BESTCITIES UNVEIL AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR 2017 TOKYO GLOBAL FORUM

BESTCITIES UNVEIL AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR 2017 TOKYO GLOBAL FORUM

BestCities Global Alliance is set to champion inclusivity and multi-culturalism within the business tourism industry in 2017 and beyond, following the announcement Building Global Connections Across Cultures will be the core theme underlying this year’s BestCities Global Forum, taking place in Tokyo 4-7 December 2017.

Building on the 100% delegate success ratings in Dubai 2016, the second BestCities Global Forum will be hosted in partnership with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB). The impressive programme of education, insight and networking, is already shaping up to be this year’s must-attend event for senior international association meeting planners, looking to increase the positive impact of their meetings.

The Global Forum offers an intimate, yet stimulating learning environment for international association event organisers, to gain a deeper understanding, not only of ways to collaborate more effectively, but how to build professional relationships across cultures and develop effective leadership skills in a global context.

With over 25 years of experience, Sean Blair, owner of ProMeet will facilitate the diverse Forum programme, which includes thought-provoking education sessions, engaging practical workshops, relevant case studies and interactive breakouts challenges, designed to unlock the collective knowledge within the room. Influential speakers will include “accidental executive” and former CEO of Tourism Vancouver Rick Antonson and global leadership and cultural intelligence expert, Miriam van der Horst, owner of Learning 360.

While the majority of the sessions take place in the luxurious Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, nestled within a vast 19th Century Japanese Garden, host TCVB is also planning a rich and diverse programme to immerse participants in Japan’s heritage and culture, while revealing powerful insights into the city and its institutions. With preparations quickly progressing towards 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prof. Hiroo Ichikawa Executive Director of The Mori Memorial Foundation, will also be discussing the strengths and opportunities of Tokyo in the next decade.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to establish relationships with peers and grow global networks, with events such as the Ambassador Dinner, bringing delegates together with influential local ambassadors and key contacts.

A perfect example of collaboration across cultures, the Global Forum also allows delegates to gain an in-depth knowledge of 12 top class meeting destinations under one roof, with City Café meetings and social networking with all 12 of BestCities’ partners: Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup from Wonderful Copenhagen said:
“Building global connections across cultures is at the very heart of BestCities ethos and long-term success. We are 12 partners that recognise the collective strength of working together, adding value not only for our individual cities, but our clients too. This year’s Global Forum will be addressing both the challenges and opportunities when dealing with international stakeholders, providing informed practical advice and peer-to-peer learning in a way, that will genuinely help and support senior association executives to take their future meetings to the next level.”

Kazuko Toda, Director from Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau said:
“Tokyo is delighted to host the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo this December. Through hosting the Forum, we would like our clients to find out what Tokyo has to offer as a meetings destination, and not only a tourism destination. Also, through the learnings of the Forum, we hope to motivate and give confidence to clients who have not had the opportunity to hold their event in Tokyo or any of the new BestCities destinations to consider us for their next meeting. “

The inaugural BestCities Global Forum in Dubai, December 2016, was celebrated as an overwhelming success, with 100% of delegates surveyed reporting the Forum fulfilled their main objectives for attending and would recommend it to their international association meeting planners.

Speaking about the outcomes of the 2016 Global Forum in Dubai, Andry Vleeming, Chairman of World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain said:

“I came with an open mind and was rewarded with four days of networking with talented colleagues sharing interests and expertise.  It has helped change the way I think about our future conferences – the need to move into the future more quickly, which is more critical today than it was in the past.”

Registration for the BestCities Global Forum Tokyo is now open. Free to attend, with round-trip flights, accommodation and meals for all attending qualified international association executives covered by BestCities.

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events including the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo (4-7 December 2017) visit http://www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

 

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#BestCities #Tokyo #MICEnews #MICEIndustry #BestCitiesGlobalForum

MADRID ACCEPTED AS THE NEXT OFFICIAL PARTNER OF LEADING GLOBAL ALLIANCE

MADRID ACCEPTED AS THE NEXT OFFICIAL PARTNER OF LEADING GLOBAL ALLIANCE
BestCities welcomes the leading convention bureau on board

Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) was today (16 MAY) officially confirmed as the twelfth partner of BestCities Global Alliance. The new signing will bring a truly dynamic international congress city and convention bureau to the alliance that now holds 12 members.

With more than three decades of experience, Madrid has played host in the last years to some of the world’s leading events including the World Petroleum Congress, the World Air Traffic Management Congress and The Congress of the International Dental Federation. With more than 14,000 meetings and events per year serving to more than 1 million delegates, MCB is already paving the way for global standards in the sector.

Adding value to MCB’s offering and shaping its future growth, BestCities will work with MCB to support future innovations and refine its legacy development, such as creating impactful city events for its future association meetings.

As the first BestCities destination within the Mediterranean, MCB will help the alliance establish stronger ties and a more pronounced presence within the area.  Very much in line with BestCities practice, MCB is committed to constantly evolving and reviewing its standards and undergoes an annual audit associated with ‘Q de Calidad Turistica’ – a quality certification for tourism services in Spain. Since 2012 MCB has passed the audit with flying colours, cementing its dedication to continually improving standards in its workings.

Madrid has been committed to improving its sustainability with various programmes aimed to target this issue including City Hospitality Desks which help to control the wastage of unused city brochures through a dedicated delegates desk at conventions. This has grown massively with 11 meetings serving over 18,000 delegates supported this way in 2016. Ambassador programmes are also a key investment for the MCB with its own platform that identifies individuals within areas including non-for profit, NGO’s and universities that have helped secure meetings in Madrid.

The BestCities partnership will support the MCB in acquiring knowledge in legacy development and position Madrid as innovative leaders in this field, alongside the other BestCities’ partners: Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

The MCB is the first destination to go through BestCities’ revised quality management system (QMS). With admission into the Alliance a guarantee to clients that the vital commitments to excellence such as venue capacity, international accessibility and infrastructure framework are a given, the new QMS further extends BestCities offering beyond the key convention elements a city must possess to host world class events. With a focus on advancing the purpose of meetings through vital areas including sustainability, accessibility and legacy development, it adds a further dimension and unique strength to its partner cities’ offering.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup from Wonderful Copenhagen commented on the new signing:

“Madrid is a world class destination for conferences and events and we’re ecstatic to be welcoming them onto the BestCities Global Alliance. Madrid’s successful submission truly cements BestCities dedication to setting industry standards which we hope to help build with them over the next few years.

“Our dedication is to providing customers with seamless, worry-free services across a global network of cities. As our twelfth member, Madrid will enable us to continue to build the long-term loyalty by adding value through contributing to the cause of meetings. We’re excited to be able to offer our expertise particularly within this area.”

David Noack, Director of Madrid Convention Bureau said:

“MCB trust that becoming a member of BestCities will enrich our knowledge as a convention bureau by embracing their ethos for commitment to excellence. In short, our aim is to guarantee that each congress held in Madrid will be a unique and successful experience made possible through the close working of our organisations.”

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events including the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo (4-7 December 2017) visit www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

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#BestCities #GlobalForum #MCB #MICEnews #MICEmedia

BESTCITIES GETS READY TO WELCOME MADRID TO GLOBAL ALLIANCE

BESTCITIES GETS READY TO WELCOME MADRID TO GLOBAL ALLIANCE

BestCities Global Alliance is cementing its reputation as the world’s leading convention tourism destination partnership, with the announcement that Madrid is set to become its twelfth member in 2017.

Revealed today (10 January) at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference in Austin, Texas, the Spanish capital’s Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) has been accepted as the newest member of the alliance, which also includes Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

MCB is expected to become a full partner in spring 2017, following a comprehensive internal review to ensure the city surpasses the highest quality commitments required of all BestCities partners.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup, Convention Director of Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau said: “Madrid is one of most established and vibrant international conference destinations in the world and we are proud to welcome them into our alliance. The combination of the exceptional work by MCB, supported by the city’s premiere meeting venues, modern infrastructure and rich cultural offering, make it the ideal candidate to join the BestCities family.

“Achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence that surpasses our clients’ expectations is at the heart of BestCities offering. Madrid’s preliminary membership not only further strengthens the alliance and its profile in Europe, but will help BestCities build on its ambitions and commitment to help clients create lasting legacies for their organisations and events.”

With Madrid ranked fifth in the world by the ICCA International Congress rankings and voted “2016 Best MICE Destination” at the 2016 IBTA Business Travel Awards, MCB is one of the world’s most experienced and successful convention bureaus.  During the last year, the city hosted 14,283 meetings, welcoming over 1 million delegates.

A popular destination for international association meetings, high profile events coming to Madrid in 2017 include the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology ESMO 2017, the European Congress of Medical Oncology EULAR 2017 and the 54th. European Renal Association and European Dialysis and Transplant Association congress.

David Noack Pérez, Director of Madrid Convention Bureau said: “Madrid is a lively and friendly city where everyone feels at home; at the same time, it offers a safe and comfortable setting where taking time out and doing business are equally enjoyable. Its rich artistic and natural heritage, cutting-edge transport network, quality accommodation, fine cuisine and the passion locals show when enjoying our city’s day and night life make Madrid one of the most attractive cities.

“MCB is confident on the fact that becoming a member of BestCities will not only enrich our knowledge as a CB but also that Madrid can for sure enrich the excellent offer for holding events that BestCities represents. Our aim, in short, is to guarantee that in Madrid, each congress held will be a unique and successful experience and this association will contribute on it.”

MCBs’ preliminary BestCities membership follows in the footsteps of Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau, who became a full BestCities partner in April last year, the first Latin American bureau to join the high profile alliance.

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events visit www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

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The capital of Japan attracted meeting planners with great excitement

The capital of Japan attracted meeting planners with great excitement

Hosted by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, an exciting 4 nights/5days FAM trip was successfully held inviting 10 APAC meeting planners, which allowed them to inspect capital hotels and unique venues while offering the chance to build the fruitful face-to-face network with the local suppliers.

One of the highlights of the trip was a 2-hour evening cruise on yakatabune, the traditional Japanese boat equipped with a variety of facilities, exclusively chartered for the group. After having been welcomed on board by two ladies in gorgeous kimonos, the planners enjoyed to the fullest seasonal delicious Japanese cuisines including fresh-from-the-fryer tempura while cruising around the Odaiba area, SKYTREE and other Tokyo main tourist attractions. The dance performance by kimono ladies added a touch of authentic Japanese charm to the whole entertainment program.

In Tokyo, many other value-added programs can be organized almost unlimitedly. A private party, for example, may start with the ritual opening of the sake-cask or tuna cutting show followed by sushi making experience, which could amuse participants with an unforgettable memory as a unique event.

Yakatabune originated in Tokyo, is one of the best ways to admire the Tokyo night view while enjoying authentic Japanese cuisines. It can be organized regardless of the season and accommodate as many as 120 people. Depending on the preference, either traditional tatami style or table/chair style can be perfectly arranged.

 

Tokyo – the most liveable city in Monocle magazine’s 2015 Quality of Live Survey

Tokyo – the most liveable city in Monocle magazine’s 2015 Quality of Live Survey.

Rising from the 2nd place in 2014 and 4th in 2013, Tokyo was named the most liveable city, followed by Vienna, Berlin, Melbourne and Sydney, in the 2015 Quality of Live Survey in the Monocle magazine.

In addition to the criteria surveyed traditionally, such as safety, international connectivity, public transport, tolerance and environmental issues, Monocle has added 22 new metrics, including several that look at housing and the cost of living, from the price of a three-bedroom house to the cost of a coffee, glass of wine and decent lunch. Furthermore, access to nature, urban design, business conditions, pro-active policy development and medical care has been more emphasized.

Summarizing this year’s survey results, Monocle magazine stated, “Tokyo claims the hotly debated crown due to its defining paradox of heart-stopping size and concurrent feeling of peace and quiet”.

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#Tokyo #Japan

Tokyo welcomes a large-scale Indonesian incentive

CASE STUDY: Tokyo welcomes a large-scale Indonesian incentive

A well-known Indonesian insurance company incentive group of 1,150 participants visited Tokyo during May 13-17, 2015 to enjoy the traditional and modern spots of Tokyo, the Japanese capital, as well as local cuisine and shopping at world-famous districts.

As one of the highlights of the event, the Gala Dinner was held on May 15 in the Konron Ballroom of the International Convention Center “Pamir” located in the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa.

Gorgeously appareled Indonesian participants were welcomed at the ballroom entrance by beautiful Japanese Kimono Girls, the entertainers from Asakusa, a traditional district in Tokyo. The participants were greatly impressed by the furisode* kimonos specially prepared as a treat. These pink-colored kimonos richly patterned with seasonal flowers are only worn in May during the Sanja Matsuri**.

The Gala Dinner began with the national anthem sang in unison. When the party was reaching the climax after the awards ceremony of the top performers of the year, the Ryoma String Quartet featuring a female singer, Mikiko-san, appeared on the stage. Being composed by traditional Japanese instruments and violin, the band played several numbers, specially arranged Indonesian melodies and songs. When the nationally famous “Coffee rumba” began, the participants joined the band to sing and dance to the music on the stage and the floor. They fully enjoyed the final night in Tokyo to their heart’s content.

As TCVB’s special offer, financial support was provided including airfare, accommodation fee, ground transportation for Tokyo study tours held in 2014 and arrangement for the cultural entertainment programs at the Gala Dinner such as Kimono Girls and Ryoma String Quartet.

Business Events Team did the very best to work as a point of contact for the local community in Tokyo by introducing the venues and suppliers as well as giving recommendation on the gifts to the participants. The big success of this Gala Dinner has proven that Tokyo has a great potential.