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.

New International Airport Boosts Holiday Options to Maldives

New International Airport Boosts Holiday Options to Maldives

KONOTTA, MALDIVES – The opening of international flights to Gan airport, adjacent to Addu township in the south of the Maldives, has opened a new era for the region – providing an alternative transportation offering that can save travellers valuable vacation time.

On 1 December SriLankan Airlines started flying from Colombo to the upgraded Gan airport, formerly a UK Royal Air Force refilling base until 1976 when it became a domestic airport. SriLankan Airlines now departs Colombo for Gan four times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — at 06.55 for the 110-minute journey, using a 150-seat Airbus 320.

“Since we consider Maldives our extended home market, we will explore every avenue to make sure that Gan receives the attention and visibility that it deserves,” said Saminda Perera, General Manager – Marketing, SriLankan Airlines.

Resorts in the south of the country have responded favourably.

“Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has added an on-demand 30-minute Trans Maldivian Airlines sea plane service between Gan and our luxurious hideaway to meet the new service and provide additional convenience to our guests,” said John Allanson, General Manager of Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.

“Whether vacationers travel here to enjoy our spacious over-water villas, varied water sport activities or Navasana Spa – we know that the journey here is part of the holiday experience, so we warmly welcome the new option,” he said.

Allanson said Gan is “virtually on the doorstep” of the Outrigger and all the resorts in the southern atolls of Seenu, Gnaviyani, Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu.

Having international services landing directly in Gan 545 kms south of Male saves an estimated three hours on travel time to resorts in the south as it eliminates the need to connect with a scheduled commercial flight from Male to domestic airports in the south.

Hoteliers in the southern atolls now hope that airlines, especially those with big feeder hubs in the Middle East, will also introduce flights directly to Gan.

Gan international airport is currently served by domestic carriers Maldivian and Flyme, as well as SriLankan. Private jets are also able to land and park at Gan due to its new international status.

On SriLankan, round-trip tickets from Colombo to Gan start from around USD330. Outrigger is offering a limited-time New Year’s Deal up to 30-percent off when booking direct on www.Outrigger.com.

“For any tourist who wishes to spend a holiday in an ambience which is not overcrowded and where not many things come between you and the turquoise Indian ocean, the Gan area is an ideal destination….it is for tourists who explore deeper,” said Saminda.

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

 

Europe shows recovery signs

Europe shows recovery signs in terms of international arrivals after a slow down during first semester of 2015
The latest results from the Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer* produced by European Cities Marketing and ForwardKeys highlight that Europe shows recovery signs: after a flat growth in Q2 2015, expectations are high regarding Intra-European bookings for Q3 2015, with a 5.4% growth.

During Q2 2015 international arrivals are growing slowly
During second quarter of 2015, all international source markets grew by 1.1% compared to previous year, mostly driven by long-haul travellers (+2.4%).
The Intra-European market (standing for 60% of all arrivals in Europe) increased by a small 0.2%.
Africa was also in a negative trend this 2nd quarter of 2015 with a -10.7% decrease.
Asia & Oceania maintain a healthy growth while North America still benefit from a favourable currency exchange.

International bookings to Europe for Q3 2015 are encouraging
Middle East had a negative variation in Q2 2015 due to events such as the oil pricing slump which reduced the purchasing power and the business travels. Ramadan (from June 18 to July 17), has affected negatively this quarter, but the perspectives for Q3 are promising with a 25.2% growth of bookings from this area.
Africa is up by +7.5% for future arrivals based on issued booking up to 30 of June. The region should recover the growing path after a bad performance during 2014 due to Ebola’s crisis.

The standard profile for long haul trips to Europe: last minute decision, 1-2 people, 1 week
Stays between 1 to 8 days predominate in second quarter of 2015, and showed interesting increases. However, the shortest stay had a timid growth, almost flat, likely due to the slowdown in the business profile of Middle East visitors. Regarding the lead time, most common segment is still late bookers, who decide the final trend in the last minute. Solo and couple travellers remain the main part of the total arrivals (74%) but Groups segment (6+ pax), despite its low volume, maintains a healthy growth (+7.1%), mostly due to the Asian market.

All ECM members have exclusive access to the complete European Cities Marketing – ForwardKeys Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer with all the graphs and analysis.

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.

NEW DYNAMIC FORMAT, NAME, DATES AND LOCATION

IBTM ARABIA
NEW DYNAMIC FORMAT, NAME, DATES AND LOCATION

IBTM Arabia (www.ibtmarabia.com) is the new name spearheading a transformation of the former annual GIBTM show. The event will also have a new location – the 5 star, The St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi – with new dates, from 10-12th February 2015.

The key features of IBTM Arabia 2015 include a new exclusive, closed door event format based on mutually matched business appointments, providing more touch points for exhibitors and buyers. In addition to an all- inclusive pricing structure, the new event will also accommodate a one-to-one ratio of Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

“The new concept is a result of the commentary fed back to us from key industry stakeholders including those from the private and public sectors, as well as other professional MICE organisations,” said Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia.

“Foremost in this transformation is that IBTM Arabia will be an all-inclusive solution where an innovative meeting pod design customised with the exhibitor’s corporate branding will give privacy to meetings between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

“Exhibitors only pay one price and their meeting pod will be ready upon their arrival so that they can go straight into business meetings. Everything is included in the price; no additional stand costs, freight, or build costs,” added Wilcox.

RTE’s research revealed that the market wanted to prioritise the time given to meetings with premium buyers but in the most cost-effective fashion. IBTM Arabia will feature up to 200 exhibitors, who will be able to meet with the same number of prestigious planners representing the regional and global MICE industry – 50% regional and 50% international, from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America.

All exhibitors and Hosted Buyers can select online whom they would like to schedule a meeting with, and a sophisticated software system will match the appointments, based on the preferences of both buyers and exhibitors.

“That results in up to 30 highly relevant appointments for each exhibitor, 6,000 in total across the event,” said Wilcox.

The name change also provides synergy with the other shows within the IBTM Global Events portfolio.

“The unique concept for the Middle East’s leading MICE event is now similar to IBTM America, IBTM India and IBTM Africa, although the latter two are table top events, the content and concept is virtually the same. One of the integral changes is that we have now effectively levelled the playing field. All exhibitors now have an equivalent amount of floor space and their meeting pod is exactly the same price, size and design, with the exception of their respective corporate branding. We will also have networking functions and a Knowledge Forum for all attendees, creating a community, providing as many business opportunities as possible and maximising return on investment,” said Wilcox.

IBTM Arabia is held with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – a dedicated entity of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) charged with stimulating the meetings industry in the emirate.

“Given that this transformation has been achieved in association with the industry it serves – both exhibitors and buyers – we believe IBTM Arabia has significant potential for growth and look forward to it helping to stimulate the global, regional and local meetings industry,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau.

To find out more, please visit www.ibtmarabia.com

GIBTM 2014 KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

GIBTM 2014 KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
For full details visit http://www.gibtm.com/knowledge

GIBTM, the leading Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition in the Middle East, has recently announced the full outline for their 2014 GIBTM Knowledge programme which will be delivered at the show, set to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 24-26 March, 2014.

Erica Keogan, Associations and Education Manager, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “GIBTM Knowledge has been rebranded for this year and is set to offer professional education opportunities for MICE and Business Travel professionals at all levels. The programme, which will be delivered by industry experts, has been designed to cover key market trends and issues in the Meetings, Incentives and Business Travel sectors.”

Sponsored by Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), the GIBTM 2014 Knowledge programme will be supported by SITE, MPI, ICCA and Green Globe and will include Business Travel, Industry Knowledge, Association and Sustainability sessions, which will deliver cutting edge professional education opportunities for MICE and Business Travel professionals.

The GIBTM Knowledge programme will incorporate the following sessions and full details can be found via http://www.gibtm.com/knowledge

The GIBTM 20×20 Challenge – Powered by PechaKucha (26 March 2014, 10:30 – 11:30 Knowledge Hub). This session invites attendees to present in a PechaKucha™ competition (PechaKucha™ is a style of presentation: 20 slides shown for precisely 20 seconds per slide). The audience will vote for their favourite presentation and pick the winner. Those interested in presenting should email abi.cannons@reedexpo.co.uk with a brief overview of their intended topic.
Habits of Middle East Business Travellers (25 March 2014, 16:00 – 17:00 Knowledge Hub) – Sunil Malhotra, Director, Aviation Sector – Middle East & North Africa, Ernst and Young, will be discussing the travel habits of business travellers in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and will be addressing their travel needs and trends. This is a must-attend session for all those interested in discovering future Business Travel trends in the Middle East.
Using Content Marketing to Promote Your Event or Venue (25 March 2014, 13:00 – 14:00, Knowledge Hub) – This session, delivered by Jordan Boshers, Chief Digital Strategist and Founder, IstiZada, and Farah Isam Batarneh, Online Project Manager, IstiZada, will analyse how content marketing can be used to drive new business through utilising the creation and distribution of relevant and useful content.

To find out more about GIBTM please visit http://www.gibtm.com

Join GIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

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