lifetime that bonds the guests.”

For those looking to engage with culture through gastronomy in a different and creative way, one should look no further than Barcelona, Spain at the Opera Samfaina – a new venue concept combining fine cuisine and cutting-edge technology. Tucked away beneath the Barcelona Opera House along a wide avenue that runs from the heart of Barcelona, the venue creates a remarkable gastro-sensory experience influenced by the Catalan region where guests can enjoy standout dishes while immersed in stunning sounds, projections and animations. The 950 square-meter venue is divided into themed spaces, each with a different sensory environment and cuisine item. This incredible experience – which embodies Barcelonan gastronomy, culture, and traditions – was designed and produced by award-winning talents including a world-famous audiovisual artist and Michelin-starred chefs.

For a fully immersive cultural experience in Asia, why choose a single venue when you can have an entire town? Pacific World has created a wholly immersive experience in the village of Mengwi, Bali that utilizes the town’s sights, sounds, tastes and residents. Dressed in traditional costumes, villagers welcome the guests with a colorful procession and drums leading them to the Taman Ayun, a local ancient temple. Inspired by the traditional Rajalaya Royal Service festivals, colorful offerings are carried, a gamelan orchestra plays and royal torches light the route. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy Kecak and Fire Dances followed by a dinner of exquisite Balinese dishes. This memorable experience can accommodate up to 200 guests.

For more information or to book and organize a meeting or event with Pacific World, please visit http://www.pacificworld.com or e-mail myrequest@pacificworld.com. Additionally, please like and follow Pacific World on their social media channels to learn more: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Pacific World
Founded in 1980 in Hong Kong, Pacific World is a dedicated destination and event management company operating in over 40 countries and over 100 destinations in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and The Americas.

Saudi Arabia Welcomes your Meetings

Saudi Arabia Welcomes your Meetings
Stand D600 at IMEX in Frankfurt 2017

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been investing significantly in reinforcing its infrastructure and transforming and developing the meetings industry within the country to welcome meetings and business events. It now has more than 600 first class hotels, convention and event facilities and nearly all leading international hotel groups have properties in the major cities.

This will be clearly seen at IMEX in Frankfurt 2017 where the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau is exhibiting for the first time, with many Saudi successful event organising companies  marketing their meetings and events facilities and services.

Currently public investment in the meetings industry in Saudi Arabia up to 2020 is estimated at
6 billion Saudi Riyals (US $1.6billion). These investments include establishing five major convention districts – King Salman International Conference Center in Madinah; King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, at the King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, the King Abdullah Economic City and at the King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, to be completed within the next five years. These are in addition to private sector investments in the industry, represented by hotels with exhibition and conference facilities all over the Kingdom.

Vision 2030
The investment is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, announced in April 2016, an ambitious but achievable blueprint which expresses long-term goals and reflects the country’s strengths and capabilities.

Vision 2030 is to position Saudi Arabia as a global investment powerhouse and a global hub connecting three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, capitalising on its status as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds and its unique geographic strategic location. Vision 2030 also aims to reinforce and diversify the capabilities of the country’s economy. As such, it will transform the economy away from a dependence on oil production into a industrial conglomerate and transform the Public Investment Fund into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. Hosting business events is one of the focal points of the reforms, along with leisure and religious tourism, all means to generate both revenue and employment.
Business events comes under the National Transformation Plan, the centrepiece of Vision 2030, which consists of 755 initiatives costing $100 billion dollars between 2016 and 2020.
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) and chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Saudi Exhibition & Conference Bureau (SECB), has said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will become one of the key destinations in the Meetings industry.

Established in 2013, the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau was created with a mandate to develop the meetings industry.  Eng.Tariq A. Al Essa, Executive Director of Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau explains what the Bureau is doing and how it is making progress.
“We are a government organisation responsible for developing and organising the meetings industry in Saudi Arabia. The government recognised the importance of the meetings industry and it approved a development strategy. The SECB is operated differently to other bureaus around the world. Our mandate is not only promotion; it is also the development of the industry.
Overcoming obstacles
“As a first step, we identified the major obstacles to the industry’s growth, including regulatory framework, accessibility, infrastructure capacity, human resources, and the non-availability of information about meetings and events that are being organised”.
“To deal with the matter of visas, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to smooth the process to obtain visas for speakers and exhibitors. Visitors, speakers, or exhibitors will apply through an e-system and will receive their visa online.
Long heritage in hosting meetings
“Saudi Arabia has a heritage in hosting meetings going back more than 2000 years. Our country has been staging one of the oldest meetings in the world, Okaz, originally an annual convention of Arab poets and of course we have 1437 years of experience in hosting the largest and most complex meeting in the planet – the ‘Hajj’. In 2016 more than 1.9 million international delegates from 163 countries took part in this meeting.
Knowledge economy
“Although Saudi Arabia is starting to pitch for international association meetings, it is also very keen to create unique and sustainable business events based on its strengths, competitive  advantage and the needs of the national economy.
“There are plenty of opportunities for many sectors in Saudi Arabia. We are number one in the world for water desalination and water treatment, and obviously oil, power, petrochemicals, and Islamic finance. This gives the country an opportunity to host business events in these sectors which will positively enhance the economy and society. Our vision is to convert Saudi Arabia into a major destination for meetings in the world, which we can be.
“We started from strengthening this idea at a local level and we will gradually extend our campaign to regional and international level. We have spent time characterising Saudi companies to highlight the importance of meeting, discussing, and exchanging opinions, views, and technologies. We also developed the “ambassador programme” with the aim of selecting and training a number of Saudi medical professionals and scientific associations and federations who will be in charge of contacting international associations to discuss partnership opportunities for hosting events in our country. This will strongly enhance the image of Saudi Arabia as a meeting hub in the region and worldwide, and will make a positive contribution to the tourism sector.
Measuring economic impact
“In addition, to measure the economic impact of the meeting industry in Saudi Arabia and demonstrate the value of the investment we aim to provide information and statistics. We have created an electronic gate – a SAR12 million project that is at the heart of the Saudi meetings industry. All operations and events happening in Saudi Arabia are reported in this e-system.
“The gate is unique in the world, and it provides up-to-date data to assist business professionals from all around the world not only to understand the behaviour of the meetings industry, but the behaviour of all economic sectors in Saudi Arabia.
“Collaborating with other stakeholders is of crucial importance to us, not just for the industry but for the growth of the whole country, in relation to human resources. We want Saudi people to play a key role in the industry. We approached universities and other institutes, and right now some of them offer courses in event management. A recent study conducted by the Saudi Ministry of Labour revealed that Saudi graduate students selected “event manager” as one of the jobs they are most keen to do.
“We have also secured the involvement of investors in the creation of the Saudi Event Management Academy (SEMA), which is the first step in our bid to fill the gap between Saudi’s human resources and the competencies that the industry requires. The academy is unique in the Middle East region.
“Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arabic and Islamic worlds, it is a pioneering investment powerhouse and the hub connecting three continents. We are creating an environment for successful meetings and exhibitions that will attract business in events and investments.”

 

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#IMEX17 #TariqAlEssa #SaudiArabia #KingdomofSaudiArabia

IBTM AMERICA 2016 SET TO PROVIDE VALUABLE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF GLOBAL HOSTED BUYERS

IBTM AMERICA 2016 SET TO PROVIDE VALUABLE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF GLOBAL HOSTED BUYERS

81% of Hosted Buyers looking to place business internationally 

ibtm america 2016 (www.ibtmamerica.com), taking place from June 15-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, has confirmed an impressive global line-up of Association, Agency and Corporate Hosted Buyers attending from the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia and more.

Registered Hosted Buyers have confirmed their product interests among exhibitors, with hotels and conference/meeting venues being the top two picks. Other event products to make the list include special event venues, Destination Management Companies, resorts and spas, and destinations. Among those buyers the two most popular event types were conferences/meetings and incentives, followed by exhibitions, conventions/congresses, staff training/motivation, and business and luxury travel.

Jaime McAuley, Event Director, ibtm america commented, “We have a great line-up of Hosted Buyers this year; not only do we have elite buyers with proven budget and business to place attending from all around the world, but we have a diverse group with a variety of products interests and this will increase the opportunity for our exhibitors to make connections at the event. And with our 100% mutually matched appointment system, we can ensure that all of our Hosted Buyers and exhibitors are only attending relevant, valuable appointments likely to result in business opportunities and ROI.”

Hosted Buyers have also indicated the regions in which they are most interested in placing business, with 98% of buyers looking to place business in the US and 81% interested in placing business internationally. Domestically buyers placed particular emphasis on wanting to meet exhibitors from the Western US (98%) and the Southeast (97%). Internationally buyers were most interested in Canada, Latin America, and Europe.

McAuley commented, “These preferences are really on trend with where the industry is right now. Rob Davidson, Managing Director of MICE Knowledge, predicted in his 2015 Trends Report that 2016 will see an increase across all meeting types in North America, so it’s not surprising that both our regional and international buyers are looking to place business in Canada and the US. Davidson also noted how Latin America’s close business and cultural ties to the US, which make it especially attractive for US-based meeting groups, have played a large role in the Latin American MICE industry’s growth, so we expect this to continue to be a region of interest among our Hosted Buyers.”

Some of the Hosted Buyers attending this year include Philips (Brazil), Rimac Seguros y reaseguros (Peru), Hurricane Action Sports (Canada), Montreal Event Planner (Canada), Lenovo (China), GECK’O Incentives & Events (Germany), Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (India), Fullteam Networks (Mexico), TUSExpo BV (Netherlands), Decast Group (Russian Federation), ABB INDUSTRIES (UAE), Ultima Media (UK), Smartfocus (UK), Freestyle Football Federation (UK), the American Association for Cancer Research (US), AT&T (US), Wells Fargo (US), Corning Inc. (US), The Geological Society of America (US), and Nature’s Way (US).

Veronica Carletto, Project Manager, Fourth Wall Events, who will attend as a Hosted Buyer commented, “My objective is to learn about new hotels and services that I can share with my organisation and offer our clients. I am interested in looking at the 5* luxury brands in Europe and Asia.”

Blair Monica, Marketing Event Project Manager, GM Financial, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016 commented, “We plan events all over the US and Canada. I am interested in looking at different locations that can hold larger groups, what’s new with technology, meeting design, what’s new with exhibit design and displays and how to elevate our meetings and events.”

Fred Williams, Conference Manager, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016 commented, “Face-to-face meetings are critical to understanding city and hotel updates as well as special offers. Cities, hotels, airlines, audiovisual, and exhibition companies are the types of exhibitors I wish to meet.”

Joost de Meyer, Chairman & CEO, First Incentive Travel, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016, commented, “I am the Chairman & CEO with First Incentive Travel. I lead a team of experienced project managers. We work all over the USA for incentive groups coming to the USA, Mexico and Caribbean from mainly Europe and the rest of the world. I am interested in hotels, DMC’s, CVB’s, cruise lines, etc.”

To hear what more Hosted Buyers have to say, please visit:http://www.ibtmamerica.com/Media/galleries/Testimonials/

For further information about exhibiting, please visit http://www.ibtmamerica.com

 

PACIFIC WORLD AND ACCESS GLOBAL DESTINATION INDEX REPORT IDENTIFIES TOP DESTINATIONS FOR MEETINGS, INCENTIVES AND CONFERENCES

PACIFIC WORLD AND ACCESS GLOBAL DESTINATION INDEX REPORT IDENTIFIES TOP DESTINATIONS FOR MEETINGS, INCENTIVES AND CONFERENCES
Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore recognized as top destinations in Asia
Italy and France most popular in Europe, UAE top destination in Middle East
Texas, Florida and Las Vegas top the list in the USA

Results from a recent global Destination Index, compiled by the leading Global DMC and Event Management Companies, Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com) and ACCESS Destination Services (www.accessdmc.com), have identified the top destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States for meetings and incentives.

Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager, Pacific World, commented, “The Pacific World global Destination Index report identifies each year the countries and cities most thriving within the meetings, incentives and conferences industries. This year overarching themes that led to an increase in popularity were improvements in transportation/flights, an increase in venues and hotels, investment in technology, attractive exchange rates, and safety and stability.”

Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore were recognised as the top countries in Asia for meetings and incentives, with Bangkok and Bali voted as the most popular cities, and meetings and incentives being the most requested event types in Singapore. Governmental stability, attractive exchange rates and improved flight connections were factors contributing to the increased attention from source markets including North America, Australia and other Asian regions.

In Europe, France and Italy were identified as the top countries for meetings and incentives. Improved transport links and investment in infrastructure resulting in the opening of a number of new hotels and venues were factors accountable for the fact that Milan and Paris have both been voted as the most popular European cities for Meetings and Incentives, with increased interest from source markets such as the Middle East, USA, UK, Germany, and Brazil.

The UAE was recognised as the most popular destination for incentives and conferences in the Middle East, with the UK, Saudi Arabia and India identified as the key source markets placing inbound business into the destination. Accessible flight routes, new hotels, and an investment of time and resources in the latest technology and set-ups to facilitate large-scale events have pushed the UAE to the top of the list.

Texas topped the list as the most popular destination for meeting and events in the USA, followed by Florida and Las Vegas. New venues, restaurants and an increase in international and regional flights have boosted the popularity of these destinations while the abundance  of available VIP experiences have established Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, and Las Vegas as key cities for conference and incentives in the U.S.

For more details about the Destination Index, please go to: www.pacificworld.com

 

ISTANBUL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU – ICVB HOSTS INTERNATIONAL PRESS IN ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU – ICVB
HOSTS INTERNATIONAL PRESS IN ISTANBUL

LONDON (30 March 2015) – The Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) works hard to bring the most important conventions and meetings in the world to Istanbul as its promotional work continues to gather pace. The ICVB has brought together high profile editors and journalists from the highest circulating and most read publications around the world within the convention, event organisation and incentive sector to Istanbul; to showcase and demonstrate the city’s huge business potential in the international meeting and convention market.

14 International Media Representatives from the USA, Europe and Asia met in Istanbul for the first time, hosted by ICVB between 25 and 28 March.

Commenting on the 4-day press visit Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz, General Manager of the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “We are focussing our promotional activities with the aim of Istanbul reaching the pinnacle of the international arena. The majority of the visiting press who participated on our tour were travelling to Istanbul for the first time, expressing how happy they were to be here. Istanbul is a unique and excellent location for the convention and meetings sector due to its accessibility and its dynamic and distinctive atmosphere.”

Editors and journalists from the USA, France, UK, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia and India from a total of 14 convention, event and incentive publications were hosted as part of the press tour programme between 25 and 28 March by ICVB. The representatives of the most prominent magazines in the sector mainly explored convention centres, together with various hotels, arts and cultural centres, as well enjoying the city’s wining and dining. They also explored Istanbul’s historical quarters and discovered the city’s natural beauty while meeting colleagues from the sector.

Chaired by Ibrahim Caglar, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and including representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, THY (Turkish Airlines), TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies), TUROB (Touristic Hotels and Investors Association), TYD (Tourism Investors Association) and SKÅL Istanbul and managed under the umbrella of TUGEV (Tourism Development and Education Foundation), the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau is continuing its dynamic promotion of Istanbul on the international stage.

ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

International Hosted Buyers from 36 countries representing key and influential planners of MICE business have descended on Abu Dhabi for an exclusive closed door one-to-one meeting format in a revamped ibtm arabia (formerly GIBTM).

Opening at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi today, the event will be the only one in the region to introduce international buyers from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East, all representing leading corporations, associations, and agencies, to a mix of suppliers from the region and overseas.

With twice as many exhibitors as GIBTM 2014, 24 will be participating for the first time. There will also be 5 new countries represented including Scotland, Ethiopia, Japan, Mexico and Canada.

“ibtm arabia’s successful introduction is an endorsement of the strength of Abu Dhabi’s MICE proposition and proves we have evolved an established industry event to make it more relevant for delegates, buyers and exhibitors,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

The new exhibition format provides a platform for Abu Dhabi’s MICE sector to introduce new products and services, and present their products to industry experts specialising in a number of diverse fields such as international corporate groups and the expanding local wedding business, and promote packages to the local and GCC markets.

The “new” event brings everyone together for three days during which they will participate in “Discovery Day” where both buyers and suppliers get a taste of Abu Dhabi, and the experiences it offers for the MICE industry, followed by the opportunity to attend the ibtm arabia Knowledge Forum giving inspiration from two thought provoking speakers. Two days of business will follow, where over 3000 appointments will be held between buyers and suppliers with a diary of up to 30 appointments for each of them, plus networking and social events will bring everyone together.

“The significance of ibtm arabia is fundamental to the continuing growth of the MICE sector and has been built on the success of GIBTM. This new format however, creates a community for this industry, and for the first time everyone will work, learn and network together giving endless opportunities to meet, connect and do business as well as make new friends. ibtm arabia offers real exclusivity and with the quality of both buyers and suppliers, matched to have real influence on each other, we believe this new formula can enhance the experience of all our attendees,” said Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager ibtm arabia.

Highlights of ibtm arabia include: Discovery Day, Knowledge Forum, Pre-scheduled appointments, 9 networking events.

For further information please visit www.ibtmarabia.com

 

IBTM AFRICA NOW ACCEPTING HOSTED BUYER APPLICATIONS

IBTM AFRICA NOW ACCEPTING HOSTED BUYER APPLICATIONS#

www.ibtmafrica.com/hbapply

Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted for ibtm africa 2015 (www.ibtmafrica.com), a highly targeted, exclusive event for Africa’s incentives and meetings industry, taking place at the Cape Town Convention Centre from 13 – 15 April 2015.

ibtm africa offers an exclusive opportunity for top level international decision makers to connect and engage with African and Indian Ocean exhibitors including destinations, venues, hotels, DMC’s and MICE support services over three days of one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments, networking and education.

In addition to their diary of up to 36 pre-scheduled business appointments with MICE exhibitors, qualified buyers will benefit from complimentary accommodation and transfers as well as a substantial contribution towards international flights to Cape Town and will have the opportunity to apply to attend a post event tour.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager for ibtm africa, comments: “Africa holds enormous potential for the MICE industry with great investment in infrastructure. The rapidly growing demand for meetings industry suppliers within Africa has been reflected in the unprecedented interest witnessed from international Hosted Buyers who applied to attend the first ibtm africa and is expected to pave the way for the 2015 event.”

Suresh Puri, Spice Travel, India who was a Hosted buyer at last year’s show commented: “It’s very well organised and full of quality and I see it on both sides not only as a buyer but also the exhibitors, who are representing the region very adequately. So my impression is that the intimate one-to-one sessions give buyers an opportunity and an insight into the products the region has to offer, my compliments to Reed Exhibitions.”

Meetings and incentives professionals who apply to attend this event as Hosted Buyers will be qualified under strict criteria including their purchasing authority, their annual MICE business, their annual budget and future business to place in Africa. They will also be first-time attendees at ibtm africa. Successful applicants will be senior decision makers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, South America and Russia, therefore representing a cross-section of the most senior meeting and incentives planners in the industry.

The second edition of ibtm africa, taking place in Cape Town (13-15 April) as part of Africa Travel Week, will bring together up to 60 African and Indian Ocean suppliers and international buyers over three days for business, networking and education.

To find out more about ibtm africa or to register to attend as a Hosted Buyer, please visit www.ibtmafrica.com

 

STRONG INTEREST FROM REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS FOR IBTM AMERICA

STRONG INTEREST FROM REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS FOR IBTM AMERICA
“Exhibitors requesting buyers according to their objectives”

Working in partnership with ibtm america exhibitors, the new format 2015 event is in the process of recruiting buyers who exhibitors have specifically requested according to their business objectives. Registrations are currently being qualified and already represent some of the leading associations across the US including: Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO, National Air Traffic Controllers Association and National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates, that have been confirmed to attend the show.

Qualified corporate buyers attending the show also include The Wendy’s Company, (ISC)2, Mars Petcare, Wintrust Mortgage and Sharp Healthcare among others.

Hosted Buyers will come from North America, South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa, and are qualified under a strict criteria that includes; proof of their purchasing authority, annual U.S. and international meetings and events business organised, confirmation of their annual budget and future business to place at ibtm america.

The new show format will have up to 250 suppliers who will meet with 250 carefully selected planners in the US and international MICE industry on a 1:1 ratio. All exhibitors and buyers select who they would like to have appointments with and a sophisticated software system matches the preferences of buyers and suppliers resulting in up to 30 pre-scheduled mutually matched appointments.

Taking advantage of this new dynamic event format, exhibitors already confirmed to attend ibtm america 2015 include Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Dolce Hotels & Resorts (U.S.), etouches (U.S.), Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (U.S.), Jamaica Tourist Board (Jamaica), Langham Hotels International (Hong Kong), Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Marriott International Inc (U.S.), quickmobile (Canada), Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB (U.S.) and Wyndham Hotel Group (U.S.).

“Hosted Buyer registration has begun and the process of building this new community is taking shape. When everyone is onsite, those attending ibtm america will join together for tailored networking events, and the inspirational ibtm america professional Knowledge Forum, part of Discovery Day,” said Jaime Rosov, ibtm america Event Director.

To find out more about ibtm america 2015, please visit www.ibtmamerica.com

TOP HOTEL PROJECTS

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Brands Luxury Residences in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand – November 2014 – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced an agreement to brand and manage 146 luxurious Residences at Mandarin Oriental that will be developed as part of a mixed-use project located on the Chao Phraya River. Situated diagonally across the river from Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, The Residences will be managed by the Group’s legendary Thai hotel. The overall development, which will be known as Iconsiam, is the largest property undertaking in Thailand and is set to become a new national landmark.

Positioned to reflect the best of contemporary Thai lifestyle, Iconsiam is set on a 20-acre site and is scheduled for completion in 2018. It will comprise world-class retail, a spectacular waterfront promenade with a variety of exceptional attractions, and some of the world’s most exclusive private apartments. The overall project is being developed by a joint venture partnership between Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. and Charoen Pokphand Group.

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok are the latest in a line of residential projects that Mandarin Oriental has announced around the world. As with all Mandarin Oriental Residences, owners of the private homes will be offered an exclusive extension to the luxury hotel experience. The renowned Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will provide management services for the development, as well as bespoke amenities for individual residents to complement their lifestyles.

The Iconsiam development consists of multiple, superbly designed buildings. One of the buildings will house the 52-story Residences at Mandarin Oriental, featuring 146 apartments, ranging in size from 132 to 690 square metres, all with clear and unobstructed views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline.

Residents will have access to a variety of leisure facilities, including an exclusive sky lounge with an extensive library, meeting rooms and secluded dining space. A private Residents Clubhouse with outstanding river views will offer an outdoor infinity-edge lap pool as well as a children’s pool. There will also be a state-of-the art Fitness Centre together with golf simulation, games and media rooms, plus additional dining facilities and car parking.

“We are delighted to be introducing The Residences at Mandarin Oriental to one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, and are pleased to be part of this remarkable architectural project. We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality to this extraordinary development,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental.

“This spectacular project will become the new heart of the Chao Phraya River, and is destined to be a globally recognized landmark for Bangkok,” said Ms. Tipaporn Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited. “We look forward to creating the city’s most luxurious residential offering that will be complemented by Mandarin Oriental’s exceptional services,” she added.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand, the Group now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing close to 11,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 20 hotels in Asia, 10 in The Americas and 15 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.

MARK SEARLE TO EXTEND FOCUS TO ALL PACIFIC WORLD DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE

MARK SEARLE TO EXTEND FOCUS TO ALL PACIFIC WORLD DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE

January 2014 – Following the announcement made early last year, that Mark Searle was appointed as UK based sales manager (developing business in Europe, Middle East and Southern Africa), it has since been confirmed that Searle’s role will now extend to all destinations where Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the global DMC, Event Management and PCO organization, operates.

Hervé Joseph-Antoine, Global Managing Director, Pacific World comments, “Mark’s combination of MICE agency background and the knowledge he has gained around the DMC offering has strengthened our presence in the UK market, and we look forward to supporting him in driving representation forward into 2014 across the whole Pacific World portfolio.”

Searle’s new appointment was effective from January 2014. As part of the new role he will be responsible for representing destinations including China, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Greece, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, Southern Africa, France, Monaco and England.

Joseph-Antoine continues “Unfortunately this does mean that we will be ending our partnership with MM & Co (www.mm-and-company.co.uk) at the end of December. David Marks and his team have been a great partner and an important representative for Pacific World”.

Following their worldwide rebranding in November 2011, Pacific World as a global brand is recognised for delivering operational excellence, creativity and best-in-class customer service across the world. Through working closely with local governments and convention centres, the global MICE company currently delivers event solutions in over 25 countries.

For more information please visit: www.pacificworld.com