The DMC Network and Ovation’s 5th Annual Talent Search

The DMC Network and Ovation’s 5th Annual Talent Search ‘Raises the Roof’ at IMEX America
The DMC Network and Ovation Global DMC’s 5th Annual Talent Search kicked off on the Tuesday evening of IMEX America in Las Vegas last week. Taking place in the Marquee Night Club at The Cosmopolitan hotel, this year’s event drew its largest ever crowd ever, welcoming over 900 delegates from the show to celebrate Las Vegas as a destination.

‘’This year’s event was all about Las Vegas’’ shared Dan Tavrytzky, Managing Director of the DMC Network. ‘’The tragic events of the week prior were upsetting on so many levels. We as destination professionals know just how valuable tourism is for the Las Vegas economy, and how important it is to show support immediately after an event like this. We knew we wanted to acknowledge the victims and their families in a way that still supported the destination – cancelling our event would not have done that so we decided to change the format from our traditional talent search, where industry delegates from around the world compete for the title of best performance and travel prize, and use our already well established evening to showcase local Las Vegas talent -giving them the opportunity to shine and highlight that the city is open for business, while also partnering with the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada to raise much needed funds for the destination through a raffle for all attendees.’’

Guests were treated to an energetic show by three local Las Vegas bands, each showcasing their own unique take on popular music, with an esteemed panel of industry judges from Experient, Marriott International, Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Raffle tickets were sold to win a 5 night stay at the Westin Paris and air travel or a year’s membership with MPI, while the crowd was entertained with energetic covers into the morning hours. Local band ‘STATUS’ was ultimately crowned the winners at the end of the evening.

Speaking of the win, this year’s winning band said ‘’We are honored to receive the trophy at this year’s show. At a time when Las Vegas needs support more than ever before, it is wonderful to see companies continuing to come to the destination and host their events – it sends a real, tangible message to the world that we are here and we are open for business. Our city’s economy is built on tourism so there is nothing more valuable than this kind of support’’

Judge Darren Temple, Chief Operating Officer of MPI is quoted as saying: ‘’MPI has been involved in the Talent Search since its inception 5 years ago. The change in format this year was something we were very supportive of – MPI’s membership base is a global one, and we all travel as a part of our careers – any opportunity to showcase local destination support as a wider industry group is one that we are happy to support.’’

Following the event, the dates for the 6th Annual Talent Search were announced as Tuesday the 16th of October 2018, and as always, in conjunction with IMEX America.

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DMC NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND WEBSITE

DMC NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND WEBSITE
IMEX AMERICA, LAS VEGAS, TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER

Today at IMEX America, following a year long consultation with its partners and clients, the DMC Network launched its new brand identity and website. Anchored on a simple but powerful strapline, “We’re there for you”, the new identity highlights the uniqueness of the DMC Network as a partnership of fully accredited, owner-managed, legacy destination management consultants.

“The foundations for the project were laid during a board retreat almost a year ago during which we clarified, tweaked and re-stated our vision to be the industry’s  most reliable, trustworthy and consistent global community of destination management companies. Our clients hire us for our local knowledge and expertise, to be there for them and deal with all the unexpected things that happen during live program operation” said Shannon Gardner, Chairwoman of the DMC Network and President of Accent Indy.

“At Maritz Global Events we depend massively on our DMC partners to deliver a seamless destination experience to our clients. We greatly appreciate the benefit of a single access point to valuable local relationships, knowledge and expertise across so many locations and this is reflected beautifully and cleverly in the new brand identity” said David Peckinpaugh, President of Maritz Global Events.

“Every partner DMC of the Network is an expert destination consultant contributing to and aligned around a shared vision. This is expressed in our new corporate logo that takes the colored locator pin of each destination partner and gathers them all into a single, beautiful mosaic that represents our collective strength. It’s a perfect expression of who we are: local, individual, independently owned companies united and working together to be there for you, whenever and wherever you need us” said Dan Tavrytzky, Managing Director, DMC Network.

Austria Center Vienna demonstrates best in class digital infrastructure

Austria Center Vienna demonstrates best in class digital infrastructure

INCON has published its latest best practice case study which features the 2016 digital infrastructure award winners, the Austria Center Vienna. The award, now in its third year, celebrates best in class Digital Infrastructure in meetings venues around the world. The Case Study identifies three distinguishing features of the Austria Center Vienna to demonstrate why it won the award and what makes it a digital leader in the global meetings industry.

The 2016 Winner Case Study covers the effective digital strategy and unrivalled WiFi implemented by the Austria Center Vienna as well as the trusted international IT Partner H82 that supports the award winning WLAN infrastructure.

Roslyn McLeod, INCON Co Chair said: “We are delighted that Vienna has won this year’s award they were by far our strongest entry. We hope that meeting venues will review our series of digital infrastructure case studies and review their digital infrastructure accordingly ”.

Susanne Baumann-Söllner, Managing Director of the Austria Center Vienna commented “I’m very pleased that our efforts of the past few years are now clearly bearing fruit. Especially in the last three years we have shown just how effective the Austria Centre Vienna is at staging successful international congresses. So winning the Digital Infrastructure Award is a success that also demonstrates the excellent standing the Austria Center Vienna when it comes to digital infrastructure at large-scale national and international conferences. These developments are striking the right note with customers and delegates. I am also very delighted with the faith that our IT-partner H82 is pulling in the same direction as us. Together we succeed to realize great innovations – such as the awarded high quality WLAN for 20,000 participants”.

The Case Study can be found on the INCON website: http://www.incon-pco.com

More information about the award is available at: www.incon-pco.com/award

THEMES FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRY TRENDS

DR. ROB DAVIDSON REVEALS KEY THEMES FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRY TRENDS WATCH REPORT SET TO BE DELIVERED AT IBTM WORLD 2015
Industry Recovery, Meetings Design and Geographical Performance to feature as key highlights

Dr. Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge and ibtm world Industry Analyst has revealed some key industry themes ahead of his Trends Watch report session, which will be delivered as part of the ibtm world knowledge programme (www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge).

Findings from the full report, which will be presented twice at this year’s show (Tuesday 17th November, 11:30 – 12:30 and Thursday 19th November, 9:00 – 10:00), suggest continued growth and optimism regarding expansion of the meetings and events industry in the year ahead.

Davidson identifies that key indicators of the meeting industry’s health, including attendance, budgets, exhibitors, and revenues—continue to remain positive, signalling that the growth trend is set to continue.

Commenting on his research, Davidson says, “A number of surveys of meetings industry associations point to ongoing expansion in meetings and events business, with expectations that 2015 will prove to be more prosperous than the previous year.”

Davidson’s report will also discuss the changing design of meetings and meeting venues. Davidson continues, “In 2015, we are seeing radical qualitative changes in the ways in which meetings are designed. And forward-looking venues are adapting their offer to meet the evolving demands of new-generation meeting planners and attendees.”

The impact of the global economy and its uneven recovery across various geographical regions is also set to feature as a key theme in his presentation. Davisdon concludes, “As the global economy continues to change at an uneven rate, depending upon which world region is under consideration, the outlook for the meetings industry also varies along broad geographical zones.

“In the US, where hotel supply is up, with almost 100,000 new rooms added in 2015, demand for meetings continues to grow at up to quadruple the rate of supply. That means that the US is experiencing a suppliers’ market, with pricing power set to remain in the hands of hoteliers until the second half of 2016.”

All ibtm world delegates are invited to attend the 2015 Trends Watch report session. To register as a trade visitor and to find out more about the benefits of attending ibtm world, please visit: www.ibtmworld.com/visit2015

IBTM ARABIA LINES UP IMPRESSIVE LIST OF BUYERS FOR 2016 EVENT

IBTM ARABIA LINES UP IMPRESSIVE LIST OF BUYERS FOR 2016 EVENT
The event for ‘serious high profile buyers and suppliers’ to connect

ibtm arabia (www.ibtmarabia.com), the leading event for the Arabian meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry has already seen a strong line up of regional and international buyers register to attend. The exclusive one-to-one event will take place at the 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi (9–11 February).

Companies represented by buyers looking to attend the show include Peugeot & Citroen (Russia), Cognizant (UK), Conference Direct (USA), The International Association of Public Transport (Belgium), Tata Capital Financial Services Limited (India), Google (UK), Abbot (UAE), Society of Petroleum Engineers (UAE), Prisme International (UAE), Moelis & Company (UAE), Land Division at KCA Deutag (UAE), HSBC (UAE), OiLibya (UAE), International Live Events Association (UAE) and Nova IVI Fertility (UAE) as well as interest from a variety of other countries in the Middle East and beyond.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia commented: “This year is very much about building on the success of last year’s event. Following the 2015 event we received so much positive feedback. We’ve secured a number of returning exhibitors already, including Arsenal Football Club, Meliá Hotels International, Matrix Audio Visual & Entertainment, Rovos Rail Tours Ltd as well as newcomers Hill MICE Saudi Arabia and Golden Tours Egypt“.

“Part of the success of the new pod show format is the mutually matched, pre-scheduled appointments system. Added to this is the quality of buyers that we hand-pick to attend. Hosted Buyers are invited based on their purchasing authority, where they place MICE business and the volume of business placed.”

David Escolar Díez, Regional Director of Sales – Middle East, Meliá Hotels International, who exhibited at this year’s show and will be returning next year commented: “ibtm arabia 2015 was very well organised and provided us with a platform to meet good quality buyers which led to some business leads. We are looking forward to being back in 2016 to continue to develop our international brand awareness to build the Meliá Hotels International profile in the Middle East. We will also be updating our business prospects with news regarding the new opening status of our properties within the region – ME Dubai, INNSIDE JLT Dubai, Meliá Dubai Residences and ME Doha.”

Bilal Al Barmawi, Managing Director, Hill MICE, who will attend the show for the first time, commented; “We are looking forward to exhibiting at ibtm arabia this year as it will provide us with many opportunities to connect, network, explore and partner with global MICE leaders. ibtm arabia is the perfect platform to meet with the industry’s finest MICE buyers, build relationships and grow our business.”

For further information about exhibiting, please visit www.ibtmarabia.com. For any enquiries, please contact ibtmarabia@reedexpo.co.uk

Hosted Buyer applications will be going live from Monday 21st September. For further information, please visit www.ibtmarabia.com/Hosted-Buyers

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

IMEX 2015 Highlights

IMEX 2015 Highlights | Video Compilation – Hightlights of this years IMEX show in Frankfurt
Opening and Keynotes at the Frankfurt IMEX trade show 2015

Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, hält Keynote Rede auf der Eröffnungszeremonie

Frankfurt, Dienstag, den 19. Mai 2015 – Die bislang größte IMEX öffnete heute ihre Tore. 55 neue Messestände aus allen Kontinenten und Sektoren der Veranstaltungsbranche sind unter den 3.500 ausstellenden Unternehmen aus 50 Ländern auf der IMEX in Frankfurt 2015. Zusätzlich haben 20 Prozent der wiederkehrenden Aussteller ihre Messestände vergrößert.

Eine bemerkenswerte Vergrößerung der Standfläche um 16 Prozent kann die Region Asien-Pazifik verzeichnen, was an der massiven Expansion der Aussteller China und Taiwan liegt. Zusätzlich haben die Länder Japan, Indonesien, Macau und Singapur ihre Messestände erweitert und Busan, Südkoreas zweitgrößte Stadt hat erstmals einen eigenen Stand gebucht. Auch einige nordamerikanische Aussteller haben ihre Messepräsenz signifikant vergrößert, darunter „BrandUSA“, „NYC & Company“ und „Texas Tourism“.

Am Eröffnungstag nahmen auch über 300 internationale Verbändeplaner teil, die am beliebten und bekannten Verbändetag, dem „IMEX Association Day“, am Vortag der IMEX, dabei waren. Auch die 80 Teilnehmer der exklusiven Veranstaltung „Exclusively Corporate@IMEX“ – allesamt Einkäufer bzw. Entscheider aus Unternehmen, die zusammen über ein Budget von über 270 Millionen US-Dollar entscheiden – starteten in eine erfolgreiche IMEX 2015.

Heute besuchen ca. 40 Regierungsvertreter, darunter Minister, Bürgermeister und Tourismusverantwortliche die IMEX, bevor sie sich im Rahmen des 13. „IMEX Politicians Forum“ zum Austausch und Netzwerken mit Verantwortlichen der Veranstaltungsbranche treffen.

Vergrößertes Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm
Das Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm der IMEX findet ab diesem Jahr am erweiterten und vergrößerten „Inspiration Hub“ direkt auf der Ausstellungsfläche statt. Es warten 170 Einheiten in zehn Themenbereichen auf die Teilnehmer, 30 davon deutschsprachig, die in verschiedenen Formaten mit unterschiedlicher Dauer neuestes Branchenwissen und Experten Know-how vermitteln. Neu im Programm ist der „Creative Thursday“, an dem sich alles um kreatives Meeting- und Eventdesign dreht. Für die Frühaufsteher sind neu die beiden morgendlichen Einheiten zu den Themen „Business Networking“ und „Building Confidence“ im Programm. Zwei neue Themenbereiche wurden speziell für die beiden Zielgruppen „Young Professionals“ mit bis zu drei Jahren Berufserfahrung und „Senior Professionals“ mit mehr als acht Jahren Berufserfahrung entwickelt.
Key Note Redner
Auf der Eröffnungsrede heute früh traten der IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom, der Managing Director des strategischen IMEX Partners GCB German Convention Bureau Matthias Schultze und der Präsident & CEO der Messe Frankfurt Wolfgang Marzin zusammen mit Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, dem weltweit größten Anbieter von Unternehmenssoftware und einem großen Befürworter der Veranstaltungsbranche, vor die Presse.

In seiner Keynote Rede sagte Bill McDermott: „Warum ich die die Meetingbranche bewundere? Weil sie direkt an vorderster Front im Konflikt mit den Kraken der Bürokratie steht, die meinen, man könne die Welt mit Emails und Power Point Präsentationen bewegen.“

Bill McDermott Hauptredner auf der IMEX Eröffnungsfeier
Ergänzend fügte er hinzu: „Das, was wirklich zählt ist, Menschen zusammen zu bringen und diese zu inspirieren. Warum ich denke, dass dies der entscheidende Unterschied ist? Weil Veranstaltungen perfekt geeignet sind, um Botschaften zu transportieren, Kunden und Mitarbeiter zu motivieren und Geschäfte voran zu treiben. Veranstaltungen kreieren diesen Netzwerkeffekt, der sich eben nicht in bloßen Zahlen messen lasst. Dabei geht es darum, wie viele Menschen berührt, wie viele Ideen ausgetauscht und wie viele Kinder eine Ausbildung bekommen werden. Events können die Welt tatsachlich verändern.“

Die gesamte Rede von Bill McDermott sowie eine gekürzte Version werden nächste Woche auf dem IMEX YouTube Kanal sowie der Website zu finden sein.

Follow also my travel and lifestyle blog | http://www.JuergenSchreiter.com | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JRSchreiter
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Inspiration für soziale Verantwortung und das nächste Reiseabenteuer

Inspiration für soziale Verantwortung und das nächste Reiseabenteuer

Über 130 Aussteller informieren auf der ITB Berlin in Halle 4.1 über Nachhaltiges Reisen, Abenteuerreisen und Jugendreisen – Neue Aussteller aus Grönland, Neuseeland und Jordanien – Vorträge zu sozial verantwortlichem Tourismus beim 9. PowWow für Fachbesucher sowie auf der großen Bühne

Berlin, 18. Februar 2014 – Sozial verträglich reisen und dabei noch eine Menge erleben: Das ist kein Widerspruch. In Halle 4.1 können sich Besucher der ITB Berlin dieses Jahr wieder von Abenteuer-, Erlebnis- und Sportreisen inspirieren lassen und sich in spannenden Vorträgen über Projekte in verantwortlichem Tourismus rund um den Globus informieren. Abenteuergefühl kommt beim Besuch der Halle 4.1b dank des einzigartigen Hallendesign mit einem Erlebnisparcours sofort auf.

Darüber hinaus erfahren die Besucher in der Halle 4.1. von Jugendreiseveranstaltern, Hostels und Jugendherbergen Neuigkeiten über Youth Travel. Mehr als 130 Aussteller aus 35 Ländern sind insgesamt in den Messesegmenten Responsible Tourism, Adventure Travel sowie Youth Travel & Economy Accommodation auf der führenden Reisefachmesse der Welt vertreten. 70 Aussteller gehören dabei allein zu dem Bereich Adventure Travel und Responsible Tourism. Dieses Jahr neu dabei sind Länder wie Armenien, Georgien, Grönland, Neuseeland, Kolumbien und Jordanien. So stellt beispielsweise Serconatural Colombia nachhaltige Projekte vor, die dem Schutz der Natur und Kultur Kolumbiens dienen. Zelten wie die Beduinen und ökologisch vertretbare Touren durch die Wüste werden durch Detours Jordanien angeboten. Die indische Luxus-Hotelkette CGH Earth stellt in diesem Jahr bewusst auch in Halle 4.1 aus, um die Bedeutung von sozial verantwortlichem Tourismus zu unterstreichen.

Auf der großen Bühne der Halle 4.1 wird es auch in diesem Jahr während der Fachbesuchertage vom 5. bis 7. März wieder herausragende Veranstaltungen zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit geben: Themen sind Menschenrechte im Tourismus, nachhaltige Tourismusinitiativen im Nachgang des Arabischen Frühlings in Tunesien sowie das Problem der Wilderei. Das International Institut for Peace through Tourism (ICTP) feiert sein 25jähriges Bestehen und ITB Partner atmosfair, über den das ITB Team sämtliche Dienstreisen kompensiert, lädt ein zur Diskussion über die Zukunft des Tourismus und Klimawandel. Die von der ITB Berlin unterstützten To DO! Awards für sozialverantwortlichen Tourismus des Studienkreises für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V. werden am Mittwoch um 14:30 Uhr ebenfalls dort vergeben.

Während der Fachbesuchertage findet außerdem in der Mitte der Halle 4.1 auf der Adventure Bühne bereits zum 9. Mal der sogenannte „PowWow for Tourism Professionals“ statt, bei dem Touristiker einen Überblick über neueste Projekte, Erkenntnisse und Best-Practice-Beispiele zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit und erlebnisorientiertem Reisen bekommen.

Die bekannte Fernsehmoderatorin Mary Amiri führt durch die dreitägige Veranstaltung. Am ersten Tag, der unter dem Motto „Exploring Mountains, Canyons and Caves“ steht, spricht zum Beispiel Gera Voskanyan, Partnerships & Communications Manager and Ecotourism Expert, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), über geschützte Gebiete und das kulturelle Erbe in Armenien und Rati Japaridze, Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas Georgia, gibt einen Überblick zur einzigartigen Biodiversität Georgiens. Dr. Auliana Poon, Managing Director, Tourism Intelligence International, berichtet bei der Master Class Sustainable Mountain Tourism darüber, wie Destinationen einen nachhaltigen und verantwortlichen Tourismus entwickeln können.

Auch der zweite Tag dieser Veranstaltung widmet sich nachhaltigen Themen: So sprechen Matthias Leisinger, Head of Corporate Responsibility Kuoni Group und Mechthild Maurer, Managing Director ECPAT Deutschland über Kinderschutz im Tourismus und Experten aus Thailand, Griechenland, Kolumbien, Russland und der UNWTO berichten über ihre Projekte. Wie es um den Wiederaufbau und die nachhaltige Tourismusentwicklung auf Haiti steht, darüber diskutieren die haitianische Tourismusministerin Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin, Gesandte der Botschaft in Deutschland und ein Vertreter der Welthungerhilfe. Auch das Thema Social Media wird von Tourism Intelligence International aufgegriffen.

Am dritten Tag wird der Fokus unter anderem auf Klimaschutz gelegt. An vorbildliche Unternehmen wird der „myclimate Award“ in vier Kategorien verliehen. Anschließend wird die Bedeutung von Geoparks und UNESCO Weltkultur-Erbe-Stätten für den Tourismus in Diskussionsrunden erörtert. Am Bespiel des portugiesischen Naturtejo Geoparks erläutert Armindo Moreira da Palma Jacinto, President of the Administration Board, wie lehrreich und spannend ein Besuch eines Geoparks für Besucher ist. Eine etwas andere Art Nepal zu erkunden, ist per Fahrrad. Raj Gyawali, Gründer und Geschäftsführer von Socialtours, berichtet, wie diese ökologisch verträgliche Reiseform in Nepal Fuß gefasst hat.

An allen drei PowWow Tagen werden auch die inzwischen fest etablierten Beratungsgespräche „Responsible Tourism Clinics“ des ITB Responsible Tourism Partners The Blue Yonder stattfinden. Am Freitag gibt das International Responsible Tourism Networking Event ab 18 Uhr allen Interessierten die Möglichkeit, sich persönlich vorzustellen und Partner für eine Zusammenarbeit zu finden.

Die Halle 4.1 beheimatet darüber hinaus auch das Youth Travel Segment. Hier erhalten Messebesucher Tipps rund um Jugend- und Studentenreisen. 63 Aussteller unterstreichen die hohe Relevanz, die dieses Segment inzwischen für den internationalen Tourismus hat. Backpacker-Hotels, Budget-Hotelketten sowie Internetportale bieten jungen Reisenden heute bezahlbare Möglichkeiten für Reisen zu den unterschiedlichen Zielen der Welt. Auf der großen Bühne findet am Freitag dann Deutschlands größte Schulfahrtenkonferenz, das Lehrersymposium statt. Hier geht es um das Sonderthema „Gedenkstättenfahrten als Bildungsfaktor“ und um alle Fragen der Sicherheit und Organisation bei Klassen- und Projektfahrten. Au-Pair-Programme, Freiwilligendienste im In- und Ausland und Reisen für alle runden das Programm ab.

Auch am Wochenende gibt es nachhaltige und spannende Events auf den beiden Bühnen der Halle 4.1. Auf der Großen Bühne findet beispielsweise das ITB Gewinnspiel, internationale Tanzvorführungen, unter anderem aus dem ITB Berlin 2014 Partnerland Mexiko und eine Lesung statt. Auf der kleinen Bühne gibt es verschiedene Veranstaltungen im Rahmen des Abenteuertags für Camper, Wanderer und Weltenbummler, bei denen es auch um Klimaschutz geht.

Über die ITB Berlin und den ITB Berlin Kongress
Die ITB Berlin 2014 findet von Mittwoch bis Sonntag, 5. bis 9. 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, 5. bis 8. März 2014. Er ist weltweit der größte Fachkongress der Branche. Mehr Informationen sind zu finden unter http://www.itb-kongress.de. Die ITB Berlin ist die führende Messe der weltweiten Reiseindustrie. 2013 stellten 10.086 Aussteller aus 188 Ländern ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund 170.000 Besuchern, darunter 110.000 Fachbesuchern vor.

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Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

The Hawaii-based company’s portfolio of beachfront leisure resorts increases its presence across the Pacific, Asia and now the Indian Ocean

The beachfront Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is now open. The Deluxe 181-room, all sea-view resort opened 30 January and is the first in the Indian Ocean belonging to Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the 66-year old Hawaii-based hospitality company which now has 45 properties open or under development in eight countries.

“The expansion of the Outrigger brand into the Indian Ocean is the latest development showing the strategic commitment of Outrigger to open stunning resorts in desirable and iconic warm water beachfront locations around the world,” said Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

“Ownership of the property in Mauritius gives Outrigger the unique opportunity to share the locally-rich sense of place and discovery that guests look for when they go on holiday,” he said. “The wonderful warmth, colour and exotic mixes that characterise Mauritius can now be experienced at the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa,” he added.

The Republic of Mauritius is located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar. In Mauritius the absolute beachfront property has an idyllic location on the southern tip of the island in the Bel Ombre nature reserve, adjacent to the Heritage Golf Club. The new Outrigger resort is surrounded on the landward side by expansive sugar cane plantations.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the property in May 2013 and have completed an extensive refurbishment program.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa General Manager, Frederic Chretien, said: “The Outrigger dream for Mauritius has come true. From today we are delivering our acclaimed Outrigger hospitality that blends the needs of the most discerning traveller with the charm and tradition of an early 17th century Mauritian sugar cane plantation on the island’s southern coast.”

Getting to Mauritius from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa is easy. Direct flights connect Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous other cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a 90-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis.

Outrigger will host an official grand opening ceremony and celebration at the resort on 18 April this year.

For bookings visit http://www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com

For further information contact Mr. Frederick de Marcy Chelin, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Director of Sales and Marketing. Email: dosm.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Tel: +230 6235000; Mobile: +230 4994275; Skype: frederick.de.marcy.chelin
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About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with 66 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn® Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand Vacations. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 45 properties with approximately 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii; Australia; Guam; Fiji; Bali; Thailand; Mauritius; Vietnam; and Hainan Island, China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. For on-line information, log on at http://www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and http://www.outrigger.com.

INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYER APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR GIBTM 2014

INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYER APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR GIBTM 2014
Apply now via www.gibtm.com/hbapply

Hosted Buyer registration is now open for GIBTM, the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition, which takes place annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). All meetings industry professionals interested in attending the show with Hosted Buyer status can apply at www.gibtm.com/hbapply

Hosted Buyers attending will receive a personalised diary of pre-scheduled business appointments selected by them in advance of GIBTM with key regional exhibitors including Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Qatar Tourism Authority and Kingdom of Bahrain Tourism Sector, Ministry of Culture who have already confirmed their participation at the show.

Accepted Buyers will also receive direct access to the newly launched GIBTM Knowledge programme and invitations to a range of exclusive networking events, as well as complimentary return flights, transfers and 4/5* accommodation.

Lois Hall, GIBTM Event Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “The feedback we have received from last year and 99% satisfaction rate recorded post show has been extremely encouraging and as a result of the growing demand we are witnessing from international buyers who are looking to harness the potential of the rapidly developing meetings industry in the Middle East, we have extended the Hosted Buyer allocation to over 300 buyers this year.

“We are also anticipating that the show will generate around 8,500 pre-scheduled business appointments between Hosted Buyers and the growing number of exhibitors who have already signed up to take part.”

Jacqui Kavanagh, Managing Director, Trinity Conferences, UK who attended GIBTM 2013 as an international Hosted Buyer commented, “This is an important show to attend if you are serious about understanding who the movers and shakers are in this industry. The UAE is a growth market for us because it is deemed safe, has invested in infrastructure, has fantastic hotels and is building up its credentials as a conference destination. Abu Dhabi also has a lot more to offer now and the show has helped me to gain some valuable contacts.”

Grace Dzvairo, Global Account Executive, Conference Direct, Washington DC who also attended in 2013 as an international Hosted Buyer commented, “This show has really changed my perceptions of the UAE and what it has to offer. I am very surprised by what the UAE has to offer; it’s definitely unique and different and I will be considering both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for more clients, depending on their requirements. I would definitely recommend a meeting in Abu Dhabi.”

GIBTM has also recently announced plans to incorporate a number of new regional post event tour options for international Hosted Buyers attending. The show organisers have confirmed that Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar will be participating in the programme, which will host groups of top international meeting and incentive buyers directly after GIBTM 2014. For more information visit www.gibtm.com/hbtours

Event organisers and meetings industry professionals who influence or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches or staff training may be eligible to attend the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Middle East as a Hosted Buyer and can apply via www.gibtm.com/hbapply

GIBTM 2014 takes place on the 24th – 26th March, 2014.
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EIBTM LAUNCHES HYBRID EVENT

EIBTM LAUNCHES HYBRID EVENT

Live sessions streamed across the globe
IBTM Knowledge Virtual Centre will provide education on demand following shows

EIBTM (http://www.eibtm.com), the leading global event for the meetings and event industry, is set to launch its first Hybrid Conference at the show this year. The virtual conference will stream five key education sessions on Wednesday the 28th November from 9am (CET) as they happen live at EIBTM, allowing virtual delegates to join over 150 physical attendees for a dedicated interactive experience.

In addition to the live-streamed education sessions, The Hybrid Conference will also feature a virtual exhibition hall, resource centre and networking lounge.
Participants joining the live streamed keynote and interactive panel discussions will be able to ask questions live to the conference hall via a virtual MC, network real time with other participants within the communications centre and earn CEU credits for each seminar they attend.

The virtual event centre will be available to access for 12 months following the show. Participants will be able to view sessions on-demand, network with other participants and gain access to various white papers, which have been produced through research in association with EIBTM. In addition, content from the other IBTM events – AIME, GIBTM, CIBTM, AIBTM and BTM will all be available in the centre after each show.

The Hybrid Event will commence with a session delivered by Doug Keeley, CEO & Chief Storyteller, The Mark of a Leader, (9:00am EST). Keeley will use live storytellers and powerful videos, referring to case studies including Cirque du Soleil, Dabbawala, Zappos and the Shackleton’s Endurance to inspire meetings industry professionals and demonstrate that new strategies and innovative plans are needed, in times of great uncertainty and change.

At 11:00am (EST), Sally Greenhill, Managing Director, The Right Solution and Rob Davidson, Senior Lecturer – Event Management, Greenwich University will combine forces in the The IBTM Research findings: A discussion. This dynamic session will take the existing global research findings one step further by providing a summary and interactive discussion platform of the industry-wide research.

The Hybrid Event will also include a session dedicated to Making Digital Events Happen at 1:45pm (EST). This session will commence with an outline of key building blocks essential for hybrid events, Presented by Paul Cook, Managing Director, Planet Planit. The session will then provide an interactive forum for both the physical and remote participants discussing what creates comfort at a hybrid event.

The last segment of this session will include an ‘on the couch’ question session facilitated by Paul Cook, Ruud Janssen, Founder, The New Objective Collective (TNOC) and Mike Clanton, Head of Global Corporate Event Solutions, My Meeting Professional (MMP) as they share some of their observations and experiences of what happens next with developing digital content, how to make the most of it and where your social media/communications strategy needs to go next.

To view the full programme or register for the EIBTM Hybrid Conference please visit http://engage.vevent.com/rt/re~ibtm or go to the EIBTM website http://www.eibtm.com. Participants can log in to the event from 8:30am (CET) on November 28, 2012.