SOUTH AFRICA – “IT’S THE PLACE TO BE”

SOUTH AFRICA – “IT’S THE PLACE TO BE”
MINISTER OF TOURISM IN SOUTH AFRICA, OUTLINES NEXT DECADE OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MICE INDUSTRY

Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism for South Africa outlined how South Africa, as a world-class business events destination, will respond to the next decade in the face of rising interest in the African continent.

Speaking at ibtm world in Barcelona, Minister Hanekom outlined how South Africa hosted 124 international association conferences in 2014 alone which attracted just under 70 000 industry professionals. Of these 124 conferences, 81% were international rotating events. He also reminded all that the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has only been in existence for three years.

Looking to the future, SANCB has secured 163 bids for South Africa between 2016 and 2020, from industry sectors as diverse as mining, health and agriculture. Collectively they are expected to bring over 150,000 delegates to South Africa and contribute approximately R3.1billion to the economy.

“The potential of Africa for the MICE industry is exponential. The tide has turned, we can see that our growth opportunities are now also within the African market. There are 770 registered African Associations on the ICCA database. 178 of these are based in South Africa and 592 on the rest of the continent and 218 regional conferences were registered on the continent in 2014 resulting in 610 events over the last five years. South Africa only hosted 63 of these events in the past 5 years,” said Minister Hanekom.

The first African Association Society of Executives, which was formed this year, will hold its first AGM at Meetings Africa 2016, SANCB’s signature business events trade shows held annually in February at the Sandton convention Centre in Johannesburg. Other new developments include identifying and collaborating with a key strategic partner to oversee the management of the tradeshow going forward.

The Minister also announced the SANCB is most excited that the European Cities Marketing (ECM) programme is coming to South Africa. This will be the first time that this initiative takes place in South Africa just ahead of the 2016 edition of Meetings Africa.

Speaking at the press conference, alongside Minister Hanekom, ECM President Ignasi de Delàs, said, “We are really thrilled to have our first ECM Academy organised in South Africa. It’s a new landmark in ECM development to host the derived version of our successful ECM Summer School. The ECM Academy is a tailor-made course for partner organisations outside Europe. We will do our maximum to guarantee the success of the ECM Academy in Johannesburg by maintaining the highest standard of course content, recruiting the best speakers, and giving the latest examples showcasing the most up-to-date trends in the Meetings Industry.”

Hanekom also outlined how the Government is helping small businesses in the tourism sector by including them in shows like ibtm world.

“We have invited 4 of these enterprises with us here to exhibit at ibtm world this year – it’s an important trade show and gives them access to an international business platform,” added Minister Hanekom.

The South African National Government supports over 1.4 million jobs and investment continues in its climate change research and management of ocean resources as well as science and technology, minerals and gas exploration.

Summing up, Minister Hanekom said: “South Africa offer the business events industry excellent value for money, deliver authentic, memorable and enriching experiences in one of the most captivating, safest and beautiful countries that I am proud to call my home.”

PACIFIC WORLD BRINGS REACTABLE AND GOOGLE GLASS TO EIBTM

PACIFIC WORLD BRINGS REACTABLE AND GOOGLE GLASS TO EIBTM
Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the integrated global DMC and Event Management organisation, are set to showcase some leading technology tools that could be integrated into different kind of events, meetings and incentives, at their stand (K36) whilst exhibiting at EIBTM 2014, which takes place from 18-20 November in the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.

They will be running three interactive sessions at their booth in Barcelona, including a Reactable demonstration that will take place on Tuesday 18 from 17.00 – 18.00 and two sessions with Google Glass, on Wednesday 19 from 16.00 – 18.00 and Thursday 20 from 10.00 – 14.30.

Reactable is an electronic musical instrument with a multi-touch tabletop interface. Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager, Pacific World commented, “Reactable is a trendy tool that until now has been used for alternative and electronic music festivals. This creative technology is now jumping over into the corporate world, thanks to the potential it has to reinforce branding and corporate culture during an event.”

Reactable connects attendees of an event to the music in a completely different way. It turns every performance into a memorable experience where guests can interact with and create music. It is also visually impactful and is suited to all types of spaces and events.

“This audiovisual instrument could help to enhance the brand experience during an event. Could also help to transmit specific brand values in a different and creative way”, says Silvio.

Google Glass, which launched in 2012, has also received a great deal of interest amongst technology lovers within the meetings industry. The cutting edge technology offers huge potential within the meetings and events industry, as it is suited for a number of applications including team building apps and speaker prompts during conferences.

Silvio explains, “Clients will be able to try and discover a bit more about how Google Glass can be integrated in an event through live demonstrations at our stand. Some examples of how to integrate Google Glass into an event includes run a contest during a conference where attendees participate through taking their own photos and videos and uploading them directly from Google Glass to platforms including our Facebook fan page or Instagram account.”

Meetings industry professionals interested in placing outbound business into destinations including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia (Bali), Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam Europe: Spain, Italy, England, France, Greece, Monaco, Portugal, Scotland Middle East: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman Southern African region: South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe North America (In Global Alliance with ACCESS Destinations Services) should visit Pacific World (K36) at EIBTM to find out more.

For more information please visit: www.pacificworld.com

IBTM AFRICA CONFIRMS A STRONG LINE UP OF INTERNATIONAL MICE INDUSTRY BUYERS

IBTM AFRICA CONFIRMS A STRONG LINE UP OF INTERNATIONAL MICE INDUSTRY BUYERS
http://www.ibtmevents.com/ibtmafrica

IBTM Africa, part of Africa Travel Week, is gearing up for major business with MICE industry buyers from leading global agency, corporate and association companies qualified to attend the event, which is and takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28th – 30th April 2014.

Major names including Widex India PVT, W&O Events, Capital Travel & Events, Capita Travel & Events, IIMC, Conference Direct and HelmsBriscoe Middle East have also been accepted onto the highly sought after Hosted Buyer Programme.

Bettina Wiethoff, Manager Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe Middle East, commented, “With great flight connections from Dubai to South Africa we have seen an increased interest in the destination, for incentives and MEA regional conferences. Being an international venue finder, we always strive towards suggesting special venues, which guarantee a memorable experience for the delegates. I highly appreciate the efforts in arranging IBTM Africa, which allows the hosted buyers to meet many potential partners at the same time, not only from South Africa, but from other African countries as well. The possible activities and venues Africa has to offer are a perfect fit with the current Meeting Trends, attendees looking for an experience, a sense of place, being in nature. I am very excited to learn more about Africa and introducing its countries to my clients.”

The Hosted Buyer mix for IBTM Africa reflects the main traditional inbound markets for the continent, as well as accommodating a proportion of buyers from the emerging markets including Middle East, Asia and South America.

Exhibiting at IBTM Africa will provide African and Indian Ocean suppliers with the opportunity to conduct mutually matched business appointments with qualified international buyers that have proven budget and business to place in Africa, facilitating fast market penetration through the power of face-to-face meetings. Exhibitors will also be able to gain international exposure and obtain competitive intelligence whilst establishing their company as a key player in the meetings and events industry.

Leading exhibitors who have already signed up to attend IBTM Africa 2014 include: City Lodge Group, One & Only Cape Town, CSIR International, Salute Africa, That’s Africa Travel & Incentives, Private Safaris Destination Management, Shades of Green Safaris Tanzania and SA Reynolds Travel.

Heather Beadle, Groups & Incentives Manage, SA Reynolds Travel, commented, “We believe IBTM Africa is an excellent platform to bring together buyers and suppliers with focus on the inbound market which is an area we are developing and are focusing on in our MICE department. We feel we will be put in touch with the right people who are planning MICE events in South Africa and they will use us as their suppliers. It will create some good business opportunities and offer excellent networking possibilities as well.”

For further information, please see http://www.ibtmevents.com/ibtmafrica.

For further Africa Travel Week information, please see http://www.africatravelweek.com.

ALL EYES ON OMAN FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING FOOD INDUSTRY EXPERTS’ GATHERING IN 2016

ALL EYES ON OMAN FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING FOOD INDUSTRY EXPERTS’ GATHERING IN 2016

Pictured at yesterday’s signing (from left) IAOM MEA District Director Mr. Ali Habaj, IAOM MEA Chairman, Mr. Merzad Jamshidi, Omran Chairman, H.E. Nasser Al Jashmi and Omran CEO, Eng. Wael Al Lawati.More than 1,000 of the world’s top food industry professionals will descend upon the Sultanate of Oman when it hosts the 27th Annual International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Mideast & Africa District Conference and Expo from 5-9 December 2016.

The IAOM MEA Congress at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre will attract decision makers from the multi-national companies that control the food supply along with a range of investors looking for new business opportunities.

The announcement was made yesterday at the official signing ceremony at Omran Head Office attended by Omran Chairman, H.E. Nasser Al Jashmi, Omran CEO, Eng. Wael Al Lawati, IAOM MEA Chairman, Mr. Merzad Jamshidi, IAOM MEA District Director Mr. Ali Habaj and Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager,Trevor McCartney.

His Excellency Nasser Al Jashmi said this announcement was significant milestone in the development stage of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“We are delighted that the Sultanate of Oman has been selected to host such a prestigious convention which will be the first important conference to be hosted by Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to coincide with its completion in 2016.” said H.E. Al Jashmi.

Mr. Habaj said the event was one of the largest specialised conference and exhibitions in the world.

“The Middle East and Africa are the largest buyers of grains and other food imports, accounting for about one-third of the production in the world today”.

He said the hot topic would be the sustainability of the food supply with Oman set to become the food hub for logistics and food processing in the Gulf region.

“IAOM MEA Conference & Expo is certainly one of the most anticipated events in the milling and food processing industries. For the last 25 years, it has become a venue for key industry players, decision makers, and top executives to broker next year’s commodity prices and deals.

“The Middle East and Africa’s annual volume of imports of major grains exceeds 84 million tonnes, which is estimated to be over US$ 29 Billion in value. This comprises 29% of global grain trade. (source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Many of these purchase contracts are negotiated during IAOM MEA events.

“This is serious business and we can’t wait for the completion of the new Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre so we can host a congress that is relevant to Oman at a state of the art venue.” Mr Habaj said.

Interestingly, IAOM MEA events have been purposely held alternately between the Middle East and Africa. This is to ensure IAOM MEA’s presence, and strengthen its ties with local millers throughout the region. Previous conferences were held in Tanzania, Turkey, South Africa, Jordan, Morocco, and the UAE.

Mr. Habaj commended venue manager, AEG Ogden for bringing the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to the IAOM MEA’s attention two years ago.

Newly appointed General Manager for the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre Mr. Trevor McCartney said from the very first meeting, it was obvious that IAOM MEA with more than 150 exhibitors showing the latest in flour and feed milling machines was a perfect fit for the venue.

“Not only are we delighted to showcase Oman’s professionalism of organising prestigious events such as this, we look forward to welcoming participants to experience the traditional Omani hospitality during the congress and encourage them to then take the time to explore the country’s natural beauty and history.

“This is one of many major international conventions the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is targeting to secure in the lead up to its completion in 2016,” Mr. McCartney said.

The Government of Oman’s leading tourism infrastructure developer Omran which is charged with the development of this landmark project for the country, welcomed the signing.

Mr. Al Lawati said Omran was pleased with the level of interest generated from the pre-opening marketing activities by AEG Ogden and IAOM’s commitment to host their 2016 congress in the early stages of this landmark project for Oman.

About the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
Due for completion in late 2016, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is located in its own fully integrated precinct only four kilometres from Muscat International Airport.

The design of the Centre will ensure a flow of the meetings space to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organisers. It also incorporated expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features.

The Centre will feature an elaborate tiered auditorium to seat 3,200 while the exhibition halls will feature 22,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space. Halls 1 and 2 will have a superior fit out, specialised acoustic treatment, advanced lighting and rigging requirements to act as a multi-purpose space for plenary sessions, concerts, performances, gala events on a larger scale of up to 10,000 seated, theatre-style.

The Centre will also include an additional 450-seat tiered theatre, 13 meeting rooms for 70-360 delegates, two well-appointed ballrooms to seat up to 2,360, VIP Pavilion, a spacious food-court and a multi-storey carpark with capacity for 4,000 vehicles.

The Precinct will provide the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional and local events and for the enjoyment of the community. These include a five star hotel linked to the convention centre, two four star, and a three star hotel and apartments with a combined total of 1,000 rooms. A business park, retail shopping mall surrounded by a nature reserve which will be a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, parklands and wadi (valley) park are also part of this picturesque precinct. www.omanconvention.com

GIBTM GEARS UP FOR SUCCESS WITH HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER MEETINGS INDUSTRY BUYERS CONFIRMED TO ATTEND

GIBTM GEARS UP FOR SUCCESS WITH HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER MEETINGS INDUSTRY BUYERS CONFIRMED TO ATTEND
www.gibtm.com

GIBTM, the leading Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition in the Middle East, is gearing up for major business with meetings industry buyers from leading global financial, technology, agency, corporate and association companies signed up to attend the event which takes place annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 24-26 March, 2014.

Major names including Kuoni Events, TE Connectivity, UHY International, Medicongress, Mary Kay, HelmsBriscoe, FEI Company, China International Medicine Exchange Association International Service Center, Contendam and Portigon Financial Services have been accepted onto the highly sought after Hosted Buyer programme.

Last year, GIBTM saw 251 Hosted Buyers attend with 67% placing orders in excess of US$650,000 each. As a direct result of the growing demand witnessed from both exhibitors and buyers, the show has extended the Hosted Buyer Programme offering this year to accommodate over 300 buyers who are expected to participate in over 8,500 pre-scheduled appointments.

Exhibiting at GIBTM will provide regional and international suppliers with the opportunity to meet this highly targeted audience of buyers and achieve fast market penetration, which will be facilitated through the power of face-to-face meetings. Exhibitors will also be able to obtain competitive intelligence whilst establishing their company as a key player in the meetings and events industry.

The IBTM Meetings Industry Research for the Middle East, which was presented at last years show, identified the top ten countries for outbound business from the Middle East to be Turkey, Spain, France, Malaysia, India, UK, Indonesia, Philippines, USA and South Africa.

To find out more about GIBTM please visit http://www.gibtm.com
Join GIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

Notes to Editors
For media enquiries, please contact:
Pamela Wils
Tel: +44 (0) 208 334 4005
Mob: +44 (0) 07900494467
Email: pamela.wils@cut-coms.co.uk

Sophie Ahad
Tel: +44 (0) 208 334 4009
Mob: +44 (0) 776 8211629
Email: sophie.ahad@cut-coms.co.uk

PACIFIC WORLD EXPANDS EUROPEAN NETWORK

PACIFIC WORLD EXPANDS EUROPEAN NETWORK

After rebranding as Pacific World EMEA (www.pacificworld.com) in November 2011, the key focus of the DMC in the region has been to expand its geographic footprint. The four original destinations of Scotland, Portugal, Spain and Greece have been supplemented by the opening of new offices in Paris and Monaco on 1st February, shortly to be followed by the opening of a London office on 1st March 2013.

Shaun Casey, EMEA Regional Director comments, “We announced last year our intention to further expand into EMEA. Rather than acquiring companies, Pacific World has selected highly experienced business professionals who share the same vision in terms of customer care, creativity and operational excellence. I’m delighted to welcome such experienced talent to our team. With more than 20 years’ experience in different organisations, each will make a valuable contribution to our growth in the region”.

Evelyne Mancini de Boni in Monaco and Hannelore Carzon in Barcelona will join the EMEA senior management team reporting into Shaun Casey, EMEA Regional Director. Corinne della Rocca and Laure Maida-Bigot from Monaco and Cecile Dubeau and Laure Le Pendeven from Paris will also move from other DMCs in the region to join Pacific World as part of their expansion plans.

This recruitment activity concludes the first of a three-phase implementation for geographic expansion in the region. The next two phases will see further openings in the region within the first half of 2013 allowing Pacific World to optimize its considerable investment in a sales organization focused on both traditional and emerging source markets around the world.

Casey concludes, “The expansion allows us to better service our customers on a longer-term, strategic basis in the region. Whilst this is important for our agency customers who are looking for business partners who can service multiple destinations and who truly understand their approach, it is essential for our long term success with our association customers as a PCO where the evaluation of destinations based on a number of contributing factors is key to the success in placing congress business. Our early success is already creating a lot of excitement in our organization.”

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 14 countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Scotland, China, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore and Indonesia.

For more information please visit: http://www.pacificworld.com

PACIFIC WORLD GAINS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION IN SUCCESSFUL START TO 2013

PACIFIC WORLD GAINS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION IN SUCCESSFUL START TO 2013

Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the global DMC Event Management and PCO Company, has received two industry awards following their worldwide rebranding in November 2011. Pacific World as a global brand has been recognised for delivering operational excellence, creativity and best-in-class customer service across the world.

The Pacific World Indonesia team were awarded the ‘Indonesia Leading Inbound Travel Agent’ award at the Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards 2012/2013, positioning them as the number one MICE inbound agency in the region. Further to this, Pacific World were also awarded second place in ‘Best Business Events Company’ Readers’ Choice awards in CEI Asia magazine.

Herve JOSEPH-ANTOINE, Global Managing Director of Pacific World commented on the organisations recent success, “To be named as the number one MICE inbound agency in Indonesia and to gain recognition as one of the Best Business Events Companies by CEI Asia magazine is an honor for Pacific World. We feel that our dedication to producing unforgettable events is being recognized and we look forward to continuing success in the remainder of 2013.”

Through working closely with local governments and convention centres, the global MICE company currently delivers event solutions in over 14 countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Scotland, China, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore and Indonesia.

For more information please visit: www.pacificworld.com

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support
The IMEX Group has today issued a public report on the findings of the IMEX Politicians Forum discussion held during IMEX in Frankfurt in May this year.

With meetings and business events integral to the development of knowledge-based economies and increasingly central to the prosperity and future growth of nations and cities around the world, the annual IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt provides both a private and a public platform to review industry progress.

The latest report provides an overview of the days’ content, including the case studies and papers presented by Business Events Sydney, Bordeaux, the European Society of Cardiology, Excel – London, Germany, Mexico and San Diego.

Close to 130 participated in the Forum, including politicial representatives and industry leaders. This year’s special guest speaker was Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of The Rocco Forte Hotels Group. The Forum’s keynote speaker was Nick de Bois, MP, Chair of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events. 36 politicians and government officials from 16 countries also participated – the largest number to date. They represented: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden and the UK.

One high point was the participation of Gloria Guevara Manzo, State Secretary of Tourism, Mexico, and member of President Calderon’s cabinet. She spoke about her country’s continued growth and ambition. Now one of the world’s top 15 economies, 190 million tourists visited Mexico in 2011, almost 23 million of which were international travellers. Manzo explained that Mexico’s goal is to become one of the world’s top five destinations by 2018 and recognises that meetings, incentive travel and events have a part to play in reaching that target.

Together with its three partner associations (AIPC, JMIC and European Cities Marketing), the IMEX Group hopes that destinations and convention and visitor bureaus in particular will use the report to encourage further political engagement in – and understanding of – the industry among their local political representatives. Its findings also demonstrate how far the industry has developed over the past 10 years and how much more assertive, cohesive and informed it has become.

The IMEX Group furthered its commitment to industry development through political influence at IMEX America this year when it held the first ever Political Advocacy Forum in conjunction with partners, the US Travel Association. This Forum was attended by special guest, Mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman, together with CEO of US Travel, Roger Dow and close to 100 participants and media took part. IMEX will further advance its advocacy efforts in 2013 through PCMA’s new Industry Business Forum for local leaders.

IMEX has also made a 3-minute informational video available for free industry download. The video explains the importance of lobbying at a local level and is designed to be viewed by destinations and local government representatives alike.

A full copy of the IMEX in Frankfurt Politicians Forum Report plus a shorter summary is available online.

The IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt is co-organised by ECM (European Cities Marketing) and AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) and held under the auspices of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council). It is supported by the German Convention Bureau (GCB), the Frankfurt Convention Bureau, Messe Frankfurt, International Meetings Review, Brähler and Sixt.

PACIFIC WORLD APPOINTS GILL DEWAR AS NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH AFRICA

PACIFIC WORLD APPOINTS GILL DEWAR AS NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Pacific World, the leading MICE* business in Asia and Europe has appointed Gill Dewar as Sales Representative for South Africa. The new appointment supports Pacific World’s drive to strengthen their sales force and expand its current Events Management and PCO* centres across the globe.

Pacific World has recently extended its business reach into Southern Africa, covering Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe from South Africa and Namibia offices.

Gill Dewar will be focusing on bringing Pacific World DMC*, Event Management and PCO expertise to South African market. Commenting on her new appointment, Dewar said, “I am excited about re-establishing the excellent existing reputation that Pacific World has in the South African MICE market and to introducing clients to the recently expanded Pacific World portfolio. There is a need for DMC diversity and variety in the industry and the new portfolio will definitely ensure this.”

Dewar has been working in the MICE industry since 1995 and prior to joining Pacific World, she was the MICE Product Manager for Tourvest Travel Services (Seekers Travel and American Express Travel Services). She has a track record of delivering excellent destination knowledge as well as maintaining excellent supplier and client relations.

Founded 32 years ago, Pacific World now covers 15 countries and over 30 destinations including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Scotland, South Africa, Namibia, China, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Pacific World has long-lasting experience managing large complex logistics combined with creative programs. As the official agency for important trade fairs and conferences such as EIBTM (Barcelona, around 15,000 delegates), they are responsible for managing accommodation, transportation and other destination logistics.

Pacific World strives to ensure operational excellence in order to meet the needs of its clients and bring “the art of destination management” to the entire world.

For more information please visit: www.pacificworld.com